14 Days – Sydney, Rock & Reef
Sydney - Alice Springs - Uluru - Cairns
The Sydney, Rock, Reef combination is a classic itinerary, offering a fantastic mixture of city, outback and coastal experiences in some of the most stunning parts of Australia.
At a glance:
- 3 nights Sydney
- Fly to Alice Springs or Uluru (3.5hrs)
- 4 nights Red Centre
- Fly to Cairns (2.5hrs)
- 5 nights Cairns region
The Journey:
- Nearest Major City: Sydney
- Duration: 14 days
- Mode of Transport: Plane
Day One to Four
Sydney Harbour Bridgeclimb, Sydney, New South Wales
Start your Aussie holiday in Sydney, one of the most spectacular and exciting cities in the world.
Endowed with a sparkling harbour and dazzling beaches its setting alone has guaranteed Sydney a place among the most glamorous cities on the planet. The rich blend of cultures, a relaxed, laidback lifestyle and buzzing inner-city precincts make Sydney one of the world’s most exhilarating cities.
Start your adventure by climbing the Bridge, cruising the Harbour, watching a performance at the Sydney Opera House, lazing on one of the beaches, following a coastal or harbour walk, shopping and eating out – there is just so much to see and do.
Book a trip to the beautiful Blue Mountains where you can enjoy bush walking and wildlife spotting. Just a 90 minute drive from the city this World Heritage Listed National Park is well worth a visit.
Highlights:
- Cruising Sydney Harbour on a sightseeing tour or private yacht.
- Taking a ferry from Circular Quay and visiting Taronga Zoo, Watson’s Bay or Manly Beach.
- Enjoying a symphony, opera or guided tour of the Sydney Opera House.
- Climbing Sydney Harbour bridge with BridgeClimb.
- Taking the spectacular Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk.
- Exploring World Heritage listed wilderness on a day tour or self-drive to the Blue Mountains.
Day Five to Eight
Uluru, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Northern Territory
Fly from Sydney to the heart of the outback – Alice Springs.
This vibrant outback town is famous for its colourful characters and relaxed atmosphere, you’ll enjoy the art galleries, Desert Park and the views from Anzac Hill.
Alice Springs is a great place to join a tour or hire a car to explore the treasures of the Red Centre including Uluru – Australia’s most recognisable natural icon. Standing 348 metres (1, 141 feet) high, the monolith has a great cultural significance for the traditional Aboriginal owners, the Anangu people. Uluru Kata-Tjuta National Park is located 4-5 hours drive south-west of Alice Springs and encompasses both Uluru and the 36 domes of Kata Tjuta (The Olgas).
Here, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about Aboriginal culture, watch the colours of the rock change as the sun sets and rises, take a cultural tour and dine under a million stars.
Highlights:
- Learning about the pioneers at the Alice Springs Telegraph Station or the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
- Meeting rare and endangered wildlife at Alice Springs Desert Park.
- Taking a guided interpretative walks around the base of Uluru.
- Dining under the stars at the Sounds of Silence Dinner or Tali Wiru dinner at Uluru.
- Marvelling at the views on the Valley of the Winds walk through the domes of Kata Tjuta.
Day Nine to Fourteen
Turtle Bay, Dark Reef, Great Barrier Reef, Queensland
Fly from either Alice Springs or Ayers Rock airport, to Cairns, gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest in northern Queensland. Use Cairns, Port Douglas or Palm Cove as a base to explore this tropical paradise.
Cairns has a lovely ocean front promenade, lots of restaurants and a buzzing nightlife. Port Douglas, one hour north of Cairns offers a beachside escape. Head here for a relaxed vibe, delicious seafood and vibrant seafront café culture.
Palm Cove is another option, 30 minutes north of Cairns, offering gorgeous accommodation, lovely boutiques and spas, and an idyllic stretch of beach.
Alternatively check in on one of the island resorts off the coast or even venture to one of the beautiful retreats found in the stunning rainforest.
Wherever you stay up here you will have a fabulous finale to your holiday in Australia.
Highlights:
- A day trip to the Great Barrier Reef, snorkelling, diving or enjoying the underwater world from a glass bottom boat.
- A trip to the World Heritage listed Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation- where the rainforest meets the sea.
- Taking the scenic railway up to - and the Skyrail back from - the rainforest village of Kuranda, famous for its markets, galleries and wildlife experiences.
- Devouring fresh seafood whilst looking over the ocean.
