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Australia Family: Koalas, Reef & Rainforest

12
 days from $
4795
 per person
Operated by: 
Kensington Tours
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  • Stroll the boardwalk of Port Darling, Sydney's bustling seaside neighborhood.
  • Spot kangaroos, wallabies, and other wildlife in Blue Mountains National Park.
  • Sail the sea and snorkel the Great Barrier Reef.
  • Take a jungle cruise through the primeval Daintree Rainforest.
Itinerary at a Glance

DAY 1

  • SYDNEY The Adventure Begins
  • International Airport Pick Up with Meet & Greet - Private
  • Australia Welcome Package
  • Darling Harbour at Leisure

DAY 2

  • SYDNEY Get a Lay of the Land
  • Taronga Zoo Behind-the-Scenes & Beachfront Beauty (8 hrs) - Private Tour

DAY 3

  • SYDNEY Breathe the Mountain Air
  • Blue Mountains Family Tour & Featherdale Wildlife Park (with Lunch, 10 hrs) - Private

DAY 4

  • SYDNEY TO HAMILTON ISLAND A Change of Scenery
  • Private Airport Transfer
  • Air - Sydney - Hamilton Island [Separate Purchase] -
  • Airport - Shuttle/Driver

DAY 5

  • HAMILTON ISLAND Close Encounters
  • The Koala Gallery- Breakfast with Koalas
  • Reef View Hotel at Leisure

DAY 6

  • HAMILTON ISLAND White Sand, Clear Water
  • Whitehaven Beach Adventure & Hill Inlet (with Picnic Lunch, 8.5 hrs) - Shared

DAY 7

  • HAMILTON ISLAND Island Time
  • Optional Activities on Hamilton Island

DAY 8

  • HAMILTON ISLAND TO CAIRNS TO PORT DOUGLAS Onward and Upward
  • Airport - Shuttle/Driver
  • Air - Hamilton Island - Cairns [Separate Purchase] -
  • Transfer - Private - Cairns - Port Douglas [1 hr] - Vehicle/Driver
  • Port Douglas Dining Suggestions

DAY 9

  • PORT DOUGLAS Sail the Seas
  • Sailaway Reef Adventure (with Lunch, 9 hrs) - Shared

DAY 10

  • PORT DOUGLAS Beach Bliss
  • Thala Beach Nature Reserve At Leisure

DAY 11

  • PORT DOUGLAS It's a Jungle Out There
  • Daintree with Specialist Wildlife Guide (with Lunch, 9 hrs) - Private Tour

DAY 12

  • PORT DOUGLAS TO CAIRNS Until Next Time…
  • Transfer - Private - Port Douglas - Cairns [1 hr] - Vehicle/Driver

DAY 1

  • SYDNEY

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At Leisure: Darling Harbour
At Leisure: Darling Harbour
Adina Apartment Hotel Darling Harbour
At Leisure: Darling Harbour
At Leisure: Darling Harbour
Adina Apartment Hotel Darling Harbour
At Leisure: Darling Harbour
At Leisure: Darling Harbour
Adina Apartment Hotel Darling Harbour
  • The Adventure Begins
  • For your comfort, an assistant will be waiting for you outside of Customs holding a sign with your name on it. This representative will assist you in meeting your private driver and accompany you to your accommodation in Sydney to assist with check-in.
  • A welcome package with a detailed itinerary, supplier contact list, various brochures of the destinations you will be visiting and any other touristic information that we deem you may find useful will be waiting for you upon arrival at the first hotel on your trip.
  • Enjoy some time for independent exploration in the waterside pocket of Sydney known as Darling Harbour. There's so much to do and see in this vibrant neighborhood it's important to build in a little extra time just to explore. Here, you'll find enthralling entertainment, mesmerizing museums, wondrous wildlife, and delectable dining options all within walking distance of the city's incomparable waterfront -- there truly is something for everyone in this family-friendly area right in the heart of Sydney.
  • Perhaps opt to board a harbor cruise if you'd like some time out on the water to take in the picturesque views. If you have little ones in tow, the dugongs at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium or getting up close and personal with koalas and kangaroos at the WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo are attractions that will delight kids and adults alike. Alternatively, Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre has back-to-back immersive experiences lined up that will keep all travelers entertained for hours.

