When you think of a fantastic vacation, what comes to mind? Cosmopolitan cities with sumptuous cuisine, lively nightlife, fantastic shopping, and intimate cafés? Perhaps you think of spectacular scenery and unique wildlife. Or maybe you want to learn about native cultures. If so, this trip to Australia and New Zealand is sure to be the perfect vacation for you! In Sydney, visit the Sydney Opera House, cruise on Sydney Harbour, and explore the cobblestone streets of the Rocks, the harborside area where the first convicts settled. In Melbourne, shop til you drop at its many boutiques and visit an opal company. Outside Adelaide, visit one of the world’s last unspoiled habitats—Kangaroo Island—where you’ll explore a sanctuary for native Australian animals and see colonies of rare Australian sea lions and New Zealand fur seals. In Rotorua, visit Te Puia, Rotorua’s most prominent thermal area, and in Queenstown, enjoy the many activities offered in this “Adventure Capital of the World,” including a cruise on breathtaking Milford Sound.If you’re interested in spectacular scenery, you’ll be thrilled with the magnificent sights offered throughout this vacation. You’ve seen photos of the Great Barrier Reef—now’s your chance to snorkel in it. You’ve seen photos of Uluru (Ayers Rock)—now’s your chance to walk around it. You’ve heard of Australia’s Ghan Train, traveling through the very center of Australia—now’s your chance to ride it. You’ve heard of the famous Tasmanian Devil—now’s your chance to see one. On this tour, you’ll also learn about the native cultures and way of life. See Aboriginal rock petroglyphs in Kakadu National Park; enjoy a Maori concert in New Zealand; and learn how education and medical services are provided to those living in the remote regions of the Outback.From the cosmopolitan cities to the remote regions, whatever you desire, this vacation is sure to delight—it’s a vacation of a lifetime!
Itinerary:
Day #1 Arrive in Melbourne, Australia. G’day and welcome to Melbourne, Australia’s second-largest city. Hotel rooms are available for immediate check-in. This evening, your Tour Director hosts a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)
Day #2 Melbourne. Today’s sightseeing tour includes landmarks such as Parliament House and the Shrine of Remembrance, a tribute to Australia’s war heroes. Visit beautiful FITZROY GARDENS, then drive past the lush Royal Botanic Gardens. You’ll soon discover the differing architectural influences of this city as you see the Victorian Arts Centre and other buildings of significance. We also stop at one of the country’s leading OPAL COMPANIES to discover how the beautiful gems are mined. Then, enjoy a truly unique lunch experience on board the historic [LF] COLONIAL TRAMCAR RESTAURANT as it winds its way through the streets of Melbourne. Tonight’s optional excursion to see the world-famous Penguin Parade on Phillip Island is highly recommended. (B,L)
Day #3 Melbourne-Hobart. Fly to Hobart, Tasmania, home of the famed Tasmanian Devil. (B)
Day #4 Hobart. Excursion to Port Arthur. Today’s tour of the scenic Tasman Peninsula features the blowhole, the Devil’s Kitchen, and the Tasman Arch coastal formations. Visit PORT ARTHUR, which began housing convicts in the 1830s. A guided tour of the penal settlement shows you the ruins of the 4-story penitentiary and the model prison—grim reminders of Australia’s days as a penal colony. Also stop at the TASMANIAN DEVIL CONSERVATION PARK to see the famous Tasmanian Devil, the world’s largest carnivorous marsupial. (B,L)
Day #5 Hobart-Adelaide. Today, fly via Melbourne to Adelaide. Upon arrival, take a brief orientation tour along the wide tree-lined streets and well-manicured gardens. The remainder of the afternoon and evening are at your leisure. (B)
