Overview
Independent Great Barrier Reef & Sydney
Pack your swimsuit and sunscreen before heading down under for this dream vacation! Come see the vibrant and diverse marine life that lives within the world-famous Great Barrier Reef and experience Sydney’s iconic sites. On this 9-day Globus Independent vacation in Australia. We’ve arranged hotel accommodations, daily breakfast, and sightseeing to make your vacation as turn-key as can be. Plus, we provide you with a Local Host, someone who knows the cities you’ll visit like the back of their hand, so they can help you get an authentic Australian experience. This Globus Independent tour packs plenty of free time to explore, relax, and discover on your own.Your vacation begins when you arrive in Cairns. You will have three days to discover the boutiques, art galleries, and many activities that make this town a bucket-list destination. Enjoy the experience of a lifetime when you cruise to the Outer Great Barrier Reef for a day to snorkel, take a semi-submersible watercraft tour, or attend a presentation by a marine biologist. And Cairns isn’t just known for its aquatic life! You can also choose to hike, ride ATVs, or learn about the Aboriginal people who inhabited the nearby Mossman Gorge.Then, you’ll head south to spend a few days in Sydney. Take a guided sightseeing tour where you will stop to capture the perfect shot at the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge and put your toes in the sand at the beautiful Bondi Beach. You will have two full days at your leisure. Explore independently or choose from a selection of optional activities, including a climb to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, spending the day in nearby Hunter Valley where you will sample Australia’s finest wines, or joining a guided backstage tour of the Opera House.Treat yourself to a tour that is exclusively yours with free time to enjoy optional adventures that speak to your independent spirit!
Highlights of Independent Great Barrier Reef & Sydney
Travelers Notes
Special features included in this tour: • Full-day excursion by catamaran to the Outer Great Barrier Reef with options to snorkel, take a semi-submersible ride, or attend a marine biologist presentation • Guided sightseeing tour in Sydney with visit to Bondi Beach • A full day at leisure in each city with available optional excursions
UNESCO Sites
Great Barrier Reef|Sydney Opera House|Wet Tropics of Queensland
Product Group
Independent Great Barrier Reef & Sydney
Independent Tour
Venture further to enjoy the world your way without the group. The experts at Globus put Peace of Mind first in travel planning. We take care of the details with included hotel accommodations, daily breakfasts and select meals, guided sightseeing, and transportation between cities. Explore confidently, knowing your Globus Local Hosts and GlobusGO mobile app provide you with tips and recommendations to personalize your tour and see the world your way.
Meals
Breakfast daily; 1 lunch
Itineraries
Day 1
ARRIVE IN CAIRNS, AUSTRALIA• Welcome to Cairns, “Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.” Your Globus Local Host will make contact with you to discuss your vacation, answer questions, and give suggestions to make the most of your stay.
Day 2
CAIRNS• Spend the day as you wish. (B)INSIDER PICKSRelax by your resort’s pool or shop for souvenirs at the unique boutiques and galleries. Other activities to consider are fishing, strolling the Esplanade, a memorable sunset sail, or trying some of the downtown area’s many great restaurants and bars.
Day 3
CAIRNS. EXCURSION TO THE OUTER GREAT BARRIER REEF• Prepare for the experience of a lifetime when you board a catamaran for a cruise to the Outer Great Barrier Reef, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Explore this underwater world that is a dazzling kaleidoscope of coral and sea life. Choose to snorkel, take a semi-submersible watercraft tour, or attend a presentation by a marine biologist. Late this afternoon, return to Cairns.(B,L)
Day 4
CAIRNS• A full day at leisure. (B)INSIDER PICKSEnjoy an optional trip into the Daintree Rainforest, the world’s oldest living rainforest, and to beautiful Cape Tribulation. Other possibilities include a ride on the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway, shopping for a special souvenir at the Cairns Night Markets, or relaxing by your resort’s pool.
Day 5
CAIRNS–SYDNEY • Transfer to Cairns International Airport for your flight to Sydney. The remainder of the day is at leisure to start exploring this exciting city. (B)
Day 6
SYDNEY • Enjoy a guided sightseeing tour that includes a photo stop at the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, and a visit to stunning Bondi Beach, one of Sydney’s most beautiful beaches. The remainder of the day is yours to explore this vibrant city. Your Local Host will have suggestions for additional sightseeing, dining, and shopping.(B)
Day 7
SYDNEY • Today is at leisure. You can explore on your own or choose from a selection of optional activities. (B)INSIDER PICKSYou may wish to climb to the top of Sydney Harbour Bridge for unrivaled views; spend the day in Hunter Valley, sampling some of Australia’s best wines; or join a guided backstage tour of the Sydney Opera House.
Day 8
SYDNEY• Another day to do as you wish in this beautiful city. (B)INSIDER PICKSYou may want to enjoy a cruise on Sydney Harbour and admire stunning views of the city from the water; visit Taronga Zoo to see some of Australia’s native animals, such as koalas, kangaroos, and platypuses; shop for souvenirs; or relax on nearby Manly Beach.
Day 9
SYDNEY • Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. You may also choose to extend your time in Sydney and explore more on your own. Extra nights are available for purchase. (B)
Departures
Hotels
| # | Name | Description | City | Address | Rating |
| 1 | Pullman Cairns International | Pullman Cairns International is an upscale hotel exuding the architectural grandeur of the city's rich colonial past. Overlooking Cairns Harbour and the lush mountain hinterland, this 321-room hotel is perfectly positioned in the CBD to take advantage of all the city has to offer. After a great day of sightseeing, dine in Coco's Restaurant, grab a drink at the Lobby Bar, or pamper yourself at Vie Spa. Laundry is available through the hotel for a fee. | Cairns | 17 Abbott St | Superior First-Class |
| 2 | Swissotel Sydney | The Swissotel Sydney is surrounded by Sydney's most exclusive shopping centres, such as the beautiful Queen Victoria Building and iconic Westfield Sydney and is within walking distance to all of Sydney's famous landmarks and cultural attractions. Enjoy a seasonally inspired dinner menu at JPB or delight in a unique buffet high tea at Crossroads Bar. The hotel offers a wide choice of treatments at the Day Spa as well as a gym, heated outdoor pool and Jacuzzi. | Sydney | 68 Market Street | Deluxe |
