Australia In Luxury

Itinerary

• Australia

  Australia is the world's smallest continent, and includes Tasmania and other islands. Prior to European settlement in the late 1700s and early 1800s, the Australian mainland was inhabited by around 250 individual nations of indigenous Australians for around 40,000 years. After sporadic visits by fishermen from the north and then European discovery by Dutch explorers in 1606, the eastern half of Australia was later claimed by the British in 1770 and initially settled through penal transportation to the colony of New South Wales. As the population grew and new areas were explored, another five largely self-governing Crown Colonies were established during the 19th century. On 1 January 1901, the six colonies became a federation, and the Commonwealth of Australia was formed. \There are iconic sights "down under" that find their way on most itineraries; Sydney (Opera House, Harbour Bridge), Ayers Rock, the Great Barrier Reef, Melbourne. Other gems include the wild nature of Tasmania, vineyards of Hunter Valley, surfing on the Gold Coast, Adelaide, Darwin ... and more.

• Ayers Rock

  Uluru, also referred to as Ayers Rock, is a large sandstone rock formation in the southern part of the Northern Territory, central Australia. It lies 335 km (208 mi) south west of the nearest large town, Alice Springs; 450 km (280 mi) by road. Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) and Uluru are the two major features of the Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park. Uluru is sacred to the Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara, the Aboriginal people of the area. It has many springs, waterholes, rock caves and ancient paintings. Uluru is listed as a World Heritage Site.

• Cairns

  The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef system, composed of over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands stretching for 2,600 kilometres (1,600 mi) over an area of approximately 344,400 square kilometres (133,000 sq mi). The reef is located in the Coral Sea, off the coast of Queensland in northeast Australia. This reef structure is composed of and built by billions of tiny organisms, known as coral polyps. The Great Barrier Reef supports a wide diversity of life, and was selected as a World Heritage Site in 1981.

• Daintree

  Daintree settlement in North Queensland, located 111 kilometres north of Cairns and 56 kilometres from Port Douglas, Queensland. The McDowell Ranges are near the town while the Daintree River flows nearby. It takes its name from Richard Daintree, a pioneering geologist of British origin in North Queensland in the 1860's.

• Lizard Island

  Lizard Island is a national park on the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland (Australia), 1624 km northwest of Brisbane and part of the Lizard Island Group that also includes Palfrey Island.

• Sydney

  Sydney is the most populous city in Australia, with a metropolitan area population of approximately 4.28 million. It is the state capital of New South Wales, and the site of the first British colony in Australia, established in 1788 at Sydney Cove by Arthur Phillip, leader of the First Fleet from Britain. Located on Australia's south-east coast, the city is built around Port Jackson, which includes Sydney Harbour, leading to the city's nickname, "the Harbour City". It is noted for the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, and its beaches. The metropolitan area is surrounded by national parks, and contains many bays, rivers and inlets.

• • Sydney
  • Four Seasons

  Day 1: Sydney

  Private transfer from Sydney airport to the city/hotel, or vice versa.

  Upon check in at your hotel you will be provided with your welcome package. In the package you will receive a welcome letter, detailed itinerary, vouchers for each service, supplier contact list as well as various brochures of the destinations you will be visiting.

  Accommodation: Four Seasons

  The Four Seasons (5*) is stunningly situated overlooking Sydney Harbour in the historic Rocks district, a short walk from the city's shopping and business centres. The hotel is vibrant and elegant, with dramatic harbourfront views and a luxurious day spa featuring exclusive skincare and aromatherapy treatments. 531 rooms and suites are elegantly decorated in luxurious, contemporary style. World-famous iconic views of Sydney, from the guest rooms includes sunrise over the Royal Botanic Gardens and Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Darling Harbour and beyond.

• • View of Sydney Opera House
  • The Rocks Market area at Night

  Day 2: Sydney

  Enjoy a half day private sightseeing tour in the company of a vehicle, driver and Expert Guide capturing the history of Sydney, stunning architecture, spectacular harbour views and the world famous Bondi Beach. Pass through the historical Rocks area and Circular Quay as you learn about the history and significance of the area. View the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge from Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, a chair specially designed for the governor’s wife to look out over the harbour. Travel through Chinatown, Darling Harbour, and the nightlife district of Kings Cross. Travel via Watson Bay and stop at “The Gap”, for fantastic views and photo opportunities before arriving at world famous Bondi Beach. Return to the city, passing the exclusive suburbs of Double Bay and Rose Bay.

