Sydney to Cairns

With its glorious harbour, lavish golden beaches and iconic landmarks, Sydney is Australia's showpiece city. Creative and curious, discover the world-class cuisine, indigenous culture, and irresistible beach life that make Sydney one of the world’s most dynamic, exciting destinations. Sydney’s sparkling harbour is the heart of a richly cultural city. Overlooked by the metallic curves of the masterpiece of an Opera House, and that grand arched harbour bridge. Take it all in from the water, and admire the iconic landmarks, which are set before the city’s gleaming skyline backdrop. If you’re feeling adventurous, take the legendary climb up the smooth curve of the bridge - nicknamed the Coathanger - to soak in the shining city’s spread from a unique perspective. Spread out to tan on one of the world’s most famous stretches of sand - Bondi Beach. Restaurants and bars burble away in the background, while the sun beams down, and surfers curl and leap over pure rollers. Swim in spectacular salty ocean pools, or wander the beautiful Bondi to Coogee coastal walk for more of this sun-gorged stretch of prime coastline. Leaving the thrills of Australia’s largest city behind is surprisingly simple - take to the skies to be flown above skyscrapers and rippling ribbons of waves, out to majestic peaks, sheer cliffs and iconic rock formations - like the Three Sisters of the Blue Mountains. Or, drop in on wildlife sanctuaries caring for the country’s animals - from hopping kangaroos to adorably cute, cuddly koalas.

With its glorious harbour, lavish golden beaches and iconic landmarks, Sydney is Australia's showpiece city. Creative and curious, discover the world-class cuisine, indigenous culture, and irresistible beach life that make Sydney one of the world’s most dynamic, exciting destinations. Sydney’s sparkling harbour is the heart of a richly cultural city. Overlooked by the metallic curves of the masterpiece of an Opera House, and that grand arched harbour bridge. Take it all in from the water, and admire the iconic landmarks, which are set before the city’s gleaming skyline backdrop. If you’re feeling adventurous, take the legendary climb up the smooth curve of the bridge - nicknamed the Coathanger - to soak in the shining city’s spread from a unique perspective. Spread out to tan on one of the world’s most famous stretches of sand - Bondi Beach. Restaurants and bars burble away in the background, while the sun beams down, and surfers curl and leap over pure rollers. Swim in spectacular salty ocean pools, or wander the beautiful Bondi to Coogee coastal walk for more of this sun-gorged stretch of prime coastline. Leaving the thrills of Australia’s largest city behind is surprisingly simple - take to the skies to be flown above skyscrapers and rippling ribbons of waves, out to majestic peaks, sheer cliffs and iconic rock formations - like the Three Sisters of the Blue Mountains. Or, drop in on wildlife sanctuaries caring for the country’s animals - from hopping kangaroos to adorably cute, cuddly koalas.

Once known as the Steel City, today Newcastle is one of Australia’s hippest cities. It’s flanked by the Pacific Ocean and six beaches on its eastern side and a harbor on its west side. Gentrification began when the steel mills closed in 1999. Nowadays the old wharves and warehouses form part of the lively Honeysuckle precinct, which buzzes with hotels, cafés, and restaurants.

Frazer Island is a World Heritage site listed for the diversity and beauty it holds. Despite being a sand island, Fraser has over 100 lakes and the landscape changes constantly as dunes are moved across the island by wind. With over 350 bird species recorded, Fraser Island is also part of an ‘Important Bird Area’ and on the ‘Australian National Heritage’ list. The island can be explored by 4WD coach and kayak. In addition to the natural history, there is a rich Butchulla Aboriginal culture here. The island's most spectacular lake, Lake McKenzie is well suited for a cooling swim and at the historic central station in the heart of the island, it is possible to walk along the banks of the Wanggoolba Creek and become immersed in the peacefulness of the rainforest.



Located beyond the Great Barrier Reef, some 450 kilometres east of Cairns, lie the little known Willis Islets. These three small islands are perhaps some of the least visited places on Earth. That is least visited by humans – the avian and marine population is tremendous. The Islets are home to millions of sea birds, turtles, crabs, eels, and are part of the Coral Sea Commonwealth Marine Reserve due to their unique ecological value. Access to land is provided only via boat under a government issued permit and is very, very limited.

