American breakfast daily, 4 lunches, 4 dinners including a welcome dinner in Sydney, a "Flavours of South Australia" dinner in Adelaide, and a farewell dinner in Perth
Itinerary
Inside visits and special features are shown in UPPERCASE in the tour description, including admission charges where applicable.
Day 1 ARRIVE IN SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
Welcome to Sydney, Australia’s largest city. Hotel rooms are available for immediate check-in. A pre-night is not required for early check-in. Please schedule flights to arrive by 3 pm in order to attend this evening’s welcome briefing and special dinner at a WATERFRONT RESTAURANT.
Dinner
Day 2 SYDNEY
Enjoy sightseeing in one of the world’s most beautiful cities. First stop, a guided tour of the interior and theaters of the world-famous SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Next, travel to Mrs Macquarie’s Chair in the City’s BOTANIC GARDENS for great photo opportunities and sweeping views of the harbor. Visit one of Sydney’s famous beaches, BONDI BEACH, where there is time for lunch, souvenir shopping, or a stroll on the white sands. Return to Sydney Harbour and enjoy a CRUISE to see the sites and skyline of this incredible city. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Your Tour Director will have suggestions for additional sightseeing, dining, and shopping.
Breakfast
Day 3 SYDNEY
A full free day to explore Sydney. You may wish to climb to the top of Sydney Harbour Bridge for unrivaled views, spend the day in the Hunter Valley sampling some of Australia’s best wines, or take the ferry to nearby Manly Beach for a day of sun and fun.
Breakfast
Day 4 SYDNEY–MELBOURNE
Fly to Melbourne, where you’ll explore the city’s famous lanes and arcades on a 
WALKING TOUR. See trendy boutiques and cafés, unique street art, and architecture while hearing historic tales of Melbourne along the way. Evening is at leisure in this cosmopolitan city.
Breakfast
Day 5 MELBOURNE
This morning, sightseeing includes the city’s landmarks of Parliament House, beautiful FITZROY GARDENS, Queen Victoria Market, and more. The remainder of the day is free to explore more on your own. You may wish to travel to Phillip Island to see the nightly Penguin Parade, where you can experience the magic of the little penguins returning home at sunset to one of the largest penguin colonies in Australia.
Breakfast
Day 6 MELBOURNE
More time for independent exploration today. Your Tour Director suggests shopping at Melbourne Central, a trip to the top of the Eureka Sky Deck for 360-degree views of the city below or an excursion to explore the spectacular Great Ocean Road and the “Twelve Apostles.”
Breakfast
Day 7 MELBOURNE–ADELAIDE
This morning, fly to Adelaide, known for its mild Mediterranean climate. A city tour includes St. Peter’s Cathedral, the Adelaide Oval, North Adelaide, and the city’s Central Market—a thriving hub for food and culture for over 148 years. Next, enjoy a tasting at HAIGH’S CHOCOLATES, an Adelaide chocolate-maker since 1915. With the remainder of the day at leisure, you may wish to explore the Art Gallery of South Australia, stroll the streets of the beachside neighborhood of Glenelg, or enjoy Adelaide’s vibrant restaurant scene.
Breakfast
Day 8 ADELAIDE. EXCURSION TO KANGAROO ISLAND
Early this morning, depart Adelaide and travel by motorcoach and ferry to KANGAROO ISLAND, one of the world’s last unspoiled habitats. Visit KANGAROO ISLAND WILDLIFE PARK home to kangaroos, wallabies, and koalas. You’ll have the chance to see and learn about some of Australia’s unique animals such as wombats, dingos, and echidnas. After lunch, see a colony of rare Australian sea lions and enjoy a walk on the beach with a national park ranger at SEAL BAY CONSERVATION PARK. Then, visit EMU RIDGE EUCALYPTUS DISTILLERY to learn about this unique plant. Before departing the island, make a photo stop at beautiful Pennington Bay and enjoy a little free time Penneshaw. Return to Adelaide late this evening.
