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Highlights
- Day 1: Depart the USAAccompanied by our Tour Director, we board an overnight flight to the Land Down Under.
- Day 2: Australia BoundUpon crossing the International Date Line, we lose a calendar day.
- Day 3: Sydney Harbor CruiseWelcome to Australia’s largest, oldest, and most cosmopolitan city: Sydney! We begin our adventure with a scenic cruise along the stunning harbor and savor a delicious onboard lunch. We glide across the glistening water for views of lush parks, golden beaches, charming waterfront neighborhoods, the Sydney Opera House, and Harbor Bridge, the world’s longest single-span bridge. This afternoon, we settle into our centrally located hotel and have a relaxing evening to rest up for the exciting days ahead.
Meals Included: Lunch
- Day 4: City Sights & Opera HouseAfter breakfast, we’re off to discover more of Sydney with an expert local guide. Take in sights of the most notable attractions, including the Queen Victoria Building, Hyde Park, bustling Kings Cross, and beautiful Bondi Beach. We also enjoy a VIP tour of the world-famous Sydney Opera House, known for its remarkable and innovative architecture. Our lunch is high above the city in the revolving Sydney Tower, providing unbeatable views of the gorgeous harbor and skyline. The rest of the day is yours to explore Darling Harbor, Sydney’s favorite area for leisure and entertainment, or The Rocks, one of the most historic and affluent areas with restored buildings, harbor views, and cobbled pathways.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
- Day 5: Tropical CairnsThis morning, we fly to Cairns in Tropical North Queensland, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and many of Australia’s other natural wonders. Our five-star hotel is located near the waterfront and esplanade with everything you need for a leisurely afternoon, from on-site restaurants to a day spa.
- Day 6: Kuranda Scenic Railway & SkyrailToday, we experience one of the most spectacular rail excursions in the world: Kuranda Scenic Railway. Our journey reveals lush, wondrous World Heritage rainforest, steep ravines, and picturesque waterfalls within Barron Gorge National Park. Upon arrival in Kuranda, there’s time to explore this fascinating mountaintop village and shop for unique souvenirs at the Heritage Markets. After lunch at Frogs Restaurant, we descend the MacAlister Range on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Listen for sounds of the sulfur-crested cockatoo and enjoy awe-inspiring views of the rainforest highlands, Cairns, and the Coral Sea as we glide over the dense forest canopy. We then return to our hotel for the evening.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
- Day 7: Great Barrier Reef & FlightseeingGet ready to cross off the ultimate bucket list experience today – exploring the Great Barrier Reef! Known as one of Australia’s greatest national treasures and the world’s largest living organism, it stretches more than 1,200 miles along the coast. Enjoy a scenic cruise to the outer edge, Moore Reef, where we view vibrant tropical fish and coral from the reef viewer and glass-bottom boat. Then, take in breathtaking aerial sights on a helicopter flight! There’s also an opportunity to swim, snorkel, or simply relax in this beautiful marine setting.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
- Day 8: Brisbane & Lamington National ParkOur day begins with a flight to Brisbane, the subtropical capital of Queensland and one of Australia’s most charming cities. We then travel inland past farms, wineries, and quaint villages, ascending a windy road with beautiful scenery through the Green Mountains. Marvel at the lush rainforest within UNESCO World Heritage-listed Lamington National Park, where our accommodations at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat await. After a brief tour of the property, enjoy exploring its many attractions such as the picturesque walking trails and botanical gardens. Later, we soak up a stargazer’s paradise under the dazzling night sky with the Southern Cross constellation glowing brilliantly.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 9: O’Reilly’s RetreatWake up to the serene sounds of the rainforest and participate in the daily bird feeding before our expert-led bird walk to meet more of the colorful feathered locals. After breakfast, there are several exciting activities to choose from! Stroll high above the forest floor for unbeatable bird’s-eye views at the Tree Top Walk, attend the Birds of Prey Show, glide above the rainforest on a zipline adventure, or embark on a four-wheel drive tour to the national park’s most scenic areas, complete with traditional bush tea. After dinner together, you may choose to unwind with a fascinating nature presentation at the Retreat Theater or venture out to see nocturnal creatures like possums, pademelons, and glow-worms.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 10: Crocodile Hunter’s Australia ZooToday, we depart our secluded rainforest retreat and head north to the gorgeous Sunshine Coast. We visit the renowned Australia Zoo, where the legacy of Steve Irwin the “Crocodile Hunter” lives on. Learn about vibrant native birds and see how prehistoric saltwater crocodiles behave in the wild at the Crocoseum’s Wildlife Warriors show, then experience hands-on animal encounters like nowhere else in the world. Revel in the opportunity to pet a koala, hand-feed friendly kangaroos and wallabies, and get up-close to emus, wombats, dingoes, cassowaries, and kookaburras. Later, we settle into our beautiful Mooloolaba accommodations and enjoy a leisurely evening.
Meals Included: Breakfast
- Day 11: Maleny Bowls & Bushtucker CruiseEnjoy a restful morning before we travel away from the glistening coastline and enter the Sunshine Coast Hinterland with unrivaled views of the lush Blackall Range. We make a fun stop at Maleny Bowls Club for some friendly competition as we socialize with the locals. This afternoon, our lunch is in Montville at the award-winning Secrets on the Lake café, perched in the rainforest canopy facing Lake Baroon’s shores. Later, we discover native flora, fauna, and food on an enriching cruise along the picturesque Mooloolaba Canals. As we glide along the tranquil waterways, experience Australia’s First Nations culture through traditional stories, expert insights into the area’s maritime past, and tastings of authentic bushtucker, such as smoked barramundi.
Meals Included: Lunch
- Day 12: Mooloolaba Leisure DayTake advantage of a full day at leisure in this stunning city with unbeatable coastal views. You may enjoy exploring entertainment, dining, and shopping options in The Wharf Mooloolaba, strolling along the beachfront esplanade, or booking a whale-watching cruise! This evening, we gather to celebrate our Australian adventures with a special Farewell Dinner.
Meals Included: Dinner
- Day 13: Fly HomeWe board our flight out of Brisbane and gain a day when crossing the International Date Line. Arriving back in the States early afternoon, we return home with wonderful memories of our time in Australia.
Oct 4-16, 2026
$9,999
per person
$8,699
per person
Jul 1, 2026
What's Included
All Accommodations
- 2 nights at Rydges World Square Hotel in Sydney
- 3 nights at Crystalbrook Flynn in Cairns
- 2 nights at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat in Lamington National Park
- 3 nights in Mooloolaba
Attractions & Highlights
- Sydney guided city tour feat. Bondi Beach & Opera House
- Kuranda Scenic Railway (subject to maintenance closures)
- Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
- Great Barrier Reef cruise, scenic helicopter flight, reef viewer & glass-bottom boat (subject to weather)
- O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat feat. Tree Top Walk, guided bird & glow-worm walks, four-wheel drive tour & traditional bush tea
- Australia Zoo – Home of The Crocodile Hunter
- Sunshine Coast Hinterland
- Bushtucker Cruise feat. native cuisine tastings
- Maleny Bowls
- Time at leisure in Sydney & Mooloolaba
14 Excellent Meals
- Sydney Harbor Luncheon Cruise
- Lunch in Sydney Tower
- Lunch at Frogs Restaurant in Kuranda
- Local cuisine at O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat
- Lunch at Secrets on the Lake Café in Montville
- Farewell Dinner in Mooloolaba
Learn more about what's included with the Holiday Advantage.
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