9 Days: Perth & Great Barrier Reef Tour [ST-998A]
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Highlights & Inclusions
  • Accommodation - Perth (4 Nights), Cairns (3)
  • US Domestic Flight (Not Included) - please enquire for flight pricing to be included.
  • International Flights - Los Angeles to Melbourne, Brisbane to Los Angeles
  • Australian Domestic Flights - Melbourne to Perth, Perth to Cairns, Cairns to Brisbane
  • Day Tour - Perth: 4WD Pinnacles, Sand Dunes & Koalas; Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Cruise & Snorkel, Cape Tribulation & Daintree Rainforest
  • Shuttle Transfers - Cairns: Airport to Accommodation (Return)
  • Taxi Transfers (Not Included) - Perth: Airport to Accommodation (Return)
  • All Taxes and Fuel Levies (Except where noted)
  • All other Day Tours listed are Optional (Not Included)
  • Visa Issuance for entry into Australia (US$15.00 per person)
  • F.I.T. (Free & Independent Travel, i.e. this is not an Organised Group Tour)
Itinerary Details
(Day 1) - International Flight - Los Angeles to Melbourne

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

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) - Australian Domestic Flight from Melbourne to Perth

Travel within Australia by domestic air from Melbourne to Perth, Western Australia.

(Day 2) - Taxi - Perth Airport to Accommodation (Pay as you go)

Travel by taxi or ride share from the airport to your vacation accommodation (as per your own arrangements, pay as you go). Uber is available in most major cities.
Other Australian ride share options are:
-Ola
-DiDi
-Shebah
-GoCatch
-Bolt

Make your way from the Airport Baggage Claim area to the Taxi Stand. Taxi’s are available on demand. Pay as you go.

(Days 2 to 6) - 4 Nights Accommodation in Perth

Travel to your accommodation in Perth, Western Australia, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 4 nights.

Your 3 Star vacation accommodation is located in the heart of the city of Perth, only a few metres from the Murray and Hay Street shopping malls. The hotel includes a restaurant, bar, and Internet access. Each room is equipped with air conditioning, free tea and coffee making facility, radio, and ensuite bathroom. Perth has a reputation amongst travelers to be a friendly city on the Swan River. Travel some short miles to Fremantle, a modern and vibrant counterpart. From outdoors to indoor, the fabulous range of Perth and suburban shops will satisfy even the most particular of traveler. Western Australia offers you a unique vacation experience.

Photo Credit: Western Australia

(Day 3) - 4WD Pinnacles, Sand Dunes & Koalas - Full Day

The extraordinary ancient rock formations that make up the Pinnacles are located about a three-hour drive north of Perth near the coastal town of Cervantes. Join on a guided walk through the Pinnacles desert and marvel at the limestone pillars created by forces of nature.

After stopping at Caversham Wildlife Park in the Swan Valley to view koalas and hand feed kangaroos, travel to the lobster fishing town of Cervantes for lunch. Stop at the Lobster Shack for an informative talk about the lobster industry, followed by a self-guided tour through the purpose built factory.

Then it’s onwards to the mystical Pinnacles Desert for an easy paced walk through the fascinating landscape where you will be in awe at the sheer size and number of these spires. Afterwards enjoy a thrilling experience of sand boarding and 4-wheel driving over the vast sand dunes of Lancelin. Full Day Tour.

Operates
Daily
Times
Departs 8:00am from Perth, Returns 7:30pm
Includes
– Lunch
– Experienced Driver Guide
– Comprehensive Commentary
– Travel in an Air-conditioned Coach
Need to Know
Low level of fitness required, however this tour is unsuitable for pregnant women, infants and guests with back problems.

(Days 4 & 5) - Free Day to Explore Perth

Explore the city at your leisure.

If you’re after some serious retail therapy – make a beeline for up-market King Street. Fancy a lazy lunch? Take your pick from a stack of riverside and beachfront cafes and restaurants. Over 80 kilometres of white sandy beaches make Perth’s coast ideal for swimming and surfing. Stroll through Kings Park botanical gardens – or try the treetop walk for a unique view of the city. Jump on a ferry to South Perth to take that world-famous snap of Perth’s skyline. At night, it’s especially spectacular when the city’s glittering skyline is reflected in the Swan River.

