Australia 
2027

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​Pre-Trip:  – Monday, May 3

The group will meet at LAX (Los Angeles International Airport) to fly together to Australia.  ✈️ Important Travel Note:  Although the flight from Los Angeles to Australia takes about 15.5 hours non-stop, we will arrive two calendar days later due to the time difference and crossing the International Date Line. 

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Day 1 – Wednesday, May 5 – Arrive in Melbourne
Welcome to Melbourne, Australia! After arriving and completing customs and immigration, you’ll collect your luggage and exit through the arrivals hall, where you’ll be greeted by a local guide. From there, you’ll be transferred by coach to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure, perhaps exploring the nearby surroundings or visit Victoria College for the Deaf.
Hotel: Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne – Perkins Room
Meals: breakfast

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Day 2 – Thursday, May 6 – Melbourne Sights and Phillip Island

After breakfast at the hotel, begin your Half-Day Melbourne City Sights Tour. Discover the city’s rich blend of past and present as you pass iconic landmarks including the Victorian Arts Centre, Toorak’s luxury homes, Captain Cook’s Cottage in Fitzroy Gardens, the Botanical Gardens, Queen Victoria Market, Shrine of Remembrance, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

In the afternoon, depart Melbourne following the scenic Yarra River route to Phillip Island. Visit the Koala Conservation Reserve, where treetop boardwalks offer close-up views of koalas and native wildlife in their natural bushland.

Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before heading to the Penguin Parade Visitor Centre. From the Penguins Plus viewing platform, watch little penguins return to their burrows at sunset — one of Australia’s most unforgettable wildlife experiences. (Arrive 1 hour before penguin arrival.)

Hotel: Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne
Meals: breakfast, dinner

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Day 3 – Friday, May 7 – Great Ocean Road Adventure
Breakfast at the hotel. You will be collected from your hotel and taken on a Full Day
Great Ocean Road Tour.
This is some of the most spectacular and breath-taking coastal scenery found in
Australia, a rewarding experience for the camera enthusiasts. Travel over the
Westgate Bridge through Geelong to the famous coastal town of Torquay for a short
break. This town is famous for Bells Beach where world class surfing championships
are held. From Torquay, join the Great Ocean Road boasting spectacular views.
Travel through the quaint township of Lorne and make a stop at Kennett River, one of
the best places in Australia to see koalas in the wild. Continue on to the seaside
resort of Apollo Bay with time to enjoy lunch and a leisurely stroll along the beach.
From here the road leaves the coast and winds through the ferny slopes of the Otway
Mountain Ranges. At Princetown the Great Ocean Road returns to hug the coastline
along the entire length of the Port Campbell National Park.
See the Twelve Apostles - huge stone pillars rising from the surf, remnants of London
Bridge, a rocky promontory arch carved out by the continual force of the sea, Lock
Ard Gorge – site of the dramatic shipwreck the “Loch Ard” over 100 years ago. The
return journey travels through the lovely townships of Colac and Winchelsea.
The tour concludes upon return to your hotel.
Hotel: Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne
Meals: breakfast, lunch

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Day 4 – Saturday, May 8 – Melbourne to Ayers Rock and Field of Light Dinner
Breakfast at the hotel. You will be collected from your hotel for private coach transfer
to the airport. Fly Melbourne to Ayers Rock (Flight not included)
On arrival in Ayers Rock, you will be met by coach captain and travel to the Olgas,
also known in the Aboriginal language as “Kata Tjuta” translated as “many heads”.
The Olgas is a collection of smaller more rounded rocks, located 32km to the west of
Ayers Rock. Each of the 36 domes has a story in mythology and are of significance
to the Aboriginal Dreamtime legends. Enjoy a walk to Walpa Gorge and explore the
unusually shaped formations.  

