Independent Great Barrier Reef & Sydney

9 days
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4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
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USTOA

Group Tour
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 vacation, we have arranged hotel accommodations, daily breakfast, and sightseeing to make your vacation as turn-key as can be....
20%
$3,036
From$2,429
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Overview

Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Very Easy

What's this trip about?

    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 vacation, we have 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. Your vacation beings 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.

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Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeStandard Group - 25 + people
Age range6 years and up
Flights and transportN/A
Start City CAIRNS, AUSTRALIA
End CitySYDNEY

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Cultural

Destinations

  • Australia

Attractions

  • Cairns
  • Great Barrier Reef
  • Sydney

Activities

  • Culture

View Similar Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1: ARRIVE IN CAIRNS, AUSTRALIA

• Arrive in Cairns, “Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.” Transfer to your hotel and begin exploring this tropical city. Your Globus Local Host will make contact with you and meet to discuss your vacation, answer questions, and give suggestions to make the most of your stay.

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Day 2: CAIRNS

• Spend the day as you wish.

(Breakfast) Today's I-Time Tips Relax by your resort’s pool, or shop for souvenirs at the unique boutiques and galleries. Other activities to consider: fishing, strolling the Esplanade, a memorable sunset sail, or trying some of the downtown area’s many great restaurants and bars.

CAIRNS-ESPLANADE.jpg

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, ...

Day 4: CAIRNS

• A full day at leisure.

(Breakfast) Today's I-Time Tips Enjoy an optional trip into the Daintree Rainforest, the world’s oldest living rainforest, and to beautiful Cape Tribulation. Other possibilities include a visit to Hartley’s Crocodile Adventure, a ride on the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway, or shopping for a special souvenir at the Cairns Night Markets.

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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.

(Breakfast)

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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.

(Breakfast)

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Day 7: SYDNEY

• Today is at leisure. You can explore on your own or choose from a selection of optional activities.

(Breakfast) Today's I-Time Tips You 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.

BLUE-MOUNTAINS-THREE-SISTERS.jpg

Day 8: SYDNEY

• Another day to do as you wish in this beautiful city.

(Breakfast) Today's I-Time Tips You 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.

SYDNEY-KOALA.jpg

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.

(Breakfast)

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Dates & Availability

Price From $2,429
Price per day$270
Last Updated: 4/15/2024
Start Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Availability
10 May 2024
18 May 2024
$2,429
Sold Out
11 May 2024
19 May 2024
$2,429
Sold Out
12 May 2024
20 May 2024
$2,429
Sold Out
13 May 2024
21 May 2024
$2,429
Sold Out
14 May 2024
22 May 2024
$2,429
Sold Out
15 May 2024
23 May 2024
$2,429
Sold Out
16 May 2024
24 May 2024
$2,429
Sold Out
17 May 2024
25 May 2024
$2,429
Sold Out
18 May 2024
26 May 2024
$2,429
Sold Out
19 May 2024
27 May 2024
$2,429
Sold Out

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Globus.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Globus Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
Excellent
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Average
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Terrible
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Other Globus Reviews

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kit

Mar 2024

Written on

guide Sites are amazing, but tour ruins it

This tour has amazing sites, good hotels in great locations, great pace BUT the tour director that was assigned to be with our small group added nothing to the exper...

m

mike

Feb 2024

Written on

Never Again

Just returned from Italy. Guides were very informative. Hotels went downhill with each city. Dinners which were included were absolutely horrible - vegetable lasagna...

I

In country help

Jan 2024

Written on

Tour company help is most needed in-country

This is an upcoming trip that I haven't taken yet - the Sicilian Escape. I booked my own international flights for round trip to the launch point in Palermo. My erro...

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Why Travel with Globus?

Perfectly Planned. Seriously Stress Free.

After 90-plus years of sharing the world with travelers, Globus has set the gold standard for award-winning touring across virtually every continent. Our global network of premiere travel partners, operations experts, and hospitality pros share one goal in mind—an exceptional travel experience no matter where we travel together.

