Luxury tailormade tour of Australia for families visiting Sydney, Blue Mountains, Byron Bay or Surfers Paradise, Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef
Highlights
Sydney • Bondi Beach • Manly Beach • Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge • The Rocks and Sydney CBD • The Blue Mountains • Jervis Bay • Boat trip to seals of Jervis Bay • Sleep in a treehouse bushland tent • Hike in Blue Mountains national parks • Enjoy a breakfast surround by kangaroos • Byron Bay • Surfers Paradise Brisbane • Learn to surf • Australia Zoo • Great Barrier Reef • Snorkel or scuba dive • Sailing • Daintree Rainforest • Whitsunday Island • Orpheus Island • Hamilton Island
Day by day
Arrive in Sydney. You a met upon arrival and transferred to your accommodation by private chauffeur.
Enjoy a day of leisure as you explore this iconic city. One of the best ways to do this would be to enjoy an optional excursion such as a Harbour Cruise on a private yacht, or by joining a guided bicycle ride. Both take in dramatic views of Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Opera House, the skyline of Circular Quay, the historic Rocks district, and much more. For daring families, the views are even more mesmerising still with a twilight guided climb on Harbour Bridge.
With the world’s largest harbour on your doorstep, today you could explore the stunning scenery of wider Sydney. Choose from a range of optional excursions, perhaps taking a ferry to the beautiful community of Manly. Built on a narrow peninsula that ends at the dramatic cliffs of North Head, Manly is the jewel of the North Shore. It boasts a harbour and ocean beaches, fantastic snorkelling and surfing, and a refreshingly laid-back ambience. On your way back to central Sydney, marvel at the stunning skyline, sparkling in the last of the afternoon sunshine, and the hues of gold twinkling on Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House.
On your final day in Sydney, choose from a range of optional tours to delve a bit deeper into what makes this iconic city great. For more scenery, choose from a day at the world-famous Bondi beach, perhaps enjoying the surf, or embarking on the stunning and easy Bondi to Coogee coastal walk. Elsewhere, head to one of the two National Parks that fringe the urban area, or get up close and personal with kangaroos, koalas, wombats, emus and wildlife the world over, at the excellent Taronga Zoo.
Collecting your 4x4 hire car in Sydney, drive inland deep into the Great Dividing Range. The Blue Mountains National Park has been a favoured wilderness getaway of Sydneysiders for years. Step into the bush landscape through a range of optional excursions and marvel at the breath-taking waterfalls, sublime vistas, iconic wildlife and Aboriginal artwork of the area. For example, some families will enjoy the thrill of Katoomba Scenic World boasting an exciting skyway, cableway and walkway, as well as the steepest railway in the world!
Guests can choose to enjoy a leisurely morning in the wilderness surrounds, or otherwise rise early join an optional tour that will showcase the highlights of the local environment. For the latter, you could be served breakfast in the company of wild kangaroos, before exploring the World Heritage-listed area in a four-wheel-drive with a qualified ecological guide.
Drive South East from the Blue Mountains along the achingly pretty Grand Pacific Drive. With incredible vistas of the deep blue Pacific Ocean on your left, and rainforest clad escarpment on your right, spend the journey spotting koalas and be sure to stop at one of the beautiful beaches you pass. In particular, Stanwell Park would make a wonderful mid-morning refreshment break. Arrive in Jervis Bay to be met with white sand beaches, crystal clear water, charming towns and idyllic scenery. Settle into your safari-style camp for the evening and sleep under the stars.
Wake up to the sound of the bush, and the soft pitter patter of kangaroos grazing around your treehouse. Today, you can explore the best of this incredible region through a variety of optional tours. Hike through the bush, visit the charming local towns, or best of all – get out onto the water! The waters of Jervis Bay are teaming with marine life, and families may choose to snorkel, cruise, or join one of the boats that visit the seal colonies of the area. Very lucky guests will spot dolphins, colourful fish, and even humpback whales from the safe comfort of their boat.