  There are so many things to do in Sydney it may be hard deciding what to choose. We would recommend some of the following attractions: Sydney Aquarium, Sydney Tower + Oz Trek, and the Art Gallery of New South Wales which also houses an Aboriginal Art exhibition. You can also choose to take a half day city sights tour, a one hour Majestic Harbour Cruise (which operates daily at 10:30 or 15:00) or the Sydney Opera House Essential Tour (1 hr, operates daily between 09:00 and 17:00). All are included in the SmartVisit free pass card. Ask your Travel Consultant if you would like to purchase this card.

  The Waterfront Restaurant is easily accessible from the CBD and is only 5-10 minutes walk from most major city hotels. The restaurant has spectacular views across Sydney Harbour and the Opera House the Waterfront. Specialising in the finest and freshest of Australian seafood you can dine outside on the terrace or in the newly renovated inside areas.

  Accommodation: Four Seasons
• • Ayers Rock
  • Longitude 131° (5*)

  Day 3: Sydney - Ayers Rock

  Private transfer from Sydney airport to the city/hotel, or vice versa.

  Take your flight from Sydney to Ayers Rock today. The flight duration is approximately 3.5 hrs.

  Longitude 131 will arrange transportation to escort you between the airport and property.

  After arriving at Longitude 131° and settling in, meet in the Dune House for a 3pm departure to the Cultural Centre where you will learn the cultural and spiritual meanings of Uluru & Kata Tjuta. Afterwards you will travel to Uluru, where we will take a short walk into Kantju Gorge. On arrival at the gorge we will serve refreshments 'inside' Uluru and watch the sunset. You will return to Longitude 131° at approximately 7.15pm.

  On your return, relax in the Dune House over pre-dinner drinks and canapés before enjoying a gourmet dinner with your fellow travellers or for a special occasion a private dinner by the pool or on the Dune Top.

  Accommodation: Longitude 131° (5*)

  Luxurious, eco-sensitive and romantic, Longitude 131° (5*) offers immersion in the wilderness of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. This award-winning luxury wilderness camp in Australia's Red Centre has achieved new heights in ecotourism the world over. Longitude 131° is a deluxe camping experience like no other and set atop an isolated sand dune close to the border of the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. In the crisp, white linen of a king-sized bed guest find the serene, silent sleep of the desert. Guests awake to their own private view of the amazing sun rising over Uluru (Ayers Rock).

• • Walpa Gorge

  Day 4: Ayers Rock

  Depart Longitude 131° at 6am bound for Kata Tjuta. Upon arrival you will begin your journey with a guided tour of Walpa Gorge, where the natural history of Kata Tjuta is explained in great detail, learning how eons of weathering and continental upheaval have created what is seen today. You will return to Longitude 131° at approximately 10am.

  Spend your afternoon at leisure or take the opportunity to enjoy any of our optional tours, such as a camel ride, Harley ride or helicopter tour over Uluru and Kata Tjuta.

  Enjoy sunset drinks and canapés on the Dune Top from 6pm. You will then be transferred to our outdoor dining venue, where you'll have an unforgettable dining experience under the stars. Return to the Dune House for complimentary after dinner drinks.

  Accommodation: Longitude 131° (5*)
• • Daintree
  • Silky Oaks Lodge

  Day 5: Ayers Rock - Cairns - Daintree

  Depart the Dune House at 6am for Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park to view the sun rising over Uluru. You'll then continue to the Mutitjulu Waterhole to view cave paintings and hear of the Kuniya/Liru Tjukurpa story. You will return to the Dune House at 9.15am for a well-earned continental buffet and a la carte cooked breakfast.

  Longitude 131 will arrange transportation to escort you between the airport and property.