Beyond the Guidebooks.

While Italy is synonymous with spectacular food, it is the close family connection that brings generations of tradition to the table. Globus goes beyond typical tours to introduce you to local legends and local experiences not found on just any map. Meet the Bonajuto family at Antica Dolceria—the oldest confectionery in Sicily. More than 150 years after the dolceria was founded by Francesco Bonajuto, the family still serves its heavenly chocolates in the same spot, while also serving as international ambassadors of Sicilian cuisine. Che dolce!

Don’t Miss the Must Sees.

Why stand in line to catch a fleeting glimpse of ancient ruins and remarkable historic sites? Globus gives you VIP access with an expert Local Guide to go deeper, get closer, and soak it all in. From the Parthenon to the Vatican museums, you’ll explore Europe’s most beloved locations without getting lost in a crowd or waiting in line. Don’t just file past masterpieces like Michelangelo’s David or get only a hurried look at the Crown Jewels in Edinburgh Castle. Experience Europe’s extraordinary sights—and historic sites—with the VIP access you deserve.

Dreams Realized.

The Colosseum. The Prado. Saint Paul’s Cathedral. Each Globus tour always includes the legendary landmarks, the major attractions, and the must-see sites. Going beyond the iconic exteriors, we lead you to the front of the line, straight through the door, and inside the walls of Europe’s most awe-inspiring places for an exclusive look behind the scenes. With priority access, we ensure you behold the sights you’ve long dreamed of—without waiting any longer!

Do as the Locals Do.

When in Rome—or London, Paris, or Barcelona—we arrange for you to do as the locals do, not just what the tourists do. In every itinerary, we include hands-on, authentic experiences for a true taste of a day in the life. Board a private water taxi through the Grand Canal of Venice, bake scones in an Irish farmhouse, or sample Geysir Schnapps in Iceland. By striking a golf ball at St. Andrews or dancing the Sirtaki while sipping ouzo, you truly get to step into someone else’s shoes and experience the world from an insider’s perspective.

Adventure, a la Carte

While Globus vacations get you up close and personal to the world's must-see sights and unforgettable experiences, we also know the value of spending time on your own to explore as you please. After all, travel is meant to be filled with memorable moments of your own with serendipitous surprises that can’t be planned or scheduled. We build free time into every itinerary so you can leisurely explore the beckoning bookstore, tempting café table, or whimsical window shopping that's schedule free. Don’t wait a lifetime for that once-in-a-lifetime experience that’s waiting just around the corner!

Pick your Passion.

Maybe you’re an art lover, a foodie, or a history buff. Perhaps you’re moved by music, art, cuisine, or theater. Or maybe making tracks in the great outdoors is more your speed. We offer a wide array of optional excursions and activities—tailored to a variety of fitness levels and interests—so you can customize your adventure with your own personal passions and preferences. Each Globus excursion and activity has been personally tested by us and handpicked to allow you to really get to know each destination. You never have to choose between included and optional excursions, since optional activities fit seamlessly with your vacation schedule!

A Friend in Every City.

Join us and a few of our friends in your next dream destination. After all, we’ve spent over 90 years making friends in virtually every city and country in the world who let us in on local secrets, like where to find the best scone, stein, or spumoni; the best people-watching table; or the best view of wide-open spaces. Every Globus vacation includes local experts who share the stories behind the sights and Local Favorites you won’t find in the guidebooks. Globus Tour Directors and Local Guides hail from the region through which you’re traveling. No one is more familiar, passionate, or eager to share insider knowledge than our local pros!


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Logistics

Accommodation

Pullman Cairns InternationalPullman 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.CairnsAustralia17 Abbott StSwissotel 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.SydneyAustralia68 Market Street,
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Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Age Requirements
6 years and up
Additional Information
Trip ID
globus-IPK1

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