Journey to AUSTRALIA
Prepared for Kristina, Noah & Henry
Dec. 22, 2026 - Jan. 3, 2027
Itinerary Outline
Dec. 22 - 24 | Travel to Cairns
Dec. 24 - 28 | Daintree Rainforest | Silky Oaks Lodge | 4 nights
Dec. 28 - 30 | Uluru | Longitude 131˚ | 2 nights
Dec. 30 - Jan. 3 | Sydney | Intercontinental Coogee Beach | 4 nights
Jan. 3 | Departure
DEC. 22-23 | Departure DAY
Flight from Seattle and Los Angeles to Cairns
Depart on your international flight to Cairns. As you cross the International Date Line, you will lose a day in transit, arriving into Cairns on Thursday 24 December.
Flight: Seattle (SEA) to Los Angeles (LAX) Kristina Only
Flight: Alaska Airlines AS1341
Departure: 4:20 p.m. (Tue, Dec 22)
Arrival: 7:09 p.m. (Tue, Dec 22)
Cabin: First
Seat: 02C
Baggage allowance: 2x32kg (70lbs) checked & 1 piece cabin per person
Confirmation: YQAXXJ
2hrs 31m in transit in Los Angeles. Meet up at LAX and celebrate the beginning of the adventure!
Flight: Los Angeles (LAX) to Brisbane (BNE)
Flight: Qantas Airways QF0016
Departure: 9:40 p.m. (Tue, Dec 22)
Arrival: 5:50 a.m. (Thu, Dec 24)
Cabin: Business
Seat: 07A, 07E, 07F
Baggage allowance: 2x32kg (70lbs) checked & 1 piece cabin per person
Confirmation: CDHFTN
2hrs 45m in transit in Brisbane.
Flight: Brisbane (BNE) to Cairns (CNS)
Flight: Qantas Airways QF1274
Departure: 8:35 a.m. (Thu, Dec 24)
Arrival: 11:05 a.m. (Thu, Dec 24)
Cabin: Business
Seat: 03C, 03D, 03F
Baggage allowance: 2x32kg (70lbs) checked & 1 piece cabin per person
Confirmation: CDHFTN
DEC. 24 | DAINTREE rainforest
Arrival and Private Transfer
11:05am: Welcome to Australia! Greeting by your host upon arrival at Cairns Airport. You will be met by your private driver and transferred to your accommodation (approx. 1hr 20 minutes),
Check-in
Arrive at Silky Oaks Lodge, and check in. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, relaxing at the lodge and resting from your journey. The lodge is nestled on the edge of the World Heritage-listed Daintree National Park, so you will for sure experience the soothing sights and sounds of the rainforest. The Lodge blends casual and contemporary design, amongst the most tranquil surrounds. The Treehouse Restaurant, one of Northern Queensland's premier dining experiences, is a unique open-sided restaurant which features unobstructed rainforest and river views set above the trees.
STAY: Silky Oaks Lodge | Riverhouse | Dinner
DEC. 25 | DAINTREE rainforest
At Leisure in the Rainforest
Today, take some time to enjoy the wonderful self-guided experiences at Silky Oaks Lodge. Set out on one of the surrounding rainforest walks, cool off with a refreshing swim in the river, or hop on the e-bikes and make your way towards Four Mile Beach, a stunning beach that stretches out in a broad sweep of palm fringed white sand. The e-bike ride offers a lovely way to explore the lush surroundings at your own pace, with plenty of freedom to stop along the way, spend some time on the beach and soak up the scenery.
Port Douglas, the coastal town right by Four Mile Beach, is known for its laid back sophistication and natural beauty. Come evening, the Port Douglas Marina draws a quiet crowd. Cafes and restaurants line the waterfront, and as the harbor lights begin to reflect on the water and the sunset settles over the marina, it becomes a natural place to linger over a refreshing drink.
Please note, Christmas Day will likely affect opening hours of shops, cafes and restaurants, and many will be closed for the holidays.
