Scuba Dive Trips

Itineraries

Liveaboard Dive Trip (Superior) [Dive11]

16 Days / 14 Nights Liveaboard Dive Trip Superior
Sydney, Cairns, Liveaboard, Brisbane, Outback, Rainforest Retreat

Begin your spectacular Australian Liveaboard drive trip of the Great Barrier Reef with the sight and sounds of Sydney. The beauty of the Harbour, the Opera House and the expansive Sydney Harbour Bridge will astound you. 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.

Next Fly to Cairns to experience the majesty of this underwater playground.

Be prepared for an amazing range of diving experiences on your 4 day /4 night adventure to Australia's Coral Sea . Your first day will include a couple of orientation dives on the outer reefs of the Great Barrier Reef before traveling out to the oceanic wilderness of the Coral Sea.

To the south east, east and north east of Cairns and at least 100km offshore from the Great Barrier Reef, lay Australia's Coral Sea Reefs. You will travel to two Coral Sea Reef systems for 3 days of diving which can include South Flinders, Flinders, Dart, East Holmes, West Holmes, Flora, Bouganville, Shark, and Osprey Reefs. Destinations will vary and be selected according to the prevailing weather in order to provide you the best diving, most comfortable conditions and maximum dive time.

Your next flight takes you to the heart of Central Australia to the Outback. See the spectacular Uluru (Ayers Rock) and The Olgas.

Your final destination is Rainforest Retreat featuring a Tree Top walk and the wonders of fantastic bushwalks. Here you will experience one of nature's true beauties. The "Canopy Swing Bridge" will allow you to explore the rainforest from high in the tree tops.

Features

• Accommodation - Sydney (2 Nights), Cairns (2 Nights), Liveaboard Dive Boat (4 Nights) - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, Cairns (1 Night post Live-Aboard), Outback Australia (2 Nights), Brisbane (1 Night), Rainforest Retreat (2 Nights) includes Breakfast & Dinner
• Day Tours - Sydney: Sydney Opera House Tour; Cairns: Kuranda Rainforest and Steam Train Tour; Outback: Uluru Tour Pass, Camel ride to Sunrise, Sounds of Silence Dinner
• Other Day Tours are optional (Not Included)
• Liveaboard Inclusions - Transfers to/ from Cairns city accommodation, One way reef flight from Cairns to Lizard Island, Opportunity for 16 dives, En-suite cabin with daily service, Chef prepared meals, Australian wines & soft drinks with evening meals, Equipment rental is available for a fee.
• Shuttle Transfers - Sydney Airport to Accommodation (return), Cairns Airport to Accommodation (return), Ayers Rock Airport to Accommodation (return), Brisbane Airport to Accommodation, Brisbane Accommodation to Rainforest Retreat, Rainforest Retreat to Brisbane Airport.
• International Air & USA Domestic Air are not included (as per your own arrangements)
• Australian Domestic Flights - Sydney to Cairns, Cairns to Brisbane
• All Taxes and Fuel Levies (Except where noted)
• Electronic Travel Authority (VISA's) are an additional $15 per person

Detailed Itinerary

Friday (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.

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

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

Sunday - Tuesday (Days 2-4) - 2 Nights Accommodation in Sydney

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

Your vacation hotel is located in Sydney's most exciting playground, Darling Harbour. Explore the Darling Harbour area, which is a modern collection of unique Australia Shopping Malls, Parkland, Restaurants and Harbour Front activities. Travel by Monorail to the City Center is also a must, or walk to Circular Quay. Or maybe travel by ferry to our wonderful harbour-side Taronga Park Zoo, or to the lovely tree-lined beach suburb of Manly. If plan your vacation in Sydney over a weekend, visit the Rocks Market and shop for local Arts, Crafts & unique Souvenirs of Australia.

Sunday (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.

Optional Day Tour (Not Included)- Sydney Explorer City Tour - ½ to Full Day

Spend the afternoon touring Sydney's attractions.

