One of the liveliest, must-see cities of the Pacific Rim, Sydney humbly began life as a British penal colony in 1788. Among the colorful characters in its early history was William Bligh of Mutiny on the Bounty fame who was deposed as governor during the Rum Rebellion of 1808. In 1852, with the discovery of gold in the interior, Sydney became a thriving port of the Victorian Empire. Today, Sydney looks to the future, its skyline crowned by the graceful billowing sails of its famed Opera House. Visitors can get a glimpse of the past along the narrow, twisting streets of the Rocks, Sydney’s restored historical district and for the adventurous, the Sydney bridge climb will reward you with panoramic views of the city and harbor. Excursions can reveal the spectacular, untamed beauty of the Blue Mountains with a ride on the worlds steepest perpendicular railway; or get up close and personal with Australia’s charming wildlife at the Koala Park Sanctuary, then end your day with a refreshing stop at a traditional Aussie pub.
Venture to the hidden heart of the Blue Mountains and discover the intriguing beauty of the Wolgan Valley with a luxury stay in a one-of-a-kind resort. During your marvelous retreat, retrace the stories of the pioneers in the valley, explore the reserve and fall in love with the native wildlife or simply get lost in a starlit sky around a campfire. With all this and more, this unique Australian adventure is waiting for you.
Special Note: Any guests travelling with Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC) or CPAP breathing machines should read further below for airline stipulations with regards to bringing this equipment on tour.
Due to the nature of this program, there is a limit of 10 guests.
DAY 1 – March 1, 2024
Disembark your ship in Sydney and meet your tour leader. Board a luxury private vehicle and depart for The Blue Mountains National Park. Sit back, relax and enjoy views of the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon of giant rock formations and cascading waterfalls.
Your first stop will be at Scenic World, where you will ride on the world's steepest perpendicular railway, which travels 700 feet into the valley. Disembarking at the bottom, take a short stroll along the boardwalk and through the Jurassic rainforest. A unique scenic cable car which will return you to the top of the mountain. As you glide over the Jamison Valley, gaze at the rainforest canopy through the glass floor.
The next stop is Echo Point, a perfect lookout where you can admire the iconic rock formation called the Three Sisters as well as a breathtaking view of the valley. Enjoy your lunch today with a panoramic view over the Mount Solitary, the Ruined Castle, Katoomba Falls and the Burraborang Valley.
After lunch, proceed to a luxury resort hidden in the heart of the Wolgan Valley, unknown from a vast majority of Australians themselves. Check in to the One&Only Wolgan Valley and your luxury heritage villa. Enjoy some time at leisure to appreciate the different services of the resort or simply unwind in your private pool with unrivaled views of the Blue Mountains.
Tonight, enjoy the opportunity to network with your fellow Regent guests for a Gourmet Welcome Dinner and drinks under the stars, especially prepared for you by the chef.
NOTE: the resort will have a dedicated specialist assigned to the group to take care of any of your needs during your stay. Our local representative will not stay at the resort.
DAY 2
Following a gourmet breakfast in your villa, meet your fellow companions for a unique and private excursion to the Newnes Industrial Ruins.
Operating from 1906 to 1932, the Newnes Shale Oil Refinery was an ambitious undertaking. The refinery was one of the largest shale oil production schemes in Australia and involved mining, processing, and distillation of shale oil. Explore the historic ruins of the refinery, coal mine, the iconic beehive-shaped coking coal kilns, Newnes Railway Station, and the ghostly remnants of the lost township. Enjoy a delightful picnic lunch and light refreshments in the beautiful surrounds of the Wollemi National Park.
Back at the resort, the afternoon is yours to make the best of it: relax in your villa, horse ride on the reserve, or perhaps venture to the Glow Worm Tunnel trail. Additional costs may apply for optional tours.
After some time on your own, meet again for a 4WD tour through the 7,000-acre reserve. Exciting river crossings and rugged 4x4 touring to spectacular vantage points are part of the experience. Your guide will provide a fascinating insight into the native wildlife and ecology of the region and an opportunity to explore the hidden and lesser-known areas of the reserve. The tour will travel through the best wildlife viewing locations, with the glorious scenery of the escarpments forming a spectacular backdrop.
Back at the resort, get ready for a very special evening. Nestled within the historic precinct of 1832 Heritage
Homestead, this evening’s experience provides an enchanting tour of the starry sky. The heritage precinct is a short walk or buggy journey through the resort gardens and you will find your guide by the campfire.
