Australia Down Under

Your fascinating “Down Under” adventure begins today as you board your flight on the award-winning Qantas Airways. Airfare from the U.S. is included.

Cross the International Dateline and “lose” one day along the way. Don’t worry—you’ll “regain” it when you fly from Australia back to the U.S. at the end of your journey!

Welcome to Australia! Experience the vibrancy of Sydney on this introductory tour of one of the world’s most spectacular cities. Tour through The Rocks area where Sydney was first settled, Botanic Gardens, and Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair for a photo stop with the spectacular harbour as a backdrop to the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the celebrated Opera House. Drive along Macquarie Street past the sandstone colonial buildings of Parliament House, State Library and St. Mary’s Cathedral. Your coach tour will finish at the jetty for a lunch cruise. Board one of Sydney’s most impressive cruise vessels for a lunch cruise around Sydney Harbour with comprehensive commentary and a delicious buffet lunch all set on the world’s most beautiful harbour. With great photo opportunities of Sydney’s landmarks including Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House and Fort Denison and hear the informative commentary. After lunch transfer to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of this afternoon is at leisure to relax or explore more of the city on your own.

ParkRoyal Darling Harbour or similar | Lunch

Travel to the famous Bondi Beach where you may have an opportunity to stroll along the beachfront promenade with the locals to experience the ambiance of the beachside location, see the surfers and the famous Aussie lifesavers on patrol. Continue through the exclusive eastern suburbs and historic Paddington with its unique terrace houses. Return to the city for a guided tour of the Sydney Opera House. Since it opened in 1973 it has been destined for greatness and today it is one of Australia’s most recognizable icons. Take a journey to uncover untold stories, anecdotes, history and discover the magic beneath the sails. Watch unforgettable moments from past Concert Hall performances, learning about the history and future of this world-famous hall in an immersive digital experience. Experience the future within a new purpose-built venue that boasts heritage-inspired interiors, and state-of-the-art technology. After the tour, you’re on your own to see your favorite sights in greater depth or set your own course. Tonight, join your travelers for a Welcome Dinner.

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Today is for exploring the Blue Mountains! Travel across the Sydney Harbour Bridge then onto an Australian Wildlife Park, home to a most comprehensive collection of native wildlife. As well as many Koalas and Kangaroos, view the Fairy Penguins, see the colorful Parrots and other unique Australian reptiles and wildlife. Continue touring by road heading west up into the Blue Mountains an area of stunning natural beauty, sweeping vistas and vast acres of pristine bushland and home to the famous Three Sisters sandstone rock formation formed millions of years ago which have Aboriginal dream-time stories attached to them as they tower over the magnificent Jamieson Valley. Visit iconic lookouts in this wonderland of sandstone outcrops, hazy blue eucalypt forests, and stunning views. Visit the quaint mountain village of Leura where you’ll have some free time to explore the many shops and galleries and have the opportunity to enjoy lunch at one of the many choices of culinary experiences including cafes and casual dining. A stop at Echo Point for scenic views, drive through the picturesque township of Katoomba then along Cliff Drive with breathtaking views over Megalong Valley. Return to your hotel for an evening at leisure.

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Because there’s just so much to see and do in Sydney, we’re giving you the full day to explore on your own. One suggestion is an optional tour to the Australian Wildlife Park, where you can hand-feed a kangaroo and get up close with a friendly koala! Or experience the climb of your life at BridgeClimb!

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Today, we depart for Uluru (Ayers Rock). Uluru is in the heart of one of the most remote wilderness regions on earth. Discover the traditions of the world’s oldest culture and experience the dramatic landscape of one of the greatest natural wonders. This afternoon, we’ll embark on a sightseeing tour to Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) before continuing to the base of Walpa Gorge. Spend time exploring the gorge and the unusual conglomerate rock formations. Then travel to the Uluru sunset viewing area to witness the striking color changes of Uluru at sunset while enjoying wine and canapes.

Voyages Desert Gardens Hotel or Sails in the Desert or similar | Breakfast

This morning, we’ll meet for a memorable sunrise at the base of Uluru and then travel to the Mutitjulu Walk where we’ll be escorted to the Waterhole. This provides a key source of water for the Aboriginal people in the area and has been in use for many thousands of years. See Aboriginal rock art and learn about the flora, fauna, and cultural traditions of the Aboriginal owners, the Anangu. We’ll visit the Uluru – Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre. It houses an amazing collection of original ceramics, paintings, and punu (woodwork) that provide an insight into the unique and spiritual culture of the Anangu people, the traditional custodians of Uluru. The rest of the day is at leisure or consider the optional Sound of Silence Dinner.

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Today, you’ll board a flight to tropical Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef—one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Here you’ll check into your hotel, where we encourage you to relax and enjoy the swimming pool—you’re in paradise after all!

Pacific Hotel or similar | Breakfast

Our journey begins the moment we board a high-speed catamaran for Green Island, an unspoiled 6,000-year-old coral cay located in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. With its unique reef and rainforest environment, this 37-acre island provides a superior tropical experience. In fact, Green Island is the only coral cay on the Great Barrier Reef with a rainforest growing on it! This island is home to 126 native plant species, colorful birdlife, and over 1,500 different species of tropical fish. With three hours on Green Island, we can enjoy a self-guided Eco Island walk, take a ride in a glass-bottom boat to view the magnificent coral of the inner reef, and relax on the white coral sand beaches. There are many other optional activities offered on the island to enjoy as well. After our Great Barrier Reef adventure, we’ll return to Cairns in the afternoon.

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Spend the day at your leisure right here in tropical Cairns. Or you may choose to take an optional tour aboard a scenic skyrail to the aboriginal village of Kuranda, where you can immerse yourself in the culture or get up close with the local wildlife.

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This morning depart for Brisbane, Australia’s third-largest city, a sub-tropical vibrant metropolitan city with an alfresco lifestyle. Visit the Mt Coot-tha lookout observatory with breathtaking panoramic views of Brisbane city and beyond. Travel into the city past the Botanical Gardens, Parliament House, King George Square, Town Hall, and the Treasury Casino before crossing the river past the Arts and Cultural Centre and South Bank Parklands. This evening, enjoy a festive farewell dinner with your group at a local restaurant.

Royal on the Park or similar | Breakfast, Dinner

Today, we bid farewell to “Down Under” and board our return flight. We’ll cross the International Dateline and regain the day “lost” at the beginning of the trip. Our magical Australia adventure ends as you arrive in Los Angeles the same day.

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