The Sydney Explorer has 26 stops, offering an amazing insight into the history and majesty of Australia's most popular city. From the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House to Darling Harbour and Kings Cross, with plenty in between. You can hop on and off this service or if you prefer to stay on the coach, the full circuit will take around 2 hours to complete.

Optional Day Tour (Not Included)- Sydney Harbour Lunch Cruise and Tour - Afternoon

At midday enjoy a harbour lunch cruise followed by a scenic tour of Sydney's suburbs & beaches. 1/2 Day Tour Afternoon

Midday enjoy an unforgettable Sydney Harbour luncheon cruise on one of the worlds most attractive harbours. The cruise offers a la carte dining, million dollar views, licensed bar, first class service and quality contemporary Australian cuisine. In the afternoon tour Kings Cross and Bondi Beach. Walk along the beach, see cosmopolitan Kings Cross, exclusive Double Bay and stop at Sydney's famous Mrs. Macquarie's Chair before returning to your Hotel early evening. Evening free - maybe see a show at the Sydney Opera House (bookings well in advance required).

Tuesday (Day 4) - Shuttle Transfer, Accommodation to Sydney Airport

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

Tuesday (Day 4 cont) - Australian Domestic Flight, Sydney to Cairns

Travel within Australia by domestic air from Sydney to the gateway of the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns.

Tuesday (Day 4 cont) - Shuttle Transfer, Cairns Airport to Accommodation

Travel by shuttle from the Cairns Airport to your vacation accommodation 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.

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.

Tuesday - Thursday (Days 4-6) - 2 Nights Accommodation in Cairns

Travel to your accommodation Cairns, Australia, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 2 nights.

Your 4 Star vacation accommodation is located on the waterfront, overlooking Trinity Bay and the extensive parklands of Cairns, Australia. Elegantly appointed rooms with private balconies offer panoramic views to the Coral Sea or to Australia's majestic rainforest clad mountains. The hotel facilities include a restaurant, wine bar, and swimming pool. Travel and experience Australia's nature and culture by visiting the Great Barrier Reef or Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park. Or travel along Captain Cook Highway and visit picturesque Mossman Gorge.

Wednesday (Day 5) - Day Tour - Kuranda Rainforest & Scenic Railway Tour

Today you'll visit the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park, have a delicious buffet lunch, then later glide over the rainforest canopy aboard Skyrail. Explore Kuranda, then board the famous Kuranda Scenic Railway for the awe-inspiring journey home.

Take a glimpse into the authentic Aboriginal culture with a visit to the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park. Here they combine dance theatre with demonstrations of traditional camp life and you'll be able to witness a celebration of song and dance as the Tjapukai perform corroborees and share with you the stories of their totems. Then, enjoy a delicious buffet lunch at Boomerang Restaurant. Next, glide over the canopy of pristine World Heritage Rainforest with stops at Barron Falls and Red Peak Stations aboard the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Arrive in Kuranda the "Village in the Rainforest" where you can meander through the many shops and markets of this Mountain Village. Lastly, board the Kuranda Scenic Railway, where you'll pass dramatic waterfalls, rainforest and deep ravines as you wind your way through tunnels and over bridges on this magnificent journey, passing Stoney Creek and Barron Falls.

Includes: Tjapukai, Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, Kuranda Scenic Railway, Kuranda Levy, Buffet Lunch
Estimated Times: Departure: 8:00am Return: 5:15pm
Operation Days: Daily

Thursday - Monday (Days 6-10) - 4 Nights on Liveaboard Dive Boat

For Live-Aboard diving enthusiasts this live aboard dive trip represents the ultimate dive vacation. Dives include Osprey Reef, on the Coral Sea with other sites such as Cod Hole, Dynamite Pass, North Horn, Bougainville Reef, Steve's Bommie, Temple of Doom and Flare Point. With Gourmet Meals and the Outstanding Level of Service you will feel like you are aboard your own private yacht.

