November 06 -
Depart the U.S. from JFK
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November 07 -
International date line
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November 08 - Sydney
Welcome to Australia! We are greeted by our guide and transferred from the Sydney International Airport to our accommodation. Our brand-new hostel is located right in `The Rocks`-the historic district where Sydney began, and location of the famous weekend markets. Built above archaeological remnants of colonial Sydney, this hostel combines state-of-the-art facilities with a unique heritage experience of Sydney. All rooms have ensuites and air-conditioning, while the accommodation offers spacious communal areas, internet, on-site grocery store, coffee bar and large rooftop terrace with spectacular views directly to the Sydney Opera House. In the afternoon we board a cruise that takes us around the harbour and shows us all of the highlights of Sydney - the Rocks, Harbour Bridge and the iconic Opera House to name a few. An informative commentary of Sydney Harbour`s historical and cultural city sites is provided on board, and we greet Australia in style.
Overnight Sydney Hostel at the Rocks (D)
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November 09 - Sydney
The Rocks is the birthplace of the first European settlement in Australia and holds a special place in Sydney`s colonial history. Today with a private guide, we walk in the steps of convicts, officers and sailors and explore the most significant historical sites, bringing to life graphic stories of The Rocks` colorful and often violent past. We also learn more about the cultural, historic and natural sites of Sydney as we walk the city streets, cobblestone lanes and seaside paths of this attractive city. We take in sites like Chinatown, Darling Harbour and Kings Cross as we learn where history happened, where movies where filmed, and what locals like to do. We can also visit the Royal Botanic Gardens, only a few minute`s walk from our accommodation, which occupy one of Sydney`s most spectacular positions, and are considered to be one of the great botanic gardens of the world. Our guide will tailor her talk to our particular historical interests, making this a fantastic introduction to Australia. Later we get a peek into one of the world`s most recognizable buildings, and the icon of Australia - The Sydney Opera House. We marvel at this amazing structure - a work of art that came into existence against impossible odds, and stands as a miracle of architecture and engineering. This evening as a special treat, we can opt to see a live performance - from opera to circus, rock and cabaret - in the Sydney Opera House, one of the busiest performing arts venues in the world (extra cost, ticket prices vary).
Overnight Sydney hostel at The Rocks (BD)
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November 10 - Sydney
This morning we visit The Australian National Maritime Museum - with a building in the magnificent Darling Harbour that evokes waves and sails, the museum explores Australia`s links with the sea. At the wharves, we are also greeted by one of the largest fleets of any museum in the world. The 14 vessels include a former navy destroyer HMAS VAMPIRE, a former navy submarine HMAS ONSLOW, a full-scale replica of Captain Cook`s ship Endeavour and a variety of smaller vessels. Later we ascend Sydney`s tallest landmark - The Sydney Tower dominates the skyline, and from here we have 360-degree views of the city. Our Tower ticket also includes OzTrek, a unique virtual reality ride across Australia. This evening we join in an astronomy lesson and star gazing, during which we get an introduction to the myriad stars of southern hemisphere. We`ll also learn more about the universe, experience the 3-D space theatre and view the historic astronomical and meteorological objects on display. With the massive telescopes, we are also able to look closely at star clusters, red giants, nebulae where stars are being born, globular clusters, and distant galaxies. If viewing through the telescopes is not possible due to sky conditions, a beanbag planetarium session is provided instead.
Overnight Sydney hostel at The Rocks (BD)
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November 11 - Sydney
Australia`s Hunter Valley enjoys the distinction of having been one of the earliest planted vine areas in the country, and is now celebrated for its shiraz, chardonnay, and semillion. With our guide today we take the back roads to this bountiful region, regarded as the Napa Valley of Australia. We will learn about Australian history, wildlife & aboriginal culture along with the wine tastings in a full day of complimenting experiences. We travel through beautiful national parks and colonial townships, meeting some of the winemakers themselves at small boutique wineries and then visiting a larger winery known for its wide varieties. There are over 80 cellar doors in the lower Hunter Valley, and the winery visits are tailored to the desires of the group. Our day includes lunch and there are options for cheese and chocolate tastings. We sample up to 30 premium Hunter wines, some of which are not available anywhere else in the world. We return to Sydney tonight. Overnight Sydney hostel at The Rocks (BLD)
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November 12 - Cairns
After breakfast, we fly from Sydney to tropical Cairns. We immediately head up the lush Great Dividing Range to Crater Lakes National Park. Here we walk at Lake Eacham, an ancient volcanic crater-or maar-now protected in a national park. A 3-kilometre track around the lake passes through several different rainforest communities, offering us an opportunity to glimpse some of the area`s ten known species of rare and threatened plants, as well as 25 species of flying foxes. Our guide teaches us about and helps us look for the enchanting creatures of the rainforest like the brilliant blue Ulysses Butterfly, the Dainty Green Tree Frog, and the Bearded Water Dragon which are commonly spotted in this area. Next we enter classic outback country, where dingoes and kangaroos roam freely. Here we are welcome guests at a traditional working cattle station and homestead, opened only to our group. In the company of our "fair dinkum" cowboy friends--Kate and Peter--we have a tour of the station and a classic Aussie BBQ, followed by stargazing. From this remote outback station, views of the southern hemisphere stars are phenomenal. We`ll view the constellations-including the Southern Cross-most of which cannot be seen at all from the northern hemisphere, and swap stories around a bonfire.
