A real Chill Scenes itineraryShared with personal, booking and pricing details removed. Every trip we plan is designed from scratch around who's travelling. Back to chillscenes.com

Australia in Style

A Thoughtfully Crafted Family Escape
🌊 Sydney 🎒 Gold Coast πŸͺΈ Cairns πŸ™οΈ Melbourne
10
Days
9
Nights
3
Cities
Jun
Travelled
Your Journey at a Glance
When
June
Group Size
4 Adults + 1 Child
Night Breakdown
3N Sydney Β· 3N Gold Coast Β· 3N Cairns
Accommodation
Apartments (independently arranged)
Your Itinerary
1Day
Arrive in Sydney β€” Soft Landing
SydneyArrival
β–Ύ
✈️
7:20 PM Β· Sydney International
Arrive Sydney
International flight arrives Sydney in the evening. Collect baggage and proceed to arrivals hall.
Flights on own
🚐
8:20 PM Β· Pickup
Private Transfer β€” Sydney Airport to Surry Hills stay (Van, up to 6 pax)
Pickup: Sydney Airport (SYD), Mascot NSW 2020
Drop-off: your Surry Hills stay
Estimated arrival: 8:45 PM

Passengers: 4 Adults + 1 Child
βœ“ Included
🏑
Check-in & Unwind
Your Surry Hills stay. A quiet neighbourhood just minutes from the city. Get a good night's rest.
Accommodation on own
2Day
Sydney β€” Harbour, Zoo, Manly, BridgeClimb & Vivid
Sydney✦ BridgeClimb✦ Vivid
β–Ύ
✦ Chill Scenes Note
One of Sydney's great days β€” harbour views, 4,000 animals, a beachside afternoon at Manly, and an ascent of the Harbour Bridge just as Vivid lights up the city. Pace yourself through the day so you arrive at the bridge with energy to spare.
Morning
🚐
9:15 AM Β· Pickup
Transfer β€” Surry Hills stay to Circular Quay (Van, up to 6 pax)
Pickup: your Surry Hills stay
Drop-off: Wharf 6, Circular Quay NSW 2000

Arriving a little early gives you time to take in Sydney Harbour and grab a coffee before boarding.
βœ“ Included
β›΅
10:00 AM Β· Wharf 6, Circular Quay
Captain Cook Harbour Explorer β€” 1 Day Pass
Address: Wharf 6, Circular Quay, Sydney NSW 2000 Β· Phone: (02) 9206 1111

Present your reservation record at check-in at least 30 minutes before departure. Vessels cannot be held for late passengers.

Board at Wharf 6 and hop off at Taronga Zoo β€” the cruise itself is one of the world's great urban harbour journeys, with views of the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and Sydney's waterfront suburbs. The 1 Day Pass remains valid for the rest of the day β€” use it to reach Manly after the zoo.

Passengers: 4 Adults + 1 Child
βœ“ Included
Late Morning
🦁
~10:20 AM Β· Hop off at Taronga Zoo wharf
Taronga Zoo β€” General Entry
Address: Bradleys Head Rd, Mosman NSW 2088 Β· Phone: (02) 9969 2777
Operating Hours: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM Β· 4 Adults + 1 Child

One of the world's great urban zoos, perched above Sydney Harbour with sweeping views across the water to the city skyline. Spend as long as you like β€” there's no hard checkout time.

Highlights to look out for:
Β· Koalas and kangaroos
Β· Australian native wildlife habitats
Β· Daily keeper talks and wildlife presentations
Β· Harbour viewpoints β€” some of the best in Sydney

When ready, reboard the Harbour Explorer towards Manly.
βœ“ Included
Lunch & Beach
⛴️
Ferry to Manly
Manly via Harbour Explorer or Manly Ferry
Reboard the Harbour Explorer from Taronga Zoo wharf, or alternatively take the iconic Manly Ferry from Circular Quay β€” a 30-minute crossing that many consider Sydney's finest free (or near-free) experience. The ferry passes under the Harbour Bridge and out through the heads with open ocean views on approach.
βœ“ Covered by 1 Day Pass
🍽️
Lunch Β· Manly Beach
The Pantry Manly β€” Recommended
South Steyne, Manly NSW 2095 Β· Directly overlooking Manly Beach

A relaxed, light-filled beachfront restaurant with an all-day menu well suited to a family lunch. The setting β€” wide ocean views, salt air, unhurried pace β€” is quintessential Sydney at its best.

