Leisure Travel Packages

Itineraries

Sydney, Outback, GBR, Rainforest Honeymoon [CU279]

14 Days/12 Nights Sydney, Australian Outback, Great Barrier Reef, and Rainforest - Sydney, Ayers Rock/ Uluru, Alice Springs, Port Douglas

Enjoy the sights of Sydney, a World Class City from your Downtown Accommodation. Experience the beauty of the Harbour, the Opera House and marvel at the expansive Sydney Harbour Bridge. Take advantage of the many tour options or just go at your own pace and enjoy the excellent restaurants and entertainment that only Sydney can offer.

The Outback awaits you in Uluru/Ayers Rock. While in the Red Centre you will experience Uluru at Sunrise and at Sunset, visit the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre, Kata Tjuta and Walpa Gorge(The Olgas).

Your final destination is the winning combination of a cosmopolitan township and a friendly village in Port Douglas. It has world class resorts and shopping, award winning restaurants and superb galleries and craft stores. With pristine wilderness, total tranquility, superb golf courses and a wealth of activities including the magnificent underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef, this is a magnetic destination for travelers of all ages and all walks of life.

Features

• Accommodation - Sydney (3 Nights), Ayers Rock/Uluru (2 Nights), Alice Springs (1 Night), Port Douglas (6 Nights)
• Shuttle Transfers - Sydney Accommodation to Airport (return), Ayers Rock Airport to Accommodation (return), Cairns Airport to Port Douglas Accommodation (return)
• Taxi Transfer (Not Included) - Alice Springs Accommodation to Airport (one way)
• Day Tours (Included) - Sydney: Sydney Opera House Tour; Ayers Rock/Uluru: Uluru Tour Pass, Sounds of Silence Dinner, Ayers Rock to Alice Springs Deluxe Coach Tour; Port Douglas: Great Barrier Reef Cruise and Snorkelling, Cape Tribulation Safari Tour
• Other Day Tours are optional and not included
• International Air- Los Angeles to Sydney, Brisbane to Los Angeles
• Australian Domestic Air - Sydney to Ayers Rock, Alice Springs to Cairns, Cairns to Brisbane
• F.I.T. (Free and Independent Travel, i.e. this is not an Organized Group Tour)
• All Taxes and Fuel Levies except where indicated
• Electronic Travel Authority (VISA's) are an additional $15 per person

Detailed Itinerary

(Day 1) - International Flight, Los Angeles to Sydney

After departing from Los Angeles, you will be provided with an evening meal, you can relax, have a drink, watch a movie and rest. You will be given Breakfast before landing in Sydney, Australia. (You lose one day crossing the International Date Line but don't worry you catch it up again on your return flight to the USA)

The Qantas Boeing 747-400 is equipped with the latest entertainment features of any Airline. The overnight flight to Australia can be a good opportunity for sleeping or to watch the latest movies after your evening meal.

(Day 2) - Shuttle Transfer, Sydney Airport to Accommodation

Travel by shuttle from the Airport to your vacation accommodation in Sydney, Australia.

(Days 2-5) - 3 Nights Accommodation in Sydney

Your five star accommodation in Sydney for 3 Nights will offer you the magnificent views of Sydney Harbour.

A modern high rise tower with spectacular views of the Sydney Harbour. Your Accommodation is located at the fringe of historic Rocks area, near Opera House and the Central Business District, close to the Harbour Bridge, across from Bridgeclimb. Guest rooms are some of the most spacious and luxurious in Sydney and offer spectacular harbour views.

(Day 2) - Day Tour - Sydney Opera House Tour (1 Hr)

On your vacation participate in an inspiring tour of the opera house in Sydney, Australia.

This one hour tour outlines the intricate and controversial history of the Sydney Opera House along with details of the unique design of this architectural masterpiece. You will visit a number of the six performance venues, including the magnificent wood paneled Concert Hall and the Opera Theatre as well as the new Utzon room. You will also visit the glass enclosed northern foyer areas which boast spectacular views of Sydney Harbour - a perfect photo opportunity.

(Day 3) - Day Tour - Hunter Valley Wine Tour - Full Day

On your vacation travel by deluxe coach from Sydney to the Hunter Valley, Australia.

Spend a full day discovering the beautiful Hunter Valley and sampling award-winning regional wines of New South Wales, Australia. Cross the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge and view the magnificent Hawkesbury River. Wander historic Wollombi and browse among quaint regional shops. Take a fully guided tour of McWilliams Mt Pleasant Estate, founded in 1921, before enjoying a delicious luncheon complimented by specially chosen wines. Delight your taste buds with further wine tasting at Mc Guigan’s Winery and view the only underground cask hall in the Hunter Valley Cellars. Finally stop at the lovely Hunter Valley Gardens to enjoy over 25 hectares of spectacular international display gardens (own expense) or browse through this quaint township.(Vegetarian meals available). Return to Sydney late afternoon. Evening Free.
Note: Tour operates on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday only.