Breakfast
Lunch
Day 9 ADELAIDE. BOARD INDIAN PACIFIC TRAIN
Visit CLELAND WILDLIFE PARK, where you can wander among some of Australia’s famous animals such as kangaroos, wallabies, emus, echidna, and various water birds. Enjoy a wildlife experience during your time here. A special "Flavours of South Australia" dinner is served before boarding one of the few truly transcontinental trains in the world, the INDIAN PACIFIC. NOTE: Plan to pack an overnight bag with necessities for the train portion of this tour, including medications, eyeglasses, and other important items. Your other baggage will be checked and you will not be able to access it until arrival in Perth.
Breakfast
Dinner
Day 10 INDIAN PACIFIC TRAIN
Awaken to the spectacular expanse of the Nullarbor Plain before enjoying a leisurely breakfast. Relax on board today as you marvel at the ever-changing landscape passing by your window. A special DINNER UNDER THE STARS awaits you at Rawlinna, the remote and beautiful outpost that borders a sheep station of 2.5 million acres. NOTE: Dinner Under the Stars is weather-dependent. Off-train experiences are subject to change and will be advised by the Tour Director while on tour.
Day 11 INDIAN PACIFIC TRAIN–PERTH
Continue across the remote yet beautiful region of Australia. On board, you may wish to relax in the lounge car and share stories with fellow travelers, snap a few shots from the large picture windows, or just relax with a glass of Australian wine. Glide through the Avon Hills before arriving in Perth mid-afternoon. Transfer to your hotel for a 3-night stay.
Breakfast
Lunch
Day 12 PERTH.EXCURSION TO FREMANTLE
This morning, explore Perth on a sightseeing tour. Learn more about this isolated capital city of Western Australia, and see some of the city’s famous sites such as Kings Park Botanic Gardens, the iconic Swan Bell Tower, and the Perth Mint. Next, it’s on to the historic port of Fremantle with its marinas, charming heritage buildings, and many shops and restaurants. The remainder of the day is yours to explore. Your Tour Director will have suggestions for shopping, dining, and additional sightseeing.
Breakfast
Day 13 PERTH
A full day to explore Perth. You may wish to visit one of Perth’s many beaches, see the extensive collection of Aboriginal art at the Art Gallery of Western Australia, or enjoy an optional trip to Rottnest Island, home to over 60 beaches, historic buildings, and the friendly quokka—a marsupial only found in Western Australia. This evening, join your Tour Director and fellow traveling companions for a festive farewell dinner.
Breakfast
Dinner
Day 14 PERTH–THE NINGALOO REEF (EXMOUTH)
Today, fly from Perth to Learmonth Airport in Western Australia. From here, be transferred to your resort located at the Ningaloo Reef (Exmouth) for a 3-night stay.
Breakfast
Day 15 THE NINGALOO REEF (EXMOUTH). WHALE SHARK OR HUMPBACK WHALE EXCURSION
Today enjoy a once-in-a-life time opportunity to glide alongside WHALE SHARKS (April-June) or HUMPBACK WHALES (July-September). Swimming with one of these beautiful creatures is one of life’s most breathtaking experiences. Also be on the lookout for other playful creations like manta rays, turtles, dolphins, dugongs, and tropical fish. Whale watchers are welcome onboard as well (those not wanting to snorkel). Return to Exmouth where the remainder of the day is at leisure. NOTE: Both Whale Sharks and Humpback whales are wild creatures. Everything will be done to maximize the likelihood you will swim with a whale, but we cannot guarantee it. Since the whales will continually move, swimming is required to do the interaction. You will need to be a confident swimmer and be able to snorkel and swim freestyle. The whales are found in the open ocean so you may be swimming in currents and swells. If you do not wish to get in the water, you may remain on the boat and watch these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
Breakfast
Lunch
Day 16 THE NINGALOO REEF (EXMOUTH)
Enjoy a full day at leisure. Take a stroll on the beach or relax at your resort. You may wish to canoe, kayak, or snorkel more of the beautiful Ningaloo Reef on your own. You can also opt to take a guided gorge walk or cast a fishing rod in the nearby waters. Make sure to visit the town’s shops for a favorite souvenir and get your photo next to the town’s giant prawn statue. A must do!
Breakfast
Day 17 THE NINGALOO REEF (EXMOUTH)–PERTH
Today, transfer to Learmonth Airport and fly to Perth, Western Australia’s capital city. A transfer is provided to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Breakfast
Day 18 PERTH
Your tour ends with breakfast this morning.
Breakfast