Iconic Australia
Iconic Australia is the ideal embodiment of Australia's most unique and spectacular sights. The Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge highlight this internationally agreed upon premier city. Next, journey into the Outback to find Uluru—the sacred monolith of the local Aboriginals, rich in geological and cultural significance for this desert land. Cairns, your final destination, is an aquatic heaven and home to the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, two UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Trip Type: Cosmopolitan, Cultural, Wildlife
Day By Day
Day 1 – Arrive in Sydney
Welcome to Sydney. Australia’s most visited state, New South Wales partly owes its popularity with tourists to the glamorous city of Sydney. With its harbor beaches and intoxicating blend of bushland and bustling city, Sydney is a perfect snapshot of Australia. Beyond the glow of Sydney, New South Wales becomes a sweeping landscape of quaint, beachside hamlets, inland opal-mining towns, and alpine hideaways. Visitors can take a surfing lesson on one of the world’s most renowned beaches or get intimate with Sydney – whether by a walking tour of the Rocks area, a visit to Sydney’s fish market or dinner at one of the city’s famed restaurants.
Starting Accommodation: Shangri-La, Sydney
Day 2 – Iconic Sydney Tour
Your host greets you in the lobby of your hotel then settles you in your private Mercedes van. A drive through the historic ‘Rocks’ area with stories of Australia’s Colonial past, then under the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Your destination – the most famous building of the late 20th century, the Sydney Opera House. Meet your personal guide for your private tour of this iconic building.
Cruise historic Macquarie Street’s heritage buildings, Cathedral and Great Synagogue then into The Royal Botanical Gardens for Sydney’s finest camera angles. Travel through Woolloomooloo and racy Kings Cross before the trendy villages of Paddington and Woollahra – century old terrace houses, art galleries and boutiques.
Reaching the coast discover the beaches of Bronte, Tamarama and famous Bondi. Alternatively, choose a section of the Coastal Walk before lunch. Either way you dine at iconic Icebergs Bar & Grill – overlooking the most famous surfing beach in Australia. Should there be a wait then Catalina's is the very pleasing alternative.
Head back to the city via the harbour foreshore villages of Rose Bay and Double Bay. The discoveries continue with a drive through the established uptown shopping area, on the way to Sydney’s hot, new commerce and cuisine precinct at Barangaroo. Enjoy a stroll around, try a Riva Reno gelato where they fly in the milk from Italy. Deliciously ironic.
Many pictures later your host returns you to your hotel. Or, you may prefer to stay and replay your day in Barangaroo. Either way, a most iconic Sydney day.
Starting Accommodation: Shangri-La, Sydney
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3 – At leisure, 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.
There are many ways to enjoy the harbor: on a small luxury motor cruiser or sailing yacht, or ferries that take you to Taronga Park Zoo or Manly and the harbor suburbs. Take the Darling Harbour Rocket that connects Circular Quay to Darling Harbour where there are many restaurants and attractions such as The Sydney Aquarium, Wildlife World, The IMAX Theater and the Naval Museum. For a more leisurely afternoon, take a walk through the Royal Botanical Gardens and Hyde Park, or learn about Australia's National Gemstone, the Opal, at Altmann; Cherny or The National Opal Collection, right in the heart of the city on Pitt Street.
Starting Accommodation: Shangri-La, Sydney
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 – Sydney to Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Uluru Sunset Tour
Takeoff to Ayers Rock and continue on the next stage of your adventure.
Uluru Sunset TourDeparting your accommodation at Yulara resort, today's excursion will travel through the landscape to the entrance of Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park. From this point, it is only a matter of minutes before the spectre of Uluru rises from the sand dunes to demonstrate its enormity and presence - the first stop allows you a photographic opportunity of this amazing icon. With Uluru looming in front, walk with your guide to a place of tranquility at the base. The closer you wander, the more you surrender to the realization of the sheer size of this monolith. Driving around the base, immerse yourself in the area. Stops are made for a short walk into Mutitjulu Waterhole. There, you will visit rock-art sites and the local waterhole with your guide to learn of Uluru's significance to the Anangu (local Aboriginal people). As you continue the drive around the rest of the base, experience the Mala walk before adjourning to the Talinguru Nyakunytjaku viewing area where you will observe a sunset from a different perspective over Uluru with Kata Tjuta in the distance. Enjoy sparkling wine and light refreshments. You will return to your accommodations at Yulara Resort.
Starting Accommodation: Sails in the Desert
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 – SEIT Kata Tjuta Sunrise Tour and A Night at Field of Light
Kata Tjuta Sunrise tour
Revel in the early morning serenity of a truly spiritual place as the sunrise colors change on Kata Tjuta. Enjoy an outback picnic breakfast. Learn about this diverse environment while walking between the mighty conglomerate rock walls and into Walpa Gorge. Hear how the many domes that make up Kata Tjuta have evolved over millions of years. Take time to listen to the wind (Walpa) far above and view the scale of the rock walls that surround you. The spirituality of this amazing location embraces everyone who ventures here. Your private vehicle tour ends with the return to your accommodations.
