Essence of Australia: Sydney, Rock and Reef

Connect with Sydney’s ancient roots on an Aboriginal-led walking tour through The Rocks.
Capture sweeping harbour views, then savour a seafood lunch cruise past Sydney’s iconic landmarks.
Explore the Blue Mountains’ misty valleys, cascading waterfalls and the legendary Three Sisters.
Witness Uluru glow at sunset during the Field of Light experience, followed by an outback dinner.
Cruise the Great Barrier Reef and journey through the Daintree Rainforest where reef meets rainforest.

Days

55 Years of Expertise in Tailor-Made Travel

ExcellentBased on 5,239 Reviews

55 Years of Expertise in Tailor-Made Travel

ExcellentBased on 5,239 Reviews

Trip Features

Epic Scenery

Showcases landscapes that elevate parts of the journey.

Iconic Landmarks

Features renowned sites that capture the essence of each destination.

Near the Beach

Situated conveniently close to coastlines for sun and relaxation.

Epic Scenery

Showcases landscapes that elevate parts of the journey.

Iconic Landmarks

Features renowned sites that capture the essence of each destination.

Near the Beach

Situated conveniently close to coastlines for sun and relaxation.

Trip Itinerary

At a Glance

DAY

Arrive in Sydney

DAY

Full Day Sydney Panoramic Tour and Sydney Harbour Cruise Lunch

DAY

Day at Leisure in Sydney

DAY

Full Day Blue Mountains Experience

DAY

Sydney to Uluru & A Night at Field of Light Experience

DAY

Desert Awakenings & Kata Tjuta Domes Tour

DAY

Uluru to Port Douglas

DAY

Full Day Quicksilver Cruises Outer Barrier Reef Cruise from Port Douglas Marina

DAY

Full Day Cape Tribulation & Daintree Tour

DAY

Day at Leisure in Port Douglas

DAY

Depart from Australia

Travel Itinerary

Trip Starts

Trip Stop

Trip Ends

Detailed Itinerary

DAY

Arrive in Sydney

Be touched by the most ancient human culture on earth in a 90-minute leisurely walkabout with an Aboriginal guide in The Rocks, and journey into DreamTime, the culture of Aboriginal People. The Rocks Dreaming Aboriginal Heritage Tour is 100 percent Aboriginal-owned and was developed by Aboriginal Elder, Margret Campbell, a Dunghutti - Jerrinjah woman. It is led by Aboriginal guides who have her permission to share their cultural knowledge. The tour gives you the opportunity to discover how the ancient Aboriginal DreamTime is still alive within the modern Sydney landscape and how the billion-year-old harbor, marine environment, sandstone strata, waterways, flora and fauna continue to influence how Aboriginal people live today.

Transfer

Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport to Sydney - City Centre

Your Accommodation

ParkRoyal Darling Harbour

You'll always be in the centre of the action at the ParkRoyal Darling Harbour hotel, with a convenient location just minutes away from the city's top sights and attractions. The friendly, well-informed hotel associates at the ParkRoyal Darling Harbour, Sydney are always on hand to share their knowledge of the city's best-kept secrets with you. Explore the neighbourhood and feel the buzz of energy in the bustling Sydney CBD and surrounding areas. Go for a stroll and enjoy the amazing views at Cockle Bay, take in the city's history and culture at The Rocks, or enjoy some retail therapy at Harbourside and Pitt Street Mall. Once you're finished exploring, simply rest and relax in the comfort of the 340 rooms and suites at this premium Sydney hotel.

