Day 01: Depart the USA for Australia. Cross international dateline arrive Day 03
Day 3: Arrive in Cairns, Australia.
G’day and welcome to Australia! Cairns is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. This evening, your Tour Director hosts a special welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)
Day 4: Cairns. Great Barrier Reef Excursion.
Board a fast catamaran for a cruise to Green Island, one of the many tropical islands on Australia’s famous Great Barrier Reef. Here you can choose to snorkel, take a Glass-bottom boat tour or walk through the island’s cool rainforest. The rest of the afternoon is at your leisure. You might consider upgrading to a full-day excursion to the Outer Barrier Reef. In the evening, consider a unique experience at the famous Flames of the Forest, where you enjoy tropical dining in an actual rainforest and authentic Aboriginal culture through storytelling and music (operates seasonally). Or, consider a sunset cruise followed by a delicious dinner at a waterfront restaurant. GC. (B)
Day 5: Cairns–Darwin.
This morning, enjoy a special visit to Cairns Tropical Zoo for your chance to meet Australia’s native animals. You’ll also enjoy breakfast in the park, a talk by a wildlife keeper, and will have the opportunity to have your picture taken with a koala! Afterward, you may choose to join our optional trip to Kuranda via the old scenic rail route. See magnificent scenery, lush rainforests, and twisting waterfalls from the comfort of a restored, historic mountain train. For the return journey you may choose to take the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Or, take a tour to Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park—a fascinating portrayal of Aboriginal culture, dance, and folklore. Then, fly to the top end of Australia to Darwin, famous for its strategic importance during WWII. (B)
Day 6: Darwin–Kakadu National Park.
Today, see giant termite nests on the way to Kakadu national park. Explore parts of nearly 7,300 square miles of unspoiled waterways with a rich heritage of Aboriginal culture and stop at the Bowali Visitor Centre to learn about Kakadu’s habitats. cruise waterways where you may view crocodiles, and walk ancient trails to see Aboriginal rock petroglyphs. An optional light-aircraft flight over the park should not be missed. Dinner tonight is at your hotel. (B,D)
Note:
During the wet season (December through April) it can be difficult to see crocodiles in the wild.
Day 7: Kakadu National Park–Darwin.
Depart your hotel this morning and stop at Window on the Welands Visitor Centre, an interactive display of Kakadu fauna. Return to Darwin for sightseeing. See the elegant colonial architecture of the city’s historic buildings that survived Cyclone Tracy in 1974. Visit the splendid Botanic gardens and beautiful East Point, an area rich in WWII memorabilia. Also visit the Art gallery to view fine collections of Aboriginal art. (B)
Day 8: Darwin–Alice Springs–Ayers Rock.
During a brief stop in Alice Springs, enjoy a visit to the School of the Air to learn how education services are provided to children living in the vast Outback. Then, visit the Old Telegraph Station to discover how the locals live in this remote area and to learn the history of how the early settlers developed communication. On to Anzac Hill, a tribute to the war heroes of Australia and New Zealand. Afterward, fly to Ayers Rock. Travel to a popular lookout to enjoy views of the magnificent Kata Tjuta (the Olgas), a geological splendor of some 30 brilliant monoliths. There is time to take photos before returning for a TOUR around the base of Uluru (Ayers Rock) and to “Sunset Strip” for a drink, canapés, and to witness the changing colors of the rock. (B)
Day 9: Ayers Rock–Alice Springs.
For an unforgettable experience, rise early for an optional camel ride to watch the sunrise at Uluru. Then, fly to Alice Springs and visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service appreciate how medical service are provided to those in remote regions. The afternoon is at leisure. You may want to visit the Desert Park to learn more about the flora and fauna of the Australian desert. Tonight, enjoy a unique Aussie experience—an Outback BBQ that features a meal of typical campfire fare, fascinating tales of the Outback, and Aboriginal folklore. (B,D)
Day 10: Alice Springs–Ghan Train.