DAY 2

  • SYDNEY

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Wombat
Wombat
Adina Apartment Hotel Darling Harbour
Wombat
Wombat
Adina Apartment Hotel Darling Harbour
Wombat
Wombat
Adina Apartment Hotel Darling Harbour
  • Get a Lay of the Land
  • Meet your private guide and driver at your hotel before immersing yourself in one of the most up-close and personal wildlife tours that Australia has to offer. Transfer north over the Sydney Harbour bridge to arrive at Taronga Zoo, home to over 4,000 animals, many from threatened species. Here you’ll experience an exclusive tour of the zoo’s unique Australian animal collection designed especially for the inquisitive traveler. Guided by an official zookeeper, you’ll be introduced to the country’s notably unusual wildlife, posing for photos alongside kangaroos, wallabies, birds, wombats and echidnas. Upon the completion of your wildlife experience you’ll make your way to Balmoral Beach for a lunch stop served with a side of amazing panoramic views. Continue onto the seaside town of Manly, considered a must-visit waterfront destination with its famous tree-fringed beachfront. Climb up North Head for a short walk to see stunning views of the harbor before hopping on a bicycle for a leisurely peddle along the promenade. Enjoy a well-earned ice cream before returning to the vehicle for a private transfer back to your hotel.

DAY 3

  • SYDNEY

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Adina Apartment Hotel Darling Harbour
Kangaroo Spotting
Kangaroo Spotting
Three Sisters, Blue Mountains
Three Sisters, Blue Mountains
Adina Apartment Hotel Darling Harbour
Kangaroo Spotting
Kangaroo Spotting
  • Breathe the Mountain Air
  • Set out for an adventure-filled day with your private guide and driver for a unique exploration of the World Heritage listed Blue Mountains. Along the way, you'll pass The Rocks, considered the birthplace of modern Sydney. This neighborhood was once where European settlers arrived in the late 18th century, helping to shape the future of the country. Today's first stop is Featherdale Wildlife Park, home to Australia’s favorite marsupials. Arriving early you'll beat the crowds and get up close and personal with kangaroos, koalas, wallabies and wombats. Your next stop is the Blue Mountains National Park, where you’ll have time to roam and seek out wild kangaroos and birdlife. Enter a little known hidden clearing to enjoy some homestyle morning tea. En-route to lunch in Leura Village, you'll visit scenic lookouts allowing you to marvel at the stunning views of the majestic Jamison Valley. After re-fueling for the afternoon, you'll continue to the township of Katoomba. The town's Eagle Hawk lookout offers views of the famous Three Sisters rock formation. This afternoon you'll travel to the scenic Evan’s Lookout for more gorgeous views of the Blue Mountains, finishing off the day with a visit to Scenic World. Offering panoramic views of the wilderness, Scenic World is home to the famous Scenic Railway, considered the steepest passenger cableway in the world with a 52 degree incline, offering 1361-ft descent through a cliff side tunnel to access the ancient rainforest. The interactive transport experience allows passengers to choose the level of seat recline to make the most out of the view. Once transported to the Jamison Valley, you'll enjoy time at leisure to explore the rainforest before rejoining the vehicle once more for a private transfer to your hotel.

DAY 4

  • SYDNEY TO HAMILTON ISLAND

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Reef View Hotel
  • A Change of Scenery
  • You will be privately transferred between your accommodations and Sydney Airport alongside a professional driver.
  • Board a flight in Sydney with service to Hamilton Island. Approximate direct flight duration is two hours and 30 minutes.
  • This flight is not included in the price and must be purchased separately.
  • Your hotel in Hamilton Island will arrange an airport transfer as part of your stay.

