Australia
Sydney, Queensland & the Great Barrier Reef: A Family Discovery of Australia
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Australia is a firm favourite of ours and over the years we’ve loved exploring every corner of it. Perfect for that much-anticipated family getaway, this 14-night itinerary is crammed full of new discoveries and postcard-worthy adventures. With an abundance of breath-taking landscapes at your fingertips, from the bright lights of Sydney to the white sandy shores of Hamilton Island, this 14-night trip will whisk you round the hidden gems of Australia and it’s must-see coastal locations.
SURF’S UP IN SYDNEY
After touching down in Sydney you will be whisked straight to the Park Hyatt Sydney, your home for the next four nights. With an opera room view and in a prime harbourfront location, settle in and get ready for some exploring. Take a private tour around the Sydney Opera House and marvel at this cultural and architectural masterpiece, home to some of the worlds most celebrated performing arts companies. Next, it’s up in the air with the iconic Sydney Seaplanes; we think a bird’s eye view of all the sights is the best way to see the city. Head back to your hotel and catch some rays at the rooftop pool before another day of adventure begins.
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Each and every Black Tomato trip is tailored exactly to who you are and what you want to do So tell us about yourself and we’ll create something that’s entirely you.
Start PlanningOn your second day, wake up and a driver will be waiting to take you over the iconic Harbour Bridge and on up to explore Sydney’s famous Northern Beaches. Stop by Manly and North Head before winding up the coastline; make sure to look for some of Sydney’s best surfers here. After a light lunch at Barren Joey House, Palm Beach you can step out onto the majestic sandbar at the end of the Peninsula, heading on to the unknown beauty of Pittwater. As you are in the midst of the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, your local guide will fill you in on local Aboriginal history and the culture that thrives within this stunning scenery. Once back in Sydney, you will spend the next few days soaking up the sun and hitting the waves on the famous Bondi Beach, where you will be up and riding like a pro in no time with private surfing lessons.
THE SUNSHINE COAST
After a short hour and a half flight from Sydney you’ll touch down in Brisbane where a private driver will take you to your resting place for the next three nights, Peppers Noosa Resort & Villas, Noosa. Near the heart of Noosa National Park, you can spend the rest of the day strolling along the sandy shores and swimming in the crystal clear waters. Make sure you’re feeling refreshed for your second day, as your private guide will be ready and waiting to take you on a Fraser Island 4×4 adventure.
The world’s greatest sand island has endless places to explore, from the blushing beaches to postcard lakes, why not stop for a picnic along the way? As you drive along the 75-mile Surf Beach (make sure to keep an eye out for dingoes and kangaroos). In the afternoon explore Kauri Forest (the world’s largest sand growing rainforest) before taking a dip in the tranquil waters of Lake McKenzie. Spend the next day exploring the famous Eumundi Markets or just sit back and relax while you take in all the Sunshine Coast has to offer before heading up to Port Douglas.
UNDERWATER WORLD
It’s time to head further North up the coast, just over a two-hour flight to Cairns followed by an hour drive takes you to Port Douglas and your home for the next three nights, the Peninsula Boutique Hotel. Dump your bags as it’s off to the Great Barrier Reefs 2000km collection of colourful coral and underwater life along the Queensland seaboard. Explore from the luxury of Calypso’s custom built boat with everything from diving to snorkelling there’s no excuse not to jump in. Refuel with a tropical buffet lunch then spend the afternoon kicking back in the sun before heading back to rest your head.
Tomorrow, you’ll set off for a private exploration of one the world’s richest biodiversity sites. Full of spectacular beauty, rugged mountains, deep gorges and flowing rivers, the Daintree Rainforest will not disappoint. Catch your breath as you admire the stunning views before discovering one of the magical beaches that adorn the coastline of Cape Tribulation. Head back to the hotel as in the morning it’s off to the last stop of your trip, Hayman Island, the perfect ending to your adventure-filled trip.
Laidback Luxury on Hayman Island
Flying out over the Whitsundays, hop aboard a speedboat to rest your head at the Intercontinental Hayman Island Resort for the last four nights. During the day, explore the azure waters by catamaran, paddle skis or glass bottom kayaks. The perfect spot for spending some quality family time together whilst you enjoy the laid-back Australian lifestyle.