The twilight period provides for an enchanting tour of the evening as the brightest stars and planets appear magically, one by one, as the sky turns from crimson to deep indigo. Prolong your evening experience at this heritage homestead that Charles Darwin visited in 1836 with a gourmet barbecue dinner highlighting flavors of the past.
DAY 3
After Breakfast, it will be time to leave your haven of peace but not without doing it in style!
A helicopter will take you up to the air for one last goodbye and bring you back to Sydney. Your journey will take you over the vastness and dramatic beauty of Australia’s hinterland terrain and breathtaking sandstone escarpments that fortify the valley. Your aircraft will rise above the chiseled sandstone escarpments and the blue hazed Blue Mountains National Park before redescending as you fly across the Nepean River. Follow the Paramatta River towards a spectacular aerial view of the world's largest natural harbor, Sydney’s Central Business District, Sydney Harbor Bridge and Sydney Opera House before the conclusion of your scenic flight.
You will then head to Sydney airport to fly to Brisbane and re-embark your ship. You will be met at the Brisbane airport by one of our local representatives.
Land Program Step by Step:
Please note: The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. This program is subject to flight confirmations which are beyond our control. All program details including timings and any flights indicated below are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. Direct flights are never guaranteed. Final itineraries with the most up to date details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once you board the ship. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments.
DAY 1
8:00am Disembark ship in Sydney and board your coach
8:30am Depart for the Blue Mountains
10:30am Visit Scenic World
12:30pm Transfer to Echo Point
12:45pm Free time and photo opportunity of the Three Sisters
1:15pm Lunch at the Lookout restaurant at Echo Point
2:30pm Transfer to the One & Only resort in the Wolgan Valley
3:30pm Check in and free time at leisure to enjoy the resort
6:30pm Welcome dinner for the group
Overnight at the One & Only Wolgan Valley
DAY 2
From 7:00am Breakfast at the resort
9:00am Private tour of Newnes Industrial Ruins with gourmet packed lunch
1:00pm Free time at leisure for guests to enjoy the resort or explore around
5:00pm Private 4WD tour of the reserve – Sundowner Experience
7:30pm Private gourmet barbeque and campfire star gazing at the 1832 Heritage Homestead
Overnight at the One & Only Wolgan Valley
DAY 3
From 6:00am Breakfast at the resort
8:00am Check out and loading of your luggage in the helicopter
8:30am Scenic flight back to Sydney over the Blue Mountains.
9:30am Transfer to Sydney Airport
12:00pm Flight from Sydney to Brisbane (flight details TBA and subject to change)
12:30pm Board an awaiting coach
1:00pm Transfer to the pier
1:30pm Re-embark your awaiting ship in Brisbane
Expected Weather:
Daytime: 72°F or 22°C
Nighttime: 52°F or 11°C
Nights and mornings in the Blue Mountain National Park can be cool and guests should pack appropriate clothing.
What to Bring:
Bring comfortable casual clothes. You may want to include a smart pair of shorts or pants (or skirt) with a polo short for dinner occasions. Swimwear and beach shoes (flip flops or sandals) are a must. Remember to include a (light) sweater in case it gets cooler in the evening. A hat and sunscreen are essential.
Local Currency:
Australian Dollars. The U.S. dollar is not accepted. However, all major credit cards can be used. A credit card will be required at by the resort at check in for any incidentals.
Electricity:
Australia operates with 220 volts, and guests should bring an international travel adaptor for electronic devices.
Luggage information:
Guests are allowed to bring a maximum of 1 complimentary checked suitcase weighing no more than 23 kg (50 lbs.) for the domestic flights. Luggage sizes are based upon 68cmx48cmx30cm dimensions and max 23kg per piece for the helicopter flight.
Carriage of Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC) or CPAP breathing machines on internal flights per airline regulations (subject to change as each airline has their own regulations)
1. Guests must obtain a Doctor’s Certificate mentioning their medical condition and the need to carry this equipment with them on their flights.
2. The certificate should have attached a picture of the equipment with its description/specifications especially with regards to the type of batteries used (lithium/dry or any other type)
3. These documents need to be sent to the Land Program Team via Reservations at RSSC at least one month prior to travel so that our local operator can begin the notification process with the airline(s).