Photo Credit: Western Australia

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - Margaret River, Cave, Wine, Lighthouse & Busselton Jetty

Stunning beaches, rivers, the inland waterway of Peel Inlet, blue mountains in the distance, villages and towns and the wine growing region of the South West. Taste the wines and explore vast underground limestone caves in a day of discovery along this Indian Ocean coastline.

Travelling south, stop for morning tea (own expense) at the iconic Busselton Jetty, the longest timber jetty in the southern hemisphere. Continue south to the Margaret River region and visit a local winery, taste some of the very best wines of the region whilst gaining some insight in to the industry.

Enjoy lunch at Lake Cave Tearooms and visit the Caveworks Interpretive Centre (time permitting). Next head out to explore Mammoth Cave on a guided tour. Pass through the stunning Boranup Forest and be awestruck at the size of these massive Karri trees. Afterwards, visit Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse the diving point between the Southern and Indian Oceans.

Heading back towards Margaret River make a brief stop in the township where you have free time to stroll the main street. Break at a café for a light dinner (own expense) before returning home to Perth.

Depart approximately 8:00 AM, return at approximately 9:30 PM.

Tour Operates Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - Wave Rock, Wildflowers, York & Aboriginal Culture

From Perth, cross vast farming plains via the Darling Ranges. Visit Wave Rock, enjoy a picnic lunch, and visit a Native Wildlife Park.

Heading east, enjoy morning tea (own expense) at historic York, the first township founded in the Avon Valley. Visit the Dog Cemetery before arriving in Hyden. Then visit Hippo’s Yawn, a rock formation which resembles a hippo yawning. Break for a picnic lunch at the Wildflower Shop.

See the spectacle of Wave Rock and the ancient Gnamma Holes. Whilst here visit either a wildlife Park or view the unique Antique Lace Collection. Leaving Wave Rock, visit The Humps and Mulka’s Cave. Return to Perth via a different route and stop at the quaint country town of Babakin for afternoon tea (own expense). Wildflower viewing stops are made in season.

Depart approximately 8:00 AM, return at approximately 8:30 PM.

Tour Operates Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday

Insiders Tip: Perth Zoo

Perth Zoo is Australia’s best small zoo and located just 5 minutes from the Perth CBD.

Touted as one of the most diverse zoos in the Southern Hemisphere, the Perth Zoo almost always has something new to see. The zoo is open year round from 9am to 5pm and entrance fees are as follows (all prices in AUD): $22 for adults & $11.30 for children. In addition to Keeper Talks, you can ride in the electric-powered zebra buggy, go on a free walking tour or ride on the zoo’s historical carousel. This Perth attraction is an excellent way to spend a day without spending a lot of money.

Getting There
By Bus: From Perth CBD Bus No. 30 and 31 stop right in front of the Zoo weekdays or weekends, leaving regularly from the Esplanade Bus-Port. Bus #34 stops behind the Zoo and leaves from the Wellington Street Bus-port. From the ‘Causeway’ (Victoria Park) Bus #730 and #731 stop at the Zoo. For further information on bus timetables, routes and prices please call Transperth information on 13 62 13 or visit www.transperth.wa.gov.au where you can search for the best route for you.
By Train: Currently, the easiest way to visit Perth Zoo by train is to transfer at the Esplanade Bus-port (Train Platform 1) to Bus # 31 (Bus Stand E4) which makes Perth Zoo one of its first stops. The bus stops right out front of the ticket office. The reverse applies when you want to go home.

Photo Credit: Perth Zoo

Insiders Tip: Explorer Tour Bus

An open top Double Decker bus guarantees a bird’s eye view of Kings Park and the City’s attractions. Be guided around by friendly drivers while listening to the informative and professional commentary.

This unique city tour through Perth departs from Barrack Street Jetty every 45 minutes starting at 9:15am. You can get on or off at any of the stops on the route. The tour takes in some of Perth’s most spectacular attractions. The bus travels every day (except 25Dec, 26Jan & 25Apr) and makes numerous stops. The bus trip takes about 2 hours to complete the whole journey (with no stops). Buy your tickets onboard ($25 AUD for Adult Ticket, $10 AUD for Child Ticket). Use your ticket stub to get amazing discounts at each stop location.