DAY 5

  • HAMILTON ISLAND

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Koala
Koala
Reef View Hotel
Koala
Koala
Reef View Hotel
Koala
Koala
Reef View Hotel
  • Close Encounters
  • Enjoy a full buffet breakfast with Australia's most loved animal nearby - the koala. Not only will you dine just a few feet away from these alluring animals, you are also encouraged to speak to trainers to arrange an excellent photo opportunity. Please note: Guests are not permitted to hold or touch the koala's.
  • Today is yours to explore Hamilton Island and the gorgeous Whitsunday Islands. Soak in the stunning views from your room curled up with a good book or luxuriate on beautiful Catseye Beach. The Reef View Hotel is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the Great Barrier Reef in all its glory. For those so inclined, take advantage of complimentary water-sports including catamaran sailing, snorkeling, and windsurfing.

DAY 6

  • HAMILTON ISLAND

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Whitehaven Beach
Whitehaven Beach
Reef View Hotel
Whitehaven Beach
Whitehaven Beach
Reef View Hotel
Whitehaven Beach
Whitehaven Beach
Reef View Hotel
  • White Sand, Clear Water
  • Whitehaven Beach is a definite 'must see' in the Whitsundays. The crystal-clear waters and pristine white silica sand of Whitehaven stretch for over four miles along Whitsunday Island, and the beach itself is repeatedly voted one of the best beaches in the world. Departing with a group of participants, spend the whole day experiencing all the wonders of the magnificent Whitehaven Beach area. Enjoy a leisurely cruise along the full length of Whitehaven and across Hill Inlet to the landing point. From here, a guided walk following the path and history of the Whitsunday traditional owners, the Ngaro people, will lead you to a lookout featuring a picture postcard view. A leisurely pace ensures all fitness levels are catered to, and guests take their time to enjoy this superb natural setting. Later, embark on a guided bushwalk to Solway Circuit Lookout is approximately 30 minutes walking at a steady pace, regularly stopping for commentary and picture-perfect moments. Walk past impressive grasstrees, cycads and rock fern, with beautiful views over Solway Passage, Pentecost and Haslewood islands. Once at Solway Circuit, there's the option to continue the walk to beautiful Chance Bay (90 minutes / 3.7 miles return). Stroll through Whitsunday Islands forest and woodlands to a secluded beach at Chance Bay. On arrival, you’ll have time to have a swim before the return walk. If you prefer a more relaxing option, wander back to Whitehaven Beach to your own secluded stretch, laze on the beach or cool off in the azure waters for the afternoon. A picnic lunch will be provided midday.
  • Note: Please bring swimwear, towel, hat, sunscreen lotion, camera, money/credit card for optional purchases.  Also, please advise at time of booking when an infant is travelling. Infants will not be provided with a lunch on Hamilton Island, Long Island or Daydream Island day tours.

DAY 7

  • HAMILTON ISLAND

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Hamilton Island
Hamilton Island
Reef View Hotel
Hamilton Island
Hamilton Island
Reef View Hotel
Hamilton Island
Hamilton Island
Reef View Hotel
  • Island Time
  • Today is yours to discover the island’s grace. Hamilton Island boasts an abundance of activities for all ages. Make your way to Catseye Beach for a vast range of water-based activities or challenge yourself with Passage Peak hiking trail. For the less active traveler, relax and unwind in one of the many restaurants in the Marina precinct or visit one of the island’s day spas for an authentic Australian treatment (additional cost). As the evening approaches, why not hire a golf buggy and drive up to One Tree Hill lookout to witness the spectacular sunset views of the Whitsunday Islands.

DAY 8

  • HAMILTON ISLAND TO CAIRNS TO PORT DOUGLAS

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Thala Beach Nature Reserve
  • Onward and Upward
  • Your hotel in Hamilton Island will arrange an airport transfer as part of your stay.
  • Board a flight in Hamilton Island with service to Cairns. Please note that your flight may require a connection. Approximate direct flight duration is one hour and 15 minutes.
  • This flight is not included in the price and must be purchased separately.
  • Transfer between Cairns airport and the beautiful town of Port Douglas with private vehicle and driver.
  • Port Douglas is a vibrant tropical village home to an array of fantastic local restaurants. Among our very favourites include Zinc and Hi Tide by the Beach, two modern Australian eateries celebrated for their fresh seafood and creative flair. Tonight, consider making a reservation at one of these excellent establishments. For a more casual evening, stroll along Macrossan Street and you're sure to find some delicious pizza and gelato.

