10 Days: Reef, Tropical Outback & Sydney [BU-G41]
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Highlights & Inclusions
  • Accommodation - Cairns (2 Nights), Darwin (2), Kakadu (2), Sydney (2)
  • US Domestic Flights - Hometown to Los Angeles (Check quote for inclusion) (Return)
  • International Flights - Los Angeles to Brisbane or Sydney (Not Included - Ask About Current Flight Deals) (Return)
  • Australian Domestic Flights - Brisbane or Sydney to Cairns, Cairns to Darwin, Darwin to Sydney
  • Shuttle Transfers - Cairns Airport to Accommodation (Return), Darwin Airport to Accommodation (Return), Sydney Airport to Accommodation (Return)
  • Overnight Tour - 5 Days / 2 Nights Darwin, Kakadu & Twin Falls Adventure
  • All other Day Tours listed are Optional (Not Included)
  • Visa Issuance for entry into Australia (additional US$15.00 per person)
  • F.I.T. (Free & Independent Travel, i.e. this is not an Organized Group Tour)
  • All Taxes and Fuel Levies (Except where noted)
  • Itinerary is flexible and can be tailored to suit your needs.
Itinerary Details
(Day 1) - Hometown to Los Angeles (Check quote for inclusion)

Travel by domestic air to your destination.

If you request US domestic air pricing, this inclusion will be reflected in your quote.

(Day 1) - International Flight - Los Angeles to Australia (Ask About Current Flight Deals)

Shortly after departing Los Angeles you will be served dinner and you will be given breakfast before landing in Brisbane.

Relax, watch some movies, and try to get some sleep!

Please confirm with the airline at check-in that they have all your Frequent Flyer information on record (if applicable).

(Day 2) Australia Domestic Flight - Brisbane or Sydney to Cairns

Travel within Australia by domestic air from Brisbane to Cairns.

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

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

Need to Know
Luggage Restrictions: 1 checked bag and 1 hand luggage is free of charge per person in the shuttle. Additional luggage is 10$ each. Strollers are free. Bikes need to be in a bike bag. Fishing rods need to be broken down and in a container.

(Days 2 to 4) - 2 Nights Accommodation in Cairns

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

Your 4.5 star accommodation combines contemporary decor with a tropical ambience. The magnificent location of this 176 room hotel is perfect for exploring the Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree Rainforest or Kuranda and the Atherton Tablelands. Other nearby highlights include: Cairns Casino, Marlin Jetty, the Esplanade and the Night Markets. Unwind with a cocktail by the pool or bar followed by a sumptuous meal at the award winning Bushfire Flame Grill.

All rooms and suites have individual balconies, individually controlled air conditioning, refrigerator, television, broadband internet access, hair dryer, iron and ironing board, along with tea and coffee making facilities. Facilities include: 24 hr reception, tour desk, wireless internet, Bushfire Flame Grill, bar, pool, business services on request, coin operated laundry on four floors, room service, laundry & dry cleaning.

(Days 2 to 3) - Free Days to Explore Cairns

Take the day and explore what could be considered the capital of the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns!

A major outlet to the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest amongst its many attractions, the tropical paradise of Cairns is sure to enchant you. With many area activities centrally located there’s enough to occupy everyone in the family because Cairns literally has it all! Have a visit to the Esplanade where you can experience all walks of life and make memories. With a nightlife that caters to singles and families alike you’re visit will be filled with so many things to do, so take a deep breath and have fun!

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - Kuranda Scenic Railway & Aboriginal Culture

A wonderful day awaits as you are transported on the historic Kuranda Scenic Rail to the famous village in the rainforest – Kuranda. Your Kuranda Boarding Pass ensures preferential seating, discounted entry into selected Kuranda attractions and a detailed map is also included. Rainforestation, set in 40 hectares of lush gardens, is your next stop. Board the amphibious Army Duck and enjoy the Koala & Wildlife Park. Transfer back to Kuranda, then it’s time to board Skyrail for your return journey.



Check in: A driver will check you in at your accommodation. You special Kuranda Boarding pass offerings pre-allocated seating on the Kuranda Scenic Rail and Skyrail, preferential seating on the Kuranda Scenic Railway, a detailed map of Kuranda, and discounted entry into selected Kuranda Attractions.




