Alternative Australia: Kangaroo Island, Lord Howe Island & the Red Centre

Morning arrival, transfer and a four-night stay in a typical and trendy Sydney hotel: QT Sydney. A surreptitious entrance, which it shares with the famous State Theatre with its hundreds of bulbs on the ceiling, that for a moment feels like Broadway, yet you're right in the heart of Sydney. Upstairs you'll find subdued lighting, 50s' inspired furnishings and cabinets showcasing a range of antiques. At the Gowings Bar, listen to the sultry tones of James Brown as you sip a watermelon and coriander caipirinha. And if you fancy a spot of pampering, head to the spa and its retro barbershop. Outside the rooms, a hand emerges from the wall holding the room number. The same goes for Sydney, too.

Barely off the plane, Sydney immediately serves up a full-on Australian experience. A splash of greenery at the Royal Botanic Gardens, culture at the Art Gallery, and the city's layout naturally leads down to the Harbour, which is swarming with ferries that dock at Circular Quay releasing countless workers heading for the city's business district. With pleasure more than business in mind, go against the tide and embark in the opposite direction from the business district for a comfortable 15-minute boat ride, offering panoramic views of the city, Harbour Bridge and, of course, the iconic Opera House, before heading to one of Manly's beaches. One that really deserves a visit is the secluded Collins Beach: an arc of white sand fringed by the vegetation of North Head National Park, guarded at either end by a small waterfall and a colony of penguins. If you opt for a private cruise, one of our team on the ground will take care of everything so that you can explore from cove to cove aboard a small sailing vessel. Enjoying a family lunch at Bathers Pavilionon Balmoral Beach is a must-do, or at the beautiful waterfront location of Doyles in Watsons Bay. At sunset, soak up the reddening dusk across Port Jackson. Once back at Circular Quay, there are several options for the evening: the renovated docks of Woolloomooloo, the cosmopolitan neighbourhood of Potts Point or the more rock 'n' roll vibe of Surry Hills.
Already included - A guided tour Take a tour with an expert guide who will tailor your experience to suit your interests. It's an opportunity to share a small slice of life, talk about everyday life in Australia and gather a wealth of tips for the rest of the journey.

Flight to Ayers Rock, pick up the 4x4, the perfect vehicle for a road trip into the Outback over the next two days. An unforgettable and also comfortable Outback trip. The first two nights are at Desert Garden, a simple resort but ideally located in the heart of the Outback. This is a dream opportunity to enjoy the desert and especially the views of impressive Uluru, the spiritual heart of local Aboriginal culture.
Optional - Make this trip of a lifetime even more unforgettable. Treat yourself to a night or two at one of the country's most spectacular resorts: Longitude 131°, named after the map coordinates of Uluru. There, with a front row seat of The Rock in the reddish-brown sand of the Outback are 15 tents. Ayers Rock's imposing presence can be felt everywhere, from the swimming pool to the private terraces, from the bathroom to the bed: the spectacle of its changing colours in the light is captivating. After a dinner around the table at Dune House, where the stunning beauty needs no words, make for the canopy of white canvases stretched out beneath a sky filled with stars. Lucky 'campers' fall asleep to the silence of the Outback in total comfort.

Watching the sun slowly set over Uluru remains an unforgettable experience: in the red light of the Outback, sit on the bonnet, facing the totem rock, the sun darkening in the desert, gradually turning the sky pink, purple and then scarlet. Our advice: the rock is so huge that is can easily be seen from several miles away, so we can help you choose the best spot to see it that's away from the crowds. Yet, curiously, all visitors stop at the same place to admire the show. We can help your find your own little spot to watch the sunset away from the crowds.
Other moments to experience - Set off at dawn, with a private guide, to admire the sunrise on Kata Tjuta, or the Olgas, a series of 36 reddish-brown domes forms another iconic landscape of the Red Centre and Aboriginal culture. There is also the option to get a foodie insight into this unique culture, with a 'bush tucker' walk to learn what food the bush has to offer. It's essential information for surviving in this hostile environment, but fortunately it's all about a little fun and learning for you.

Return to Sydney and spend the night at the Shangri La for an unforgettable night overlooking the Opera House and the bay.

Flight to Hamilton Island. Welcome on arrival and boat transfer (45 mins) to the private Hayman Island. Spend four nights in a luxurious and peaceful setting, in an exclusive hotel that strikes a subtle balance between nature and luxury. The location is charming with its pristine beach, tropical vegetation and breathtaking seabed. The spacious and modern rooms are all about the light, and the windows open out to the vast ocean. You'll soon lose track of time, sharing your days between relaxation at the spa - a sanctuary dedicated to relaxation and pleasure - relaxing on the beach and doing all sorts of activities on the water, under the water or even in the air. Anything is possible. Dining is also a pleasurable experience here, and you can chose to have dinner on the beach, in your room, near a waterfall or in a garden.
Option - Helicopter transfer to see the full scope of the beauty and majesty of the Great Barrier Reef from above.

Three days to let go and enjoy the many attractions on offer on the island and the hotel. Although Hayman Island ticks all the boxes for couples looking for relaxation and romance, it is also sure to appeal to active sports lovers.
In the sea - Snorkelling on the coral reef - kayaking, small catamaran or windsurfing - private cruises - solo or duo jet-ski - deep-sea fishing or fishing on the high seas - whale watching.
On land - Tennis courts in the middle of the tropical gardens - a game of squash or table tennis - a game of pool at happy hour - a golf course to practice your swing - short hikes on the island with swimming breaks.
From the sky - Helicopter or seaplane flights over the Great Barrier Reef.
The spa has no fewer than 13 massage rooms offering a wide range of treatments; some rooms have a sea view, and some are suitable for a couple's massage.
The cuisine - The hotel also stands out for its diverse dining options: you can enjoy Australian seafood and modern cuisine, Italian specialties and exotic flavours during beach barbecues or dinners in the garden. And if you want a bit of privacy, you can opt for room service in the evening or a picnic during the day, which you can enjoy in secret on one of the island's beaches.

Transfer by boat to Hamilton Island and then fly to Brisbane, where you spend the night in a beautiful, contemporary hotel in the town centre.