The below itinerary is only a suggestion, we offer tailor-made personal service and solutions to help you plan your perfect vacation.
Day 1 Arrive Melbourne
Welcome to Melbourne! Upon arrival you will be transferred to your fabulous hotel in downtown Melbourne, leaving the rest of the day free to explore the city’s laneways, coffee shops, hidden bars and covert boutiques.
Day 2 Melbourne – Today you have the choice of one of two half day tours
1. Half Day Lanes & Arcades Including Lunch
Walk through Melbourne’s beautiful back streets and laneways this morning to get acquainted with the local lifestyle. Discover independent designers and specialty retailers, some quirky cafes and thought-provoking street art. There’s truly something for everyone in this city, and you can see over 30 stores in this one casual stroll. Stop for an hour to enjoy lunch with a glass of wine, then pop into all the stores that caught your eye earlier.
2. Queen Victoria Markets and Local Flavors Tour including lunch
This tour begins with a trip to the iconic Queen Victoria Market, ideal for strolling through food stalls and people watching the locals. Next, you’ll continue to Lygon Street, a neighborhood known as the city’s Little Italy and a local favorite for Melburnians. Here you’ll discover the food, history, people and culture of the area through a food tour of Melbourne’s biggest market, complete with stories, samples, tastings and time to explore. Savor a delicious and wholesome lunch with a drink, then discover hidden historical buildings, skeleton boutiques and the very best of local businesses.
Day 3 Melbourne to Uluru (Ayers Rock) with Sunset & Field of Light with four-course dinner under the stars
Today you’ll say goodbye to Melbourne 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 4 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 as the morning sun first hits the rock, meander along a 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. Our 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 5 Uluru to Cairns
This morning take time to enjoy one last inspiring Uluru sunrise out on your private balcony. There’s time for a morning stroll, breakfast & lunch before your adventure continues with a flight to Cairns. Upon arrival you will be transferred to your fabulous hotel, Bailey, in the heart of downtown Cairns.
Day 6 Cairns to Hamilton Island
After a good night's sleep, we transfer you back to the airport to catch your flight to Hamilton Island. An exclusive destination in the Whitsunday Islands, this is one of the most pristine places in the Great Barrier Reef, and Qualia Resort is a unique Australian expression of world-class luxury.
Day 7 - 8 Explore the Great Barrier Reef
Enjoy the stunning Whitsundays and the Great Barrier Reef from the air and the water. Beginning with a flight over turquoise seas and palm-fringed shores, you’ll arrive at Hardy Lagoon and transfer onto the Coral Gardens Explorer with a select few other guests. This glass bottom boat allows you to see everything that’s going on beneath you, and you’ll spend approximately 2 hours touring and snorkeling if you wish. At the end of your cruise, board the seaplane once again for your scenic flight over Heart Reef back to Hamilton Island.
Day 9 Hamilton Island to Sydney
Your adventure continues today as you fly south to Sydney. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in the heart of downtown Sydney, within walking distance to all the major attractions like the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Circular Quay, Darling Harbour, and the Royal Botanical Gardens.
Day 10 Sydney – Today you have the choice of one of six 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 11 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 12 Depart Sydney
After a wonderful vacation, it’s time to say goodbye to Sydney, Australia. We have included a private transfer to the airport to begin your journey home.
