Gems of Australia: Reef & Harbour

This morning, touch down in Cairns, a laid-back beachside city called the gateway to Queensland's tropical north. Cradled between two World Heritage-listed wonders - the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics World Heritage Rainforest - Cairns is the ideal launchpad for a Far North Queensland adventure.

En route to your luxurious accommodation in Port Douglas, you'll stop at the World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics Rainforest, where you will board the Kuranda Skyrail Rainforest Cableway for a once-in-a-lifetime expedition over the Daintree Rainforest's ancient canopy. Known as the world's oldest continually surviving tropical rainforest, this 130-million-year-old ecosystem is a testament to the resilience of nature.

Continue further north to Port Douglas where you can experience the flavors of Far North Queensland during a two-course dinner this evening at your hotel. Stay Two Nights: Oaks Port Douglas Resort (D)

Venture to Mossman Gorge in Daintree National Park for a Ngadiku Dreamtime Walk led by a local Indigenous Australian guide. Follow the well-worn trails of the gorge, passing waterfalls, moss-covered trees and rare plant species towards culturally significant sites while your guide demonstrates traditional plant use, identifies bush food and shares Dreamtime stories.

In the afternoon, embark on a tour of the Great Barrier Reef to the Low Isles. This four-acre coral cay is surrounded by 55 acres of vibrant reef, which you can admire from your glass-bottom boat. Explore the island at your leisure, take a guided snorkeling tour with a marine biologist, swim with turtles, and marvel at the colorful coral gardens. Back on board, enjoy an informative reef talk from your skipper before indulging in a fresh, light lunch. (B/L)

Start your day with a unique dining experience at the Curlew Café. At this special Breakfast with the Birds event, savour delicious breakfast platters brimming with tropical antipasto, baked goods, eggs of the day and more, while enjoying the company of the local wildlife including the resident koala, and colourful birds like parrots, galahs and cockatoos. Afterwards, be transferred to Cairns's airport for your onward flight to Sydney (flight not included), Australia's largest city and the vibrant capital of New South Wales.

Upon arrival, be greeted and transferred to your five-star hotel, the Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park. After ample time to relax and settle in, a delightful dinner awaits at your hotel's sophisticated restaurant, Sydney Common. Stay Two Nights: Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park (B/D)

The best of Sydney awaits with a sightseeing tour that combines the city's rich culture and coastal beauty. After breakfast at your hotel, embark on an insider's tour of Sydney Opera House. Accompanied by a local guide, go ‘beneath the sails' of this legendary performance arts centre to discover the story behind the incredible architecture, the famous performances and the fascinating history of this Australian masterpiece.

Afterwards, board the Manly Ferry at Circular Quay for the 30-minute trip to Manly, the charming beachside suburb famous for its stunning beaches, outdoor cafes and surf shops. The afternoon is yours to take in the coastal views or try the local seafood at one of Manly's renowned beachfront fish and chips eateries (own expense).

Continue to Bondi Beach - one of Australia's most celebrated beaches, loved by both locals and tourists alike. Take in the natural beauty, relaxed coastal living, and crystal-clear waters that define the quintessential Aussie beach experience.

Later, you'll be escorted to Darling Harbour where a super cruiser awaits to whisk you off on an unforgettable Sydney Harbour sunset dinner cruise. As your ship cruises at a leisurely four knots, savor a delicious three-course dinner while passing iconic sights, including the Prime Minister residence at Kirribilli House, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and the world-famous Sydney Opera House. (B/D)

Begin your final morning in Sydney with a relaxed breakfast at your hotel before a transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (B)