American breakfast daily, 3 lunches, 2 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 IN BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA
Welcome to Brisbane, the capital city of Queensland. 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 4pm 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. Learn about the city’s convict past along with its modern cosmopolitan culture. Afterward, travel to the AUSTRALIA 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 where you can observe the extraordinary team of vets as they save precious wildlife right in front of your eyes. Your included admission goes directly back to the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital. Return to Brisbane where the evening is at leisure.
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, take a ride on the Wheel of Brisbane, a large Ferris wheel overlooking the city, relax at Streets Beach, Australia’s only inner city man-made beach, or just enjoy a stroll on the city’s pedestrian street, 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, take the SKYRAIL RAINFOREST CABLEWAY and journey over the stunning UNESCO World-Heritage-listed rainforest. Enjoy beautiful views and learn about ancient plants and animals that existed long before dinosaurs roamed the earth and whose descendants can still be seen in the rainforest today. Tonight, you may want to visit the Cairns Night Markets, the perfect place to find a favorite souvenir or try some local fare.
Breakfast
Day 5 CAIRNS. EXCURSION TO THE OUTER 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.
Breakfast
Lunch
Day 6 CAIRNS
A full day to explore more of Cairns and this tropical paradise. Why not visit the Botanical Gardens, considered to have one of Australia’s best exhibitions of tropical plants, take an optional excursion to the Daintree Rainforest, one of the most diverse and beautiful examples of Mother Nature in the world or enjoy an evening at Tjapukai Aboriginal Culture Park which tells the story of the world’s oldest living culture through performance, dance, food, and arts.
Breakfast
Day 7 CAIRNS–MELBOURNE
Touch down today in one of the Australia’s most well-known cities. Melbourne is home to a diverse culture, world-class shopping, art galleries, museums, coffee shops, vibrant street art, hidden laneways and more. Along with its beaches, parks, amazing restaurants, and near-flawless weather, it’s the perfect place to visit year round. Upon arrival, enjoy an orientation tour before arriving at your hotel.
Breakfast
Day 8 MELBOURNE
Time today to explore more of this vibrant city. 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. Other options include a full-day trip to the Great Ocean Road to see fantastic scenery and the “Twelve Apostles”, or choose to venture to Phillip Island for the famous Penguin Parade.
Breakfast
Day 9 MELBOURNE–SYDNEY
Fly to Sydney, one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The city is home to first-class restaurants, grand shopping arcades, and top tourist attractions. On your sightseeing tour, travel to the famous Mrs Macquarie’s Chair in the city’s BOTANIC GARDENS. The sandstone rock chair was carved by convicts in 1810 and is said to be where Mrs Macquarie would sit and watch the ships from Great Britain sail into the harbor. Next, visit to the famous SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for an inside visit of its interior and theaters. Afterward, enjoy a panoramic lunch at one of the Opera House’s restaurants where you’ll enjoy great photo opportunities and sweeping views of the harbor and Harbour Bridge. Arrive at your centrally located hotel for a three-night stay.
Breakfast
Lunch
Day 10 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. Enjoy amazing views of the harbor and city skyline below from this unique perspective. In the evening, you might walk to walk in the footsteps of Australia’s early convicts on The Rocks Pub Tour.
Breakfast
Day 11 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, strolling through the Royal Botanic Garden, taking a ferry to nearby Manly Beach, or enjoying delicious Asian food at one of the restaurants in Spice Alley. Tonight, join your Tour Director and traveling companions for a special farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
Breakfast
Dinner
Day 12 SYDNEY–THE NINGALOO REEF (EXMOUTH)
Today, fly from Sydney (via 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 13 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 14 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 15 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 16 PERTH
Your tour ends with breakfast this morning.
Breakfast