Day 1 - Sydney
Upon arrival in Australia you will be transferred from Sydney International Airport to your accommodation in the center of the city. Your afternoon will consist of a leisurely exploration of Sydney’s bustling city centre, Darling Harbour and the Harbour Bridge. You’ll board a cruise that takes you all around the harbor and shows you the highlights of Sydney -- the Rocks, Harbour Bridge, and the iconic Opera House to name a few. As uou cruise, the city sites will be explained by your guide. Overnight Y on Park Hotel
|
Day 2 - Sydney
Today you will learn more about Sydney as you walk the city streets, cobblestone lanes, and seaside paths of the city, including stops at Chinatown, Darling Harbour, Kings Cross, and the Rocks historic district. Later you will visit one of the world’s most recognizable buildings and the icon of Australia -- The Sydney Opera House. Your guide will teach you about the amazing
history of the opera house which stands as a miracle of architecture and engineering. This evening you will join in an astronomy lesson and stargazing, with an introduction to the myriad southern constellations, including the Southern Cross, most of which cannot be seen from North America. You’ll also experience the 3D space theatre and view the historic astronomical and
meteorological objects on display. You will be able to use huge telescopes to look closely at star clusters, red giants, nebulae where stars are being born, globular clusters, and distant galaxies. If viewing through the telescopes isn’t possible due to sky conditions, a fun beanbag planetarium session is provided instead. Overnight Y on Park Hotel
|
Day 3 - Sydney
Wrapped around Farm Cove at the edge of Sydney Harbour, the Royal Botanic Gardens are considered to be one of the great botanic gardens of the world. In the morning you will meet your guide for a tour of the gardens’ 30 hectares, home to over a million specimens, some of which were planted by the newly arrived European colonists almost 200 years ago. Within the gardens you’ll discover the Herb Garden, The Fernery, a formal rose garden, Succulent Garden, and the newly completed Oriental Garden. A special section of the gardens is also dedicated to rare and threatened plants of the world which includes a specimen of one of the earth’s rarest plants, the Wollemi Pine. Later this evening you will creep through the narrow alleyways and courtyards of The Rocks historic district on a fascinating "ghost tour". This is a great way to learn about Sydney’s colonial and convict history in a fun and unique way. Overnight Y on Park Hotel
|
Day 4 - Cairns
Today you will fly to tropical Cairns. After a warm welcome at the airport, you will be transferred to your accommodation at a breezy, stylish hotel in Cairns’ restaurant and shopping district, only a minute’s walk to the waterfront. In the early evening you will attend a fun and dynamic presentation by a marine biologist designed to help you understand coral biology and ecology, the major invertebrate groups, and the different types fish that live at the Great Barrier Reef. You will find out about threatened species and the consequences of climate change on the reef, as well as fish that change color, fish that change gender, and how and where to find "Nemo." Overnight Bay Village
|
Day 5 - Cairns
Your day will begin with a boat ride to Fitzroy Island. Over time, a fringing coral reef surrounded the island, providing a sheltered home for a variety of fish and coral species. The island is now protected as a national park, with 94% of the island covered in lush rainforest and waters ripe for discovery. In the company of a knowledgeable guide and up to five other kayakers, you will explore the reefs and private beaches for three hours. With full use of snorkeling gear you can expect to see hard and soft corals, turtles, and a variety of fish species. Later will be free to explore the island’s lighthouse trek or the trail to Nudey Beach (once a hang out for naturalists but is now appropriate for families) which features some of the best rainforest close to Cairns. You will return to Cairns in the late afternoon. Overnight Bay Village
|
Day 6 - Cairns
Considered one of the most scenic drives in Australia, the Captain Cook Highway winds north from Cairns and treats you to views of golden beaches and the translucent sea. Your journey will take you to the famed Cape Tribulation, the site at which explorer Captain Cook ran aground and now where two World Heritage areas lay side by side. Along the way, visit a refuge for Australian animals such as crocodiles, kangaroos, koalas, and countless exotic birds. Your guide will teach you about these different species and you will have an opportunity to interact with the animals up close. If you have always wanted the quintessential Australian photo with a koala this is your chance (available at an extra cost). Later you will take a croc-spotting river cruise on the Daintree River to look for these magnificent reptiles in the wild. Finally you will enter the main section of the Daintree and take a rainforest walk with your guide. At 135 million years old, the Daintree is the oldest rainforest in the world. Approximately 430 species of birds live here, including 13 species that are found nowhere else on earth. Overnight Ferntree Lodge
|
Day 7 - Cape Tribulation
This morning you will visit Cape Tribulation beach and see why this area, also part of the Kuku Yalanji tribal area, has great spiritual and cultural significance. You will explore the Kulki boardwalk that runs through rare tropical lowland forest, and if you’re lucky you’ll spot the Peppermint Stick insect on the pandanus palms or the endangered, giant, flightless Cassowary. This afternoon you can choose from some other exciting activities (available at an additional cost). You can experience the art of "jungle surfing", an exhilarating zipline ride among the treetops. At the highest point you fly over 22 metres above the valley, and the flight choice is yours -- slow, fast, or even upside down. During this unique adventure led by naturalists and scientist guides, keep an eye out for Boyd’s Forest dragons and the brilliant blue Ulysses butterfly. Another option is heading for the hills for an afternoon of horse riding. Whether you’re an absolute beginner or a more experienced rider, your horse will be hand-picked for your particular skill level and you’ll receive a safety and introductory riding lesson before exploring trails through scenic bushland and rainforest, crossing mountain streams and out onto the spectacular Cape Tribulation Beach. You will be transferred back to Cairns in the late afternoon. Overnight Bay Village
|
Day 8 - Cairns
Found perhaps on every traveler’s "must-see" checklist, The Great Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, lures snorkelers and divers alike to its underwater universe. Early this morning you will travel to the outer Great Barrier Reef on a cruising boat. Upon arrival at the reef, snorkelers will delight in viewing the incredible array of life and colors that exist just below the surface. Among the 1,800 species of fish and 450 species of coral, you 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." Snorkelers can also opt to learn about SCUBA diving oneon-one from the dive instructor for a fantastic way to see the reef without having certification. SCUBA divers can log two dives today. Keep an eye out for dolphins swimming and playing in the wake, while in the austral winter both humpback and minke whales often make appearances. Overnight Bay Village
|
Day 9 - Cairnes
Today you explore the Highlands’ fantastic natural wonders. Wooroonooran National Park boasts Queensland’s highest mountain, Bartle Frere, from which countless cascades pour. Josephine Falls is perhaps the park’s most picturesque, and you’ll arrive at the base of the falls by way of a short guided hike through the jungle. You will also walk at the enchanting Babinda Boulders, where mysterious giant boulders stand in a swirling river. Your guide will teach you about the spiritual significance of this mysterious place and why it has given rise to aboriginal legends. You will have the opportunity to swim in an ancient volcanic crater, have a home cooked meal at a traditional Aussie teahouse, and see Milla Milla Falls from behind its watery veil. Finally, near sunset, look for the unique and elusive duck-billed platypus in its natural habitat. Overnight Bay Village
|
Day 10 - Farewell
Today you will be transferred from your hotel to the Cairns International Airport for your flight home.
|