Itinerary
Days 1 & 2 - Departure day
Fly to Cairns, crossing the International Date Line to arrive on Sunday.
Day 3 - Arrive Cairns
G'day, mates! Arrive in Cairns and the rest of the day is free to relax. Meet your fellow travelers at dinner at the SHANGRI-LA HOTEL CAIRNS.
Day 4 - Great Barrier Reef
Blue water and tropical fish surround you as you sail to the massive Great Barrier Reef. Swim or snorkel in this stunning underwater world, or take a ride in the semi-submersible for a close look at the coral and its residents. SHANGRI-LA HOTEL CAIRNS
Day 5 - Kuranda Train/Skyrail/Tjapukai
Ride the Kuranda train over deep gorges, past raging waterfalls, and through verdant rainforests as you journey to Kuranda. Witness a rainbow of color and the flutter of tiny wings at the butterfly sanctuary before you soar skyward aboard the world's longest gondola cableway. Enjoy a bird's-eye view of the canopy of the teeming rainforest below. Then, immerse yourself in Aboriginal culture with a performance of native dances at the Tjapukai Aboriginal Dance Theater. SHANGRI-LA HOTEL CAIRNS
Day 6 - Uluru/Ayers Rock
Mighty Uluru, often referred to as Ayers Rock, towers more than 1,100 feet above the desert and is a sacred site to the Aboriginal people. As mammoth as this monolith appears, approximately 2/3 of the rock lies beneath the ground. Watch, with a glass of champagne and canapes, as reds, oranges, yellows, and pinks blend slowly together as the sun sets. SAILS IN THE DESERT HOTEL
Day 7 - Uluru/Alice Springs
Today, return to Uluru to explore by daylight. Later, fly to Alice Springs, site of the Alice Springs Telegraph Station. Visit the Flying Doctor Service Base and learn of the airborne physicians who make their house calls to outlying areas. Before the railway made its way into this isolated area, camels were the mode of transportation. Take a camelback ride and learn about these animals. This evening, join in the fun at an authentic Australian barbecue and boomerang-throwing demonstration. CROWNE PLAZA ALICE SPRINGS
Day 8 - Melbourne/Tram Car Restaurant
For those who wish an optional balloon ride (weather permitting), arrangements can be made for early morning. Then, fly to Melbourne. Arrive in time for dinner aboard the Colonial Tram Car Restaurant, sightseeing the city in a most unusual fashion. As you sit down to dine, the restaurant will begin to drive around the city. Your hotel is centrally located at the "top end" of prestigious Collins Street in the heart of Melbourne business, theater and shopping districts. SOFITEL MELBOURNE
Day 9 - Melbourne sightseeing/Free time
Begin this morning with a city tour, including Captain Cook's Cottage, a drive by the Shrine of Remembrance and Toorak Village. Visit The Melbourne Museum with a private guide. This afternoon is either free to relax at your hotel, discover Melbourne on your own, or take part in an optional evening tour of Phillip Island for the "penguin parade," where small fairy penguins cross the beach on their way home after a hard day of fishing. SOFITEL MELBOURNE
Day 10 - Hobart, Tasmania
This morning, head to Tasmania and Hobart, one of the world's finest deep-water harbors, with sightseeing en route to your hotel. Hobart is Australia's second oldest city, and has a fascinating and infamous history to investigate. HOTEL GRAND CHANCELLOR HOBART
Day 11 - Hobart, Port Arthur
Learn about Tasmania's more notorious side today with a full-day tour of Port Arthur. This former penal colony sits on the tip of the Tasman Peninsula. Visit the Isle of the Dead Cemetery and learn about its colorful past. Then hear about the area's more pleasant history as you stroll by fine gardens and visit preserved colonial villages. HOTEL GRAND CHANCELLOR HOBART
Day 12 - Sydney Opera House Performance
Fly to Sydney and enjoy sightseeing en route to your hotel, located in the historic Rocks area on the harbor. Your stay is three nights; relax and explore your surroundings. This evening is a special treat. A private tour of Sydney Opera House is provided, then dinner and a performance. Dinner is either at the Opera House's Bennelong or Aria Restaurant. SHANGRI-LA HOTEL SYDNEY
Day 13 - Koala Park/Sydney Sightseeing/Cruise
Begin where Sydney originated, at the Rocks. Drive to South Head for a view of Sydney Harbour from the enormous cliffs. Then, have a close-up meeting with some of Australia's furry inhabitants at the West Pennant Hills Koala Park. Return to Sydney for a relaxing luncheon cruise of the city harbor. SHANGRI-LA HOTEL SYDNEY
Day 14 - Sydney free day
You have the full day free to explore Sydney on your own. You may want to take a tour of the Olympic Park (site of the 2000 Summer Games), a 4WD excursion to the Blue Mountains, a wine tour to the Hunter Valley, or an exciting Sydney Bridge Climb. SHANGRI-LA HOTEL SYDNEY
Day 15 - Return home
Today you leave Australia and return to the United States.
Travel Dates & Rates, Ask Agent
- Land only rate is per person based on double occupancy. International airfare and on-tour flight segments Cairns/Ayers Rock/Alice Springs/Melbourne/Hobart/Sydney are not included. Please inquire about our competitive rates at the time of booking. Arrival and departure transfers are included with the purchase of International airfare. Single supplement is from $1609. Triple reduction is from $290 per person. Pre/post nights are available upon request. Reservation deposit is $500 per person. Travel insurance is highly recommended.
- Note: Visa is required and is the responsibility of the traveler to secure.
- Note: For those continuing on the New Zealand tour, the flight to Christchurch is Friday Day 15, joining that tour on Day 3.
Prices subject to change without notice until time of deposit. All dollar values not denoted as US or CA are in US Dollars. |
