Itineraries

Kristine & Sheila Chen [CU551]

14 Days / 12 Nights - Sydney (5 Nights); Port Douglas (5 nights); Brisbane (2 nights)

First, visit Sydney, Australia's oldest city, the economic powerhouse of the nation and the country's capital in everything but name. It's blessed with sun-drenched natural attractions, dizzy skyscrapers, delicious and daring restaurants, superb shopping and friendly folk.

Your next stop is Cairns, located in tropical North Queensland. Known as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns is a city alive with life and charm. Here, warm northern hospitality and enthusiasm are the order of the day. Tour the Great Barrier Reef with its opportunities to snorkel and swim. Explore Cape Tribulation and the cruise the Daintree River. Experience authentic aboriginal culture with a tour to Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park.

Lastly enjoy Brisbane, a city which has shucked its reputation as a backwater and emerged as one of the country's most progressive centres. It has several interesting districts, a good street cafe scene, a great riverside park, a busy cultural calendar and a thriving nightlife. Consider visiting the Australian Zoo.

Features

• Accommodation Sydney (5 nights)
• Accommodation Port Douglas (5 nights)
• Accommodation Brisbane (2 nights)
• All Tours are included
• Day Tour (Included) Brisbane: Australian Zoo,
• Day Tours (Included) Cairns: Great Barrier Reef, Kuranda and Rainforest
• Day Tours (Optional) Cairns: Cape Tribulation, White Water Rafting on the Barron River
• Day Tours (Included) Sydney: Sydney Harbour Cruise, Blue Mountains
• Day Tours (Optional) Sydney: Bridgeclimb, City Explorer
• International Air - Los Angeles to Sydney, Sydney to Los Angeles (own arrangements)
• USA Domestic Air (own arrangements)
• Australian Domestic Air Sectors - Sydney to Cairns, Cairns to Brisbane
• Visa Issuance for entry into Australia ($15 per person)
• F.I.T. (Free & Independent Travel, i.e. this is not an Organised Group Tour)
• Itinerary is flexible and can be tailored to suit your needs.

Detailed Itinerary

6th Aug (Day 1) - International Flight, Los Angeles to Sydney (own arrangements)

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.

8th Aug (Day 2) - Shuttle Transfer, Sydney Airport to Hotel

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

8th - 13th Aug (Days 2-7) - 5 Nights Accommodation in Sydney

Travel to your accommodation in Sydney, Australia, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 5 nights.

Embrace Sydney's best location with this four star vacation accommodation ideally nestled in the heart of the city. Overlooking Wynyard Park you will enjoy this icon of time-honored tradition, warm hospitality and friendly personal service. Just a short stroll away from many famous attractions including the Sydney Opera House, The Rocks, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Darling Harbour, The Royal Botanical Gardens and more. You will love the luxury of the close accessibility to public transportation including light rail access, train station, the bus system and nearby Circular Quay which will allow you to see much more of Sydney and surrounds. Featuring: 446 elegantly appointed guest rooms and suites, 2 restaurants, 4 bars, indoor heated pool, sauna, spa, and gymnasium. Amenities: air conditioning, daily maid service, fridge, iron & board, radio channels, shower, coffee & tea, ensuite bathroom, hair dryer, shaving adaptor, sprinklers, smoke detectors, television, telephone, internet access (broadband), data port, wake up calls, mini bar, and 24 hour room service. With all this and more take time out to experience the wonders of Sydney while enjoying all your accommodation has to offer.

Upgrade Available (Upon Request): Stunning 5 Star Property

9th Aug (Day 3) - Sydney Harbour Lunch Cruise and Tour

On your vacation take a sightseeing harbour cruise and city tour in Sydney, Australia.

Starts with Lunch on a Sydney Harbour Cruise so you can enjoy spectacular harbour views of the famous Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. Then take an afternoon tour which captures the essence of Sydney. Discover the major Sydney highlights including the Botanic Gardens and wandering along Bondi Beach. Travel through Sydney's downtown precincts, the historic Rocks area, vibrant Kings Cross, sandy white beach, and affluent harbourside suburbs.

10th Aug (Day 4) - Blue Mountains Day Tour

On your vacation, discover the spectacular Blue Mountains via deluxe coach 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 a 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.

11th - 12th Aug (Days 5-6) - Free Days to Explore.

With Sydney at your fingertips, take the chance to explore the Darling Harbour area at your leisure, which is a modern collection of Shopping Malls, Parkland, Restaurants and Harbour Front activities.

The Monorail connection to the City Center provides quick transit, or walk to Circular Quay and catch a ferry to our wonderful harbour-side Taronga Park Zoo, or to the lovely tree-lined beach suburb of Manly. If visiting on a weekend then go to the Rocks Market and shop for local Arts, Crafts & unique Australian Souvenirs.

13th Aug (Day 7) - Shuttle Transfer, Hotel to Sydney Airport

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

13th Aug (Day 7) - Australian Domstic Flight, Sydney to Cairns

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

13th Aug (Day 7) - Cairns Airport to Port Douglas

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.

