Sydney, Reef and Rainforest

Welcome to Sydney. You will be met at the airport and transferred to your accommodation.

Depart from your Sydney hotel to discover the fabulous city of Sydney. You will travel through the business district and shopping areas, see Darling Harbour and the vibrant China Town and drive along Oxford Street with its trendy terrace houses and boutique fashion shops. See Centennial Park, a 220-hectare urban parkland in Eastern Sydney. Reaching the coastline, see Bronte and Tamarama, then go on to explore the famous Bondi Beach. Spend 30 minutes walking the promenade or enjoying a coffee overlooking the beach.

From here, continue along the coastal drive past Macquarie Lighthouse to the Southern Headland of Sydney Harbour. Visit Watsons Bay before following the harbor foreshore towards Sydney City. You pass some of Australia's most exclusive waterfront suburbs where harbor mansions may be seen. Drive through Vaucluse, Double Bay before reaching the colorful Kings Cross. Head through Woolloomooloo and see the famous Harry's Cafe De Wheels. Visit Sydney's Botanical Gardens and enjoy some spectacular Harbour Bridge and Opera House views. Return to Sydney's CBD via Saint Mary's Cathedral, historic convict buildings, State Parliament House and the historical quarter of the 'Rocks.' Visit Sydney's Observatory Hill for amazing views over Sydney Harbour to the Blue Mountains.

Later explore the city of Sydney. It is no surprise that when the British first arrived in Sydney they named the area Botany Bay. Even today, with a population of over 4 million people and a reputation for fun rather than flora, one is still surrounded by bush land in this bustling city. Native Waratah wind their way through the historic Rocks area, palm trees frame long stretches of pristine beach, and Eucalyptus embrace the endless and beckoning bays of Sydney Harbour.

It is Sydney's man-made wonders, however, that draw most visitors. The Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge are the most photographed icons on the continent. Choose a Seaplane Safari experience and enjoy a bird's eye view of the Opera House's signature sails. See the Harbour Bridge up close and personal by climbing the metal monolith to enjoy stunning 360-degree views of the glittering vista below with BridgeClimb as you climb to the top. Whether it is an early morning visit to the largest fish market in the southern hemisphere, or your very first surfing lesson on Bondi Beach, in this vibrant metropolis you will find no lack of energetic escapes and dynamic distractions.

Your long lunch experience will begin with a welcome from your crew as you board the luxury cruiser, Ocean Blue, and depart for a surreal day out on Sydney Harbour. Soft drinks, sparkling wine, beer, still wine, tea, and coffee will be available from the moment you step on board. As you cruise past the world-famous landmarks including the Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House your crew will be on hand to tell you about the past and modern-day history of the harbor. See Woolloomoolloo Bay, the home of the Australian Navy’s Sydney Base Garden Island, then venture further down the harbor cruising past Double Bay and Point Piper which are the locations of the most expensive homes in Sydney. You then cruise past Clarke and Shark Islands which are two national parks in the middle of the harbor, with Rose Bay on your right. Shortly after you will pass by Vaucluse for your appetizer and make the first stop at the renowned Doyles on the Beach at Watsons Bay.

Disembark the boat and head down the wharf to the restaurant where you will have a choice of appetizers and a selection of beverages to choose from. After you have finished your delicious bite, your crew will welcome you back on board to then cruise past the opening of Sydney Heads with Manly off to the right and then go around Middle Head to enter Middle Harbour. Stop at the Balmoral Jetty where you will disembark again for your main course at the Balmoral Public Dining Room. After you have finished dining the boat will then head up to Spit Bridge and beyond to see some amazing landscapes and homes perched on the cliffs of Sydney’s upper-class North Shore district. Whilst onboard one of the best lunch cruises in Sydney Harbour, you will be able to enjoy delicious desserts and a cheese platter. Your return will be back through Middle Harbour, then re-enter the main harbor where you will see the Northern shores of Sydney Harbour. Cruise past Taronga Zoo and the prime minister’s house.

Takeoff to Hamilton Island and continue on the next stage of your adventure.

Hayman Island offers a range of activities and excursions for you to do as much, or as little, as you want during your stay. The Watersports Centre can help you discover one of the most beautiful water playgrounds in the world. Hayman's world class Marina complex is here to give you the opportunity to indulge in a multitude of Watersports activities.