Duration

4 Night Stay

Meal Plan

Room Only

Day Tour

The Rocks Dreaming Aboriginal Heritage Tour

Show on Map

DAY

Full Day Sydney Panoramic Tour and Sydney Harbour Cruise Lunch

Depart your hotel for an unforgettable Panoramic Sydney half day city sights tour. On tour you will visit the historic Rocks area and hear of early convict history. We continue through the financially focused Central Business District (CBD), and Macquarie Street. Marvel at 19th century sandstone architecture such as NSW Parliament House, Rum Hospital, Hyde Park Barracks and St Mary’s Cathedral. We will continue to Mrs Macquaries Point, to enjoy magnificent views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. We then continue through Sydneys Eastern Suburbs, home to the rich and famous. Travelling along the coves and shores of one of the world’s most impressive harbours, we will take a few stops for photo opportunities, including a panoramic photo of Sydney skyline. You will pass through areas such as Kings Cross, Double Bay, Rose Bay before arriving at Watsons Bay.Time permitting, you may have the option for a short coastal walk with views of the South Pacific Ocean and the entrance to Sydney harbour. Travel on to famous Bondi Beach for a 30-minute stop. Visit the beachfront promenade, put your toes in the sand, enjoy a coffee or cool drink (at own cost). See bronzed Aussie lifesavers and surfers riding the waves of Bondi. Re-board your bus and continue on to Tamarama and Bronte beaches before returning to the city via Centennial Park and Paddington, a trendy district with its elegant terrace houses and boutique shops along Oxford Street. Arrive at Circular Quay for your Sydney Harbour lunch cruise. Departing from the Eastern Pontoon @ 12 noon you will spend 2 relaxing hours discovering the secrets of one of the world’s most famous and spectacular natural harbours including icons such as Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Opera House, Sydney Botanical Gardens and more. We give you a chance to see the city from a new perspective and marvel at the sights that decorate its coastline. Owing to our educated live commentator, you will get to learn something new about Sydney, its history and about each of the sights that you can see from the deck. Included is an expansive fresh buffet including seafood and beverages are also included Your cruise concludes at 2.15pm at Circular quay and on arrival, make your way at leisure back to your hotel. Your cruise includes a full buffet lunch with a mix of hot and cold selections, and fresh seafood, as well as a beverage package.

Day Tour

Sydney Panoramic Tour and Sydney Harbour Cruise Lunch

DAY

Day at Leisure in Sydney

Enjoy the day as you wish. If you would like to arrange an activity, excursion, or other experience, please contact your Goway Destination Specialist.

DAY

Full Day Blue Mountains Experience

The Blue Mountains National Park is one of seven national parks that make up the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. This wonderland of sandstone outcrops, deep ravines and hazy blue eucalypt forests boasts luxury retreats and stunning views. Today your guide will take you off the beaten track to visit remote lookout locations and discuss the history, flora and fauna of this magnificent region. 7:00 - 7:30 AM Depart from the hotel with AEA Luxury Tours. Our first stop of the day is at Calmsley Hill a working farm also home to Kangaroos, Emus, Wombats and Koalas. Enjoy morning tea and time to wander at leisure. From Calmsley Hill we continue to ascend the Blue Mountains via the highway. We will visit one of a range of stunning outlooks of the Jamison Valley seeing beautiful vistas. Where possible this will be away from the crowds of tours that visit the mountains each day with other operators, thus our guests will enjoy a stress and hurry free environment taking in the views and information imparted by their guide. Continuing on we arrive at Eaglehawk Lookout, a remote lookout points away from the crowds for views of the famous 3 Sisters. Whilst the Blue Mountains features so much more than this natural attraction you can't help but admire the unquestionable beauty of this amazing rock formation. The character of the Three Sisters changes throughout the day and throughout the seasons as the sunlight brings out the magnificent colors. Here your guide will discuss the legends behind this famous rock formation and time available for you to take some great photos. We then make our way around the mountain towards the village of Blackheath and our lunch venue the Hydro Majestic. Here in this relaxed venue with stunning views. Here in this relaxed venue with stunning views. We enjoy a 2-course lunch with One NON Alcoholic Beverage Per person. All diets are catered for (excluding Kosher Meals). Additional Beverages can be purchased at your own expense from the Bar. The afternoon is spent visiting a selection of lookouts. Once you clap your eyes on the view from Govetts Leap you'll know why it's one of the most famous lookouts in Australia. The magnificent waterfall drops a whopping 180m to the base of the cliff. If you're not mesmerized by the dancing waves of water spray, you'll be transfixed by the sweeping views down the valley to the Grose Wilderness. We then stop at the delightful Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, where we enjoy the sweeping views across to Sydney before travelling down the Bells Line of Road and its fruit orchard industry. We arrive back at your hotel approximately 4.30 - 5.00pm.