Sample Itinerary

Day 1: Scenic Flight to Live-Aboard Dive Boat

Transfer from Cairns Accommodation to Cairns airport to catch your twin-engine light aircraft for your amazing scenic flight over the reef to Lizard Island. You will be greeted on arrival and transferred to the Sleek and Stylish dive vessel to depart for the reef. This afternoon you will have the opportunity for two dives before departing in the late evening for Osprey Reef, in the Coral Sea. The dives may be at sites such as the famous Cod Hole and turquoise waters of the Ribbon Reefs.

Day 2 & 3: Diving Osprey Reef

Australia's Coral Sea reefs are renowned for crystal clear water with an average visibility in excess of 100 feet. Two days can be spent diving at remote Osprey Reef, including North Horn for an unforgettable Shark Dive. You can expect to see grey whalers, silvertips, reef sharks, occasional hammerheads, schooling barracuda, trevally, and other pelagics are common. The landscape is amazing with sheer walls laced with gorgonians, sea whips, and bright yellow soft corals rising from thousands of feet below.

Day 4: Dive Bougainville Reef or in the Ribbon Reefs

Depending on the weather and sea conditions you will dive the spectacular Bougainville Reef or perhaps return to the Ribbon Reefs to dive the sensational Steve's Bommie, Temple of Doom, Flare Point, and other spectacular dive sites. After dinner on Sunday evening we will cruise overnight back to Cairns.

Day 5: Arrive into Cairns

Arrive in Cairns early morning. A fabulous Breakfast will be served on board and transfers will be arranged. You will have the day free to explore Cairns.

Please note that above itinerary is a sample only and sites may vary or the sequence may change. Access to the Cod Hole and the Coral Sea is weather conditional and while every attempt will be made to keep to the advertised itinerary, the Coral Sea and specific sites on the Great Barrier Reef are not guaranteed. Cabin types available: Quad, Double/Twin, Ocean View Standard, Ocean View Deluxe & Stateroom.

Monday - Tuesday (Days 10-11) - 1 Night Accommodation in Cairns

Travel to your accommodation Cairns, Australia, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 1 night.

Your 4 Star vacation accommodation is located on the waterfront, overlooking Trinity Bay and the extensive parklands of Cairns, Australia. Elegantly appointed rooms with private balconies offer panoramic views to the Coral Sea or to Australia's majestic rainforest clad mountains. The hotel facilities include a restaurant, wine bar, and swimming pool. Travel and experience Australia's nature and culture by visiting the Great Barrier Reef or Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park. Or travel along Captain Cook Highway and visit picturesque Mossman Gorge.

Tuesday (Day 11 morning) - Australian Domestic Flight, Cairns to Ayers Rock

Travel within Australia by domestic air from Cairns to Ayers Rock (Uluru).

Tuesday - Thursday (Days 11-13) - 2 Nights Accommodation at Australian Outback

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

Your 4 1/2 Star vacation accommodation is centrally located to all resorts and Australia touring facilities and offers a range of stylish accommodations, from shaded poolside rooms to the magnificent deluxe rooms overlooking the desert. You can relax from your travel in the comfort of your own private balcony or courtyard, or unwind in the hotel's refreshing pool, sipping cocktails. It's only a short stroll to the resorts numerous lookouts, where you can view what is arguably Australia's best sunset. Its spectacular display of colours across the face of Uluru and the surrounding desert turns your vacation into a memorable event.

Airport shuttle transfers included.

Tuesday - Thursday (Days 11-13) - Uluru Day Tour Pass

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

Travel from Yulara in the afternoon. See Atila (Mt Conner) in the distance. This fascinating flat-topped mountain juts out of the surrounding desert plain, bearing witness to a period of massive uplift followed by eons of erosion. Head to the town at the heart of the Red Centre, Alice Springs. Pass through the striking Outback landscapes including the extraordinary MacDonnell Ranges that reflect a spectacular array of sunburnt oranges, maroons and purples. Learn about the natural and geological history of the region, unique Australian desert flora and fauna, and some of the traditional customs and beliefs of the Aboriginal people. *National Park entry fee not included.

