Sydney, Uluru and the Great Barrier Reef
Discover three of Australia’s must-sees in style on this nine-day trip, starting in the fabulous city of Sydney before heading to the Red Centre to see Uluru and a final blissful few days on a remote island surrounded by the Great Barrier Reef.
Trip highlights
- Cruise Sydney's stunning harbour
- Explore the breathtaking Blue Mountains
- Experience the wild beauty of the Outback
- Marvel at the incredible Field of Light art installation
- Snorkel along the Great Barrier Reef
- Witness this wonder from above during a helicopter tour
Bespoke trips with Jacada
We design one-of-a-kind journeys incorporating luxury in all its forms. Our bespoke trips include:
- Luxury accommodation throughout
- Privately guided tours
- Private transfers
- Meticulously selected experiences
- Expertise and support from your Jacada Concierge
Itinerary in detail
Every Jacada trip is tailored to your personal preferences and interests. Below you’ll find a sample itinerary to inspire your own custom-designed journey.
Days 1–4
Welcome to Sydney
The city of Sydney on the east coast of Australia is as idyllic is it appears from its instantly recognisable cityscape. It boasts a rich and intriguing history, famous beaches and iconic landmarks, with a diverse and friendly population, all spread around an elaborate shoreline of Port Jackson’s yacht-filled inlets, bays and rivers. Pubs, markets, modern restaurants, theatres and galleries old and new add an exciting, sophisticated cultural air, while the fine weather and surrounding natural wonders of New South Wales make it a very outdoorsy place, and a great base from which to explore nearby beaches, mountains and national parks.
Where you could stay
Make it mine
Dreamtime journey
On the water
Head for the hills
The Rocks Aboriginal Dreaming tour
Make time to meaningfully connect with the world’s oldest living culture on a leisurely walkabout with an Aboriginal guide in The Rocks, and journey into Dreamtime, the culture of Aboriginal people.
This walkabout will uncover the authentic history of the Aboriginal people’s saltwater heritage within Sydney Harbour, their land and water stewardship and their spiritual connection to the adjoining waterways and foreshores. Your guide will share with you how the place now known as Sydney continues to weave the living Dreamtime story into the modern cosmopolitan environment.
Drawing upon the knowledge of the oldest ecologists, conservationists, wildlife carers, botanists, astronomers, climatologists and marine biologists on the Earth today, your guide will explain how this ancient wisdom continues to reveal itself within the English settlement of The Rocks.
Sydney Harbour Cruise on the Emma Mei
Enjoy sailing through one of the most beautiful harbours in the world aboard the Emma Mei yacht. Your skipper will guide you through Sydney’s intriguing history, explaining all about the city’s waters, luxury homes, leafy parks, beaches and iconic landmarks.
Private Blue Mountains tour
After leaving behind the hustle and bustle of the Sydney, stop at a wildlife park to meet some of Australia’s most iconic wildlife, arriving early to beat the crowds. Continue your journey into the Blue Mountains and walk through spectacular scenery. See the famous ‘three sisters’, take a stroll around Katoomba and visit our pick of the best remote lookouts before lunch.
Days 4–6
Into the Outback
Explore this vast wilderness filled with stories, myths and legends. Golden sunsets illuminate rivers that course through great canyons, arrow-straight road vanish into the heat haze on the horizon, with the immense landscape dotted with national parks and spiritual landmarks, none more recognisable than Uluru, a towering red monolith in the heart of the Northern Territory.
Make it mine
Desert experience
Spiritual morning
'Sounds of Silence' dinner in the desert
The ‘Sounds of Silence’ dinner under the stars is a magical desert experience. Your journey begins on a lone sand dune where a meandering path takes you to an uninterrupted view of this vast landscape. In front of you is the fabled Uluru; behind you are the domes of Kata Tjuta. Enjoy sparkling wine and a selection of canapés as the sun sets. As the stars appear, dine on a barbecue buffet of Australian flavours including barramundi, kangaroo, emu, crocodile and bush salads complemented by some of Australia’s finest wines. Attention then turns to some of the world’s best stargazing, as the resident astronomer takes you on a tour of the spectacular southern night sky.