STAY: Silky Oaks Lodge | Riverhouse | Breakfast, Dinner
DEC. 26 | DAINTREE rainforest
Private Daintree Experience: Rainforest, Wildlife & Indigenous Culture
Your day begins with a Mossman Gorge Walk, where you’ll be welcomed and guided through the rainforest by your local Indigenous host. Ngadiku (Nar-di-gul) means stories and legends from a long time ago in local Kuku Yalanji language. This experience will take you on a stroll along private, gentle tracks, visiting special places and culturally significant sites, past traditional bark shelters and over meandering rainforest streams. Along the way, your experienced Indigenous guide will demonstrate traditional plant use, identify bush food sources and provide an enchanting narrative of the rainforest and their special relationship with this unique tropical environment. You’ll also learn about traditions in this region, including making bush soaps and ochre painting.
Next, you’ll experience more wonders as you journey through the historic and picturesque sugar cane country of Daintree National Park towards the Daintree River. When you arrive, you’ll hop aboard a cable car ferry and enter the World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest, a diverse and ecologically unique area teeming with local wildlife. Your guide will search for wildlife with you, and keep an eye out for the rare and majestic cassowary; a large, flightless dinosaur-like bird, as you venture deeper into the forest.
On the northern side of the river, explore the rainforest on a guided nature walk. If you’re lucky you may even spot some elusive endemic wildlife amidst the lush foliage. As you continue towards Cape Tribulation, take some time to explore the untouched beaches that make this coastline famous. Witness the only area in the world where two World Heritage sites meet. Upon arriving in Cape Tribulation, enjoy a delicious lunch before immersing yourself in the beauty of the region's safe, rainforest waterholes and pristine beaches.
After a day of adventure, travel south along the winding rainforest roads towards Daintree Ice Cream Co for a delicious locally made ice cream using exotic tropical fruits, before stopping at Alexandra Range Lookout, where you'll witness the magnificent Daintree River flowing into the Coral Sea. Your tour concludes at your accommodation.
STAY: Silky Oaks Lodge | Riverhouse | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DEC. 27 | DAINTREE rainforest
Private Full Day Charter onboard MV Monsoon
This morning you will be privately transferred to The Reef Marina in Port Douglas before boarding your private vessel for your full day trip on the Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy a light morning tea while MV Monsson heads off into the blue horizon, steaming comfortably to your first destination, where you will arrive at the first reef site for snorkelling, exploration or fishing. The crew will have you in the water in no time, being captivated by the exhilarating and magical underwater world. Low Isles is an idyllic tropical coral cay with coral gardens, diverse marine life and plenty of friendly turtles. Those that don’t wish to swim can relax and spot fish from the boat.
Should you prefer to be catching your fish, the crew will take you to one of their favorite fishing spots, perhaps a bommie off Snapper Island or off a wreck further north to kick off the day. Then its lunch time, with fresh gourmet salads and chilled seafood platters served with non alcoholic beverages whilst enjoying the panoramic view as your skipper motors to your next destination.
Its then time to get back in the water! Enjoy the afternoon snorkeling, drift diving, island exploring or hook another big one at the second destination of the day. Enjoy the reef wholeheartedly before settling back into the comfort of the boat for a cruise home while the sun starts descending behind mountain ranges. Late afternoon you will arrive back at the Marina with memories of your day exploring the Great Barrier Reef. Please note that the day’s itinerary can be tailored to your desires.
STAY: Silky Oaks Lodge | Riverhouse | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
THE PERKSsilky oaks lodge
As a guest of Sarah Casewit at Silky Oaks Lodge, you will enjoy the following amenities:
• Early check in & late check out (subject to availability)
• Room upgrade on arrival (subject to availability)
• 1x AUD $65 Healing Waters Spa treatment credit per suite
• 1x AUD $65 Treehouse Restaurant dining credit per suite
DEC. 28 | ULURU
Private Transfer and flight to Uluru
Very early this morning, your driver will meet you at the lodge for a private transfer to Cairns Airport for your onward flight.
