Exploring Australia - Sydney & Cairns

Sydney Australia

WW
Walker Wellness Retreats
  • Email address verified
48 reviews
Feb 19 - 26, 2024
Group size: 8 - 12
Exploring Australia - Sydney & Cairns
Sydney Australia

Walker Wellness Retreats
  • Email address verified
48 reviews

Feb 19 - 26, 2024
Group size: 8 - 12

About this trip

Join us on our upcoming trip to Australia! 


We have 8 days of action-packed adventure in store for you on this all-inclusive retreat to down under!


You'll have the chance to explore some of this incredible country's most beautiful natural wonders such as the Great Barrier Reef, ancient rainforests, the sights and wines of Sydney, and spot wild kangaroos and koalas in their natural habitat. With our expert guides leading the way, you can relax and enjoy every moment of this unforgettable journey


Please note that everything is completely optional. The itinerary is subject to change due to weather and availability. This retreat is a little more active as we will be moving from place to place as we cover a lot of land, but we hope to provide you with a nice mixture between relaxation and excursions. Please also note that the retreat officially starts on the first day at the welcome dinner and ends after breakfast on the last day.


Please also note to keep the costs down on this particular retreat, the excursions will be shared with others not on our retreat.


Meet Your Host

Amy Walker, MSW, LCSW, CCM, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Owner of Walker Wellness Retreats. Amy started Walker Wellness Retreats in 2016 due to her love for travel and helping others experience the world. When Amy is not leading international retreats, she works as an online mental health therapist. Amy is passionate about helping individuals and couples work through barriers and find new ways to communicate, connect, and thrive. In addition, Amy loves international travel, wine tasting, whale watching, and the outdoors. Amy works alongside her husband, Brian Walker, to run Walker Wellness Retreats. 


To meet more of the Walker Wellness Retreats team, visit the About Us page on our website. 

Visa Requirements

IMPORTANT VISA INFORMATION:

You must have a valid U.S. passport and a visa or an approved Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) to enter Australia. Most U.S. passport holders traveling to Australia for tourism or business purposes for less than 90 days can obtain an ETA.


Electronic Travel Authority (ETA), here’s the gist of it: The ETA is a special type of visa for short-term visits (for tourism or business) for up to three months. 


Here’s the process for obtaining one:

Apply online at the official Australian government website.

Receive instant approval in most cases.

There’s no physical visa label; it’s electronically linked to your passport.

Payment & Cancellation Policy

In the event of trip cancellation before the 90-day deadline, $500 of the deposited amount is non-refundable as well as any airfare, train tickets or ferry tickets purchased as part of your trip package due to the strict cancellation policy by foreign carriers ( If applicable).


Trip cancellations requested after the final payment deadlines listed above are non-refundable, and guests are encouraged to file a claim with their travel insurance for reimbursement. 


In the unlikely event Walker Wellness Retreats cancels the retreat, guests will be provided a full 100% refund of their booking. 


Lastly, we partner with several third-party booking platforms with separate deposit and cancellation policies. Please refer to their specific cancellation policies if booking through a third-party partner.


Questions about refunds or cancellations? Click here to view our payment and cancellation policy.


The deadline to book an international retreat is 30 days before the retreat begins; however, some exceptions can be made based on availability. Email us at contact@walkerwellnessretreats.com to inquire about booking after the deadline has passed.

What’s included

  • Accommodations
    8 days/7 nights in highly-rated accommodations
  • Airfare
    Airfare within Australia
  • Airport Transfers
    In and out of Sydney Airport (SYD)
  • Meals
    All meals during the retreat (breakfast, lunch, & dinner)
  • Transportation
    All transportation during the retreat
  • Gratuity
    Gratuities for tour guides, restaurant staff, and drivers
  • Wine Tasting
    21 February: Hunter Valley Wine Chef-led Tour [Shared Tour]
  • Cultural Tour
    22 February: On Country Cultural Tour [Shared Tour]
  • Great Barrier Reef
    23 February: Green Island and Outer Great Barrier Reef – Marine Conservation Program
  • Snorkeling
    24 February: Cairns Eco Outer Reef Cruise + Dedicated Master Reef Guide
  • Waterfall Tour
    25 February: Atherton Tablelands Tour – Waterfalls & National Parks [Private Tour]
  • Activities
    You will visit popular sites in Sydney

What’s not included

  • Airfare
    International Airfare
  • Additional Items
    Souvenirs, drinks, snacks, additional excursions, or other personal items
  • Additional Gratuity
    Gratuities of a personal nature (hotel staff, spa services, etc.)
  • Alcoholic Beverages
    Any alcoholic beverages (unless listed on itinerary)
  • Insurance
    Travel insurance and medical insurance (required)
  • Travel Fees
    Any travel-related fees if applicable (visas, passports, baggage, etc.)
  • Visa
    You must have a valid U.S. passport and a visa or an approved Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) to enter Australia.

Available Packages

All-Inclusive Double Occupancy

Double occupancy includes a private bedroom and private bathroom for 2 people.


Helpful hints: If you have two people who would like to share a room, select 2 Double Occupancy packages. If you are traveling alone but want to be paired with another solo traveler, select 1 Double Occupancy package. If you are traveling alone and want your own room, select 1 Single Occupancy package below.

$5,295
Deposit:$1,000
All-Inclusive Single Occupancy

Single occupancy includes a private bedroom and private bathroom for 1 person.


