DAY
1: ARRIVE SYDNEY (4)
On arrival at Sydney Airport you are transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. Perhaps wander down to Sydney Aquarium and Wildlife World to see native Australian animals and birds. Or take a stroll to Circular Quay and around to the Sydney Opera House for panoramic views of the glistening harbor and the bridge. If you’re feeling really energetic a walk through the Royal Botanic Gardens will lead you to the Art Gallery of New South Wales, which houses permanent and visiting collections. Tonight why not dine at one of the many restaurants at Darling Harbour, Cockle Bay or King Street Wharf.
Hotel: Four Points by Sheraton (SF) (4 nights)
DAY
2: SYDNEY SIGHTSEEING
Stop at Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair in the Royal Botanic Gardens to view the Opera House and Harbour Bridge on a sightseeing tour. Drive through Chinatown and Kings Cross and stop at the Gap at South Head for photo opportunities before morning tea (own expense) at Bondi Beach. Return to the city at lunchtime to enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. (BB)
DAY
3: BLUE MOUNTAINS - FEATHERDALE WILDLIFE PARK
Visit the award-winning Featherdale Wildlife Park to see Australian animals including kangaroos and crocodiles. You can also pat a cuddly koala! On arrival in the Blue Mountains visit Scenic World for a chance to ride on the Scenic Railway (the steepest in the world), Skyway or Cableway (all own expense). See the spectacular Three Sisters rock formation from Echo Point. Spend time in the quaint village of Leura browsing through the antique shops or souvenir shopping before returning to Sydney past the site of the 2000 Olympic Games. (BB)
DAY
4: SYDNEY AT LEISURE
A full day at leisure to explore the delights of Sydney. Why not take a tour of our beautiful Northern Beaches. You’ll travel over the Harbour Bridge to Milsons Point for the best possible photo opportunity of the Sydney Opera House. View the Middle Harbour area and Spit Bridge from Seaforth Lookout. Travel past Sydney’s white sandy beaches including Curl Curl, Harbord and Freshwater. Stop for afternoon tea (own expense) at Manly Beach then return to the city at your leisure on the famous Manly Ferry with panoramic views of the Sydney skyline and Opera House from the water. Or visit the Hunter Valley for a winery tour and tastings of the local wines. Or perhaps take an excursion to Canberra, Australia's capital, and see the sights including a guided tour of Parliament House. (BB)
DAY
5: SYDNEY - CAIRNS (3)
You will be transferred to Sydney Airport for your flight to Cairns. On arrival you will be transferred to your hotel for your three-night stay. There is time at leisure to explore this tropical city. Take a stroll along the Esplanade or simply relax in one of the many cafés or by the hotel pool. This evening you may wish to browse through the Night Markets. (BB) Hotel: Hilton Hotel (D)
(3 nights)
DAY
6: GREAT BARRIER REEF
Board a high speed catamaran for an unforgettable day on the Great Barrier Reef. Snorkel in the underwater paradise with its colorful coral and tropical fish and view this natural living wonder up close (equipment provided). Visit the underwater observatory and watch the marine life glide by plus take a ride in the semi-submersible vessel. Enjoy an informative reef education presentation by a marine naturalist. A tropical buffet Highlight Lunch is included before returning to Cairns late afternoon for an evening at leisure. (BB HL)
DAY
7: CAIRNS AT LEISURE
Enjoy a full day at leisure in the tropical city of Cairns. Perhaps take a ride on the famous Kuranda Railway for a breathtaking journey to the village of Kuranda with time to stroll through the Kuranda Markets. Return to the lowlands by the Skyrail Cableway above the Barron Gorge National Park, a beautiful experience. Visit the award-winning Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park. Experience the History, Creation and Dance Theatres where the legends of the Dreamtime are brought to life. Or if nature’s your thing, you could take an excursion to Cape Tribulation. Catch a ferry across the Daintree River and visit the Environmental Centre then take a closer look at life from the Rainforest Canopy Tower. There’s time to walk along Cape Tribulation Beach before lunch in a rainforest setting. Later cruise through the mangroves along the Daintree River and visit Mossman Gorge. (BB)
DAY
8: DEPART CAIRNS
Today we transfer you to Cairns Airport where you will connect with your flight home. (BB)
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