13th - 18th Aug (Day 7-12) - 5 Nights Accommodation in Port Douglas

Travel to your accommodation in Port Douglas, Australia, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 5 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

14th Aug (Day 8) - Great Barrier Reef Cruise Day Tour

Today you'll go on a cruise to the Great Barrier Reef, one of the natural wonders of the world, and not surprisingly the world's most extensive coral reef.

Cruise by luxury catamaran to reef activity platforms moored at the ribbon reefs on the outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef. Experience the unsurpassed coral formations, marine life and underwater visibility of the Agincourt Ribbon Reef system where you can explore this reef world. Visit Moore Reef, located on the outer reef, and swim and snorkel, or view the aquatic world from a semi-submersible or glass-bottom boat. Marvel at the spectacular beauty of the reef teeming with tropical fishes, and explore the colourful coral. Visit the marine life touch tank and underwater theatre. Enjoy a buffet lunch (included). With facilities for swimmers and non-swimmers it's sure to be fun for the whole family.

Upgrades Available at Additional Cost: Introductory & Certified Diving, Ocean Walker Helmet Dive, Adventure Snorkel Tour with Marine Biologist & Helicopter Scenic Flights.

Not Included: Fees Payable on Board: EMC AUD$5, Fuel Surcharge may be applicable. Subject to change, please verify before tour.

Please bring with you: towel (available from your hotel room), a change of clothes, hat, sunscreen & underwater disposable camera (optional). Camera's available from any local chemist or convenience store.

15th Aug (Day 9) - Kuranda Rainforest Day 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

18th Aug (Day 12) - Port Douglas 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.

18th Aug (Day 12) - Australian Domstic Flight, Cairns to Brisbane

Travel within Australia by domestic air from Cairns to Brisbane.

18th Aug (Day 12) - Shuttle Transfer, Brisbane Airport to Hotel

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. Valuable items (e.g. jewellery, expensive equipment, cash etc) should be carried by the passenger on their person. Passengers are strongly advised to take out appropriate travel insurance to cover any unforeseen circumstances.

18th - 20th Aug (Days 12-14) - 2 Nights Accommodation in Brisbane

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

Your 3 Star vacation accommodation is conveniently located in Brisbane's city centre. It is within walking distance to the Queen Street Mall shopping precinct, Treasury Casino, South Bank Parklands, Queensland Performing Arts Centre. Recently, the hotel went through a major refurbishment. Its rooms are equipped with free coffee/tea making facility, fridge, air conditioning, and hair dryer.

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.

19th Aug (Day 13) - Australia Zoo Day Tour

Travel along the Glasshouse Mountains scenic route 2 hours North of Brisbane to the Wildlife Park of the famous Crocodile Hunter (Steve Irwin) at the Australia Zoo.

You will be taken directly to and from the Wildlife Park and have nearly 6 hours to experience the best of the zoo. Take in the many daily shows and demonstrations where you can see exciting snakes, birds and crocodiles in action! The "Call of the Wild" experience leads you to Steve's home and over 550 animals that you would only expect to see in the wilds of Australia. Experience a truly remarkable day as you watch a demonstration featuring wild crocodiles. Meet Amelia, the Wedged-Tailed Eagle and other birds of prey. Watch the small clawed otters frolic and Harriet, the world's oldest giant Galapagos land tortoise, as they feed. Encounter cuddly Koalas close up and join in the feeding of the kangaroos and wallabies. This is a day to experience the pleasures of the wild and watch very experienced professional handlers get close to extremely dangerous creatures. Don't miss the opportunity to take a photo with a snake at the Croc Hunter Museum or see the wild caught croc demo. Keep your eyes out for handlers walking through the park with the animals so you can get "up close and personal". With many more shows including foxes, camels, otters, koalas and birds you're sure to have a wild time!

Operation Days: Daily
Includes: Entry to Australia Zoo
Estimated Times: Departure: 8:45am Return: 5:30pm

Upgrades Available: Hire a Caddie Tour, Safari Guided Tour & Private Guided Tour
Self Drive Upgrades: Platinum Zoo Adventure

20th Aug (Day 14) - Shuttle Transfer, Hotel to Brisbane Airport

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

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. Valuable items (e.g. jewellery, expensive equipment, cash etc) should be carried by the passenger on their person. Passengers are strongly advised to take out appropriate travel insurance to cover any unforeseen circumstances.

20th Aug (Day 14) - Australian Domestic Flight, Brisbane to Sydney

Travel within Australia by domestic air from Brisbane to Sydney.

20th Aug (Day 14) - International Flight, Sydney to Los Angeles (own arrangements)

Depart Sydney from the International Airport and fly to Los Angeles. 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.

Your flight home will give you the opportunity to reflect on your Australian Adventure. Please tell your friends if you have enjoyed the experience and direct them to "ABOUT AUSTRALIA " for information via our website at www.aboutaustralia.com