Today, intrepid families have a tough choice of destination. For those looking for a laid-back environment, pristine rainforest and bush, and a more secluded feel, Byron Bay provides an iconic beach resort in the northern fringes of New South Wales. Other families will relish the glitz, glamour and facilities of Surfers Paradise, a playground city in the heart of Australia’s Gold Coast. No matter what choice you make, you can guarantee a wonderful climate, and stunning beaches. Fly into Gold Coast Airport and pick up your 4x4 hire car to make the most of either coastline.
After enjoying a leisurely morning in paradise, it’s time to hit the beach and soak up the best of these coastlines. Either Byron Bay or, as the name suggests, Surfers Paradise, provide a wonderful destination to try out the Australian pastime of surfing! Choose from a range of optional activities that will introduce you safely into this wonderful sport, with family lessons available upon request. Otherwise simply relax in the sunshine, build sandcastles and paddle in the crystal-clear water.
The coastlines of either destination are perfect for a road trip. Perhaps today, take your 4x4 up and down the coast in search of a range of iconic destinations. For example, why not cruise up the coast to the shimmering city of Brisbane, where sophistication, fantastic cuisine, stunning beaches and a beautiful climate meet. Otherwise, just north of Brisbane, Steve Irwin’s iconic Australia Zoo is also within reach for a true taste of Australian wildlife.
After a leisurely breakfast, drive back to Gold Coast Airport in order to catch your flight to the Tropical North of Queensland. Spend the day adjusting to the tropical climate with the help of the family friendly swimming pools and beaches at your chosen accommodation.
Today would be a great day to acquaint yourself with the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef. Stretching 2000km of coastline, this pristine stretch of coral reef is home to some of the most diverse and fascinating marine life on the planet. Families can choose from a range of activities designed with children and safety in mind, from snorkelling to glass bottom boat adventures. Find turtles, rays, colourful fish (including Nemo and Dory), and perhaps even a dolphin or two!
Recuperate from the thrill of your optional touring by another day spent indulging in the facilities of your chosen accommodation. Our family friendly hotels offer a range of activities designed with families in mind, from tennis to kid’s clubs and everything in-between. The sunshine and warmth of North Queensland will sooth the aches and pains of adventure.
With the Daintree Rainforest to the North, the Atherton Tablelands to the East and Conway National Park to the South, the rainforest of North Queensland is never far from your chosen accommodation. Perhaps today explore the pristine, sometimes World-Heritage listed, landscape and marvel at the diversity of flora and fauna that surround you. Spot crocodiles, colourful birds, cassowaries and much more with the help and safety of experienced ecological guides.
Having acquainted yourself with the rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef, use your last full day in Australia exploring the other local sights of interest. In the Whitsunday Islands, for example, enjoy a family cruise to the stunning white sands of Whitehaven Beach. On Orpheus Island, a trip can be taken to Australia’s largest national park island, Hinchinbrook Island, where families will find guided walks, pristine rainforest, saltwater crocodiles, and a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Wake late and soak up the last of the scenery, climate and outstanding facilities of your family friendly accommodation. The memories of your time together, in the sun relishing this incredible continent, will stay with you forever. It’s time to say goodbye to Australia as you make your way back to Cairns Airport in order to catch your flight home.
I wanted to thank you for organising such a great trip - we have absolutely loved it. Really it couldn’t have all gone better - thank you for organising it so perfectly for us.Mrs C, June 2024
Holiday price guide From about £3,900 per person based on two people sharing a double room and including for economy flights from London.
Holiday Code AUSG01
Call us on 01392 441245
Luxury tailormade tour of Australia for families visiting Sydney, Blue Mountains, Byron Bay or Surfers Paradise, Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef
Arrive in Sydney. You a met upon arrival and transferred to your accommodation by private chauffeur.
Enjoy a day of leisure as you explore this iconic city. One of the best ways to do this would be to enjoy an optional excursion such as a Harbour Cruise on a private yacht, or by joining a guided bicycle ride. Both take in dramatic views of Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Opera House, the skyline of Circular Quay, the historic Rocks district, and much more. For daring families, the views are even more mesmerising still with a twilight guided climb on Harbour Bridge.