Later in the afternoon, depart for A Night at Field of Lights dinner (public tour).
This exclusive dining experience combines the award-winning "Sounds of Silence"
dinner under the outback sky with the once-in-a-lifetime Field of Light art installation.
The evening begins with a convenient hotel pick-up and a transfer to the remote
desert location with majestic views of Uluru. As the sun sets on the horizon to the
music of a didgeridoo, enjoy gourmet canapés and chilled sparkling wine. As
darkness falls and the coloured lights of the 50,000 glass spheres gently come to life,
join your table of fellow travelers for an exceptional three-course menu infused with
bush tucker flavors. As the night ignites with countless stars, settle back and listen
to our resident star talker decode the southern night sky. The host will provide
insights into the art installation that awaits you, before you are invited to immerse
yourself in the Field of Light, its pathways glistening softly with rhythms of coloured
light, beckoning you to explore. After dinner, guests are welcomed back at the dune
viewing area to enjoy a sweet treat, hot chocolate or port whilst viewing the
illuminated installation in the darkness.
Tour concludes at your hotel.
Hotel: Outback Hotel – Standard Room
Meals: breakfast, dinner

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Day 5 – Sunday, May 9 – Kings Canyon and Wintjiri Wiru Show
Early morning travel through the desert plains on your way to Kings Canyon.
Stop at Kings Creek Station for a delicious, cooked breakfast before continuing your
journey. Located in the heart of Watarrka National Park, it lies in an ancient
Australian landscape that is sacred ground for the Ulpanyali and Lilla people. Set off
on a two-kilometre stroll along the creek bed that leads to impressive views of the
canyon rim.
Enjoy lunch (own expense) before returning to Ayers Rock.
Ayers Rock Resort |Wintjiri Wiru after Dark| Public tour
Wintjiri Wiru takes place at Ayers Rock Resort, in the spiritual heart of Australia and
is an immersion into Anangu culture. The experience begins with a transfer from
Resort hotels to a sustainably-built platform where you will take a seat in the intimate
amphitheatre.
Drones, lights, traditional music, and Pitjantjatjara language will bring to life the Mala
story under the desert sky. After the show, guests will return to your hotel via coach
transfer.
Hotel: Outback Hotel
Meals: breakfast

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Day 6 – Monday, May 10 – Sunrise at Uluru and Travel to Cairns

For the early risers, depart from your hotel 75 minutes prior to sunrise and travel to
the sunrise viewing area of Uluru (Ayers Rock) and watch the first sunlight of the day
creep across the desert plains. Re-join your coach for your Base Tour of Uluru
(Ayers Rock). Begin with a drive around the base of Uluru. Your driver will point out a

5 number of interesting features of the monolith, then take you on a walking tour of
Mutitjulu Waterhole where you can view Aboriginal rock art.
Later that day you will be transferred to Ayers Rock airport
Fly Ayers Rock to Cairns (Flight not included)
On arrival in Cairns, you will be met by local guide and transferred to your hotel

Hotel: Pacific Hotel Cairns – Superior King Balcony Room
Meals: breakfast

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Day 7 – Tuesday, May 11 – Michaelmas Cay Cruise
Breakfast at the hotel. Please make your way to Ocean Spirit’s counter located inside
The Reef Fleet Terminal – 1 Spence Street, Cairns for your Full Day Cruise to
Michaelmas Cay.
What to bring:
Camera, towel, swimmers, hat, comfortable shoes, sunscreen (SPF 30+),
sunglasses, cash / credit card for on board purchases and change of clothes.
Set sail to Michaelmas Cay on the Great Barrier Reef aboard the beautiful sailing
catamaran Ocean Spirit. Snorkel in the fringing reef, filled with vibrant marine life, or
spend some time observing the seabirds that call this protected sanctuary home.
After a 2 hour motorized sail on board the 32 meter sailing Catamaran, Ocean Spirit,
you will arrive at Michaelmas Cay where there is so much to see and do. Enjoy
snorkeling in the cay’s protected shallow waters, try an introductory scuba dive in the
fringing reefs (additional cost), cruise in the Semi-submarine/glass bottom boat for a
diver’s view of the reef, watch the fish feeding presentation, observe the bird life or
just chill out on Ocean Spirit’s spacious decks or on the beach. Throughout the day,
the ‘beach buggy shuttle’ will transfer you between Ocean Spirit and the beach.
After the cruise, please make your way back to hotel.
Hotel: Pacific Hotel Cairns
Meals: breakfast, lunch

