Sydney & The Great Barrier Reef

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8 Days / 7 Nights
For the Independent Traveler
Departures: Daily
from $3099 per person, double occupancy
Combine this vacation with “Best of Australia” for the utmost indulgence!

Package Overview

Thala Beach Lodge
Thala Beach Lodge is the perfect place for thosewho appreciate the finer things in life. Known as “Australia’s window to the Great Barrier Reef,” Thala Beach Lodge blends deluxe resort accommodation and a beautiful natural setting.

This luxury haven is surrounded by over 1.25 miles of private sandy beaches and sheltered coves. Each bungalow, built high on stilts in the natural forest canopy, features a private balcony. Rooms offer ultimate comfort and convenience. Thala Beach Lodge pampers guests with personal service and great cuisine, while catering to their hunger to experience the natural elements and thirst for knowledge. Inquire about Thala’s all-inclusive rates. Activities at Thala include personalized birdwatching tours, nature walks, stargazing, and a variety of onsite spa treatments. All reef adventures and safaris in the region are accessible from Thala.

Integrating a fleet of luxury vehicles, specialist guides, and rare flexibility of itinerary, Down Under by Appointment traverses the magnificent contrasts of reef, rainforest, outback and mining Australia and incorporates only the finest of touring and cuisine available. Working with local specialists, Aboriginal, wildlife and rainforest guides, with access to restricted areas offers an unparalleled opportunity to discover this exquisite region. These small group experiences can include the Atherton Tablelands, Cape Tribulation, Mossman Gorge, World Heritage Listed Daintree Rainforest, Port Douglas, Kuranda, Hartley’s Crocodile Farm and the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. This vacation includes a Cape Tribulation experience.

Shangri-La Hote
Shangri-La Hotel, The Marina, Cairns is nestled on the Marina in the heart of the city. A short
walk to restaurants, shops and the Esplanade Lagoon, the Shangri-La features 255 spacious Bay & Marina view rooms and suites, along with the renowned and exclusive Horizon Club.

Included

7 nights accommodation
Great Barrier Reef cruise
Deluxe Sydney city sights
Sydney Opera House experience
Private car transfers
Scenic helicopter flight—Reef to Port Douglas
Luxury Cape Tribulation tour
7 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner

Not included:
Note: International and domestic airfare not included. Launch not included.

Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Sydney
Travel by private car from Sydney Airport to the superbly appointed and centrally located InterContinental Sydney. This evening try one of the fine restaurants in The Rocks or Darling Harbor. Overnight: InterContinental Sydney, Harbor Bridge View Room for 3 nights

Day 2: Sydney City Highlights
Enjoy a morning introductory tour of Sydney. Stop in Sydney Harbor National Park for morning tea, then travel to South Head for a clifftop stroll. Later, visit Bondi Beach and Centennial Park. Spend the rest of the day at leisure in the city. (B)

Day 3: Sydney Opera House Evening
Today is at leisure to explore everything that Sydney has to offer. Possibly cruise on the harbor, climb the bridge or shop til you drop! This evening will be a real highlight— a guided tour of the main theaters, a fine dining 3-course dinner and a performance of your choice at the world-famous Sydney Opera House. An evening to remember! (B,D)

Day 4: Sydney – Cairns
Depart Sydney and fly to Cairns (airfare not included). You will be transferred by private car to your accommodation, right on the Marina. Overnight: Shangri-La Hotel, The Marina, Cairns, Deluxe Marina View Room for 2 nights (B)

Day 5: Cairns at Leisure
As the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns is full of lively charm and culture. You may wish to explore the city to find “fair dinkum” Australian items or Aboriginal artifacts at one of the many shopping boutiques or simply enjoy a leisurely afternoon at the hotel. (B)

Day 6: Great Barrier Reef Cruise & Helicopter Flight
Travel to Port Douglas and board a 121-foot catamaran that travels to the Outer Great Barrier Reef. You can choose to snorkel, ride the semisubmersible or visit the underwater observatory. Enjoy lunch on board this afternoon. The ultimate end to a perfect day, travel by helicopter back to Thala Beach Lodge where your luggage will be waiting in your deluxe bungalow. Overnight: Thala Beach Lodge, Eucalypt Bungalow for 2 nights (B,L)

Day 7: Cape Tribulation Tour
The Daintree and Cape Tribulation region presents an array of unsurpassable ecological experiences for the discerning traveler. Travel in comfort and style to the spectacular rainforest of the Mossman Gorge National Park and the World Heritage listed Daintree. Learn about the unique wildlife on a Daintree River cruise before continuing to Alexandra Lookout for breathtaking views of the coast. Enjoy a delicious lunch then engage 4WD for the Bloomfield Track. Visit Cape Tribulation where you will have the opportunity to walk along a rainforest beach. Visit the Daintree ice creamery before crossing the Daintree River by ferry. On the return journey, sit back and reflect on the mystery and beauty rainforests. (B,L)

Day 8: Depart Cairns
Travel by private car to Cairns Airport for your onward flight (airfare not included). (B)

Accommodation

Day	City	Hotel
1, 2, 3	Sydney	InterContinental Sydney
4. 5	Cairns	Shangri-La Hotel
6, 7	Sydney	Thala Beach Lodge