Exceptional East Coast

Day One

On arrival at Sydney International Airport, you will be met at the air bridge and fast-tracked through Immigration and Customs formalities. You will then be met by a representative of Southern Crossings and transferred by private vehicle to your accommodation.

Day Two

Discover the many faces of Sydney on a privately guided exploration that brings together the city’s rich heritage, elegant harbourside neighbourhoods and world-famous waterfront. Begin with a guided walk through either The Rocks or the historic civic centre, where grand architecture, hidden laneways and fascinating stories reveal the history of Australia’s oldest city. From here, continue through Sydney’s picturesque eastern suburbs, passing neighbourhoods including Double Bay and Watsons Bay, with time to explore the historic Vaucluse House. The experience continues from Rose Bay, where you will step aboard a private harbour cruise for a relaxed journey across Sydney Harbour. With a drink in hand, take in ever-changing views of the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, secluded bays and the sparkling city skyline from the water, offering a wonderful perspective on one of the world’s great natural harbours. This full-day experience combines the city’s iconic landmarks with its quieter corners, revealing the character, beauty and easy rhythm that make Sydney so memorable.

Day Three

Today, you will be met by your private guide and vehicle for your full day Koala researcher experience. Spend the morning hiking alongside one of Australia’s most knowledgeable wildlife research scientists in the spectacular Blue Mountains World Heritage wilderness area to enjoy a personalised, privileged-access conservation experience. Travel off the well-trodden tourist trail through spectacularly untamed wilderness areas to learn about, contribute to, and assist with, the important koala research being conducted by one of Australia’s leading wildlife conservation organisations in a private touring experience that is tailored to your interests and fitness levels. Help them to track koalas for the rare opportunity to spot these endangered and endearing Australian creatures in the wild. Following an Aussie-bush-style morning tea, the day also includes a visit to a nearby native wildlife conservation sanctuary for the opportunity to walk amongst a collection of Australia’s unique and endangered wildlife species: wander with wallabies, see koalas up close and enjoy a personalised behind the-scenes introduction to their mountain pygmy possum breeding program. Upon conclusion of your experience you will be transferred back to your accommodation.

Day Four

Today you will be met at your accommodation by your private driver and vehicle and transferred to Sydney Airport for your onward flight. Fly Sydney to Cairns (cost not included) On arrival at Cairns Domestic Airport, a representative of Nautilus Aviation will meet you 45 minutes prior to your helicopter departure in the Domestic Terminal Arrivals Hall T2 near Baggage Carousel #3 and transferred to the heliport for your helicopter flight to Mount Mulligan (approximately a 35 minute flight). Fly Cairns to Mount Mulligan (included in the cost) Please note that luggage is restricted to a maximum of 15kg in total per person on the flight to Mount Mulligan and return. Storage for additional luggage is available at the Aviation hangar. 10.25am Depart Cairns aboard your scheduled helicopter 11.00am Arrive Mount Mulligan On arrival you will be met by a representative of the lodge for an introduction to your Queensland Outback experience.

Day Five to Day Seven

During your stay at Mount Mulligan, touring options specified below are available, but do not always operate daily. The Lodge will confirm your programme on arrival.

- Take a tour of Mt Mulligan Township and learn about the coal mine history

- Tour the Tyrconnell gold mine

- Take advantage of your personal ATV to explore the area

- Immerse yourself in nature on one of the Mt Mulligan walks.

- Join a station tour for a insight into the day to day cattle station operations.

- Grab a fishing rod and head to the Weir for Barramundi fishing

In addition there are activities offered at an additional cost:

- Join a helicopter scenic flight to take in the breathtaking aerial views of Mount Mulligan and the surrounding areas

- Enjoy a walk or hike with a guide to learn more about the area and its past.

- After dark, gaze out into the night sky with a set of binoculars or the telescope

Day Eight

This morning, your private guide and vehicle meet you at Mount Mulligan Lodge for a scenic journey toward Silky Oaks Lodge, travelling through the changing landscapes on a bespoke nature and wildlife focused tour. Departing Mount Mulligan, you begin by exploring the open savannah woodland that characterises this region. As you travel toward Mareeba, the wide horizons and grasslands provide ideal habitat for iconic outback species. Keep watch for Australian Bustards, Australia’s heaviest flying bird, as well as emus and other wildlife that may be seen moving through the open country. Arriving in Mareeba, you pause to enjoy a relaxed lunch before continuing to Granite Gorge Nature Reserve, a striking landscape of towering granite boulders set against sweeping savannah views. Here, you have the opportunity to quietly observe the endangered unadorned rock-wallaby within its natural habitat. These shy and agile animals are perfectly adapted to life among the rocks, and your guide provides insight into their behaviour, habitat requirements and the conservation efforts in place to protect this vulnerable species. The dramatic setting also offers outstanding opportunities for photography. From Granite Gorge, the journey continues upward toward Julatten, where the landscape gradually transforms from savannah woodland into cool highland rainforest. This lesser-known upland region is a favourite among birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts, with the cooler temperatures providing a refreshing change. Along the way, you may encounter species such as the Papuan Frogmouth, Red-legged Pademelon and a variety of rainforest birdlife unique to this environment. In the afternoon, arrive at Silky Oaks Lodge, nestled beside the Mossman River at the edge of the Daintree Rainforest, where the rhythm of flowing water and towering trees form the beginning of your next adventure.

