This package includes a wide variety of what Australia has to offer.
DAY 1 Sydney
Welcome to Sydney, the jewel in the crown of the South Pacific. On arrival you will be transferred to your hotel for the next four nights. Rest of the day at leisure.
DAY 2 Sydney
This morning, gain an insight into the famous city of Sydney and capture the beauty of this harbour city from selected vantage points. Enjoy morning tea at Manly and walk along The Corso. Enjoy a relaxing harbour luncheon cruise and see the best of Sydney in just one day. On board, see the magnificent homes of Australia’s wealthy as you cruise the foreshore of exclusive waterfront suburbs, and see the bustling harbour activity. Enjoy Sydney Harbour, the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Your tour concludes at Kings Cross Wharf or Circular Quay.
DAY 3 Sydney
Travel west beyond the suburban sprawl of Sydney into the rugged beauty of the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park. Journey along the scenic Bells Line of Road and enjoy a stop at Govett’s Leap and Cahill Lookout for fabulous views. See magnificent steep valleys, canyons and the Three Sisters on the Skyway, Scenic Railway or Sceniscender (own expense). Listen to ancient Aboriginal Dreamtime legends before traveling via the townships of Leura and Katoomba. Enjoy a walk among the native bush and visit an Australian wildlife park with an opportunity to touch a cuddly koala and feed kangaroos. See wombats, dingoes and other unique Australian animals in this natural setting.
DAY 4 Sydney
Day at leisure. Tour suggestions on page 13.
DAY 5 Cairns
Fly to Cairns, gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, Kuranda and the Daintree Rainforest. Rest of day at leisure.
DAY 6 Cairns
Board the luxury Quicksilver catamaran and cruise the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef for a day, enjoying a buffet lunch on board. Swim and snorkel with the tropical marine life, board the semi-sub for an adventure through coral gardens or see the fish feeding from the underwater observatory. On return, cruise back to Port Douglas, then it’s a short drive to Cairns.
DAY 7 Cairns
Travel by Scenic Railway through the rainforest to the Kuranda Station. You will be given free time to explore the “Village in the Rainforest” and browse through the shops and market offering local handicrafts. Experience Skyrail and glide over the rainforest canopy before arriving at the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Centre where you will have the opportunity to experience the culture and history of this ancient people. A lavish buffet lunch will be provided before you are returned to your accommodation in the late afternoon.
DAY 8 Cairns
Free day for souvenir shopping at Cairns markets, or see tour suggestions on pages 22 and 23.
DAY 9 Melbourne
Fly to Melbourne. Rest of day at leisure
DAY 10 Melbourne
Discover all the charms of elegant and contemporary Melbourne. Cross the West Gate Bridge for amazing city views and observe the Yarra River’s bustling activity. See Captain Cook’s Cottage, Queen Victoria Market, Fitzroy Gardens and Albert Park, home to the Australian Formula One Grand Prix. Visit the historic Shrine of Remembrance and stroll along Southbank’s waterfront precinct. This city has it all - discover it for yourself. Afternoon at leisure.
DAY 11 Melbourne
Visit Warrook Farm, a working cattle property, and enjoy the opportunity to feed kangaroos and other farm animals. At Phillip Island visit the Koala Conservation Centre and see koalas along an elevated boardwalk. View the Nobbies and one of Australia’s largest fur seal population. See the seaside town of Cowes and the Visitors Information Centre. At dusk, enjoy the ‘little penguin parade’ and see penguins make their way to their burrows.
DAY 12 Melbourne
At leisure, tour suggestions on pages 41 and 42.
DAY 13 Depart
Today you will be transferred from your hotel to the airport, concluding your East Coaster Experience.