Colors of Australia

Regale in the Great Barrier Reef’s most exclusive luxury haven where you’ll revitalize and energize. Cairns, Sydney and the Great Barrier Reef are the spotlights showing you the true Colors of Australia. Feel the aura of Daintree Rainforest at Silky Oaks Lodge, nestled inside a rainforest older than the Amazon. Jet set to Lizard Island set on the world’s largest reef, a spot renowned for diving and catching a glimpse of the elusive Moray Eel. This private paradise is an exclusive environment perfect for slipping away from the world. Fall in love with Sydney, a cosmopolitan city unlike any other. People watch on trendy Oxford Street or get lost exploring all that this booming metropolis has to offer.

Trip Type: Cosmopolitan, On the Water, Romance & Honeymoon, Sun & Sand

Day By Day

Day 1 – Arrive in Queensland

Welcome to Cairns. Upon arrival, walk towards the baggage area to meet your driver who will be waiting. Your driver will take you directly to your accommodations.

Starting Accommodation: Thala Beach Nature Reserve
Meals: Dinner

Day 2 – Thala Beach Nature Reserve at Leisure

Thala Beach Nature Reserve supports many interesting and rare habitats with a constantly changing kaleidoscope of natural wonders, making the experience very rewarding for naturalists and wildlife photographers. Their highly knowledgeable rangers and guides are there to show you Thala's many wildlife secrets. Complimentary tours, walks and presentations are offered for Thala's guests, the days of operation varies each week, therefore not all experiences may be offered during your time of stay.

Starting Accommodation: Thala Beach Nature Reserve
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3 – Thala Beach Nature Reserve at Leisure

Optional Activity: Thala Beach Nature Reserve at Leisure
Nature and Garden Walk: You will be guided through 145 acres of a variety of native flora. The guides delight in sharing their extensive knowledge and passion for the environment. Amongst rare Littoral rainforest clinging to the sandy dunes and the soft shade of eucalypts you will enjoy the scamper of native fauna. There are many exciting plants and animals at Thala.

Guided Bird Walk: You will be thrilled at the color and variety of the species to be found at Thala. An early start to hear the first chorus of Thala's birds in full song is a wonderful way to welcome a new day. Pick up a bird sighting calendar from the adventure desk and see if you can add to the extensive number of varieties spotted so far.

Coconut Odyssey Tour: Not only do you get to drink & eat from the very young green coconut to the little known 'Coconut Apple' - you will also learn the truth about the health benefits of coconuts. The 'Tree Of Life' has astonishing advantages from helping to reducing body fat and lowering cholesterol, to building the immune system. A tour that helps you lose weight without exercising!

Star Gazing: Thala's night sky is free from light pollution and filled with millions of stars. Surrounded by sounds of the rainforest and ocean - enjoy an introduction to the beautiful Southern Constellations from an experienced and passionate guide. View many fascinating stars and planets using telescopes and binoculars at the unique outdoor observatory.

Indigenous presentation by Kuku Yalangi people (Mondays): Elders from the local aboriginal community come and share their stories as passed on from previous generations including the history of their ancient cultural traditions. You will enjoy seeing and learning the value of bush tucker food, the knowledge of which has been nurtured since the age of the hunter-gatherer. The haunting rhythms of the traditional Didgeridoo is being incorporated into many forms of contemporary music, here it will take you back to the beginnings of the aboriginal Dreamtime.

Starting Accommodation: Thala Beach Nature Reserve
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4 – Travel to Lizard Island

Ahead of your flight, you will be transferred from your accommodations to the Cairns Airport. Travel to Lizard Island by Private Charter.