Day Nine

Immerse yourself in one of Tropical North Queensland’s most unique rainforest adventures as you explore the crystal-clear waters of the Mossman River. Rising high in the rainforest-cloaked mountains before winding its way to the Coral Sea, the river flows through an extraordinary landscape shaped over millions of years, carrying the lifeblood of the ancient Daintree rainforest. Your experience begins with an interpretive walk through the rainforest, following sections of the riverbed upstream beneath a dense canopy of towering trees. As you move through this remarkable environment, your guide will share insight into the river, rainforest and the delicate ecosystems that thrive here. The adventure then shifts to the water itself. Equipped with a river sled and wetsuit, you will drift with the gentle current through tranquil pools shaded by lush rainforest before encountering sections of faster flowing water that add a sense of excitement to the journey. Floating quietly through this pristine landscape offers a rare perspective on one of Australia’s oldest and most significant natural environments. At the conclusion of your experience, return to your accommodation with a deeper appreciation for the beauty and diversity of the Mossman River and its surrounding rainforest.

Day Ten

Today you will be met at your accommodation by your private driver and vehicle and transferred to Cairns Airport for your onward flight. Accessible by a one-hour scenic flight from Cairns, Lizard Island enjoys luxurious seclusion from the rest of the world. Outstanding in every respect, surrounded by 24 white powdery beaches and spectacular ribbon reefs, Lizard Island is an idyllic hideaway retreat where divers and snorkelers are rewarded with breathtaking coral gardens and abundant marine life. 40 newly refurbished luxury rooms and suites all offer contemporary styling and amenities, ocean or beach views, and some also enjoy a private plunge pool. The accommodation is complemented by the stunning Saltwater restaurant, Driftwood bar, a relaxing day spa, tennis court, swimming pool, walking trails, paddleboards and catamarans, glass bottom boat and sunset cruises, game fishing and dive tours. Fly Cairns to Lizard Island (included in the cost) 11:00am or 2:00pm Depart Cairns aboard a scheduled flight 12:00pm or 3:00pm Arrive Lizard Island Please note: Luggage on the flight from Cairns to Lizard Island and return is restricted to a maximum weight of 25kg (55lb) with dimensions height 67cm x width 45cm x depth 29cm per person including 4kg (9lb) hand luggage. Storage for excess luggage is available at the Hinterland Aviation terminal. Please ensure a minimum of 1.5 hours is allowed for the connection between domestic flights and flights to the island. On arrival at Lizard Island airstrip you will be met by a representative of the Resort and transferred to your accommodation.

Day Eleven

During your stay at Lizard Island, touring options specified below are available, but do not always operate daily. The Lodge will confirm your programme on arrival.

- Snorkelling equipment

- Beach Snorkelling (unguided)

- Use of motorised dinghies to explore the many beaches

- Beach drop off, with gourmet picnic lunch

- Tennis - day and night

- Selection of naturalist shared guided walks (Cook's Look, Historic Nature, Sunset Bat, Blue Lagoon)

- Local gin tasting masterclass

- Wine tasting

- Shared Bird Watching tour

- Nature Talks

Other activities are offered at additional charge:

- Outer or Inner Reef Fishing

- Light Tackle Fishing (January-August)

- Heavy Tackle Fishing (September- December)

- Half day Dive or Snorkel trips on local reefs

- Full day Dive or snorkel trips on the Outer Reef

- Diving tuition, including Discover Scuba, & Refresher Dives

- Lizard Island Research Station Tour

- A range of treatments at the Essentia Day Spa

- Guided snorkel tour through Clam Gardens

- Twilight Cruise

- Kayak or Kayak Snorkel Tour

- Guided Sea Darts Snorkelling Tour

- Guided Turtle Tour

- Stand up Paddle board tour

Day Twelve

Today, set out on a half day exploration of the Great Barrier Reef. Depending on the day's conditions and schedule, you'll visit either the nearby continental islands with their unique fringing reefs or vibrant patch reefs formed entirely of coral. Tours alternate between the inner and outer reefs, offering a different experience each day. Enjoy time snorkelling among colourful coral gardens and diverse marine life before returning to Hayman Island. Snorkelling equipment is provided.

Day Thirteen

The Lizard Island Research Station is a world-renowned coral reef research facility owned and operated by the Australian Museum. Established in 1973, the station supports leading marine scientists from around the world as they conduct research on the Great Barrier Reef’s diverse ecosystems, coral biology, reef resilience and marine life. Its long-standing contribution to reef science and conservation has made it one of the most important tropical marine research centres in Australia, helping to deepen our understanding of this extraordinary World Heritage-listed environment.

Day Fourteen

Today you will be met at your accommodation by a representative of the resort and transferred to the airstrip for your onward flight.