Wonders of Australia

Day 1 : Depart the USA

We meet our Tour Director and prepare for our overnight flight to the Land Down Under.

Day 2 : Sydney Bound

Upon crossing the International Date Line, we lose a calendar day.

Day 3 : Harbor Cruise

This morning we arrive in Sydney, Australia’s largest, oldest, and most cosmopolitan city.

We’re introduced to Sydney’s sparkling waterfront playground during a delightful Captain Cook Harbor Cruise. Gain a glimpse of the Sydney Opera House and Harbor Bridge, the longest single span bridge in the world, and sail past pristine parks, golden beaches, and charming harborside neighborhoods.

This afternoon we arrive at the Rydges World Square Hotel. Our superior accommodations for two nights are conveniently located in the central business district.

Tonight, become acquainted with your fellow travelers at a Holiday Vacations Welcome Dinner hosted by your Tour Director at the Cyren Restaurant.

Day 4 : City Sights & Opera House

Today we discover Sydney with an expert local guide. Enjoy views of the Queen Victoria Building, Hyde Park, bustling Kings Cross, and popular Bondi Beach. We marvel at the iconic sails atop the famous Sydney Opera House and enjoy a tour through this landmark venue, one of the most recognizable in the world.

Enjoy panoramic views of the harbor and city during lunch at the Sydney Tower Revolving Restaurant.

Later there’s time to visit the attractions of Darling Harbor or The Rocks. Darling Harbor is Sydney’s favorite destination for leisure and entertainment with restaurants, cafes, museums, theaters, parks and specialty shops. The Rocks is one of the most historic and affluent areas in Sydney with its restored houses and buildings, spectacular views across the harbor, and cobbled streets and pathways.

Day 5 : Tropical Cairns

This morning we fly to tropical Cairns in Far North Queensland. This is the gateway city to many of Australia’s natural wonders including the Great Barrier Reef.

We visit the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park to explore the rich history of the world’s oldest living culture, dating back over 40,000 years. We join descendants of the Tjapukai people on the foothills of the Barron Gorge rainforest for an afternoon of performances, activities, and demonstrations. Sample traditional bush foods, learn to play the didgeridoo, throw and paint a boomerang, marvel at live dance performances, gain insight into ancient hunting methods, and learn the medicinal value of native plants.

Enjoy three pleasant nights at The Flynn Hotel Cairns adjacent to the waterfront and esplanade. This stunning five-star hotel features three restaurants and bars, glass swimming pools, and Eléme Day Spa and Wellness Center.

Day 6 : Kuranda Scenic Train

Today we experience one of the most spectacular rail excursions in the world on the 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 visit the Heritage Markets, full of colorful and interesting arts and crafts.

After lunch at Frogs Restaurant we descend the magnificent MacAlister Range on a 4.7-mile gondola cableway. Enjoy spectacular views of the Coral Sea and lush Cairns Highlands as we glide over the rainforest canopy.

Day 7 : Great Barrier Reef & Scenic Helicopter Ride

Today we experience one of the highlights of our tour, a visit to the Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest living organism and one of Australia’s greatest national treasures stretching more than 1,200 miles along the coast. We view vividly colored tropical fish and coral from the reef viewer, underwater observatory, and glass-bottom boat. Learn about the fish and marine life that inhabit this underwater world. Enjoy breathtaking sights of the Great Barrier Reef on an included scenic helicopter flight. Swim, snorkel, or just relax in this beautiful marine setting.

Day 8 : Brisbane & Lamington National Park

This morning we fly to Brisbane, the subtropical capital of Queensland and one of Australia’s most charming cities.

After a brief visit we travel inland past dairy farms, wineries, quaint villages, and ascend a scenic, windy road through the Green Mountains. Our accommodations for the next two nights are at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat, located in the heart of one of the world’s great subtropical rainforests, World Heritage Lamington National Park. Enjoy a brief tour of the retreat and get ready to explore the magnificent rainforest and its many attractions. Walk through the treetops on the famous Treetop Walk and inspect the extensive display of plants and flowers in the nearby botanical gardens.

Later, appreciate the night sky with its remarkable clarity and beauty. Never before has the Southern Cross been viewed so majestically. O’Reilly’s is a stargazer’s dream.

Day 9 : O’Reilly’s Retreat

Start the day with O’Reilly’s famous bird walk and meet the hundreds of birds that feed each morning at the Retreat. During breakfast a rainforest guide will invite us to participate in the day’s guided activities. Guided walks and a four-wheel drive journey to a magnificent afternoon tea are included. Tonight, enjoy a nature presentation at the Retreat Theater or a guided walk to view nocturnal creatures such as possums, pademelons, and glowworms.

Day 10 : Crocodile Hunter’s Australia Zoo

We depart our secluded rainforest retreat and head north to the Sunshine Coast.

We visit the Australia Zoo, situated in the shadow of the Glasshouse Mountains, home of legendary television personality Steve Irwin the “Crocodile Hunter.” See colorful birds and prehistoric saltwater crocodiles in the Crocoseum. Experience hands-on animal encounters like nowhere else in the world. Pet a koala, hand-feed kangaroos, wallabies and see emus, wombats, dingoes, cassowaries, and kookaburras.

We arrive at our oceanfront home for the next three nights, the deluxe Monaco Resort in Caloundra. Our luxurious one bedroom apartments offer stunning views of the ocean and Bribie Island, enabling us to watch the ships go by from our balcony. All rooms are conveniently fitted with a full kitchen and laundry facilities.

Day 11 : SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast Aquarium

Today take a fascinating journey from the coast to the ocean depths on a guided tour through the SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast Aquarium and Oceanarium. Explore 16 zones and get amazing views of the seabed and marine life while walking through the ocean tunnel. See over 10,000 creatures up-close including Australia’s largest collection of jellyfish and most diverse collection of marine life. Meet the rare weedy sea dragon, over 20 species of sharks and rays, and enjoy reserved seating at the seal presentation.

Traveling away from the glistening coastline, we enter the Sunshine Coast Hinterland with its picture-perfect views of the lush, green Blackall ranges. Our included lunch is at the award-winning Secrets on the Lake café perched in the rainforest canopy facing Lake Baroon’s shores. We visit Montville, a charming hinterland village with unique galleries and studios showcasing local artists and their work.

he rest of the afternoon is free to stroll the coastal boardwalks of Caloundra by Bulcock and Kings Beach.

Day 12 : Noosa Eco-Cruise

This morning we follow the stunning coastline rimmed with wide stretches of clean, white sand beaches to Noosa.

We experience the rich history and natural beauty that earned Noosa the title of Queensland’s first UNESCO biosphere. The Noosa Eco-Cruise provides spectacular views of beaches, mountains, birds and marine life. We enjoy a short guided walk to discover native plants. After, we reboard our vessel for a generous morning tea in the shadow of the national park. There’s time to stroll along Noosa’s famous Main Beach and visit fashionable Hastings Street, home to the best in boutiques, renowned cafes, and restaurants.

We gather this evening for our special farewell dinner.

Day 13 : Fond Farewells

This morning we bid farewell to Australia. We cross the International Date Line and return home with cherished memories.