American breakfast daily, 3 lunches, 7 dinners including a welcome dinner in Brisbane and a farewell dinner in Sydney
Itinerary
Inside visits and special features are shown in UPPERCASE in the tour description, including admission charges where applicable.
Day 1 ARRIVE BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA
Welcome to the “Sunshine State” of Queensland and the capital city of Brisbane. Your hotel room is available for immediate check-in. A pre-night is not required for early check-in. Please schedule flights to arrive by 4 pm in order to attend this evening’s welcome briefing and dinner.
Dinner
Day 2 BRISBANE. EXCURSION TO THE AUSTRALIA ZOO
Start your day with an orientation tour of the city. See the mix of historical buildings and modern high-rises. Afterward, travel to the AUSTRALIAN ZOO, "Home of the Crocodile Hunter." See some of Australia’s famous wildlife. You can hand-feed kangaroos, pet a dingo, see the amazing saltwater crocodiles and more. A special 
visit and presentation at the zoo's WILDLIFE HOSPITAL is included. Observe the extraordinary team of vets as they save precious wildlife right in front of your eyes. Your included admission goes directly to the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital. Before your visit ends, you’ll have your PHOTO taken with a koala—the perfect souvenir!
Breakfast
Day 3 BRISBANE
A full day to explore more of vibrant Brisbane. You may wish to enjoy a scenic cruise on the Brisbane River, relax at Streets Beach, Australia’s only inner city man-made beach, or just enjoy a stroll on Queen Street Mall, full of shops and restaurants. Your Tour Director will have suggestions for shopping, dining, and additional sightseeing.
Breakfast
Day 4 BRISBANE–CAIRNS
Depart Brisbane for Cairns, “Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.” Upon arrival, an orientation tour shows the highlights of the city. Later, visit the CAIRNS AQUARIUM, home to some of the rarest and most elusive animals on earth. Surrounded by the beauty and majesty of the creatures of the Great Barrier Reef, enjoy a delicious three-course dinner.
Breakfast
Dinner
Day 5 CAIRNS. EXCURSION TO THE GREAT BARRIER REEF
The Great Barrier Reef was described by Sir David Attenborough as “The most magical place in the world.” Today is your chance to experience this stunning wonder and beauty for yourself. Your CRUISE to one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, includes the option to SNORKEL, take a GLASS-BOTTOM-BOAT TOUR, view the reef from an underwater observatory, and watch a fish feeding. Return to Cairns where your evening is at leisure. Tonight, you may want to visit the Cairns Night Markets, the perfect place to find a favorite souvenir or try some local fare.
Breakfast
Lunch
Day 6 CAIRNS
A full day to explore more of Cairns and this tropical paradise. Why not spend time at one of Cairns’ best known landmarks, the Esplanade Lagoon? This saltwater swimming lagoon offers locals and tourists a year-round safe swimming location. You may also wish to take an optional excursion to the Daintree Rainforest, or enjoy an evening at Tjapukai Aboriginal Culture Park.
Breakfast
Day 7 CAIRNS–ULURU (AYERS ROCK)
Today, fly to the Red Center of Australia and visit Ayers Rock, a UNESCO world Heritage Site, known also by its Aboriginal name, Uluru. Enjoy a DRINK and an amazing sunset as the changing colors fall across Uluru and the landscape.
Breakfast
Day 8 ULURU–ALICE SPRINGS
Today, travel through the heart of the Outback. At dusk, visit THE KANGAROO SANCTUARY, home to Chris "Brogla" Barns, otherwise known as “Kangaroo Dundee.” First established in 2005, the sanctuary rescues orphaned baby kangaroos and adult kangaroos and has been featured on the BBC and National Geographic channels. On your tour, you’ll experience a leisurely walk through the reserve, learn about the “roos,” and have a chance to get up close to these amazing animals, a treasured symbol of Australia.
Breakfast
Dinner
Day 9 ALICE SPRINGS–ADELAIDE
This morning visit the SCHOOL OF THE AIR and the OLD TELEGRAPH STATION. Then, fly to Adelaide in South Australia. Upon arrival, take a brief orientation tour along the wide, tree-lined streets and well-manicured gardens. This evening, why not check out a local restaurant and the exceptional gourmet food and wine scene that is flourishing in South Australia?
