Cruise out to the Great Barrier Reef and dip your toes in, returning to Cairns in style via helicopter

Reef Cruise, Snorkel and Helicopter Flight with Down Under Cruise & Dive

Cruise onboard luxury superyacht, Evolution, to the Outer Great Barrier Reef from Cairns. Over 4 and a half hours of reef time, you will visit two exclusive reef sites, providing plenty of time to snorkel, relax and sunbathe on one of Evolution's three spacious deck levels.
Snorkel or join a Semi-Submersible tour with live commentary from a marine expert or take advantage of Evolution’s extensive lounging areas to simply relax or soak up some tropical sun. Your day includes a delicious freshly cooked Aussie BBQ lunch consisting of fish, steak, a variety of salads and tasty ocean prawns. On the return trip to Cairns, you will board a helicopter, where your highly skilled pilot will share their local knowledge of the region while on the lookout for Turtles, Dolphins, Manta Rays, large schools of pelagic fish and even majestic Humpback Whales (Jul-Sep).

Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is one of the 7 natural wonders of the world, a World Heritage listed reef system comprising over 3000 individual reefs. This hugely biodiverse ecosystem is home to an abundance of marine life, coral cays and tropical islands surrounded by sun-drenched golden beaches. It has become one of the most highly sought after tourist destinations in the world, so there is no shortage of activities available to help you explore the stunning area, including snorkelling, diving, scenic flights, cruises and whale watching voyages. The Great Barrier Reef is usually accessed via the main ports of Airlie Beach in the Whitsundays and the tropical city of Cairns, although the coast of Far North Queensland harbours many other beautiful towns that provide tours to the reef.

Accommodation - Pacific Hotel Cairns

Located on the Esplanade overlooking Trinity Harbour, Pacific Hotel Cairns offers stunning views from private balconies and easy access to the nearby Reef Fleet Terminal, shopping precinct and Esplanade Lagoon.

Meals included: Breakfast

Explore Cairns and take in the surrounding rainforest beauty

Explore Cairns - Free Day

Cairns is known as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, and Queensland's tropical north. It is a laid-back town with a relaxed way of life, ideal for people who enjoy the outdoors and tropical nature. Have a stroll along Cairns esplanade, discover open-air markets, and grab a coffee in one of the brilliant al fresco cafes. After that, you can cool off in the sparkling Esplanade Lagoon. This saltwater pool is lined with parks, shady banyan trees, boardwalks, and barbeques. If you feel active and energised, you can join free outdoor exercise classes, such as yoga, zumba, pilates, or beach volleyball, held six mornings a week along the Esplanade. In the afternoon, you can visit Cairns Botanic Gardens, with their spectacular plant collection. The gardens feature rainforest vegetation and many interesting species of flowers. You can bring your own snacks for the picnic or grab a snack in the cafeteria. You should also explore the Cairns Aquarium, which is dedicated to local species and habitats, with over 16,000 specimens on display. It is home to incredible sea creatures, from sharks to snakes. In the evening, enjoy fresh seafood in one of the gourmet restaurants or a refreshing cocktail i a waterfront bar with its amazing ocean views and great vibes.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Wildlife Experience with Kuranda Scenic Railway

Experience this scenic journey on the Kuranda Scenic Railway to the 'village in the rainforest'. Your day begins in Cairns as you board the train for a morning departure. Travel through unsurpassed views of World Heritage-listed rainforest and waterfalls, including Stoney Creek Falls and the breathtaking Barron Gorge. You will wind your way through 15 tunnels and over 37 bridges on your journey before reaching Kuranda, where you will have several hours to explore the village. Visit the award-winning attractions Birdworld, Kuranda Koala Gardens and the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary. In the afternoon you will board the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway for a journey up and over the rainforest canopy, back to the Skyrail terminal where you will be transported back to the Cairns railway station.

Accommodation - Pacific Hotel Cairns

Located on the Esplanade overlooking Trinity Harbour, Pacific Hotel Cairns offers stunning views from private balconies and easy access to the nearby Reef Fleet Terminal, shopping precinct and Esplanade Lagoon.

Fly from Cairns to the always buzzing city of Sydney

Private transfer from accommodation to Cairns Airport

You will be picked up from your Cairns accommodation and taken to the Cairns Airport.

Domestic Flight - Cairns to Sydney

This cost for this flight is additional to your tour, we can book this flight for you.

Private transfer Sydney Airport to your accommodation

On arrival, you will be met by a private driver outside baggage carousel and delivered to your Sydney accommodation.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Sydney & The Rocks Historic Walking Tour with The Rocks Walking Tours

There is no better way to get up close and personal with the living history and heritage of Sydney than on foot with Sydney’s most experienced tour guides on a 90-minute leisurely walk around Sydney’s historic Rocks district. Hear the story of Sydney from the beginning as you stroll along the shoreline of sparkling Sydney Harbour with views of the Sydney Opera House, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, past Campbell’s Cove, and Cadman’s Cottage. Wander down hidden alleyways, into shady courtyards, and along cobbled lanes. Discover the nooks and crannies and get up close and personal with the living history and heritage of Australia’s first British settlement.
Be amazed by stories of the First Fleet 1788, Nurses Walk, the Rum Rebellion 1808, Suez Canal, the Argyle Cut 1840, the plague 1900, the Sydney Harbour Bridge 1920s, the diabolical 1970s plan to demolish The Rocks, and the green bans that saved it. And of course, hear of the characters and rogues who called it home. Today, The Rocks is renowned for having the oldest streets in Sydney which are dotted with beautifully restored nineteenth-century buildings.

