Sydney, Uluru & Indonesia Discovery - Cruise & Land Journey

Sydney belongs to the exclusive club of cities that generate excitement. At the end of a marathon flight there's renewed vitality in the cabin as the plane circles the city, where thousands of yachts are suspended on the dark water and the sails of the Opera House glisten in the distance. Blessed with dazzling beaches and a sunny climate, Sydney is among the most beautiful cities on the planet.With 4.6 million people, Sydney is the biggest and most cosmopolitan city in Australia. A wave of immigration from the 1950s has seen the Anglo-Irish immigrants who made up the city's original population joined by Italians, Greeks, Turks, Lebanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, Thais, and Indonesians. This intermingling has created a cultural vibrancy and energy—and a culinary repertoire—that was missing only a generation ago.Sydneysiders embrace their harbor with a passion. Indented with numerous bays and beaches, Sydney Harbour is the presiding icon for the city, and urban Australia. Captain Arthur Phillip, commander of the 11-ship First Fleet, wrote in his diary when he first set eyes on the harbor on January 26, 1788: "We had the satisfaction of finding the finest harbor in the world."Although a visit to Sydney is an essential part of an Australian experience, the city is no more representative of Australia than Los Angeles is of the United States. Sydney has joined the ranks of the great cities whose characters are essentially international. What Sydney offers is style, sophistication, and great looks—an exhilarating prelude to the continent at its back door.

Arrive in Australia’s iconic harbour city and check into the luxurious Capella Sydney, a heritage masterpiece reimagined as a world-class urban sanctuary. After settling into your elegantly appointed room, meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers this evening for a welcome dinner and toast the start of your journey beneath the glittering lights of the city skyline.

Sydney belongs to the exclusive club of cities that generate excitement. At the end of a marathon flight there's renewed vitality in the cabin as the plane circles the city, where thousands of yachts are suspended on the dark water and the sails of the Opera House glisten in the distance. Blessed with dazzling beaches and a sunny climate, Sydney is among the most beautiful cities on the planet.With 4.6 million people, Sydney is the biggest and most cosmopolitan city in Australia. A wave of immigration from the 1950s has seen the Anglo-Irish immigrants who made up the city's original population joined by Italians, Greeks, Turks, Lebanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, Thais, and Indonesians. This intermingling has created a cultural vibrancy and energy—and a culinary repertoire—that was missing only a generation ago.Sydneysiders embrace their harbor with a passion. Indented with numerous bays and beaches, Sydney Harbour is the presiding icon for the city, and urban Australia. Captain Arthur Phillip, commander of the 11-ship First Fleet, wrote in his diary when he first set eyes on the harbor on January 26, 1788: "We had the satisfaction of finding the finest harbor in the world."Although a visit to Sydney is an essential part of an Australian experience, the city is no more representative of Australia than Los Angeles is of the United States. Sydney has joined the ranks of the great cities whose characters are essentially international. What Sydney offers is style, sophistication, and great looks—an exhilarating prelude to the continent at its back door.

Your morning unfolds with a guided exploration of Sydney’s fascinating colonial history and contemporary charms, from the sandstone buildings of The Rocks to the chic suburbs of the east. Pass through harbourside neighbourhoods of the rich and famous before taking a short coastal walk with sweeping ocean views. Feel the sand between your toes at legendary Bondi Beach, then return to the city for an afternoon at leisure. 

Scenic Enrich
Private guided tour of Sydney Opera House: Step inside a Sydney icon to uncover the stories and secrets behind its remarkable architecture on a private tour. Your day concludes with dinner inside its sculptural sails at an acclaimed restaurant, a dining experience that epitomises Sydney sophistication.

Sydney belongs to the exclusive club of cities that generate excitement. At the end of a marathon flight there's renewed vitality in the cabin as the plane circles the city, where thousands of yachts are suspended on the dark water and the sails of the Opera House glisten in the distance. Blessed with dazzling beaches and a sunny climate, Sydney is among the most beautiful cities on the planet.With 4.6 million people, Sydney is the biggest and most cosmopolitan city in Australia. A wave of immigration from the 1950s has seen the Anglo-Irish immigrants who made up the city's original population joined by Italians, Greeks, Turks, Lebanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, Thais, and Indonesians. This intermingling has created a cultural vibrancy and energy—and a culinary repertoire—that was missing only a generation ago.Sydneysiders embrace their harbor with a passion. Indented with numerous bays and beaches, Sydney Harbour is the presiding icon for the city, and urban Australia. Captain Arthur Phillip, commander of the 11-ship First Fleet, wrote in his diary when he first set eyes on the harbor on January 26, 1788: "We had the satisfaction of finding the finest harbor in the world."Although a visit to Sydney is an essential part of an Australian experience, the city is no more representative of Australia than Los Angeles is of the United States. Sydney has joined the ranks of the great cities whose characters are essentially international. What Sydney offers is style, sophistication, and great looks—an exhilarating prelude to the continent at its back door.

