10 Day Essential Australia

Depart for Australia

Cross the international date line en route to Australia and skip a day ahead

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight Meals: Breakfast