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - Blue Mountains and Australia Wildlife Tour - Full Day

On your vacation, discover the spectacular Blue Mountains and see native wildlife Explore World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park, located outside of Sydney, Australia.

This rugged and beautiful region forms part of the Great Dividing Range, linking tropical north to temperate south, while dividing coastal cities from the vast Outback. Pass by Homebush Bay, site of the 2000 Olympics. Discover Leura village, a delightful blend of groomed gardens and quaint shops, enjoy free time to wander the streets of Leura. Next we stop at Echo Point and see the famous Three Sisters rock formation. Travel through Katoomba, heart of the resort region within the Blue Mountains National Park and discover the remarkable beauty of Blue Mountains National Park, enjoy an easy walk or Visit Echo Point Lookout, see the Three Sisters and hear the ancient Aboriginal legends of this impressive rock formation, hear traditional Aboriginal Dreamtime tales interpreting the creation of local landmarks. Enjoy 2 course hot lunch with tea, coffee or soft drink. Join the optional Blue Mountain rides - Scenic Railway, Cableway or Skyway (own expense). These are great ways to see the steep valleys, canyons and Three Sisters rock formation. Enjoy a short stop at Cahills Lookout for impressive mountain scenery. Next we enjoy an afternoon encounter at Koala Park and have your photo taken with a cuddly koala, see kangaroos, wombats, dingoes and cute little fairy penguins. Full Day Tour.

(Day 5) - Shuttle Transfer, Accommodation to Sydney Airport

Travel by shuttle from your vacation accommodation in Sydney, Australia, to the Airport.

(Day 5 cont) - Australian Domestic Flight, Sydney to Ayers Rock

Travel within Australia by domestic air from Sydney to Ayers Rock, the Red Centre of the country.

(Days 5-7) - 2 Nights Accommodation in Ayers Rock / Uluru

Travel to your accommodation in the heart of Australia, the Red Centre, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 2 nights.

If you are looking to experience traditional hospitality of Australia, this 3 1/2 Star vacation accommodation offers comfortable, affordable rooms combined with quality service in relaxed surroundings. Relax from your travel by enjoying a beer, swap stories of your day's adventures, or sing along with the nightly entertainment. Or maybe barbecue some of the delicacies of Australia on the do-it-yourself BBQ. At any rate, this vacation accommodation is a place where friendships are made and good times are had by all.

Airport shuttle transfers included.

(Days 5-7) - Day Tours - Uluru /Ayers Rock Tour Pass

On your vacation explore the fascinating surroundings of Australia's Red Centre.

This afternoon visit the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre and Maruku Arts and Craft Cooperative, dedicated to interpreting Anangu culture and law, as well as helping visitors learn about the cultural value of the region. Travel to the waterhole of Mutitjulu for a guided walk, viewing ancient cave paintings and learning about the Aboriginal legends of Kuniya Tjukurpa (Python Dreaming). Join the guided Mala Walk to learn the story of the Mala (Hare Wallaby) people who once lived at Uluru. See painted caves and learn of the region's geology and flora. As you tour the base of Uluru, visit Kantju Gorge, a waterhole and old hunting ground. Late in the day, watch the sunset over Uluru, admire the ever-changing colours of the monolith while the sun sinks below the horizon. Enjoy a complimentary glass of wine and canapes as the dusk deepens into night. Return to the Resort approximately 30 minutes after sunset.

The next morning, rise early and enter Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Enjoy a complimentary cup of tea or coffee as you witness Uluru (Ayers Rock) at sunrise and see the desert come to life. With the sun still climbing the morning sky, travel to Kata Tjuta (Olgas); a stop is made to view the immense scale of this formation which dominates the western skyline of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. This remarkable formation of 36 domes is thought to have once been a single rock many times the size of Uluru (Ayers Rock). On arrival at Kata Tjuta, join a guided walk into Walpa (Olga) Gorge. Marvel at the sheer walls that flank you as you enter the gorge. Learn of the domes' formation and of the wildlife of the region. Some of the plants you will see here are so rare that they are only found among these rocky domes. Return to your resort late morning with the rest of the day free.

Note: The tour may be closed without notice due to weather or cultural reasons.

Includes: Transfers to and from accommodation, National Park Entry Fee

(Day 6) - Sounds of Silence Dinner

On your vacation participate in a unique gourmet desert dining experience at Uluru, Australia's Red Centre.

Forty minutes before sunset, travel into the desert where a didgeridoo welcome awaits you. As the sun sinks behind the domes of Kata Tjuta (Olgas), enjoy a selection of fine beverages and sample delicious Outback canapés. At sunset, enjoy a special bush-blend vegetable soup followed by choice cuts of Australian delicacies, including kangaroo, emu, crocodile and barramundi, all served with fresh salads and followed by a selection of desserts. Then relax as an astronomer guides you through the stars. Sit around the campfire (winter only) with tea or coffee and a glass of port.