The stops include Kings Park & Botanic Garden, Harbour Town, Murrary Street, William Street, Perth Town Hall, Gallery Museum, Burswood Entertainment Complex, & Perth Mint. At each stop you can get valuable discounts with your ticket at the following places (to name a few): The Bell Tower, Harbour Town Outlet Shopping, Perth Mint, Fremantle Prison, Caversham Wildlife Park, The Maritime Museum, & Fremantle Motor Museum.

For additional information please visit: https://www.citysightseeingperth.com/index.shtml

Insiders Tip: Beach

Spend the day surfing or lounging on one of Perth’s many stunning beaches.

Perth Western Australia is home to many popular beaches, including, Cottesloe, Swanbourne, and Scarborough. Cottlesloe is a great beach for families, with quaint shops and cafes within easy reach. Swanbourne is an excellent place for surfing and body boarding, with some of the best waves along the Perth Western Australia coast. Travelers from out of town should note, however, that Swanbourne is also a nude beach, and beach patrons are expected to go without clothing. Scarborough beach provides a more traditional family experience. Life savers patrol the beach during the day, and the absence of rock and coral reef make this an excellent beach for small children. Nearby, travelers can also enjoy a taste from a local café, or peruse local gift shops.

Photo Credit: Western Australia

(Day 6) - Taxi - Perth Accommodation to Airport (Pay as you go)

Travel by taxi or ride share from your vacation accommodation to the airport (as per your own arrangements, pay as you go). Uber is available in most major cities.
Other Australian ride share options are:
-Ola
-DiDi
-Shebah
-GoCatch
-Bolt

(Day 6) - Australia Domestic Flight - Perth to Cairns via Ayers Rock

Your Australian Domestic Flight Takes you from Perth to Cairns.

(Day 6 cont) - 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 6 to 9) - 3 Nights Accommodation in Beautiful Cairns

Travel to your accommodation Cairns, Australia, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 3 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, free wireless internet, Bushfire Flame Grill, bar, pool, business services on request, coin operated laundry on four floors, room service, laundry & dry cleaning.

Insiders Tip: Visit The Esplanade

Experience the leisurely atmosphere at the playground for locals and tourists alike at The Esplanade in Cairns!

With so many activities available The Esplanade has always been a focal point for this city. This is a place that literally has everything! Take a stroll and do some bird watching on the boardwalk but as you enjoy the views don’t forget to stop off at Foreshore Promenade for a bite to eat at the many available restaurants. Access to The Lagoon is easy here which is set overlooking the Barrier Reef and Trinity inlet and features all year free swimming where you can take a dip in this filtered saltwater lagoon. Let the kids can play in the sandy edges and in the shallow waters while you lounge on the semi-shaded timber decks. For the kids, don’t miss out on the Trinity Bay foreshore playground “Muddy” with equipment for all ages. For the older kids, stop off at the Skate Park to see some skaters and BMXers in action! Whether you decide to take a morning jog, fly a kite or just relax in the large grassy areas for some lunch you will surely enjoy the tropical lifestyle!

If you happen to be in Cairns on a Saturday be sure to check out the Weekend Markets which feature only locally made arts and crafts, clothing and much more. While you’re there listen out for the live music and fun street characters. The market gets into full swing on the promenade (just by the lagoon) every Saturday between 8am – 4pm.

Lagoon Hours: All Year, 6am-9pm
Closed Wednesdays until midday for maintenance

(Day 7) - Day Tour - Great Barrier Reef Cruise & Snorkel

Today you’ll go on a cruise onboard the T6 to the Great Barrier Reef, one of the natural wonders of the world, and not surprisingly the world’s most extensive coral reef.

T6 departs daily from Cairns. A 90 minute journey to the outer reef will see you arriving at the first of the day’s two sites, selected from a range of 15 from coral gardens to caves and canyons to walls and drop offs, many of which are exclusively owned by the tour operator. Sites are chosen as the optimum locations for the weather conditions, and change daily, so each day will bring you a whole new underwater adventure! Diving (Certified and Introductory) and snorkeling are all on offered at the reef, where 5 hours allows plenty of time to enjoy water and topside activities.