Lizard Island, Australia's most northern island resort, is renowned for both diving (especially the 'Cod Hole' where you can see huge moray eels and the famous potato cod) and game fishing for black marlin. Located on the Inner Great Barrier Reef (170 miles north of Cairns), Lizard Island offers a private paradise in an exclusive environment. The lodge appeals to discerning guests wanting to combine a nature experience with daytime water-based activities. Guests may choose as much privacy as they want; the activity generally centers around the main lodge building with an intimate tropical atmosphere. You may choose from dining indoors or alfresco on the veranda overlooking the majestic waters of Anchor Bay. For a romantic interlude, dine on the beach by the soft light of the moon, which is enhanced by the delicate flicker of flares. The Lodge's distinctive cuisine is based on dishes featuring the freshest seafood and tropical fruits.

Starting Accommodation: Lizard Island
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5 – Lizard Island at Leisure

Renowned for its powdery white sand beaches and spectacular diving opportunities, Lizard Island takes pride in being one of only a few to be nestled right on the Great Barrier Reef. While the fish may not respect your privacy, rest assured the staff on the island will. Lizard Island seamlessly blends indoors and out in an elegant open plan design - the essence of stylish Australian beachside living.

Lizard offers some of the best diving in the world, and with its enviable location right on the reef, you can be sure spectacular diving opportunities abound around this marine national park. Snorkelers are rewarded with coral gardens, brightly colored tropical fish and giant clams just moments from the island's beaches. Discover secluded, pristine beaches by foot or by motorized dinghy with a gourmet picnic just for two. Try a gentle bush walk, sailing, fishing or a glass bottom boat trip, or perhaps indulge in the serenity of a treatment at the luxurious Azure Spa. Lizard is island luxury at its finest.

Starting Accommodation: Lizard Island
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 – Lizard Island at Leisure

Consider a day at Essentia Day Spa where you can indulge in signature spa rituals and discover pure, opulent skin care in the sanctuary of nature. Rebalance, relax, and rejuvenate while with a personalized spa experience with iKOU skincare.

Enter the world of iKOU, brought to you from the pristine World Heritage Listed Blue Mountains, Australia. Be indulged with Australian fruit & flower extracts and ancient traditions and immerse yourself in a skillfully crafted fusion of global spa culture.

Starting Accommodation: Lizard Island
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 – Travel to Cairns & Cairns at Leisure

Travel by Private Charter from Lizard Island to Cairns.  Upon arrival, walk towards the baggage area to meet your driver who will be waiting. Your driver will take you directly to your accommodations.

Built on Trinity Inlet, the Coral Sea calls from the east while the rain-forest-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 that's reflected in the architectural styles of open verandas 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, cafes and eateries offer an eclectic fare of Australian and international cuisine, the highlight of most menus being the region's mouth-watering fresh seafood and unusual tropical fruits. Head to the heart of the city, the Esplanade, and enjoy a cafe latte before contemplating an abundance of tour options.

Starting Accommodation: Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 – Travel to Ayers Rock

Ahead of your flight, you will be transferred from your accommodations to the Cairns Airport.

Takeoff to Ayers Rock and continue on the next stage of your adventure.

You will be met by a representative from Longitude 131° in the baggage claim area for your complimentary 4WD transfer from Ayers Rock Airport to Longitude 131°.

Starting Accommodation: Longitude 131°
Meals: Dinner

Day 9 – Longitude 131° - Signature Experiences

An exceptional touring program designed especially for guests of Longitude 131° is included in the wilderness experience and a personalized itinerary is presented upon arrival. Signature Experiences with lodge naturalist guides are shared with fellow guests in custom touring vehicles. Expeditions operate at scheduled times on a rotating basis, dependent on day of arrival, with timing subject to sunrise and sunset times which vary throughout the year, according to the seasons and weather permitting. For short stays at Longitude 131°, some tours and excursions may not be offered or available during your stay. This is just a sample of some of the experiences you may be able to enjoy:

-Mutitjulu Meander; Venturing to Uluru whilst the morning sun lights up the ancient monolith, meander along the pathway to the peaceful Mutitjulu Waterhole and the sacred site of Kuniya Piti. Along this walk our guides share the Anangu creation story of Kuniya and Liru.