(Day 7) - Ayers Rock to Alice Springs Deluxe Coach Tour (1/2 Day)

On your vacation travel by luxury coach from Uluru to Alice Springs, Australia's Red Centre.

Board the luxury coach early in the afternoon and travel east from Yulara via Curtin Springs and see Atila (Mt Conner) in the distance. This fascinating mesa, or flat-topped mountain, juts out of the surrounding desert plain bearing witness to a period of massive uplift, followed by eons of erosion. Continue east to Erldunda before turning north on to the famous Stuart Highway and to the town at the very heart of the Red Centre, Alice Springs. As you pass through the striking 'Outback' landscapes, your Driver/Guide will provide an informative and entertaining commentary. Set down in Alice Springs at approximately 6.30pm.

(Days 7-8) - 1 Night Accommodation, Alice Springs

Travel to your accommodation in the heart of Australia and the Outback, Alice Springs, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 1 night.

Alice Springs, Australia's Oasis, is also known as the capital of the Outback and the most romantic country town in the world. It's where the Arrernte Aboriginal tribal group has lived for 20,000 years and where pioneer men and women gave "tough" a new meaning. Whilst on your vacation, take advantage of the many attractions available in Alice Springs. Visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service, Alice Springs School of the Air, Central Australian Aviation Museum, the Alice Springs Reptile Centre, Alice Springs Telegraph Station, Old Stuart Town Gaol. Travel by coach or car to explore the unique scenery of Australia's Outback and its magnificent monolith - Uluru.

(Day 8) - Australian Domestic Flight, Alice Springs to Cairns

Travel within Australia by domestic air from the heart of the Outback, Alice Springs, to Cairns.

(Day 7 cont) - Shuttle Transfer, Cairns Airport to Port Douglas Accommodation

Travel by shuttle from Cairns Airport to your vacation accommodation in Port Douglas, Australia.

Luggage restrictions apply as per standard economy Australian domestic flights of 2 standard bags under 30kg (66 lbs) per passenger. Excess baggage is AUD$5.00 per bag payable on board. If traveling with excess baggage please advise the shuttle company upon reservation confirmation so appropriate trailer size is available.

Pickups are conducted with a maximum waiting time of 20 minutes after collection of baggage from flight. If you are unable to meet within this time frame you will be required to wait for the next available shuttle.

(Days 8-14) - 6 Nights Accommodation in Port Douglas

Travel to your accommodation in Port Douglas, Australia, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 6 nights.

Your vacation luxury boutique accommodation is located within walking distance of the three icons of Port Douglas - 200 metres from 4-Mile Beach, 100 metres from Macrossan Street and 400 metres to the Marina Village, where boats depart daily to Australia's Outer Great Barrier Reef. The apartments are equipped with air conditioning, ceiling fans, cable TV, CD & DVD players, microwave, fridge, dishwasher, laundry facilities and security basement car parking. There is a Lagoon style pool, an outdoor BBQ/ entertaining area, and an 8 person spa amongst a luscious tropical garden. Travel to the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation or maybe to the Great Barrier Reef. Port Douglas offers a winning combination of a cosmopolitan township and friendly village. You can relax from your travel or shop, dine in award winning restaurants and visit superb galleries and craft stores. (Children under age 15 are not catered for at this property. Other properties available upon request.)

*Optional upgrade to 5 Star Accommodation is available. Pricing upon request

(Day 9) - Day Tour - Great Barrier Reef Cruise

Today you will cruise out to the crystal clear waters, beautiful corals and incredible fish life found at the Agincourt Ribbon Reefs located on the very outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef, which is the best possible for boat diving and snorkeling.

Your cruise will include courtesy transfers from the Port Douglas area, Morning and Afternoon tea, cake and fruit platter, Delicious tropical buffet lunch with prawns (very large shrimp), reef interpretation talk, guided snorkel tour with marine naturalist, all snorkel equipment and tuition to include prescription masks, lycra suits and flotation devices, spacious air conditioned bar and saloon area, fresh water showers, 3 spectacular reef sites, professional photographer on board.

No problems if you wish to dive. This can be coordinated and will include DRIFT and WALL DIVES, isolated pinnacles surrounded by Pelagic fish, and coral gardens with their endless variety of colorful wrasses, cods, parrot fish, angel fish, clams and anemones, that make a healthy living reef so beautiful. All our sites have been selected for both the shallower coral gardens favored by snorkellers, and the adjacent deeper walls and drop-offs preferred by scuba divers.

