Day 1
We board our international flight
from Los Angeles to Sydney this evening, crossing the
Pacific and the international dateline.
Day
3
Arriving in Sydney early this morning, we are transferred to our downtown
hotel. One of the most naturally beautiful cities in the world, Sydney is
endowed with a sparkling harbor with its twin landmarks, the Opera House
and Sydney Harbor Bridge. Add to this a sunny Mediterranean climate and a
relaxed lifestyle with a diverse population that gives it a vivacity and
choice of galleries, restaurants, shops, nightlife and entertainment.
We have tickets for a
harbor cruise today, and that is an excellent way to start discovering
this lovely city. There are several sailings to choose from, so we are
free to choose one that is convenient for us.
Day 4
We will be picked up this
morning for a half-day sightseeing tour of the city. Some of the areas
visited may include the historic Rocks, where the city was founded some
200 years ago with a shipload of British prisoners! Travel through the
Harbour Tunnel across to North Sydney to catch a glimpse of Kiribilli –
the residence of the Australian Prime Minister, before crossing the harbor
again on the Harbour Bridge. Enjoy spectacular views at the ‘Gap’,
where the mouth of the harbor meets the Pacific Ocean. After a brief stop
at the famous Bondi Beach, return to town through the trendy suburb of
Paddington and the shopping and entertainment complex of Darling Harbour.
The rest of the day is
open for us to do as we please – sit on a sidewalk café and watch the
world go by, inspect some outstanding Aboriginal Art at one of the
excellent local museums or visit some of the unique shops and boutiques
that showcase Australian creativity.
Day 5
A free day to enjoy Sydney and its surrounding areas - take a tour
(optional) to visit the famous Hunter Valley vineyards or the scenic Blue
Mountains near Sydney, or ride the public ferries on the Harbor and check
out some of Sydney's many interesting suburbs.
Day 6
An early morning start
today - our train leaves Sydney at 8:10 AM today and we travel through
some charming New South Wales countryside until we arrive at the Rock
Railway Station around 2 PM. The town is named after a local geological
feature, a craggy outcrop that rises more than 1000 feet and dominates the
immediate landscape. We will be met at the station and then transferred to
a local farm - a large (over 5,500 acres) family-owned wheat, sheep and
cattle property. A warm welcome assured, this is a perfect retreat with
each guest having the opportunity to experience what life with a typical
Australian farming family is like. Farm activities may include droving,
shearing, stock work and the harvesting of crops. A host of other
activities including horseback riding, viewing nocturnal animals, tennis,
swimming, bush barbecues and fishing for 'yabbies' (crustaceans) are also
available.
The wonderful fresh
country air makes for a hearty appetite and all meals are included. From
starting the day with a full cooked breakfast, wonderful home made morning
and afternoon teas, hearty, wholesome lunches and sumptuous dinners; there
is plenty of food and never small servings.
Day 7
We have an opportunity to
relax at the farm and get a taste of the country life in Australia.
Day 8
After lunch, we will be
transferred back to the Rock, to continue our journey by train on to
Melbourne, where we arrive this evening.
Day 9
We have a free day to
explore cosmopolitan Melbourne, which is undoubtedly Australia’s most
‘European’ city. Ride around the city in trams, or take an optional
tour to visit the spectacular coastal scenery of the Great Ocean Road or
view the fairy penguins, which come ashore every evening at the nearby
Philip Island.
Day 10
After a morning transfer
to the airport, we catch our flight to Hamilton Island, off the coast of
Queensland – where local rumor has it, it is beautiful one day and
simply perfect the next! We will be met upon arrival and transferred the
short distance to our hotel. The rest of the day is ours to play and relax
at this piece of tropical paradise.
Day 11
Today we have reservations
for a full day cruise to the Great Barrier Reef. Travelling in the
air-conditioned comfort of a high-speed catamaran, we cruise to Hardy
Reef, a beautiful natural coral garden. Two large floating platforms are
anchored here, with conveniences such as changing rooms, fresh water
showers, children’s swimming enclosures, large uncrowded open sundecks
and extensive shaded areas where we can enjoy a lavish buffet lunch
(included in our vacation package). Both snorkelers and divers are well
catered for. For those who would rather stay dry, it is possible to get
close to the reef in the comfort of a glass hulled submersible vessel or
from an underwater observatory.
Day 12
Leaving Hamilton Island
today we fly to Cairns in the north, tracking the coastline of Queensland.
Upon arrival, we are met at the airport and transferred to our hotel. This
resort town in the tropics has a wonderfully casual atmosphere, with
plenty of outdoor cafes and colorful shops.
Day 13
Today we get to experience
the World Heritage rainforests of Cape Tribulation and the Daintree in a
fun, informative and relaxed style. We will be picked up in the morning in
a comfortable off-road vehicle and then travel north from Cairns in a
small group, taking in the spectacular scenery of the Coral Coast and the
rainforest covered ranges. The first stop is at the small farming town of
Mossman the last township before we head off into the wilderness. We leave
civilization as we board the Daintree River cable ferry to our destination
"The Daintree National Park". There are opportunities to hike on
boardwalks and trails, as our guide explains the unique plants and animals
of the world's oldest rainforest. We return to Cairns by early evening,
after an interesting day out with some enjoyable company.
As an alternative to the
above trip, we may also choose to visit Kuranda and ride the Skyrail, a
cable car that travels at treetop height. Leaving Cairns in the morning,
we can travel on the famous Kuranda Scenic Train to Kuranda Village. We
get to ride an ‘Amphibious Army Duck’ through the rainforest - a
unique experience in land and water, before visiting the Koala and
Wildlife Park. We also visit an Aboriginal Cultural Center, and get to
learn more about their ancient culture. Return to Cairns on the Skyrail
cable car, overlooking the rainforest.)
Day 14
A free day to relax, do
some last minute shopping or perhaps take an optional tour.
Day 15
We leave Cairns early this morning to return to the
United States, with an intermediate stop in Sydney where we change
aircraft. Flying across the International Date Line in the reverse
direction, we now ‘gain’ a day and arrive back in California on the
same day.
