10 Day Essential Australia
2022 TOUR DETAILS
Special Features
Leisure time to explore Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef
View many of Sydney's highlights, including the famous Opera House
ITINERARY
DAY 1: Saturday - Depart for Australia
Depart for Australia
DAY 2: Sunday - En Route
Cross the international date line en route to Australia and skip a day ahead
DAY 3, Monday - Arrive in Cairns
Arrive in Cairns, the tourist capital of tropical North Queensland and gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. This evening, attend an orientation meeting at approximately 6 PM with your Tour Manager and fellow travelers, on the exciting journey that lies ahead, followed by a Welcome Reception at the hotel. We recommend that you select flights which arrive in your destination no later than 4 PM on Day 3 of the itinerary, if possible
Overnight: Cairns
DAY 4: Tuesday - Full Day in Cairns
A fabulous sunrise experience awaits you! Wake up before dawn to participate in the optional Cairns Hot Air Balloon*. Take off in a hot air balloon as you watch the breathtaking sunrise over the stunning Atherton Tablelands, a truly memorable experience. Afterward, return to the hotel and spend the day at leisure. Enjoy all of the delights of this resort city on your own or, join the optional Green Island Excursion*. Travel to beautiful Green Island, a coral cay located in the Great Barrier Reef. Snorkel, take a semi-submersible tour of the underwater world, or simply relax on the white sandy beach admiring the view. This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience
*Passengers can participate in both optional tours if they desire
Optional: Cairns Hot Air Balloon (AM)
Optional: Green Island Excursion
Overnight: Cairns
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 5: Wednesday - Full Day in Cairns
The day is free to explore Cairns and the surrounding area on you own or, join the optional Crocodile Farm Tour with lunch. Depart Cairns and head north to explore an eco-park and working crocodile farm. Learn about Australia's incredible wildlife and discover the park's five different ecological zones. Walk along pathways and boardwalks to view the various native fauna and attend live shows and feedings to get acquainted with Australia’s wildlife. After lunch, return to Cairns
Optional: Crocodile Farm Tour with lunch
Overnight: Cairns
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 6: Thursday - Full Day in Cairns
Spend another day at leisure in tropical Cairns or, learn about Australia’s Aboriginal history on an optional visit to an Aboriginal Cultural Park. Witness the ancient Dreamtime story through live performances, experience traditional dancing, and attend handicraft demonstrations. Savor a delicious lunch before returning to the hotel. This afternoon, join the optional Skyrail Experience with dinner. Ride the Kuranda Skyrail that takes you on an amazing gondola experience over the oldest tropical rainforest in the world. Along the way, stop for a ranger guided boardwalk tour and visit the Rainforest Interpretation Centre, lookouts and historical displays. Arrive at the historic village of Kuranda, nestled high up the tropical mountains. Spend time at leisure to explore the village and learn about Aboriginal culture. On the descent, marvel at the magnificent views of Barron Falls and Barron Gorge National Park. Conclude your tour with an authentic Australian dinner
Optional: Aboriginal Cultural Park with lunch (AM)
Optional: Skyrail Experience with dinner (PM)
Overnight: Cairns
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 7: Friday - Flight to Sydney
Depart Cairns and head south to Sydney, Australia’s largest city. Take an orientation walking tour conducted by your Tour Manager after checking in to the hotel. Spend the rest of the evening at leisure
Overnight: Sydney
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 8: Saturday - Full Day in Sydney
Spend the day in Sydney at leisure for individual explorations or, participate in the optional full day excursion to Blue Mountains with Featherdale Wildlife Park. Featherdale is home to over 300 species of Australia's diverse wildlife. Admire the koalas, feed the kangaroos, view the fairy penguins, and see the colorful parrots, cockatoos and lorikeets. For wilderness and wildlife, the magnificent Blue Mountains region is a must see for any visitor to Sydney. Travel through quaint mountain villages, past spectacular lookouts, and through the rugged Australian Bush. Return to Sydney in the late afternoon
Optional: Blue Mountains with Featherdale Wildlife Park
Overnight: Sydney
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 9: Sunday - Full Day in Sydney
Today is free to further explore Sydney on your own. Perhaps join the optional Hunter Valley Wine Tour to explore Hunter Valley, one of the oldest and most beautiful wine-producing regions in Australia. Get acquainted with Hunter Valley’s boutique wineries and enjoy tastings of some of the finest Australian wines. Afterward, return back to Sydney. Tonight, join your Tour Manager and newfound friends for a Farewell Reception at the hotel
Optional: Hunter Valley Wine Tour
Overnight: Sydney
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 10: Monday - Depart Australia
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast
Escorted Package Includes
Intra-flight: Cairns-Sydney
7 nights First Class accommodations
4 nights Cairns
3 nights Sydney
Hotel taxes, fees & service charges
Hotel porterage
All transfers included only with airfare purchase on package arrival & departure dates†
Breakfast daily
Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned motor coach
Services of an English-speaking tour manager
Entrance fees per itinerary