Day Tour

Blue Mountains Deluxe Experience

DAY

Sydney to Uluru & A Night at Field of Light Experience

This exclusive dining experience combines the award-winning "Sounds of Silence" dinner under the outback sky with the once-in-a-lifetime Field of Light art installation. With magnificent views of Uluru at sunset, a three-course bush tucker menu, a premium selection of Australian wines and beers, fascinating star talk and a self-guided walk through the Field of Light art installation, your "A Night at Field of Light" experience is complete. The evening begins with a convenient hotel pick-up and a transfer to the remote desert location with majestic views of Uluru. As the sun sets on the horizon to the music of a didgeridoo, enjoy gourmet canapes and chilled sparkling wine. As darkness falls and the colored lights of the 50,000 glass spheres gently come to life, join your table of fellow travelers for an exceptional three-course menu infused with bush tucker flavors. As the night ignites with countless stars, settle back and listen to our resident star talker decode the southern night sky. The host will provide insights into the art installation that awaits you, before you are invited to immerse yourself in the Field of Light, its pathways glistening softly with rhythms of colored light, beckoning you to explore. After dinner, guests are welcomed back at the dune viewing area to enjoy a sweet treat, hot chocolate or port whilst viewing the illuminated installation in the darkness.

Transfer

Sydney - City Centre to Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport

Transfer

Ayers Rock Airport to Ayers Rock Resort

Your Accommodation

Desert Gardens Hotel

Imagine waking up to a sunrise view of Uluru, blazing red under a sunny Outback sky. Desert Gardens Hotel boasts the only rooms with views of Uluru in Ayers Rock Resort. Perched within an oasis of native gardens, the hotel’s 218 elegant guestrooms provide a relaxing retreat from a day of adventure. Accommodation options are diverse, from deluxe rock view rooms to shady poolside rooms, each located under a canopy of towering gumtrees and garden beds dotted with native shrubs and flowers.

Duration

2 Night Stay

Meal Plan

Room Only

Day Tour

A Night at Field of Light

Show on Map

DAY

Desert Awakenings & Kata Tjuta Domes Tour

Experience the tranquility of the pre-dawn land under a canopy of stars. Watch the amazing transformation of colours and life as the desert awakens with Uluru and Kata Tjuta as your backdrop. In the company of an expert guide, Desert Awakenings is designed to introduce you to the natural and cultural landscapes of this remarkable region. Watch the distant domes of Kata Tjuta come into view and enjoy a traditional Aussie breakfast of bacon and egg rolls, tea, coffee and homemade damper with golden syrup in the open air. After breakfast, the guide will explain the natural history of the region, and as the daylight reveals the myriad of animal tracks in the sand an insight into what activity took place during the night. Once the sun is up, enjoy a guided tour at the base of Uluru. First stop is Kuniya where you will take a short walk to the Mutitjulu waterhole. A visit here will help appreciate its cathedral like proportions and why it is such a powerful and spiritual place for visitors and Anangu (local Aboriginal people) alike. The guide will explain some of the rock paintings and stories from the creation period as told by the Anangu people. Next stop is the Cultural Centre, a vibrant and engaging place of learning where the local lore of the Anangu is explained in detail. Return to your Ayers Rock Resort hotel.

Day Tour

Desert Awakenings

Day Tour

SEIT Kata Tjuta Domes

DAY

Uluru to Port Douglas

Transfer

Ayers Rock Resort to Ayers Rock Airport

Transfer

Your Accommodation

The Peninsula Boutique Hotel Port Douglas

Port Douglas Peninsula Boutique Hotel where tropical luxury awaits… Our Port Douglas accommodation offers a boutique style adults only hotel experience – enjoying an unrivalled beachside location overlooking Four Mile Beach and is the only hotel in Port Douglas with beach and ocean views. 40 metres to the beach and a 2 minute stroll to the heart of Port Douglas with its cosmopolitan boutiques, restaurants and entertainment options.

Duration

4 Night Stay

Meal Plan

Full Breakfast

The Peninsula Boutique Hotel Port Douglas

Show on Map

DAY

Full Day Quicksilver Cruises Outer Barrier Reef Cruise from Port Douglas Marina

For an experience of a lifetime, Quicksilver's wave-piercing catamarans and friendly crew will take you to a reef at the very edge of Australia's Continental Shelf, to an underwater world that is a dazzling kaleidoscope of colour and brilliance. Agincourt Reef is a magnificent ribbon reef, where you can experience firsthand the magic that is the Great Barrier Reef. Choose to dive, snorkel, or stay dry and explore the stunning reef from the comfort of a semi-sub, only one-metre underwater. Watch the fish feeding from a unique underwater viewing platform and underwater observatory, or fly in a helicopter over the reef (at an extra cost). Whichever way you choose; you'll bring home a lifetime of memories from this living natural wonder.