Domestic Flight: Cairns (CNS) to Uluru (AYQ)
Flight: Qantas QF1931
Departure: 6:40 a.m. (Mon, Dec 28)
Arrival: 9:00 a.m. (Mon, Dec 28)
Cabin: Economy
Seats: 16A, 16B, 16E
Baggage: 23kg checked luggage per person
Confirmation: EK4ELB
Arrival and Transfer
Upon arrival, you will be greeted at the airport and transferred the short ten minute drive to the incredible Longitude 131°. Luxurious and eco-sensitive, Longitude 131° offers an immersion into the wilderness of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, providing a deep connection to the surrounding environment. As three of only thirty guests, you'll awake to your own private view of the sun rising over Uluru. The walls of your tent are a visual narrative, telling of the discoveries made by an early outback pioneer.
The Dune Pavilion is considered the star of the luxury camp, and is Australia’s only accommodation offering views of both World Heritage-listed icons: Uluru and Kata Tjuta. The Dune Pavilion features two private bedrooms, a separate living area, an outdoor deck with daybed, fireplace and the ultimate in outback style: a private plunge pool overlooking the vast desert landscape.
At Leisure at Uluru
The day is yours to spend soaking in the stillness of one of the world's most extraordinary places. Admire Uluru from your private deck, take a slow walk through the dune landscape, enjoy some of Longitude’s scheduled experiences or dip into your private pool late afternoon as the desert heat builds. If your room isn’t ready when you arrive, longitude will store your bags for you while you enjoy the surroundings.
Dinner Under the Stars at Table 131°
Set among the red sand dunes in a remote, secret location, the unforgettable Table 131° features a four-course dinner with matched wines. During dinner you will discover the wonder of the outback’s inky night sky, which allows the Milky Way to play centre stage, shining brightly without the distraction of city lights. As the cool of the night sets in, look up between courses to discover the stories of the southern skies, and perhaps catch a glimpse of a shooting star.
STAY: Longitude 131° | The Dune Pavilion | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DEC. 29 | ULURU
Activities at Longitude 131°
Activities at Longitude are arranged on arrival, designed to ensure comfortable touring in the early morning and late afternoon. All activities are shared experiences led by expert guides.
Longitude 131° offers a curated selection of immersive experiences and activities designed to showcase the unique beauty and cultural richness of Australia's Red Centre. Upon arrival, you will be presented with a personalized itinerary of scheduled experiences.
Experiences may include embarking on a sunrise expedition to Kata Tjuta and Walpa Gorge, a World Heritage-listed site where 36 mighty red rock domes gather in the desert landscape, finished with a visit to the Cultural Centre at Uluru. Exploring the base of Uluru discovering ancient Aboriginal caves and artworks of the Indigenous Mala people. Taking a morning stroll to the peaceful Mutitjulu Waterhole, the sacred site of the Kuniya Piti people as the sun lights up the ancient monolith. The magic and wonder of these experiences will still have you in complete awe!
Relax at Uluru Sunset
Perhaps relax at Longitude 131°’s pop up bar, set up in prime position a little further along the sandy pathway from other travelers, to watch the sun set and transform the monolith in glowing shades of pink, orange and purple. Enjoy French Champagne, Australian craft beers, premium spirits or soft drinks, accompanied by canapés with fresh Australian ingredients and outback flavors.
STAY: Longitude 131° | The Dune Pavilion | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DEC. 30 | SYDNEY
Transfer and Flight to Sydney
After a morning at leisure at Uluru, meet your driver for your transfer to Ayers Rock airport (10 minutes), in time for your flight to Sydney.
Domestic Flight: Uluru (AYQ) to Sydney (SYD)
Flight: Jetstar JQ661
Departure: 1:10 p.m. (Wed, Dec 30)
Arrival: 5:40 p.m. (Wed, Dec 30)
Cabin: Economy
Seats: 4A, 4B, 4C
Baggage: 7kg hand luggage + 20kg checked luggage per person
Confirmation: EK4ELB
Arrival and Private Transfer
Upon arrival at Sydney Domestic Airport, you will be met by your driver and transferred in private to Intercontinental Coogee Beach. InterContinental Coogee Beach earns its place for its setting as much as its style. Perched above one of Sydney's most beloved beaches with an infinity pool facing the Pacific, it combines refined coastal design with an authentically local feel that the city centre properties rarely capture.
