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Wonders of Australia
Sydney
Abundant Wildlife
Local Food
Tropical Cairns
Noosa Cruise
Embark on the ultimate South Pacific adventure featuring exceptional accommodations, unique activities, and must-see attractions. Spend two nights in Sydney, three nights in the Brisbane area, two nights in Lamington National Park at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat, and three nights in Australia’s tropical north. Enjoy a full day of bucket list experiences at the Great Barrier Reef with a semi-submersible observatory, glass-bottom boat ride, helicopter flight, and the opportunity to snorkel in this extraordinary habitat. Cruise the Sydney Harbor, enjoy a guided tour of the Sydney Opera House, and ride the Kuranda Scenic Railway through Barron Gorge National Park in North Queensland, known for its gorges, mountains, streams, and the tropical village of Kuranda. Relax on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway gondola ride with spectacular views of the rainforest canopy and witness an abundance of native wildlife at the Australia Zoo, home of late legendary television personality, Steve Irwin the “Crocodile Hunter.” You will love Australia’s cultural diversity, magnificent sights, delightful cuisine, and friendly locals.
Trip overview may vary by departure.
Highlights
Great Barrier Reef & Scenic Helicopter Ride
What would a voyage to Australia be without a visit to its greatest natural wonder? Stretching more than 1,200 miles along Australia’s northeast coast, cruise the Great Barrier Reef and view the habitat’s extraordinary biodiversity. Dolphins, whales, dugongs, sea turtles, and over 1,500 species of fish call this place home. Enjoy a swim, snorkel, reef viewer, glass-bottom boat ride, and helicopter flight.
Kuranda Scenic Railway
Board a historic train for an awe-inspiring journey through Barron Gorge National Park in Far North Queensland’s World Heritage-listed rainforest. Travel through narrow valleys between steep hillsides with cascading waterfalls while taking in views of otherworldly beauty that can only be witnessed on this railway. We also enjoy a stop at tropical Kuranda Village to browse local goods at its famous markets.
Australia Zoo
Television personality and famous “Crocodile Hunter,” the late Steve Irwin, once said, “when people touch an animal, the animal touches their heart. And instantly, we’ve won them over to the conservation of that species.” Get up close to wildlife with opportunities like petting a koala or hand-feeding kangaroos and wallabies. Watch the Wildlife Warriors Show, then explore Grace’s Bird Garden, Tiger Temple, the African Safari, and much more.
- Day 1: Depart the USAWe meet our Tour Director and prepare for our overnight flight to the Land Down Under. Enjoy superb service and tasty meals as we fly to our destination.
- Day 2: Sydney BoundUpon crossing the International Date Line, we lose a calendar day.
- Day 3: Harbor CruiseThis morning we arrive in Sydney, Australia’s largest, oldest, and most cosmopolitan city. We’re introduced to the sparkling waterfront during a delightful Sydney Harbor Cruise with included luncheon. Enjoy views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbor Bridge, the longest single span bridge in the world, and sail past pristine parks, golden beaches, and charming harborside neighborhoods. This afternoon we arrive at our hotel, conveniently located in the central business district. The evening is yours to get to know the city or rest up for the adventures ahead.
Meals Included: Lunch
- Day 4: City Sights & Opera HouseAfter an included breakfast, we’re off to discover Sydney with an expert local guide. Enjoy views of the Queen Victoria Building, Hyde Park, bustling Kings Cross, and popular Bondi Beach. We marvel at the iconic sails atop the famous Sydney Opera House and enjoy a VIP tour through this landmark venue, one of the most recognizable architectural wonders in the world. Take in panoramic views of the harbor and city during lunch in revolving Sydney Tower. Later, there’s time to visit the attractions of Darling Harbor, Sydney’s favorite area for leisure and entertainment, or The Rocks, one of the most historic and affluent areas of the city with restored buildings, harbor views, and cobbled pathways.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
- Day 5: Tropical CairnsThis morning, we fly to tropical Cairns in Far North Queensland. This is the gateway city to many of Australia’s natural wonders including the iconic Great Barrier Reef. After a visit to Cairns Aquarium, we check in to our luxurious, five-star hotel that features three restaurants and bars, glass swimming pools, and Eléme Day Spa and Wellness Center. The rest of the day is yours to take advantage of these fabulous amenities, relax with unbeatable waterfront views, or stroll down the adjacent Cairns Esplanade.