-Uluru Sunset; A drive into the dual World Heritage-listed National Park begins the evening followed by a leisurely walk through the Cultural Centre* where the informative and interactive displays provide insight into the spiritual and cultural meanings of Uluru and Kata Tjuta. Continue on to the twilight viewing area where you can take in the iconic sunset over Uluru with a glass in hand. *In the summer months, the Cultural Centre is visited as part of the Mutitjulu Meander morning experience.

-Walpa Gorge; Kata Tjuta; This experience heads to Kata Tjuta comprising 36 majestic dome-like rock formations. Along the way the tour calls briefly at the Kata Tjuta Viewing Area for a longer distance perspective and photo opportunity, with expert commentary describing ecology and indigenous significance of the area. From the viewing platform guests continue their journey to Walpa Gorge where the natural history of Kata Tjuta is explained in detail, and discover how eons of weathering and continental upheaval have created today's landscape and ecology.

-Mala Walk; Kantju Gorge; After arriving at the base of Uluru our guide leads you on a gentle walk as you learn about the history of the Mala people, pointing out cave paintings and other relevant sites important to both Anangu and the early explorers. Enter Kantju Gorge at dusk to witness the gorge walls ablaze with the light of the setting sun. Enjoying sunset drinks and canapés, guests revel in the silence and solitude.

The semi-arid climate of the Uluru region makes for great travelling conditions. Warm, sunny days with minimal rainfall are the norm for much of the year, allowing enjoyment of the stunning desert landscapes and rock formations. Typical desert weather patterns make for reasonable fluctuations in temperature between day and night. During the summer months, average temperatures range from 95°F during the day to 64°F overnight. In the winter months, the average daytime temperature is 72°F and 32°F overnight.

Starting Accommodation: Longitude 131°
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10 – Longitude 131° - Signature Experiences

This is just a sample of some of the experiences you may be able to enjoy:

Table 131; Dine outdoors on fine fare celebrating a fusion of modern and indigenous flavors and discover the wonders of the southern night sky. As darkness falls, a four-course dinner with matched Australian wines is delivered with Longitude service. In the cool season, a warm fire sparks under the spectacular night sky. Indigenous performers mesmerize with the movement and songs of their ancient culture and after dinner, Longitude's resident astronomer regales guests with tales of the Southerly constellations. (Subject to weather conditions).

-Field of Light; World renowned artist, Bruce Munro has chosen the remote desert location surrounding Ayers Rock Resort for his Field of Light installation. Field of Light is a monumental and experimental artwork with 50,000 slender stems crowned with radiant frosted-glass spheres, connected via illuminated optical fiber bloom as darkness falls over the spiritual heartland of Australia's vast desert with Uluru as the backdrop. Longitude 131° guests arrive at dusk to meander around the field before enjoying the cool night skies at Table 131°. Witness the monumental combination of art and culture.

-Bespoke Experiences; An additional menu of private experiences offers further exploration and the chance to tailor a special interest itinerary - additional cost applies.

Starting Accommodation: Longitude 131°
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11 – Travel to Sydney

A complimentary 4WD transfer will take you from Longitude 131° to Ayers Rock Airport. 

Takeoff to Sydney and continue on the next stage of your adventure.

Upon arrival, walk towards the baggage area to meet your driver who will be waiting. Your driver will take you directly to your accommodations.

