Best of Australia

Begin you journey at the ultimate Barrier Reef destination, qualia on Hamilton Island at the heart of the Whitsundays Islands. Soar over these crystal clear waters on a helicopter ride before relaxing and enjoying all this resort has to offer. Trade the serenity of the beach for the bustle of the city as you venture to Sydney. Climb the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and enjoy a luncheon cruise before immersing yourself in Australia's wildlife. Experience the icons of Australia through this adventure.

Trip Type: Cosmopolitan, Sun & Sand

Day By Day

Day 1 – Arrive in Hamilton Island

Upon arrival into Hamilton Island, please proceed directly to the qualia desk, where a qualia representative will be waiting with your personalized name board. 

Starting Accommodation: qualia, Great Barrier Reef
Meals: Dinner

Day 2 – Best of Both Worlds Shared Helicopter Excursion

Experience the best of Cruise Whitsundays Reefworld and world famous Whitehaven Beach in one unforgettable day. Enjoy the first flight of your tour whisking you away from the Whitsundays out to the Great Barrier Reef and seeing the world famous Heart Reef. Arrive at Reefworld to complimentary refreshments, snorkeling and coral viewing from the underwater viewing chamber. All snorkel equipment is provided by Cruise Whitsundays. After your time spent at the reef let your pilot fly via the breath-taking Hill Inlet stopping at Whitehaven beach to let you wind down. You will have approximately one hour at Whitehaven, you are welcome to bring along your own food to enjoy a picnic on the beach. After experiencing the best of the Whitsundays and the Great Barrier Reef, sit back and enjoy the view as your pilot returns you to Hamilton Island.

Starting Accommodation: qualia, Great Barrier Reef
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3 – qualia at leisure

qualia Resort (qualia, pronounced Kwah · lee · ah) is a unique Australian expression of world-class luxury, situated on the secluded northern-most tip of Hamilton Island. Inside qualia, you can feel time unravel however you choose. Facilities include two serene pools, a library, private dining room, two bars and restaurants, and a fitness center. And for that truly memorable experience step inside Spa qualia, which offers an extensive range of luxurious local and international treatments.

Starting Accommodation: qualia, Great Barrier Reef
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4 – qualia at leisure

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.

Starting Accommodation: qualia, Great Barrier Reef
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5 – Hamilton Island to Sydney

Please check with the Lodge Manager a day or so prior for your departure time to the airport. The qualia representative will drive you to Hamilton Island Airport in their private vehicle, which takes approximately 10 minutes.

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

Starting Accommodation: Park Hyatt Sydney
Meals: Breakfast

Day 6 – BridgeClimb Summit and Sydney Afternoon Sights

BridgeClimb - Day Climb
BridgeClimb 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 a professional BridgeClimb leader 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 recognized the world over! The professional Climb Leaders will take pictures of you on the climb and at the end you will receive a commemorative Climber Certificate, a complimentary Climber Cap and group photograph, with all climbers in the group receiving an identical photo.

Sydney Afternoon Sights
A luxury Mercedes van greets this afternoon. Enjoy a quick, casual lunch to re-energize before getting back on the road. You start with Sydney's birthplace - The Rocks - to see Australia's convict history chiseled into the old sandstone buildings. Up along Macquarie Street you visit Parliament House, The Mint, World-Heritage-listed Hyde Park Barracks, St Mary's Cathedral and the Great Synagogue. Wander the Royal Botanical Gardens. Cruise the stylish villages of Woollahra and Paddington - renowned for art galleries and specialty shops. Head to Bondi Beach with its historic pavilion, Icebergs Pool and Coastal Walk glimpses. Want to feel the sand between your toes? Ask your host. The coastal views continue via South Head with a spectacular vista - the entrance to Sydney Harbour. Onto Watsons Bay before exclusive Vaucluse, Rose Bay and Rushcutters Bay. Finally, visit the historic dockside suburb of Woolloomooloo, before being returned to your hotel: a Sydney perfect day.

Starting Accommodation: Park Hyatt Sydney
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 7 – Sydney Harbour Long Lunch Cruise

Your long lunch experience will begin with a welcome from your crew as you board the luxury cruiser, and depart for a surreal day out on Sydney Harbour. Soft drinks, sparkling wine, beer, still wine, tea, and coffee will be available from the moment you step on board. As you cruise past the world-famous landmarks including the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House the crew will be on hand to tell you about the past and modern-day history of the harbor. See Woolloomoolloo Bay, the home of the Australian Navy’s Sydney Base Garden Island, then venture further down the harbor cruising past Double Bay and Point Piper which are the locations of the most expensive homes in Sydney. Pass by Vaucluse for your appetizer and make the first stop at the renowned Doyles on the Beach at Watsons Bay. Disembark and head down the wharf to the restaurant where you will have a choice of appetizers and a selection of beverages to choose from. Return to the vessel to cruise past the opening of Sydney Heads, then go around Middle Head to enter Middle Harbour. Stop at the Balmoral Jetty where you will disembark again for your main course at the Balmoral Public Dining Room. Head up to Spit Bridge and beyond to see some amazing landscapes and homes perched on the cliffs of Sydney’s upper-class North Shore district. Enjoy delicious desserts and a cheese platter on board as you return back through Middle Harbour to the main harbor where you will see the Northern shores of Sydney Harbour. Cruise past Taronga Zoo and the prime minister’s house before disembarking back in the city.

Starting Accommodation: Park Hyatt Sydney
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 8 – 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 9 – Depart Sydney

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

Meals: Breakfast

Included Activites

Pricing

Package Level: Luxury

Pricing for this package is on request. Please call a Swain Destinations Specialist to customize this journey.

Terms and Conditions

Travel must be between May 1, 2018 and November 30, 2018. Prize and/or Giveaway itinerary has no cash value. No itinerary components can be redeemed or transfered for cash value. Activities and accommodations subject to availability. Services within this itinerary are arranged by Swain Destinations. Additional services and customizations can be arranged through Swain Destinations.