This morning, enjoy free time to relax. Later, a highlight of your vacation begins as you board the "Ghan Train" for an overnight journey that offers a fascinating perspective of the Outback. (B,L,D)
Day 11: Ghan Train–Adelaide.
Arrive in Adelaide for a city tour along the wide tree-lined streets and well-manicured gardens. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure. (B)
Day 12: Adelaide.
The day is at leisure. You may choose a full-day trip to Kangaroo Island, one of the world’s last unspoiled habitats. (B)
Day 13: Adelaide–Barossa Valley–Melbourne.
Today, drive to the Barossa Valley with its Bavarian villages, baroque Italianate chateaux, and stunning vineyard scenery. Breathe in the beauty of the Adelaide Hills in the leafy greenness of the quaint yet charming villages. Enjoy a sumptuous lunch and sample some of Australia’s premium wines at a local winery. Later this afternoon, fly to Melbourne, Australia’s second-largest city. (B,L)
Day 14: Melbourne.
Today’s tour includes landmarks such as Parliament House and the Shrine of Remembrance, a tribute to Australia’s war heroes. Visit beautiful Fitzroy Gardens and then drive past the lush Royal Botanic Gardens. You’ll soon discover the differing architectural influences of this city as you see the Victorian Arts Centre and other buildings of significance. For a unique dining experience, join an optional outing on board a historic tramcar restaurant as it winds its way through the streets of Melbourne. Later this afternoon, drive to Phillip Island to see a Penguin Parade from an exclusive viewing platform. (B,D)
Day 15: Melbourne.
Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore this multicultural and cosmopolitan city. Dine at a local restaurant and immerse yourself in Melbourne’s passionate food and wine scene—or walk along Chapel and Brunswick Streets, famous for great shopping. Take a trip outside of town to sample award-winning wines in the Yarra Valley or drive along the spectacular Great Ocean Road to see the “Twelve Apostles.” (B)
Day 16: Melbourne–Hobart.
Fly to Hobart, Tasmania, home of the famed Tasmanian Devil. (B)
Day 17: Hobart. Excursion to Port Arthur.
Today’s tour of the scenic Tasman Peninsula features the blowhole, the Devil’s Kitchen, and the Tasman Arch coastal formations. Visit Port Arthur, where the first convicts arrived in the 1830s. A guided tour of the Penal Settlement shows you the ruins of the 4-story penitentiary and the model prison—grim reminders of Australia’s days as a penal colony. Also included is a short stop at a nearby Wildfe Sanctuary to see the famous Tasmanian Devil, the world’s largest carnivorous marsupial. (B)
Day 18: Hobart–Sydney.
Today, fly to Sydney, the largest city in Australia. The afternoon is at leisure for you to discover this exciting and beautiful city on your own. Your Tour Director will have suggestions for optional activities. (B)
Day 19: Sydney.
Today, explore one of the world’s most beautiful cities. Travel to Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair in the city’s Botancial Gardents for a great photo opportunity of the harbor, Opera House, and Harbour Bridge. Then, take a guided tour of the Sydney Opera HouseE, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, followed by a visit to one of the country’s leading Opal companies to discover how the beautiful gems are mined. You will also take a cruise on Sydney Harbour that highlights this bustling waterway and will tour the world-famous Bondi Surf Bather's Life Saving Club and enjoy a lifesaving demonstration! Along the way you will also see some of the city’s original suburbs and the historic Rocks area, home to Sydney’s original convicts. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. (B)
Day 20: Sydney.
Enjoy a full day at leisure. Perhaps join our optional excursions to the Blue Mountains or to Hunter Valley, one of Australia’s leading wine-growing regions. You can even climb to the top of Sydney’s Harbour Bridge! Your Tour Director will help you make the most of this exciting city. Tonight, enjoy a special farewell dinner at a waterfront restaurant with fantastic views of the highlights of Sydney. (B,D)
Day 21: Sydney - USA
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B) |