  Take your flight from Ayers Rock to Cairns today. The flight duration is approximately 2.5 hrs.

  Transfer between Cairns airport and Mossman with private vehicle and driver.

  Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.

  Accommodation: Silky Oaks Lodge (4.5*)

  Nestled on the edge of the Mossman Gorge in the Daintree Rainforest, Silky Oaks Lodge(4*)is the Daintree's ultimate resort where this rare wilderness can be enjoyed in elegance and ease. The Lodge itself overlooks the Mossman River and is a perfect base to explore the Tropical North Queensland region. With Port Douglas only 20 minutes away, the morning drop off and afternoon pick ups provide opportunities to explore the many boutiques, restaurants and shops of this coastal town. Guest can cruise along the Daintree River and visit the Great Barrier Reef or Cape Tribulation. It's all within easy reach of Silky Oaks.

• • Bloomfield Falls

  Day 6: Daintree

  Experience the famous Bloomfield Track by 4WD along with fellow travellers and your expert naturalist guide. Venture into the rainforest by cruise through the mangroves, explore the remote beaches and visit Bloomfield Falls by foot on a Aboriginal guided walk.

  Accommodation: Silky Oaks Lodge (4.5*)
• • Daintree National Park

  Day 7: Daintree

  Enjoy a day at leisure to explore the beautiful surroundings in Daintree National Park. The sheer number of individual trees can bewilder - with counts of over 1000 per hectare, excluding saplings under 10cm diametre. Over 800 different species of trees have been identified here, with a substantial number only found in this area. The tropical rainforest is unquestionably the most significant plant community on earth. At least 90 species of the exquisite orchid family are found in Queenslands wet tropics, nearly half of these cannot be found anywhere else. The Daintree is famous for its beautiful fan palms. Unquestionably, the most handsome of all palms, its huge, near-circular pleated fronds intensify the tropic jungle feel. However, the area supports a further fifteen varieties of palms, all endemic to Australia. They include black palm, oriana, and the wait-a-while climbing palm.

  Accommodation: Silky Oaks Lodge (4.5*)
• • Lizard Island
  • Lizard Island Resort

  Day 8: Daintree - Cairns - Lizard Island

  You will be picked up from your Daintree lodging by private car and driver and taken to Cairns City or Cairns airport.

  Hinterland flights do not have flight numbers. Upon arrival into Cairns airport, proceed to Sun Palm tour desk where you will board your transfer to the Hinterland Terminal to catch your flight to Lizard Island.

  Accommodation: Lizard Island Resort (5*)

  Lizard Island is a truly unique destination. This tranquil Queensland Island resort is located right on the spectacular Great Barrier Reef  and boasts its own beautiful fringing reefs and 24 powdery white beaches. Lizard Island is an award winning Great Barrier Reef resort, winning a host of prestigious national and international awards for excellence. Sensational diving opportunities abound, including the famous Cod Hole and the island is only a 50-minute boat ride to the legendary Outer Great Barrier Reef. The Ribbon Reefs near Lizard Island are also renowned for some of the best big game fishing in the world. Snorkellers are rewarded for little effort with coral gardens, brightly coloured tropical fish and giant clams just moments from the island's beaches. Discover secluded, pristine beaches by foot or by motorised dinghy with a gourmet picnic just for two.

• Day 9: Lizard Island

  Accommodation: Lizard Island Resort (5*)

• Day 10: Lizard Island

  Accommodation: Lizard Island Resort (5*)
• • Great Barrier Reef

  Day 11: Lizard Island - Cairns

  Hinterland flights do not have flight numbers. Upon arrival at Lizard Island airport, proceed to Sun Palm tour desk where you will board your transfer to the Hinterland Terminal to catch your flight to Cairns.

  Accommodation: Depart

  Depart from Cairns international airport - end of itinerary.

Accommodation

• Collectibles

  Australia is famous for its marsupial species that include kangaroos, wombats, wallabies, Tasmanian devils and of course the cuddly koalas. These bear-like animals are found in South Eastern Australia and were given the name "koala" by Aboriginals, a word that means "no drink". The Koala obtains enough moisture from the eucalyptus leaves that it feeds on, a plant that would be indigestible to most other life forms.