Breakfast
Day 10 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, spend time at SEAL BAY CONSERVATION PARK with a national Park Ranger to see a colony of rare Australian sea lions. Here’s your chance to walk on the beach and see the animals up close. Keep your camera handy for some terrific photo ops! Next up, 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 11 ADELAIDE–MELBOURNE
Today, head to the cosmopolitan heart of Australia, Melbourne, home to beautiful gardens, restaurants, cafes, and hidden arcades and laneways. Your sightseeing tour includes landmarks such as Federation Square, Parliament House, the Shrine of Remembrance, Queen Victoria Market, and a stroll through FITZROY GARDENS. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Breakfast
Day 12 MELBOURNE. EXCURSION TO PHILLIP ISLAND
After time at leisure this morning, travel to Phillip Island and experience breathtaking natural beauty, pristine beaches, scenic coasts, and crashing ocean waves. Our first stop is the KOALA CONSERVATION CENTER where you’ll have the chance to see koalas up close in their natural habitat. The day’s highlight is the famed PENGUIN PARADE where you’ll experience the magic of little penguins returning home at sunset to one of the largest penguin colonies in Australia. Watch as these beloved fairy penguins waddle from the ocean to their burrows in the sand around you. It’s sure to be a highlight of your trip. Please note that in order not to disturb the penguins, cameras are not permitted during the penguin parade.
Breakfast
Dinner
Day 13 MELBOURNE
Today is at leisure. Why not take a trip to the top of the Eureka Skydeck for amazing views of the city below? You may also choose to venture to the breathtaking Yarra Valley, one of Australia’s premier wine regions. Your Tour Director will have suggestions for shopping, dining, and additional sightseeing.
Breakfast
Day 14 MELBOURNE–LAUNCESTON–CRADLE MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK
Journey to Tasmania. Visit an ICE CREAMERY where you’ll have a chance to sample one of the 24 flavors. Later this afternoon, find yourself in CRADLE MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK, home to towering mountains, ancient rainforests, and abundant wildlife. Tonight, be treated to a PRESENTATION on the park by a local expert who will teach you about the park’s history and give you tips on spotting wallabies, wombats, pademelons, and more.
Breakfast
Dinner
Day 15 CRADLE MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK
Today is spent exploring the beauty of Cradle Mountain National Park. Sightseeing includes a visit to the Ronny Creek Boardwalk, an easy walk to take in the fresh air, scenic views and the chance to spot wombats, the chubby little creatures who call this part of the park home. Then travel to Dove Lake set beneath the towering spires of Cradle Mountain. There’s time to admire the scenery, snap photos, and for those that wish, take the walking trail around the lake for a full perspective (approximately 6 km/3.7 miles). This afternoon is yours to explore the park at leisure. You may want to visit the Cradle Mountain Wilderness Gallery dedicated to Tasmanian artists, or just relax at your hotel and take in the amazing environment. This evening, enjoy a behind-the-scenes visit to DEVILS@CRADLE, a unique sanctuary concentrating primarily on the Tasmanian devil. A specialist will discuss biology, behavior, threats and the important work being done at the sanctuary. Then, you’ll get to see these extraordinary animals in action.
Breakfast
Dinner
Day 16 CRADLE MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK–HOBART
Travel through the rolling hills and farm fields of Tasmania to the capital city of Hobart. Upon arrival, enjoy an orientation tour which highlights this charming waterfront city. This evening is at leisure for you to explore more on your own.
Breakfast
Day 17 HOBART. EXCURSION TO THE TASMAN PENINSULA
After breakfast, head to the Tasman Peninsula home to natural beauty and Australian history. Take a CRUISE to see waterfalls, rock formations, archways, and deep-sea caves along with the highest vertical sea cliffs in the Southern Hemisphere. Keep your camera handy for chances to spot whales, seals, dolphins, and other wildlife. After, visit PORT ARTHUR HISTORIC SITE for a guided tour to learn about the areas early convict history and to see the 30 historic buildings, ruins, restored homes, and heritage gardens. Your evening is at leisure.
Breakfast
Lunch
Day 18 HOBART–SYDNEY
Today, brings you to Sydney, Australia’s largest city. Sightseeing includes a visit to the famous SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for an inside visit of its interior and theaters. You’ll also visit the city’s BOTANIC GARDENS for great photo opportunities and sweeping views of the harbor and Harbour Bridge.
Breakfast
Day 19 SYDNEY
Today is at leisure to explore all that Sydney has to offer. You may want to take an optional excursion to experience one of Sydney’s famous beaches, Bondi Beach, where your local surf instructor will give you a tour of the lifesaving club and teach you how to surf. You’ll enjoy a casual beachside lunch. You can also choose to see the city from a different view, from atop the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb. In the evening, you might want to walk in the footsteps of Australia’s early convicts on The Rocks Pub Tour.
Breakfast
Day 20 SYDNEY
Another day for you to explore Sydney. You may wish to visit the elegant Queen Victoria Building with its three levels of fashion, jewelry, and gifts. Other options include visiting the Art Gallery of New South Wales, taking a ferry to nearby Manly Beach, or enjoying delicious Asian food in Spice Alley. Tonight, join your Tour Director and traveling companions for a special farewell dinner at a local restaurant. The perfect finale to your Australian Safari!
Breakfast
Dinner
Day 21 SYDNEY
Your tour ends with breakfast this morning.
Breakfast