Vegetarian-friendly options include:
Β· Wood-fired pizzas
Β· Seasonal salads
Β· Fresh pasta dishes

Chill Scenes recommends booking ahead β€” popular on Friday afternoons. This is a recommendation; reservation to be made independently.
Recommended Β· Book independently
πŸ–οΈ
Afternoon Β· At Leisure
Explore Manly
Take the afternoon at your own pace across one of Sydney's most beloved beach neighbourhoods.

Worth exploring:
Β· Manly Beach β€” wide surf beach, perfect for a walk along the sand
Β· The Corso β€” the pedestrian main street lined with cafΓ©s and shops
Β· Shelly Beach β€” a short coastal walk from Manly, calm and sheltered, popular with snorkellers

There is no fixed departure time β€” head back to Circular Quay when you're ready, leaving enough time to reach The Rocks by 5:45 PM for BridgeClimb check-in.
At leisure
Evening
⛴️
4:25 PM Β· Depart Manly
Return Ferry β€” Manly to Circular Quay
Board the return Manly Ferry from Manly Wharf. The 4:25 PM service arrives at Circular Quay with comfortable time to walk to The Rocks for BridgeClimb check-in by 5:45 PM.
Ferry on own
πŸŒ‰
5:45 PM Check-in Β· 6:15 PM Departure
BridgeClimb Sydney β€” VIVID Summit
Address: 3 Cumberland St, The Rocks, Sydney NSW 2000
Climb Type: VIVID Summit
Climbers: 3 Adults + 1 Child (8–15 years)

The climb is timed perfectly β€” ascending the bridge at dusk and reaching the summit just as Vivid Sydney's lights begin illuminating the harbour below. The views take in the full sweep of Sydney: the Opera House, Circular Quay, the CBD skyline, and the harbour stretching to the heads.

What to expect on the summit:
Β· Sunset over Sydney Harbour
Β· Twilight city skyline views
Β· Vivid Sydney illuminations across the water

⚠️ Please arrive by 5:45 PM for check-in. Bring photo ID. All bags and phones go into lockers β€” a BridgeClimb camera will be provided for the climb.
βœ“ Included
Night
🌟
~9:00 PM onwards
Vivid Sydney β€” Waterfront Light Walk
You descend from the bridge directly into the heart of Vivid Sydney. Take the evening at whatever pace suits β€” it has been a full day.

Suggested route from The Rocks:
Β· The Rocks β€” Immersive light art installations in the historic laneways
Β· Campbells Cove β€” Water-level harbour reflections, quieter than Circular Quay
Β· Circular Quay β€” Opera House sail projections
Β· Sydney Opera House forecourt β€” The centrepiece of Vivid, best experienced up close

When you're ready to head back, your Surry Hills stay is approximately 25 minutes on foot through the city, or a short cab/rideshare from Circular Quay. Comfortable shoes and a light layer recommended.
Self-guided
3Day
Blue Mountains β€” Full Day Guided Experience
Sydney Region
β–Ύ
🚢
By 7:45 AM
Make Your Way to Coach Pickup Point
Please walk or take a short cab to:
The Sydney Boulevard Hotel, 90 William Street, Woolloomooloo NSW 2011

Your stay is approximately a 10–12 minute walk away. Your tour guide will meet you here.

⚠️ The tour operator does not provide hotel-to-hotel pickups. Please ensure you are at this location by 7:45 AM.
Walk / short cab to pickup
🚌
7:45 AM Β· Depart Sydney
Blue Mountains Full Day Guided Experience β€” Luxury Coach
Tour Duration: ~10 Hours Β· Passengers: 4 Adults + 1 Child

Schedule:
7:45 AM β€” Depart Sydney (via Darling Harbour & Anzac Bridge)
9:00 AM β€” Arrive Sydney Zoo
10:15 AM β€” Depart Sydney Zoo towards Blue Mountains
11:15 AM β€” Arrive Blue Mountains β€” first views across the misty valleys
11:45 AM β€” Leura Village β€” lunch (on own) and free time
1:00 PM β€” Echo Point & the Three Sisters
1:30 PM β€” Scenic World β€” Unlimited Discovery Pass
4:00 PM β€” Depart Blue Mountains, return to Sydney CBD

