Sydney
Overview
Australia is a must-see destination that offers a blend of diverse urban metropolises and the wild beauty of the outback.
If you’re looking to explore nature, the Great Barrier Reef, the Red Centre, and the Daintree Rainforest provide the perfect blend of adventure and beauty.
Melbourne and Sydney are electrifying if you want to have an authentic Australian experience. Our network of experts will help you explore these metropolises like a local.
Best Time to visit
Travel through Asia to experience some of the most unforgettable cultures and locations. Meditate with saffron-robed monks in temples constructed hundreds of years ago and learn the local secrets of some of the largest cities in the world. Some of the locations we offer custom luxury vacations to include:
Highlights
Sydney
Between the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Sydney Opera House, and the Royal Botanic Gardens, cosmopolitan Sydney is one of the world’s most iconic cities. How about a privately guided walking tour to some lesser-known spots, a romantic private Sydney Harbour cruise, a surfing lesson on world-famous Bondi Beach, or maybe an exclusive backstage tour of the opera house?
Near Sydney, the Blue Mountains National Park is a wonderful place to get off the beaten track for an unforgettable day or overnight trip where you can see native wildlife and enjoy spectacular views of mountains and valleys covered in eucalyptus forests.
Melbourne
Melbourne’s eclectic laneways are a maze of back streets that are home to excellent restaurants, cafes, wine bars, and street performers. The city makes a great base for a day or overnight trip along the Great Ocean Road, one of the world’s great coastal drives. Join one of our exclusive ranger-led walking safaris to spend a day tracking kangaroos and koalas in the wild, or see penguins and other iconic Australian wildlife at nearby Phillip Island.
The Great Barrier Reef
One of the world’s seven great natural wonders, the Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef. It comprises over 3,000 individual reef systems and thousands of tropical islands. The reef is a snorkeler’s paradise, giving you a front-row seat to one of the planet’s most diverse and biologically complex marine ecosystems.
Our small boat cruises visit parts of the reef that are inaccessible by larger tourist boats. Qualified marine biologists on board lead discussions and guided snorkeling tours to ensure a fascinating educational insight into this unique ecosystem.
The Red Centre
No visit to Australia is complete without visiting the iconic Outback, where Aboriginal history dates back 50,000 years. Visit sacred sites, admire ancient rock art, and experience the mysterious spiritual energy of Uluru (Ayers Rock).
Explore this iconic site on foot, by helicopter, or for an unforgettable experience, ride across the desert on a Harley Davidson.
The Great Barrier Reef
One of the world’s seven great natural wonders, the Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef. It comprises over 3,000 individual reef systems and thousands of tropical islands. The reef is a snorkeler’s paradise, giving you a front-row seat to one of the planet’s most diverse and biologically complex marine ecosystems.
Our small boat cruises visit parts of the reef that are inaccessible by larger tourist boats. Qualified marine biologists on board lead discussions and guided snorkeling tours to ensure a fascinating educational insight into this unique ecosystem.
The Great Barrier Reef
One of the world’s seven great natural wonders, the Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef. It comprises over 3,000 individual reef systems and thousands of tropical islands. The reef is a snorkeler’s paradise, giving you a front-row seat to one of the planet’s most diverse and biologically complex marine ecosystems.
Our small boat cruises visit parts of the reef that are inaccessible by larger tourist boats. Qualified marine biologists on board lead discussions and guided snorkeling tours to ensure a fascinating educational insight into this unique ecosystem.
The Great Barrier Reef
One of the world’s seven great natural wonders, the Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef. It comprises over 3,000 individual reef systems and thousands of tropical islands. The reef is a snorkeler’s paradise, giving you a front-row seat to one of the planet’s most diverse and biologically complex marine ecosystems.
Our small boat cruises visit parts of the reef that are inaccessible by larger tourist boats. Qualified marine biologists on board lead discussions and guided snorkeling tours to ensure a fascinating educational insight into this unique ecosystem.
Gallery
BWJ Difference
Sydney
Between the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Sydney Opera House, and the Royal Botanic Gardens, cosmopolitan Sydney is one of the world’s most iconic cities. How about a privately guided walking tour to some lesser-known spots, a romantic private Sydney Harbour cruise, a surfing lesson on world-famous Bondi Beach, or maybe an exclusive backstage tour of the opera house?
Near Sydney, the Blue Mountains National Park is a wonderful place to get off the beaten track for an unforgettable day or overnight trip where you can see native wildlife and enjoy spectacular views of mountains and valleys covered in eucalyptus forests.
