ExclusivE JournEys

2014

B ack by popular demand, we are returning to Australia in 2014. This exceptional new journey has been custom-designed to incorporate some of

Australia’s iconic sights and experiences while also highlighting one of the country’s less-visited natural treasures and its unique, authentic indigenous culture.

An ideal blend of cultural experiences, active adventures and serene relaxation make this well-rounded Australian journey perfect for just about everyone. Immerse yourself in Daintree’s thriving Aboriginal culture and spectacular natural beauty during a visit to the oldest living rainforest in the world. Indulge in luxurious relaxation, rejuvenation and even a touch of adventure during your stay at Hayman Island Resort—Australia’s most award-winning private island—where you will soak in the sun and sink your toes into some of the softest, whitest sand you’ll find on earth. And discover the cosmopolitan charms of Sydney, where you’ll explore historic districts, sample a variety of delights and get out on the water during a friendly (and perhaps slightly competitive) Exclusive Resorts members-only sailing regatta.

australiaDaintree, the Whitsunday islands & sydney

an abercrombie & Kent collaboration

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Sydney’s dramatic Opera House and nearby Harbour Bridge have become the iconic symbols of this vibrant cosmopolitan destination.

B egin your excursion exploring the cultural and ecological highlights of Daintree National Park, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, and enjoying luxurious eco-lodge-style accommodations at Silky Oaks Lodge. Your local aboriginal guide will unveil the

many mysteries of the world’s oldest living rainforest during an interactive nature walk, pointing out the many varieties of vegetation—some of which have been growing for centuries—and sharing insights about the area’s diverse wildlife. You’ll visit the Botanical Ark, the ideal location for closely examining the different colors and blooms of the more than 3,000 species of plants that grow here. Alan Carle, founder of the Ark, will join you, lending you the benefit of his expertise as he explains the link between the indigenous cultures and the unique flora and fauna that make up the rainforest.

But incredible flora and fauna aren’t all you'll find here. The Kuku Yalanji, one of Australia’s many aboriginal groups, also call the Daintree Rainforest home. So you’ll enjoy a morning spent with Juan Walker, a member of the local Kuku Yalanji, learning firsthand about the culture and history of the “Rainforest People,” mastering the proper technique for using a boomerang (which you may be surprised to learn is used as a practical hunting tool) and listening to the billowing groan of the didgeridoo, said to be the world’s oldest instrument.

"rainforest people"

Australia’s indigenous Kuku Yalanji, often referred to as the “Rainforest People,” are an aboriginal tribal group native to the Daintree region. Living in harmony with their environment, the Kuku Yalanji respect every being and appreciate na-

ture’s many gifts. Today, the Kuku Yalanji still rely on their inherent ability to “read” the changing of seasons in the rainforest’s

natural patterns, instinctively knowing when to hunt which prey and harvest

which foods. And thanks to progressive human rights efforts in Australia, their way of life is being preserved and their

younger generations are actively working to learn from their ancestors and maintain

the cultural traditions of their people.

d a i n t r e e r a i n f o r e s tDays 1-3

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F lying south from Daintree to the Whitsunday Islands, you’ll be escorted aboard a luxurious yacht for your trip to Hayman Island Resort.

As Australia’s most-awarded private island, Hayman is sure to exceed any expectations you may have for your tropical escape. Activities and amenities abound, including snorkeling, guided kayak excursions and an award-winning spa. Plus, you’ll enjoy a wealth of in-cluded extras, like a private tour of Hayman’s kitchen (the second largest in the southern hemisphere) and an intimate, hands-on chocolate-making class with one of the island’s chefs.

Of course, the jewel in the crown of your stay at Hayman Island will be a scenic flight over Hill Inlet and the Whitsunday Islands. Stare in awe at sweeping views of the swirling white sands and bright turquoise waters that have become synonymous with the beaches of the Whitsunday Islands. And spend an afternoon soaking in the sun and enjoying the softest sand in Australia on a private beach, where you’ll be served a picnic lunch before returning to the resort.

h a y m a n i s l a n dDays 4-6

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y ou’ll depart the tropical beauty of Hayman for the country’s urbanely chic capital, Sydney, where you’ll discover an eclectic mix of historic

and modern architecture. Your introduction to the city will include a guided tour of Sydney’s well-known Rocks District, where you’ll stay (at Park Hyatt) while here. The oldest neighborhood in Sydney, The Rocks got its name from the sandstone that was used in the construction of the area’s original buildings in the late 18th century. Many of those buildings still stand today, with the help of restoration efforts that work to keep The Rocks alive for residents and tourists alike.

