31 Days Great Adventure Down Under Tour Package

Duration: 31 Days / 30 Nights
Priced From: $7,889 pp dbl. occ.
Dates: Jan - Dec, Jan - Mar

This in-depth vacation is truly the South Pacific vacation of a lifetime! Begin in Brisbane, Australia, and drive to the Sunshine Coast, where you visit the Australia Zoo of Steve “Crocodile Hunter” Irwin fame. Come face to face with many of Australia’s native animals. Fly north to Cairns to board a catamaran and experience Australia’s Great Barrier Reef firsthand. On to Darwin and the rich Aboriginal heritage of Kakadu National Park. Cruise waterways where you may view crocodiles and walk ancient trails to see Aboriginal rock petroglyphs. Then travel to Alice Springs to discover life in the Outback. Tour around the base of Ayers Rock and witness the changing colors of the Rock at sunset. Board The Ghan for an overnight train journey to Adelaide and fascinating perspectives of the Outback. Outside Adelaide, sample some of Australia’s premium wines at the beautiful vineyards of the Barossa Valley. In Melbourne, see beautiful Fitzroy Gardens and the Penguin Parade. Next, fly to Hobart, Tasmania, and enjoy an excursion to Port Arthur, where the first convicts arrived in the 1830s. In Tasmania, you also have an opportunity to see the famous Tasmanian Devil, a rare marsupial wolf, at a wildlife sanctuary. Travel to Sydney for a cruise on the harbor and tour of the famous Sydney Opera House. After plenty of leisure time in Sydney, leave Australia and fly to Christchurch, New Zealand. Travel through Mount Cook National Park, named for the highest peak in New Zealand, then head to Queenstown for a cruise into Fiordland National Park and through the Homer Tunnel to Milford Sound. Fly to Rotorua to see Rainbow Springs and experience Maori culture. Stop at the Waitomo Glowworm Caves en route to Auckland, where a guided sightseeing tour of the “City of Sails” is the perfect ending to your unforgettable vacation.

Days 1-2

Board your transpacific flight and skip a day as you cross the International Date Line on your way Down Under for the adventure of a lifetime.

Day 3 Brisbane–Sunshine Coast, Australia

G’day and welcome to Australia! Upon arrival, take an 80-mile drive through forests and past the picturesque Glass House Mountains before arriving at the Sunshine Coast. The remainder of the afternoon is free for you to relax at your resort hotel. This evening your Tour Director hosts a special welcome dinner. (D)

Day 4 Sunshine Coast. Excursion to Australia Zoo

Come face-to-face with many of Australia’s native animals at the AUSTRALIA ZOO. You’ll see a crocodile demonstration by one of the zookeepers, as well as witness the feeding of the koalas. (B)

Day 5 Sunshine Coast–Brisbane–Cairns

Fly north to Cairns, gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Enjoy dinner at your hotel. (B,D)

Day 6 Cairns. Great Barrier Reef Excursion

After a spectacular drive along the coast, reach Port Douglas to board a fast catamaran for a CRUISE to Australia’s famous Great Barrier Reef, where you will disembark onto a luxurious 3-level pontoon. Enjoy coral viewing from the UNDERWATER OBSERVATORY or cruise among the coral gardens in a modern SUB-SEA VIEWER. Snorkeling gear is available and an informative talk by a marine biologist enhances your experience. A buffet lunch is also included. This evening, join the optional outing to the home of a local Aussie family for a delicious meal. (B,L)

Day 7 Cairns–Darwin

Morning at leisure in this tropical paradise. For a truly amazing rainforest experience, consider our optional trip to Kuranda via the old scenic rail route. See magnificent scenery, lush rainforests, and twisting waterfalls from the comfort of a restored, historic mountain train. For the return journey you may choose to take the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Or, take a tour to Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park—a fascinating portrayal of Aboriginal culture, dance, and folklore. Then, fly to the top end of Australia to Darwin, famous for its strategic importance during WWII. (B)

Day 8 Darwin–Kakadu National Park

Today you will see giant termite nests on the way to KAKADU NATIONAL PARK. Explore parts of nearly 7,300 square miles of unspoiled waterways with a rich heritage of Aboriginal culture and stop at the Bowali Visitor Centre to gain an understanding of Kakadu’s habitats. CRUISE waterways where you may view crocodiles, and walk ancient trails to see Aboriginal rock petroglyphs. An optional light-aircraft flight over the park should not be missed. Dinner tonight is at your hotel. (B,D) Note: During the wet season (December through April) it can be difficult to see crocodiles in the wild.