Melbourne
Melbourne’s eclectic laneways are a maze of back streets that are home to excellent restaurants, cafes, wine bars, and street performers. The city makes a great base for a day or overnight trip along the Great Ocean Road, one of the world’s great coastal drives. Join one of our exclusive ranger-led walking safaris to spend a day tracking kangaroos and koalas in the wild, or see penguins and other iconic Australian wildlife at nearby Phillip Island.
The Great Barrier Reef
One of the world’s seven great natural wonders, the Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef. It comprises over 3,000 individual reef systems and thousands of tropical islands. The reef is a snorkeler’s paradise, giving you a front-row seat to one of the planet’s most diverse and biologically complex marine ecosystems.
Our small boat cruises visit parts of the reef that are inaccessible by larger tourist boats. Qualified marine biologists on board lead discussions and guided snorkeling tours to ensure a fascinating educational insight into this unique ecosystem.
The Red Centre
No visit to Australia is complete without visiting the iconic Outback, where Aboriginal history dates back 50,000 years. Visit sacred sites, admire ancient rock art, and experience the mysterious spiritual energy of Uluru (Ayers Rock).
Explore this iconic site on foot, by helicopter, or for an unforgettable experience, ride across the desert on a Harley Davidson.
The Great Barrier Reef
One of the world’s seven great natural wonders, the Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef. It comprises over 3,000 individual reef systems and thousands of tropical islands. The reef is a snorkeler’s paradise, giving you a front-row seat to one of the planet’s most diverse and biologically complex marine ecosystems.
Our small boat cruises visit parts of the reef that are inaccessible by larger tourist boats. Qualified marine biologists on board lead discussions and guided snorkeling tours to ensure a fascinating educational insight into this unique ecosystem.
The Great Barrier Reef
One of the world’s seven great natural wonders, the Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef. It comprises over 3,000 individual reef systems and thousands of tropical islands. The reef is a snorkeler’s paradise, giving you a front-row seat to one of the planet’s most diverse and biologically complex marine ecosystems.
Our small boat cruises visit parts of the reef that are inaccessible by larger tourist boats. Qualified marine biologists on board lead discussions and guided snorkeling tours to ensure a fascinating educational insight into this unique ecosystem.
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Our Process
No matter where you want to go, the first step to your journey is scheduling a consultation with our team. During our meeting, we’ll learn more about you, your likes, dislikes, and bucket list items. Then, we’ll create a personalized itinerary based on the information you shared with us.
Schedule your consultation today
Meet with our team to learn more about your luxury vacation.
Receive your custom itinerary
We will tailor a custom vacation grounded in your personal preferences and goals, allowing you to get the most from your luxury vacation.
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Turn that fantasy into reality by booking your luxury vacation!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of year to visit Australia?
The best times to visit Australia are in spring and fall. March to May and October to December provide the best weather and the best travel conditions. If you’re looking to visit the Great Barrier Reef, April to October are the ideal times for diving, but it’s fantastic at any time of the year. If you plan on visiting the Outback, you should visit during the Australian winter (May to August) to avoid the extreme heat that comes during the summer.
What are the must-visit destinations in Australia?
Australia is expansive, and picking our favorite destinations is like trying to force us to pick our favorite child. Here are some of the most popular destinations people enjoy.
- Sydney – View and experience Iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
- Great Barrier Reef – This thriving ecosystem is roughly the size of Germany and is one of the seven natural wonders of the world.
- Uluru (Ayers Rock) – Deep in the heart of the Outback, Uluru is a sacred Aboriginal site that is estimated to have started forming 550 million years ago.
- Melbourne – Boasting a rich music and arts community, Melbourne is also home to a vibrant sports scene, a vibrant coffee culture, and an outstanding food scene.
- Tasmania – With pristine landscapes, rugged mountains, and diverse wildlife paired with rich cultural experiences and outdoor adventures of all kind, the island of Tasmania off the southern coast of Australia is a must-visit destination.
- Western Australia – At four times the size of Texas and off the beaten path for tourists, Western Australia hosts incredible deserts and one of the most impressive costal coral reefs in the world where you can swim with sharks and whales while being close to beautiful national parks and so much more.
No matter if you’re looking to visit the most popular tourist attractions or want a more tailored experience, we create a fully customized itinerary to match your interests.
How much should I budget for a trip to Australia?
The exact cost of your Australian vacation depends on a wide range of factors. The longer you plan to stay, and the more premium services you want to experience will increase your estimated budget. At Blue World Journeys, we specialize in custom luxury vacations. On average, you can expect to budget at least $4,000 per person per week plus international flights. This is only a rough estimate, as the sky is the limit, and we have worked with clients with lower budgets, as well as many whose ultra-luxury itineraries cost over $20,000 per person per week. We will work with you to maximize your experience based on your desired budget.