Your adventure will continue when you go up against your fellow Exclusive Resorts members in some friendly competition during a sailing regatta on Rushcutters Bay. You’ll also have the option to climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge, trekking the 1,332 steps along the outer arch to reach the top for a view of the city skyline and the iconic Sydney Opera House (where you’ll have a private tour later that day). And if you’d rather skip the bridge climb, a guide will be available to take a group on a private bicycle tour of the city instead.

s y d n e yDays 7-9

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The Whitsunday Islands are well-known for their unique scenery, like these swirling white sands that look like brushstrokes blending the beach with the bright turquoise waters.

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Many of the sandstone buildings of The Rocks, Sydney’s historic neighborhood, date back to the late 18th century, when Australia was first established as a British colony.

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d a i n t r e e r a i n f o r e s t

Three Nights

Silky Oaks Lodge is a boutique luxury eco-lodge nestled within the lush foliage of Daintree

National Park, perched above the shores of the Mossman River. On-site amenities include the Healing Waters Spa, a tennis facility and

kayaks, canoes and mountain bikes perfect for exploring your surroundings. Your Riverhouse

accommodations feature spectacular views from a prime riverfront location, a spa bath and a balcony complete with a hammock.

h a y m a n i s l a n d

Three Nights

Australia’s most-awarded five-star resort, Hayman Island Resort offers guests the

ultimate in luxurious amenities, attentive service and stunning scenery as well as

some of the finest gourmet cuisine in the South Pacific. Your Lagoon View Room

features a spacious bath, private balcony and gorgeous views of the Coral Sea.

s y d n e y

Three Nights

Recently renovated, the Park Hyatt Sydney provides rooms with contemporary luxury including floor to ceiling windows in each room that offer sweeping views of the city.

The spacious interiors of your Harbour King room offer luxurious furnishings,

plush carpets, designer lighting and modern technology throughout.

a c c o m m o d a t i o n s

t r i p l e n g t h 10 days, 9 nights

2014 d a t e s o f t r a v e l

June 12-21 • June 26 - July 5 July 10-19 • July 24 - August 2 August 21-30

i d e a l f o rActive, adventurous adults or families with children age 8 or older who are looking for outdoor adventures along with some cultural immersion and a bit of sightseeing.

t r a v e l w i t hUp to four people with two reservations (double-occupancy accommodations only).

g e t t i n g t h e r eFly into Cairns Airport (CNS) in Cairns. Fly out of Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport (SYD) in Sydney.

w h y y o u’l l l o v e i t Australia may be best known for the sun-swept Gold Coast and, of course, the Great Barrier Reef, but your Australian experience will be truly one-of-a-kind. Exclusive insider access means you’ll go behind the scenes at Sydney’s iconic opera house, master the art of sailing during a private regatta, escape to an award-winning tropical retreat at Hayman Island and get to know a member of the Kuku Yalanji tribe, learning about his community’s culture, customs, beliefs and even traditional hunting techniques first-hand.

r e s e rva t i o n r e q u i r e m e n t s1 Advanced Reservation

9 Plan Days (per double-occupancy accommodation unit)

Priority Holiday Reservation (Select) for travel on the June 26 (Fourth of July) itinerary

d a i ly f e e$795 per person

f o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o nFor more information about this 2014 experience, including a day-by-day itinerary, detailed information about what’s included in the program cost, and more, visit the Australia: Daintree, the Whitsunday Islands & Sydney experience overview page on ER Compass.

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e x p e r i e n c e d e ta i l s

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1

3 sydney

daintree

hayman island, the whitsunday islands

coral sea

Area of detail

tasman sea

coral sea

tasman sea

great australian bight

great australian bight

australia