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10-Day Rock & Reef Highlights from Sydney to Cairns

Customisable Itinerary
4.9 • 2 travellers have booked with Simon B.

Trip Overview

Indulge on an incredible journey filled with unique experiences of the best places in Australia.

Beginning in Sydney, you'll take a day out to explore the UNESCO-listed Blue Mountains before exploring all of the city sights the next day including Manly Beach and the famous Bondi Beach.

Next up, you'll fly to the heart of the Red Centre to Ayers Rock where your days will be filled with unique Uluru guided experiences including a sunrise tour and the Sounds of Silence dinner.

Moving on, you'll spend your last few days in the magnificent Queensland city of Cairns where you'll explore the hinterland taking the scenic railway to Kuranda, as well as the fascinating Great Barrier Reef.

Your trip will be filled with wonderfully unique experiences whilst accompanied by expert local guides that know the country like the back of their hand.
Outdoors & Nature
Sightseeing
Cruising
Food & Drink

Customise this trip for a perfect match

Private, Personalised TravelNo generic group tours. Just the activities you love, and nothing you don't.
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End-to-end ServiceFrom the initial planning to full support while travelling, Designer Journeys provides seamless service every step of the way.
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More than 1900 travellers have booked with us. Join them to make your next trip full of lifelong memories.

Itinerary

Day 1

Welcome to Sydney!

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Welcome to Sydney!

Upon arrival at Sydney International Airport, you will be transferred by private vehicle to your city hotel. After checking in, you can use the remainder of the day to explore at your leisure or simply relax at your hotel.

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    Accommodation

    A by Adina Sydney

  • activities icon
    Activities

    SydneyOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Sydney Airport to Sydney

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    Destinations

    Sydney

Day 2

Blue Mountains Day Trip from Sydney with Gourmet Lunch

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Blue Mountains Day Trip from Sydney with Gourmet Lunch

Today, you'll explore the World Heritage-Listed Blue Mountains in style, starting with an early morning interaction with Australian native animals. Get up close to a koala then have the opportunity to hand feed a kangaroo and see wombats, dingos and native birds. Later, you'll enjoy a delicious lunch in the heart of the Blue Mountains. A ride on the Scenic Railway, Cableway and Skyway, a walk along the Rainforest boardwalk and a river cruise back to Sydney will complete your day.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    A by Adina Sydney

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Blue Mountains Day Trip from Sydney with Gourmet Lunch

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Lunch

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Sydney

    Newnes Plateau

Day 3

Full-Day Sydney City Highlights Tour

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Full-Day Sydney City Highlights Tour

Today is a day to discover spectacular Sydney on this icon-packed day. First, you'll take a break on Bondi Beach and tour the Opera House. Then, you'll see landmark buildings and travel to perfect vantage points to take classic photos of the city skyline. Later, you'll visit the Rocks district near Circular Quay and the historic sites at La Perouse, east of the city.

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    Accommodation

    A by Adina Sydney

  • activities icon
    Activities

    AAT Kings Full-Day City Highlights Tour of Sydney

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    Destinations

    Sydney

Day 4

Fly from Sydney to Ayers Rock & Uluru Sacred Sites Sunset Tour

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Fly from Sydney to Ayers Rock & Uluru Sacred Sites Sunset Tour

This morning, you'll fly to Ayers Rock. Upon arrival in the late afternoon, you'll take a shuttle transfer to your accommodation. After freshening up, you'll head out on an Uluru Sacred Sites and Sunset Tour. You'll travel around the base of Uluru with your driver guide who will provide details on its incredible history. You’ll be fascinated by the Aboriginal stories that go back many thousands of years. Your day concludes with sparkling wine, nibbles and spectacular sunset at Uluru.