 

Despite the islands’ remote location, the cacophony of bird cries carries on day and night. Among regular inhabitants, birders will spy wedge-tailed shearwaters, sooty terns and common and black noddies. Several species of booby also migrate through the Island and, while not common, sightings of wood sandpipers, and sacred kingfishers and red-tailed tropicbirds have been recorded.

 

The three islands - North Cay (the largest of the three Willis Islets), South Island (also referred to as Willis Island) and Middle Cay provide a safe nesting area for birds, turtles and other wildlife, thus visitors are requested to remain mindful of not disturbing the ecology of the islands. South Island is home to an Australian government weather monitoring station (established in 1921) which is manned year round by three meteorologists in six month shifts. The weather station was all but destroyed by Cyclone Yasi in 2011. The cyclone was so strong (cyclone force 5, with winds up to 185 km an hour) that it actually altered the topography and shape of the island’s coastline.

 


Venture to this remote city on the cusp of the tropics to meet adorable animals explore gorgeous coastal islands and soak up the reliable sun's bronzing glow. Rise to the rosy rock of Castle Hill - the views down over the sparkling coastal setting and islands waiting beyond form an amazing welcome. Located on Queensland's north-east coast the city's bay arcs around Magnetic Island - which lies just a scenic 20-minute ferry ride away. An island sanctuary of beautiful dive sites - set amid vibrant reefs and secluded beach coves - it is one of Townsville's most exquisite natural assets. The island's national park is adorned with wildlife and you can meet more of Australia's famous residents at the family-owned Billabong Sanctuary - which cares for kangaroos crocodiles wallabies and more. Townsville's vast aquarium brings the magic of the region's glittering reefs to land and the largest reef aquarium in the world ensures that even non-divers can enjoy an authentic insight into the colourful life that blossoms offshore. Visit the beaches of lush tropical islands or wander Townsville's pretty seaside streets and The Strand's waterfront - lined with charming 19th-century architecture and plenty of inviting cafes and alfresco eateries. Learn more of North Queensland's indigenous Bindal and Wulgurukaba communities as you witness cultural performances or peruse Townsville's galleries which showcase extraordinary indigenous arts.

To reach Port Douglas is to reach the seductive, stunning heart of tropical North Queensland and its unparalleled natural treasures. Spreading out leisurely along the sparkling coral sea, in-vogue Port Douglas is an in-demand escape, which casually balances indulgence with exhilaration. Enjoying a truly privileged position, the town is cushioned by thick rainforest flowing down to coral-covered seas. Adventures among the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest understandably take the headlines, but there is also culinary splendour to explore. Wander the shaded Macrossan Street beneath towering green palm trees and rich blue sky, while scouting out a bite to eat. The marina bustles with markets, crafty boutiques and sleek vessels, taking wide-eyed divers on the quick journey to the glittering underwater universe of the world’s most spectacular barrier reef. Nearby, the unspoiled Four Mile Beach is every bit as ample as its name suggests. Enjoy a glorious bend of golden sand, lapped by dreamy blue waters. The ancient Daintree rainforest is the oldest on the planet, and Sir David Attenborough’s ‘most extraordinary place on earth'. You’ll soon see why it receives such acclaim. Creeks bustle with saltwater crocodiles, gorges surge through thick canopy, and flightless birds like the Southern Cassowary add to an immense tapestry of unique animal life. There is human heritage to unravel too, and the Kuku Yalanji people share their culture and ancient knowledge of these most extraordinary lands.

Warmly welcoming you to the natural wonders of the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns is a treasure trove of rich tropical beauty and incredible sea life. Swathes of rainforest spread out to the north, where you can soar over the canopy in a cable car, before looking down over narrow channels of water plummeting down gorges and crocodile-filled waterways. The diverse lands of the Atherton Tableland lie to the west, but it's the crystal-clear waters - and life-filled reefs - of Cairns' remarkable underwater world that draws universal adulation. Priding itself as the Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, explore Cairns' constellation of colour, as you dive into the world's largest and most spectacular underwater universe. Cairns is huddled in amongst abundant swathes of rainforests, which give way to glorious crescents of golden beach. Kuranda - with its scenic railway and heritage market stalls - waits to be discovered, cloaked within the depths of the rainforest. Learn of the indigenous people of North Queensland during cultural performances, and hear the throaty reverberations of digeridoos, as you hear eternal stories handed down through time, from generation to generation. Back in Cairns, there's always time for a coffee or a beer, or a feast on fresh oysters with glasses of Cairns' white wines - boldly flavoured with mango and banana notes.