With the world’s largest harbour on your doorstep, today you could explore the stunning scenery of wider Sydney. Choose from a range of optional excursions, perhaps taking a ferry to the beautiful community of Manly. Built on a narrow peninsula that ends at the dramatic cliffs of North Head, Manly is the jewel of the North Shore. It boasts a harbour and ocean beaches, fantastic snorkelling and surfing, and a refreshingly laid-back ambience. On your way back to central Sydney, marvel at the stunning skyline, sparkling in the last of the afternoon sunshine, and the hues of gold twinkling on Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House.
On your final day in Sydney, choose from a range of optional tours to delve a bit deeper into what makes this iconic city great. For more scenery, choose from a day at the world-famous Bondi beach, perhaps enjoying the surf, or embarking on the stunning and easy Bondi to Coogee coastal walk. Elsewhere, head to one of the two National Parks that fringe the urban area, or get up close and personal with kangaroos, koalas, wombats, emus and wildlife the world over, at the excellent Taronga Zoo.
Collecting your 4x4 hire car in Sydney, drive inland deep into the Great Dividing Range. The Blue Mountains National Park has been a favoured wilderness getaway of Sydneysiders for years. Step into the bush landscape through a range of optional excursions and marvel at the breath-taking waterfalls, sublime vistas, iconic wildlife and Aboriginal artwork of the area. For example, some families will enjoy the thrill of Katoomba Scenic World boasting an exciting skyway, cableway and walkway, as well as the steepest railway in the world!
Guests can choose to enjoy a leisurely morning in the wilderness surrounds, or otherwise rise early join an optional tour that will showcase the highlights of the local environment. For the latter, you could be served breakfast in the company of wild kangaroos, before exploring the World Heritage-listed area in a four-wheel-drive with a qualified ecological guide.
Drive South East from the Blue Mountains along the achingly pretty Grand Pacific Drive. With incredible vistas of the deep blue Pacific Ocean on your left, and rainforest clad escarpment on your right, spend the journey spotting koalas and be sure to stop at one of the beautiful beaches you pass. In particular, Stanwell Park would make a wonderful mid-morning refreshment break. Arrive in Jervis Bay to be met with white sand beaches, crystal clear water, charming towns and idyllic scenery. Settle into your safari-style camp for the evening and sleep under the stars.
Wake up to the sound of the bush, and the soft pitter patter of kangaroos grazing around your treehouse. Today, you can explore the best of this incredible region through a variety of optional tours. Hike through the bush, visit the charming local towns, or best of all – get out onto the water! The waters of Jervis Bay are teaming with marine life, and families may choose to snorkel, cruise, or join one of the boats that visit the seal colonies of the area. Very lucky guests will spot dolphins, colourful fish, and even humpback whales from the safe comfort of their boat.
Today, intrepid families have a tough choice of destination. For those looking for a laid-back environment, pristine rainforest and bush, and a more secluded feel, Byron Bay provides an iconic beach resort in the northern fringes of New South Wales. Other families will relish the glitz, glamour and facilities of Surfers Paradise, a playground city in the heart of Australia’s Gold Coast. No matter what choice you make, you can guarantee a wonderful climate, and stunning beaches. Fly into Gold Coast Airport and pick up your 4x4 hire car to make the most of either coastline.
After enjoying a leisurely morning in paradise, it’s time to hit the beach and soak up the best of these coastlines. Either Byron Bay or, as the name suggests, Surfers Paradise, provide a wonderful destination to try out the Australian pastime of surfing! Choose from a range of optional activities that will introduce you safely into this wonderful sport, with family lessons available upon request. Otherwise simply relax in the sunshine, build sandcastles and paddle in the crystal-clear water.