Spend another full day in Sydney, exploring more of the city’s world-famous sights.

Scenic Freechoice:
Choose one of these excursions today:

Hop-on, Hop-off Bus Tour: Board an open-top double decker bus to explore Sydney at your own pace. Take in the beauty of the city as you listen to the pre-recorded commentary and disembark at any of the 15 stops, from the Sydney Harbour Bridge to Chinatown, Barangaroo and more.

Taronga Zoo: Catch the ferry across sparkling Sydney Harbour to visit Taronga Zoo. Perched on a headland overlooking the water, it’s home to more than 4,000 animals from around the world, including many Australian natives.

Afternoon tea: Relax over a signature afternoon tea at Capella Sydney, featuring delicacies like lobster rolls, truffle chicken mousse, and raspberry and lemon myrtle bavarois. Afterwards, enjoy some free time.

Sydney belongs to the exclusive club of cities that generate excitement. At the end of a marathon flight there's renewed vitality in the cabin as the plane circles the city, where thousands of yachts are suspended on the dark water and the sails of the Opera House glisten in the distance. Blessed with dazzling beaches and a sunny climate, Sydney is among the most beautiful cities on the planet.With 4.6 million people, Sydney is the biggest and most cosmopolitan city in Australia. A wave of immigration from the 1950s has seen the Anglo-Irish immigrants who made up the city's original population joined by Italians, Greeks, Turks, Lebanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, Thais, and Indonesians. This intermingling has created a cultural vibrancy and energy—and a culinary repertoire—that was missing only a generation ago.Sydneysiders embrace their harbor with a passion. Indented with numerous bays and beaches, Sydney Harbour is the presiding icon for the city, and urban Australia. Captain Arthur Phillip, commander of the 11-ship First Fleet, wrote in his diary when he first set eyes on the harbor on January 26, 1788: "We had the satisfaction of finding the finest harbor in the world."Although a visit to Sydney is an essential part of an Australian experience, the city is no more representative of Australia than Los Angeles is of the United States. Sydney has joined the ranks of the great cities whose characters are essentially international. What Sydney offers is style, sophistication, and great looks—an exhilarating prelude to the continent at its back door.

Bid farewell to the coast as you fly to the spiritual heart of Australia, Uluru. On arrival, enjoy a signature warm welcome at Longitude 131°, an exclusive desert sanctuary offering unmatched views of the sacred monolith. Settle into your elegant, tented pavilion, its glass walls framing the shifting desert light.

As sunset approaches, enjoy chilled champagne and canapés during the Uluru Sunset Experience, watching as the iconic rock transforms through a spectrum of colours.

Scenic Enrich
Field of Light: As night falls, wander among Bruce Munro’s mesmerising Field of Light, a spectacular art installation of 50,000 illuminated spheres. Afterwards, sit down to an unforgettable dinner beneath the stars at Table 131°

Awaken to the tranquil desert dawn and venture with your expert guide through Walpa Gorge in the ancient domes of Kata Tjuta (The Olgas). Return to the lodge for a leisurely breakfast before visiting the Cultural Centre to learn about the land’s traditional Anangu custodians.

This afternoon, journey around the base of Uluru on the Mala Walk, tracing stories of creation and local legend. As the sun sinks behind the desert horizon, savour fine wines and canapés in Kantju Gorge, where the rock’s vibrant hues are mirrored in quiet pools of reflected light.

Evening brings time to unwind – perhaps a nightcap at the Dune House or rooftop lounge, gazing at constellations that map stories that stretch back millennia.

Rise early for the Mutitjulu Meander, a walk around the base of Uluru while soft morning light paints the desert in gold. Learn of the sacred waterholes and Dreamtime story of Kuniya Piti before returning for breakfast. Capture your final photographs of this majestic landscape, then board your flight north to Cairns, gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.

On arrival, settle in for a three-night stay at Pullman Reef Hotel Casino, blending five-star comfort with tropical charm.