Helpful hints: If you are traveling alone but want to share a room with another traveler, select 1 Double Occupancy package above. If you are booking for two people who would like to share a room, select 2 Double Occupancy packages above. 

$6,295
Deposit:$1,000

Available options

Shotover Jet
$100
Only 1 left


Itinerary

Day 1
Sydney Arrival & Welcome - Monday, February 19th

Airport pickup and hotel transfer for check-in to the Hyatt Regency Sydney. Pick up will be approximately 10 AM. The retreat does not officially start until the welcome dinner this afternoon so the day is yours to do as you wish!


For your free time, we suggest you explore the Sky Tower for a view of the city.

Sydney Tower is Sydney's highest open-air attraction. The Skywalk is a breathtaking 260 m (853 ft.) above Sydney. Harnessed onto a moving, glass-floored viewing platform extending out over the tower's edge, you can view all of Sydney's landmarks, including the Sydney Harbor Bridge, the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbor, and even the Blue Mountains beyond. 


-OR-

The Sydney Bridge Climb-an amazing experience, though a little expensive. This should be booked in advance on your own if you are interested in climbing on the bridge itself: https://www.bridgeclimb.com


7:30 pm - Welcome Dinner and Retreat Orientation At Planar Restaurant.


Lodging:

Hyatt Regency Sydney

Address: 161 Sussex St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

Phone: +61 2 8099 1234

Your Organizer


WW
Walker Wellness Retreats
48 reviews
Welcome to Walker Wellness Retreats! Thank you for taking the time to learn about us! We created Walker Wellness Retreats to share the positive impact travel can have with as many people as possible. Travel makes the world seem not so large. It opens your mind to new ways of thinking. Together we can use our diverse skills and experience of traveling the world to design and plan incredible adventures to bring like-minded travelers together to unique places around the globe!

Reviews

This trip was amazing. Allie and Wendy were fantastic hosts. Everything from the yoga, to the food, to the adventures from Utah to Idaho and Yellowstone were a great experience. Definitely recommend!
By Kristen K for Yellowstone National Park Hiking & Yoga on Aug 23, 2024
We enjoyed everything about our Yellowstone retreat. The guided tour of amazing Yellowstone National Park was made truly memorable by our guide Alle. The home/lodge was well appointed and comfortable. Wholesome and nourishing meals were lovingly prepared by Chef Wendy. Those meals inspired fellowship and lively conversations!
By Walter H for Yellowstone National Park Hiking & Yoga on Aug 23, 2024
WOW what an amazing African experience! This was our 3rd trip with Amy. The safari lodge (Senalala) in Kruger National Park, was unbelievable! It was situated in front of a water hole that allowed us to view animals daily. The staff and game drivers were so knowledgeable and friendly and truly wanted us to see all of the animals in their natural habitats. The accommodations were top notch and the food was delicious. This was a very special place that we would highly recommend. The second part of our trip to Zimbabwe and Botswana was also a great experience. The Victoria Falls were simply breathtaking! We also had an enjoyable game drive and boat ride in Chobi National Park. This trip was all about seeing the African animals and it lived up to beyond our expectations. A trip of a lifetime! Thank you Amy and Walker Wellness!
By Susan B for South Africa, Zimbabwe & Botswana on Aug 13, 2024
Amazing adventure! This was our 4th trip with Walker Wellness. As with all of the others, everything is planned to perfection and Amy is an amazing host. All of the hotels/lodges were unique, beautiful, clean and offered great food and services. We saw the endangered Mountain Gorillas, Golden Monkeys, Chimpanzees and so many other animals all up close and personal in their natural habitats. Our driver, Joseph and the local guides were always friendly, very professional and knowledgeable. We enjoyed everything about this trip and will be talking about it for some time. Roger & Sue Bird
By Susan B for Rwanda & Uganda Wildlife Adventure on Aug 13, 2024
Thank you so much, Sue and Roger for taking the time to write two positive reviews for our Africa adventures together. I had such a wonderful time with both of you. You are so wonderful and easy to travel with and I look forward to many more adventures together hopefully. Thank you again for the positive reviews and I hope to see you again soon! Love, Amy Walker.
By Walker Wellness Retreats on Aug 14, 2024
WW
MM
My experience with Walker Wellness Retreats on the Rwanda and Uganda trip was nothing short of extraordinary. From start to finish, the trip was impeccably organized, allowing me to immerse myself in the breathtaking landscapes and vibrant cultures of East Africa. The highlight of the journey was the unforgettable treks with the golden monkeys and mountain gorillas. The mountain gorilla trek in Uganda was truly a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. The anticipation built as we trekked through the dense forest, and when we finally encountered the gorillas, it was a moment of pure awe. Seeing these majestic creatures up close, interacting with each other and their surroundings, was a deeply moving and humbling experience. Walker Wellness Retreats ensured that every aspect of the trip was comfortable and enjoyable. Accommodations were excellent, and the team went above and beyond to cater to our needs, providing a seamless experience that allowed us to focus on the incredible sights and experiences. I highly recommend this trip to anyone looking for an adventure that combines wildlife, nature, and cultural immersion. Walker Wellness Retreats has crafted an exceptional experience that I will cherish forever.
By Michelle M for Rwanda & Uganda Wildlife Adventure on Aug 08, 2024
Thank you so much Michelle for taking the time to write such a positive review. I love this adventure together and look forward to many more. Thank you so much for joining us in Africa. I will cherish these memories forever. Love, Amy.
By Walker Wellness Retreats on Aug 14, 2024
WW
Show More Reviews