Kuranda Scenic Rail: At the scheduled time board the famous Kuranda Scenic Rail. An amazing journey awaits you as you travel one of the world’s most scenic rail routes, through hand-hewn tunnels and over bridges spanning spectacular gorges.

Kuranda Village: Once you arrive at beautiful Kuranda Station, you have ample time to explore the many and varied shops, as well as the Heritage Markets which operate daily.

Rainforestation: Your shuttle coach will transfer you to Rainforestation, set in 40 hectares of lush gardens and tropical rainforest, where a number of unique attractions await you. Board the unusual amphibious Army Duck for a different look at the rainforest. Also included in your tour is the Koala & Wildlife Park. The shuttle bus will then take you back to Kuranda.

Skyrail Rainforest Cableway: Board Skyrail, an experience which takes you over the rainforest canopy with stops along the way allowing you to take a stroll or visit the CSIRO Interpretive Centre. Our hostess will meet you on completion of Skyrail and will assist with your return transfer to your accommodation.

Operates: Daily (Subject to black outs for Kuranda maintainance.) Pick-up Between 7:00-8:00am and at Return at 5:30pm (approximately).

Upgrade to Gold Class: Dedicated host service; Individual seating, lounge-style chairs; Quality refreshments including sparkling Australian wine, beer, orange juice, soft drink, ice water, mocktails, tea, coffee and appetisers and a chilled refresher towel during the journey; Ambient, historical décor, including timber look flooring, historical photographs and cedar interior; Kuranda Scenic Railway gift pack including Kuranda Scenic Railway badge, pen, postcard and postage; Souvenir trip guide

Optional Tour (Not Included), Great Barrier Reef Cruise

Today you’ll go on a cruise on a catamaran to an all-weather platform on the Great Barrier Reef, one of the natural wonders of the world, and not surprisingly the world’s most extensive coral reef.

On arrival at the Great Barrier Reef, you will be provided some handy tips on the correct use of snorkelling equipment and then help fit you with a mask, snorkel and fins so you can take to the water with confidence. The snorkel area is supervised at all times and personal flotation devices are readily available in adult and child sizes. Stairs lead down from the main deck to a submersed snorkel platform where you can sit down and put on your mask and fins. Access to the water could not be easier with the snorkel platform opening directly into a shallow, bright and sheltered coral lagoon.

Floating snorkeller rest stations are strategically located around the site where you can take a rest at any time. This prevents tired snorkellers standing on and damaging the corals and is part of our commitment to ensuring our site is kept in it’s current pristine condition.

Also included is a range of activities and facilities for the non-swimmer or those simply wanting to take time out of the water: the Semi-Submersible, the Glass Bottom Boat and the Underwater reef viewing observatory all offer experiences with different perspectives.

At lunch time our Marine Biologist will announce the fish feeding demonstration which starts in front of the observatory windows before moving to the snorkel platform. The feeding frenzy includes large schools of Red Bass, Trevally and the star of the show, Wally, our resident Giant Maori Wrasse!

Inclusions: 90 minute cruise (each way) on a spacious fast catamaran; Morning and afternoon tea & Hot/Cold Tropical Buffet Lunch; 5-hours at the Marine World reef activity platform; All snorkelling equipment (mask / snorkel / fins) plus free lycra or wet suit hire; Semi-Submersible and Glass Bottom Boat Tours; Underwater reef viewing observatory

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

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

Need to Know
Luggage Restrictions: 1 checked bag and 1 hand luggage is free of charge per person in the shuttle. Additional luggage is 10$ each. Strollers are free. Bikes need to be in a bike bag. Fishing rods need to be broken down and in a container.

(Day 4) - Australian Domestic Flight, Cairns to Darwin

Travel within Australia by domestic air from Cairns to Darwin.

(Days 4 to 8) - 5 Days / 4 Nights Darwin, Kakadu & Twin Falls Adventure

During this 5 Day journey, the natural beauty of Darwin & Kakadu National Park will take your breath away. Enjoy some time in the Tropical capital city. Absorb the ancient rock art at Nourlangie and Ubirr. Explore the Yellow Water Billabong and Guluyambi. View the striking Jim Jim and Twin Falls and visit Arnhem Land.