Day 9 Kakadu National Park–Darwin

Depart your hotel this morning and stop at WINDOWS ON THE WETLANDS Visitor Centre, an interactive display of the Kakadu fauna. Return to Darwin for sightseeing of this important tropical northern capital. See the elegant colonial architecture of the city’s historic buildings that survived the devastation of Cyclone Tracy in 1974. Visit the splendid BOTANIC GARDENS and beautiful East Point, an area rich in WWII memorabilia. Also visit the ART GALLERY to view fine collections of Aboriginal art. (B)

Day 10 Darwin–Alice Springs–Ayers Rock

During a brief stop in Alice Springs, enjoy the opportunity to ride a camel, the transport of the desert, at the CAMEL FARM. Then, visit the OLD TELEGRAPH STATION to discover how the locals live in this remote area and to learn the history of how the early settlers developed communication. On to Anzac Hill, a tribute to Australia’s and New Zealand’s war heroes. Afterward, fly to Ayers Rock. Travel to a popular lookout to enjoy the views of the magnificent Kata Tjuta (the Olgas), a geological splendor of some 30 brilliant monoliths. There is time to take photos before returning for a TOUR around the base of Ayers Rock and to “Sunset Strip” for a drink and to witness the changing colors of the Rock. (B)

Day 11 Ayers Rock–Alice Springs

Fly to Alice Springs in the Outback, where you’ll visit the ROYAL FLYING DOCTOR SERVICE to appreciate how medical service is provided to those living in remote regions. The afternoon is at leisure. This evening, enjoy a truly unique Aussie experience: an OUTBACK BARBEQUE that features a meal of typical campfire fare, fascinating tales of the Outback, and Aboriginal folklore. (B,D)

Day 12 Alice Springs–The Ghan Train

A morning visit to experience an ABORIGINAL “DREAMTIME” TOUR and learn more about this important native culture from your Local Guide. Next, a highlight of your vacation begins with a train journey on THE GHAN TRAIN, offering a fascinating perspective of the Outback. (B,L,D)

Day 13 The Ghan Train–Adelaide

Arrive in Adelaide for a city tour along the wide tree-lined streets and well-manicured gardens. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure. (B,L)

Day 14 Adelaide

The day is at leisure. You may choose a full-day trip to Kangaroo Island, one of the world’s last unspoiled habitats. (B)

Day 15 Adelaide–Barossa Valley–Melbourne

Today, drive to the BAROSSA VALLEY with its Bavarian villages, baroque Italianate chateaux, and stunning vineyard scenery. Breathe in the beauty of the Adelaide Hills in the leafy greenness of the quaint yet charming villages. Enjoy a sumptuous lunch and sample some of Australia’s premium winesat a LOCAL WINERY. Later this afternoon, fly to Melbourne, Australia’s second-largest city. (B,L)

Day 16 Melbourne

Today’s tour includes landmarks such as Parliament House and the Shrine of Remembrance, a tribute to Australia’s war heroes. Visit beautiful FITZROY GARDENS and then drive past the lush Royal Botanical Gardens. You’ll soon discover the differing architectural influences of this city as you see the Victorian Arts Centre and other buildings of significance. For a unique dining experience, join an optional outing on board a historic tramcar restaurant as it winds its way through the streets of Melbourne. Later this afternoon, drive to Phillip Island to see a PENGUIN PARADE from an exclusive viewing platform. (B,D)

Day 17 Melbourne–Hobart

Fly to Hobart, Tasmania, home of the famed Tasmanian Devil. (B)

Day 18 Hobart. Excursion to Port Arthur

Today’s tour of the scenic Tasman Peninsula features the blowhole, the Devil’s Kitchen, and the Tasman Arch coastal formations. Visit PORT ARTHUR, where the first convicts arrived in the 1830s. A guided tour of the Penal Settlement shows you the ruins of the 4-story penitentiary and the model prison—grim reminders of Australia’s days as a penal colony. Also included is a short stop at a nearby WILDLIFE SANCTUARY to see the famous Tasmanian Devil, a rare marsupial wolf. (B)

Day 19 Hobart–Sydney

Today, fly to Sydney, the largest city in Australia. The afternoon is at leisure for you to discover this exciting and beautiful city on your own. Your Tour Director will have suggestions for optional activities. (B)

