Essential Aussie Luxury

Day 1 — Board Your Overnight Flight to Sydney

Begin your luxury getaway by flying to Sydney, Australia.

Please note, international airfare and air travel within Australia have not been included in the package pricing. Please contact a Venture Australia Travel Advisor to customize your itinerary and add airfare specific to your preferred dates of travel.

Day 2 — Cross the International Date Line

During your flight, you will cross the International Date Line. When you cross the Date Line, which determines where today ends and tomorrow begins, you will advance one day on the calendar. Many travelers refer to this as “losing a day”. But, don’t worry, you will travel back in time on the way home as you travel back across the line.

Day 3 — Arrive in Sydney, Australia

Accommodations: Park Hyatt, Sydney – Opera Room for 3 nights
Meal Inclusions: Tasting Plate at the Opera House

Arrive at Sydney Airport

Welcome to Sydney! Your driver will greet you outside the international baggage claim area then take you by private limo to your luxury hotel in the heart of Sydney.

Check-In at the Luxurious Park Hyatt

You have arrived! The contemporary, Park Hyatt, Sydney, has the most enviable address in downtown Sydney and is known for its stunning close up views of the Opera House and proximity to the Rocks District. Check your bags at the front desk and head out for some sightseeing.

Please note, every Venture Australia is fully-customizable to your personal preferences. Please contact a Venture Australia Travel Advisor for alternative luxury accommodation options. We would also be glad to add an early check-in by reserving the night before your arrival.

Explore Sydney at Your Leisure

Wander through the Rocks District or along the harbour and explore your new surroundings. Your Venture Australia Travel Advisor will provide you with suggestions for sightseeing and dining. Or, you can inquire with the hotel concierge for the latest hot spots. Sydney is filled with amazing vistas and wonderful tours and activities.

Stop by the Iconic Opera House for a Tour and Sumptuous Tasting Plate

While exploring Sydney on your own, make sure you save time to drop by the Opera House. Your Travel Advisor has arranged a special treat for you. After a state of the art tour of one of the most famous architectural wonders in the world, relax and unwind at Opera Kitchen overlooking Sydney Harbour and enjoy your three-tier gourmet Tasting Plate.

Enjoy Your First Evening Down Under

You may be tired from your travels, so this evening is free to enjoy as you wish. Grab an early dinner, or get lost in the Rocks District looking for the perfect evening cocktail, or stop in at a historic pub for a pint before heading back to your hotel.

Sydney

Accommodations: Park Hyatt, Sydney – Opera Room for 3 nights
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch

Breakfast at Your Luxury Hotel

Rise and shine and make time for your delicious included breakfast overlooking the harbour before heading out with your morning tour guide.

Embark on Your Day of Discovery In Sydney

Your first full day in Sydney has been carefully designed to provide a half day of introduction to the most popular and historic areas before lunch on Sydney Harbour. Your morning tour guide will pick you up at your hotel.

Harbour Bridge, Rocks District and Paddington

Enjoy magnificent views of the Harbour Bridge as your tour guide takes you through the Rocks District. After driving through one of Sydney’s trendy shopping areas you will make your way through the historic Paddington area featuring distinctive Victorian architecture.

Bondi Beach and Stunning Vistas on the Coastal Cliff Walk

Get a glimpse of the famous Bondi Beach and watch the surfers catch a wave as you stretch your legs along the beachfront promenade. You will also have the opportunity to take amazing pictures as you walk the cliffs along Bronte.

Mrs. Macquarie’s Point

Every proper Sydney tour includes a stop at Mrs. Macquarie’s point. As you look upon the magical view of the harbour, you will see why Major General Macquarie, Governor of New South Wales, had a seat carved right into the sandstone for his wife.

Time for Lunch Aboard a Luxury Yacht in Sydney Harbour

After you morning tour, you will meet your Skipper and host on your luncheon cruise. Aboard your cruise, you will be entertained with the rich history of the harbour while you enjoy an Australian barbecue with local Aussie wines and beer. You are welcome to hop in for a dip, take out a kayak or drop a fishing line while you cruise the massive harbor.

On Your Own in Sydney

Enjoy the rest of your day and evening in Sydney. Consult with the concierge for some dinner or sightseeing recommendations. If you still feel adventurous, go for an evening Bridge Climb. Your Venture Australia specialist can arrange this for you in advance.

Visit The Blue Mountains

Accommodations: Park Hyatt, Sydney – Opera Room for 3 nights
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Morning Tea, Lunch

Breakfast at Your Luxury Hotel

The beauty of the Blue Mountains are waiting for you. But, before your private tour guide arrives, start your day with a gourmet breakfast at the Park Hyatt’s waterfront dining room.

Private Guided Tour to the Blue Mountains

Your full day guided tour will commence after breakfast as you embark on a private journey to the beautiful Blue Mountains, a World Heritage Region. Be prepared for exciting stops and photo opportunities throughout the day. Your driver will have you back to your hotel at approximately 4:30pm in the afternoon.

Morning Tea

On your journey stop in at a lovely town in the Hawkesbury Valley for a quick spot of tea and a quick stretch of the legs.