Day 1 – Arrive in Australia’s Top End

You’ll arrive in Darwin and transferred to your budget level hotel where you will stay for 1 night (upgrades are available).

Spend the rest of the day getting to know Australia’s Top End metropolitan on your own.

Maybe catch one of Darwin’s famous beachside sunsets as you dine on fresh seafood and soak up the city’s tropical water front lifestyle. Head to the wave pool and free swimming lagoon. Get in some shopping at Smith Street Mall the Star Village arcade, home to some great vintage and quirky boutiques, hand-made chocolate and the Four Birds café. Or discover the untold stories of Northern Territory’s capital city during World War II at one of the numerous historic sites and museums.

Day 2 – Depart for Kakadu

Depart Darwin at 6:30am and travel along the Arnhem Highway, passing major river systems and wetland regions, into Kakadu National Park. Visit Warradjan Cultural Centre to view the informative displays depicting the traditions of the Aboriginal people in Kakadu. Join your local guide on a cruise of Yellow Water Billabong. Search for saltwater crocodiles and the colorful range of birdlife for which this region is renowned. After lunch, stop at Nourlangie, where your Driver Guide will lead you on a walk to view the rock art galleries.

You’ll stay at an indigenous owned luxury accommodation uniquely shaped like a crocodile for 2 nights!

Lunch is included.

Day 3 – Jim Jim and Twin Falls

Travel by 4WD to Jim Jim Falls. Take a 900 metre bushwalk to the Jim Jim Falls plunge pool, where there is time for swimming, relaxing and enjoying the spectacular scenery. Afterwards, travel to a scenic rest area for a picnic lunch. Then board boats to cruise up the first part of the gorge to Twin Falls. There is a 45 minute walk over slippery rocks with sand and rock ledges. Relax and enjoy spectacular scenery at the base of the falls. Today’s touring is only suitable for people with a good level of fitness.

Lunch is included.

Day 4 – Kakadu – Guluyambi Cultural Cruise – Darwin

This morning join your Driver Guide to explore the World Heritage Area of Ubirr, where you’ll climb up through the ancient Aboriginal rock art galleries, believed to be 20,000 years old, to the lookout for the view over the surrounding wetlands. Later, join the Guluyambi Cultural Cruise along the East Alligator River. An Aboriginal guide will provide an insight into their culture, including local mythology, the river’s abundant food chain, as well as bush survival skills. Disembark on the Arnhem Land side of the river to see a display of traditional hunting and gathering implements before heading back downstream.

Visit Bowali Visitor Centre before returning to Darwin, where you will be dropped off at your hotel around 8:00pm for a 1 night stay.

Lunch is included.

Day 5 – Depart Darwin

You will be transferred from your hotel to the airport.

Fitness Requirements
High level of fitness is required.

  • Minimum child age 8 years.
  • This tour is only suitable for people with high level of fitness and who are surefooted, fit and agile. This tour is not suitable for adults with medical conditions.
  • Ubirr walk is slightly uneven around the base but quite steep on the way to lookout.
  • Nourlangie Rock is 1.5km walk around the base. The walk has built in steps along the path.
  • Day 2 touring operates in 4WD vehicle with 20 seats.
  • Suitable footwear must be worn as guests must be agile on their feet to do the walks to Jim Jim Falls plunge pool and the base of Twin Falls.
  • Jim Jim falls walk is 2km return walk through monsoon forest and over boulders.
  • There is no swimming allowed at Twin Falls

Tour departs daily (June – mid October)

(Day 8) - Australian Domestic Flight, Darwin to Sydney

Travel within Australia by domestic air from Darwin to Sydney.

(Day 8) - Shuttle Transfer, Sydney Airport to Accommodation

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

Travel via shuttle to your vacation accommodation in Sydney, Australia.

(Days 8 to 10) - 2 Nights Accommodation in Sydney

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

Your accommodation is located on George Street, right in the heart of the city, with easy access to major attractions such as Sydney Harbour, Darling Harbour, Chinatown, and all the shopping of the CBD.

(Day 9) - Free Day to Explore Sydney

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.

