15 Days Australia’s Icons & Islands Escape

Sydney

, Australia

Discover Australia’s most iconic landscapes, from Sydney’s sparkling harbour to Kangaroo Island’s wildlife, Barossa’s vineyards, and the ancient spirit of Uluru. End with island serenity on the Great Barrier Reef.

Overview

This journey through Australia reveals the country’s vast diversity, from vibrant cityscapes to remote wilderness and tropical islands. Beginning in Sydney, travellers can soak up the charm of the harbour city before flying south to Kangaroo Island, where rugged coastlines meet pristine wildlife reserves. Days here are filled with nature encounters and quiet coastal beauty before heading to the Barossa Valley, one of Australia’s most celebrated wine regions, where boutique wineries and gourmet experiences await among rolling vineyards.

From Adelaide, The Ghan transports guests through the heart of the continent, crossing arid plains and red deserts en route to the Northern Territory. The journey continues at Uluru, where luxurious stays at Longitude 131 invite moments of stillness amid the desert’s spiritual landscape. Explore the rich culture and natural power of the Red Centre before flying north to Cairns. A visit to the Daintree Rainforest with Billy Tea Safaris brings the world’s oldest tropical rainforest to life, followed by an unforgettable finale on Lizard Island. Here, the Great Barrier Reef stretches endlessly into the horizon, offering snorkelling, reef exploration, and pure tranquillity.

Inclusions
  • 14 nights accommodation in 5 Star Hotel , Luxury Lodges, & Island Resort
  • Daily breakfast and select meals as per hotel inclusions
  • Private airport and hotel transfers throughout
  • Full-day Daintree Rainforest Tour with Billy Tea Safaris
  • Kangaroo Island day touring included with accommodation
  • The Ghan rail journey from Adelaide to Alice Springs
  • Private charter flight from Alice Springs to Uluru
  • Domestic flight connections between destinations
  • Access to all listed activities at Longitude 131 and Lizard Island Resort
  • Expert local guides and personalised touring
  • All national park and entrance fees
Highlights
  • Stay at Australia’s most exclusive lodges and resorts, including Longitude 131 and Lizard Island
  • Travel aboard The Ghan through the heart of Australia’s desert landscapes
  • Encounter native wildlife on Kangaroo Island with private touring
  • Indulge in fine food and wine in the Barossa Valley’s award-winning vineyards
  • Experience the spiritual majesty of Uluru at sunrise and sunset
  • Wander through ancient rainforests on a Daintree adventure with local guides
  • Snorkel or dive among vibrant coral reefs on the Great Barrier Reef
  • Enjoy seamless travel with private transfers and curated luxury throughout
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Sydney

Arrive in Sydney and enjoy a private transfer to your hotel. Settle into the Shangri La Sydney and take time to relax after your flight or explore nearby Circular Quay and The Rocks, both brimming with harbour charm and history.

Overnight in Sydney
Accommodation: Shangri La Sydney or similar

Day 2: Sydney at Leisure

Spend the day at your own pace exploring Australia’s largest city. Walk along the waterfront, visit the Opera House, or take a ferry across the harbour to Manly or Taronga Zoo for beautiful views of the skyline.

Overnight in Sydney
Accommodation: Shangri La Sydney or similar

Day 3: Journey to Kangaroo Island

Transfer to Sydney Airport for your included flight to Kangaroo Island. On arrival, enjoy a scenic drive to Oceanview Eco Villas and unwind while taking in coastal views and the sounds of nature around you.

Overnight in Kangaroo Island
Accommodation: Oceanview Eco Villas or similar

Day 4: Explore Kangaroo Island

Discover the beauty of Kangaroo Island on a private guided tour. Visit natural landmarks, rugged coastlines, and wildlife habitats where kangaroos, koalas, and sea lions roam freely in pristine surroundings.

Overnight in Kangaroo Island
Accommodation: Oceanview Eco Villas or similar

Day 5: Barossa Valley Indulgence

Fly to Adelaide and transfer by private vehicle to the Barossa Valley, South Australia’s most celebrated wine region. Check into The Louise and enjoy fine food, wine tastings, and peaceful vineyard scenery.


Overnight in Barossa Valley
Accommodation: The Louise or similar

Day 6: Barossa Valley Discovery

Spend the day exploring the Barossa’s cellar doors and charming villages. Visit boutique wineries, sample regional produce, or simply relax among the rolling vineyards before preparing for tomorrow’s rail journey.


Overnight in Barossa Valley
Accommodation: The Louise or similar

Day 7: The Ghan: Adelaide to Alice Springs

Transfer to the rail station and board The Ghan for an unforgettable journey through Australia’s heartland. Watch the landscape shift from fertile valleys to red desert plains during this classic train experience.

Overnight on The Ghan

Day 8: Arrival in Uluru

Arrive in Alice Springs and board a private flight to Uluru. Check into Longitude 131 and take in views of the desert. Evening drinks by the fire offer the perfect introduction to the Red Centre.

Overnight in Uluru
Accommodation: Longitude 131 or similar

Day 9: Uluru and Kata Tjuta

Spend the day joining guided activities arranged by Longitude 131. Watch sunrise and sunset over Uluru, visit the domes of Kata Tjuta, and learn stories from the local Anangu people.

Overnight in Uluru
Accommodation: Longitude 131 or similar

Day 10: More of Uluru

Spend another day immersed in the beauty of the Red Centre. Take part in cultural walks, nature talks, or simply unwind at the lodge. The desert’s stillness offers space for quiet reflection and connection to country.