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    Accommodation

    Desert Gardens Hotel at Ayers Rock Resort4.5 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Uluru Sacred Sites & Sunset Tour

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Sydney to Sydney Airport

    Plane from Sydney Airport to Ayers Rock Airport

    Private Driver from Ayers Rock Airport to Desert Gardens Hotel - Ayers Rock Resort

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    Destinations

    Sydney

    Yulara

    Petermann

Day 5

Uluru Sunrise, Field of Light Tour & Sounds of Silence Dinner

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Uluru Sunrise, Field of Light Tour & Sounds of Silence Dinner

Your Field of Light Sunrise experience begins at the exclusive desert location with majestic views of Uluru. Just before the sun breaches the horizon and floods the land with warm yellow light, you’re welcomed at a raised viewing area for tea, coffee or hot chocolate. In the evening, at the Sounds of Silence experience, you can dine under the canopy of the desert night, while your very own storyteller shares tales as told in the stars.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Desert Gardens Hotel at Ayers Rock Resort4.5 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Uluru Sunrise & Field of Light Tour

    Sounds of Silence Dinner

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    Meals

    Dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Yulara

    Petermann

Day 6

Fly from Ayers Rock to Cairns

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Fly from Ayers Rock to Cairns

This morning, you'll check out of your hotel and transfer to Ayers Rock Airport for your flight to Cairns. Upon arrival at Cairns Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel in the marina. After checking in, you'll have the rest of the afternoon and evening free to spend as you wish exploring the city of Cairns on your own or relaxing at your hotel.

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    Accommodation

    Hilton Cairns5 star

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Desert Gardens Hotel - Ayers Rock Resort to Ayers Rock Airport

    Plane from Ayers Rock Airport to Cairns Airport

    Private Driver from Cairns Airport to Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns

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    Destinations

    Yulara

    Cairns

Day 7

Barrier Reef Cruise from Cairns

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Barrier Reef Cruise from Cairns

Today, you'll cruise in comfort aboard a sleek wave-piercing catamaran to Quicksilver’s unique and stunning outer reef destination – the renowned Agincourt Reef situated on the edge of Australia’s Continental Shelf. Here, a spacious reef activity platform with semi-submersibles, underwater observatory, heli-tours and exciting in-water activities let you fully enjoy the Outer Barrier Reef for your personal reef discovery - whether you are a swimmer or non-swimmer.

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    Accommodation

    Hilton Cairns5 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Barrier Reef Cruise

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Lunch

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    Destinations

    Cairns

    Australia

Day 8

Kuranda Scenic Train and Skyrail Tour

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Kuranda Scenic Train and Skyrail Tour

This morning, you'll be whisked away to board the Kuranda Scenic Rail for a historical rail journey to the tropical rainforest of Kuranda. Here, you'll explore the Heritage Markets which are full of colourful and interesting arts and crafts. Later on, you'll board the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway over and through World Heritage protected rainforest.

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    Accommodation

    Hilton Cairns5 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Kuranda Scenic Train & Skyrail with AAT Kings

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Cairns

    Kuranda

Day 9

Free Day to Explore Cairns

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Free Day to Explore Cairns

Serving as a beautiful gateway to Queensland's Great Barrier Reef and the tropical north, the laid-back city of Cairns is one that is best enjoyed outdoors. What Cairns lacks in beachside frolicking opportunities, it makes for in its Esplanade lagoon, marina and city charm. Buzzing with trendy bars, backpacker haunts and must-try restaurants, Cairns is the perfect place from which to spend the day exploring the sun-drenched, rainforest-clad state of Queensland.

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    Accommodation

    Hilton Cairns5 star

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    Activities

    CairnsOptional Activity

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    Destinations

    Cairns

    Cairns City

Day 10

Departure from Cairns

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Departure from Cairns

It's the last day of your trip to discover the best places in Australia. This morning, you'll say goodbye to Cairns as you head to the airport for your departing flight.

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    Transportations

    Private Driver from Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns to Cairns Airport

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    Destinations

    Cairns

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What’s included?

  • 9 nights accommodation
  • 7 activities
  • 2 lunches and 1 dinner
  • Airport transfer
  • Domestic flights
  • Entrance fees
  • Ground transportation
  • Licensed English speaking guides

What’s not included?

  • Alcohol beverages
  • Entry visas / airport departure tax
  • Gratuities
  • International flights
  • Laundry
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Trekking permits
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