Accommodation - Vibe Hotel Darling Harbour

Zen is a state of mind, and you’ll find yours at Vibe Hotel Sydney Darling Harbour. This property offers guests a new side to Sydney, one that celebrates an eclectic blend of hole-in-the-wall restaurants and world-class sites in close proximity.

Meals included: Breakfast

Today you can explore the iconic Sydney sights and get to know this lively city

Explore Sydney

Often mistaken as Australia's capital city, Sydney is a vibrant coastal city with plenty to see and do. Starting in Circular Quay you will catch your first views of the two big icons, Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. From here you can catch one of the quintessential harbour ferries over to Manly Beach or Taronga Zoo, catching a glimpse of Kirribilli House, the Prime Minister's official Sydney residence, on the way over. Kirribilli is also home to one of Sydney's oldest markets at the Kirribilli Neighbourhood Centre twice a month. It is known for its stalls of vintage clothing, arts, delicious street food and its lively community atmosphere - so if you are in town on a market day, you can't miss it. For a relaxing end to your day of exploration, your dinner options are aplenty. From high-end restaurants around Circular Quay that offer amazing views, to the Chinatown food courts and a broad range of eateries at Barangaroo, you will be spoiled for choice.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Sydney Opera House Tour

Step inside an iconic landmark. The Sydney Opera House is one of the world’s most recognisable landmarks and this is your chance to truly get up-close. Run your hands over the world-famous shell tiles, take a seat in the elegant custom-made white birch timber chairs and marvel at the vaulted ceilings. Visit areas off-limits to the public and capture photographs from rare vantage points. Watch unforgettable moments from past Concert Hall performances, learning about the history and future of this world-famous hall in an immersive digital experience. Experience the future within a  purpose-built venue that boasts heritage-inspired interiors, and state-of-the-art technology, including 270-degree visuals and surround sound.
From the jaw-dropping sweep of the sails to our soaring cathedral interiors, it is impossible to complete a tour of the Sydney Opera House without being compelled to look up.

The Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney - suggested activity

Located on the lands of the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation, the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney stands as Australia's oldest scientific institution and one of the earliest botanic gardens in the Southern Hemisphere. Positioned on the historic site of first contact between the Eora and Europeans, this lush garden is nestled between Circular Quay, the Sydney Opera House, and the Art Gallery of New South Wales, offering breathtaking views over Sydney Harbour.
The garden is home to thousands of plant species and a diverse array of wildlife, including vibrant birds, fruit bats, and water dragons. Visitors can explore various themed areas, such as the Cadi Jam Ora: First Encounters Garden, which shares the story of the Gadigal people through indigenous plants and interpretive displays. Another highlight is The Calyx, a cutting-edge horticultural display center that hosts ever-changing exhibitions focused on botany and environmental awareness.
For those seeking relaxation, the garden’s café and restaurant offer delightful dining experiences with stunning vistas, providing the perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploration.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Summit with Bridgeclimb Sydney

Experience the breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of Sydney, whilst scaling the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge on BridgeClimb’s original Climb experience. Feel on top of the world as you journey along the upper arch to the peak of an Australian icon, soaking in the stories from your expert Climb Leader and the sights of the Harbour and the City skyline that surround you.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Evening Dinner Cruise with Guaranteed Window Seating on Sydney Harbour

Sydney harbour is like a sunset painting in progress. The aquamarine colours of Summer give way to the warm orange hues of Autumn before deepening to a magical Winter twilight blue. Year-round, sun-up or sun-down and everything in between, the colours of Sydney Harbour will welcome you onboard the evening Dinner Cruise. This is the perfect start to an evening or stunning end to an amazing day in the greatest city in the world.

Accommodation - Vibe Hotel Darling Harbour

Zen is a state of mind, and you’ll find yours at Vibe Hotel Sydney Darling Harbour. This property offers guests a new side to Sydney, one that celebrates an eclectic blend of hole-in-the-wall restaurants and world-class sites in close proximity.

Meals included: Breakfast

Take a day trip to the Blue Mountains and be immersed its natural wonders

Blue Mountains Deluxe Day Tour, including lunch, with AEA Luxury Tours

The Blue Mountains National Park is one of seven national parks that make up the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. This wonderland of sandstone outcrops, deep ravines and hazy blue eucalypt forests boasts luxury retreats and stunning views. This guided day tour will take you off the beaten track to visit remote lookout locations and discuss the history, flora, and fauna of this magnificent region.

Blue Mountains

The World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains is a wilderness area showcasing ancient rock formations, vast canyons and waterfalls plummeting into valleys below. The breathtaking views over the region stretch to the hazy blue horizon, while the historic village towns nestled amongst the rainforest are dotted with tea rooms, cellar doors and breweries hosted by local producers. There is no shortage of adventure in the Blue Mountains with the rugged sandstone escarpments, underground caves and deep canyons providing the perfect playground for rock climbing, abseiling, canyoning and more. Of course, relaxation is also on the cards with a number of resorts, boutique guesthouses and day spas throughout.

Accommodation - Vibe Hotel Darling Harbour

Zen is a state of mind, and you’ll find yours at Vibe Hotel Sydney Darling Harbour. This property offers guests a new side to Sydney, one that celebrates an eclectic blend of hole-in-the-wall restaurants and world-class sites in close proximity.

Meals included: Breakfast

Farewell from Sydney!

Private transfer from accommodation to Sydney Airport

You will be picked up from your Sydney accommodation and taken to the Sydney Airport.

Farewell from Sydney

Your tour comes to an end today, but if you are itching to explore more amazing sights, we can customise your holiday to include more days or additional destinations. Our trusted travel specialists can book transfers to your onward flight, and even assist in booking these flights for you. Our team can't wait to help you design your ultimate getaway!