Tourism is the lifeblood of Cairns (pronounced Caans). The city makes a good base for exploring the wild top half of Queensland, and tens of thousands of international travelers use it as a jumping-off point for activities such as scuba diving and snorkeling trips to the Barrier Reef, as well as boating, fishing, parasailing, scenic flights, and rain-forest treks.It's a tough environment, with intense heat and fierce wildlife. Along with wallabies and grey kangaroos in the savannah and tree kangaroos in the rain forest, you'll find stealthy saltwater crocodiles, venomous snakes, and jellyfish so deadly they put the region’s stunning beaches off- limits to swimmers for nearly half the year. Yet despite this formidable setting, Cairns and tropical North Queensland are far from intimidating places. The people are warm and friendly, the sights spectacular, and—at the right time of year—the beachside lounging is world-class.

Tourism is the lifeblood of Cairns (pronounced Caans). The city makes a good base for exploring the wild top half of Queensland, and tens of thousands of international travelers use it as a jumping-off point for activities such as scuba diving and snorkeling trips to the Barrier Reef, as well as boating, fishing, parasailing, scenic flights, and rain-forest treks.It's a tough environment, with intense heat and fierce wildlife. Along with wallabies and grey kangaroos in the savannah and tree kangaroos in the rain forest, you'll find stealthy saltwater crocodiles, venomous snakes, and jellyfish so deadly they put the region’s stunning beaches off- limits to swimmers for nearly half the year. Yet despite this formidable setting, Cairns and tropical North Queensland are far from intimidating places. The people are warm and friendly, the sights spectacular, and—at the right time of year—the beachside lounging is world-class.

Today you’ll encounter one of the world’s greatest natural treasures. Travel to Port Douglas and board a high-speed catamaran bound for the Outer Barrier Reef. Dive into a world of coral gardens and marine life – snorkelling, swimming or admiring it all from a semi-submersible vessel.

Scenic Enrich
Helicopter flight over the Great Barrier Reef: See the world’s largest living structure from a new perspective. On a helicopter flight over the Great Barrier Reef, swirling turquoise lagoons and coral atolls unfold far below, giving you a breathtaking view of this natural masterpiece (weather permitting).

Tourism is the lifeblood of Cairns (pronounced Caans). The city makes a good base for exploring the wild top half of Queensland, and tens of thousands of international travelers use it as a jumping-off point for activities such as scuba diving and snorkeling trips to the Barrier Reef, as well as boating, fishing, parasailing, scenic flights, and rain-forest treks.It's a tough environment, with intense heat and fierce wildlife. Along with wallabies and grey kangaroos in the savannah and tree kangaroos in the rain forest, you'll find stealthy saltwater crocodiles, venomous snakes, and jellyfish so deadly they put the region’s stunning beaches off- limits to swimmers for nearly half the year. Yet despite this formidable setting, Cairns and tropical North Queensland are far from intimidating places. The people are warm and friendly, the sights spectacular, and—at the right time of year—the beachside lounging is world-class.

Journey inland to Rain forestation Nature Park and meet native Australian wildlife while learning about Indigenous traditions through a captivating cultural performance. Later, soar above the emerald canopy of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area aboard the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, gliding between Kuranda and Cairns in spellbinding silence.

Return to your hotel for a relaxing afternoon. Toast your final evening at a farewell dinner in tropical paradise, celebrating the journey you’ve shared.

Tourism is the lifeblood of Cairns (pronounced Caans). The city makes a good base for exploring the wild top half of Queensland, and tens of thousands of international travelers use it as a jumping-off point for activities such as scuba diving and snorkeling trips to the Barrier Reef, as well as boating, fishing, parasailing, scenic flights, and rain-forest treks.It's a tough environment, with intense heat and fierce wildlife. Along with wallabies and grey kangaroos in the savannah and tree kangaroos in the rain forest, you'll find stealthy saltwater crocodiles, venomous snakes, and jellyfish so deadly they put the region’s stunning beaches off- limits to swimmers for nearly half the year. Yet despite this formidable setting, Cairns and tropical North Queensland are far from intimidating places. The people are warm and friendly, the sights spectacular, and—at the right time of year—the beachside lounging is world-class.

Your Australian land journey draws to a close this morning. Enjoy a final breakfast surrounded by the scents and sounds of the tropics before you depart, then prepare to embark on your next adventure, as your journey continues at sea.