Overnight in Uluru
Accommodation: Longitude 131 or similar

Day 11: Travel to Cairns

Transfer by air from Uluru to Cairns and check in at the Shangri La Cairns. Relax by the marina or explore the city’s tropical charm. Enjoy the evening with waterfront dining and views across Trinity Inlet.

Overnight in Cairns
Accommodation: Shangri La Cairns or similar

Day 12: Daintree Rainforest Adventure

Today, set out on a full day Daintree Rainforest tour with Billy Tea Safaris. Travel deep into the world’s oldest rainforest, cruise along the Daintree River, and walk beneath towering ancient trees alive with native wildlife.

Overnight in Cairns
Accommodation: Shangri La Cairns or similar

Day 13: Journey to Lizard Island

Fly from Cairns to Lizard Island and transfer privately to your resort. The day is yours to relax, snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, or simply enjoy the island’s pristine beaches and peaceful seclusion.

Overnight in Lizard Island
Accommodation: Lizard Island Resort

Day 14: Lizard Island Leisure

Spend the day at leisure exploring the Great Barrier Reef’s crystal-clear waters. Join a guided snorkelling tour, take a picnic to a secluded cove, or unwind in total island tranquillity.

Overnight in Lizard Island
Accommodation: Lizard Island Resort

Day 15: Departure from Cairns

After breakfast, transfer from Lizard Island to Cairns for your onward flight. Reflect on the journey from city to desert to reef, carrying lasting memories of Australia’s beauty and diversity.

Terms & Conditions

Price & Availability
All bookings are subject to availability at the time of your request. Once we receive your booking enquiry, we’ll confirm availability within 24 hours.
Prices are quoted in Australian Dollars (AUD). If your package includes services priced in other currencies, currency conversion will be processed at midnight (AEST) each day. Please be aware that due to the constantly changing nature of exchange rates and supplier pricing, all package prices are subject to change until full payment is received and booking is confirmed.

Self-Guided Packages – Terms & Conditions
Our Self-Guided Packages are designed for travellers who want the freedom to explore independently, without the hassle of planning every detail. Each package follows a tried-and-tested itinerary that includes a combination of pre-booked services, such as accommodation and transport, and optional group tours or private experiences. You’ll have the flexibility to discover each destination at your own pace, with the confidence of having essential logistics taken care of and access to local support if needed.

Accommodation Flexibility
We understand that every traveller has different needs, so our itineraries offer flexibility in accommodation. You can choose from a range of hotels, from 3-star options to luxury 5-star properties, in most locations. If your first-choice hotel is not available at the time of booking, we will offer you an alternative of similar standard, quality, and location.
Travellers are welcome to customise their accommodation preferences before confirming their booking. If you’re unsure about the best options for your travel style, our team is happy to recommend alternatives.

Booking On Request
All packages are offered on request basis. In most cases, a deposit may be required before we can secure accommodation and services.
Once we receive your deposit and booking enquiry, we aim to confirm your package within 24 hours (longer if weekends or public holidays apply).
If your preferred travel dates are not available, we’ll suggest the closest alternatives or offer a full refund of your deposit.

Dynamic Pricing
Many of our accommodation providers and local suppliers use dynamic pricing models, which means prices fluctuate depending on factors such as demand, travel seasons, and availability.
Our listed “from” prices represent the lowest available rates based on low season travel with full availability. When you request a quote for your preferred travel dates, we’ll provide an accurate, up-to-date price based on availability at the time of quoting.
Prices may vary between the time we provide a quote and when you confirm your booking. Should there be any price differences, we will notify you before final confirmation and payment.

Itinerary Order & Availability
The order of your itinerary, including accommodation, tours, and transport, may be adjusted to secure the best availability and ensure a smooth travel experience. While we strive to follow the proposed itinerary as closely as possible, changes may be necessary, particularly during peak travel periods or when bookings are made close to your departure date.
For bookings made well in advance and outside of peak seasons, itinerary changes are uncommon. Any adjustments will be communicated to you in advance and are made with the aim of maintaining or improving the overall experience.
The final itinerary—including the order of your activities and accommodations—will be confirmed after your booking is secured.

Payment Terms
• A deposit may be required to secure your booking.
• Full payment is due no later than 45 days prior to your scheduled arrival date.
• If additional deposits are required by certain hotels or service providers, we will advise you at the time of confirmation.
• Your booking is not confirmed until full payment is received.
• Payments can be made via direct deposit, credit card, or other approved methods (merchant fees may apply).

Changes & Cancellations
• Your deposit is non-refundable once your booking is confirmed.
• Changes to your booking are permitted up to 45 days prior to departure, subject to availability and supplier approval. Additional fees may apply depending on the nature of the change.
• Cancellations within 45 days of arrival will incur a 100% cancellation fee, unless otherwise stated in your booking confirmation.
• Any rail tickets and flight tickets included in your package are non-refundable once issued and confirmed. These are subject to airline and supplier policies, which may include strict cancellation and amendment terms.
• We recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance at the time of booking to protect against unforeseen changes or cancellations.

Additional Information
• Please review visa requirements, health advice, and local regulations for your chosen destination prior to travel.
• We recommend allowing extra time for processing visas or travel documentation, especially during busy travel seasons.
• Travel insurance is strongly recommended for all bookings to cover unexpected events, including illness, cancellations, or delays.

Price on Application
Trip Summary
● Duration:
15 Days
● Starts: Sydney
● Ends: Cairns
● Trip Type: Private Independent Itinerary
● Accommodation: 5-Star Hotels, Luxury Lodges, and Island Resorts
● Transportation: rivate transfers, The Ghan Rail, Domestic and Charter Flights

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