Walk to Circular Quay and catch a ferry to our wonderful harbour-side Taronga Park Zoo, or take the 30 minute ferry ride to Manly Beach, Sydney’s premier beach resort. Here you can enjoy the laid back beach culture as well as many festivals and events. If you prefer to stay closer to downtown Sydney, Bondi Beach is approximately a 10 minute train ride and is one of Australia’s most famous and iconic beaches. Save some time to take a beach walk from Bondi Beach to Bronte Beach, it’s known to be a true highlight. If visiting on a weekend then go to the Rocks Market and shop for local Arts, Crafts & unique Australian Souvenirs.

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - Sydney Opera House Tour (1 Hour)

On your vacation, participate in an inspiring tour of the Sydney Opera House.

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 Theater 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.

Operates
Daily, Hourly 9am to 5pm
Does not operate Good Friday, Christmas, New Year’s Eve or Valentine’s Day 2024

Includes
One hour guided experience.

Need to Know
This tour has 300+ stairs – Low Impact. It is strongly encouraged that you leave bags at your hotel and avoid bringing any large items to the Opera House (anything larger than an 8×10″ sheet of paper). No luggage or large bags accepted. Videoing is not allowed. There are plenty of photo opportunities — your tour guide will advise you if photos are not to be taken at any point.

Upgrades
-Add a lunch, dinner or performance to your tour.
-Upgrade your experience with a private, backstage, or architectural tour.

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - Sydney Harbour Cruise Express Pass

Enjoy this 2 day unlimited ferry pass to explore the beautiful Sydney Harbour and the magnificent attractions that surround it!

Discover Sydney the local way with this 2 day unlimited ferry pass to travel the harbor. Stops along the way include Circular Quay, Darling Harbour, Watson’s Bay, Manly, Taronga Zoo, Clifton Gardens, and Shark Island. Enjoy the flexibility of exploring while you travel at your leisure soaking in the harbor air on your way to your next destination!

Hop off to enjoy these harbor attractions:
Circular Quay: Bounded by the Sydney Harbour Bridge and historic Rocks district to the west, and the Sydney Opera House and Botanic Gardens to the east, Circular Quay is a bustling ferry hub.
Taronga Zoo: Over 4,000 animals, including Australian native wildlife. Free daily seal and bird shows. Purchase the Zoo and Explorer combo and save.
Shark Island: It would be hard to find a more spectacular picnic spot. Stunning, 360-degree views of Sydney Harbour and a delightfully deserted national park for your own private getaway.
Watsons Bay: Local must-do `Watto’ is famous for its seafood, waterfront pubs, picnic spots, swimming beaches and spectacular headlands walks overlooking the Harbour and the Pacific Ocean.
Manly Beach: You don’t have to swim at this iconic beach to soak up the atmosphere. Shop at the Corso, dine at waterfront cafés, find your favorite gelato flavor or take a nature walk.
Darling Harbour: Start or finish your day at Darling Harbour, surrounded by restaurants, nightclubs and hotels at King Street Wharf, Barangaroo and Cockle Bay.
Clifton Gardens: Clifton Gardens is a beachside oasis in the affluent Harbour suburb of Mosman. The netted beach, long jetty and gentle waves makes it perfect for picnics, swimming and snorkeling.

Operates
Daily
Hours: Sunday & Thursday 12:00pm-7:30pm, Friday & Saturday 12:00pm-10:00pm, Monday – Wednesday (Select dates & times)
Does not operate on Christmas, December 26 – 27, New Year’s Day, January 26, April 25, June 12, and October 2.

Includes
2 Day unlimited ferry pass to travel Sydney Harbour

Need to Know
– Guided commentary is available through smart phone app. Download the app through your smartphone prior to boarding. Must use your own headphones.
– Additional cost to enter Fort Dension, Taronga Zoo, and Shark Island (closed February 10, 2023 and February 22, 2023)
– Please bring sunscreen, a water bottle, and wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes.

Upgrades
– Premium sightseeing tours
– Whale watching tours

(Day 10) - Shuttle Transfer, Sydney Accommodation to Airport

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

(Day 10) - International Flight - Australia to Los Angeles (Ask About Current Flight Deals)

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.

(Day 10) - Hometown to Los Angeles (Check quote for inclusion)

Travel by domestic air to your destination.

If you request US domestic air pricing, this inclusion will be reflected in your quote.

Packages by About Australia, a fully bonded and ARC Accredited travel company.