Day #6 Adelaide. Excursion to Kangaroo Island. Early this morning, depart Adelaide and travel by motorcoach and ferry to [LF] KANGAROO ISLAND, one of the world’s last unspoiled habitats. Visit SEAL BAY with a national park ranger to see a colony of rare Australian sea lions. Explore FLINDERS CHASE NATIONAL PARK, a sanctuary for native Australian animals, including kangaroos, wallabies, and koalas. Stop here for a walk on REMARKABLE ROCKS, with stunning views of the sea. You will also take a boardwalk down a rugged cliff face to ADMIRALS ARCH, a unique rock formation and home to a colony of New Zealand fur seals, which can be seen resting on the rocks and playing in the waves. Return to Adelaide late this evening. (B,L)
Day #7 Adelaide-Ghan Train. This morning, enjoy free time to relax. Later, a highlight of your vacation begins as you board the GHAN TRAIN for an overnight journey that offers a fascinating perspective of the Outback. (B,L,D)
Day #8 Ghan Train-Alice Springs. You are scheduled to arrive in Alice Springs midday. Upon arrival, visit the ROYAL FLYING DOCTOR SERVICE and the SCHOOL OF THE AIR to appreciate how medical and education services are provided to those living in remote regions. Then, on to Anzac Hill, a tribute to the war heroes of Australia and New Zealand. You will also visit the historic OLD TELEGRAPH STATION to learn how early settlers developed communications. This evening, enjoy a truly unique Aussie experience—an [LF] OUTBACK BARBECUE featuring a meal of typical campfire fare, fascinating tales of the Outback, and Aboriginal folklore. (B,D)
Day #9 Alice Springs-Ayers Rock. Today, fly to the “Center of Australia.” Travel to a popular lookout to enjoy views of the magnificent Kata Tjuta (the Olgas), a geological splendor of some 36 brilliant monoliths. There is time to take photos before returning to “Sunset Strip” for a DRINK and the changing colors of the rock. (B)
Day #10 Ayers Rock-Cairns. Your Outback adventure continues this morning. For an unforgettable experience, you may choose to rise early for an optional camel ride to watch the sunrise at Uluru (Ayers Rock). Then, enjoy a TOUR around the base of Uluru, learning of its significance to the Anangu Aboriginal people. For an even more amazing view of Uluru, perhaps take an optional aircraft ride. Later, fly to Cairns, gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. (B)
Day #11 Cairns. Great Barrier Reef Excursion. Board a fast catamaran for a CRUISE to Green Island, one of the many tropical islands on Australia’s famous Great Barrier Reef. Here you can choose to SNORKEL, take a GLASS-BOTTOM BOAT TOUR, or walk through the island’s cool rainforest. This afternoon, your Tour Director can assist you with a variety of optional activities, including crocodile spotting. Tonight, join a unique dinner event at TJAPUKAI ABORIGINAL CULTURAL PARK for an interactive, entertaining portrayal of the culture, dance, and folklore of this indigenous tribe. (B,D)
Day #12 Cairns-Darwin. This morning, enjoy a special visit to CAIRNS TROPICAL ZOO for your chance to meet Australia’s native animals. You’ll also enjoy breakfast in the park, a talk by a wildlife keeper, and will have the opportunity to have your picture taken with a koala! Afterward, you may choose to join our optional trip to Kuranda via the old scenic rail route. See magnificent scenery, lush rainforests, and twisting waterfalls from the comfort of a restored, historic mountain train. For the return journey you may choose to take the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Tonight, fly to the top end of Australia to Darwin, famous for its strategic importance during WWII. (B)
Day #13 Darwin-Kakadu National Park. Today, see giant termite nests on the way to KAKADU NATIONAL PARK. Explore parts of nearly 7,300 square miles of unspoiled waterways with a rich heritage of Aboriginal culture and stop at the Bowali Visitor Centre to learn about Kakadu’s habitats. [LF] CRUISE the wetlands, where you may see crocodiles, and walk ancient trails to see Aboriginal rock petroglyphs. An optional light-aircraft flight over the park should not be missed. Dinner tonight is at your hotel. (B,D) NOTE:During the wet season (December through April) it can be difficult to see crocodiles in the wild.
