Australia for Families: A Tailor-Made Journey

Arrive in Sydney and transfer by private vehicle to your hotel near Bondi Beach. Take the remainder of the day to relax or discover some of the city’s highlights. You might tour the famous Opera House or walk across Harbour Bridge, or take a walk through the lively Rocks District, the first colonial town in Australia.

Head out this morning for a quintessential Australian experience: surfing on legendary Bondi Beach.  Stretching more than a half a mile just outside Sydney, Bondi Beach is one of the top surfing destinations in the world—appropriate for pros as well as beginners. After lessons for the whole family, enjoy time to relax on the beach or take a dip in the onsite saltwater sea baths. (B)

Set out with your guide on a full-day tour of the majestic Blue Mountains, a World Heritage site of dramatic sandstone cliffs and gorges and thick eucalyptus forests. The mountains provide a pristine habitat for diverse flora and fauna, including some of Australia’s most iconic endemic creatures. Stop at a farm on the way to observe and interact with kangaroos and koalas. Then ascend into the Blue Mountains on a scenic drive, pausing to take in spectacular views of Jameson Valley and the famous Three Sisters. You can shape this day as you wish, taking guided hikes or visiting other important sites, including Blue Mountains Botanic Garden or Govetts Leap Lookout, a starting point of numerous trails that overlooks a stunning waterfall. (B)

Take a private transfer to the airport for your flight to Gold Coast, a coastal city and region in Queensland known for its long, sandy beaches. Pick up your rental car and head inland to your rainforest lodge, situated within Lamington National Park. Part of the Gondwana Rainforests World Heritage site, the park bears geological evidence of Australia’s split from Antarctica and harbors a wealth of endemic wildlife. Some 160 species of sub-tropical birds have been recorded here—including colorful Australian king parrots and crimson rosellas—and many can be spotted in the gardens surrounding your accommodations. Spend the following day exploring the park on hikes and walks of your choosing, or opt for one of the excursions offered by the retreat, including e-bike tours, zip-lining adventures, or encounters with native wildlife. (B)

Travel north to the Sunshine Coast today. If you wish, stop to stretch your legs with a short walk in Glass House Mountains National Park, where 11 rocky volcanic peaks jut out of the rolling countryside. Continue to nearby Noosa, where your home for the next three nights is situated within Noosa National Park. Enjoy a full day explore this beautiful area as you wish. You might hike the park’s coastal path to a secluded beach for a swim, and perhaps catch sight of the sea turtles and dolphins known to frequent these waters. Discover the inviting resort town of Noosa, or go kayaking in the Noosa Everglades. (B) 

Embark on an exhilarating beach-hopping adventure! Follow the coast north of Noosa passing one iconic beach after the next, stopping to take in the scenery and look for marine wildlife. Admire a 270-degree ocean view from Double Island Point Lighthouse and then climb into a 4x4 to explore Rainbow Beach, known for its colorful ancient dunes and coastal cliffs. (B)

Drive to Brisbane Airport and drop off your car in time for your flight to Hamilton Island, the largest island in the Whitsundays archipelago. With white-sand beaches and a hilly, forested interior laced with trails, the island offers plenty of activities—and a base for exploring the Great Barrier Reef. Settle into your hotel just steps from the beach and enjoy the rest of the day to discover the island. (B)

Head to Hamilton Island Marina for a full-day cruise to Hardy Reef. Here, you have more than three hours to discover the incredible marine life of the Great Barrier Reef through a variety of activities. Swim among brightly colored fish and corals or go scuba diving (certification required). Alternatively, glide over the reefs in a glass-bottom boat or immerse yourself in the watery world in a semi-submersible. The next three days are yours to experience Hamilton Island and the Great Barrier Reef as you wish. Consider snorkeling with sea turtles in the fringing reefs or meeting koalas, dingoes, and pythons at the island’s wildlife center. Spend time on beautiful Whitehaven Beach or go kayaking and paddleboarding just off shore. (B)

This morning, transfer to the airport in time for your onward flight. (B)