Overnight Cabins at Cattle Station (BD)
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November 13 - Cairns
Today we get a sample of true outback life on a cattle station. Breaking into small groups, we learn how to milk the cows, groom horses and crack a whip properly in true cowboy style. We also take a walk back through time on the homestead to the age of the early Australian pioneers, and we can touch the old furniture, trinkets and memorabilia all well-preserved by the family. In the afternoon we travel to the far reaches of the property to a magical bird sanctuary, located on the east Asian-Australasian flyway that is home to hundreds of Australian water birds. We also visit the cattle yards to learn about the cattle musters and branding, and what this robust rural family does to survive flooding, drought and economic hardships. Tonight is another opportunity for star gazing beneath big outback skies. Overnight Cabins at Cattle Station (BLD)
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November 14 - Cairns
In the early morning, we prepare for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity - the chance to see a total solar eclipse as the shadow of the moon passes over us. Cairns will be one of the best places in the world to witness this exciting event, and this morning we choose a phenomenal site for viewing and champagne toasts. Totality will last just over two minutes after which the shadow will move out across unpopulated areas of the South Pacific. Later we travel into Wooroonooran National Park--one of the most diverse places in the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area and host to some of the oldest continually surviving rainforest in the world. More than 500 rainforest trees thrive here, including black bean, milky pine, and red tulip oak. Our guide teaches us about the unique wildlife that is special to this area and found nowhere else in the world. We take an easy walk through the jungle, listening for the call of the king parrot and the bowerbird and emerge at Josephine Falls, where Josephine Creek plunges down a gorgeous set of cascades. Below the falls, boulders surround a fun swimming hole and a natural water slide down a smooth sloping rock face. We also visit the famous Millaa Millaa Falls -- the icon of northern Queensland, and perhaps the most photographed images in the Wet Tropics. Our accommodation tonight is at breezy hotel in Cairns` restaurant and shopping district, and only a couple of blocks from the waterfront. All rooms have ensuites and air-conditioning, flat screen TVs and tea & coffee making facilities while the hotel also offers WiFi, a tropical pool and spa
Overnight Central Cairns hotel (BD)
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November 15 - Great barrier reef
No trip to Cairns is complete without a visit to the outer Great Barrier Reef--a UNESCO World Heritage Site and easily one of the world`s top natural wonders. On this journey, we avoid the crowds and do the reef in style aboard a 35-metre live aboard catamaran. Early this morning we travel to the outer Great Barrier Reef, our captain choosing between fourteen permanent moorings (including Norman and Saxon reefs) that allow snorkelers fantastic access to this underwater universe. Upon arrival at the reef, snorkelers will delight in viewing the incredible array of life and colors that exist just below the surface. Snorkelers can also opt to learn about SCUBA diving one-on-one from the dive instructor-an intro diving (also known as "resort diving") is a fantastic way to see the reef without having a certification. SCUBA divers can log 7 dives during these two days at the reef, diving along bommies and coral walls with mysterious swim-through that dance with light. Divers can also get to experience the magic and glow of the reef at night. We enjoy sumptuous buffet meals on our live aboard boat, while accommodation is in twin share cabins with bathroom, air conditioning and television. This is a perfect way to meet other divers as well as experiencing the reef on a very deep level.
Overnight Live Aboard a Reef Boat (BLD)
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November 16 - Cairns
Today we can rise early for a fantastic sunrise over the ocean, with a cup of hot coffee in our hands. We`ll spend another day exploring the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef, snorkeling or optional diving on reefs that offer you exclusivity and a variety of underwater features. Coral thrives in this clear water, creating spectacular gardens and drawing a mosaic of marine life. Among the 1,800 species of fish and 450 species of coral, we can expect to see turtles, Wally the gigantic wrasse, giant clams, fan corals, sea cucumbers, stag horn coral gardens, and just about the whole cast of Finding Nemo. On the way back to Cairns, we will keep an eye out for dolphins swimming and playing in the wake. Note: for those who choose to SCUBA dive, the last dive will be at 12 noon today. This will allow the recommended surface time of at least 18 hours before a morning flight tomorrow. We have a final dinner together to celebrate our adventures. Overnight Central Cairns Hotel (BLD)
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November 17 - Cairns
After breakfast, say our goodbyes to the land down under and transfer to the Cairns international airport for our flight home. (B)
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