About your tour
Nature was inspired when it created
Australia. Rainforest, coastline, outback, mountains and savannah
paint a colorful palette of magical sights against an azure sky.
On this leisure stay
tour, you can immerse yourself in the land "down under"
experiencing in-depth exploration of each area at a relaxed pace.
You'll spend extended time in the region around the Great Barrier
Reef; plus three nights in Australia's rugged Outback and four
nights in Australia's fun-loving city, Sydney.
Your adventure begins in Cairns, the
gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Just beyond Cairns is a sensational region of
soaring volcanic peaks tangled with rainforest, a habitat that you
will experience firsthand when you board the Skyrail Rain Forest
Cableway for an unforgettable ride above the rain forest canopy.
Next, an exciting catamaran ride whisks you away to Green Island,
your base for exploring one of the world's greatest
natural treasures, the Great Barrier Reef. In Alice Springs, the
heart of the Outback, you'll experience sunset at Ayers Rock, the
world's largest monolith; and take a journey through the lifestyle
and beliefs of traditional Aboriginal people. Your trip concludes
with three glorious days in Sydney where you'll enjoy a performance
at the famous Sydney Opera House and a dinner cruise along Sydney
Harbour. Highlights include must-see sights like Kings Cross, the
Harbour Bridge, Chinatown, the Rocks and the Botanic Gardens. A
full day of leisure is yours to enjoy this fabulous, fun-filled
city.
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Your itinerary
Days 1 - 3: Arrive Cairns (Northern
Beaches), Australia
Today you board your flight and begin the
adventure of a lifetime. Day 2 is spent in flight. On day 3,your
tour begins the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, Queensland.
Enjoy a welcome dinner this evening with your fellow travellers.
(D)
Day 4: Cairns
This morning you board the Skyrail Rain
Forest Cableway for an unforgettable ride above the rain forest
canopy, enjoying sights that were once strictly "for the birds."
Travelling at treetop level, you are totally immersed in your
surroundings, your senses tingling as you and the rain forest
become one. There are two stops where you may get off the cableway
and experience the forest floor from the safety and comfort of
boardwalks. Here trees, lush palms, ferns, and the amazing
diversity of plants, animals and bird life will surround you. This
afternoon take a crocodile cruise on Hartley's Lagoon in search of
saltwater crocs in their natural habitat as well as the exotic bird
life of Queensland. After the cruise, enjoy a delicious Aussie BBQ.
(B, D)
Day 5: Great Barrier
Reef
The inspiring beauty of the Great Barrier
Reef draws visitors from around the globe. Board a
high speed catamaran for an exciting excursion to the Great Barrier
Reef. From your base on Green Island, you are able to explore
the reef. Enjoy a trip on a glass bottom boat* where beautifully
coloured fish swim by in their natural habitat. Choose a stroll on
the walking trail to take in the rain forest, relax on the beaches
or watch the fish and sea turtles swim past from the pier. For a
more adventurous encounter with the reef, optional scuba diving,
snorkeling and an outer reef tour* are also available. (B, L)
Day 6: Cairns
Today is yours to enjoy at leisure. You
may choose an optional excursion out to Cape Tribulation. Take in
the lush, foliage filled Daintree Rain Forest during a canopy tour.
You will visit Daintree Village, once the heart of the timber
industry and now a thriving tourist centre, where a river boat
cruise will give you an up-close look at the many birds, animals
and reptiles that make this their home. (B)
Day 7: Cairns - Alice
Springs
You fly to Alice Springs, located in the
heart of Central Australia. A sightseeing tour includes the Old
Telegraph Station, Anzac Hill and the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
Tonight, experience the real Outback complete with entertainment
under the stars and dinner in the bush. (B, D)
Day 8: Alice
Springs
This morning you will be
delighted as a specialist guide and the Aboriginal people of the
Walpiri Tribe take you on a journey showcasing the lifestyle and
beliefs of traditional Aboriginal people. Mingle with these
people at their camp and watch as various dreamtime stories are
depicted in paintings. Tonight you may "Take a Camel to Dinner"
(optional) and enjoy a camel ride through the Outback to your
dinner. (B)
Day 9: Alice Springs - Ayers
Rock
Today you drive to Ayers Rock in the heart
of the Australian Outback. The huge monolith called Ayers Rock and
the sandstone domes of the Olgas were created through the process
of upheaval and erosion. You will tour the Olgas and around the
base of "the Rock," after which you view a beautiful sunset. Watch
as Ayers Rock magically changes colour. (B)
Day 10: Ayers Rock -
Sydney
Enjoy a morning at leisure in Ayers Rock.
You may choose to catch the sunrise on an optional "Take a Camel to
Sunrise" excursion. This afternoon, fly to Australia's fun-loving
city, Sydney.
Day 11: Sydney
Today you will enjoy a tour highlighting
Kings Cross, the Harbour Bridge, Chinatown, the Rocks, Circular
Quay, the Botanic Gardens and the fashionable suburb of Paddington.
Discover one of the world's most fascinating architectural works as
you take a guided tour of the Sydney Opera House. Later, enjoy a
fascinating opal presentation at Gemtec. Learn how raw opals are
processed from the dark mine shafts to your favourite jewellery
store. This evening, view the city from above as you dine at a
revolving restaurant overlooking Sydney. (B, D)
Day 12: Sydney
The day is yours to explore Sydney on
your own. An optional excursion will take you north across the
Hawkesbury River to the Hunter Valley, Australia's oldest wine
producing district. The multitude of vineyards that dot the
landscape of Hunter Valley produce some of Australia's most
renowned wines. Visit some of the wineries for tasting and guided
tours. You may enjoy a lunch at The Hunter Resort and revel at the
scenery as you tour the vineyard by horse-drawn carriage. (B)
Day 13: Sydney
This morning, travel to Koala Park where
you will see koalas in their natural habitat. You will even have
the chance to feed the kangaroos and pet a wombat. Tonight, enjoy a
fantastic dinner cruise on gorgeous Sydney Harbor giving you a
different perspective of the city. Complete your evening with a
fabulous performance at the Sydney Opera House. (B, D)
Day 14: Sydney - Depart for
Home
Depart for home. (B)
Day 15: Arrive Home
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