Island Escapes: An excursion not to be missed - take advantage of the many surrounding beaches and allow our staff to recommend a beach that suits your desires for an hour, or a day. Order a picnic lunch through In Room Dining, pick up snorkeling gear or just a towel, spend the day snorkeling or sun tanning and return feeling totally refreshed.

Sunset Escapes: The Whitsundays are blessed with some of the most spectacular sunsets in the world. Relax and sip champagne, nibble on your cheese platter and reminisce about your special holiday on Hayman. The watersports crew will advise the best beach options available on the day and then pick you up just after sunset.

Take advantage of some of the activities Hayman Island has to offer.

Whitehaven Beach Experience: Cruise on one of Hayman's Luxury Vessels to the beautiful silica sands of Whitehaven Beach. Swim, sunbathe or stroll along the 6 kilometers of pure white silica beach on uninhabited Whitsunday Island. A tantalizing buffet lunch, with beverages, will be served onboard.

Dive and Snorkel Day Tours: The Whitsunday Islands unlock easy access to the Great Barrier Reef’s stunning, colorful underwater world of coral and marine-life. With ideal water temperatures all year round, you can explore the huge biodiversity of species and habitats that make it one of the most complex natural systems on Earth.

Guided Jet Ski Adventures: Join your qualified and experienced jet ski guide on an epic 1 hour jet ski adventure, where you will drive your own jet ski around the waters of Hayman Island, seeing sea turtles and other marine life up close. This adrenaline-packed adventure combines jet skiing with a spectacular scenic tour of the north Queensland islands. With small group sizes and highly trained and qualified guides, you will receive a comprehensive safety briefing before heading out on the water.

Take advantage of some of the activities Hayman Island has to offer.

Fishing:  The charter fishing boat features an array of rods, reels and tackle.  Our experienced crew are available to take you game fishing or bottom fishing for half or full day charters.

Kayaking: Join a tropical expedition among island fringing reefs. Paddle at a leisurely pace to any one of the local islands, snorkel over coral gardens teeming with fish, wander along pristine beaches, or simply relax and take it all in. This eco tour gives you the opportunity to enjoy the unspoiled beauty of this unique world heritage Marine Park.

Takeoff to Cairns and continue on the next stage of your adventure.

Spend the day with a local Aboriginal tour guide, learning about culturally significant areas and the relationships the Kuku Yalanji still have with their land. Learn the history, culture and traditions of the local Aboriginal people and the area. Enjoy a guided walk through the rainforest and coastal habitats learning about the environment, different foods and medicines utilized from nature, sample some bush tucker, collect shellfish and try traditional Aboriginal hunting practices, have a go at spear throwing and if you are lucky, catch a mud crab. Complete the adventure by cooling off in a pristine freshwater stream.

Thala's Nature Reserve supports many interesting and rare habitats with a constantly changing kaleidoscope of natural wonders, making the experience very rewarding for naturalists and wildlife photographers. Their highly knowledgeable rangers and guides are there to show you Thala's many wildlife secrets. Complimentary tours, walks and presentations are offered for Thala's guests, the days of operation varies each week, therefore not all experiences may be offered during your time of stay.

Nature and Garden Walk: You will be guided through 145 acres of a variety of native flora. The guides delight in sharing their extensive knowledge and passion for the environment. Amongst rare Littoral rainforest clinging to the sandy dunes and the soft shade of eucalypts you will enjoy the scamper of native fauna. There are many exciting plants and animals at Thala.

Guided Bird Walk: You will be thrilled at the color and variety of the species to be found at Thala. An early start to hear the first chorus of Thala's birds in full song is a wonderful way to welcome a new day. Pick up a bird sighting calendar from the adventure desk and see if you can add to the extensive number of varieties spotted so far.

Coconut Odyssey Tour: Not only do you get to drink & eat from the very young green coconut to the little known 'Coconut Apple' - you will also learn the truth about the health benefits of coconuts. The 'Tree Of Life' has astonishing advantages from helping to reducing body fat and lowering cholesterol, to building the immune system. A tour that helps you lose weight without exercising!

Star Gazing: Thala's night sky is free from light pollution and filled with millions of stars. Surrounded by sounds of the rainforest and ocean - enjoy an introduction to the beautiful Southern Constellations from an experienced and passionate guide. View many fascinating stars and planets using telescopes and binoculars at the unique outdoor observatory.

You will be transferred directly from your accommodation to Cairns Airport.