July 22, 2028: Total Solar Eclipse
Sydney, Australia | July 20-24, 2028
On July 22, 2028 Sydney, Australia will experience a total solar eclipse! Join our astronomers on a trip to this lovely city to see the longest duration of totality over Australia in the 21st century. On this trip you will spend a luxurious 5 days in the award-winning, 5-star InterContinental Sydney Hotel. Included with your stay, any or all of the daily excursions are available for you to choose from:
-
- Opera House Tour,
- Observatory Tour,
- 90 minute Walking Tour of the Rocks,
- 1/2 Day Highlights of Sydney Tour,
- 2 Hour Harbour Cruise.
Centrally positioned in the heart of Circular Quay, InterContinental Sydney has breathtaking panoramic views of the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. Explore with Sirius Travel and you will enjoy access to our scientist guides who bring their understanding of natural phenomena to share with you as you chase a total solar eclipse. We have thoroughly scouted Sydney to secure the top accommodation in the city and to secure optimum observing locations. The itinerary for this trip has been carefully planned to optimize your comfort, ease of access, and eclipse photography with the iconic structures of Sydney. Should you wish to extend your holiday Down Under with one of our tour extensions, we will be offering trips to Uluru, Darwin, the Great Barrier Reef, and New Zealand (Details being worked on now).
Duration/Dates:
5 days / 4 nights
July 20-24, 2028
Astronomer guides
20
Price starting at:
$5,900 pp
Trip Details and Highlights
- Eclipse viewing from Sydney on July 22, 2028
- Stay in the Intercontinental Sydney, a world-class 5-star luxury hotel in the heart of Circular Quay.
- Walking distance from the hotel to viewing areas in the Botanic Gardens specifically selected for their photographic potential of the eclipse.
- Professional local guides and a dedicated Tour Director
- At least 20 Sirius Travel astronomer/scientist guides to answer any eclipse questions and explain the event
- Flexibility planned for eclipse day with buses reserved to scramble to an better location if weather dictates the need
- Educational materials regarding eclipse viewing and photography for all travelers
- Eclipse talk and other talks/discussions on subjects including eclipses, photography, general astronomy, and any subjects our scientist guides specialize in.
- Eclipse viewing glasses for safety
- Harbour cruise.
- Private city tour of Sydney
- Evening at the Sydney Observatory
- Optional Opera House tour and/or Harbour Bridge climb.
Know your odds!
It is important to be aware that clear skies are not guaranteed on eclipse day. Fortunately, the weather in Sydney is good even in the winter months. Similar in latitude and climate to San Diego in the US, historic weather patterns in Sydney on July 22 indicate that our chances of clear or partially clear skies are 70-80%. Sirius Travel is prepared to chase clear skies and we have built flexibility into our plans. This trip will be an amazing way to enjoy Sydney in luxury and comfort while pursuing an eclipse!
Eclipse begins
July 22, 2028
12:40:43 local time
Alt: 35.2° Az: 349°
1st contact
Totality happens
July 22, 2028
13:59:35 – 14:03:24 local time
Alt: 28.9° Az: 328°
3 minutes 49 seconds
Eclipse ends
July 22, 2028
15:14:42 local time
Alt: 19.2° Az: 312°
4th contact
Tour Overview
July 20, 2028 - Day 1: Start of tour in Sydney. Airport transfers, Hotel check-in, welcome talk.
July 21, 2028 - Day 2: Optional Tour Selection, Eclipse talk, Photography Workshops
July 22, 2028 - Day 3: Eclipse Day! Walk to your selected private observing site and enjoy. Optional tour in the evening.
July 23, 2028 - Day 4: Optional Tour Selection, Farewell party
July 24, 2028 - Day 5: Hotel check out, airport transfers. Start of post-trip add-on options.
Intercontinental Sydney - Hotel Room Options
Classic room: City View: $5,900 per person, DBL Occupancy
Bask in a sea of twinkling city lights from the five-star comfort of your Classic City Room. Positioned in the heart of the Central Business District, the 32m² city-view room boasts striking views across Sydney’s cosmopolitan skyline.
Classic room: Garden View: $5,950 per person, DBL Occupancy
Awash with natural light, a bright palette and premium fixtures set the tone for a the 32m² welcoming retreat. Watch the world whirl by from the window-side chaise or work efficiently from the dedicated work station. Your best night’s sleep is ensured with a cloud bed, available in king only in this room. Unwind with aromatic Byredo amenities, escape behind blackout curtains and drift away under crisp linens.
Classic Room: East Harbour view: $6,000 per person, DBL Occupancy
Welcome unobstructed views of eastern Sydney Harbour, spanning picturesque Watson’s Bay and the Royal Botanic Gardens. Through soaring glass windows, the 32m² East Harbour Room captures the city’s blend of natural beauty and urban outlook.
Classic Room: Harbour Bridge view: $6,250 per person, DBL Occupancy
Wake up to magnificent views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge from your private quarters. With sweeping scenes from the harbour to the coast, the 32m² Harbour Bridge Room invites one of Australia’s most memorable accommodation experiences.
