Discover Australia 2009

Days 1 & 2 - Depart USA We fly over the international date line to Sydney, Australia.
Day 3 - Arrive Sydney (3 nights) On arrival in Sydney you will be transferred to your hotel. Time at leisure to explore this beautiful city. Perhaps take a walk down to the historic Rocks district and Circular Quay, for views of the sparkling harbor. You could stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens to the Art Gallery of New South Wales which houses permanent and visiting collections from Australia and around the world. Why not take a tour to Sydney’s beautiful Northern Beaches including Manly. You’ll travel over the Sydney Harbour Bridge and stop at Milsons Point for the best possible photo opportunity of the Sydney Opera House. Return to the city on the famous Manly Ferry for spectacular views of the Sydney skyline.

Hotel: Sofitel Wentworth
Day 4 - Sydney Sightseeing This morning enjoy a guided tour of the Sydney Opera House and later see the Royal Botanic Gardens, Mrs. Macquarie's Chair and Kings Cross. After, we are off to Watson's Bay and the Gap, before we stop for a stroll along famous Bondi Beach. Return to the city and enjoy a delicious luncheon cruise on Sydney Harbour. After lunch why not visit the Sydney Aquarium then take a walk on the wild side at Sydney Wildlife World. Meet one of Australia’s national icons, the koala. See animals living in their natural habitats and the spectacular two-storey aviary and butterfly house. (Buffet breakfast / Highlight Lunch)
Day 5 - Sydney at Leisure Enjoy a full day at leisure. Perhaps take an excursion to view the Three Sisters in the Blue Mountains and Jenolan Caves to see its amazing limestone formations or an interesting trip to Canberra, Australia’s capital. Or travel to the Hunter Valley, New South Wales’ premier wine growing region, for a wineries tour. (Buffet breakfast)
Day 6 - Sydney – Alice Springs We board our flight to Alice Springs. On arrival we enjoy a guided tour including the School of the Air where sometimes we are able to listen to children take lessons ‘on air’. Then see the original site of Alice Springs at the historic Telegraph Station. Visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service followed by a panoramic view of the town and surrounding West MacDonnell Ranges from Anzac Hill lookout. This evening we will enjoy a welcome drink with our Tour Director and fellow traveling companions. (Buffet breakfast)

Hotel: Alice Springs Resort
Day 7 - Alice Springs – Ayers Rock (2 nights) This morning visit a camel farm before arriving at Ayers Rock Resort. Time at leisure this afternoon. Enjoy complimentary sparkling wine as we watch sunset at Uluru (Ayers Rock) from the special area known as the 'sunset strip'. (Buffet breakfast)

Hotel: Desert Gardens Hotel
Day 8 - Ayers Rock – The Olgas This morning watch sunrise at Uluru (Ayers Rock). Watch the first rays of dawn set Uluru and the Red Centre alight. We travel by coach to Kuniya Piti, an Aboriginal sacred site at the base of Uluru (Ayers Rock). Your guide will escort you on a walk to the Mutitjulu Waterhole, pointing out the natural features of the landscape, Aboriginal rock paintings and traditional Aboriginal stories relating to this special place. Visit the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre. This afternoon travel to Kata Tjuta (the Olgas), 36 massive domes of
red conglomerate rock. The walking trail through the Walpa Gorge follows the natural creek between two of the domes. Enjoy complimentary sparkling wine as we watch the sunset, followed by a barbecue dinner under the stars. (Buffet breakfast / Highlight Dinner)
Day 9 - Ayers Rock – Cairns (3 nights) Enjoy free time this morning before we board our flight to Cairns, where we spend the next three relaxing nights. This afternoon you’ll encounter unique Australian animals at the Cairns Wildlife Dome. (Buffet breakfast)

Hotel: Cairns International
Day 10 - Great Barrier Reef Join the high speed catamaran and cruise to the Great Barrier Reef. See coral and tropical fish from the underwater observatory and semi-submersible craft. There is the opportunity to go snorkeling (equipment provided). We also enjoy an included buffet lunch. Your evening is at leisure. (Buffet breakfast / Highlight Lunch)
Day 11 - Cairns at Leisure Enjoy a full day at leisure in the tropical city of Cairns. Perhaps join a tour on the famous Kuranda Railway for a breathtaking journey to the village of Kuranda with time to stroll through the Kuranda Market. Return to the lowlands by the Skyrail Cableway above the Barron Gorge National Park, a beautiful experience. Visit the award-winning Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park. Experience the history, creative and dance theatres where the legends of the Dreamtime are brought to life. Or if nature’s your thing, you could take a tour to Cape Tribulation. Catch a ferry across the Daintree River and visit the Environmental Centre then take a closer look at life from the Rainforest Canopy Tower. There’s time to walk along Cape Tribulation Beach before lunch in a rainforest setting. Later cruise through the mangroves along the Daintree River and visit Mossman Gorge. (Buffet breakfast)
Day 12 - Cairns – USA This morning after breakfast you will be transferred to Cairns Airport for your return flight home. (Buffet breakfast)