Starting Accommodation: Park Hyatt Sydney
Meals: Breakfast

Day 12 – Sydney Supreme - City Sights Tour

Depart your Sydney hotel to discover the fabulous city of Sydney. Begin the morning traveling through the business district and shopping areas. See Darling Harbour and the vibrant China Town, then drive along Oxford Street with its trendy terrace houses and boutique fashion shops. See Centennial Park, a 220-hectare urban parkland in Eastern Sydney. Reaching the coast, you will see the beaches of Bronte and Tamarama. You'll then move on to explore the famous Bondi Beach, stopping to spend 30 minutes to walk the promenade and enjoy a coffee overlooking the beach. From Bondi, continue along the coastal drive past Macquarie Lighthouse to experience the spectacular views from the Southern Headland at the entrance to Sydney Harbour. Visit Watson's Bay before following the harbor foreshore back into Sydney, passing some of Australia's most exclusive waterfront suburbs where harbor mansions may be seen. Driving through Vaucluse, Double Bay and the colorful Kings Cross, continue to Woolloomooloo and see the famous Harry's Cafe De Wheels. Visit Mrs Macquarie's Chair, and return to the CBD via Saint Mary's Cathedral, Historic Convict buildings, State Parliament House and the historical Rocks district. Next, cross the spectacular Sydney Harbour Bridge to head for a 2-course lunch in a harbor-side restaurant - soup or salad then a main course selection. A complimentary glass of wine or beer is included with additional beverages available for purchase. Your tour ends at the restaurant. A ferry transfer to Circular Quay is included at your leisure this afternoon.

Starting Accommodation: Park Hyatt Sydney
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 13 – Sydney At Leisure

It is no surprise that when the British first arrived in Sydney they named the area Botany Bay. Even today, with a population of over 4 million people and a reputation for fun rather than flora, one is still surrounded by bush land in this bustling city. Native Waratah wind their way through the historic Rocks area, palm trees frame long stretches of pristine beach, and Eucalyptus embrace the endless and beckoning bays of Sydney Harbour.

It is Sydney's man-made wonders, however, that draw most visitors. The Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge are the most photographed icons on the continent. Choose a Seaplane Safari experience and enjoy a bird's eye view of the Opera House's signature sails. See the Harbour Bridge up close and personal by climbing the metal monolith to enjoy stunning 360-degree views of the glittering vista below with BridgeClimb as you climb to the top. Whether it is an early morning visit to the largest fish market in the southern hemisphere, or your very first surfing lesson on Bondi Beach, in this vibrant metropolis you will find no lack of energetic escapes and dynamic distractions.

There are many ways to enjoy the harbor: on a small luxury motor cruiser or sailing yacht, or ferries that take you to Taronga Park Zoo or Manly and the harbor suburbs. Take the Darling Harbour Rocket that connects Circular Quay to Darling Harbour where there are many restaurants and attractions such as The Sydney Aquarium, Wildlife World, The IMAX Theater and the Naval Museum. For a more leisurely afternoon, take a walk through the Royal Botanical Gardens and Hyde Park, or learn about Australia's National Gemstone, the Opal, at Altmann; Cherny or The National Opal Collection, right in the heart of the city on Pitt Street.

Starting Accommodation: Park Hyatt Sydney
Meals: Breakfast

Day 14 – Depart Sydney

Ahead of your flight, you will be transferred from your accommodation to Sydney International Airport.

Meals: Breakfast

Pricing

Package Level: Luxury
Please note all prices listed are approximations and subject to current rate of exchange adjustments. Each itinerary can be fully customized to your interests and needs.
Twin Share
10/1/2024 - 11/30/2024	$16,525
12/1/2024 - 3/31/2025	$16,675
Single Traveler
10/1/2024 - 11/30/2024	$31,340
12/1/2024 - 3/31/2025	$31,635

Terms and Conditions

Prices are per person, twin/double share in USD. All highlighted savings are reflected in the price. Price does not include airfare unless otherwise stated. Travel may be limited to certain days of the week. Hotels and tours remain subject to availability. Cancellation penalties and other booking or alteration restrictions may exist. Please note blackout dates may apply to Christmas, New Year and local special event periods. Pricing may increase over Holiday and special event periods and may not be reflected in price grid. Prices indicated remain subject to change without notice. Prices are not guaranteed until full payment is received and processed. CST #2012413-20 See our full Terms and Conditions: www.swaindestinations.com/terms