Included in tour: Sydney Zoo admission + Koala Photo Β· Echo Point & Three Sisters Β· Leura Village Β· Scenic World Unlimited Discovery Pass Β· Return luxury coach Β· Bottled water & snack Β· Driver & guide tips
βœ“ Included
🍽️
Evening Β· Back in Sydney ~6:00 PM
Dinner in Surry Hills β€” Recommended
You're back in one of Sydney's finest eating neighbourhoods. A few options worth considering, all within easy walking distance of your stay:

PorteΓ±o β€” 50 Holt St, Surry Hills. A Sydney institution. Argentine-inspired wood-fire cooking in a lively, convivial space. The slow-roasted meats are outstanding; vegetarians are well served with charred seasonal dishes. Book ahead β€” it fills quickly on Saturday evenings.

Toko β€” 490 Crown St, Surry Hills. Contemporary Japanese izakaya with a strong vegetarian menu alongside excellent sashimi and robata grills. Stylish, relaxed, and well suited to a family dinner after a long day out.

Reuben Hills β€” 61 Albion St, Surry Hills. If the family prefers something lighter β€” a neighbourhood cafΓ©-restaurant known for Latin-influenced small plates, excellent coffee, and a warm, unfussy atmosphere. A Surry Hills favourite.

All three are independently operated; reservations recommended, especially for PorteΓ±o on a Saturday.
Recommended Β· Book independently
4Day
Sydney β†’ Gold Coast
TransitGold Coast
β–Ύ
🚐
10:00 AM Β· Pickup
Private Transfer β€” Surry Hills stay to Sydney Airport (Van, up to 6 pax)
Pickup: your Surry Hills stay
Drop-off: Sydney Airport (SYD), Mascot NSW 2020
Estimated airport arrival: 10:30 AM

Passengers: 4 Adults + 1 Child
βœ“ Included
✈️
Departs 12:20 PM Β· Arrives 1:40 PM
Flight β€” Sydney (SYD T2) β†’ Gold Coast (OOL T1)
Virgin Australia Β· Economy Β· 1h 20m Β· Check in by 11:20 AM at Terminal 2 Domestic, Sydney.
Flights on own
🚐
2:10 PM Β· Pickup
Private Transfer β€” Gold Coast Airport to Surfers Paradise (6-Seater Van)
Pickup: Gold Coast Airport (OOL)
Flight: SYD β†’ OOL arriving 1:40 PM
Drop-off: your Surfers Paradise stay
Estimated arrival: 3:00 PM

Passengers: 4 Adults + 1 Child
βœ“ Included
🍽️
Evening Β· Dinner on the Gold Coast
Dinner near the Esplanade β€” Recommended
The Esplanade and Cavill Avenue precinct have options for every mood. Two worth considering tonight:

Kiyomi β€” The Star Gold Coast, 1 Casino Dr, Broadbeach. One of the Gold Coast's most acclaimed restaurants β€” modern Japanese with impeccable produce. Chef Chase Kojima's menu spans sushi, sashimi, wagyu, and beautifully crafted vegetable dishes. A special first-night dinner on the Coast.

Gemelli β€” 2/25 Tedder Ave, Main Beach. A beloved local Italian a short cab away β€” relaxed, family-friendly, generous portions. Great pasta and wood-fired dishes; vegetarians are well catered for. Much-loved by locals for good reason.

Kiyomi suits a more celebratory dinner; Gemelli is the easy, no-fuss choice after a travel day. Both require reservations.
Recommended Β· Book independently
5Day
Gold Coast β€” Sea World, Whale Watching & More
Gold Coast✦ Whale Watch
β–Ύ
🚐
9:45 AM Β· Pickup
Return Transfer β€” Surfers Paradise stay ↔ Sea World (6-Seater Van)
Pickup: your Surfers Paradise stay
Drop-off: Sea World, Seaworld Dr, Main Beach QLD 4217
Return drop-off at accommodation: approximately 5:15 PM

Passengers: 4 Adults + 1 Child
βœ“ Included
🎒
10:00 AM Β· Sea World
Best of Both Worlds β€” Sea World + Movie World Ticket
Sea World: Seaworld Dr, Main Beach QLD 4217 Β· Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Movie World: Entertainment Rd, Oxenford QLD 4210 Β· Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Type: Individual Β· Quantity: 5

Sea World is a marine-based theme park with diverse exhibits, animal shows, and rides. Movie World access used on Day 6.