Explore an Aussie Wildlife Park

Get up close and personal with loveable native Australian animals including wombats, koalas, kangaroos and emus.

Lunch Overlooking the Blue Mountains

Your driver will arrive at your lunch destination with perfect timing. Soak in the incredible views will you enjoy your included two course lunch.

Admire The Three Sisters

Eaglehawk Lookout is the best place to view this spectacular Aussie landmark rock formation.

Evening and Dinner at Your Leisure in Sydney

Return to your luxury Park Hyatt room overlooking the harbour and the Opera House to freshen up before hitting the city for a world-class meal on your own.

Sydney, Uluru (Ayers Rock)

Accommodations: Longitude 131° – Luxury Tent for 2 nights
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Selected Alcoholic and Non-alcoholic Beverages at Longitude 131°

Breakfast at Your Luxury Hotel

Today is a special day of your journey. After an energizing breakfast at your hotel, your private driver will meet you at the entrance to the hotel and transfer you to the airport.

Welcome to Longitude 131º

You will be greeted at the Ayers Rock Airport by a representative from the lodge, who will drive you to your new home for the next two nights. When you approach this intimate, outback retreat made up of 16 luxurious, tented pavilions, take time to breathe in the majesty of Australia’s Red Center. Longitude 131º is the ultimate home base allowing you to experience the wonder of the iconic Uluru.

Upon arrival, enjoy your complimentary French Champagne and get to know this amazing luxury lodge before setting off on one of the many included excursions or activities. While you are a guest of Longitude 131º, all of your meals, selected alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and signature excursions and activities are included. You will also receive an Uluru/Kata Tjuta National Park permit and complimentary transportation to and from the Ayers Rock airport.

Enjoy the Many Longitude 131º Signature Experiences

Your specific itinerary may vary slightly depending upon which day you arrive at this amazing, boutique oasis. However, during your stay at Longitude 131º, you will have several included activities and excursions to embark on. Each is specifically designed to help you experience the wonder and majesty of this area, which is held sacred by the Aborigine people.

Please note, in addition to the Signature Experiences listed below that are included with your Longitude 131º stay, there are also other optional excursions (at your own expense) include sunrise camel tours, helicopter and airplane scenic flights, outback cycling or motorcycling and painting workshops! Just ask your Venture Australia Travel Advisor.

Table 131º

As your first day at Uluru comes to a close, discover the wonders of the night sky at an exclusive venue among the dunes, as you dine outdoors in the heart of the Outback. Enjoy the sense of natural theatre over four courses complemented with fine Australian wines. Later, the Lodge guide regales the gathering with tales of the Southerly constellations (subject to weather conditions).

Uluru (Ayers Rock)

Accommodations: Longitude 131° – Luxury Tent for 2 nights
Meal Inclusions: All Meals and Selected Alcoholic and Non-alcoholic Beverages

Breakfast at Your Luxury Lodge

Enjoy a quick “express” breakfast before your morning tour or a more leisurely multi-course breakfast after your morning adventure (or both)! Either way, make sure you make time for an espresso or fine leaf tea before your start the day.

Experience the Sacred Splendor of Walpa Gorge and Kata Tjuta

Explore the impressive formation of Kata Tjuta. Kat Tjuta is also part of the national park and is comprised of 36 majestic dome-like rock formations. As you walk through Walpa Gorge, discover how eons of weathering and continental upheaval have created today’s landscape. Afterwards, spend some time at the Cultural Centre, which is filled with interactive displays providing insight into the spiritual and cultural meanings of both Uluru and Kata Tjuta.

Take a Light Walk Along Uluru’s Base and Learn About the Mala

Join the Lodge Guide for a gentle walk along the base of Uluru and learn about the history of the Mala people. Admire the cave paintings and other interesting sites important to both Anangu and the early explorers. As dusk approaches, visit Kantju Gorge to watch as the rock walls come to life with the light of the setting sun. Revel in the silence and solitude with sunset drinks and canapés as your second day in the Red Center comes to a close.

Dine Under the Canopy of the Brilliant Dune House

After returning to the lodge, wander over to the Dune House for a dinner that is sure to please even the staunchest “Foodies”. Chef Jonathon Bryant changes his menu daily and each evening will delight you with a new four-course selection with matched Australian wines for each course.

Uluru (Ayers Rock), Port Douglas & The Daintree

Accommodations: Silky Oaks Lodge – Daintree Treehouse for 3 nights
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast (Longitude 131°)

Breakfast at Your Luxury Lodge

Start the day with another amazing breakfast as you take in the sight of Uluru before heading to the airport. Today will be a day of contrasts.

Fly to the Tropical North

Your Venture Fiji Travel Advisor will help you customize this itinerary by adding the required internal (domestic) flight from Ayers Rock to Cairns. Keep in mind, transfers to airport are already included in the package pricing.

Enjoy a Scenic Drive from Cairns to Mossman

Upon arrival in Cairns, your driver will greet you at the baggage claim area then take you by private car to your next Luxury Lodge experience in Mossman, next to the ancient Daintree Rainforest. At an estimated 140 million years old, it is the oldest living tropical rainforest on earth.