As you step on board Scenic Eclipse II, you’ll be warmly greeted by the Captain and crew with a glass of Champagne. Settle into your suite, explore the yacht’s elegant spaces, and as you set sail, toast to the journey ahead, one that leads into the remote coastlines and island worlds of northern Australia and Indonesia. 

Lizard Island, nestled in Queensland's Great Barrier Reef, offers unrivalled access to vibrant inner and outer reefs teeming with marine life. Fringed by 24 pristine beaches, this tropical haven blends adventure and tranquillity. Kayak~ across tranquil turquoise waters with your Discovery Team, uncovering hidden coves, or stroll along the soft sands of Watson's Bay, a beautiful stretch steeped in history.

When night falls and skies are clear, you may witness a spectacular celestial display from your Scenic Discovery Yacht's deck above this remote sanctuary — home to diverse wildlife and over 1,000 species of fish.

Scenic Discovery:
Subject to weather conditions and local authorities’ approval, you may enjoy opportunities for swimming, snorkelling, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding~ and Seabobs. Snorkelling at the famed Giant Clam Garden could reveal its impressive marine life, while a guided hike to Cook’s Look offers sweeping views across the reef and surrounding islands.

Discover a truly unique location in Queensland and a travel wish list of many Australians as we arrive in Cape York, the northernmost point of mainland Australia. This experience is marked by the sight of the rocky headland overlooking startling aqua seas few people ever get to see. Toast your visit with a glass of Champagne from the Sky Bar or Observation Terrace as your ultra-luxury yacht cruises past the “Tip of Australia”.

Tonight, indulge in refined French cuisine at Lumière+, where elegance meets exceptional culinary artistry. Savour exquisite dishes paired with fine wines in a sophisticated atmosphere, a perfect way to end your day.

Scenic Discovery:
Subject to weather conditions and local authorities’ approval, through a Zodiac landing with your Discovery Team, you might have the chance to photograph yourself with the sign marking the northernmost point of the Australian continent, followed by a hike to explore the cairns and take in the scenic views.

Explore a captivating blend of cultures on Thursday Island. This Torres Strait gem reveals the influences of British settlement, the pearling industry, and Indigenous heritage. Immerse yourself in history at Green Hill Fort, where cannons and tunnels house the Torres Strait Historical Museum, and discover the rich heritage through historical artifacts and contemporary Indigenous art at the Gab Titui Cultural Centre.

Western New Guinea (once known as Irian Jaya) is one of the most remote and mysterious regions of the planet. Even today, there are at least 44 tribes that have never had contact with the outside world. The Asmat region, in the south-west corner of the island, is well-known as the realm of head-hunters and cannibals and it maintains its ancient traditions. Start your expedition of the area with a Zodiac® transfer to Syuru village, where you will be met by a multitude of Asmat warrior canoes. Once ashore, enjoy a traditional ceremony among the traditional people of the area.

Venture into the labyrinth of rivers and mangrove-lined channels that define Asmat Regency, one of Indonesia’s most culturally compelling and least-visited regions. Life here unfolds along tidal waterways, where villages stand on stilts above the mudflats and travel is by canoe rather than road.

The Asmat people are internationally celebrated for their powerful woodcarvings—intricate works that honour ancestors and embody stories passed down through generations. In this remarkable corner of South Papua, artistry, ritual and environment remain inseparable, offering a deeply authentic glimpse into a living cultural landscape shaped by water, forest and tradition.

This evening, step into Koko’s Asian Fusion for a vibrant dining experience inspired by the diverse flavours of Asia. From sushi to stir-fries, every dish is crafted with authentic ingredients and served in a stylish, modern setting.

In 2008, the Kaimana Regency declared a 6000 square kilometer (over 2,300 square mile) Marine Protected Area around the waters of Triton Bay. Conservation International maintains an office in Kaimana and a field station out in Triton Bay where visiting scientists can do their work studying the staggering marine biodiversity of the reserve. It is truly second to none, and the area offers everything from the tiniest pygmy seahorses, to large and graceful whale sharks. Triton Bay is known for its beautiful soft coral gardens as well as nesting green turtles, and a population of coastal Bryde’s whales.