The coastlines of either destination are perfect for a road trip. Perhaps today, take your 4x4 up and down the coast in search of a range of iconic destinations. For example, why not cruise up the coast to the shimmering city of Brisbane, where sophistication, fantastic cuisine, stunning beaches and a beautiful climate meet. Otherwise, just north of Brisbane, Steve Irwin’s iconic Australia Zoo is also within reach for a true taste of Australian wildlife.
After a leisurely breakfast, drive back to Gold Coast Airport in order to catch your flight to the Tropical North of Queensland. Spend the day adjusting to the tropical climate with the help of the family friendly swimming pools and beaches at your chosen accommodation.
Today would be a great day to acquaint yourself with the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef. Stretching 2000km of coastline, this pristine stretch of coral reef is home to some of the most diverse and fascinating marine life on the planet. Families can choose from a range of activities designed with children and safety in mind, from snorkelling to glass bottom boat adventures. Find turtles, rays, colourful fish (including Nemo and Dory), and perhaps even a dolphin or two!
Recuperate from the thrill of your optional touring by another day spent indulging in the facilities of your chosen accommodation. Our family friendly hotels offer a range of activities designed with families in mind, from tennis to kid’s clubs and everything in-between. The sunshine and warmth of North Queensland will sooth the aches and pains of adventure.
With the Daintree Rainforest to the North, the Atherton Tablelands to the East and Conway National Park to the South, the rainforest of North Queensland is never far from your chosen accommodation. Perhaps today explore the pristine, sometimes World-Heritage listed, landscape and marvel at the diversity of flora and fauna that surround you. Spot crocodiles, colourful birds, cassowaries and much more with the help and safety of experienced ecological guides.
Having acquainted yourself with the rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef, use your last full day in Australia exploring the other local sights of interest. In the Whitsunday Islands, for example, enjoy a family cruise to the stunning white sands of Whitehaven Beach. On Orpheus Island, a trip can be taken to Australia’s largest national park island, Hinchinbrook Island, where families will find guided walks, pristine rainforest, saltwater crocodiles, and a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Wake late and soak up the last of the scenery, climate and outstanding facilities of your family friendly accommodation. The memories of your time together, in the sun relishing this incredible continent, will stay with you forever. It’s time to say goodbye to Australia as you make your way back to Cairns Airport in order to catch your flight home.
I wanted to thank you for organising such a great trip - we have absolutely loved it. Really it couldn’t have all gone better - thank you for organising it so perfectly for us.Mrs C, June 2024
Holiday price guide From about £3,900 per person based on two people sharing a double room and including for economy flights from London.
Holiday Code AUSG01
Our prices include
● Return scheduled flights with British Airways, Qantas or Emirates from London to Sydney, returning from Cairns to London in economy class
● Domestic flights from Sydney to Gold Coast Airport, and from Gold Coast Airport to Tropical North Queensland in economy class
● Transfers where specified in our itinerary
● 4 nights’ bed and breakfast in Sydney
● 2 nights’ bed and breakfast in the Blue Mountains
● 2 nights’ bed and breakfast in Jervis Bay
● 3 nights’ bed and breakfast on the Gold Coast
● 6 nights’ bed and breakfast in tropical North Queensland
● The meals included with your tour will vary by chosen accommodation. Please see our hotel suggestions for included board basis.
● Concierge service and Expressions Holidays regional helpful hints
Our prices do not include
● Early check-in or late check-out at any hotels (although we can arrange this on request at additional cost)
● Any other services not mentioned above, such as transfers and meals except as specified in our hotel suggestions
● Personal holiday insurance. This is essential and cover should be in place from when you book the holiday.
● Local tourist tax, payable locally to the hotel
● Optional tours and activities within each location, except where explicitly specified as included in our itinerary, or by hotels in our hotel lists
● Personal expenses
● Visa and Passport. You will need a full British passport with at least six months validity, and a Visa for travel to Australia. Visas requirements should be checked with the Australian authorities. More details are available from www.eta.immi.gov.au
Additional information
Optional extensions to your Australian Family Adventure Touring Holiday
Everything we do at Expressions Holidays is bespoke, and we are dedicated to personalising the itineraries of every single client. Choose from the following range of tour extensions, or get in touch today to suggest something completely different.
