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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.
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