Classic Room: Opera House view: $6,250 per person, DBL Occupancy
A world-class window to Sydney’s most treasured landmark, the 32m² Opera House Room floats above Circular Quay and Sydney Harbour. Breathtaking by day and night, sink into a window-side chaise and admire the soaring white sails of the Sydney Opera House.
One Bedroom Suite: City View: $6,950 per person, DBL Occupancy
Revel before Sydney’s twinkling city lights and experience elevated travel in The City Suite. Boasting views across the stunning cosmopolitan skyline, The City Suite is a generous 70m² in size, and is ideal for leisure or business with individual bedroom, lounge and work spaces.
One Bedroom Suite: Harbour Bridge View: $7,350 per person, DBL Occupancy
Experience elevated travel with soaring windows that frame the magnificent sight of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. A generous 70m² in size, this city sanctuary is ideal for leisure or business with individual bedroom, lounge and work spaces.
One Bedroom Suite: Opera House View: $7,800 per person, DBL Occupancy
Experience elevated travel before a backdrop of mesmerising Opera House views. A generous 70m² in size, this city sanctuary is ideal for leisure or business with individual bedroom, lounge and work spaces.
Governor Opera House Suite: $11,500 per person, DBL Occupancy
Brimming with modern elegance, the Governor Opera Suite is the pinnacle of harbourside luxury. The 105m² corner suite residence boasts unique vantage points of the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. Perfectly designed for the discerning guest, a grand lounge and dining room set the scene for a memorable experience. NOTE: only 2 of these suites are available.
Royal Opera House Suite: $14,400 per person, DBL Occupancy
An entertainer’s haven, this luxury accommodation stretches across an impressive 150m². Entertain with ease with a fitted gallery kitchen and an expansive open-plan dining and lounge room complete with unparalleled views of Sydney Harbour. Refresh in the oversized marble bathroom before escaping to the privacy of the master bedroom, equipped with a responsive mattress and luxury down duvet. NOTE: there is only 1 of these suites.
Presidential suite
Presidential Opera House Suite: $20,150 per person, DBL Occupancy
Discover the epitome of elite travel in the InterContinental’s most exclusive residence, floating 29 floors above Sydney. The Presidential Opera Suite is set across a generous 245m² and boasts panoramic harbour views from every room, including its private outdoor terrace. Appointed to perfection, this city oasis is celebrated as one of Australia’s leading executive experiences and has housed several heads of state including US Presidents Clinton, GW Bush, and Obama.
Equipped with a separate lounge, dining room, butler’s pantry and work desk, the retreat is perfect for leisure, business or long-term stays. Soak up Sydney’s warmth from a lush outdoor terrace and rejuvenate in the oversized marble bathroom, complete with rain shower and a deep soaking tub overlooking the Royal Botanic Gardens and Eastern horizon. The perfect night’s sleep awaits in the King-sized master bedroom, equipped with pristine linens and a state-of-the-art cloud mattress.
NOTE: there is only 1 Presidential suite.
All pricing shown above is based on DOUBLE occupancy. Single occupancy is available for any of the Classic Rooms. We can also accommodate triple or quadruple occupancy in any room. Solo travelers are welcome and if you wish, you may choose to share a Classic Room (we will match you with a roommate of the same gender and try to match ages) or you may select single occupancy. Bed options are “1 King” or “2 Double”. Not all rooms have both options. Only select “2 Double” if you MUST have separate beds.
Adult Per Person Tour Prices (USD) by Room Occupancy
| Room | SGL pp | DBL pp | TRP pp | QUAD pp |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classic Rooms – City View (32m²) | $6,700 | $5,900 | $5,300 | $4,900 |
| Classic Rooms – Garden View (32m²) (King Bed only) | $6,800 | $5,950 | $5,350 | $4,950 |
| Classic Rooms – East Harbour View (32m²) | $6,900 | $6,000 | $5,400 | $5,000 |
| Classic Rooms – Harbour Bridge View (32m²) | $7,350 | $6,250 | $5,600 | $5,150 |
| Classic Rooms – Opera House View (32m²) (King Bed only) | $7,350 | $6,250 | $5,600 | $5,150 |
| One Bedroom King Suite – City View (70m²) (King Bed only) | – | $6,950 | $6,050 | $5,450 |
| One Bedroom King Suite – Bridge View (70m²) | – | $7,350 | $6,250 | $5,550 |
| One Bedroom King Suite – Opera House View (70m²) (King Bed only) | – | $7,800 | $6,500 | $5,750 |
| Governor Opera House Suite (105m²) (King Bed only) | – | $11,500 | $8,800 | $7,400 |
| Royal Opera Suite (150m²) (King Bed only) | – | $14,400 | $10,600 | $8,650 |
| Presidential Opera Suite (245m²) (Super King Bed) | – | $20,150 | $14,150 | $11,200 |
Payment and Terms
Payment
- ADULT: 13 and older – maximum occupancy of 2 adults per room.
- CHILD: 5-12 years old – 60% of adult price – up to 2 children may share a room with at least 2 parents (adults).