4. Failure to comply with the above regulations may result in a denial of this equipment at the airport for which Regent Seven Seas Cruises nor our local ground operator be responsible for.
Documents and Visa Requirements: Guests will need a visa to visit Australia and should check with their travel agent or embassy for requirements.
VERY IMPORTANT – The name on your cruise booking, passport and any visas if required, must all be exactly the same for flight ticket purchase for this program otherwise guests may be denied travel by flight. Please ensure that all documents are identical in spelling to the names provided for your cruise reservation including first, middle and last name. Manifests generated by the cruise line must match your travel documents.
Hotel address:
Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley
Wolgan Valley, New South Wales, 2790, Australia
Phone: +61 2 9199 1811
Program Includes:
•2 nights at the Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley – One-bedroom Heritage Villa
•One-way economy class flight from Sydney to Brisbane – direct flights not guaranteed
•Helicopter flight from the resort to Sydney
•2 x breakfasts
•1 x lunch including 2 beverages
•1 x picnic packed lunch with 1 non-alcoholic beverage
•2 x dinners including 2 beverages at each meal
•Hotel Porterage
•Transfers as required
•Tour Director for coach transfers
•All tours and entrances as per the itinerary
Program does not include:
•Gratuities to drivers and guides
•Hotel incidentals including mini bar and room service
•Any meals or beverages not listed above
•Excess or overweight luggage fees for the flights
Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.
All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations.
Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Mid cruise overland programs must be purchased no later than 60 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 60 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty.
Venture into the great outdoors during this six-day adventure program. You’ll spend one-on-one time with cuddly koalas, snorkel within the world’s largest coral reef system and visit the Indigenous heartland of Australia when you journey to the ‘Red Centre’ to experience the beauty of Uluru (Ayer’s Rock). With so much to experience from land to sea, this is a journey you won’t want to miss.
Special Note: Any guests travelling with Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC) or CPAP breathing machines should read further below for airline stipulations with regards to bringing this equipment on tour. This program is not suitable for guests who utilize a wheelchair or rely on walking aids due to the level of mobility required to participate in each of the activities.
DAY 1 – March 1, 2024
Disembark the ship in Sydney and meet your guide. You will be transferred to the airport for a flight to Ayres Rock.
Check in to Sails in the Desert Resort.
Following lunch on your own, embark on the Mala Walk to Kantju Gorge. Your guide will highlight the ancient rock art and traditional bush tucker of the Anangu, as well as the cultural and geologic significance of this site. Your view of the beautiful sunset will be from a special vantage point where a glass of sparkling and some nibbles will be offered to make it a special occasion before returning to your hotel for dinner.
This evening, dine as a group at Ilkari Restaurant at your hotel.
DAY 2 - March 2, 2024
Wake up early to witness the sunrise at Uluru and see the desert come to life in the morning light.
Following your sunrise experience, you will return to the hotel for breakfast before you visit Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is traditionally owned by the Anangu, one of the world’s oldest continuous societies. Admire its remarkable red rock formations of Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Kata Tjuta (the Olgas).
You will return to the hotel for lunch on your own. After lunch you will have free time in the afternoon to relax, visit the Gallery of Central Australia, or engage in some of the included activities at Sails in the Desert (bush food experience, learn about bush yarns, visit a camel farm, didgeridioo workshop, garden walk – subject to change).
Note: The free activities are subject to change without notice. Please enquire at hotel reception to confirm operating times. Please be aware that their Indigenous performers are traditional people with strong cultural obligations. Wet weather may also impact scheduled activities.
Tonight, experience ‘A Night at Field of Light’ with dinner under the stars and views of Uluru and the infamous Field of Light; 50,000 bulbs of colored light creating a vista of beauty that can only be appreciated in person.
Day 3 - March 3, 2024
Following breakfast at the hotel meet your guide, check out and transfer to Ayres Rock airport for a flight to Cairns with a takeaway lunch on board. On landing you will board your coach and transfer to Port Douglas and check into your hotel.
Dinner is on your own this evening.
Day 4 – March 4, 2024
Following breakfast at your leisure, meet in the lobby for a once in a lifetime trip to the Great Barrier Reef. Set sail
in style from Port Douglas to the Outer Barrier Reef on a 25-meter luxury catamaran (may not be exclusive to Mariner guests).
Sail along the coastline with views of the Daintree Rainforest and Snapper Island before heading to the Outer Reef. Whilst underway enjoy a presentation on the reef with a marine biologist before arriving at your first reef site.
