Explore Australia from $4,299

Uncategorized > Explore Australia from $4,299

Day 1: Depart LAX

Day 2: Cross International Dateline
You lose a day which will be regained on return trip.

Day 3: Arrive Melbourne
Welcome to Australia! On arrival in Melbourne, you will be transferred to your hotel. Enjoy a welcome to dinner at a local restaurant.
Stay Two Nights: Hotel Grand Chancellor Melbourne

Day 4: Melbourne Sightseeing
Today’s tour of Melbourne features Fitzroy Gardens, valued for their historic and horticultural significance, and the bustling Victoria Markets. Later you may participate in an optional tour that travels to Phillip Island, the home of the world’s largest colony of Little Penguins.

Day 5: Melbourne – Adelaide – Barossa Valley
Fly to the capital of South Australia, Adelaide. Upon arrival, head to the Barossa Valley, one of Australia’s most famous wine regions. Renowned among connoisseurs, the valley’s award-winning wines attract visitors from all over the world. Tonight, enjoy the beauty of Barossa during a scenic dinner overlooking the vineyards.
Stay Two Nights: Novotel Barossa Valley Resort

Day 6: Barossa Valley
Set out on a sightseeing tour of the Barossa Valley. Indulge as you visit a few local wineries to learn about the history and geography of the region and why the wines garner such high praise. Quench your palate with varietals ranging from fruit-forward Chardonnays to earthy Pinot Noirs. Wine connoisseur or not, sit back and relax while Australian wine experts introduce the lore and allure of these delicious products.

Day 7: Barossa Valley – Alice Springs
Depart for Alice Springs and delve into life in the remote Outback. A tour of the area includes the Old Telegraph Station and Anzac Hill, with its excellent views of Alice Springs and the surrounding area. Gain insight into the educational system in the Outback with a visit to the School of the Air; you may even see a class in session. Become locally invested as you have the opportunity to meet the young Aboriginal group, Drum Atweme.* Supported by the Collette Foundation, Drum Atweme is a musical group comprised of at-risk youth from the local community. Tonight, continue your cultural immersion with a memorable bush dinner set against the backdrop of this unique desert environment.
Stay Two Nights: Dubletree by Hilton Alice Springs

Day 8: Alice Springs
Come to know the history and culture of the Walpiri Aboriginal people during a “Dreamtime Tour,” where your specialist guide shares stories of creation and everyday Aboriginal life. The remainder of the day is at leisure in this quintessential Outback town.

Day 9: Alice Springs – Uluru (Ayers Rock)
Traverse the “Red Centre” today as you drive to Uluru (the Aboriginal name for Ayers Rock) in the heart of the Australian Outback. This huge monolith and the sandstone domes known as Kata Tjuta were created through the process of upheaval and erosion. Prepare for a truly majestic sunset as you witness the changing colors of Uluru while enjoying a champagne toast.
Stay: Desert Gardens, Uluru

Day 10: Uluru – Cairns
In the cool of the morning, set out to see this incredible area. Tour Kata Tjuta and the base of “The Rock,” learning about their geology and significance to Aboriginal culture. Later, you fly to Cairns – the tropical gateway to one of the world’s most spectacular natural attractions and a World Heritage site – the Great Barrier Reef. Established as a marine park in 1975, the reef is a haven for thousands of species of sea life, as well as turtles and birds.
Stay Four Nights: Pacific International, Cairns

Day 11: Cairns
This morning, board the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway for an unforgettable ride above the rainforest canopy. There are two stops where you may get off the cableway and experience the forest floor from specially designed boardwalks. The amazing diversity of plants, animals and birds simply astounds. The afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the tropical surroundings

Day 12: Great Barrier Reef
Board a sailing catamaran for an exciting excursion to the Great Barrier Reef. This is an immense series of 2,800 coral reefs which are home to amazingly diverse marine life. Explore the spectacular reef along Michaelmas Cay. The choice is yours: during the excursion you can choose to explore the shores of this small sand island on the outer reef; or, perhaps you would prefer snorkeling to see the vibrant sea life up close. Back on board, a marine biologist will have an informative presentation and you will even enjoy a fish feeding presentation.

Day 13: Cairns
Today you journey north to the ancient Daintree Rainforest. At beautiful Mossman Gorge, members of the Kuku Yalanji tribe, the original Aboriginal people of the area, introduce you to their traditional lifestyle. Walk with them through their ancestral lands and learn their ancient ways. Later, enjoy an exciting dinner prepared using a traditional camp oven-style of cooking.

Day 14: Cairns – Sydney
After a leisurely morning, we fly to Sydney, Australia’s largest city, where British settlers first dropped anchor in 1788. This evening’s dinner choice is yours as you choose from a variety of local restaurants along bustling Darling Harbour.
Stay Four Nights: Menzies Hotel

Day 15: Sydney
Start your day with a tour of Sydney, birthplace of modern-day Australia. Highlights of your tour include 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 sights as you take a guided tour of the Sydney Opera House, poised majestically on Sydney Harbour. Next, enjoy a unique experience as you learn firsthand about opals during a special presentation at the National Opal Collection. Discover the wonders of Sydney by using your free time to pursue your own interests. Stroll through the city streets, visit the historic Rocks area, or simply relax and enjoy the atmosphere.

Day 16: Sydney and Blue Mountains
Today is one of the most scenic days of your Aussie adventure. Begin with a visit to the Blue Mountains of New South Wales, a stunning UNESCO World Heritage site. The Blue Mountains are full of geological inspiration including The Three Sisters sandstone rock formations, the region’s most notable attraction. Experience sandstone plateaus, valleys, river gorges and pristine wilderness among other natural wonders during this journey. Then, head to Featherdale Wildlife Park where you can meet wallabies, indigenous birds, kangaroos, dingoes and other creatures. Savor some leisure time this evening to sample Sydney’s world-class restaurant scene.

Day 17: Sydney
Enjoy a full day at leisure. Use today to explore more of Sydney’s attractions. Perhaps you will do some shopping or find yourself a local café to relax in. This evening, say farewell to Sydney, chat with new friends and take in the sights during a delightful dinner cruise of Sydney Harbour. Marvel at the scenic vistas the harbour has to offer including Sydney’s magnificent skyline and iconic attractions: the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge

Day 18: Depart Sydney for USA
This morning after breakfast, transfer to Sydney Airport for your flight back to the USA.