Optional Uluru and Kakadu Northern Territory extension (4-nights)
Instead of flying from Gold Coast Airport to the Tropical North of Queensland, fly into the deep red interior of the continent. Spend two days appreciating the majesty and cultural significance of Ayers Rock, whilst, in the evening, you enjoy sundowners as the evening sun is replaced with a mesmerising sky full of stars. Next, fly to Kakadu National Park via Darwin for a completely unique outback experience. Here you will spend 2-nights in safari-style tents overlooking the thriving wetlands of this wild land. Re-join your tour in Tropical North Queensland.
Optional Melbourne and Victoria extension (2-nights)
Following your two-night stay in Jervis Bay, instead of travelling North to Byron Bay or the Gold Coast, fly instead to Australia’s capital of culture and sport: Melbourne. Spend two nights exploring the wonderful city, and its charming rural surrounds. For example, on Phillip Island, why not meet the local little penguins as they return to their beaches after a hard days fishing. Re-join your tour by flying directly to Byron Bay or The Gold Coast.
Optional Adelaide and South Australia extension (2-nights)
Following your two-night stay in Jervis Bay, instead of travelling North to Byron Bay or the Gold Coast, fly instead to the elegant and green Adelaide. Here you can spend two nights exploring the Mediterranean climate of this European-feeling city, and the wonderful surrounds of rural South Australia. For example, on Kangaroo Island, guests are immerged into a ‘zoo without borders’ of incredible Australian wildlife. Find emus, kangaroos, koalas, penguins and much more. Re-join your tour by flying directly to Byron Bay or The Gold Coast.
Optional The Ghan Extension (5-nights)
Instead of simply flying to Byron Bay or the Gold Coast, fly from Sydney to the elegant and sophisticated Adelaide in South Australia. Spend two nights here enjoying the ambience of the city, or journey to Kangaroo Island for a true taste of Australian wildlife. On day three, you will board The Ghan for an overnight journey in the comfort of a private luxury cabin and all-inclusive service. Often touted as one of the world’s greatest rail journeys, this luxury outback trailblazer will transport you into the mystical heart of Australia and out into the wild and tropical climate of Darwin in the Northern Territory. With a variety of excursions at your designated stops, there are ample opportunities for exploring the Red Centre of Australia. For example, discover the markets of Alice Springs, the cultural significance of Uluru and Kata Juta, river cruise in Katherine, and embark on a scenic flight over Kakadu and Nitmiluk National Parks. On the evening of day four, arrive in the tropical city of Darwin. Here, spend another two nights enjoying the tropical ambience and Aboriginal heritage before flying to Byron Bay or the Gold Coast to re-join your tour.
Optional Indian Pacific Extension (5-nights)
Instead of simply flying from Sydney to Byron Bay or the Gold Coast, board the Indian Pacific for the outback rail journey of a lifetime. This luxury rail expedition is one of the most iconic in Australia, and promises superb comfort in a private cabin, and an all-inclusive service. On day one, you will depart Sydney and travel through the spectacular rural landscape of New South Wales, the Blue Mountains, and the Great Dividing Range. On day two, you will arrive in the mining town of Broken Hill for your first taste of outback Australia. Later that day, choose from a winery tour in the stunning landscape of the Barossa Valley, or a walking tour of the elegant and green Adelaide. On day three, your journey takes you deep into the true red desert as you voyage across the raw beauty of the Nullarbor Plain. Stop at Rawlinna this evening for canapes and drinks under the star display of the desert sky. Finally, you conclude this epic rail journey on day four, passing through the Avon Valley into the bustle of cosmopolitan Perth. Stay here for two nights, enjoying the ambience of the city, or perhaps venturing to wider Western Australia in search of Fremantle or the Margaret River. From here, fly to the Gold Coast or Byron Bay to re-join your tour.