Operates

Daily

Need to Know

Not Included: Fees (Payable on Board) – EMC, Port fees, & administration costs (AUD$10*) (Includes $20* EMC charge for all passengers over the age of 4), Fuel Levy (AUD$10) – Fees are subject to change please verify before tour.

What to Bring: Beach towels (available at accommodation)

Times

Pick up from Cairns & Northern Beaches accommodations at 7:00am with boarding at 7:40am. Returns to Marlin Jetty at 4:00pm.

Inclusions

– Marine Interpretation talks
– Underwater photography briefs
– 1 guided snorkel tour
– 3 Certified and 2 Introductory dives are available on board at own expense
– Lunch is a divine buffet of fresh and healthy food
– Quality Snorkel: wet suit, lycra suit & prescription mask

Upgrades

Upgrade to Introductory or Certified Diving (Extra Cost).

Introductory Dive: Participants are required to complete a medical questionnaire upon boarding. A history of asthma, diabetes, and epilepsy are some of the conditions that may preclude you from diving.

Certified Dive: Certified divers are required to produce their Certification Cards upon boarding, and sign paperwork stating they are mentally and physically fit to dive. The diving is conducted in buddy pairs, with guided diving with a dive master available as an optional extra.

(Day 8) - Day Tour, Cape Tribulation & Jungle Surfing

Spend the day in Tropical Queensland’s World Heritage Daintree Rainforest. Includes the best of Cape Tribulation and the Daintree, with Jungle Surfing, lunch, and guaranteed wildlife spotting.

Begin the day by visiting the Wildlife Habitat. See the endangered cassowary, along with other wildlife, as well as the opportunity to hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies. Have your picture taken with a koala, snake, or crocodile (extra cost). Morning Tea included. Arrive at Cape Tribulation and enjoy lunch before embarking on a fantastic adventure of Jungle Surfing. Set in the pristine Daintree rainforest at Cape Tribulation, Jungle Surfing takes you on a unique rainforest tour where your feet don’t touch the ground.


Fly through the trees on flying fox ziplines, stopping at tree platforms to take in spectacular bird’s eye views over the treetops. Highly trained abseiling masters and scientist guides will make sure your adventure is exciting, educational, and safe. Cross the Daintree River on the Daintree River Cruise spotting Crocodiles, birds and other animals in the wild as you journey through the mangroves. Finally, venture to Alexandra Lookout for magnificent views of the Daintree River and Coral Sea – where the Great Barrier Reef meets the Rainforest.

After an exciting day, relax and enjoy some afternoon tea before heading back to your hotel.

Operates Daily, Does not operate on Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and the day of the annual Ironman event held in June. Depart around: 7:00am; Return around: 7:30pm

Includes Hotel pick-up/drop-off; Scenic Coastal Drive; Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas; Morning Tea; Daintree River Cable Ferry; Tropical Lunch; Jungle Surfing Canopy Tour; Alexandra Lookout; Daintree River Cruise

Need to Know Please advise at the time of reservation any disability requiring special attention while on tour. Your tour guides will make reasonable attempts to accommodate the special needs of disabled customers, however we or the tour operators are not responsible in the event they are unable to accommodate your needs. Harnesses available to fit children aged 4, up to adults weighing 120kg/260lbs. No prior experience or specific fitness require. Children under the age of 4 are not permitted to travel on this tour; It is suggested you bring a water bottle, towel (for the beach), sunscreen, hat, insect repellent, a camera and some cash. Please advise of dietary requirements at time of booking

(Day 9) - 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 9 cont) - Australian Domestic Flight - Cairns to Brisbane

Travel within Australia by domestic air from Cairns to Brisbane.

(Day 9 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.

  • a) All prices are USD$/person (including all Taxes). Subject to availability and seasonality. Other Conditions Apply (see Terms and Conditions).
  • b) Land Content Only represents the pricing for the full itinerary as detailed, except the International Flights from the USA (and return) are NOT included.
  • c) An Infant (Lapchild) must be less than 2 years old on the date of departure. Infant must travel with at least one adult. An infant with a seat pays the price of a Child.
  • d) A Child must be aged between 2-11 years on the date of departure. Child must travel with at least one adult.