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Australia: Adventure Down Under



Tour Description:

On this Connections journey, meet a fourth-generation sheep rancher, explore the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest with expert local guides and spend an amazing evening at Uluru.

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Dates & Pricing



ITINERARY

Day 1: ARRIVE IN MELBOURNE
Arrive in Melbourne, and then gather tonight for a cocktail reception and welcome dinner.

Day 2: MELBOURNE / “Aussie Living”
Explore Melbourne today, viewing St. Paul’s Cathedral and the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens. Then depart for the Barber family sheep farm in Coliban Park to learn about one of Australia’s most important industries. Enjoy morning tea followed by a sheep-shearing demonstration. You may also plant an Australian native tree, and then embark on a drive around the property to spot kangaroos in their natural environment.

Day 3: THE OUTBACK / Uluru (Ayers Rock)
Fly via Alice Springs to Uluru (Ayers Rock) for an overnight in the heart of the Australian Outback. Gaze in wonder at fabled Uluru, its surface alive with the colors of the setting sun. Enjoy sparkling wine and canapés, followed by an authentic Australian barbecue. Then turn your gaze to the night sky, as a local expert takes you on a tour of the spectacular southern stars.

Day 4: THE OUTBACK / Tropical Getaway
This morning, take a guided walk around Uluru and hear some of the legends that feature the monolith. Meet your indigenous guide and learn how the traditional owners of the land survived in the arid Outback. Afterward, fly to Cairns, leaving behind the desert, and transfer to Port Douglas. Gather with fellow guests this evening for dinner.

Day 5: GREAT BARRIER REEF / The Spectacular Sea
Cruise to the Low Isles and spend a full day exploring one of earth’s most incredible “living” sites, the Great Barrier Reef. Marvel at the colors and beauty of the coral and fish while swimming, snorkeling or observing from a glass-bottom boat, while a marine biologist offers guidance and answers questions. Spend the evening at leisure back at your resort.

Day 6: DAINTREE RAINFOREST / Tribal Paths
This morning, head north toward Daintree Rainforest. Joined by a local indigenous guide, follow rainforest paths that have been travelled for centuries by the Kuku Yalanji people, who have generously granted us access to their tribal lands. Set out on a wildlife cruise on the Daintree River with an expert guide, keeping on the lookout for “salties” — Australia’s infamous saltwater crocodiles. Explore the small township of Daintree before returning to your resort for an afternoon at leisure.

Day 7: SYDNEY / The True Blue City
Bid farewell to the Coral Sea and the tropics as you take off for Sydney late this morning, arriving in the afternoon. Mix with the locals tonight over a casual dinner in a pub in the famous Rocks area of Sydney.

Day 8: SYDNEY / The Harbourside
One of Australia’s iconic sights takes center stage today when you visit Sydney Opera House on a personally guided tour. Then board a cruiser on Sydney Harbour for a view of some of this extraordinary city’s landmark sites, including Harbour Bridge, the Opera House, Luna Park and Sydney’s waterfront mansions. Following the cruise, cross the harbour to the Taronga Zoo, where you may get up close and personal with Australia’s charming native fauna.

Day 9: SYDNEY / Sydney at Leisure
Spend your last day exploring on your own. Ask your Tour Director for some suggestions, or go wherever inspiration leads. Gather for a farewell dinner tonight.

Day 10: DEPART SYDNEY
Transfer to the airport for your flight home.