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Day 8 – Wednesday, May 12– Kuranda Scenic and Cultural Tour

Breakfast at the hotel. You will be collected from your hotel by your guide and
transferred to Freshwater Station to join Scenic Train to Kuranda Village.
The original Kuranda Scenic Railway Heritage Class carriages offer the old-world
charm of travelling in authentic timber carriages, some of which are up to 100 years
old. Experience your scenic journey in the refurbished original red-wooden heritage
carriages. Sit back and enjoy the scenery and numerous photographic opportunities
as you wind through World Heritage-listed rainforest.

On arrival in Kuranda, re-board your coach and transfer to Rainforestation Park.
Rainforestation for Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience:
Australia’s Indigenous culture is one of the oldest surviving cultures in the world and
Rainforestation Nature Park recognizes the importance of preserving and sharing this
unique culture. Local Indigenous Pamagirri Guides welcome you to join them on a
journey to discover the Dreamtime and learn about the fascinating customs and
ancient traditions that are kept alive in the rainforest of Kuranda, in Tropical North
Queensland.
Army Duck Rainforest Tour:
Experience the tropical rainforest from a totally unique perspective aboard an
amphibious World War II Army Duck or DUKW (colloquially known as Duck).
Rainforestation has twelve of these historical vehicles which hold up to 30
passengers and uses a 6-wheel drive, propeller and rudder. During this 45 minute
rainforest tour, your knowledgeable Duck Captain will identify and explain fascinating
plants and wildlife as you pass by before splashing into the lake for a cruise with
more wildlife to be seen.
After your tour, visit the tropical fruit orchard which features over 60 different species
of exotic tropical fruit trees, and you’ll learn about fruits of the region and the world.
Koala Wildlife Park
Wander at your leisure through our Wildlife Park where a series of elevated
boardwalks provide uninterrupted views of various Australian animals and reptiles.
Hand feed the free roaming kangaroos and wallabies in the landscaped gardens,
observe the endangered cassowary and Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo and see Neville
and Dennis, the only Tasmanian Devils in Cairns! Sneak a peek at Juliet our sneaky
wombat, meet Ned and Kelly the Alpine Dingoes and meet Ricky the cheeky Sulphur-
Crested Cockatoo. Enter our reptile house and see a range of pythons and lizards
and see the iconic Australian koala. ,The star attraction of our Wildlife Park is “Jack
the Ripper,” a 5 metre saltwater crocodile weighing at 650kgs with a reputation of
killing 12 of his girlfriends in times gone by. Jack is kept in his own enclosure with an
elevated platform perfect for your safe and close-up viewing.
After the visit transfer by coach to Skyrail Terminal in Kuranda Skyrail |One Way Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, smells and tranquility of one of the world’s
most botanically fascinating areas that has remained relatively unchanged for 130
million years. Enjoy a truly unique perspective of this ancient landscape with
unsurpassed panoramic views of Barron Gorge and Australia’s Wet Tropics World
Heritage Area. Glide metres above the pristine jungle canopy between Smithfield

7 (Cairns) and Kuranda, enroute descend to explore the rainforest close up at Red
Peak and Barron Falls.
On arrival in Smithfield, re-board your coach and transfer back to Cairns.

