Your hotel room is available for immediate check-in. A pre-night is not required for early check-in. Please schedule flights to arrive by 4pm in order to attend this evening’s welcome briefing and dinner. D
Enjoy an orientation tour of Brisbane, including the historical buildings and modern high-rises. Learn about the city’s convict past along with its modern cosmopolitan culture. Afterward, travel to the Australia Zoo, “Home of the Crocodile Hunter” where you’ll see some of Australia’s famous wildlife. You can hand-feed kangaroos, pet a dingo, see the amazing saltwater crocodiles, and more. Return to Brisbane where the evening is at leisure.
DAY 3 BRISBANE
A full day to explore more of vibrant Brisbane.
EXPLORE MORE with a ride on the Wheel of Brisbane, a large Ferris wheel overlooking the city. Maybe just relax at Streets Beach, Australia’s only inner-city man-made beach, or enjoy a stroll on the city’s pedestrian street, Queen Street Mall, full of shops and restaurants.
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DAY 4 BRISBANE-CAIRNS
Depart Brisbane for Cairns, “Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.” Upon arrival enjoy an orientation tour of Cairns followed by a visit to the Cairns Aquarium. Dinner tonight is at a local restaurant.
SEA STUDIES Touted as Australia’s newest aquarium, the Cairns Aquarium won’t disappoint. Journey through the waterways from freshwater rivers flowing through the rainforest, into the mangroves and finally into the depths of the Great Barrier Reef. Discover 71 different exhibits showcasing this regions extremely rare and unique species. Enjoy animal presentations, habitat talks, and daily shark feeds. It will be a great introduction for your experience on the Reef tomorrow.
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DAY 5 CAIRNS. EXCURSION TO THE OUTER GREAT BARRIER REEF
Prepare for the experience of a lifetime when you board a catamaran and cruise to the Outer Great Barrier Reef, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Explore this underwater world that is a dazzling kaleidoscope of dazzling hues. Return to Cairns late this afternoon. Your evening is at leisure.
BUCKET LIST. CHECK! The only living structure on Earth that can be seen from space, the Great Barrier Reef is a masterpiece of Mother Nature. Comprising over 3,000 individual reefs and spanning over 135,135 miles (350,000 square kilometres), your day at the Reef will be one to remember. After your scenic catamaran cruise, the day is yours to explore the Reef how you like. Choose to snorkel amongst a kaleidoscope of fish and coral, take a semi-submersible watercraft tour, attend an informative presentation by a marine biologist, or just relax and enjoy the serenity of your surroundings.
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DAY 6 CAIRNS
Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore more of Cairns.
EXPLORE MORE You may wish to take a 4-wheel-drive excursion into the Daintree Rainforest, soar high on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, check out Australia’s famous salt-water crocs at Hartley’s Crocodile Adventure, stroll Cairns’ famous Esplanade home to shops and art galleries, or just sit back and relax at your resort’s pool.
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DAY 7 CAIRNS-MELBOURNE
Touch down today in one of Australia’s most well-known cities. Melbourne is home to a diverse culture, world-class shopping, art galleries, museums, coffee shops, vibrant street art, hidden laneways and more. Along with its beaches, parks, amazing restaurants and near-flawless weather, it’s the perfect place to visit year round. Upon arrival, enjoy an orientation tour before arriving at your hotel.
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DAY 8 MELBOURNE
Free time today to explore more of this vibrant city.
EXPLORE MORE in Melbourne with a trip to the top of the Melbourne Skydeck for amazing views of the city below. You may also choose to venture to the breathtaking Yarra Valley, one of Australia’s premier wine regions. Other options include a full-day trip to the Great Ocean Road to see fantastic scenery and the “Twelve Apostles,” or choose to venture to Phillip Island for the famous Penguin Parade.
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DAY 9 MELBOURNE-SYDNEY
Fly to Sydney one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
EXPLORE MORE with free time in Sydney, home to first-class restaurants, grand shopping arcades, and top tourist attractions. This evening, why not enjoy dinner at a waterside restaurant?
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DAY 10 SYDNEY
On your morning sightseeing tour, travel to the famous Mrs Macquarie’s Chair in the city’s Botanic Gardens. The sandstone rock chair was carved by convicts in 1810 and is said to be where Mrs Macquaire would sit and watch the ships from Great Britain sail into the harbor. Next, visit the famous Sydney Opera House, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The remainder of your day is at leisure.
CULTURAL GEM Go inside the Sydney Opera House, one of the most well-known buildings in the world. You’ll enjoy a private guided tour, hear untold stories, be amazed at the acoustics, and learn how this amazing hall was built. Afterward, sit below the sails and enjoy a panoramic lunch at one of the Opera House’s restaurants where you’ll enjoy great photo opportunities and sweeping views of the harbor and the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
EXPLORE MORE with an optional excursion to see the city from a different view from atop the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb. Enjoy amazing views of the harbor and city skyline below from this unique perspective. In the evening, you might want to walk in the footsteps of Australia’s early settlers on the Rocks Pub Tour.
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DAY 11 SYDNEY
Another day for you to explore Sydney. Tonight, join your Tour Director and travel companions for a special farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
EXPLORE MORE You may wish to visit the elegant Queen Victoria Building with its three levels of fashion, jewelry, and gifts. Other options including visiting the Art Gallery of New South Wales, strolling through the Royal Botanic Garden, or enjoying delicious Asian food at one of the restaurants in Spice Alley.
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DAY 12 SYNDEY
Your tour ends with breakfast this morning. You may also choose to extend your time in Sydney and explore more on your own. Extra nights are available for purchase.
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