At your first reef site take the opportunity to snorkel over the mesmerizing coral gardens or for those of you who prefer to stay dry enjoy the corals from a glass bottom boat. See beautiful corals, giant clams, turtles, and fish life up close.
Once back onboard enjoy a tropical buffet lunch whilst underway to your second reef site. Once at your second reef site feel free to enjoy some more snorkeling in the pristine waters of the Coral Sea before heading back to Port Douglas. On your return trip enjoy an afternoon tea with coffee, cakes and a fresh fruit platter.
Upon return to Port Douglas, enjoy some free time before enjoying your final dinner at the hotel restaurant.
NOTE:
•The vessel may not be exclusive to Mariner guests
•Snorkel equipment is provided on the boat – it is thoroughly washed and sterilized to meet covid- safe requirements.
•Those that suffer from motion sickness are advised to take preventative medication before the catamaran tour. The snorkel tour is not recommended for those in wheelchairs, or who have limited mobility.
•Up to 3 Introductory or Certified Scuba Dives can be undertaken on the cruise but must be pre-booked. We suggest speaking to your tour guide on day 1 of this program for options and rates. Payment must be taken locally.
•Suggest that a towel is borrowed from the hotel for the cruise. Lost and not returned towels will be at the expense of the guest and not covered in this program.
•Guests must use biodegradable sunscreen at the reef.
Day 5 – March 5, 2024
Following breakfast, board your awaiting coach and depart for the short drive to the Wildlife Habitat in the charming coastal town of Port Douglas. Here you will have the opportunity to come face-to-face with Australia’s iconic wildlife-including the Koala, Kangaroo and Cassowary.
Next, you will depart for lunch at the Treehouse Restaurant at Silky Oaks Lodge in the treetops of the Daintree Rainforest.
Following your visit to the Treehouse Restaurant, you will visit the town of Port Douglas where you will have some free time to explore the numerous shops and cafes.
Dinner this evening is on your own, enjoy one of the hotel restaurants or explore the local Port Douglas restaurants.
Day 6 – March 6, 2024
Following breakfast meet your guide and check out. You will depart for Mossman Gorge, nestled in the ancient Daintree Rainforest. Here, you will be joined by a local Aboriginal Guide for a walking tour. As you take in the natural beauty surrounding you and observe its wildlife, your guide will share enchanting stories that will give you a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the indigenous Kuku Yalanji people, the traditional owners of the park.
Following your visit to Mossman Gorge transfer to Cairns where you will meet your awaiting ship in port.
Land Program Details Step by Step:
•Please note: The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. All program details including timings and any flights indicated below are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. Direct flights are never guaranteed.
•Itineraries with the most up to date details (at the time) will be issued when you are emailed your final cruise documents 21 days prior to sailing. Final itineraries with the most up to date details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once you board the ship. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments.
•The hotels used for your land program will be the hotels listed in this document unless you have been advised otherwise in advance of the land program start date.
DAY 1
8:00am Disembark the ship in Sydney
8:40am Transfer to the airport
9:20am Check-in
10:20am Flight from Sydney to Ayers Rock (Flight details TBA and subject to change)
12:00pm Transfer to hotel, check-in
12:15pm Lunch at hotel and re-fresh
3:00pm Kantju Gorge and sunset tour
8:30pm Dinner at Ilkari
Overnight at Sails in the Desert or similar hotel
DAY 2
5:00am Sunrise tour
7:00am Breakfast at hotel
9:00am Kata Tjuta tour
12:00pm Lunch and afternoon at leisure
7:30pm Field of Light dinner experience
Overnight at Sails in the Desert or similar hotel
Day 3
From 6:00am Breakfast at leisure
8:30am Check out, board coach for airport
9:00am Airport check-in
10:15am Flight from Ayers Rock to Cairns (Flight details TBA and subject to change)
2:15pm Transfer to hotel
3:20pm Check in to hotel, afternoon at leisure
Dinner on own
Overnight at Sheraton Grand Mirage or similar hotel
Day 4
From 6:30am Breakfast at your hotel
8:45am Transfer to Port Douglas marina and check-in for tour 9:30am Board vessel
10:00am Depart Port Douglas marina
10:30am Marine biology presentation
11:30am Free time for swim and snorkel
12:00pm Lunch served on board
1:30pm Free time for swim and snorkeling
3:00pm Return to Port Douglas
4:30pm Return back to hotel
7:00pm Dinner at hotel restaurant
Overnight at Sheraton Grand Mirage or similar hotel
Day 5
From 6:30am Breakfast at your hotel
8:00am Check out and board coach
8:15am Transfer to Wildlife Habitat
8:30am Arrive at Wildlife Habitat for Australian wildlife experience
12:00pm Transfer to Silky Oaks Lodge
12:30pm Lunch at Treehouse Restaurant, Silky Oaks Lodge
2:30pm Transfer to Port Douglas town
3:00pm Free time in Port Douglas 4:30pm
Return to your hotel
Dinner and evening at leisure
Overnight at Sheraton Grand Mirage or similar hotel
Day 6
From 6:30am Breakfast at your hotel
9:00am Check out and board coach
9:30am Transfer to Mossman Gorge
10:00am Mossman Gorge Dreamtime Walk Tour
11:30am Transfer to Cairns
1:00pm Approximate arrival to the ship in Cairns for embarkation
Expected Weather:
Cairns: The weather is around 20-28°C / 69-93°F. Humidity can be high, and rainfall should be expected. Darwin: The weather is around 21-28°C / 71-84°F. Humidity can be high, and rainfall should be expected.