Day Tour

Quicksilver Cruises Outer Barrier Reef Cruise from Port Douglas Marina

DAY

Full Day Cape Tribulation & Daintree Tour

Your tour begins with being met by your friendly accredited guide at your accommodation. After introductions, drive north along the magnificent scenic coastal route learning about the history of the area and admiring spectacular views of the coastline and the Azure waters of the Coral Sea. The first stop is at the Majestic Daintree River for refreshments before enjoying an informative River Cruise. Relax and enjoy the splendour only the Daintree Rainforest can offer as you learn of Estuarine Crocodiles, mangrove forests and endemic wildlife. Next, we make our way up over the Alexandra Range and pause for a panoramic view of World Heritage, Wet Tropics, and Tropical Rainforest merging with the azure colours of the Coral Sea. Your guide will take you on a journey through ancient Daintree Rainforest, whilst giving you an interpretation of flora and fauna. You will have ample time for photographs and questions as we search for the elusive, rare and totally unique Southern Cassowary and other wildlife species. Enjoy lunch in a beautiful rainforest setting with opportunity for an invigorating rainforest swim. For over 50,000 years, Cape Tribulation beach (Kalkajaka) has held immense cultural significance for the local Kuku Yalanji Aboriginal people, while providing modern day visitors the unique opportunity to witness the only place on earth where two World Heritage Listed sites converge - where rainforest meets the reef. The day concludes with a delicious tropical fruit ice-cream followed by a cable ferry crossing back over the Daintree River before returning to your accommodation late afternoon.

Day Tour

Cape Tribulation Daintree from Port Douglas

Day Tour

Cape Tribulation Daintree from Port Douglas

DAY

Day at Leisure in Port Douglas

Enjoy the day as you wish. If you would like to arrange an activity, excursion, or other experience, please contact your Goway Destination Specialist.

DAY

Depart from Australia

Transfer

What to Expect

Explore what moves you.

The Blue Mountains

Sydney Harbour

Take a dip and swim amongst the sea life

The Great Barrier Reef

Know when to go.

Place

Conditions

Daily max temperatureMonthly rainfall

City 185Mostly Sunny

25°C / 77°F

45mm / 1.8"

Weather data is based on monthly averages.

Popularity rating

ExcellentBased on 5,239 Reviews

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I can't tell you enough how much I love to work with Callie. She is a life saver and I love how attentive she is. Every time I give her an itinerary for a client- she really knocks it out of the park with the proposal. If there are any issues- she is on it right away. Her work ethic is outstanding.Michelle Labarca

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I had the pleasure of working with Amelia on a booking for a family of 4 to Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. She executed everything perfectly, was attentive to needs and the family was over the top happy with their vacation. She was quick to answer questions and provide helpful feedback. Highly recommended!Jessie Williams

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We were trying to navigate Swiss Travel Center to book a 10 day train trip through Switzerland. It was exactly what we wanted but navigating their site was extremely difficult for us. Goway Travel picked up on our plight and put us in contact with Jacqueline Fagooli, one of their agents. From there on everything was so smooth. Their efficiency, communication, and thoroughness were beyond our expectations. The trip was fabulous and kudos to Jacqueline and Goway for their help in making it so.Carolyn McCormack

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The destination specialist I've worked with (Kim Rawlings) has provided exceptional service. She is very knowledgeable of her region and everything they have to offer. She is very prompt in her communication and follow-up. She listens and is very attentive to my client's needs and wants. Kim's personality makes one feel like they've known each other for years. If GoWay had a customer service model, Kim is it.T. Jackson, Tribe Trek Travel

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We had a wonderful and amazing two weeks in North-West Scotland. Shoutout to Jacqueline at Goway Toronto and the driver/guides with Rabbie's minibus tours (Stefan and Willie). Well-chosen hotels and no worries with dietary requirements; every detail was taken care of. Thank you! Ben Daube

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Katie was professional, extremely responsive, and very welcoming to work with! We appreciate the recommendations, thoughtful edits, and the expertise. Would definitely recommend Goway travel and working with their team.Parking.com Customer