Hotel: Pacific Hotel Cairns
Meals: breakfast, lunch

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Day 9 – Thursday, May 13 – Travel to Sydney
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer by private coach to Cairns Airport
Fly from Cairns to Sydney (Flight not included)
On arrival in Sydney, you will be met and transferred to your hotel
Hotel: Furama Darling Harbour – Standard Room
Meals: breakfast

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Day 10 – Friday, May 14 – Sydney City Tour and Harbour Cruise

Breakfast at the hotel. You will be collected from your hotel by your guide and taken
on a Half Day City Sights Tour.
Drive through the historic Rocks area where Australia was first founded with its
maze of terrace houses, restored warehouses, pubs and restaurants. Drive under the
famous coat hanger, the Sydney Harbour Bridge and view Sydney's famous
architectural masterpiece, the Sydney Opera House.
Continue through the commercial area of the city passing the historical buildings of
Macquarie Street - Parliament House, The Mint and Hyde Park Barracks. Alight at
Mrs. Macquarie's Chair for breath-taking views of the city and harbour. Proceed
through cosmopolitan Kings Cross and exclusive garden suburbs to the Gap on the
ocean headland at Watsons Bay. Return to the city via famous Bondi Beach and
Paddington, a Victorian suburb of restored terrace houses richly decorated with cast-
iron lace.
The tour concludes at Circular Quay.
Enjoy 2 course lunch at a local restaurant before boarding Premium Harbour Experience Cruise
This is sightseeing as you’ve never experienced before. A glass of sparkling by
the sails of the Sydney Opera House. A macchiato under the Harbour Bridge. A
delicious Australian Cheese and Charcuterie Board to share. All savoured as you
relax in style, cruising Sydney Harbour in the comfort of your reserved Ocean Deck
lounge seating, marveling at the sights of stunning Sydney. After the cruise, you will be transferred back to your hotel

Hotel: Furama Darling Harbour
Meals: breakfast, lunch

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Day 11 – Saturday, May 15 – Blue Mountains Adventure
Breakfast at the hotel. You will be collected from your hotel and taken on a Full Day
Blue Mountains.
Today you will travel 100km west of Sydney to the Blue Mountains. Follow the trail of
Australia's early explorers as the coach ascends into the Blue Mountains National
Park.
Visit Featherdale Wildlife Park for a memorable and unique experience in a natural
and well-established bush setting. Featherdale has one of Australia's largest private
collections of Australian animals. View Koalas, kangaroos and wallabies, wombats,
fairy penguins and Australian reptiles.
Travel through the historic townships of Blaxland, Springwood, Lawson and view the
National Trust township of Leura. Leura is a little town made up of cafes, craft shops,
art galleries, tea houses and quant boutiques. It is situated at the edge of the Blue
Mountain National Park and has magnificent views of Mt Solitary.
Continue along Cliff Drive to Echo Point to view the world famous Three Sisters.
Perched on the edge of the escarpment, Echo Point precinct provides panoramic
views of the southern Blue Mountains, Kanangra-Boyd Wilderness and the iconic
Three Sisters rock formation from a variety of lookouts.
Lunch is included at a local restaurant (Beverages not included)
Visit Scenic World, renowned for providing the ultimate Blue Mountains Adventure -
from native birds and fresh air, to breath-taking views of the World Heritage-listed
region including the Three Sisters, Katoomba Falls & Jamison Valley.
The Unlimited Discovery Pass offers unlimited experience on the Railway, Skyway,
Cableway and walkway.
On your return to Sydney travel through Sydney Olympic Park before returning back
at your hotel.
Hotel: Furama Darling Harbour
Meals: breakfast, lunch

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Day 12 – Sunday, May 16 – Depart Sydney
Your Australian adventure concludes today. After breakfast, you’ll be transferred by private coach to the airport for your onward journey -OR- take a Brisbane extension trip.
Meals: breakfast

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​Optional Trip – Brisbane Extension
Enhance your Australian adventure with an optional two-night trip to Brisbane! Fly one-way from Sydney to Brisbane and spend your first day exploring the vibrant Brisbane area. On Day Two, visit the world-famous Australia Zoo—home of the Irwin family and the legacy of the late Steve Irwin, the beloved Crocodile Hunter.
Includes two nights hotel accommodation.
Price is not included with this package. Ask us for a quote to add this unforgettable experience to your journey.