Highlights of Australia: city, Outback & reef

Walk down to the waterfront today to meet your skipper and take in the sights of Sydney on board a luxury sports cruiser. It's a great, relaxed introduction to the city. On this four-hour meander around Port Jackson Harbour, you'll get views of the Rocks, Darling Harbour, the striking Opera House and the Botanic Gardens. Lunch will be served at the CYCA, Sydney’s most prestigious yacht club and host to the annual Sydney to Hobart race. You have the rest of the day at leisure — if you've got the energy, we suggest climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge (it's not as strenuous as it looks). We can arrange for you to see a performance at the Opera House in the evening if you wish.

Today, you have a free day to explore Sydney at your leisure. Take a stroll along the waterfront and through the Botanic Gardens, or go further afield, taking a bush-walking trip to the Blue Mountains to admire the striking Three Sisters rock formation. Located about an hour and a half from the city, you can take the train there and back or hire a car for the day.

This morning, you will make your way to the airport in time for your domestic flight to Uluru (Ayers Rock) in the Red Centre. Upon arrival, you'll be met by a resort representative and transferred to your nearby hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax — stay by your hotel pool, or if you're keen to get out exploring, we recommend a visit to the Cultural Centre within the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park as it gives you a glimpse into the cultural significance of Uluru and Kata Tjuta to the local Anangu people. This evening, you will enjoy an Outback dining experience under a night sky, complete with champagne and canapés, Australian bush tucker and a stargazing session with a local astronomer.

An early start this morning, as you depart before sunrise for a tour of Kata Tjuta (the Olgas). Enjoy a desert breakfast as the sun emerges from behind the imposing rock formations. Afterwards, you'll be dropped off at your hotel to relax for a few hours before being collected again for the real highlight: a guided visit to Uluru (Ayers Rock). Here, your guide will explain the history and aboriginal significance of this iconic site as you walk among the folds of the rock. Notice how its reddish hue changes or deepens with the light. Later, you'll watch the sunset over Uluru before being returned to your hotel.

Your morning is spent relaxing at Ayers Rock Resort before you are transferred back to the airport this afternoon in time for your onward flight to Cairns. On arriving in the tropical north, you'll be driven up to the wonderful beach town of Port Douglas, just an hour from Cairns, where two world heritage sites meet — the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. You can also elect to hire a car here if you wish to do some self-guided exploration during your stay.

Spend the day aboard a catamaran today, heading out to the Low Isles coral cay to snorkel the majestic Great Barrier Reef. Get lost in a vast underwater ecosystem, exploring the fragile reef and swimming alongside the many tropical fish it houses. You may even see a giant clam, manta ray, or reef shark prowling the waters! Lunch is included aboard the ship, and if you're not keen on snorkeling, then there's an option to see the reef via a fully electric glass-bottom boat.

Today, you will be collected from your accommodation for a full-day tour of the ancient Daintree Rainforest. Your guide will teach you more about the rainforest's ecological history and how the indigenous people of the area have lived symbiotically with it for tens of thousands of years. The tour will continue by 4x4 to the famed Cape Tribulation, where British navigator Captain Cook ran around in his ship, 'HMS Endeavour'.

Today is a free day to explore Port Douglas at your leisure. You might want to wander along Macrossan Street and explore the many boutique galleries and shops, or just relax on Four Mile Beach.

Today, you’ll be transferred back to Cairns Airport for your flight to Melbourne, where a driver will be waiting to take you to your CBD hotel. The afternoon is free to explore the city. You might like to start with a leisurely stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens, a tranquil oasis of lush landscapes and exotic plant species, or visit the National Gallery of Victoria, home to a stunning collection of Australian and international art. As the sun begins to lower, visit the Melbourne Skydeck for panoramic views of the city's skyline and beyond.

Today’s walking tour of central Melbourne will take you through eclectic boutiques and historic laneways, past the vibrant street art that adorns unexpected corners. Alongside a knowledgeable local guide, you’ll discover the stories behind Melbourne's unique urban tapestry, indulge in gourmet treats at quaint cafés, and uncover the city's thriving culture of creativity and design.

Embark on a full-day tour of Melbourne’s southeastern coastline, including the Mornington Peninsula, French Island and Phillip Island. Journeying by 4x4 across the Mornington Peninsula to Western Port Bay, you’ll take a ferry to French Island, known for its stunning scenery and high koala population. Next, you’ll visit Phillip Island, famous for its pretty beaches and local resident penguins. Enjoy a walk along Nobbies Boardwalk before concluding with a VIP guided ranger experience at the Penguin Parade, complete with binoculars and exclusive seating to watch the penguins.

A final morning free to explore Melbourne — we recommend sampling the delights of the Queen Victoria Market before heading back to the airport to catch your onward flight.