Day 1 - JFK to Sydney

Day 2 - Cairns transfers 3-nights Cairns

3/4-star hotel. Double room. Breakfast daily included

Optional locations to stay: You can choose to stay instead in Palm Cove, ½hr drive north, which is a quaint beachside village with no building higher than a palm tree – very relaxing area which has beach access or stay in Port Douglas, situated 1hr north and is set among the rainforest. Port Douglas has the 4 mile beachFYI: Cairns has a lot of activities (such as shopping, restaurants, and casino). Cairns doesn’t have a beach as it sits on a lagoon. Cairns is the least expensive destination but Palm Cove and Port Douglas are nicer areas.

Day 3 - Full Day Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Cruise Snorkel equipment incl. Underwater submarine incl. Lunch included

Departing daily from Cairns Marlin Marina, this 32m luxury sailing catamaran Ocean Spirit, sets sail for a day to remember at picturesque Michaelmas Cay a unique Great Barrier Reef environment where the day tour visitor numbers are limited. A vegetated coral sand cay encircled by a spectacular fringing reef teeming with colourful marine life. Michaelamas Sand Cay is also a bird lover's delight and an important protected sanctuary for migratory birds that travel the world over. Journey to Michaelmas Cay on the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns: Check-in for your boarding pass is at the Ocean Spirit Counter located inside the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal located, 1 Spence Street. Coach transfers are available from most Cairns and Northern Beaches accommodation, or you can make your own way to the Terminal. Parking is available nearby in the Cairns City Council coin operated car park or underneath the Pier Shopping Centre. Your Cairns reef tour boarding commences at 8.00am with a morning tea and coffee served with a delicious muffin or focaccia.

Upon arrival at Michaelmas Cay, watch the fish feeding presentation from onboard Ocean Spirit. The "Beach Buggy" transfer vessel begins transfers between the boat and the sand cay island. Boarding for the semi-submersible submarine coral viewing tour is from the rear of Ocean Spirit. Cruising in the air-conditioned semi-submersible submarine you'll get a scuba diver's view of the reef without getting your hair wet! With the large viewing windows, the crew provide an informative commentary on the corals and marine life before your eyes.

Snorkelling is conducted directly from the beach in the sand cay's protected shallow waters providing the ideal environment for all ages and young families who want to experience this activity together. Buoyancy vests are also available. Michaelmas Reef is renowned for an abundance of giant clams and it's sea turtles amongst a myriad of colourful marine life. First time divers can scuba dive the Great Barrier Reef - For the more adventurous, you can experience even more of the Great Barrier Reef with an exciting introductory scuba dive (additional cost applies). The shallow waters off Michaelmas Cay offer a perfect environment for first time scuba divers. No experience is necessary and you'll have a highly skilled dive instructor by your side for a fully supervised introduction to the world of Scuba and underwater delights of the outer reef.

If you prefer a more relaxing day, laze on the beach or soak up the tropical atmosphere under the boats sails and enjoy a leisurely day on the Great Barrier Reef. Lunch is served onboard and consists of a delicious hot and cold buffet selection including fresh local prawns.

Day 4 - Kuranda Village with Scenic Train & Skyrail plus Hartley’s Crocodile Adventure (with Australian wildlife)

Kuranda Scenic Rail: This morning our driver will greet you and you'll be transferred to the Freshwater train Station. Once aboard, enjoy this historical rail journey to Kuranda, enjoying breathtaking views across the cane fields of Cairns, to the tropical rainforest of Kuranda.

Kuranda Village: Upon arrival in Kuranda, you only have limited time to explore this fascinating village – approx. 1hr. The Heritage Markets operate 7 days a week and are full of colourful and interesting arts and crafts.

Skyrail Rainforest Cableway: At 11.30am, make your way directly to the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway boarding line – there is no need to queue as your tickets are already on your Boarding Pass. Once aboard, be amazed as you journey over and through World Heritage protected Rainforest. Your Boarding Pass is your ticket for this iconic rainforest experience that includes time at both Red Peak and Barron Falls stations, both with spectacular lookouts. Or visit the Rainforest Interpretation Centre. Complimentary guided boardwalk tours are offered throughout the day at Red Peak Station. After arriving at the Smithfield Skyrail Terminal, our coach is waiting to transfer you to Hartley’s.

Hartley’s Crocodile Adventure: From Smithfield Terminal, our coach will transfer you to Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures – the best place to see crocodiles in North Queensland! There is plenty of free time to explore the park, including the unique eco experience of the Wetlands cruise through the ecologically significant Melaleuca wetlands; the domain of the saltwater crocodile. See the notorious head shake and death roll of a huge crocodile at the Crocodile Attack Show, and the opportunity to hold a crocodile for a photo (at own expense). Also discover the world’s most venomous snakes at the Snake Show before your return transfer departs at 4.45pm.

Aboriginal Cultural Tjapukai by Night Tour including Buffet Dinner

Join in interactive activities and watch theatrical performances during a special evening of Aboriginal culture. Learn about the traditional customs of Australia’s indigenous Tjapukai people as they share stories of the rainforest during an enthralling dance show. Enjoy canapés and a buffet dinner. Upgrade to include a welcome drink and lakeside ceremony plus hotel pickup and drop-off from Cairns and Northern Beaches.

Day 5 - Cairns to Ayers Rock Kata Tjuta Domes Tour

You will travel to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park to a place where unique flora and fauna thrive,
Kata Tjuta (The Olgas). Here your guide will reveal the many attributes of this diverse environment and describe the cultural significance of Kata Tjuta as a sacred Aboriginal men’s ceremonial site.
Arriving at Walpa Gorge you will walk between the mighty conglomerate domes and hear how these
36 domes that make up Kata Tjuta have evolved over millions of years. Take time to listen to the wind (Walpa) far above and view the scale of the rock walls that surround you. The spirituality of this amazing location embraces everyone who ventures here.
Your guide will return you to your hotel in time for those people joining the Sounds of Silence dinner.

