Day 1 ~ Los Angeles/Sydney
Evening departure of your flight
for the South Pacific. En route, cross the International Date Line and
“lose” one day.
|
Day 3 ~ Sydney
Early morning arrival in Sydney.
You are met and transferred to your hotel. Afternoon at leisure. Four
Seasons Hotel Sydney orHoliday Inn Darling Harbour |
Day 4/5 ~ Sydney
During your two days in Sydney
you’ll see old and new: discover the unique Opera House and the exciting
Darling Harbour area. Enjoy a lunch cruise on Sydney’s magnificent harbor.
There’s free time to shop, then enjoy dinner at the popular Summit
Restaurant, high above Sydney, with spectacular views of the city and
surrounding areas. L, D |
Day 6 ~ Sydney/Canberra/Melbourne
Morning flight to Canberra, to
see the best of Australia’s capital in a single day, from the towering
heights of Mt. Ainslie Lookout to the historical Australian War Memorial.
Tour the Parliamentary Triangle, viewing the High Court and the National
Gallery, with lunch at the Parliament House. Complete your visit with the
display at Regatta Point and a drive by the embassies and diplomatic
missions. Early evening flight to Melbourne. L. Sofitel Melbourne or
Mercure Hotel Welcome |
Day 7 ~ Melbourne
Your morning tour of the city
includes the lovely Fitzroy Gardens, Captain Cook’s Cottage, and samples of
Melbourne’s historic architecture. This afternoon, take a trip to Phillip
Island, home of the delightful Little Penguins. At dusk, these comical
seabirds waddle ashore, performing their evening “parade” before delighted
observers. Return in late evening.
|
Day 8 ~ Melbourne/Hobart
By air, across the Bass Strait,
to the island state of Tasmania. Hotel Grand Chancellor or
Hadley’s Hotel |
Day 9 ~ Port Arthur
Today, tour through delightful
pastoral countryside to the historic ruins at Port Arthur, site of a harsh
penal colony from Australia’s pioneer days. The tour offers charming
contrasts and excellent opportunities for the photographer.
|
Day 10 ~ Hobart/Melbourne/Adelaide
Morning flights to Adelaide, the
“Lady of the South.” . Hyatt Regency or Rydges South Park |
Day 11 ~ Barossa Valley
A full day coach tour into the
delightful wine growing area of the Barossa Valley. Lunch and wine tasting
are included.L |
Day 12 ~ Adelaide/Ayers Rock
Morning flight deep into the
Great Outback. Midday arrival at Ayers Rock. If the weather cooperates,
sunset at the Rock is a display of spectacular desert colors. Sails in the
Desert or Outback Pioneer |
Day 13 ~ Ayers Rock/Alice Springs
This morning, tour around the base
of the mighty desert monolith, a sacred symbol of the Aborigines. Afterward,
fly to Alice Springs. Crowne Plaza Alice Springs or All Seasons
Oasis |
Day 14 ~ Alice Springs
Enjoy panoramic views from Anzac
Hill on your way to the MacDonnell Ranges and Simpson’s Gap, where resident
rock wallabies will delight you. After a delicious picnic lunch at amazing
Standley Chasm, return to town for a leisurely tour of the fabulous Desert
Park. Landscapes, animals and plants of Australia’s desert and their
traditional uses are showcased. Many rare and endangered species are among
the 400 animals, along with thousands of native plants. L
|
Day 15 ~ Alice Springs/Darwin
Fly to Darwin, on the north coast.
This afternoon, you might like to visit the acclaimed Museum and Art Gallery
of the Northern Territory (own expense). Saville Park Suites or
Holiday Inn Darwin |
Day 16 ~ Darwin/Kakadu National Park
Your two-day coach tour is
designed to allow you to experience the magic of Kakadu National Park in an
easy, relaxed way. Today’s route includes a visit to the ancient Nourlangie
Rock art sites and a cruise on Yellow Waters for a rendezvous with saltwater
crocodiles at a safe distance. L. Gagudju Crocodile Holiday Inn
or Aurora Kakadu Resort |
Day 17 ~ Kakadu National Park/Darwin
Continuing your tour, you’ll visit
Ubirr, possibly Kakadu’s best Aboriginal art site. An optional scenic flight
of the area is available before your return via the Arnhemland Plateau. L.
Saville Park Suites or Holiday Inn Darwin |
Day 18 ~ Darwin/Cairns
Morning flight to your next
adventure: Cairns in Tropical North Queensland. Cairns International
or Cairns Colonial Club Resort |
Day 20 ~ Kuranda
A picturesque rail journey to
Kuranda this morning. Tour the little township and then take a fun ride
aboard an Army Duck with your Rainforestation guide explaining the ecology
of the area. After lunch, delight in a performance by the Pamagirri
Aboriginal Dancers, depicting Dreamtime legends from a culture over 40,000
years old. L.
|
Day 21 ~ Cairns/Brisbane
Afternoon flight to Brisbane.
Sofitel Brisbane Hotel & Towers or Mercure Hotel Brisbane |
Day 22 ~ Brisbane
An afternoon tour of Brisbane’s
highlights and a visit to Lone Pine Sanctuary. Here you may, if you wish,
have your photograph taken with everyone’s favorite—the koala.
|
Day 23 ~ Brisbane/Los Angeles
Morning flight home. Cross the
International Date Line and regain that “lost” day. Arrive Los Angeles this
morning.
|
WESTERN AUSTRALIA & THE INDIAN PACIFIC TRAIN 8-DAY
EXTENSION
|
| This extension commences on Day
12 of the main itinerary as follows (itinerary departs Los Angeles any
Wednesday or Sunday): |
Day 12/13 ~ Adelaide/The Indian Pacific Train
Board the famous transcontinental
train this afternoon. A Gold Kangaroo Service sleeper has been reserved for
you. You’ll briefly stop in Kalgoorlie, an Australian frontier town. During
the stop, an optional tour (own expense—adults only) is available to visit
Kalgoorlie's world famous brothel, Langtrees 181, reputedly Australia's most
luxurious bordello. The tour is led by a resident "madam". D,B,L,D
|
Day 14 ~ Perth
Morning arrival in Perth, capital
city of Western Australia. B. Sheraton Perth Hotel or Rydges
Perth |
Days 15-17 ~ Perth
You’ll have three full days in
Perth: tour the city’s highlights including the Royal Perth Yacht Club; off
to the Swan Valley vineyards and Gingin, Nambung National Park and the
remarkable Pinnacles. Wildflowers can be seen almost year round. Cruise
along the Swan River to Fremantle, then drive along beaches and coastal
suburbs. L
|
Day 18 ~ Perth/Ayers Rock
Morning flight deep into the vast
outback for your two-night stay in Ayers Rock. Enjoy the incredible Sounds
of Silence this evening while dining under the stars. D. Sails in the
Desert or Outback Pioneer |
Day 19 ~ Ayers Rock
|
| Rejoin the main itinerary—Day 12. |
Travel Packages
TRAVEL
GUIDES
