Australia Island Hopping Luxury Vacation

The basecamp for your Australian adventures will be Sydney, the state capital of New South Wales. After arriving, you will enjoy a brief domestic flight to the comfortable getaway of Hamilton Island just off the coast of Conway National Park. For the next three days, this setting of colorful coral reef, sandy beaches, and lush woodlands will be yours to explore. You will certainly be able to see why it earned the Australian Travelers 'Most Desired Island Escape' award.

The comfortable resort accommodations  you will enjoy during your stay at Hamilton Island include a vast array of activities and services that you can tap into at your leisure. Leisure will be the principal theme of the next two days as you peruse a menu of activities that involve diving beneath the azure waves, striding confidently through the local flora, or taking to the skies on an aerial tour of the coast. This customizable stay on the island will set the tone for the remainder of your journey.

If you have not had a chance to take advantage of the many activities or sites on Hamilton Island, today is your day. A visit to the nearby Reefworld will acquaint you with the largest permanent floating platform in the hemisphere and is an excellent perch from which to view the aquatic world of the nearby fringing reefs. A helicopter ride will allow for a bird's eye view of the Whitsunday islands, and the nearby Dent island provides a picturesque golf course for those hoping to improve their swing. For your final day in this unique corner of Australia, there is no shortage of ways to spend it.

After a leisurely morning in your luxurious resort, you will depart the Australian mainland for a trip to Tasmania. With roughly 40% of its mass covered by protected areas of national parks and heritage sites, the natural beauty of Tasmania is some of the most protected land in the world. Your launchpad into this pristine landscape will be the capital city of Hobart, which is your final destination after your departure from Hamilton Island. After arriving at your conveniently located hotel, the vibrant nightlife of Hobart will be yours to explore at your own pace.

You will start the day with a thorough tour of the Tasmanian capital of Hobart, which will include a memorable visit to the Museum of Old and New Art and a winery in the Coal River Valley. At the winery, you can sample the product of the proud local vineyards. After exploring Hobart, you will embark on a journey into the outback and the Freycinet Peninsula. This rugged landscape is one of Tasmania's early parks and will be a perfect location to enjoy an active look at a remote part of the state.

Reminiscent of the wild coast of Maine in the United States, Freycinet park presents visitors with some stunning coastlines, protected coves, and rugged mountains. After waking up at your comfortable lodge, the blank canvas of Freycinet will be yours to paint whatever you envision. The mouthwatering menu of activities includes, but is hardly limited to, mountain biking, kayaking, and guided treks. By the time the sun sets on your Freycinet visit, you will be well-versed in this vibrant corner of Tasmania.

The natural beauty of Australia will again be on display as you return to the mainland from Tasmania and arrive at the seaside Bouddi National Park via Sydney. This protected area is situated along the central coast of New South Wales and offers a perfect balance of modern luxury and natural charm. After arriving in Sydney, you will make your way down to the wharf and board a seaplane that will take you on the short ride North into Bouddi. By the time you arrive at your luxury lodge, you will have the remainder of the day to spend at your leisure.

After the thrills of Hamilton Island and Freycinet National Park, you will welcome a day of leisure that will allow you to explore Bouddi at your own pace. The region has a strong indigenous identity, and your time at this lodge will provide multiple opportunities to access this distinctive element of the park. Annual whale migrations can also provide a glimpse of the abundant wildlife on display. The scenic hiking trails that crisscross the landscape and rumors of a mysterious shipwreck will be enough to inspire the imagination in this mesmeric setting.

After departing Bouddi park, you will make your way to the remote island of Lord Howe, which is over 400 nautical miles from Sydney. Into this volcanic environment you will step after arriving by plane and convenient transfer to your lodge. One of the many claims to fame of this island is that it is only one of four island groups in the world to earn the coveted UNESCO World Heritage Site award. The splendor of this place will become evident the moment you witness the turquoise lagoons and distant mountains from the lodge's main patio.

As dawn's light first touches the volcanic peaks that dominate the island's topography, you will notice the island's inhabitants begin to stir as lone fishermen make their way to the pier for the morning's catch. For the next three days, this remote corner of Australia will be yours to explore as you immerse yourself in the oceanic ambiance of Lord Howe Island.

Today, you will have the option to relax at the resort or take to the waves on a cruise to the nearby coral reefs. With over 500 species of local fish alone, a look beneath the surface of the waves will reveal the world's southernmost coral reef and a unique ecosystem of marine life that can only be found in the volcanic currents of the Tasman sea. Whether you take to the waves or remain on shore, you cannot help but be charmed by the intimate waxing and waning of daily life on the island.

Whether you decide to rise with the sun or hit the snooze button for some more time under your covers, there is no delaying your final day on in this vibrant island setting. A trip to Ned's beach on the North end of the island will give you a suitable location to swim or doze in the sun. You can also explore the island on two wheels; a bicycle is the ideal way to feel the Pacific wind through your hair as you take in the sights.

After the rural beauty and quiet character of Lord Howe Island, the bustle of the city may come as a bit of a shock; however, the picturesque nature and warm hospitality of Sydney will quickly win you over after your arrival. Like the many locations in the United States, Sydney began as a British colony and is considered by many to be the first European settlement in Australia. After arriving at your comfortable hotel, you can enjoy all the modern amenities of the big city.

Using Sydney as a basecamp for your other adventures may have left you little time to enjoy the seaside city itself. Today, you will be able to explore this stunning community on a premium tour of all the major sites. With a modern public transport system, a vibrant cafe scene, and some contemporary architecture, Sydney affords visitors an authentic glimpse of modern Australian culture and history. As you encounter the city with the help of a private guide, the true character and joie de vivre will reveal itself.

Today, you will enjoy a different side of the city that is often missed by many of the travelers who visit Sydney. A morning arrival to the marina will introduce you to your skipper and the sailboat on which you can cavort around the waterways. During your sail, you can take in the sights and enjoying a delectable lunch of local cuisine and beverages. As you bounce across the waves, your charismatic guide will introduce you to the major landmarks and history of the city, all of which you will be able to enjoy from the comfort of the sailboat.

Your final day in Australia will be spent in style as you venture into another of the many parks and natural environments that appear throughout New South Wales. A private helicopter ride will whisk you over the congested highways of Sydney and into the bush. The UNESCO-protected heritage of the Blue Mountains will provide an idyllic setting in which to survey the impressive rock escarpments. After returning to Sydney by helicopter, you will have the remainder of the day to ponder the beauty of the Blue Mountains.

Your final morning will afford just enough time to stroll around the bustling harbor or to visit your favorite cafe before making your way to the international airport for your return flight. From the coast of Tasmania to the natural beauty of New South Wales, your visit to Australia will have included a perfect blend of rural beauty and urban excitement.