Australia: The Golden Triangle (Sydney, Uluru, Lizard Island)

Overview

Australia’s classic three-part itinerary is a mix of the most cosmopolitan and exciting of cities, a taste of the Outback topped by its most famous topographical feature, and the Great Barrier Reef - the country’s three world wonder icons, in other words, in one neat trinity of a package. And all seen and done in top-end comfort. It’s our single best-selling holiday Down Under and everyone who’s booked it has loved it.

Days 1 to 5: Sydney

There are several contenders for the most des res property in Sydney but we believe that the Park Hyatt has the edge, especially for those who set a high premium on location. It’s bang on the Harbour, with the Bridge to port, the distinctive ‘sails’ of the Opera House to starboard. In fact it’s so close to the water that you can lie in bed at night and hear the ocean gently sloshing below your window. The views are to die for, both from the rooms and from the restaurant. Within minutes you can be pottering around the streets of the historic Rocks, taking your seat in the Opera House or boarding one of the armada of ferries that will lead you across the Harbour to Manly, or under the Bridge to Darling Harbour. Alternatively, if your main aim is to relax and unwind, you might choose to indulge in a massage at the hotel’s spa. We’ve included a half day city tour to help you get your bearings but if you’d also like to spend one of the days exploring beyond the city boundaries, we can arrange either a full day tour to the Blue Mountains (£148) or the vineyards of the Hunter Valley (£148).

Days 6 and 7: Uluru

To Ayers Rock to see Australia’s most extraordinary natural site, Uluru, as well as Kata Tjuta (the Olgas). You’ll stay at Longitude 131º, the most exclusive of all the properties within sight and striking range of the Rock. Inspired by some of Africa’s leading bush camps, it is a luxurious, tented resort. Although the fifteen tents are perched on an isolated sand dune, they’re all air-conditioned, with proper windows and a veranda offering uninterrupted views. All touring is included, taking in the magnificent sunrise and the most memorable of sunsets.

Days 8 to 13 Lizard Island

You’ll spend a night in Cairns before flying on to Lizard Island. Why, of all the islands which lie off the Queensland coast, have we picked Lizard as the third corner of this Oz-in-style triangle? Location, for starters. Lizard is one of a tiny number of islands set on the Reef itself, so you can expect spectacular snorkelling and diving - nearby Cod Hole is one of the most famous dive sites Down Under - as well as fishing for marlin. On land, there are two dozen white sand beaches (there’s an unspoken rule that if you turn up to find someone already on one of them you move on to the next!). The whole island is also a national park with miles of signposted bush trails. Combine these natural assets with impeccable service and superb, ‘fresh from the Reef’ food and you have an island escape that’s hard to match anywhere in the world. Accommodation is in 40 rooms, all with views of the beach, plus a spa, a gym and a pool. Utterly beautiful.

Day 14

Fly back to Cairns for your onward flight or consider extending your trip with any of our suggestions on the opposite page.

Details and prices

Five nights at the Park Hyatt Sydney, room only

Two nights at Longitude 1310, including all meals and drinks

One night in Cairns at the Shangri-La, room only

Five nights at Lizard Island, including all meals and drinks

What’s included

Accommodation as above, domestic flights and private transfers, plus a half day city tour in Sydney. In Uluru 4WD touring of the Rock and nearby majestic domes of Kata Tjuta.

Guideline price per person, based on two sharing.

Low Season Apr - Sep from £4830

High Season Oct - Mar from £5040

When to go: Mid-April to mid-October, although temperatures in Sydney are likely to be crisp.

The Golden Triangle - Squaring the Triangle

Turn the golden triangle into a platinum square by adding another star attraction to the Sydney, Rock and Reef permutation. Choices include World Heritage listed rainforest, a chic wine retreat and a luxurious hotel in the Blue Mountains or Lord Howe Island.

Daintree Rainforest

You’ll stay at Silky Oaks Lodge in the heart of the World Heritage listed Daintree National Park, among the rich vegetation of Mossman Gorge, in one of the 50 freestanding tree or river houses. The Lodge also has its own Healing Waters Spa.

Price A three-night stay will add £516 per person, based on two sharing, B&B, including return private transfers from Cairns.

Blue Mountains - Wolgan Valey

Within easy reach of Sydney, the two million acre World Heritage spread of canyons, gorges, rainforest and waterfalls also has a new luxurious, conservation-inspired resort, Wolgan Valley.

Price A two night stay will add from £1316 per person (three nights from £1639), including all meals, drinks and return transfers from Sydney.

Hunter Valley

Some 70 vineyards in Australia’s oldest wine growing district welcome visitors. So does Tower Lodge, a 12 room estate property with a pool, two restaurants and an 18 hole putting course.

Price A two night stay will add from £432 per person, B&B, including 3 days’ car hire.

Lord Howe Island

In the high heat of the Aussie summer, the dramatic Lord Howe, some 700kms from the Australian mainland, is a better choice than Queensland’s Barrier Reef islands. Stay in the boutique and beachhouse chic Capella Lodge (see our hotels, islands section) instead of Lizard Island.

Price A five-night stay will add from £430 per person, including half board and return flights from Sydney.