What to Bring:
Bring comfortable casual clothes and good walking shoes. You may want to include a smart pair of shorts (or skirt) with a polo shirt for dinner occasions, swimwear, light sweater in case it gets cooler in the evening, hat and biodegradable sunscreen.
Local Currency:
Australian Dollars. The U.S. dollar is not accepted. However, all major credit cards can be used. A credit card will be required at by the resort at check in for any incidentals.
Electricity:
Australia operates with 220 volts, and guests should bring an international travel adaptor for electronic devices.
Luggage information:
Guests are allowed to bring a maximum of 1 checked suitcase free of charge for the domestic flights. Maximum weight is 20kg (50bs.) One small carry-on per person that can fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you is also permitted. Guests having excess or overweight luggage will be responsible for any fees upon check in at the airports.
Carriage of Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC) or CPAP breathing machines on internal flights per airline regulations (subject to change as each airline has their own regulations)
1.Guests must obtain a Doctor’s Certificate mentioning their medical condition and the need to carry this equipment with them on their flights.
2.The certificate should have attached a picture of the equipment with its description/specifications especially with regards to the type of batteries used (lithium/dry or any other type)
3.These documents need to be sent to the Land Program Team via Reservations at RSSC at least one month prior to travel so that our local operator can begin the notification process with the airline(s).
4.Failure to comply with the above regulations may result in a denial of this equipment at the airport for which Regent Seven Seas Cruises nor our local ground operator be responsible for.
Documents and Visa Requirements:
Guests will need a visa to visit Australia and should check with their travel agent or embassy for requirements for their nationality.
VERY IMPORTANT – The name on your cruise booking, passport and any visas if required, must all be exactly the same for flight ticket purchase for this program otherwise guests may be denied travel by flight. Please ensure that all documents are identical in spelling to the names provided for your cruise reservation including first, middle and last name. Manifests generated by the cruise line must match your travel documents.
Accommodations:
Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort
168-190 Port Douglas Road, Port Douglas, QLD 4877
Phone: +61 7 4099 5888
Sails in the Desert
163 Yulara Drive, Yulara, Northern Territory 0872
Phone: +61 2 8296 8010
*We will only source different hotels in unforeseen situations. If similar hotels are required, they will be of equal ratings and standards and you will be notified of the change. If you are not notified of any changes before your departure then you will be staying at the hotels listed in this program.
Program Includes for guests:
•2 nights at Sails in the Desert (Superior Room or similar)
•3 nights at Sheraton Grand Mirage – Port Douglas (Lagoon Access Room or similar)
•Breakfasts x 5, Lunch x 3, Dinner x 3
•All touring mentioned above
•Economy class domestic flights from Sydney to Ayres Rock and Ayers Rock to Cairns
•Porterage
Program Excludes for guests:
•Gratuities for drivers and guides
•Hotel incidentals including mini bar and room service
•Additional meals, drinks not included in the program
•Scuba diving on the Great Barrier reef program
•Towels
•Excess or overweight luggage on flights
Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.
All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations. Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Mid cruise overland programs must be purchased no later than 60 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 60 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty.