Dinner
We would be happy to make dinner reservations at a highly recommended restaurant.
STAY: Intercontinental Coogee | King Junior Suite Ocean View, Club Lounge Access | Breakfast
DEC. 31 | SYDNEY
At Leisure in Sydney
Sydney, known to the Aboriginal traditional owners as “Warrane” meaning “Sydney Cove” is a vibrant destination boasting some of Australia's most internationally recognized sightseeing and experiences. Spend your last day of 2026 getting acquainted with Sydney at your own pace, enjoying the final hours of the year together as a family.
Perhaps jump in a taxi to Bondi, around 20 minutes away, and begin the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk, one of the city's great pleasures. It is a stunning clifftop trail with sweeping ocean views, pockets of golden sand, and plenty of beach spots to stop along the way. Drop down to Tamarama, Bronte or Clovelly to take a dip or simply stretch out on the sand before continuing on with an ice cream in hand. Bondi is also a great place for shopping, dining, surfing or just soaking up the atmosphere.
Or, spend the day in the water, enjoying a swim at some of Sydney’s beautiful ocean pools and sheltered beaches, perfect for a refreshing dip without having to venture into the open ocean. Just a few minutes’ walk from the InterContinental, Wylie’s Baths is a historic ocean pool enclosed from the open sea. Bronte Rock Pool offers another protected spot to swim, with the waves and open ocean kept beyond the pool walls.
For a change of scenery, head to Camp Cove in Watsons Bay, a sheltered harbor beach with calm waters and no exposure to the open ocean. It’s a lovely spot for a relaxed swim, with beautiful views across the harbor and plenty of space to unwind by the water.
STAY: Intercontinental Coogee | King Junior Suite Ocean View, Club Lounge Access | Breakfast
jan. 1, 2027 | SYDNEY
Private Bespoke Southern Highlands Wildlife Day
Leave the hustle of the city behind and head out late-morning for an afternoon of nature, wildlife, and wide open spaces in the beautiful Southern Highlands. Guided by a local wildlife expert, you’ll explore private farmland and untouched bushland, keeping your eyes peeled for some of Australia’s most iconic animals – kangaroos, wallabies, emus, colourful birdlife and more - and contribute to the understanding and protection of Australian wildlife by reporting sightings on a citizen science database.
On arrival, you'll start with bird species sighting. The area hosts an abundance of birds - from the universally-loved Kookaburra to a host of colorful parrots, including Crimson Rosella, Eastern Rosella, Galah, Yellow-tailed and Glossy Black Cockatoo. As you wander through this peaceful landscape, you’ll learn about the Great Western Wildlife Corridor, an important stretch of habitat that helps native animals move safely between the southern Blue Mountains and Morton National Park. You'll also learn about local wildlife conservation projects, monitoring programs, and the signs to look for when tracking our more elusive wildlife. At lunchtime, stop for a traditional Australian pub meal at the Surveyor General Inn. The Surveyor General Inn, located in the Georgian village of Berrima, was established in 1834 and is Australia's Oldest Continuously Licensed Inn.
After lunch, continue through the highlands to Morton National Park. Take in the spectacular vistas of dense forest and sheer sandstone cliffs. Stand atop 80m high Fitzroy Falls, where it plunges into the Yarrunga valley, and follow the West Rim trail around the edge of the valley while learning about the native flora and fauna. Later in the afternoon, head to carefully chosen locations for the best chance of spotting Emu and Eastern Grey Kangaroos. At the conclusion of the tour, your guide will return you to your Sydney hotel after a fabulous afternoon and evening exploring the stunning Southern Highlands and learning more about Australia's unique wildlife and ecology.
Note: To ensure the best nature and wildlife experience possible, the exact itinerary may vary on any particular day considering recent wildlife sightings and weather conditions.
Dinner
We would be happy to make dinner reservations at a highly recommended restaurant.
STAY: Intercontinental Coogee | King Junior Suite Ocean View, Club Lounge Access | Breakfast, Lunch
jan. 2, 2027 | SYDNEY
Morning at Leisure in Sydney
Enjoy this morning at leisure, exploring Sydney at your own pace.