- Day 6: Kuranda Scenic TrainToday, we experience one of the most spectacular rail excursions in the world on the Kuranda Scenic Railway. Our journey reveals lush, wondrous World Heritage rainforest, steep ravines, and picturesque waterfalls within Barron Gorge National Park. Upon arrival in Kuranda, there’s time to explore this fascinating mountaintop village and visit the Heritage Markets, full of colorful and interesting arts and crafts. After lunch at Frogs Restaurant, we descend the magnificent MacAlister Range on a 4.7-mile gondola cableway. Listen for the sounds of the sulfur crested cockatoo, and enjoy spectacular views of the rainforest highlands, Cairns, and the Coral Sea as we glide over dense forest canopy. We then return to our upscale hotel for the evening.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
- Day 7: Great Barrier Reef & Scenic Helicopter RideGet ready for the ultimate bucket list experience today as we visit the Great Barrier Reef, one of Australia’s greatest national treasures and the world’s largest living organism, stretching more than 1,200 miles along the coast. We view vividly colored tropical fish and coral from the reef viewer, underwater observatory, and glass-bottom boat. Learn about the fish and marine life that inhabit this underwater world and enjoy breathtaking sights of the Great Barrier Reef on an included scenic helicopter flight. You may also choose to swim, snorkel, or just relax in this beautiful marine setting.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
- Day 8: Brisbane & Lamington National ParkThis morning we fly to Brisbane, the subtropical capital of Queensland and one of Australia’s most charming cities. We then travel inland past dairy farms, wineries, quaint villages, and ascend a scenic, windy road through the Green Mountains. Our accommodations are at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat, located in the heart of one of the world’s great subtropical rainforests, World Heritage Lamington National Park. After a brief tour of the Retreat, explore the magnificent rainforest and its many attractions. Walk through the treetops on the famous Treetop Walk and view the extensive display of flora in the nearby botanical gardens. Later, we enjoy a stargazer’s dream as we appreciate the night sky with its remarkable clarity and beauty. Never before has the Southern Cross been viewed so majestically.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 9: O’Reilly’s RetreatOur day begins with O’Reilly’s famous bird walk to meet the hundreds of birds that feed each morning at the Retreat. During breakfast, a rainforest guide will invite us to participate in the day’s activities. Embark on an included four-wheel drive journey with a guided walk and traditional bush tea. After dinner together, enjoy a nature presentation at the Retreat Theater or a stroll to view nocturnal creatures such as possums, pademelons, and glowworms.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 10: Crocodile Hunter’s Australia ZooToday, we depart our secluded rainforest retreat and head north to the Sunshine Coast. We visit the Australia Zoo, home of late legendary television personality, Steve Irwin the “Crocodile Hunter.” See colorful birds and prehistoric saltwater crocodiles in the Crocoseum, then experience hands-on animal encounters like nowhere else in the world. Pet a koala, hand-feed kangaroos, wallabies, and see emus, wombats, dingoes, cassowaries, and kookaburras. Later, we arrive at our beautiful hotel and have an evening at leisure.
Meals Included: Breakfast
- Day 11: Mary Cairncross Scenic ReserveWe start our day with a fascinating journey to Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve. This ecological haven overlooks the Glass House Mountains and spans over 135 acres throughout a subtropical rainforest. Explore this natural wonder with a guided walk to gaze upon the diverse flora and fauna found within. There are nearly 400 plants species, more than 140 bird species, and roughly 70 species of other wildlife including mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. Afterwards, we travel away from the glistening coastline and enter the Sunshine Coast Hinterland with its picture-perfect views of the lush, green Blackall Ranges. Our included lunch is at the award-winning Secrets on the Lake café, perched in the rainforest canopy facing Lake Baroon’s shores. We then visit Montville, a charming hinterland village with unique galleries and studios showcasing local artists and their work.
Meals Included: Lunch
- Day 12: Bushtucker CruiseEnjoy a restful morning before our visit to the world’s longest running silent film theater, The Majestic Theater in Pomona. After 100 years, it remains the only authentic silent picture theater fully operating! The hall originally showed silent films and vaudeville productions, plus acted as a social center for this quaint town. In the afternoon, we return to Mooloolaba for a picturesque Bushtucker cruise to discover native flora, fauna, and food. As we glide along the tranquil waterways, experience Australia’s First Nations culture through traditional stories, expert insights into the area’s maritime past, and tastings of authentic bush tucker, such as smoked barramundi. This evening, we gather to celebrate our adventures with a Farewell Dinner.
Meals Included: Dinner
- Day 13: Return Home
What's Included
All Accommodations
- 2 nights Rydges World Square Hotel in Sydney
- 3 nights Crystalbrook Flynn in Cairns
- 2 nights O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat in Lamington National Park
Attractions & Highlights
- Sydney city sights
- Sydney Harbor Luncheon Cruise
- Sydney Opera House guided tour
- Tropical Cairns
- Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
- Kuranda Scenic Railway
- Great Barrier Reef cruise, scenic helicopter flight, reef viewer & glass-bottom boat subject to weather
- O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat feat. Tree Top Walk, Bird Walk, Glowworm Experience & driving tour
- Crocodile Hunter's Australia Zoo
- Sunshine Coast Hinterland
- The Majestic Theatre in Pamona
- Bushtucker Cruise
14 Excellent Meals
- Lunch at Sydney Tower
- Lunch at Frogs Restaurant in Kuranda
- Local cuisine & bush tea at O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat
- Lunch at Secrets on the Lake Café
- Farewell Dinner
Learn more about what's included with the Holiday Advantage.
Birmingham - Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport