Grand Australian Vacation (18 Days) 

     Board your transpacific flight and skip a day as you cross the International Date Line on your way Down Under for the adventure of a lifetime.

     G’day and welcome to Australia! Cairns is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, one of the seven natural wonders of the world. This evening, your Tour Director hosts a special WELCOME DINNER. (D)

     Today offers a special treat as we visit a local WILDLIFE PARK for your chance to meet Australia’s native animals, including kangaroos, wombats, and crocodiles. You can even have your photo taken with a koala! Tonight, dinner will be held at TJAPUKAI ABORIGINAL CULTURE PARK—an interactive and entertaining portrayal of the culture, dance, and folklore of this indigenous tribe. (B,D)

     Great Barrier Reef Excursion. (Thu.) Board a fast catamaran for a CRUISE to Green Island, one of the many tropical islands on Australia’s famous Great Barrier Reef. Here you can choose to snorkel or take a GLASS BOTTOM BOAT TOUR, or walk through the island’s cool rainforest. The afternoon is at your leisure. (B,L)

     Today we fly to the Outback. In the afternoon, travel out past Uluru (Ayers Rock) to the magnificent KATA TJUTA (THE OLGAS), a geological splendor of some 30 brilliant monoliths. There is time for a walk to Olga Gorge before returning to “Sunset Strip” to stop for champagne in the Outback as you witness the changing colors of the Rock. (B)

     This morning your Outback adventure continues as you enjoy a TOUR around the base of Uluru, learning of its significance in Aboriginal “Dreamtime” mythology before flying to Alice Springs. Here, visit the historic OLD TELEGRAPH STATION to discover how the locals live in this remote area and the history of the early settlers who explored the region and developed communication. On to Anzac Hill, a tribute to Australia’s and New Zealand’s war heroes. Then, visit the ROYAL FLYING DOCTOR SERVICE to appreciate how an aerial medical service is provided to those living in extremely remote regions. A highlight of your day is the opportunity to ride a camel, the transport of the desert, at the CAMEL FARM. This evening, enjoy a truly unique Aussie experience, an OUTBACK BARBEQUE that features a meal of typical campfire fare, fascinating tales of the Outback, and Aboriginal folklore. (B,D)

     Today, experience an Aboriginal “DREAMTIME” TOUR and learn more about this important native culture from a Local Guide. Then, fly to Adelaide, the “City of Churches.” The afternoon is at your leisure. (B)

     A city tour takes you along the wide tree-lined streets and well manicured gardens. Then, continue on to the BAROSSA VALLEY with its Bavarian villages, baroque Italianate chateaux, and stunning vineyard scenery. Breathe in the beauty of the Adelaide Hills in the leafy greenness of the quaint yet charming villages. Enjoy a sumptuous lunch and sample some of Australia’s premium wines at a LOCAL WINERY. (B,L)

     The day is at leisure. You may choose a full-day trip to Kangaroo Island, one of the world’s last unspoiled habitats. (B)

     Sit back, relax, and enjoy the picturesque scenery aboard THE OVERLAND TRAIN. Named after the term “Overlander,” an adventurer who traveled across the country, this historic train commenced service in 1887 and pioneered intercapital rail travel between Melbourne and Adelaide. Arrive in Melbourne in the early evening. (B)

     Today’s tour includes landmarks such as Parliament House and the Shrine of Remembrance, a tribute to Australia’s war heroes. Visit beautiful FITZROY GARDENS and drive past the lush Royal Botanical Gardens. You’ll soon discover the differing architectural influences of this city as you see the Victorian Arts Centre and other buildings of significance. We also stop at one of the country’s leading OPAL COMPANIES to discover how the beautiful gems are mined. For a unique dining experience, join an optional outing on board a historic tramcar restaurant as it winds its way through the streets of Melbourne. Later this afternoon, travel to Phillip Island to see the world-famous PENGUIN PARADE from an exclusive viewing platform. (B,D)

     Full day for you to explore on your own. Your Tour Director has plenty of suggestions to help you enjoy Australia’s most cosmopolitan city, often regarded as one of the most livable cities in the world. (B

     Today we travel to Australia’s gracious capital. Your sightseeing highlights during your stay include Parliament House, Lake Burley Griffin, The National Library, High Court, and the Australian War Memorial Museum. (B,D)

     From Canberra, we travel by road through sheep and cattle country, where we will stop for a BARBEQUE LUNCH at an authentic Australian sheep station. Later this afternoon, we arrive in Sydney. (B,L)

     This morning, explore one of the world’s most beautiful cities. Sightseeing includes a CRUISE on Sydney Harbor that highlights the natural wonder of this magnificent bustling waterway. Explore the SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE on a guided tour of its amazing interior and theaters, and travel to Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair, located near the city’s BOTANICAL GARDENS, for a great photo opportunity of sweeping views of the harbor, Sydney Opera House, and Harbour Bridge. Feel like a local while touring the world-famous BONDI SURF BATHERS’ LIFE SAVING CLUB and enjoy a lifesaving demonstration! See some of the city’s original suburbs and the historic Rocks area, home to Sydney’s original convicts. (B)

     Full day at leisure for your own discoveries. You may prefer an adventure to the Blue Mountains for a wilderness experience, or an excursion to Hunter Valley, one of Australia’s leading wine-growing regions. You can even climb to the top of Sydney’s Harbour Bridge! The choice is yours and your Tour Director will have suggestions to help you make the most of this exciting city. This evening, your Tour Director hosts a special FAREWELL DINNER at a waterfront restaurant overlooking Sydney Harbour, the Opera House, and Harbour Bridge. (B,D)

     Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (B)