Triton Bay, a remote and pristine corner of West Papua, offers a remarkable encounter with nature. Snorkel in the crystal-clear waters among vibrant coral reefs, tropical fish, and graceful manta rays. Towering limestone karsts rise dramatically from the shoreline, while lush rainforests, alive with birds of paradise and other endemic wildlife, stretch inland. Quaint coastal villages reveal the rhythms of local life, where traditional practices continue alongside breathtaking landscapes. Triton Bay blends exploration, natural wonder, and authentic cultural experiences, offering a rare glimpse into one of Indonesia’s most unspoilt and captivating regions.

The Kei islands are home to some of the most beautiful, pristine and untouched beaches in the world. They are the most accessible islands of southern Maluku and offer visitors a tranquil escape from the bustling nature of Darwin. Referred to as the hidden gems of Indonesia, Kei Islands are relatively unknown and therefore make for the perfect place to enjoy a day of swimming and snorkelling on an idyllic uninhabited picture postcard tropical island.

There are thousands of beaches in Indonesia, yet the ones you’ll see today might be the country’s most beautiful. The Kai Islands are part of the Maluku Province and are made entirely of white sand and coral. These talcum powder-beaches are lapped by the strikingly blue waters of the Banda Sea and fringed with lush rows of palm trees. Despite their jaw-dropping beauty, these islands remain far off the tourist trail, and you’ll be unlikely to see another visitor.

Scenic Discovery:
Subject to weather conditions and local authorities’ approval, you may enjoy opportunities for swimming, snorkelling, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and Seabobs.

Hidden in Indonesia’s southern Maluku province, the remote Tanimbar Islands offer a stunning mix of wild landscapes, rare wildlife, and white-sand beaches.

Beyond their natural beauty, the Tanimbar Islands invite you to discover a vibrant cultural heritage.

Later, unwind in Elements on Deck 4, where an à la carte menu of Italian favourites, premium steaks, and fresh seafood is served in a relaxed dinner setting.

Scenic Discovery:
Subject to weather conditions and local authorities’ approval, you may enjoy opportunities for swimming, snorkelling, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and Seabobs.

Darwin is Australia's most colorful, and exotic, capital city. Surrounded on three sides by the turquoise waters of the Timor Sea, the streets are lined with tropical flowers and trees. Warm and dry in winter, hot and steamy in summer, it's a relaxed and casual place, as well as a beguiling blend of tropical frontier outpost and Outback hardiness. Thanks to its close proximity to Southeast Asia and its multicultural population it also seems more like Asia than the rest of Australia. Darwin is a city that has always had to fight for its survival. The seductiveness of contemporary Darwin lifestyles belies a history of failed attempts that date from 1824 when Europeans attempted to establish an enclave in this harsh, unyielding climate. The original 1869 settlement, called Palmerston, was built on a parcel of mangrove wetlands and scrub forest that had changed little in 15 million years. It was not until 1911, after it had already weathered the disastrous cyclones of 1878, 1882, and 1897, that the town was named after the scientist who had visited Australia's shores aboard the Beagle in 1839. During World War II it was bombed more than 60 times, as the harbor full of warships was a prime target for the Japanese war planes. Then, on the night of Christmas Eve 1974, the city was almost completely destroyed by Cyclone Tracy, Australia’s greatest natural disaster. It's a tribute to those who stayed and to those who have come to live here after Tracy that the rebuilt city now thrives as an administrative and commercial center for northern Australia. Old Darwin has been replaced by something of an edifice complex—such buildings as Parliament House and the Supreme Court all seem very grand for such a small city, especially one that prides itself on its casual, outdoor-centric lifestyle. Today Darwin is the best place from which to explore Australia's Top End, with its wonders of Kakadu and the Kimberley region.

Your voyage ends in Darwin, giving you a chance to explore this capital of Australia's north. After an unforgettable Discovery Voyage, it's time to bid farewell to fellow guests and the Scenic Eclipse II crew. You'll leave with cherished memories of the extraordinary places you've explored, once-in-a-lifetime moments, and the unrivalled ultra-luxury experience aboard your Scenic Discovery Yacht.

Please book your flight to depart out of Darwin after 12:00 PM.

#Spa treatments and services at additional cost. Daily activities may be subject to change; please consult your Daily Wonder for updates. 
+All drinks on board, including those stocked in your mini bar, are included, except for a very small number of rare, fine and vintage wines, Champagnes and spirits. Specialty restaurants require a reservation, enquire on board.  
^Experiences on board our two helicopters and submersible are at additional cost, subject to regulatory approval, availability, weight restrictions, medical approval and weather conditions. 
~Kayak and stand-up paddleboard not available in all locations.

The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the voyage will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.