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Such thoughtful and sincere communication with my advisor Katie! Even though the trip didn’t come into fruition as expected, she still remained committed to adjusting around our itinerary every step of the way. I’m very thankful for the opportunity she gave us as well as just general ideas for the trip.Jenna

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Working with Isabella on a families trip to Ireland! The itinerary was 2 weeks, self drive with many excursions and a family wedding in the middle of it all! She was amazing from start to finish! She answered every question my clients had! She gave the best recommendations! So many details and planning went into this amazing trip! If i could give 10 stars I would! She would call me to make sure everything looked great! Thank you Isabella at Goway! You are the BEST and made this so easy for everyone! ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Christine Amling

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I just returned from escorting 34 people to China with four stops. We had hotels, local guides and extensive daily sightseeing. We had flights and we had high speed rail. There were numerous components that could have gone wrong but did not. I would like to highly recommend local guide Yoyo in Shanghai as well as Kevin in Xian. Two of the best guides I have ever had anywhere in the world. Suzette Castro and her team at the Goway Group Department did an excellent job helping me put this together. I was demanding, they were totally cooperative. It went well. I will be back. Amy Fink, CTC at Blue Ribbon Travel ArrangementsAmy in San Bruno, CA

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Had an extremely great holiday in China and hongkong & Thailand! Quite a few $$$(More than what we had planned, but if you want top luxury and experience - never haggle) Ameet our destination specialist was prompt and professional. He gave us the right suggestions and planned our trip meticulously and without interruptions. Goway 24 x7 customer service is incredible and I would definitely book my next trip with Goway! Angela Warren

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What do the experts say?

Erin Hutchinson

Destination Specialist

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Tasmania is under the radar for many travelers, but it’s great for hikes, natural landscapes and now modern art!

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Erin Hutchinson

Destination Specialist

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Sydney and Melbourne are a great combination for first-time visitors to Australia, with Brisbane, Adelaide and/or the Outback added in, depending on how much time you have. Returnees should take in Perth, Darwin and the Kakadu National Park area and/or Tasmania if they can, plus spend some time in the cities they loved the first time around

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Erin Hutchinson

Destination Specialist

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It might sound cliche, but you really can visit year-round. Australia is a big country, so there is always somewhere with amazing weather!

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Alice Teramoto

Destination Specialist

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Goway’s trips to Australia are not stock itineraries. We can put together trips of a few weeks or a few months, allowing you to see as much of the land Downunder as you can. And we offer a mix of travel options, from self-drives to train journeys to long stays.

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Alice Teramoto

Destination Specialist

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Goway has partnerships with many unique inns and hotels in Australia. Among the most memorable are Qualia on Hamilton Island, Longitude 131 at Uluru and Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island.

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Insider Benefits

Essence of Australia: Sydney, Rock and Reef

Trip Features

Trip Itinerary

At a Glance

Arrive in Sydney

Full Day Sydney Panoramic Tour and Sydney Harbour Cruise Lunch

Day at Leisure in Sydney

Full Day Blue Mountains Experience

Sydney to Uluru & A Night at Field of Light Experience

Desert Awakenings & Kata Tjuta Domes Tour

Uluru to Port Douglas

Full Day Quicksilver Cruises Outer Barrier Reef Cruise from Port Douglas Marina

Full Day Cape Tribulation & Daintree Tour

Day at Leisure in Port Douglas

Depart from Australia

Detailed Itinerary

Arrive in Sydney

Full Day Sydney Panoramic Tour and Sydney Harbour Cruise Lunch

Day at Leisure in Sydney

Full Day Blue Mountains Experience

Sydney to Uluru & A Night at Field of Light Experience

Desert Awakenings & Kata Tjuta Domes Tour

Uluru to Port Douglas

Full Day Quicksilver Cruises Outer Barrier Reef Cruise from Port Douglas Marina

Full Day Cape Tribulation & Daintree Tour

Day at Leisure in Port Douglas

Depart from Australia

Departures

Terms and Conditions

What to Expect

Explore what moves you.

Most Popular Time to Travel

Know when to go.

Our Commitment

Why Travel with Goway?

What do the experts say?

Erin Hutchinson

Erin Hutchinson

Erin Hutchinson

Alice Teramoto

Alice Teramoto

Unlock more by subscribing to our newsletter.