Australia Explorer: Sydney & Cairns
From the Sydney Opera House to the Great Barrier Reef
Fly "down under" and experience Australia's most iconic sites! Enjoy 8 nights of sun, sand, and spirited city streets. Explore the best of Sydney on an included city tour, set sail on a Sydney Harbour picnic cruise, and snorkel the Great Barrier Reef during a catamaran cruise to Michaelmas Cay! With included tours and transportation, this spectacular vacation will show you why everyone raves about Sydney and Cairns.
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What's Included
- Round-trip economy class airfare to Sydney (SYD), out of Cairns (CNS)
- Private airport transfers
- 4 nights in Sydney at the Vibe Hotel or similar
- Half-day guided panoramic tour of Sydney
- Sydney Harbour Cruise with lunch
- One-way economy class flight from Sydney (SYD) to Cairns (CNS)
- 4 nights in Cairns at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel or similar
- Catamaran cruise on the Great Barrier Reef to Michaelmas Cay - includes snorkeling and lunch
- Breakfast daily
Want to add Fiji to your vacation? Click here for our Australia & Fiji package!
Great Ways to Explore
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Treat yourself to delicious prawns and other fresh seafood in Cairns!
- See the Sydney Opera House up close on a cruise through Sydney Harbour.
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Swim among colorful fish and green sea turtles as you snorkel in the Great Barrier Reef.
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Enjoy the convenience of included transportation between cities.
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Consider a day trip to the rainforest, where you'll find koalas and kangaroos!
Get ready to check Sydney and the Great Barrier Reef off your bucket list! On this awesome vacation, you'll enjoy included transportation, tours, and luxurious accommodations. With plenty of free time to explore, this package is the perfect blend of guided activity and independent discovery.
Start off in sunny Sydney, home to iconic sites like the Sydney Opera House, Bondi Beach, Sydney Harbour Bridge, The Rocks, and the Royal Botanic Gardens. Rich with amazing architecture and vibrant culture, Sydney boasts coastal beauty and historical wonder. Embark on a guided tour of the city, then feel a warm breeze as you cruise atop Sydney Harbour and indulge in a delicious lunch on-board.
After 4 unforgettable nights in Sydney, you'll venture to colorful Cairns, the gateway city to the Great Barrier Reef! Swim with fish and sea turtles as you snorkel near Michaelmas Cay and set sail on a catamaran cruise. Explore this lovely city on your own, and stroll through streets filled with cool coffee shops, renowned restaurants, and unique stores. Be sure to cool off at the popular Cairns Esplanade Lagoon!
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
Enhance your vacation with:
Add the following to your vacation:
- Blue Mountains Tour with lunch
- Kuranda Tour with lunch
- Cape Tribulation & Daintree Tour with lunch
- Round-trip economy class airfare to Sydney (SYD), out of Cairns (CNS)
- Private airport transfers
- 4 nights in Sydney at the Vibe Hotel or similar
- Half-day guided panoramic tour of Sydney
- Sydney Harbour Cruise with lunch
- One-way economy class flight from Sydney (SYD) to Cairns (CNS)
- 4 nights in Cairns at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel or similar
- Catamaran cruise on the Great Barrier Reef to Michaelmas Cay - includes snorkeling and lunch
- Breakfast daily
Want to add Fiji to your vacation? Click here for our Australia & Fiji package!
-
Treat yourself to delicious prawns and other fresh seafood in Cairns!
- See the Sydney Opera House up close on a cruise through Sydney Harbour.
-
Swim among colorful fish and green sea turtles as you snorkel in the Great Barrier Reef.
-
Enjoy the convenience of included transportation between cities.
-
Consider a day trip to the rainforest, where you'll find koalas and kangaroos!
Get ready to check Sydney and the Great Barrier Reef off your bucket list! On this awesome vacation, you'll enjoy included transportation, tours, and luxurious accommodations. With plenty of free time to explore, this package is the perfect blend of guided activity and independent discovery.
Start off in sunny Sydney, home to iconic sites like the Sydney Opera House, Bondi Beach, Sydney Harbour Bridge, The Rocks, and the Royal Botanic Gardens. Rich with amazing architecture and vibrant culture, Sydney boasts coastal beauty and historical wonder. Embark on a guided tour of the city, then feel a warm breeze as you cruise atop Sydney Harbour and indulge in a delicious lunch on-board.
After 4 unforgettable nights in Sydney, you'll venture to colorful Cairns, the gateway city to the Great Barrier Reef! Swim with fish and sea turtles as you snorkel near Michaelmas Cay and set sail on a catamaran cruise. Explore this lovely city on your own, and stroll through streets filled with cool coffee shops, renowned restaurants, and unique stores. Be sure to cool off at the popular Cairns Esplanade Lagoon!
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
Enhance your vacation with:
Add the following to your vacation:
- Blue Mountains Tour with lunch
- Kuranda Tour with lunch
- Cape Tribulation & Daintree Tour with lunch
Day 1. Welcome to Sydney!
Welcome to the land down under! Upon arrival, enjoy a comfortable transfer to your first accommodation. Once you're all settled, head out and explore the beautiful city of Sydney on your own.
