The below itinerary is only a recommended suggestion; we offer tailor-made personal service and solutions to help you plan your perfect vacation.
Day 1 Arrive Perth
Welcome to Western Australia! Upon arrival, enjoy a private transfer to your hotel in the heart of vibrant downtown Perth. The rest of the day is at your leisure to explore the city’s many parks, beaches, restaurants, and bars.
Day 2 Perth to Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef
Departing Perth this morning, enjoy a 2-hour scheduled flight north along the Indian Ocean to the pristine waters of Ningaloo Reef. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed reef has gained an impressive reputation as one of Earth’s last ocean paradises, and while it’s one of the largest fringing reefs in the world it can be accessed simply by stepping off the beach. It is also lauded as being the best place in the world to swim with whale sharks (March to June) or snorkel with Humpback whales (June to October). Your home for the next 3 nights is Sal Salis, an eco-luxe wilderness camp that combines the experience of camping with luxury comforts. Designed to blend in with the environment, Sal Salis’ spacious wilderness tents sit on raised platforms and offer wonderful views of the natural surrounds and ocean beyond, as well as comfortable beds and an eco-ensuite bathroom.
Days 3 – 4 Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef
The next 2 days are at leisure to experience all that is Sal Salis. Enjoy your morning coffee whilst watching Humpback whales breaching from beyond the coral reef or snorkel straight off the beach to see over 500 species of fish and 250 species of coral. Turtles can be seen daily in front of the camp (go for a snorkel at 'turtle holes') and on land the wildlife experiences are just as amazing with red kangaroo, dingoes, echidnas, emus, and more. Included in your stay at Sal Salis are guided sea kayaking and snorkeling excursions, guided gorge walks, boat cruises on Yardie Creek, wildlife viewing with safari guides and dark sky stargazing. At an additional cost, guests can also go fishing, swimming with whale sharks (April-June) or embark on a marine wildlife cruise. Back at the camp, you’ll enjoy delectable cuisine and a selection of fine Western Australian wines in a stunningly beautiful setting.
Day 5 Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef to Perth
This morning transfer from Sal Salis to the airport, where you’ll fly back to Perth for the night. Your temporary home is at COMO The Treasury, a luxury hotel housed in a 140-year old State Building. Choose to experience the surrounding area’s abundant character or stay in to enjoy two restaurants, a gym and indoor pool. Rooms feature a comfortable king-size bed, handcrafted European furnishings and oversized windows letting in plenty of light.
Day 6 Perth to Sydney
After your flight to Sydney it’s time for some urban adventure. Upon arrival you’ll be transferred to your fabulous hotel in the heart of downtown Sydney, within walking distance to major attractions like the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Circular Quay, Darling Harbour and the Royal Botanic Gardens.
Day 7 Sydney – Today you have the choice of 1 of 6 Tours
1. Shared luxury harbor cruise with progressive lunch at Sydney’s top waterfront restaurants
Late this morning board the Ocean Blue, a 46-foot Riviera luxury motor vessel for a cruise on Sydney Harbour. Enjoy complimentary Australian wines as you cruise along the iconic foreshore, taking in sights of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Opera House, and the bays and coves of the water itself. Start with a light menu at the famous Doyles on the Beach Restaurant in Watsons Bay, then cruise onto Middle Head and into Middle Harbour. Discover the beauty of the harbor and stop at Balmoral for lunch – this world-famous restaurant is in a relaxed luxury space, featuring fresh local ingredients of the seasons while incorporating global culinary influences. Departing Balmoral and cruising past the Spit Bridge, you’ll have your chance to indulge in dessert, cheese and wines before returning to the main harbor where you can stop for a swim if you choose.
2. Shared Seaplane to Cottage Point for lunch
Enjoy a must-do Sydney experience as you fly by seaplane to Cottage Point. Traveling from Rose Bay in Sydney Harbour, you’ll enjoy a series of gorgeous views before arriving in style to the charming Cottage Point Inn. Stepping from the seaplane onto the restaurant’s private dock, you’ll receive a warm welcome from the friendly staff before settling in for lunch. Enjoy superb, modern Australian cuisine on the deck while the water laps gently by, or sit among the cozy, converted boatshed interiors. Your flight back to Rose Bay is equally spectacular and includes a double orbit in front of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge to top off a truly special day.
