Australia’s Natural Wonders Australia
Sample Itinerary
9 Nights/ 10 Days
Joanna Heathcote Hotels
AUSTRALIA
9 NIGHTS/ 10 DAYS
Joanna Heathcote Hotels
Australia - 9 Nights Itinerary Outline
Regions
Park Hyatt, Sydney 2 nights
Southern Ocean Lodge, Kangaroo Island 2 nights
Silky Oaks Lodge, Mossman 3 nights
Wolgan Valley, Blue Mountains 2 nights
Joanna Heathcote Hotels
Australia Itinerary Outline
Day 1 Arrive Sydney, Australia
Transfer to Accommodation
Park Hyatt Hotel, Sydney
www.sydney.park.hyatt.com
Day 2 Walking Guided Introductory Tour of
Sydney’s Waterfront and Sydney
Opera House
Afternoon – at leisure
Park Hyatt Hotel, Sydney
Day 3 Transfer to Airport
Fly Sydney / Adelaide/ Kangaroo
Island
Transfer to accommodation
Southern Ocean Lodge, Kangaroo
Island
www.southernoceanlodge.com
Day 4 Guided Activities as scheduled by your
hosts
Southern Ocean Lodge, Kangaroo
Island
Day 5 Transfer to airport
Charter flight from Kangaroo Island /
Adelaide
Fly Adelaide/ Cairns (commercial
flight)
Transfer to accommodation.
Afternoon at leisure
Silky Oaks Lodge, Mossman
www.silkyoakslodge.com.au
Day 6 Morning – Private Aboriginal Cultural
Experience at Cooya Beach
Afternoon at leisure on property
Silky Oaks Lodge, Mossman
Day 7 Full Day Private Sailing Charter
Experience in the Great Barrier Reef.
Includes Marine Biologist Services and
lunch onboard.
Silky Oaks Lodge, Mossman
Day 8 Transfer to Cairns Airport
Fly Cairns to Sydney
Road transfer to Wolgan Valley
Wolgan Valley
www.wolganvalley.com
Day 9 Day at leisure for inclusive onsite
activities at the Lodge
Wolgan Valley
Day 10 Helicopter transfer to Sydney Airport
Sydney Depart
Joanna Heathcote Hotels
Australia’s Natural Wonders Day 1
Australia
ARRIVE AUSTRALIA
Arrive Sydney International Airport
Clear Customs, Immigration and Biosecurity, transfer to Private Charter
Private transfer to accommodation
Remainder of day at leisure
Park Hyatt, Sydney
Sitting majestically on one of the world’s more beautiful harbours, Park Hyatt Sydney showcases a new
level of contemporary luxury on the edge of Sydney Harbour. With a coveted location between the
iconic Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge and nestled in the historic The Rocks area, the
harbourside residence offers an intimate, residential-style hotel with architecture, art and design that
reflect the Australian landscape, complemented with private boat access and a dedicated 24-hour
butler service.
Architecturally designed guest rooms feature floor-to-ceiling glass that open onto private balconies,
honouring Park Hyatt Sydney's coveted harbourfront location. Renowned Australian artists including
sculptors, painters and a photographer have been commissioned to create artwork especially for the
hotel. The Park Hyatt flows in a gracious curve around Sydney Harbour and looks out to the Opera
House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Behind the hotel is The Rocks, Sydney’s oldest district, while the main business district and Circular Quay
are just a 5 minute stroll away. A true five star hotel, all guest rooms are spacious and beautifully
appointed with the necessities as well as the luxury touches. Guests can enjoy time at leisure at the
Spa’ relaxation room, steam room and gym, or by the panoramic rooftop pool with private cabanas.
Inclusions:
Accommodation Park Hyatt, Sydney
Room Type Opera King Room
Meals Breakfast
Activities None
Transfers Sydney airport to hotel
Joanna Heathcote Hotels
Australia’s Natural Wonders Day 2
Australia
SYDNEY CITY
Enjoy an introduction to Sydney’s Waterfront and Botanic Gardens this morning as you depart with your
guide on a walking tour departing from your hotel.