NB: $12.00 Marine Park & Fuel Levy Payable on Board (Not Included)
Introductory Diving available on request

(Day 10) - Day Tour - Cape Tribulation/Daintree Rainforest Safari - Full Day

Travel along a scenic coastal drive to Port Douglas to experience the wildlife, rainforest, rivers and beaches of the region.

At the entrance of Port Douglas explore the Rainforest Habitat Wildlife Sanctuary stop and have morning tea along with a guided tour through the three wildlife environments (rainforest, wetlands and grasslands) where you can experience a cacophony of wildlife. Take a guided rainforest walk where you'll have a stop at the picturesque Mossman Gorge then cross the Daintree River by cable driven ferry into the magnificent wilderness region that embraces the diverse coastal scenery and the oldest rainforest on earth, Daintree National Park. Relax at Cape Tribulation Resort & Spa where you'll enjoy a tropical buffet lunch. Then stroll along the beach or boardwalks of the World Heritage listed Cape Tribulation Beach that holds magnificent views where the oldest rainforest in the world meets the Great Barrier Reef. View the breathtaking scenery of the Daintree River and Coral Sea at the Alexandra Lookout. Keep a look out for the abundant crocodiles on a guided River Cruise through the mangroves of the Daintree River. Have a refreshing cup of afternoon tea before heading back to Cairns.

Includes: Rainforest Habitat Wildlife Sanctuary, Daintree Cruise, Cape Tribulation, Buffet Lunch, Guided Walks, morning and afternoon tea
Estimated Times: Departure: 7:30am Return: 6:30pm
Operation Days: Daily

*Optional Upgrade available to join a small group (Max 8 people) 4WD tour offering "Advanced Eco Experience". Pricing available upon request.

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - Kuranda Heritage Experience

Glide Silently above the Rainforest canopy aboard the Skyrail Cableway to Kuranda.

Experience the magic of the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary before visiting Rainforest station where you can feed kangaroos and view koalas. Enjoy a show by the Pamagirri Aboriginal Dancers, set in a rainforest amphitheatre. Try your hand at boomerang throwing then board the amphibious Army Duck, crossing land and water through the rainforest. Relax over a tropical barbecue lunch. Journey back to Cairns on the Kuranda Scenic Railway, passing waterfalls and ravines. Pick ups from Port Douglas for a full day tour.

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - White Water Rafting

White Water Rafting on the Barron River

Experience the thrill of white water rafting down the Barron River. No previous experience is necessary to raft these exhilarating grade 2 and 3 rapids through Barron Gorge National Park. Passengers need to bring a swimming suit, lace up shoes or reef sandals that will get wet, sunscreen and a change of clothers and towel.

1/2 Day Tour departs 12:30 pm and returns 6:30 on Tues/Thur/Sat/Sun
Minimun age required is 13yrs old.
AUD$25.00 Enviromental Levy to be paid at the time of the Raft Ride.

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - Crocodile Adventure

Make wise time of your stay in Cairns with a half-day tour to the best place to experience crocodiles in Tropical North Queensland with Hartley's Crocodile Adventure!

This Croc Adventure provides an innovative approach to viewing and interacting with wildlife, enabling visitors to become immersed in a natural environment with safety. A series of timber boardwalks provide elevated viewing of wildlife as visitors journey through a range of natural habitats. It is home to a range of habitat types including melaleuca wetlands, riverine rainforest and eucalypt woodland. In this eco adventure you can cruise the lagoon which has guaranteed croc sightings with opportunities for great action photos of pole feedings. See the head shakes and death rolls of huge crocs at the Crocodile Attack Show and see some of the world's most venomous snakes at the Snake Show. Explore the parks abundance of wildlife which includes water birds, turtles, wallabies and cassowaries. If you're brave enough take a photo with you holding a crocodile! (Own expense)

Suggested Itinerary: Crocodile Feeding, optional Digital Photo Opportunity (Own expense), Wetlands Cruise, Snake Show & Crocodile Attack Show

Includes: Transfers to and from Accommodation, Entry into Hartley's Crocodile Park, Park Shows, a scenic drive along the Captain Cook Highway ; Not Included: Lunch (Own Expense)

Estimated Times: Departure: 12pm Return: 5:30pm

(Day 14) - Shuttle Transfer, Port Douglas Accommodation to Cairns Airport

Travel by shuttle from your Port Douglas vacation accommodation to the Airport in Cairns, Australia.

Luggage restrictions apply as per standard economy Australian domestic flights of 2 standard bags under 30kg (66 lbs) per passenger. Excess baggage is AUD$5.00 per bag payable on board. If traveling with excess baggage please advise the shuttle company upon reservation confirmation so appropriate trailer size is available.

(Day 14 cont) - International Flight, Cairns to Los Angeles via Sydney or Brisbane

This morning depart Cairns and fly back to the USA via either Brisbane or Sydney. Note: You will be traveling back across the International Date line so you will gain a day. You actually arrive in the USA on the same day you leave Australia.