Private transfer to Sydney hotel
Check-in - Vibe Hotel
Vibe Hotel Sydney is located in the heart of the Sydney CBD. Guests will love air-conditioned rooms featuring free WiFi, coffee/tea making facilities, television, and more. Grab a bite or a cocktail at Storehouse Sydney Central Café and Bar, which serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and 24/7 room service. The hotel also features a pool, sauna, and fitness center to cater to the needs of all guests. Just a few blocks from Hyde Park and minutes from the rest of Sydney's finest shopping, dining, and sightseeing, the Vibe Hotel is an excellent choice accommodation.
Day 2. Sydney
Recharge with a delicious breakfast, then embark on an unforgettable tour of Sydney! Spend half the day sightseeing with a knowledgeable guide who will bring you to the historic Rocks, the world-famous Opera House, the Harbour Bridge, and more! Strut down Sydney's trendy Oxford street, admire the terrace houses in Paddington, then visit the one and only Bondi Beach. Hang out on the beachfront promenade and treat yourself to an ice cream cone!
After your fascinating tour, you'll set sail on a delightful lunch cruise. Float atop Sydney Harbour and take in spectacular views of the city!
Half-day guided panoramic tour of Sydney w/ Bondi Beach
Get swept up in the action of this half-day tour of magnificent Sydney! You'll be taken through the historic Rocks area and learn about its convict history. You'll also experience stunning views of the world-famous Opera House and Harbour Bridge! Enjoy the ride as you're taken through the heart of the city, where the Queen Victoria Building is home to fantastic shopping. Oxford Street is a trendy new district in Sydney that you'll pass through! From there, you'll be taken to world-renowned Bondi Beach! Here, you'll have time to enjoy a stroll along the shoreline as you absorb the stunning scenery around you. Return to the city center via Mrs. Macquarie's Chair for one final look at the harbour, with a view you won't soon forget!
Day 3. Sydney
Enjoy a day at leisure in beautiful Sydney! Fuel up with an energizing breakfast, then grab your camera and explore at your own pace. You may want to lounge on Bondi Beach or visit the Royal Botanic Gardens! Admire the architecture of historic buildings, then treat yourself to a refreshing cocktail at a charming bar in The Rocks. Finish up your day with an unforgettable sunset over the harbour!Â
Day 4. Sydney
Rise and shine! It's another beautiful day in Sydney! Enjoy another day at leisure.
If you're in the mood for surf and sand, check out Coogee Beach or Manly Beach. If you'd rather stroll through the city, see the Queen Victoria Building, St. Mary's Cathedral, and Mrs. Macquarie's Chair! You may also want to pay a visit to the Art Gallery of South Wales - free admission and tons of diverse masterpieces!
Day 5. Sydney - Cairns
Say "see ya" to Sydney! Today, you'll be transferred to Sydney Airport for your flight to Cairns. Get ready to come face-to-face with the breathtaking Great Barrier Reef!
Upon arrival in Cairns, enjoy a comfortable transfer to your hotel and settle in. Spend the afternoon exploring on your own!
Private transfer to Sydney Airport
Fly to Cairns!
Private transfer to Cairns hotel
Check-in - DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns
Become immersed in peace and luxury at this rainforest oasis! Boasting a unique central rainforest atrium, DoubleTree by Hilton Cairns offers modern comforts in a stylish atmosphere. Check-in with the 24-hour reception team, then head up to your room. Find free WiFi, crisp air conditioning, flat-screen TV, plush bedding, and much more!
Once you're all settled in, unpack your swimsuit and make a splash in the sparkling outdoor pool! Take a stroll through the lush garden, then treat yourself to a delicious meal at the onsite restaurant. Too cozy to leave your room? Order room service 24/7! Don't worry about eating too much; you can always work it off in the fitness center.
Day 6. Cairns
Get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure! Spend the day sailing through the Great Barrier Reef on an amazing catamaran cruise. Enjoy stunning views, snorkeling, tropical cuisine, and more!
Catamaran Cruise on the Great Barrier Reef to Michaelmas Cay - includes snorkeling and lunch
Great Barrier Reef, here you come! Set sail on a catamaran cruise to Michaelmas Cay on the Great Barrier Reef. This stunning national park also serves as a sanctuary for migratory seabirds! Rich with a myriad of marine life, you can expect to see brightly colored fish and green sea turtles swimming through the waters of this endless coral reef. Enjoy an unforgettable day of tropical cuisine, snorkeling, and wildlife exploration!Â
Day 7. Cairns
Today, consider a day-trip to Kuranda Rainforest. This lush land will allow you to see koalas, discover natural beauty, and immerse yourself in ancient village life. For an extra thrill, take a ride on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, which runs above the Barron Gorge National Park!Â
Only 15 minutes from Cairns by car, Kuranda is reachable by public transportation or tour. Choose the upgrade version of this package for an included full-day Kuranda tour with lunch!
Day 8. Cairns
Make the most of your last day in paradise! Feel free to spend the day however you'd like. Perhaps you just want to hang out and explore the beautiful city of Cairns. Soak up some sun at Cairns Lagoon, take a bike ride to Palm Cove, and stroll through the cities' shops and restaurants. Why not do some souvenir shopping?
Tonight, treat yourself to a delicious dinner of fresh seafood!
Day 9. Depart Australia
Squeeze all your souvenirs into your luggage, then hop in a transfer to Cairns Airport. Spend your flight home replaying wonderful memories and dreaming about your next adventure!
Private transfer to Cairns Airport
Fly home!
We have selected the most economical flight schedule for you. Please note that shorter and more convenient flight options may be available at an additional cost.
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