Field of Light
A night at Field of Light combines the award-winning 'Sounds of Silence' buffet BBQ dinner under the outback sky with the once-in-a-lifetime Field of Light art installation. With magnificent views of Uluru at sunset, a special three-course bush tucker menu, premium selection of Australian wines & beers, fascinating star talk and a self-guided walk through the Field of Light art installation, your 'A Night at Field of Light' experience is complete.
Your evening begins with a convenient hotel pick-up and transfer to the remote desert location with majestic views of Uluru. As the sun sets on the horizon to the music of a lone didgeridoo, enjoy gourmet canapés and chilled sparkling wine. As darkness falls and the colored lights of the 50,000 glass spheres gently come to life, join your table of fellow travelers for an exceptional three-course menu infused with bush tucker flavors. As the night ignites with countless stars, settle back and listen to the resident star talker decode the southern night sky.
The host will provide insights to the art installation that awaits you, before you're invited to immerse yourself in the Field of Light, its pathways glistening softly with rhythms of colored light, beckoning you to explore. Take a lasting look back at Field of Light from the dune top viewing area before boarding the return transfer to accommodations.
Starting Accommodation: Sails in the Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6 – Ayers Rock to Cairns
Takeoff to Cairns and continue on the next stage of your adventure.
Starting Accommodation: Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 – Scenic Flight
Tropical North Queensland is the only place on earth where two natural World Heritage-listed sites meet – the magnificent Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics Rainforest! A seat on this deluxe flight shares unique views of this ancient partnership and photo opportunities of Green Island, Double Island, Barron Gorge, Kuranda Village and the impressive coastline home to Cairns City and the Northern Beaches, including picturesque Palm Cove.
Starting Accommodation: Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 – Daintree Dreaming, Art and Culture
Glimpse into the unique lives of the Kuku Yalanji people, the Indigenous people of Mossman country. Walk through the World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest on a dreamtime journey, discovering Ngadiku (Nar-di-gul) the stories and legends from a long time ago, after taking part in a smoking ceremony – which cleanses and wards off bad spirits. You’ll discover how bush soaps are made, learn how to identify bush-tucker, and discover how native plants have been traditionally used, skills dating more than 50,000 years. After your slow-paced walk taking in every element of the rainforest, relax to the sounds of the rainforest, as you’re served Daintree home-grown tea, paired with a damper scone (an outback foodie favorite). Lunch is hosted at Mayi Café and Restaurant, with time to explore the gift shop..
The afternoon continues with a scenic drive through the Shannonvale Valley, where your knowledgeable guide will share stories of life in the area, the twenty-six Aboriginal tribal groups of the area, the ancient ‘super-highways’, how resourceful the paper bark tree is, the six seasons of nature, and other Indigenous insights into the Tablelands – a journey where mother nature really does the talking. Arrive at the Yiki people’s protected Janbal Aboriginal Art Gallery. Brian 'Binna' Swindley will have you feeling inspired, connecting you with the stories told through Aboriginal paintings, the tales of the land, wildlife, reef and rainforest, handed down through Binna’s family for generations. You’ll learn his skills and discover your own, translating a story of your own into artwork to take home, an uplifting reminder of your travels and this special experience on Kuku Yalanji country. Drive back to your accommodation with your masterpiece in your hand and the spirit of the local culture and the Daintree in your heart.
Starting Accommodation: Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 9 – Cairns At Leisure
Built on Trinity Inlet, the Coral Sea calls from the east while the rain-forest-clad Atherton Tablelands serenade from the west, making Cairns a nature lover's nirvana. The warmth of the tropical climate has fostered a vigorous outdoor lifestyle that's reflected in the architectural styles of open verandas and balconies, and extending to the most traditional of Australian cuisine - the barbecue. Dining is a high point of any vacation, and the cosmopolitan local restaurants, cafes and eateries offer an eclectic fare of Australian and international cuisine, the highlight of most menus being the region's mouth-watering fresh seafood and unusual tropical fruits. Head to the heart of the city, the Esplanade, and enjoy a cafe latte before contemplating an abundance of tour options.
Starting Accommodation: Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
Meals: Breakfast
Day 10 – Depart Cairns
Ahead of your flight, you will be transferred from your accommodations to the Cairns Airport.
Included Activites
Pricing
Package Level: |
| Pricing for this package is on request. Please call a Swain Destinations Specialist to customize this journey. |
Add internal air to this package from $1,310* |
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Prices are per person, twin/double share in USD. All highlighted savings are reflected in the price. Price does not include airfare unless otherwise stated. Travel may be limited to certain days of the week. Hotels and tours remain subject to availability. Cancellation penalties and other booking or alteration restrictions may exist. Please note blackout dates may apply to Christmas, New Year and local special event periods. Pricing may increase over Holiday and special event periods and may not be reflected in price grid. Prices indicated remain subject to change without notice. Prices are not guaranteed until full payment is received and processed. CST #2012413-20 See our full Terms and Conditions:
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