Kata Tjuta sunrise
Revel in the early morning serenity of a truly spiritual place as the sunrise colours change on Kata Tjuta. Learn about this diverse environment whilst walking between the mighty conglomerate rock walls into Walpa Gorge and hearing how the 36 domes that make up Kata Tjuta have evolved over millions of years. Take time to listen to the wind (Walpa) far above and view the scale of the rock walls that surround you. The spirituality of this amazing location embraces everyone who ventures here.
Days 6–9
Explore the forest
Explore the beautiful surroundings of the Daintree rainforest from the comfort of your riverside lodge. Take a relaxing stroll along the lush riverbank, explore the local area by bike, paddle a canoe or snorkel the Mossman River, join a guided rainforest walk or play tennis. Whichever pursuit you choose, indulge at the end with a relaxing treatment at the spa.
Walking with elders: Discovering Kuku Yalanji country
One of the most meaningful ways to learn about and appreciate the history, culture and traditions of First Nations Australian Aboriginal people is to head out on a tour specially crafted and led by a member of the community. Spend a half or full day exploring Kuku Yalanji country, the only place where two World Heritage Sites meet: the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. As you walk, your guide will share stories with you about the country and the native plants and their food and medicinal uses. While you stop to enjoy some seasonal bush tucker, you’ll gain an even deeper insight into the culture and traditions that have endured in this part of Australia. You will also have the unique privilege of being invited to visit sacred areas like the women’s birthing pool and ochre sites, while learning about the correct cultural protocols and reverence for these spiritual places.
In addition to sharing the First Nations history, songlines and traditions with visitors, these tours directly support the indigenous community, with a focus on the education of youth, nurturing pride in their heritage and the preservation of culture.
Make it mine
Explore the forest
Beneath the surface
View from the top
Daintree Safari
On this full-day tour you’ll visit a variety of different environments including estuary, mangroves, rainforest and beach. The first stop is Mill Walk in Cape Tribulation National Park. Away from the crowds, marvel at the ancient rainforest surrounds and learn about the ecology and fauna from your expert naturalist guide. After a short drive, you will arrive at Myall Beach where a relaxing stroll offers spectacular views of the Cape Tribulation and the Great Dividing Range. Then travel to a private bush camp for a traditional Australian BBQ lunch followed by a revitalising swim in a freshwater swimming hole.
Calypso Great Barrier Reef snorkelling tour
Depart Port Douglas Marina for a day on the Great Barrier Reef. Your skipper will select threes sites according to tidal and weather conditions and during the course of the day you’ll have the opportunity to snorkel on the reef – one of the richest habitats on the planet in terms of its diversity.
Great Barrier Reef helicopter tour
This helicopter flight will let you appreciate its beauty of the Great Barrier Reef from above. Your pilot and guide knows this region well and will share their stories along the way. Highlights include Fitzroy Island, Outer Great Barrier Reef, Michaelmas and Upolo Cay, Palm Cove, Kuranda and Cairns.
Everything about our trip to Australia from start to finish was perfect! I can’t thank Jacada, and specifically, Leanne, enough! She planned an absolutely amazing 2 week itinerary for us and customized the trip based on our preferences. Being able to just enjoy all of the experiences, and not having to worry about the logistics was priceless. I honestly have…
Why book with Jacada
Personalised design
We’ll plan your trip around your personal interests, tastes and preferences, providing honest advice based on first-hand knowledge.
Authentic experiences
Our expert guides and brilliant Concierges are hand-picked for their ability to bring your destination to life with care and passion.
Positive Impact
We seek out unforgettable experiences that benefit both local communities and the environment.