DAY 9

  • PORT DOUGLAS

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Coral Reef
Coral Reef
Thala Beach Nature Reserve
Coral Reef
Coral Reef
Thala Beach Nature Reserve
Coral Reef
Coral Reef
Thala Beach Nature Reserve
  • Sail the Seas
  • Embark on a day of both adventure and relaxation as you board a beautiful sailing yacht for a shared departure to the Coral Cays of Mackay or Undine Reefs, following the coastline for views of the Daintree Mountains. Once at the protected sites of  Coral Cays, nature activities will include snorkeling over the pristine coral reef with a qualified marine biologist offering reef interpretation on a guided snorkel tour. A glass bottom boat coral viewing tour is also on offer. Premium reef sites showcase abundant marine life, including encounters with turtles and an amazing display of giant clam gardens, beautiful corals and a wide variety of fish. Exploring the white sands of the coral cays will relax the mind. Soak up the sun, peace and tranquility and swim in turquoise clear waters. A tropical buffet lunch, morning and afternoon teas & coffees, supplied by local plantations, will compliment a day of adventure and relaxation. Immersed in the northern frontier of Great Barrier Reef, this is the perfect sailing and snorkeling adventure for a conservation-minded visitor. Ideally suited to those who can swim and have a spirit of fun and adventure. Discerning guests can fully enjoy an inspiring full day adventure using wind power to the stunning cays on the Great Barrier Reef in the most environmentally way! Please note: This sailing operates with a maximum of 45 guests.

DAY 10

  • PORT DOUGLAS

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Private-Access Beach
Private-Access Beach
Thala Beach Nature Reserve
Private-Access Beach
Private-Access Beach
Thala Beach Nature Reserve
Private-Access Beach
Private-Access Beach
Thala Beach Nature Reserve
  • Beach Bliss
  • Spend some time at leisure soaking up the amenities of Thala Beach Nature Reserve. Deluxe eco-styled accommodation, two freeform rock swimming pools, the Rainforest Lounge and Curlews Lounge as well as complimentary on-site experiences led by Rangers and guides all await you at Thala. All guests can enjoy the private-access Oak Beach, consisting of pristine sand lined with coconut palms and she-oak trees. Thala Beach Nature Reserve occupies the forest-clad headland at the northern end of the private 1.25-mile beach.

DAY 11

  • PORT DOUGLAS

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Thala Beach Nature Reserve
Daintree Wildlife
Daintree Wildlife
Daintree Riverbank
Daintree Riverbank
Thala Beach Nature Reserve
Daintree Wildlife
Daintree Wildlife
  • It's a Jungle Out There
  • Today you’ll travel through the rich farming areas toward the World Heritage listed forest region of the Daintree National Park. Step aboard our own personalized craft for a cruise on the mirrored smooth waters of the Daintree River, cruising close to riverbanks and under the overhead canopy of the rain forest seeking out the vivid Ulysses Butterfly, King fishers, Pythons and other wildlife. Once you arrive to the Daintree section of the Wet Tropics World Heritage protected rain forest, your journey then takes you up the beautiful Alexandra Range passing through local rain forest. Meet your local specialist guide for an informative tour of the Daintree Rain forest. The Grand Fan Palm gallery allows access into the heart of the world’s oldest surviving rain forest. Evolutionary development over 180 million years has created a living museum of rare and primitive flora and fauna. A cathedral-like Amphitheater of towering fan-palms stands in the heart of the forest, protected beneath the canopy of old-growth rain forest giants and has been a sacred site for generations. You’ll then get to see unusual, exotic fruit originating from all over the globe's tropical regions at the orchard which is also a host to beautiful species of tropical flowering plants, both native and introduced. Conclude your tour by taking in the outstanding panoramic view at Alexandra Range Lookout of the mouth of the Daintree River, Snapper Island and on a clear day Port Douglas. Finally board the iconic Daintree River Ferry for a short ride before heading back to your hotel.

DAY 12

  • PORT DOUGLAS TO CAIRNS
  • Until Next Time…
  • You will be picked up from your Port Douglas Hotel and taken by private car to Cairns City or airport.

Adina Apartment Hotel Darling Harbour

Reef View Hotel

Thala Beach Nature Reserve

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