Tuesday - Thursday (Days 11-13) - Camel to Sunrise

On your vacation participate in a unique camel riding adventure at Uluru, Australia's Red Centre.



Central Australia is home to approximately 700 000 wild camels and supports a thriving camel industry. Many wild camels are herded and exported to Arabian countries for breeding and racing. Meet our friendly dromedary camels and ride away from the crowds and get closer to nature. Your skilled guides will describe the flora and fauna along the way. ‘Camel To Sunrise’ tours travel for an hour over big red sand dunes to watch the sunrise over Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Kata Tjuta (Olgas). Billy tea and freshly baked beer bread is served at the depot. Enjoy the camel story in the display and take home unique souvenirs from the Camel Shop.

Alternative Tour: Sunset Camel Tour

Tuesday - Thursday (Days 11-13) - 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.

Thursday (Day 13) - Domestic Flight from Ayers Rock to Brisbane

Travel within Australia by domestic air from the Red Centre at Ayers Rock to Brisbane.

Thrusday (Day 13) - Shuttle Transfer, Brisbane Airport to Accommodation

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

Luggage is limited to 2 suitcases per person. Excess luggage, surfboards & bicycles will be carried at a rate of $10.00 AUD per item. All luggage must be clearly labelled by the passenger, including name and full address.

Thrusday - Friday (Days 13-14) - 1 Night Accommodation in Brisbane

Travel to your accommodation in Brisbane, Australia, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 1 night.

Your 4 Star vacation accommodation is in the heart of Brisbane, with spectacular views of the river and South Bank Parklands. Some of the rooms offer views over the river. The vacation accommodation is equipped with a swimming pool, restaurants, and two bars. Queen Street shopping mall is only a few minutes walk from the front door.

Brisbane, Australia, is a vibrant city offering many vacation activities and sights to enjoy all within walking distance. Enjoy the shops and festivities at Southbank Parklands (World Expo 1988 was held here). See Kodak Beach, one of Australia's large man-made inland beach/pool, surrounded by real beach sand, ferns and palm trees. Explore and experience a living rainforest complete with wildlife in the Southbank Wildlife Sanctuary. Wander the board-walks that follow the river through the city, walk past Kangaroo Point cliffs (watch people rock climb). Ride on a ferry (River Cat) and tour the city from the river (day or night). Cross the river to Brisbane Mall and shop till you drop. Or perhaps rest from your travel through the city and enjoy a coffee in a sidewalk café as you watch the world go by.

Friday (Day 14) - Shuttle Transfer, Brisbane Hotel to Rainforest Retreat

Travel by deluxe coach from Brisbane city to your vacation accommodation at the Rainforest Retreat.

Friday - Sunday (Days 14-16) - 2 Nights at Rainforest Retreat

Travel to your accommodation at the Rainforest Retreat, Australia, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 2 nights.

Your vacation Rainforest Retreat is located in one of Australia's most enchanted rainforests. You will enjoy the spectacular mountain view on your drive to this eighty year old hideaway. The Rainforest Retreat offers a range of guestrooms to cater to all tastes, from the grandeur of the luxurious Canopy Suites through the most popular Mountain View Rooms to the simple yet comfortable Garden View (subject to availability). Most rooms also take advantage of the magnificent mountain views. Enjoy the birds and wildlife in their natural habitat. Or relax from your travel and ponder the beauty of life as you sit on a rock amongst the ferns and greenery and admire waterfalls, creeks and other pleasures of nature.

Sunday (Day 16) - Private Car Transfer, Rainforest Retreat to Brisbane Airport

Travel by private luxury sedan from your vacation accommodation at the Rainforest Retreat to Brisbane, Australia.

Sunday (Day 16 cont) - International Flight, Brisbane to Los Angeles

Mid-day Departure from Brisbane, In-flight Dinner and Movie with arrival in the USA. 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.

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