Page 24 - 2025Hawaii,Australia&thePacificCatalog

My husband and I were just on the Grand Australia & New Zealand tour in Oct/Nov.
It was a wonderful trip! So many memories!!! Well worth the long flight! – Kathleen C.

present in the Georgian mansions, cottages, convict rainforest, steep ravines, and picturesque waterfalls
jail, bridge, and Catholic church. Later, we tour Hobart within Barron Gorge National Park. After lunch, we visit the
and enjoy breathtaking views of the town from Mount Kuranda Koala Gardens for an opportunity to pet a koala,
Wellington. This evening, we check in to our hotel for as well as hand-feed tamed kangaroos and wallabies.
the next few nights and enjoy a wonderful, included Later, we visit Birdworld Kuranda, a natural habitat of over
dinner. MEAL D 60 native species including the endangered and stately
3 nights at Vibe Hotel Hobart cassowaries. There’s also time to visit the colorful Kuranda
Heritage Markets before we descend the MacAlister Range
Day 7: Eco-Cruise & Port Arthur on the gondola cableway, Skyrail. Listen for the sounds of
Today’s adventure kicks off with a spectacular three-hour the sulfur crested cockatoo, and enjoy spectacular views
guided eco-cruise along the coastline of Tasman National of the rainforest highlands, Cairns, and the Coral Sea as
Park. Experience the highest sea cliffs in the Southern we glide over dense forest canopy. We then return to our
Hemisphere, enter deep-sea caves, and see playful luxurious hotel for the evening. MEALS B+L
dolphins, hundreds of seals, and various bird species,
including albatross. After an included lunch, we visit Day 11: Great Barrier Reef & Scenic Helicopter Ride
the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Port Arthur Historic Today, we experience a top highlight of our tour, a visit
Site. This settlement was a bold experiment and ground- to one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural world, the
breaking attempt to reform and rehabilitate the colony’s Great Barrier Reef. We cruise to the outer edge of the
convicts. Port Arthur was a key part of the colonial reef and discover the world’s largest living organism.
system of convict discipline, but it was much more than This is the largest coral reef system in the world and
just a prison. As we walk within the site, the powerful, one of Australia’s greatest national treasures, stretching
personal stories of convicts, soldiers, and free settlers more than 1,200 miles along the coast. We view vividly
and their families reveal themselves to us. MEALS B+L colored tropical fish and coral from the reef viewer,
underwater observatory, and glass-bottom boat.
Day 8: Tahune AirWalk Learn about the fish and marine life in this underwater
This morning, we stroll through the treetops of pristine wonderland and enjoy unrivaled birds-eye views on an
forest at the Tahune Forest AirWalk. The steel walkway included scenic helicopter flight. MEALS B+L
footbridge averages up to 90 feet above the forest floor
with the last section, the cantilever, sitting 150 feet Day 12: Sydney
above the Huon River. We then enjoy a lunch of locally We fly to Sydney, Australia’s most vibrant city known
inspired dishes at the charming, historic Kermandie for its iconic harbor front attractions. Upon arrival, we
Hotel with fantastic food and views. Afterwards, we tour transfer to our hotel and enjoy individual exploration for
the picturesque Huon River Valley and visit the Wooden the remainder of the day. MEAL B
Boat Center to marvel at the beautiful timber boats that 3 nights at Rydges World Square Hotel in Sydney
have been crafted by hand for 25 years before we return
to the hotel for an evening at leisure. MEALS B+L Day 13: City Sights & Opera House
Day 9: Tropical Cairns This morning, we embark on a city sightseeing tour to
discover Sydney’s many interesting landmarks. View the
Today, we depart Hobart and fly to tropical Cairns in Far famous Harbor Bridge, the largest steel arch bridge in
North Queensland. This is the gateway city to many of the world, and enjoy a tour of the iconic Sydney Opera
Australia’s natural wonders, including the Great Barrier House, one of the greatest man-made wonders of the
Reef. Our accommodations at Crystalbrook Flynn in modern world. Other highlights of the tour include the
Cairns are adjacent to the waterfront and esplanade. Royal Botanic Gardens, Hyde Park, bustling Kings Cross,
This stunning five-star hotel has everything you need and popular Bondi Beach. We stop for lunch today in
to enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure with three The Rocks, Sydney’s original city center and now one of
restaurants and bars, glass swimming pools, and the its most affluent districts. Marvel at beautifully restored
Eléme Day Spa and Wellness Center. MEAL B
buildings and gorgeous views across the harbor. This
3 nights at Crystalbrook Flynn in Cairns neighborhood’s quaint cobblestone pathways are home
to colorful markets filled with more than 200 eclectic
Day 10: Kuranda Scenic Railway & Skyrail shops selling locally produced homewares, beauty
This morning, we board the Kuranda Scenic Railway to products, and original photography, art, crafts, and
enjoy one of the most spectacular rail excursions in the jewelry. Afterwards, take time at leisure to venture out
world. Our journey reveals lush, wondrous World Heritage on your own or relax at the hotel. MEAL B

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