Explore The Rocks and Circular Quay; making your way to the Sydney Opera House where we include
a 1 hour tour of Australia’s most iconic building before proceeding to the Botanic Gardens.
The Sydney Opera House is not only the most recognisable building in Australia, but it is also one of the
world's great performing arts centres. Venture inside on a guided tour for a journey through the
extraordinary history, breathtaking architecture and unseen workings in the daily life of this remarkable
and fascinating building.
Return to your hotel in the afternoon where the remainder of your afternoon is at leisure.
Inclusions:
Accommodation Park Hyatt, Sydney
Room Type Opera King Room
Meals Breakfast
Activities Walking Tour of the Waterfront and Opera House
Joanna Heathcote Hotels
Australia’s Natural Wonders Day 3
Australia
SYDNEY TO KANGAROO ISLAND
Transfer to Sydney airport
Fly Sydney to Kangaroo Island via Adelaide (not included in itinerary cost)
Scheduled transfer to Southern Ocean Lodge
Southern Ocean Lodge, Kangaroo Island
Southern Ocean Lodge provides more than an accommodation experience – expect serenely
beautiful guest rooms, captivating coastal views, a sanctuary of comfort, exceptional cuisine based on
the islands fresh and innovative produce as well as a high level of intimate and professional service.
Located at Hanson bay on the Island’s south west coast, the Lodge site adjoins the Flinders Chase and
Cape Bouguer / Kelly Hill National Parks. Set back from a cliff above the pounding surf the design
showcases a full frontal panorama and is within easy reach of the Island's major attractions.
The lodge has been designed so that from your living spaces, your shower and your bed you will have
stunning ocean views. The ‘little touches include’ complimentary room bar, twice daily housekeeping,
heated floors and music system.
Inclusions
Accommodation Southern Ocean Lodge
Room Type Flinders Suite
Meals All meals and beverages
Activities By own arrangement – none included
Transfers Scheduled transfer included in tariff
Joanna Heathcote Hotels
Australia’s Natural Wonders Day 4
Australia
GUIDED DAY EXPLORING KANGAROO ISLAND (SCHEDULED NOT PRIVATE)
Kangaroo Island is Australia's third-largest island and has several nature reserves to protect the
remnants of its natural vegetation and native animals, with the largest and best-known being Flinders
Chase National Park at the western end. Some of the island's best known highlights include that you
may like to include:
Visit to Seal Bay
Home to Australia’s third largest colony of Australia Sea-Lions
Flinders Chase National Park
A vast wilderness covering the entire west end of the Island, visit a Fur Seal colony, Cape du Couedic
lighthouse, Remarkable Rocks, Admirals Arch and the endless bush which provides habitat for a host of
Australian wildlife including kangaroos, wallabies, possums, goannas, echidnas, koalas and platypus.
Epicurean Adventure
A full day tour to the Island’s best produce farms encompassing wineries, a sheep dairy and seafood
farms
The Wonders of Kangaroo Island
Explore some Kangaroo Island’s stunning coastal landscapes - Cape du Couedic lighthouse,
Remarkable Rocks, Admirals Arch are just some of the trip highlights.
Inclusions
Accommodation Southern Ocean Lodge
Room Type Flinders Suite
Meals All meals and beverages
Activities Scheduled Guided Activities
Joanna Heathcote Hotels
Australia’s Natural Wonders Day 5
Australia
KANGAROO ISLAND TO CAIRNS / MOSSMAN
Transfer to Kangaroo Island airport
Fly Kangaroo Island to Cairns via Adelaide (not included in itinerary cost)
Private transfer to Silky Oaks Lodge
Silky Oaks Lodge, Mossman
Spectacularly situated on the Mossman River, Silky Oaks Lodge is the region’s premier destination from
which to explore Tropical North Queensland. This luxury boutique hotel lodge and Healing Waters Spa
consists of elegant spacious lounges and living areas adjoining the stunningly located open sided Tree
House restaurant which overlooks the surrounding rainforest and river.