- Single supplement: As listed in price table above – only available in Classic Rooms.
- Children staying as the second occupant in a room with one adult must pay adult fare.
- Lower age limit is 5 years old.
- Suites include all-day exclusive access to the 31st floor Club lounge
- To secure a reservation, initial deposit ($1,100) with a completed reservation form is required.
- 2nd payment ($1,100/$1,800) (Classic rooms/Suites) due January 15, 2026
- 3rd payment ($1,100/$1,800) (Classic rooms/Suites) due January 15, 2027
- 4th payment ($1,100/$1,800) (Classic rooms/Suites) due January 15, 2028
- Final payment due April 15, 2028
Cancellations
- Cancellations made prior to July 20, 2027 are fully refundable.
- Cancellations must be made in writing by email or mail to Sirius Travel.
- If cancellations are made:
- 07/20/2027 – 03/21/2028 (364-120 days prior to travel):
65% of your payment to date is refunded. - 03/22/2028– 05/20/2028 (119-60 days prior to travel):
35% of your payment to date is refunded. - 05/21/2028 – 06/19/2028 (59-30 days prior to travel):
10% of your payment to date is refunded
- 07/20/2027 – 03/21/2028 (364-120 days prior to travel):
- There are no refunds after June 20, 2028
Optional Tours Included
You will have a selection of optional activities to enjoy included with your tour. You will also be given an option on the registration form to indicate if you are interested in any pre or post trip tours that we are working on and that we will announce at a later date.
- 90 min Historical Rocks Walking Tour (included)
- 1/2 day Highlights of Sydney Tour by private coach (included)
- 2-hour Harbour Cruise (included)
- Sydney Observatory (included)
PRE/POST TRIPS IN PLANNING STAGES: These are the pre/post trips that we hope to offer – some may not be possible in the southern winter but once set up we will notify our travelers. If you are interested in receiving information on these, please indicate on your registration form. Note these trips would be outside of your Eclipse trip and paid for seperately.
- South Pacific Cruise: Sydney – New Caledonia – Vanautu – Sydney
- New Zealand Cruise: Sydney – New Zealand – Sydney
- South Australia Cruise: Sydney – Melbourne / Adelaide – Tasmania – Sydney
- Great Barrier Reef: Sydney – Cairns – Sydney
- Uluru (including domestic flight): Sydney – Alice Springs – Uluru – Sydney
Included
- 20 Astronomer and Scientist guides
- Professional local guides
- All ground transportation
- 5-star accommodation in the Intercontinental Hotel in Sydney
- Airport transfers on first and last day of the tour
- Daily breakfast at the hotel, a welcome dinner, light canapés during the eclipse, refreshments during our farewell party
- Lectures: Astronomy/science talks at the hotel during our stay.
- Protective eyewear for solar viewing
- Entrance fees
Not Included
- International flights
- Items of a personal nature
- Alchoholic beverages (unless specifically included)
- Tips for drivers and local guides
- Meals not specified
- Activities or services not mentioned in the itinerary
- Travel insurance
Other Information
Trip cancellation, health, and accident insurance is recommended but not required. It can save you money if you are forced to cancel or alter your trip. We recommend TravelGuard trip insurance (www.travelguard.com) and we recommend that all travelers purchase their insurance within 7 days of their initial reservation to take advantage of any pre-existing condition clause.
Precautions should always be taken seriously and pre-trip education on what to eat or to avoid should be planned. Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747) or via the CDC website.
It is every traveler’s responsibility to consider all appropriate medical advice regarding whether or not they are fit to take this trip prior to booking their reservation. We recommend that all interested travelers check with their healthcare provider before signing on.
Children 5 and older are welcome on this tour but must be accompanied by a parent or guardian if they are under 18. Please note that most countries have very strict entry/exit requirements for minors (under the age of 18 years old), especially minors traveling with only one parent. Please review the requirements before choosing to travel with a minor.
If you are traveling alone, you may save quite a bit of money by opting to share a room. We will match solo travelers of the same gender so that they can share a double occupancy room with two beds. We will do our best to match travelers but if we cannot find a match for you then you will be required to pay the single occupancy price.
Historical July weather prospects in Sydney: The average daytime temperature in Sydney during this time of the year is around 55°F / 13°C and the average minimum temperatures generally tend to hover around 46°F / 8°C. High temperatures can still reach 62° / 17°C though, even in winter. Sunshine is also in abundance in July, as it is throughout most of the year in Sydney. The average amount of sunshine expected during July in Sydney is 7 hours per day and there’s a 31% chance of a clear day. If you combine partly cloudy days, your chances are about 70% for blue skies and solar viewing. In July, the average sea temperature is 64° / 18°C so if you want to hit the beach, you can partake in a spot of surfing, snorkelling, or swimming
The climate in Sydney is mild and subtropical. A light coat is recommended. Dress for a climate that has nighttime lows around 45 °F and daytime highs around 60°F. Consider your extension trips when you pack as those climates may be more extreme. Visit our “Packing Suggestions” page for direct links to items we recommend.