Day 20 Sydney

Today, explore one of the world’s most beautiful cities. Your tour includes a CRUISE on Sydney Harbour that highlights this bustling waterway and a visit to the SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE , a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for a guided tour of its interior. Travel to Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair in the city’s BOTANICAL GARDENS for a great photo opportunity of the harbor, Opera House, and Harbour Bridge. Feel like a local while touring the world-famous Bondi Surf Bathers’ Life Saving Club and enjoy a lifesaving demonstration! See some of the city’s original suburbs, followed by the historic Rocks area, home to Sydney’s original convicts. Also visit one of the country’s leading OPAL COMPANIES to discover how the beautiful gems are mined. The balance of the day is free. (B)

Day 21 Sydney

Enjoy a full day at leisure. Perhaps join our optional excursions to the Blue Mountains or to Hunter Valley, one of Australia’s leading wine-growing regions. You can even climb to the top of Sydney’s Harbour Bridge! Your Tour Director will help you make the most of this exciting city. Tonight, enjoy a special dinner at a waterfront restaurant with fantastic views of the highlights of Sydney. (B,D)

Day 22 Sydney–Christchurch, New Zealand

Today, fly across the Tasman Sea to Christchurch, New Zealand. (B,D)

Day 23 Christchurch

Sightseeing starts with a drive up the winding Summit Road for views of Lyttelton Harbor, then past Christchurch’s old stone buildings, the charming Avon River, and acres of green parks. The remainder of the day is free to explore this beautiful English “Garden City.” (B)

Day 24 Christchurch–Mount Cook

Today, journey through the alpine scenery of MOUNT COOK NATIONAL PARK, named after the highest peak in New Zealand. Weather permitting, don’t miss the chance to take an optional ski-plane flight that actually lands on the 18-mile-long Tasman Glacier. It is an unforgettable experience. Dinner tonight is at your hotel. (B,D)

Day 25 Mount Cook–Queenstown

Today, enjoy fantastic views as you journey through the snowcapped peaks, waterfalls, and rugged mountain scenery of New Zealand’s Southern Alps. Later, arrive in Queenstown, nicknamed the “Adventure Capital of the World.” (B)

Day 26 Queenstown. Cruise on Milford Sound

More beautiful scenery today as you travel into FIORDLAND NATIONAL PARK through the Homer Tunnel to Milford Sound. Boasting some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world, this region of New Zealand has the elite status of belonging to UNESCO
The World Heritage List includes over 800 properties with cultural and/or natural heritage of global significance’s World Heritage Parks. CRUISE on the fiord with sheer rock walls rising thousands of feet from the water’s great depths. (B,L)

Day 27 Queenstown

A full day at leisure for your own discoveries. Consider an optional visit to a local vineyard and sample some of the prize vintages, or maybe a thrilling jetboat ride on the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers. Your Tour Director will have suggestions to help you plan your day to explore, shop, and enjoy optional activities. This evening, enjoy breathtaking scenery in every direction as you CRUISE Lake Wakatipu on board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw. On arrival at Walter Peak you will be served dinner at Colonel’s Homestead. (B,D)

Day 28 Queenstown–Rotorua

A short flight brings you to Rotorua, the center of the Maori culture in the heart of New Zealand’s geothermal wonderland. Upon arrival, visit TE PUIA, Rotorua’s most prominent thermal area with New Zealand’s largest geyser, boiling mud pools, and silica terraces. This evening you will witness Maori warriors arriving on a war canoe, followed by an entertaining CONCERT and delicious HANGI DINNER cooked underground. The evening ends with a visit to RAINBOW SPRINGS to view native bush and wildlife at night under an array of spectacularly colored lights, including a walk through the Kiwi enclosure. (B,D)

Day 29 Rotorua

A morning visit to the AGRODOME to learn more about one of the country’s major industries—sheep! You will see 19 sheep breeds on stage and will watch the art of sheep shearing, a sheepdog demonstration, and an exciting sheep auction. This evening you may wish to enjoy the hospitality of a New Zealand family at dinner in their home. (B)

Day 30 Rotorua–Waitomo–Auckland

This morning, travel north through Waikato to the famous WAITOMO GLOWWORM CAVES. Experience a guided tour through the limestone chambers and passages of the caverns. Enjoy a silent boat trip through Glowworm Grotto as you glide quietly beneath the lights of thousands of glowworms suspended from the cave ceiling. Later, arrive in the “City of Sails,” situated on an isthmus between two magnificent harbors. During your sightseeing, ascend Mt. Eden for magnificent views of the city and Ragitoto Island, the volcanic cone which dominates the inner harbor. This evening, your Tour Director hosts a farewell dinner. (B,D)

Day 31

Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (B)

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