• Culinary Delights

  There is much more to Australian barbeques than shrimp. Northern Territory barbeques feature indigenous fare like barramundi, kangaroo, emu, ostrich as well as chicken and lamb grilled on the barbecue with oil and seasoning. Of course an outback barbeque is never complete without billy tea at the end. This is simply tea boiled in a tin container known as a "billy".

• Historic Moment

  The Australian "Slouch" hat, or "Digger" hat, is nearly as old as the Australian fighting man. Originating in the army, it traditionally has a leather chin strap made from rabbit-fur felt or wool felt, and is turned up on the side (originally perhaps to keep out of the way of a lance or rifle). It also helps stay clear of that scorching outback sun!

• Four Seasons

  The Four Seasons (5*) is stunningly situated overlooking Sydney Harbour in the historic Rocks district, a short walk from the city's shopping and business centres. The hotel is vibrant and elegant, with dramatic harbourfront views and a luxurious day spa featuring exclusive skincare and aromatherapy treatments. 531 rooms and suites are elegantly decorated in luxurious, contemporary style. World-famous iconic views of Sydney, from the guest rooms includes sunrise over the Royal Botanic Gardens and Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Darling Harbour and beyond.

  • More information
• • Longitude 131° (5*)

  Longitude 131° (5*)

  Luxurious, eco-sensitive and romantic, Longitude 131° (5*) offers immersion in the wilderness of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. This award-winning luxury wilderness camp in Australia's Red Centre has achieved new heights in ecotourism the world over. Longitude 131° is a deluxe camping experience like no other and set atop an isolated sand dune close to the border of the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. In the crisp, white linen of a king-sized bed guest find the serene, silent sleep of the desert. Guests awake to their own private view of the amazing sun rising over Uluru (Ayers Rock).

  • More information
• • Silky Oaks Lodge

  Silky Oaks Lodge (4.5*)

  Nestled on the edge of the Mossman Gorge in the Daintree Rainforest, Silky Oaks Lodge(4*)is the Daintree's ultimate resort where this rare wilderness can be enjoyed in elegance and ease. The Lodge itself overlooks the Mossman River and is a perfect base to explore the Tropical North Queensland region. With Port Douglas only 20 minutes away, the morning drop off and afternoon pick ups provide opportunities to explore the many boutiques, restaurants and shops of this coastal town. Guest can cruise along the Daintree River and visit the Great Barrier Reef or Cape Tribulation. It's all within easy reach of Silky Oaks.

  • More information
• • The Pavillion
  • Lizard Island Resort

  Lizard Island Resort (5*)

  Lizard Island is a truly unique destination. This tranquil Queensland Island resort is located right on the spectacular Great Barrier Reef  and boasts its own beautiful fringing reefs and 24 powdery white beaches. Lizard Island is an award winning Great Barrier Reef resort, winning a host of prestigious national and international awards for excellence. Sensational diving opportunities abound, including the famous Cod Hole and the island is only a 50-minute boat ride to the legendary Outer Great Barrier Reef. The Ribbon Reefs near Lizard Island are also renowned for some of the best big game fishing in the world. Snorkellers are rewarded for little effort with coral gardens, brightly coloured tropical fish and giant clams just moments from the island's beaches. Discover secluded, pristine beaches by foot or by motorised dinghy with a gourmet picnic just for two.

  • More information

The Fine Print

• Trip Operator

  Horizon & Co. (founded in 1963), is a privately-owned leading boutique travel company. Horizon designs and stages authentic and deeply personal travel experiences that are carefully choreographed to induce a life-long memory. In addition to offering published trips on seven continents, Horizon builds private custom trips for discerning individuals and small groups.

• Contact Information

  Horizon & Co.
  Tel: 1-800-387-2977
  Email: admin@horizon-co.com
  Web: www.horizon-co.com

• What's Included:

  • Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services

• What's not Included:

  • International and Internal Flights - Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance

• Trip Terms & Conditions

  • Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
  • Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
  • Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
  • Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
  • Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
  • Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.horizon-co.com/terms-and-conditions
  • Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.

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