10-Day Melbourne, Cairns, Sydney Locally Guided Tour

DAY 1 - Depart USA

DAY 2 - En Route:
Fly over the International Dateline on your way to Melbourne, Australia

DAY 3 - Arrive in Melbourne, Australia:
Your tour begins at Melbourne Airport. You will be transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Meet your Tour Director tonight for a Welcome Drink. BD. Stay at the Melbourne Crown Plaza.

DAY 4 - Melbourne Sightseeing & at Leisure:
Begin with a morning sightseeing tour and see some spectacular city highlights including the Royal Botanic Gardens, Queen Victoria Market, Parliament House and much more. After, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. Perhaps explore the city further, do some shopping or simply relax at a café or back at the hotel. (B). BD

DAY 5 - Melbourne / Cairns:
Board your flight to Cairns (cost not included in Land Only price). Upon arrival visit the Rainforestation Nature Park for lunch and to experience indigenous culture and Australian native wildlife in a World Heritage rainforest setting. Afterward, continue to your hotel in Cairns, where the evening is free. (B,L). Stay at the Hilton Hotel

DAY 6 - Great Barrier Reef Excursion:
Hop aboard a high speed catamaran and cruise out to the spectacular Great Barrier Reef. View brilliantly colored coral and tropical fish from the underwater observatory and semi-submersible vessel. For a closer look at this natural living wonder, take the opportunity to go snorkeling (equipment provided). Then, enjoy a Highlight Lunch before you return to Cairns in the late afternoon. (B,HL)

DAY 7 - Cairns / Sydney:
Take a morning flight to Sydney (cost not included in Land Only price). The rest of the day is free. (B),. Stay at the Four Points by Sheraton.

DAY 8 - Sydney Sightseeing & at Leisure:
This morning, enjoy a guided tour of the Sydney Opera House and a cruise on Sydney Harbour. Back on board the coach, see the Royal Botanic Gardens, Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair, Watson’s Bay and The Gap as you travel to famous Bondi Beach where you will be greeted by a local surf lifeguard before a “You’re Personally Invited” Lunch at the Returned Servicemen’s Club, an Aussie institution with views overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Afterward, your host takes you on an exclusive tour through Australia’s oldest surf lifesaving club to learn about the history of Bondi and surf lifesaving. Then hear about Australia’s national gemstone – the opal. (B,PI)

DAY 9 - Sydney at Leisure:
Today you are free to chart your own path. Maybe take an excursion to the Blue Mountains and see some of Australia’s unique native wildlife at Featherdale Wildlife Park. This evening, gather with your Tour Director and newfound friends for a Farewell Dinner. (B,FD)

DAY 10 - Depart Sydney:
Bid farewell to Sydney as you are transferred to Sydney Airport where your tour ends. (B)