East Coast Ascent
WHEN TO GO
MAY - OCT
PRICE FROM*
IDEAL LENGTH
19 DAYS
Everyone pictures the same Australia: golden beaches, world-class surf, sleepy koalas, ancient rock art carved into ochre cliffs. This journey delivers every one of those icons — elevated at every turn, and entirely as only Alquemie can deliver. Begin in Sydney's harbourside glamour, then head north to the surf and island life of Byron Bay and Pelorus Private Island, before trading the coast for the ancient outback of Mount Mulligan and the rainforest sanctuary of Silky Oaks Lodge in the Daintree. From behind-the-scenes access at the Opera House to 2,000-year-old rock art accessible only by helicopter, this is the classic East Coast journey, reimagined.
*excluding international flights - based on two adults sharing
THE HIGHLIGHTS
ACCOMMODATION
WHERE YOU'LL STAY
EAST COAST ELEVATED
DAYS 1-6: Sydney City and Country
Arrive in Sydney and settle into the Park Hyatt, where uninterrupted views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge set the stage for your first days in Australia. Discover the city as locals do – wander the sandstone laneways of The Rocks with a private historian, then cross the sparkling harbour by private boat to Manly, where an Indigenous guide introduces you to native bush foods and traditional weaving, revealing stories woven into Country over tens of thousands of years.
City revealed, step further off the beaten track with a day spent in the bountiful Southern Highlands – Sydney's sophisticated country escape. Away from the crowds, spot wombats and wallabies grazing peacefully, enjoy a quiet lunch at a local pub, and sample cool climate wines with vineyard views. Another day, hop aboard a seaplane bound for the bright blue waters of the Northern Beaches, touching down for an oyster tasting right from the Hawkesbury lease.
EAST COAST ELEVATED
DAYS 7-14: Surf and Island Living at Byron and Pelorus
Begin your journey north with a short flight to Brisbane, where your local guide will meet you for the ultimate Aussie experience, capturing the East Coast's essence in one journey. Soar over Moreton Bay to Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island), where an Indigenous guide leads a Welcome to Country beside a sacred tea-tree lake. Spot koalas, kangaroos, dolphins and more before settling into a beach seafood picnic in a secluded coastal setting. You might choose to join Olympic surf champion Bede Durbridge and try to catch some of Australia's famous waves.
As the sun sets, travel by heli to Byron Bay – a charming coastal town with a relaxed pace and lively surf culture. Settle into a luxurious apartment just steps from the white sands of Wategos Beach. Spend the next few days enjoying paddock-to-plate dining, e-bikes along the rail trail, swimming with whales or kayaking with dolphins – Byron's beaches and hinterland offer a wealth of adventures.
Another short hop north brings you to Pelorus Private Island – an extraordinary retreat where luxury is measured in absolute privacy and incredible location. Here, an entire tropical island becomes your sanctuary. Explore vibrant coral gardens in some of the Great Barrier Reef's most pristine waters, encounter extraordinary marine life, or simply surrender to the island's rhythms.
EAST COAST ELEVATED
DAYS 15-21: Mount Mulligan and Silky Oaks
Leave the coast behind aboard a private charter flight to Mount Mulligan, an exclusive outback retreat set on a vast cattle station beneath dramatic sandstone escarpments. Experience Australia's rugged plains through guided hikes, swims in freshwater gorges and unforgettable evenings beneath a sky illuminated by countless stars.
From here, join Jarramali Rock Art Tours for a visit to one of Australia's most remarkable cultural treasures. Accessible only by air or rugged four-wheel drive, Jarramali Rock Art Tours is home to one of the world's most significant collections of ancient Indigenous rock art. Guided by Traditional Owners whose connection to this landscape spans millennia, this deeply personal experience offers an extraordinary insight into one of the oldest continuous cultures on Earth.
Your journey concludes with a breathtaking flight over the verdant expanse of the Daintree Rainforest, touching down at Silky Oaks Lodge. Settle into your exclusive rainforest retreat, complete with an infinity pool overlooking the foliage. Conclude your time in Australia with time to rest and restore at Silky's spa, rooted in plant healing principles and guided by ancient Indigenous wisdom. An Indigenous smoking ceremony at Mossman Gorge brings your trip to a close, with time to reflect on a life-changing adventure.
.png)