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 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 our hotel, conveniently located in the central business district.

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 Sydney Tower. 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. Enjoy three pleasant nights at the luxurious Crystalbrook Flynn Hotel, 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 Railway & Skyrail

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 Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, a 4.7-mile gondola ride. 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 are at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat, located in the heart of one of the world’s great subtropical rainforests and World Heritage-listed, Lamington National Park. Enjoy a brief tour of the Retreat and get ready to explore the magnificent rainforest and its many attractions. Discover the famous Tree Top Walk and inspect the extensive display of plants and flowers in the nearby botanical gardens. Later, experience every stargazer’s dream, a majestic night sky of remarkable clarity filled with celestial wonders only visible from the Southern hemisphere.

Day 9 : O’Reilly’s Retreat

Start the day with O’Reilly’s morning bird walk and meet the hundreds of birds that arrive to feed each morning. 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 traditional bush 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 and wallabies, and see emus, wombats, dingoes, cassowaries, and kookaburras.

Day 11 : Sunshine Coast Hinterland

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.

Day 12 : Noosa Cruise

We experience the rich history and natural beauty that earned Noosa the title of Queensland’s first UNESCO biosphere. The Noosa Cruise provides spectacular views of beaches, mountains, birds and marine life. We enjoy a short guided walk to discover native plants. Later we visit the world’s longest running silent film theatre in the quaint historic town of Pomona. The Majestic Theater has been in operation for almost 100 years and is the only authentic silent picture theater fully operating as such in the world. 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.