3. Morning Private Sydney Tour, with afternoon Private Sydney Opera House Tour
On this private comprehensive tour we will take you to Sydney’s iconic sights and gorgeous beaches. Highlights include: Darling Harbour, the Rocks with its historic buildings, Mrs. Mac’s chair for photos of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, Wooloomooloo Bay, Watsons Bay, The Gap and Bondi Beach. Return to the city via Tamarama and Bronte beaches, Centennial Park, Paddington, Darlinghurst and China Town, Darling Harbour and Barangaroo, the newest urban and entertainment area. Wrapping up the first part of the tour, you’ll drive past the restored finger wharves of Walsh Bay and under the Sydney Harbour Bridge, then transferred back to your Sydney accommodation.
Later this afternoon, take the short walk to the Sydney Opera House to meet your guide for an emotional journey inside the modern masterpiece. Discover why Jorn Utzon was an architect of change, and how against a landslide of political and public criticism he created the youngest building ever to be World Heritage listed. You will have a chance to go inside one of the working venues and experience the magic behind the world’s most extraordinary opera, ballet and symphony performances.
4. Let’s Go Surfing Bondi Beach Full Day Best Of Bondi Private Tour
This exclusive tour gives you the opportunity to design your ideal beach day out, enjoying the funky beach vibe bars and urban-style shops that add to Bondi Beach’s appeal. Enjoy a tour of the area and learn a little about the history, then hit the waves for private surf lessons with your very own private guide. This person will double as your local insight for the day, so will be able to work with you from the start of the day to ensure every need is met.
5. Morning Taste of Sydney Walking Tour
Meet your guide at your hotel for a fascinating walking & tasting tour of Sydney. Stopping at one of the country’s oldest pubs in the historic Rocks area, you’ll drink locally-produced craft beers accompanied by some of the best ‘pub grub’ in Sydney. Wander past the Sydney Opera House and through the Botanic Gardens – an oasis of unique Australian flora right in the heart of the city – then venture to Manta Restaurant on the iconic Woolloomooloo Wharf to indulge in champagne, oysters and a Sydney favorite, salt-and-pepper squid. After dining you’ll take a walk up to the ultra-trendy Potts Point for your final stop at Bistro Rex. Here you will enjoy a delicate menu with a French twist and have the chance to meet the Head Chefs and Co-owners to discover their inspiration behind the menu. Your host will walk you back to your hotel after the meal.
6. Half Day Private Walking Arts St & Shops of Surry Hills & Darlinghurst
Surry Hills and Darlinghurst are an essential destination for those who want to know the real Sydney. This tour will usher you into one of Australia’s oldest convict jails, seeking out vintage finds and hidden art galleries that culture hunters will adore. Explore the Sydney precinct with the densest population of cafes, restaurants and creative minds, then enjoy a transfer back to your Sydney accommodation.
Day 8 Day at leisure to explore Sydney
Today is yours to explore sunny, cosmopolitan Sydney at your leisure. Mingle with the locals on famous Bondi Beach and take the scenic walk from Bondi to Bronte Beach. Soak up gorgeous views of the city at Circular Quay and explore the bustling neighborhood of Barangaroo just a short walk away. If you’d like to dig a little deeper into Sydney and discover hidden gems, we recommend a private or small-group tour of the city. We also have a fabulous lunch cruise on Sydney Harbour where you can truly live like a local for the day!
Day 9 Sydney to Uluru (Ayers Rock) with Sunset & Field of Light with 4-course dinner under the stars
Today you’ll say goodbye to Sydney and hello to the Outback! Ayers Rock (or Uluru) sits prominently in the Red Centre and is renowned as the spiritual heart of Australia. Rich in Aboriginal culture, you’ll find that it truly encompasses the beauty of its surroundings, including the luxury tented camp of Longitude 131° – your accommodation for the next 2 nights.
Following your transfer and arrival, enjoy the changing colors reflected over Uluru’s many faces as the sun slips below the horizon, chilled glass and canapé in hand. As darkness falls your four-course dinner awaits, along with matched Australian wines in an exclusive outback setting. Aboriginal performers will mesmerize you and your companions with the movement and songs of their ancient culture, and after dinner Longitude’s resident astronomer will regale you with tales of the Southerly constellations.
Day 10 Longitude 131° complimentary range of activities
Longitude 131° has a complimentary range of activities that are perfect for any mood or moment. Lasting from one to three hours, these activities are your opportunity to engage and connect with the stunning natural wonders and attractions of your surroundings.
Mutitjulu Meander
Venturing to Uluru whilst the morning sun lights up the ancient monolith, meander along the pathway to the peaceful Mutitjulu Waterhole and the sacred site of Kuniya Piti. Along this walk our guides share the Anangu creation story of Kuniya and Liru.
