Day 1: Fly Los Angeles to Cairns on Virgin Australia

Executive Suite 

Cairns' premier hotel, Shangri-La Hotel, The Marina provides a haven of luxury in a tropical city setting. The hotel is magnificently positioned within the cosmopolitan Pier complex, overlooking the Marlin Marina and the Coral Sea. Shangri-La's special blend of service and attention to detail, combined with the ultra-chic guestrooms, make for memorable stays, and guests aspiring to return.  It is a fresh modern hotel with appealing decor, offering all the creature comforts that well-traveled guests anticipate. The spectacular waterfront location is renowned as Cairns’ premier dining precinct, hosting some of Cairns’ most acclaimed restaurants and bars.

Cairns was built on Trinity Inlet, the Coral Sea calls from the east whilst the rainforest-clad Atherton Tablelands serenade from the west, making Cairns a nature lover's Nirvana. The warmth of the tropical climate has fostered a vigorous outdoor lifestyle, reflected in the architectural styles of open verandahs and balconies and extending to the most traditional of Australian cuisine - the barbecue. Dining is a high point of any vacation, and the cosmopolitan local restaurants, cafés and eateries offer an eclectic fare of Australian and international cuisine, the highlight of most menus being the region's mouth-watering fresh seafoods and unusual tropical fruits. Head to the heart of the city, the Esplanade, and enjoy a café latte before contemplating an abundance of tour options. 

Depart Cairns wharf on board the 'Ocean Spirit', sailing to Michaelmas Cay, known as the Isle of the Birds, a year round home to thousands of sea birds of some 14 different species. Its spectacular coral reef, which thrives in the ideal conditions of clear, shallow, sunlit water, is home to a variety of marine life including giant clams and brilliant fish. Because Michaelmas Cay is a National Park, the fish are so tame you can feed them from the beach and birds know they are safe to wander among you with their chicks. 

Ocean Spirit spends four hours at the reef with time for a variety of activities, and a delicious buffet lunch served on board. Optional extra activities include a guided snorkeling tour with a graduate marine biologist or scuba diving with a qualified instructor. 

 

Departing Cairns, travel north toward the World Heritage Listed forest region of the Daintree National Park. Step aboard the personalized craft for a cruise on the mirrored smooth waters of the Daintree River, crusing close to riverbanks and under the overhead canopy of the rainforest seeking out the vivid Ulysses Butterfly, Kingfishers and various other wildlife. The onward journey by road takes up the beautiful Alexandra Range, passing through rainforest and on to the Jindalba boardwalk for a guided walk to view ancient plants and amazing wildlife. 

Lunch is taken deep under the rainforest canopy. Enjoy tropical rainforest-inspired local produce while bathed in the serenity of the tropical rainforests. There is time for an optional private rainforest walk or to immerse yourself in the fresh, clear, rainforest creek. After lunch, see unusual exotic fruit originating from all over the globe's tropical regions, as well as beautiful species of tropical flowering plants, both native and introduced. The last stop is at the outstanding panoramic picture view at Alexandra Range Lookout before returning to Cairns.

Windward Pavilion 

Imagine over 70 tropical islands dotted around the Coral Sea, on the edge of the South Pacific.  Lying in crystal clear blue water are hundreds of deserted beaches with sparkling white sand and safe, secluded anchorages. These are Australia's fabulous Whitsunday Islands and at their heart is the ultimate Barrier Reef destination...Hamilton Island. qualia (pronounced Kwah • lee • ah) is a unique Australian expression of world-class luxury, situated on the secluded northern-most tip of Hamilton Island.

While on qualia, feel time unravel however you choose. Facilities include two serene pools, a library, private dining room, two bars and restaurants, and a fitness centre. And for that truly memorable experience, step inside Spa qualia, which offers an extensive range of luxurious local and international treatments. 

For those with a more adventurous spirit, the Great Barrier Reef is the perfect place to make some unexpected discoveries. Head off on a diving or snorkeling adventure, or marvel at the wondrous diversity of underwater life on a reef tour. There are also all manner of water sports to pursue. Or, why not charter the services of a yacht and cruise the Whitsundays, unwind on the pristine sands of Whitehaven Beach, or take a bird's eye view on a private, scenic helicopter flight? There are many ways to complement a stay at qualia to make it unforgettable.

You will transfer by private vehicle from the airport to the city. 

Opera House View

The award-winning Park Hyatt Sydney is positioned amongst a brilliant blend of historic tradition, natural beauty and the vibrant energy of the city of Sydney. Step outside the Park Hyatt and into the historic Rocks district, which follows the curve of the Harbour to the instantly recognizable Opera House. There is no traditional reception, just an antique desk where discreet, private check in awaits you, with that extra personal touch. The hotel, more aptly a private waterside mansion-style hotel, is furnished with elegant pieces, which combines Australian, European and Oriental furniture. There are just 158 guest rooms, with every conceivable luxury, including a lavish bathroom with king sized tub. Make sure your visit to Sydney is momentous with a stay at the Park Hyatt Hotel. 

 

The Bridge Climb is a 3.5 hour guided journey to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It takes you along the outer arch of the Bridge on catwalks and ladders all the way to the summit, 400 feet above Sydney Harbour. In Climb groups of up to 14 people, you'll be led by one of Bridge Climb's professional Climb Leaders on an adventure of the world's most recognizable Bridge. The steady incline to the summit leaves you free to focus your attention on your Sydney experience, with opportunities to witness 360 degree views of Sydney, including east to the Sydney Opera House, west to the Blue Mountains and the Harbour city surrounds. When you reach the top, you will have a sense of achievement that you will remember forever - you've conquered an Australian icon recognised the world over! 

You will be collected late morning from your hotel to see the highlights of downtown Sydney. Venture into some of the exclusive harbourside residential, with a stop for a 2-course lunch. From lunch we continue our sightseeing including the famous areas of Bondi Beach and Paddington before returning to the city. This is a very special small-group tour designed to give you a feel for this great city by showing you more than just the normal must-see 'tourist sites'. Because we only use small luxury mini-vans, we will get behind the scenes to some fascinating city and suburban areas. 

Departing the city, we head North across the Harbour Bridge and west towards the historical towns of Windsor and Richmond, where some of Sydney's earliest history may be found. Continuing, we cross the Nepean River at the charming village of Yarramundi and stop to view a myriad of Native Australian Birds in their natural wetland environment. Upon entering the Blue Mountains National Park, view outstanding Aboriginal Rock Art, thousands of years old and hidden in thick bush land. The steep ascent of the mountains continues to Hawkesbury Heights, affording amazing views over the Sydney basin. 

For lunch, we head to the town of Blackheath, deep in the heart of the Blue Mountains for a traditional Australian Barbecue under the canopy of the Bush. Enjoy world class food and wine in unique surroundings and experience the plethora of wildlife that surrounds the area. We visit the stunning Wentworth Falls for a short walk to explore the area and view the stunning scenery, then drop into a hidden valley to seek the many kangaroos that graze in the wild before returning to Sydney.