Call us on 01392 441245
Luxury tailormade tour of Australia for families visiting Sydney, Blue Mountains, Byron Bay or Surfers Paradise, Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef
Ovolo Woolloomooloo is a chic and contemporary boutique hotel in a highly sought-after central location. Modern, artistic design and ultra-luxurious accommodation make it a great spot to recuperate after enjoying the delights of Sydney.
King room
Old Leura Dairy is a 4-star boutique property in a stunning natural location. This property affords secluded privacy and comfortable accommodation in the beautiful Blue Mountains area.
"Moo Manor" cottage
Paperbark Camp in Jervis Bay is a nature lover's paradise: a peaceful bush setting, with African safari-style tented accommodation, nestled between native forest and the white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters of Jervis Bay. Sleep in serenity under the stars.
King Deluxe Tent
Byron at Byron is a luxurious yet secluded resort in a tranquil, natural location in 45-acres of subtropical rainforest. The excellent spa facilities, delicious cuisine and beautiful location afford guests a truly idyllic and indulgent experience.
Rainforest suite
The Reef View Hotel on Hamilton Island provides possibly the best infrastructure in Australia for a family holiday. Explore beaches, the Great Barrier Reef, and the Whitsunday Islands, or relax by the pool with some of Queensland's finest hospitality.
Two Bedroom Terrace Suite
I wanted to thank you for organising such a great trip - we have absolutely loved it. Really it couldn’t have all gone better - thank you for organising it so perfectly for us.Mrs C, June 2024
Holiday price guide From about £3,900 per person based on two people sharing a double room and including for economy flights from London.
Holiday Code AUSG01
Call us on 01392 441245
Luxury tailormade tour of Australia for families visiting Sydney, Blue Mountains, Byron Bay or Surfers Paradise, Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef
About New South Wales and Sydney
An Expressions tailor-made holiday to New South Wales and Sydney encompasses all of Australia’s diversity, with lush rainforests, isolated outback landscape and Alpine country, combined with rich Aborigine and European history. Sydney is a vibrant cosmopolitan city, with excellent beaches and culture. The land stretches out from the city to the mystical Blue Mountains, and beyond that to the wine country of the Hunter valley and the arid desert. Along the coast, resort towns utilise the golden sands and warm climate, but south of the city it is possible to find a little more seclusion in the more picturesque and less developed coastal towns.
Highlights of New South Wales and Sydney
Circular Quay for magnificent panoramas of the Sydney harbour, Experience Sydney’s beach culture at Bondi Beach, Wildlife and wilderness in the Blue Mountains, Yulefest in July in the Blue Mountains – complete with log fires and yuletide trimmings for a ‘traditional Christmas’, Skiing in the Snowy Mountains, Visit the outback and the beautiful Mutawintji National Park in the far northwest of the state, The unspoilt south coast and its fishing villages, Vineyard tours in the Hunter Valley.
Call us on 01392 441245
Luxury tailormade tour of Australia for families visiting Sydney, Blue Mountains, Byron Bay or Surfers Paradise, Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef
About Queensland
An Expressions tailor-made holiday to Queensland has much to offer, from the verdant Daintree rainforest to the spectacular Whitsunday Islands, although its main draw continues to be the magnificent Great Barrier Reef. Stretching from Coolangatta to Cape York, Queensland best exemplifies Australia’s beach culture, with its endless stretches of sand and tropical climate. Queensland’s main cities are the lively and cosmopolitan Brisbane, and Cairns, which offers an extensive range of land and water activities. Passing over the Great Dividing Range, the land becomes drier as you reach the outback, providing a startling contrast to the lush colours of the coastal areas.
Highlights of Queensland
Sailing around the Whitsundays, Experiencing the largest sand island in the world – Fraser Island, Exploring the pristine Daintree Rainforest, Snorkelling or diving on the Great Barrier Reef, Seeing the endless horizons of the Gulf Savannah, Visit the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, Tour the beautiful Atherton Tablelands, Sunday market in scenic Port Douglas.