Today's Sea World Show Schedule:
10:30 AM β€” Seal Guardians Presentation
11:00 AM β€” Ray Reef Feeding
11:30 AM β€” ONE Dolphin Presentation
1:45 PM β€” SpongeBob and Friends: Best Day Ever
3:00 PM β€” Little Penguin Educational Talk
βœ“ Included
πŸ‹
12:00 PM Β· Sea World Cruises Terminal, Main Beach
Whale Watching Cruise β€” Humpback Season (June–November)
4 Adults + 1 Child
Tour: 12:00 PM Whale Watch Β·

Board the "Spirit of Migaloo II" for a cruise along the "Humpback Highway." Expert commentary, underwater microphones to hear whale songs, and chances to spot dolphins, turtles, and seabirds.

Sea World guarantees whale sightings β€” a free return cruise is offered if whales are not spotted.
βœ“ Included
6Day
Movie World β€” Full Day Hollywood Experience
Gold Coast
β–Ύ
🚐
9:30 AM Β· Pickup
Return Transfer β€” Surfers Paradise stay ↔ Warner Bros. Movie World (6-Seater Van)
Pickup: your Surfers Paradise stay
Drop-off: Warner Bros. Movie World, Entertainment Rd, Oxenford QLD 4210
Arrive at Movie World: 9:45 AM Β· Return drop-off: approximately 5:30 PM

Passengers: 4 Adults + 1 Child
βœ“ Included
🎬
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Warner Bros. Movie World β€” Full Day
"Hollywood on the Gold Coast." New Wizard of Oz precinct now open. Best of Both Worlds ticket covers full entry.

Today's Show Schedule:
10:45 AM β€” Looney Tunes Dance Party
11:45 AM β€” Wrong Place, Wrong Cat
12:40 PM β€” The Good Citizens Awards
12:50 PM β€” Marilyn Live: Are Diamonds Really a Girl's Best Friend?
2:00 PM β€” Spy Chase Stunt Show at Stunt Show Arena
2:55 PM β€” Wonder Woman: Lasso of Justice
3:30 PM β€” Star Parade
βœ“ Included
7Day
Gold Coast β†’ Brisbane β†’ Cairns
TransitCairns
β–Ύ
🚐
10:30 AM Β· Pickup
Private Transfer β€” Surfers Paradise stay to Brisbane Airport (6-Seater Van)
Pickup: your Surfers Paradise stay
Drop-off: Brisbane Airport (BNE), Domestic Terminal
Estimated airport arrival: 11:45 AM

Passengers: 4 Adults + 1 Child
βœ“ Included
✈️
Departs 1:40 PM Β· Arrives 4:10 PM
Flight β€” Brisbane (BNE) β†’ Cairns (CNS T2)
Virgin Australia Β· Economy Β· 2h 30m Β· Check in by 12:40 PM at Domestic Terminal, Brisbane.
Flights on own
🚐
4:40 PM Β· Pickup
Private Transfer β€” Cairns Airport to Cairns stay (Van)
Pickup: Cairns Airport (CNS)
Flight: BNE β†’ CNS arriving 4:10 PM
Drop-off: your Cairns stay
Estimated arrival: 5:00 PM

Passengers: 4 Adults + 1 Child
βœ“ Included
🌴
Evening at Leisure β€” Cairns Esplanade
Esplanade boardwalk, the famous lagoon pool, or the Night Markets at your own pace. A warm tropical evening on the reef coast.
At leisure
8Day
Great Barrier Reef β€” Moore Reef Full Day
Cairns✦ Reef Day
β–Ύ
πŸͺΈ
Check-in: 8:45 AM – 9:45 AM
Sunlover Cruises β€” Moore Reef Full Day Tour
Pickup note: Pickup from near RYDGES ESPLANADE at 8:40 AM (~8 minutes / 550 metres from the Cairns stay). Confirm with Sunlover if you require this pickup.

Check-in at: Sunlover Cruises desk, Reef Fleet Terminal, Cairns Marina β€” corner of Spence St and Pier Point Road, Cairns City QLD 4870.
⚠️ Boarding denied without Sunlover-issued pass. Passengers failing to check in by 9:45 AM will miss boarding β€” no refund granted.