Welcome to Silky Oaks Lodge and Healing Waters Spa

As you arrive at Silky Oaks, immerse yourself in the tropical climate of Northern Queensland. Silky Oaks is an eco-luxury lodge wedged in the rainforest canopy over the Mossman Gorge River.

Enjoy the Rest of the Day at Leisure and Reconnect with Nature

Adjacent to the Daintree National Park, a World Heritage Site, the lodge offers plenty of opportunities to get in touch with its abundant natural surroundings—zip lining, safaris, canoe trips down the river, and much more. In addition to the many optional experiences, use of river canoes, bikes, tennis court, fitness center, walking trail, in-house Yoga, and a guided rainforest walk are all included in your stay at the lodge. Also, don’t forget to make time to nourish body and mind at the Healing Waters Spa, and enjoy complimentary breakfast with a view at one of the lodge’s restaurants.

Have Dinner on Your Own in Port Douglas or at Silky Oaks

Although you will feel very isolated, the Lodge is only a 20 minute drive from Port Douglas and one complimentary roundtrip transfer per day to the town of Port Douglas in included in your stay. Port Douglas is a picturesque village boarding the sea along Four Mile Beach. You may want to stop by and explore the many seaside galleries, shops and historic buildings.

Should you choose to dine at the lodge, you are in for a special, world-class culinary journey. A rich tropical climate allows for endless types of fresh produce, exotic fruits, grass-fed beef, and free-range poultry. Listen to the sounds of the river below and enjoy the breeze from the open-air Treehouse Restaurant. Choose the Kubirri Room for a relaxing indoor experience or the Jungle Perch for a private bird’s-eye view of the forest. After dinner, retire to the Treehouse Bar for cocktails and conversation.

Port Douglas & The Great Barrier Reef

Accommodations: Silky Oaks Lodge – Daintree Treehouse for 3 nights
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Morning Tea, Lunch, Afternoon Tea

Breakfast at Your Luxury Lodge

Enjoy your included Silky Oaks breakfast. You will certainly need the nourishment as you head out for another incredible day.

Sail on a Catamaran to the Great Barrier Reef

Today is another day where you will get to mark a major item off your bucket list as you sail a luxury catamaran around the Great Barrier Reef. The excitement begins as your driver picks you up from the lodge to take you to the Port Douglas Marina.

Enjoy an Outdoor Aussie Buffet for Lunch

In addition to your morning and after afternoon tea, this magical day includes a true Aussie outdoor buffet lunch with tasty selections from land and sea.

Guided Snorkeling Tour and Low Isles Heritage Walk

Your scenic day-long journey includes morning and afternoon tea, a guided snorkeling tour and several hours to relax on the beach or take a Low Isles Heritage Walk. The Low Isles feature white sandy beaches, tropical palm trees and gardens and a scenic coral day.

Return to Silky Oaks for Dinner on Your Own

After you return to port, your driver will take you to your luxury hotel where you can continue your culinary journey with a thoughtfully prepared dinner.

Mossman, The Daintree

Accommodations: Silky Oaks Lodge – Daintree Treehouse for 3 nights
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Morning Tea, Lunch

Breakfast at Your Luxury Lodge

Enjoy another filling breakfast before your driver picks you up for your last full day of Aussie Adventures.

Tour the Mudflats, Mangroves and Beach, then Enjoy a Quick Snack — Aborigine Style

Learn traditional Kuku Yalanji fishing and gathering techniques as you catch crabs, fish and mussels on the beautiful Cooya Beach. Your catch will be prepared for you in a traditional indigenous style.

Partake in a Traditional Welcome Ceremony

You will be greeted with a traditional ceremony conducted by Aboriginal people. This ceremony of spiritual cleansing will ward off the evil spirits while you tour the sacred land of the Kuku Yalanji.

Enjoy Lunch at the Edge of the Rainforest

You will have a delicious lunch at the Mossman Gorge Center, but be sure to save time to tour the art gallery with inspiring works from local artists.

Explore the Lush Rainforest as You walk Through Mossman Gorge

Follow your seasoned guide through one of the world's oldest and most beautiful rainforests. Enjoy this easy, but exciting walk across boardwalks, tracks and bridges that were built to protect the surrounding ecosystem from tourists. Soak in the amazing waterfalls and mountain ranges as you learn about the diverse plant life that surrounds you. If you are inclined, bring a swimsuit to cool off in a real rainforest swimming hole.

Dinner at Your Leisure

For your last night in Australia, you will again have the choice of exploring the many dining spots in Port Douglas or enjoying a final gourmet dinner at your lodge.

Mossman, Cairns, Depart for Home

Accommodations: (none)
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast

Breakfast at Your Luxury Lodge

Rise and shine and greet the day with another sumptuous breakfast at the lodge.

Transfer to Cairns

After breakfast, your driver will meet you take you to Cairns airport where you will start your journey home. Australia will be waiting for you when you return on your next trip!