Classic Coast and Mountains

For those of you who crave sand, surf and sun, this itinerary incorporates two different coastal stops, along with a taste of the mountains and big city! After months of wedding planning, followed by the actual event, and then a lengthy flight to get here, it's likely you will be in dire need of some R&R. Fortunately, you have come to the right place! Upon arrival in Sydney, you will immediately transfer to a flight for Cairns, a laid back city on the northern coast of Queensland. No need to worry about where to go once you touch down - you will be met at the airport by a private car and whisked away to Kewarra Beach Resort, an upscale hideaway that offers the perfect balance between seclusion and attractions.

Spend your first days unwinding...

and enjoying the resort's facilities which include two lagoon-style pools, a pristine sandy beach, and a number of scenic nature trails. Meandering through the grounds you might spot a wallaby, monitor lizard or Double Eyed Figparrot. For a cool (and easy) daytrip, head for the cultural village of Kuranda. While Kuranda itself is an interesting place, it's the journey that makes this excursion so intriguing - you will travel through the rainforest on a canopy skimming gondola, then back out via a century old steam locomotive.

A trip to Queensland would not be complete without...

seeing one of the world's great natural wonders, the Great Barrier Reef. To do so, you will take a full day cruise to the Outer Reef, home to a phenomenal assortment of underwater scenery. While you are exploring the Reef, your luggage will be moved from Kewarra to your next honeymoon destination, Thala Beach Lodge, located a little farther north on the coast just outside of the town of Port Douglas. When your day on the reef has ended, you will be dropped off right at your new resort, already checked in, with bags waiting in your new bungalow. Like Kewarra, Thala offers a lush, tropical landscape that's quite conducive to relaxation.

A focal point here is...

two kilometers of uninterrupted white sand, perfect for long walks or private picnics. An additional attraction is Thala's close proximity to the Daintree Rainforest, a World Heritage Site and the oldest rainforest in the world. Take a four wheel drive safari, bushwalking tour, or even a nocturnal hike (with guide, of course).

After a week on the coast...

it's time to cool off! After the flight south from Cairns, you will pick up your Toyota Rav 4 SUV and wind your way into the Blue Mountains, an area known for incredible scenery and dramatic cliff-top vistas. Take a ride on the world's steepest railway which descends into the pretty Jamison Valley, a lovely area for nature hikes, or explore the Jenolan Caves, an amazing combination of stalactites, stalagmites, and underground rivers. When you're hungry or simply in the mood for a more sedate activity, make your way to the quaint town of Leura, full of interesting shops, cafes and restaurants. Finally, you will want to leave a little time to enjoy your accommodations, the eclectic Echoes Hotel, which sits perched right on the edge of a cliff.

A trip to Australia wouldn't be complete without...

a stop in beautiful Sydney. With a couple of days here, you should have just enough time to sample the city's highlights. The simplest mode for taking in key sights and neighborhoods is by hopping on the Sydney Explorer bus. This useful service makes a circuit of the top attractions, including the Rocks, Kings Cross, Darling Harbour, Chinatown, and Sydney Harbour Bridge.

You can get on and off at any stop, then simply wait for the next bus. After a full day of touring, dining and shopping, retreat to the stylish Blacket Hotel, a new boutique property that's housed in a refurbished 1850's building. Clean, comfortable, and contemporary, the vibe here closely mirrors the modern city in which it lies.

You will return home relaxed and energized, having spent a good amount of time on the beach, but also having had a taste of a couple additional Australian experiences.

Who will enjoy this trip:

Couples who are mostly interested in beach, water and nature. Those who enjoy unique, character-filled accommodations but are not interested in all out luxury. Couples who want seclusion but also easy access to towns and sites.

Who should avoid this trip:

Couples who prefer large, full-service beach resorts. Those desiring total seclusion and privacy.