7-Nights Highlights of Australia: Sydney, Rock & Reef - Most Popular Vacations from $2,422

Itinerary Details

Day 1: Arrive in Sydney

Transfer: Sydney Kingsford Smith Airportto Sydney - City Centre

Hotel: Paradox Sydney (5 Star Rating)

Set within a beautifully restored 169-year-old sandstone building in the heart of Sydney’s CBD, Paradox Sydney blends timeless elegance with bold individuality. More than a luxury hotel, it’s a destination where heritage meets modern design, and every detail reflects the city’s vibrant spirit. Whether you're here for business or discovery, Paradox Sydney invites you to rest, connect, and return transformed.

Depart your hotel for an unforgettable Panoramic Sydney half day city sights tour. On tour you will visit the historic Rocks area and hear of early convict history. We continue through the financially focused Central Business District (CBD), and Macquarie Street. Marvel at 19th century sandstone architecture such as NSW Parliament House, Rum Hospital, Hyde Park Barracks and St Mary’s Cathedral. We will continue to Mrs Macquaries Point, to enjoy magnificent views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge.

We then continue through Sydneys Eastern Suburbs, home to the rich and famous. Travelling along the coves and shores of one of the worlds most impressive harbours, we will take a few stops for photo opportunities, including a panoramic photo of Sydney skyline. You will pass through areas such as Kings Cross, Double Bay, Rose Bay before arriving at Watsons Bay, passengers will have the option a short coastal walk with views of the South Pacific Ocean and the entrance to Sydney harbour.

Travel on to famous Bondi Beach where we enjoy a short stop of approximately 30 minutes. Visit the beachfront promenade, put your toes in the sand, enjoy a coffee or cool drink (at own cost). See bronzed Aussie lifesavers and surfers riding the waves of Bondi

Re-board your bus and continue on to Tamarama and Bronte beaches before returning to the city via Centennial Park and Paddington, a trendy district with its elegant terrace houses and boutique shops along Oxford Street.

Final stop of the day is Darling Harbour. Your tour will end at Darling Harbour or Circular Quay. You will need to make your way back to your hotel.

When in Sydney do what the locals do and travel on the harbour highway. The Hop On Hop Off Harbour Explorer pass is the easy way for visitors to explore Sydney over 2 calendar days visiting famous harbour precincts including Darling Harbour, Circular Quay (The Rocks and Opera House), Taronga Zoo, Watsons Bay, Manly, Shark Island and more with full commentary. The round trip cruise is 60 - 90 minutes in duration with generally 30 - 45 minutes between vessels and you can stop off at any attraction and re-board the next Explorer vessel. Included in this pass is one entry to Taronga Zoo which is open from 9am - 5pm daily. Discover fascinating stories that bring history and culture of the Harbour city alive via expert guided commentary available directly through your smartphone. Before you arrive please download the POPGuide app

Transfer: Sydney - City Centre to Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport

Transfer: Ayers Rock Airportto Ayers Rock

Hotel: Sails in the Desert Hotel (5 Star Rating)

Indulgent escapes await at Sails in the Desert, where soaring white sails shade 228 lavishly appointed rooms and suites. Cool off in the sparkling swimming pool lined with lush gumtrees, or linger over unique Australian flavors paired perfectly with your favorite regional wines at one of the resort's dining, lounge, and bar options. Relax in the brasserie-style Ilkari Restaurant, unwind after a day of exploring with cocktails and Indigenous-inspired cuisine in the Walpa Lobby Bar, or curl up on one of the daybeds and enjoy a casual lunch and beverage by the pool.

Visit the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre, where you’ll have time to explore the galleries, and where you may be lucky enough to see local Aboriginal Artists at work. Travel to the base of Uluru as your Guide shares the Aboriginal Tjukurpa (creation) stories that breathe life into this giant formation. Feel the spirit of the land as your Driver Guide takes you on a walk to the Mutitjulu Waterhole, interpreting the meaning of the ancient Rock Art and sacred sites you’ll see along the way. Travel to the Uluru sunset viewing area, relax with sparkling wine, and enjoy a famous Uluru sunset, witnessing the changing colours as the sun sets below the horizon.

Your tour begins with a short drive to the exclusive Field of Light location. With just enough time for some background commentary on the internationally renowned artist Bruce Munro, you will arrive to see his artistic endeavour. In complete darkness this Field of Light will be etched in your mind forever. Walk through the field of 50,000 spheres of light at your own pace and then make your way to the top of a large sand dune to the Field of Light sunrise viewing area. The site is dark, so to ensure you make the most out of your Uluru experience, we recommend you use your phone light or bring a small torch to help navigate your way on the pathway provided. At the viewing area the AAT Kings team will serve you tea, coffee or hot chocolate as the sun starts to rise and lights up the surrounding desert. From the viewing area you can see both Uluru and Kata Tjuta as the desert comes to life.

Transfer: Ayers Rock to Ayers Rock Airport

Transfer: Cairns Airportto Cairns - City Centre

Hotel: Pacific Hotel Cairns (3 Star Rating)

Located on the Esplanade overlooking Trinity Harbour, Pacific Hotel Cairns offers stunning views from private balconies and easy access to the nearby Reef Fleet Terminal, shopping precinct and Esplanade Lagoon. The modern rooms offer comfortable accommodation for all travellers and if you’re looking for a luxurious upgrade, you can’t go past our Tropical Luxe Room Collection.

For an experience of a lifetime, Quicksilver's wave piercing catamarans and friendly crew will take you to a reef at the very edge of Australia's Continental Shelf, to an underwater world that is a dazzling kaleidoscope of colour and brilliance. Agincourt Reef is a magnificent ribbon reef where you can experience first-hand the magic that is the Great Barrier Reef. Choose to dive (extra cost), snorkel, or stay dry and explore the stunning reef from the comfort of a semi-sub, just one metre underwater. Watch the fish feeding from a unique underwater viewing platform and underwater observatory, or fly in a helicopter over the reef (extra cost). Whichever way you choose; you'll bring home a lifetime of memories from this living natural wonder.

This morning, your driver will greet you, collect your voucher, and issue your Kuranda Boarding Pass. We will then transfer you to Freshwater Station. There is no need to queue, as your pre-allocated preferential Train tickets are already on your Boarding Pass. Once aboard, enjoy this historical rail journey to Kuranda, with breathtaking views across the cane fields of Cairns to the tropical rainforest of Kuranda.

Upon arrival in Kuranda, you have time to explore this fascinating village - approx. 1hr. The Kuranda Markets are full of colourful and interesting art or find the perfect souvenir at one of Kuranda's eclectic boutiques.

At 11.30 am, make your way directly to the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway boarding line - there is no need to queue as your tickets are already on your Boarding Pass. Once aboard, be amazed as you journey over and through the World Heritage protected Rainforest. Your Boarding Pass is your ticket for this iconic rainforest experience that includes time at both Red Peak and Barron Falls stations where you can discover exceptional views from The Edge Lookout or visit the Rainforest Interpretation Centre. Complimentary guided boardwalk tours are offered throughout the day at Red Peak Station. After arriving at the Smithfield Skyrail Terminal, our coach is waiting to transfer you to Hartley's.

There is plenty of free time to explore the park, and your experience includes a 25 minute Wetlands boat cruise through the ecologically significant Melaleuca wetlands; the domain of the saltwater crocodile. See the notorious head shake and death roll of a huge saltwater crocodile at the Crocodile Attack Show, and discover the world's most venomous snakes at the Snake Show!

Transfer: Cairns - City Centre to Cairns Airport