Full Day Schedule:
8:45–9:45 AM β€” Check-in at Reef Fleet Terminal
9:30–10:00 AM β€” Boarding
10:15 AM β€” Depart Cairns Marina
12:00 PM β€” Arrive Moore Reef Pontoon (4 hours reef time)
4:00 PM β€” Depart Moore Reef Pontoon
5:30 PM β€” Arrive back at Cairns Marina

Included:
Β· Return boat transfer (Cairns ↔ Moore Reef Pontoon)
Β· Snorkelling with full equipment and expert instruction
Β· Semi-submersible tour (subject to wind conditions)
Β· Glass-bottom boat tour Β· Underwater observatory
Β· Sunlover waterslide (30-metre spiral) + upper-level sun deck
Β· Kids ocean pool Β· Marine naturalist presentation
Β· Buffet lunch (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free options available)
Β· Tea and coffee on boarding

Available at additional cost:
Β· Guided snorkel tour Β· Seawalker Helmet Dive Β· Introductory / Certified SCUBA Dive Β· Scenic helicopter flight

Bring: reef-safe sunscreen (standard sunscreen harms coral and is not permitted), swimwear, towel, hat, light jacket for wind, reusable water bottle, camera. Motion sickness tablets recommended for those prone to sea sickness. Drone operations strictly prohibited at Moore Reef Pontoon.
βœ“ Included
9Day
Cairns β€” Rest & Explore at Leisure
Cairns
β–Ύ
🌴
Free Day in Cairns
A well-earned day to unwind. The Esplanade Lagoon (free public pool right on the waterfront), Cairns Central Shopping Mall, the Night Markets, and the Esplanade boardwalk are all within easy walking distance of your stay.
At leisure
10Day
Cairns β†’ Melbourne
TransitMelbourne
β–Ύ
🚐
8:15 AM Β· Pickup
Private Transfer β€” Cairns stay to Cairns Airport (Van)
Pickup: your Cairns stay
Drop-off: Cairns Airport (CNS), T2 Domestic
Estimated airport arrival: 8:30 AM

Passengers: 4 Adults + 1 Child
βœ“ Included
✈️
Departs 10:30 AM Β· Arrives 2:00 PM
Flight β€” Cairns (CNS T2) β†’ Melbourne (MEL T3)
Virgin Australia Β· Economy Β· 3h 30m Β· Check in by 9:30 AM at T2 Domestic, Cairns.
Flights on own
πŸ™οΈ
Arrive Melbourne
Settle in at leisure. Chill Scenes services conclude here.
Personal arrangements
What's Covered
Inclusions & Exclusions
βœ“ What's Included
  • Private transfer β€” Sydney Airport to Surry Hills stay (van, up to 6 pax)
  • Transfer β€” Surry Hills stay to Wharf 6, Circular Quay (van, up to 6 pax)
  • Captain Cook Hop-On Hop-Off Harbour Explorer β€” 1 Day Pass
  • Taronga Zoo β€” General Entry, 5 pax
  • BridgeClimb Sydney β€” VIVID Summit Climb (dusk climb), 3 Adults + 1 Child
  • Blue Mountains Full Day Tour β€” Sydney Zoo + koala photo, Echo Point & Three Sisters, Scenic World Unlimited Discovery Pass, water & snack, driver & guide tips
  • Private transfer β€” Surry Hills stay to Sydney Airport (van, up to 6 pax)
  • Private transfer β€” Gold Coast Airport to Surfers Paradise (6-seater van)
  • Return transfer β€” Surfers Paradise stay ↔ Sea World (6-seater van)
  • Whale Watching Cruise
  • Best of Both Worlds Ticket β€” Sea World + Movie World, 5 pax
  • Return transfer β€” Surfers Paradise stay ↔ Movie World (6-seater van)
  • Private transfer β€” Surfers Paradise to Brisbane Airport (6-seater van)
  • Private transfer β€” Cairns Airport to Cairns stay (van)
  • Sunlover Moore Reef Full Day Tour β€” snorkelling, glass-bottom boat, semi-submersible, underwater observatory, waterslide, kids ocean pool, marine naturalist presentation, buffet lunch, return boat transfer
  • Private transfer β€” Cairns stay to Cairns Airport (van)
βœ• Not Included
  • International & domestic airfares
  • Australia visa fees
  • Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
  • Accommodation across all destinations (independently arranged)
  • Meals, unless specified in itinerary
  • Laundry, telephone & personal expenses
  • Optional excursions & activities
  • Reef upgrades β€” Seawalker Helmet Dive, Guided Snorkel, SCUBA, Helicopter
  • Melbourne activities (personal time)
  • GST & TCS on package value (applicable as per prevailing rates)

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