Private Coastal Sydney & Indigenous Weaving Experience
Begin with a warm welcome from your fun-loving local host, arriving at InterContinental Coogee in a luxury vehicle and ready to whisk you away. From there, settle in for a beautiful coastal drive, with stops for a great coffee and those postcard views back towards the shimmering city skyline. Board your private motor cruiser and glide across the sparkling harbor, with the city skyline - including Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House on full display, before pulling into Manly Beach where an exquisite picnic will be waiting; a beautiful spread of local produce, soft drinks and juices, with rugs laid out beachfront.
Here, join a private weaving circle with a local Indigenous weaver, Tegan's Aunt Karleen, who will teach her traditional skills while sharing stories passed down through her culture, all in the most relaxed beachside setting imaginable. Enjoy connecting with and learning more about Indigenous culture, while the boys weave alongside you or enjoy a game of beach cricket on the sand.
After an intimate, meaningful experience, head back onboard your private motor cruiser for the cruise back into the city, where you'll enjoy an easy wander through The Rocks, Sydney's oldest quarter, where sandstone laneways and cobbled streets carry the stories of the city's earliest days. Your host will point out a few local secrets tucked between the heritage pubs and hidden courtyards, all at a lovely pace. Conclude the day with a return transfer to your hotel.
STAY: Intercontinental Coogee | King Junior Suite Ocean View, Club Lounge Access | Breakfast
jan. 3, 2027 | departure
Private Transfer
After a final breakfast, meet your driver for a private transfer to Sydney Airport for your flight home. Thanks to crossing the International Date Line, you will arrive into Seattle at roughly the same time and date that you left, one of the quirks of traveling in this direction!
International Flight Home
Flight: Sydney (SYD) to San Francisco (SFO)
Flight: United Airlines UA0870
Departure: 11:50 a.m. (Sun, Jan 3)
Arrival: 6:30 a.m. (Sun, Jan 3)
Cabin: Business
Seat: 03A, 03D, 03F
Baggage allowance: 2x32kg (70lbs) checked & 1 piece cabin per person
Confirmation: P268T6
3hrs 10m in transit in San Francisco.
Flight: San Francisco (SFO) to Seattle (SEA)
Flight: United Airlines UA2340
Departure: 10:05 a.m. (Sun, Jan 3)
Arrival: 12:12 p.m. (Sun, Jan 3)
Cabin: First
Seat: 03B, 03E, 03F
Baggage allowance: 2x32kg (70lbs) checked & 1 piece cabin per person
Confirmation: P268T6
PRICING & inclusions
See our Booking Terms & Conditions here.
$24,480 per person
Price based on three adults in one room at triple occupancy.
All Accommodation: As listed in the itinerary at the bottom of each day with the respective room category
Silky Oaks Lodge: Champagne on Arrival, Breakfast, Dinner with Wines, Evening Drinks and Canapes, In-Suite Bar, Morning Yoga Class, On-Site Activities, One Daily Return Shuttle to Port Douglas, $200 Lodge Credit
Longitude 131°: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Select Beverages, Complimentary In-Suite Bar, Transfers and Shared Signature Experiences. Please note, experiences at Longitude 131° are shared with other guests in small groups. Please advise if you would prefer private experiences.
Intercontinental Coogee Beach: Breakfast and Club Lounge Access, including Afternoon Tea, Twilight Drinks, Light Snacks and Beverages All Day
Transport: Private airport transfers, and transport for all activities and tours listed in the itinerary. Please note, transfers to and from Longitude 131° are shared with other guests.
Tours & Activities: All activities and tours listed in the itinerary are included, as well as their associated fees and entrances.
Domestic Flights: Two domestic flights in economy class: Cairns to Ayers Rock and Ayers Rock to Sydney.
Meals: All breakfasts, most dinners and some lunches, as indicated in the itinerary at the bottom of each day.
Restaurant & Spa Reservations: Restaurant and spa reservations and coordination.
Other: City taxes associated with your accommodations. Recommendations for independent exploration and insider tips. On trip support.
Exclusions
International Flights
Travel insurance
Spa treatments
Tips