National park entry tickets are required for entry into Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park - $25 per person. National park entry is a government charge payable directory to the National park and not included in touring price. Tour will stop at park entry station for purchase of tickets.

Sounds of Silence Dinner

A must on any Australia travel itinerary – the Sounds of Silence dinner is the best loved outback experience. Watch the setting sun and dine under a canopy of stars at the award-winning Sounds of Silence dinner. In a wonderful setting in the middle of the desert, witness a spectacular sunset over Ayers Rock. Taste classic Australian delicacies like bush tucker – barramundi, kangaroo, emu, bush salads and some delectable Australian desserts. After the meal enjoy a guided tour through the constellations by the resident Star Talker. Away from distracting city lights, in the pitch darkness of the Red Centre, discover the Universe beyond.

1-night Ayers Rock 3/4-star hotel. Double room. Breakfast daily included

 

Day 6 - Ayers Rock Sunrise Tour Picnic breakfast incl.

As you travel towards Uluru, its vast shape rises from the sand dunes in the early dawn light highlighting its presence in this country. Your guide will take you to a special location to watch the sun rise over this amazing monolith. You will learn the Creation stories of Liru (poisonous snake) and Kuniya (python) and hear about the Mala people. After breakfast you will visit Mutijulu Waterhole and then drive around the base of the Uluru before returning to the resort.

Optional Helicopter flight over the Ayers Rock Offerings from 15 min to 30 min. (additional cost may apply)

Day 7 - Downtown Sydney Tour with Harbour Luncheon Cruise

Take on a Sydney Sights tour. You will see Darling Harbour and Cockle Bay before crossing the Sydney Harbor Bridge. Stop at Milsons Point for spectacular views of the Opera House, Harbour Bridge and famous City Skyline. Enjoy views from Seaforth Lookout over Middle Head and Pearl Bay Marinas. Stop for morning tea (at your own expense) at the seaside township of Manly and take a walk along the Corso and see the beach that has made Manly famous. Have lunch whilst cruising on the harbour as the afternoon you get to know the bustling city of Sydney. Walk along the beautiful sands of the world-renowned Bondi Beach; see cosmopolitan Kings Cross, exclusive Double Bay and Vaucluse as well as trendy Paddington with its beautiful lace fronted Victorian Terraces. The tour will also take in Mrs. Macquarie's Chair - one of Sydney's most visited and photographed views, The Rocks, Sydney Opera House, St. Mary's Cathedral, AMP Sydney Tower, Darling Harbour and much more. Return to Circular Quay or request a hotel drop off.

Sydney Opera House Tour

Go behind the scenes at the Sydney Opera House for a fascinating look at this Sydney icon. Your knowledgeable guide leads you through the World Heritage–listed building on a 1-hour walking tour, sharing entertaining stories about the revered performance center's history and providing access to off-limits parts of the house. Tours take place every 30 minutes throughout the day, so it’s easy to fit into your sightseeing schedule.

Sydney Tower 360

Sydney Tower 360 Bar and Dining. Take in views from one of Sydney's best vantage points, the revolving restaurant at 360 Bar and Dining, which perches on top of Sydney Tower, 88 stories above the ground. Choose from an à la carte menu to customize your 2- or 3-course meal, enjoying an elegant meal while overlooking the stunning Sydney skyline. This sophisticated restaurant offers an intimate, stylish fine dining experience, with contemporary Australian-French fusion cuisine.

Day 8 - Free day Sydney

Day 9 - Queenstown Skyline Gondola & Dinner

Ride the Queenstown gondola to a skyline restaurant for a midday or evening meal, and enjoy scenic views over Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables range. At Stratosfare Restaurant and Bar, perched on Bob's Peakat Skyline high above the mountain town, settle in for a 4-course buffet lunch or 6-course buffet dinner of local specialties. Each table in the restaurant’s tiered seating area boasts prime views, including Coronet Peak. On Christmas or New Year’s Eve, enjoy a themed buffet, live entertainment and two luge rides.

Day 10 - Milford Sound Coach, Scenic Cruise and Coach

On boarding a luxury glas s-roofed coach in Queenstown, you enjoy a relaxing trip along the shores of Lake Wakatipu and through the rolling countryside of Te Anau. After a morning break in Te Anau, where you have the option of purch as ing refreshments, the coach continues along the spectacular Milford Road. There is time for photo stops and short walks along the way. On reaching Milford Sound, you board a vessel for a cruise the full-length of Milford Sound. The vessel provides excellent viewing opportunities and plenty of time is available to enjoy the waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife. A comprehensive commentary is presented throughout the cruise. Complementary tea and coffee are available on board the vessel. Following the cruise, you are transferred back to by scenic coach.

Day 11 - Free day Queenstown Dinner at Walter Peak High Country Farm and Cruise

Enjoy this beautiful city with quaint shops and restaurants in a walkable city center. Spend today at leisure or choose to add an optional sightseeing tour such as:

Board the TSS ‘Earnslaw,’ a vintage steamship, for an evening cruise on Queenstown’s scenic Lake Wakatipu. Arriving at Walter Peak High Country Farm, you’re treated to a sumptuous barbecue dinner at the Colonel’s Homestead. Sink your teeth into roasted meats and seafood, homemade desserts and a New Zealand cheeseboard while a pianist provides the ambiance. After dinner, join a walking tour of the farm to see demonstrations of sheep corralling, or simply relax in the scenic outdoors before the return boat trip to Queenstown.

Day 12 - Queenstown to JFK

2018