There are 50 contemporarily designed River and Treehouses that connect with the natural environs
each featuring wide verandahs and luxurious spa baths. From the comfort of this award winning iconic
eco Lodge experience the adjoining Daintree National Park and explore the nearby Great Barrier Reef
as well as the many other attractions and activities the region has to offer.
"Silky Oaks Lodge is located just downstream from the Mossman Gorge and offers complete privacy
within a stunning location yet only a short drive from the centre of Port Douglas Marina and Port
Douglas Accommodation."
Inclusions: Accommodation Silky Oaks Lodge
Room Type Riverhouse
Meals Full Breakfast
Transfers Scheduled transfer to Kangaroo Island Airport
Private transfer to Silky Oaks Lodge
Joanna Heathcote Hotels
Australia’s Natural Wonders Day 6
Australia
PRIVATE ABORIGINAL CULTURAL EXPERIENCE
Transfer by private vehicle to Cooya Beach this morning, where you are met by your Kuku Yalanji
Cultural Habitat guide – Linc or Brandon Walker. The brothers delight in showing visitors their traditional
hunting areas within the mudflats, mangroves and beach habitats. As well, they’ll teach you their
hunting & gathering methods including spear fishing & mud crabbing techniques. Afternoon tea is
served giving the chance for informal question time and artefact viewing.
Return to the lodge for an afternoon at leisure to relax in the beautiful rainforest surroundings of your
accommodation. You might like to take a walk to Mossman Gorge, paddle on the river, relax by the
billabong or indulge in a sumptuous spa treatment.
Inclusions: Accommodation Silky Oaks Lodge
Room Type Riverhouse
Meals Full Breakfast
Activities Private Aboriginal Cultural Experience
Joanna Heathcote Hotels
Australia’s Natural Wonders Day 7
Australia
EXPLORING THE GREAT BARRIER REEF
Board 'Escape' your 58' sailing vessel for the day as you depart Port Douglas to the Low Isles in the Great
Barrier Reef.
Low Isles was discovered by Captain Cook in 1770 and was scribed in his log as a ‘small low island’.
This idyllic tropical island is situated approximately 11 kilometres from Port Douglas. Low Isles is home to
spectacular coral gardens and marine life anda plethora of spectacular migratory bird life including
mangrove kingfishers, sea eagles and ospreys. Surrounded by 55 acres of coral reef, much of it close to
the shore, snorkelling from the boat allows guests to enjoy the many different coral species with minimal
effort. Guests enjoy swimming and snorkelling amongst spectacular marine life including green turtles,
parrotfish and fusiliers in the tranquil waters of the Great Barrier Reef.
The lighthouse on Low Isles was built in 1878 and has long become a base for scientific research and
weather data collection.
Join your onboard Marine Biologist, as you explore the Low Isles and Great Barrier Reef. The Great
Barrier Reef is one of the most diverse and remarkable ecosystems in the world and was inscribed on
the World Heritage list in October 1981.
Inclusions: Accommodation Silky Oaks Lodge
Room Type Riverhouse
Meals Full Breakfast and lunch
Transfers Return private transfers from Silky Oaks to Port Douglas Marina
Joanna Heathcote Hotels
Australia’s Natural Wonders Day 8
Australia
MOSSMAN/ CAIRNS TO WOLGAN VALLEY IN THE BLUE MOUNTAINS
Private transfer to Cairns airport
Fly Cairns to Sydney – option of scheduled or charter
Road transfer to Wolgan Valley in the Blue Mountains
Remainder of day at leisure
Emirates’ Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa is a luxury conservation-based resort located in Australia's Greater
Blue Mountains World Heritage area; about 3 hours drive from Sydney. Modelled on the acclaimed Al
Maha Desert Resort & Spa in Dubai, but with Australian style, the resort is set within its own private
conservation and wildlife reserve where guests can enjoy absolute luxury, tranquillity and connection
with nature. Spread out at the foot of towering sandstone cliffs, the homestead-style resort occupies
just 2% of the resorts 4,000 acres; the remainder is dedicated to restoring & preserving all manner of
native species.
