Australian Express 2009

Days 1 & 2 - Depart USA Fly over the international date line to Sydney, Australia.
Day 3 - Arrive Sydney (3) On arrival in Sydney you will be transferred to your hotel. Time at leisure to explore this beautiful city.

Hotel: Four Points by Sheraton
Day 4 - Sydney Sightseeing Our sightseeing tour includes views of Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House from Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair. Travel to Sydney’s world-famous Bondi Beach. Stop at some of Sydney’s most famous photo opportunities including the Gap at South Head and Seaforth with views of Middle Harbour and the Spit Bridge. Visit Milsons Point for a close-up view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Enjoy a delicious buffet lunch while cruising on Sydney Harbour. This afternoon you have the opportunity to learn about Australia’s national gemstone – the opal. (Buffet Breakfast / Highlight Dinner)
Day 5 - Blue Mountains Visit the award-winning Featherdale Wildlife Park to see our amazing animals including kangaroos and crocodiles plus you can pat a cuddly koala. Continue to the Blue Mountains. Take a gentle bushwalk at Govetts Leap with its breathtaking views from the lookouts. Take in the spectacular scenery of the Megalong and Jamison Valleys then visit Scenic World where you can ride on the world’s steepest railway (own expense). Travel through the historic township of Katoomba and see the Three Sisters rock formation at Echo Point. Discover the delightful village of Leura to explore its antique shops or buy a souvenir before returning to Sydney. (Buffet Breakfast)
Day 6 - Sydney – Canberra We begin our journey to the nation’s capital via the Southern Highlands stopping at historic Berrima, famous for its gaol, and visit a working sheep station for an Aussie barbecue lunch. On arrival in Canberra we are taken on a guided tour through Parliament House and visit the Australian War Memorial. Later we enjoy a welcome drink and dinner with our Tour Director. (Buffet breakfast / Highlight Dinner)

Hotel: Olims Hotel (FC)
Day 7 - Canberra – Beechworth We travel via Cooma and the Snowy Mountains Hydro Scheme into Kosciuszko National Park where you have the chance to ride on the Mt. Kosciuszko chairlift and experience Australia’s highest point (own expense). Be awestruck by this picturesque National Park as we travel the Alpine Way over the Murray River into Victoria and Beechworth for our unique overnight stay in one of the Bed & Breakfast properties. (Buffet breakfast)

Hotel: Bed & Breakfast, Beechworth
Day 8 - Beechworth – Melbourne (3 nights) This morning enjoy a short guided tour of Beechworth, with free time to explore the antique shops and galleries and the legendary Beechworth Bakery with its fresh sweets and pastries. Then it’s on through Ned Kelly country to culturally diverse and cosmopolitan Melbourne, arriving late afternoon. (Buffet breakfast)

Hotel: Citigate Melbourne
Day 9 - City Sights – Penguin Parade A morning sightseeing tour of Melbourne includes Fitzroy Gardens and Captain Cook’s Cottage. See Parliament House, Queen Victoria Market, the Melbourne Cricket Ground and St Paul’s and St Patrick’s Cathedrals. Visit the Botanic Gardens and see the Shrine of Remembrance and more. Later travel to Phillip Island and arrive at the famous Penguin Parade to watch the nightly ritual at Summerland Beach, as the little penguins march up the sand to their nesting places. Return to your Melbourne hotel late evening. (Buffet breakfast)
Day 10 - Great Ocean Road Today's drive takes us to Geelong, before joining the Great Ocean Road to Port Campbell National Park. See the seaside resorts of Lorne and Apollo Bay, the awesome stone monoliths of the Twelve Apostles, London Bridge's remains and the Loch Ard Gorge Shipwreck site. A late return to Melbourne along the Princes Highway. (Buffet breakfast)
Day 11 - Melbourne – USA This morning after breakfast you will be transferred to Melbourne Airport for your return flight home. (Buffet breakfast)