Day #14 Kakadu National Park-Darwin. Depart your hotel this morning and stop at WINDOWS ON THE WETLANDS VISITOR CENTRE, an interactive display of Kakadu fauna. Return to Darwin for sightseeing. See the elegant colonial architecture of the city’s historic buildings that survived Cyclone Tracy in 1974. Visit the splendid BOTANIC GARDENS and beautiful East Point, an area rich in WWII memorabilia. Also visit the ART GALLERY to view fine collections of Aboriginal art. (B)
Day #15 Darwin-Sydney. Today, fly to Sydney, the largest city in Australia. (B)
Day #16 Sydney. Explore one of the world’s most beautiful cities. Visit the SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for a guided tour of its interior and theaters. Travel to Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair in the city’s BOTANIC GARDENS for a great photo opportunity and sweeping views of the harbor, Opera House, and Harbour Bridge. Visit world-famous Bondi Beach for an insider’s tour of [LF] BONDI SURF BATHERS’ LIFE SAVING CLUB with one of the lifesavers. Along the way, learn about the history of the club and enjoy a lifesaving demonstration! See some of the city’s suburbs and the historic Rocks area, home to Sydney’s original convicts. For a truly memorable experience, enjoy lunch as you CRUISE on Sydney Harbour. (B,L)
Day #17 Sydney. Enjoy a full day at leisure. Perhaps join our optional excursions to the Blue Mountains or to Hunter Valley, one of Australia’s leading wine-growing regions. You can even climb to the top of Sydney’s Harbour Bridge! Your Tour Director will help you make the most of this exciting city. Tonight, enjoy a special dinner at THE WATERFRONT RESTAURANT with fantastic views of the highlights of Sydney. (B,D)
Day #18 Sydney-Christchurch-New Zealand-Mount Cook. This morning, fly across the Tasman Sea to Christchurch. Upon arrival, motor south to magnificent MOUNT COOK NATIONAL PARK, named after New Zealand’s highest peak. (B,D)
Day #19 Mount Cook-Queenstown. Visit the SIR EDMUND HILLARY ALPINE CENTER for unique insight into the history and culture of this region. Weather permitting, you may choose an optional ski-plane flight that lands on the 18-mile-long Tasman Glacier—or a thrilling helicopter ride. Later, drive to Queenstown, the “Adventure Capital of the World.” This evening, CRUISE across Lake Wakatipu on board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw and take in views of the rugged Southern Alps. Stop at Walter Peak High Country Farm for DINNER and a FARM DEMONSTRATION that provides a glimpse of life on the farm. (B,D)
Day #20 Queenstown. Cruise on Milford Sound. Today, travel into FIORDLAND NATIONAL PARK through the Homer Tunnel to Milford Sound. Boasting some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world, this region of New Zealand has been honored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. CRUISE on the fjord, with sheer rock walls rising thousands of feet from the water’s great depths. (B,L)
Day #21 Queenstown. A full day at leisure for your own discoveries. Consider an optional visit to a local vineyard and sample some of the prize vintages, or maybe a thrilling jet-boat ride on the Kawarau and Dart Rivers. Your Tour Director will have suggestions to help you plan your day to explore, shop, and enjoy optional activities. (B)
Day #22 Queenstown-Rotorua. Fly north to Rotorua. This evening, enjoy a traditional [LF] HANGI DINNER followed by an authentic MAORI CONCERT. (B,D)
Day #23 Rotorua. This morning, start with a visit to the AGRODOME to learn more about one of the country’s major industries—sheep! Continue on to RAINBOW SPRINGS to view native bush and wildlife, including a walk through the kiwi bird enclosure. Last stop is TE PUIA, Rotorua’s most prominent thermal area with New Zealand’s largest geyser, boiling mud pools, and silica terraces. The afternoon and evening are at your leisure. You may wish to board a floatplane for flightseeing of this beautiful area, join a New Zealand family for dinner in their home, or indulge yourself in the relaxing hot springs, sumptuous spa treatments, and massage therapies at the Polynesian Spa. (B)
Day #24 Rotorua-Waitomo-Auckland. Leave Rotorua and cross the Mamaku Ranges to the famous WAITOMO GLOWWORM CAVES. Experience a guided tour through the limestone chambers and passages of the cavern. Take a silent boat trip through the Glowworm Grotto as you glide quietly beneath the lights of thousands of glowworms suspended from the cave ceiling. Continue on to Auckland. This evening, your Tour Director hosts a farewell dinner. (B,D)
Day #25 Auckland. Your tour ends with breakfast this morning. (B)