Up to 90 guests are catered for in 40 free-standing suites each with private swimming pool and a main
homestead with luxury facilities and stand-alone Timeless Spa. The Wolgan and Wollemi Suites are
perfect as family retreats, and each presents as a private lodge, with a large living room, separate
lounge and dining areas and two (and three in the case of the Wolgan Suite) spacious bedroom suites
each with their own en-suite bathrooms. The suites are thoughtfully arranged to provide families with
sufficient space as well as separate areas, to be together, or find a peaceful nook to curl up and enjoy
a good book. The Heritage Suites are a luxury hide-away just for two but with all the same features and
luxury touches.
Each has a small private, temperature controlled swimming pool with separate pool deck and
courtyard garden. Amenities include a double sided fireplace, LCD TV, DVD player & sound system,
international TV channels, high-speed internet access, iPod docking station, binoculars for wildlife
viewing, two mountain bikes and all the conveniences you would expect in an exceptional luxury
resort.
Inclusions:
Accommodation Wolgan Valley Resort and Spa
Room Type Heritage Suite
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, non-alcoholic beverages, a
selected range of premium local wines and beer with meals
Activities None
Transfers Transfer from Silky Oaks to Cairns airport
Sydney airport to Wolgan Valley
Joanna Heathcote Hotels
Australia’s Natural Wonders Day 9
Australia
AT LEISURE - WOLGAN VALLEY RESORT AND SPA – SOME SUGGESTIONS….
Nature Walks in Australia’s Wolgan Valley Reserve
Hiking in the reserve is a fantastic way to fully appreciate the rich diversity of Australia’s plant life, as well
as encountering some of the animals. Creeks and rivers pass through the reserve, and some have
swimming holes.
Wildlife Safaris
For those with an inquisitive mind, Wolgan Valley's activities offer a chance for botanists, bird watchers
and naturalists to discover the area is still abundant with the same intriguing species that so fascinated
Charles Darwin
Wolgan Sundowner and Wildlife Tour
An all-encompassing tour of the Wolgan Valley reserve, the journey includes wildlife spotting and
possibly a trip to the Wollemi Pine Grove; home to the world’s oldest and rarest tree, endemic to the
Greater Blue Mountains Area.
Nocturnal Spotlighting and Start Gazing
Guests are invited to explore the nocturnal world of the Australian bush when the wildlife is at its most
active
Horse Riding in the Blue Mountains (additional cost applies)
Horse riding in Australia's Blue Mountains is the ideal way to become familiar with the land and is
tailored for all levels from beginner to advanced.
Historical Tours
The contribution to the history of Wolgan Valley is told through two very different perspectives, firstly by
the Aboriginal people and their culture, and most recently, with two centuries of colonial settlers.
Few indigenous cultures in the world are more closely linked with nature than Australia's Aboriginal
people.
Guided Field Walks
There is a wealth of land to explore on the resort and in the immediate vicinity as well as further afield.
In order to introduce guests to the diversity of nature in the region, Field Guides are available to lead
walking and hiking tours of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area.
Inclusions: Accommodation Wolgan Valley Resort and Spa
Room Type Heritage Suite
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, non-alcoholic beverages, a
selected range of premium local wines and beer with meals
Activities Two on-site nature based activities per person per day.
Joanna Heathcote Hotels
Australia’s Natural Wonders Day 10
Depart Australia
DEPART
Transfer by helicopter from Wolgan Valley to Sydney Airport
International departure flight
Inclusions:
Meals Breakfast
Transfers
Activities
Wolgan Valley Resort to Sydney Airport
None
Kua tae mai he hoa,
E haere atu he whanaunga mau tonu ki nga maharatanga,
Me nga whakaaro pai o to nohonga,
Me hoki mai koe
You arrived as a friend and now leave as family – treasure the memories
and we hope that you may return one day