Uluru Sunset
A drive into the dual World Heritage-listed National Park leads to the twilight viewing area where you can take in the sunset over Uluru with a glass in hand. This is the perfect location to capture the changing lights reflected over the rock’s many faces as the sun slips below the vast desert horizon.
Walpa Gorge & Kata Tjuta
This experience heads to Kata Tjuta, which comprises 36 majestic dome-like rock formations. A walk through Walpa Gorge winds its way through the canyon, where sheer rock walls rise obliquely on each side. Discover how eons of weathering and continental upheaval have created today’s landscape, with expert commentary describing the natural history, ecology and indigenous significance of the area. There is a brief photo opportunity at the Kata Tjuta Viewing Area for a longer distance perspective, after which you’ll visit the Cultural Centre where informative and interactive displays provide insight into the spiritual and cultural meanings of the region.
Mala Walk & Kantju Gorge
After arriving at the base of Uluru, go on a gentle walk to learn about the history of the Mala people. Your guide will point out cave paintings and other relevant sites important to both Anangu and the early explorers. Entering Kantju Gorge at dusk while the walls are ablaze from the setting sun, enjoy sunset drinks and canapés alongside idyllic silence and solitude.
Field of Light
For the Field of Light display, Longitude guests will be able to enjoy their own exclusive section between Uluru Sunset and Table 131. Guests will walk uninterrupted along the pathways in the Field of Light, just as the tiny buds are lighting up. By the time you depart, the field will be fully lit!
Table 131
At Table 131, guests can dine on delectable fare while enjoying the wonders of the southern night sky. The restaurant’s fine cuisine fuses modern and indigenous flavors, and your four-course dinner is matched with Australian wines and delivered with exceptional Longitude service. Indigenous performers mesmerize with the movement and songs of their ancient culture, and after dinner, Longitude’s resident astronomer regales guests with tales of the Southerly constellations (subject to weather conditions). In the cool season, a warm fire sparks under the spectacular night sky.
Day 11 Uluru to Bamurru Plains via Darwin
This morning begins with a flight to Darwin as you set off for the unique wilderness of Australia’s Top End. Upon landing, we will transfer you to your private charted scenic flight to Bamurru Plains, a luxury bush camp that will be your home for the next 3 nights. Situated just west of Kakadu National Park on the Mary River floodplains, an astonishing range of birds and wildlife will all be right on your doorstep.
Day 12 - 13 Bamurru Plains
Spend the day exploring your surroundings, reminiscent of Crocodile Dundee and rugged Australian adventures. Your fabulous bush lodge serves as a luxurious retreat between adventures like 4WD safaris and airboat rides through the wetlands.
A day trip to Arnhem Land is included in your stay, perhaps the only area in Australia where Aboriginal culture is still dominant. Follow a local guide to see excellent examples of rock art on Injalak Hill (Long Tom Dreaming) and take a moment to soak up the breathtaking view of the floodplains from the top. By afternoon, explore a remote valley and take in stunning scenery, billabongs, and the lifestyle of the Aboriginal people who have been at home here for over 50,000 years.
Day 14 Bamurru Plains to Lizard Islands via Darwin & Cairns
After breakfast this morning, return to Darwin on your chartered scenic flight and connect with your flight to Cairns. Your trip to Lizard Island calls for another spectacular hour’s flight on your own private aircraft, with sights like Port Douglas, the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation stretching out below. Photo opportunities abound as the rainforest falls to one side and the Great Barrier Reef lies to the other, and as you fly over a mix of blue water and sandy cays, you’ll get your first glimpse of Lizard Island. Perfectly pristine and refreshingly remote, this will be your home for the next 3 nights.
Day 15 - 16 Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef
The northernmost resort island on the Great Barrier Reef, Lizard Island offers unspoiled access to colorful coral gardens, secluded beaches and impressive views from your Oceanview Villa. Enjoy packed picnic lunches at the water’s edge, partake in some of the best diving in the world at nearby Cod Hole, or simply sit back with a good book in the bay alcove of your suite. Sip champagne while the sun sets, indulge in an incredible gastronomic experience or take a catamaran cruise to discover a new sandy cay. At Lizard Island Resort, you’ll feel the stress of daily life melt away into the sand, only to be replaced with relaxation and rejuvenation that lasts.
Day 17 Lizard Island to Cairns
After a wonderful vacation, it’s time to say goodbye to Lizard Island, Australia. We have included a private flight to Cairns Airport to begin your journey home.