What unique experiences should I include in my itinerary?
We specialize in going beyond the average tourist locations and have a long list of unique experiences that can be tailored fit for your interests. A few of our favorite exclusive offerings include:
- Private helicopter tours of the Great Barrier Reef.
- Indigenous cultural experiences in the heart of the outback with Aboriginal guides.
- Luxury yacht charters along the Whitsunday Islands
- Private wine tastings in Australia’s premier wine regions.
- Up close wildlife encounters. Get personal with kangaroos and koalas, or even swim with whale sharks.
What kind of wildlife can I see in Australia?
Australia is home to some of the most unique wildlife in the world. Depending on your itinerary and the season you visit, you can:
- See kangaroos and koalas in the wild at numerous locations including Kangaroo Island or the Grampians.
- Snorkel with sea turtles at the Great Barrier Reef.
- Spot Tasmanian devils in the wild.
- Swim with whale sharks in Ningaloo Reef.
We can include ethical wildlife experiences in your itinerary based on your interests.
Are There Fixed Departure Dates?
No, our trips don’t have fixed departure dates as each tour is private, allowing you to choose your preferred departure day. Every itinerary is available to start on any day of the year.
How long should I plan to stay in Australia?
To get the most out of your time without feeling rushed, we recommend planning at least two weeks in Australia. This will give you enough time to explore different cities and regions in Australia and give you a more comprehensive experience.
If you only want to focus on one or two regions or cities, you should plan 10 days. Ten days is long enough to take a deeper dive into a region or two and give you time to find and enjoy some of the hidden gems of the area.
How do I get around Australia?
Australia is comparable to the size of the continental United States. While it is possible to drive, we generally include domestic flights when traveling between cities. If you are traveling shorter distances, trains and self-driving options can be a good option to also enjoy the scenery Australia has to offer.
In major cities, public transport is reliable and efficient. If you plan on visiting smaller towns to explore more of what Australia has to offer, a rental car is often the best solution.
No matter where you plan on visiting, we handle all transport logistics, including private transfers and charters so you can travel seamlessly during your luxury Australian vacation.
Do I need a visa to visit Australia?
Yes, you will need a passport and a valid electronic visa to visit Australia. The process is straightforward and can be done online. We provide guidance to ensure you have everything you need before your trip.
What is the food and wine scene like in Australia?
Australia is a food lover’s paradise! While Australia’s history is based on Western and European culture, Australia is a geographic neighbor to Eastern Asia, and the food in Australia mirrors that fusion of style, flavor, and passion. Australia is one of the only places in the world where you can find an authentic French patisserie only a few blocks from a ramen shop that hand-pulls its noodles.
Some must-try experiences include:
- Wine and vineyard tours in the Barossa Valley, Hunter Valley, and Margaret River during the fall harvest season, where you get to enjoy wine straight from the source.
- Fresh seafood feasts where your food was swimming in the ocean that morning. Australia’s islands and coastal cities boast some of the freshest and best-tasting lobster, barramundi, and oysters in the world.
- Farm-to-table dining in Queensland, New South Wales, or Victoria, where our food and wine guides connect a world-class kitchen to surrounding farms and bring you closer to your food.
Let us know your preferences, and we’ll arrange an unforgettable culinary experience for every meal of your trip.
What should I pack for my trip to Australia?
Australia has diverse climates, so packing depends on where you’re going and what you plan on doing.
If you plan on exploring nature, hiking, or visiting a wildlife preserve, we recommend packing lightweight clothing, swimwear, sun protection, and comfortable walking shoes.
If your custom itinerary is taking you to a cooler region, like Melbourne, Tasmania, or the Blue Mountains, you should plan to wear multiple layers and a raincoat to stay warm and dry.
If you are looking to explore some of the more prestigious locations on your vacation, you should pack formal wear to meet the needs of your occasion.
For all trips, we strongly recommend a good camera, insect repellent, adaptors for Australian power outlets, and a moisturizer or lotion with an SPF of at least 30.
We know that it can be difficult to know what to pack for your vacation, so as part of your custom itinerary, we will provide a packing guide. It will help you know what you need to pack for each leg of your journey, ensuring you’re well-prepared for every moment of your luxury Australian vacation.
Are These Group Tours?
No, we don’t offer group tours. Our trips are all private, for just you and your travel companions. Your itinerary is fully customizable, so you can decide on activities and sights each day. We tailor your itinerary to match your interests, travel style and pace. We do offer small group day tours (around 15 people) that you can join in each of our locations, which are priced more affordably than private day tours. You would still be on your own private tour, but would join our small group day tours with different travelers every day. These are a great option for travelers who want great value, but want to keep within a lower budget.