Day 1 - Wednesday, March 01: Departure from Toronto
Cross the International Dateline (skipping a day ahead) for an
adventure discovering the treasures of Australia and New Zealand,
including their unparalleled beauty and captivating culture.
Day 2 - Thursday, March 02: Continuing our flight
Day 3 - Friday, March 03: Sydney
Your tour opens in Sydney, perhaps one of the friendliest metropolis
in the world. Tonight join your fellow travellers and toast to the start
of your adventure down under during dinner in lively Darling
Harbour. (D)
Day 4 - Saturday, March 04: Sydney ( B)
See where English colonists first settled during a city tour of Sydney,
featuring Kings Cross, the Harbour Bridge, Chinatown, the Rocks,
Circular Quay, the Botanic Gardens, and the fashionable suburb of
Darlinghurst. Take an expert-led tour of the Sydney Opera House,
poised majestically on Sydney Harbour. Then, have the chance to join
a special presentation at the National Opal Collection. In the evening,
consider an optional dinner and engaging performance at the famous
Opera House. (B)
Day 5 - Sunday, March 05: Sydney ( B, D)
See where English colonists first settled during a city tour of Sydney,
featuring Kings Cross, the Harbour Bridge, Chinatown, the Rocks,
Circular Quay, the Botanic Gardens, and the fashionable suburb of
Darlinghurst. Take an expert-led tour of the Sydney Opera House,
poised majestically on Sydney Harbour. Then, have the chance to join
a special presentation at the National Opal Collection. In the evening,
consider an optional dinner and engaging performance at the famous
Opera House. (B)
Day 6 - Monday, March 06: Cairns (B,D)
Fly to Cairns, the tropical gateway to one of the world’s most
spectacular natural attractions – the Great Barrier Reef (UNESCO).
Established as a marine park in 1975, the reef is a haven for
thousands of species of sea life, as well as turtles and birds. (B, D)
Day 7 - Tuesday, March 07: Cairns (B)
Soak up the tropical atmosphere – the morning is yours. Perhaps you
will take an optional tour on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, taking
you above the rainforest canopy for a bird’s-eye view of unspoiled
nature. This afternoon, visit Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures to see
crocodiles on a nature cruise. Head through rainforests on boardwalks
to see animals such as wild birds, reptiles, and wallabies. Visit with a
koala and chat with a wildlife naturalist to learn more about these
furry creatures.
Day 8 - Wednesday, March 08: Cairns - Great Barrier Reef (B)
Board a glass-bottom catamaran and sail to the Low Isles to discover
the aquatic realm of the Great Barrier Reef. Spend the day however
you please, perhaps choosing from a selection of included activities.
Maybe you’ll soak up the sun on a tiny remote island,* located along
the outer reef. Or, consider snorkelling in the rolling waves,
uncovering a pod of vibrant sea life. You can also meet with a marine
biologist or join an expert on a heritage trail walk along the island.
Day 9 - Thursday, March 09: Cairns and Alice Springs (B.D)
Experience the vast landscapes and tranquility of the Outback. Your
flight takes you to Alice Springs, the perfect place to begin exploring
this unique land. Tonight, continue your cultural immersion with a
memorable bush dinner set against the backdrop of this unique desert
environment.
Day 10 - Friday, March 10: Alice Springs (B)
Access the history and culture of the Arrernte Aboriginal people by
enjoying a guided walk on their sacred land, followed by a talk with
an Aboriginal guide. Gain insight into their cultural history and
discover what makes this place so special. This afternoon, discover a
more modern side to Outback living when you visit the Royal Flying
Doctor Service, a lifeline to thousands across the vast terrain of
Central Australia. Later, tour the Old Telegraph Station and Anzac
Hill with its excellent views of Alice Springs and the surrounding
area.
Day 11 - Saturday, March 11: Alice Springs - Uluru (B)
Traverse the “Red Centre” and head to Uluru (the Aboriginal name
for Ayers Rock) in the heart of the Australian Outback. This huge
monolith and the sandstone domes known as Kata Tjuta were created
through upheaval and erosion. Tour the base of "the Rock," learning
about its geology and significance to Aboriginal culture. Witness the
changing colours of Uluru at sunset accompanied by a champagne
toast.
Day 12 - Sunday, March 12: Uluru - Melbourne (B,D)
Fly to the beautiful Victorian city of Melbourne. Set upon the shores
of Port Phillip Bay and the Yarra River, the city exudes a lively and
cosmopolitan atmosphere.
Day 13 - Monday, March 13: Melbourne (B)
Set out on a city tour and see Fitzroy Gardens and Melbourne’s
bustling “laneways.” Then, it’s your choice! Enjoy free time to
explore on your own -OR- visit the Melbourne Botanical Gardens
and Shrine of Remembrance. With an afternoon to yourself, perhaps
you will join an optional excursion to Phillip Island, home to the
world’s largest colony of Little Penguins, where you’ll see hundreds
of these birds waddle out of the sea and cross the beach to their dune
burrows
Day 14 - Tuesday, March 14: Queenstown, New Zealand (B)
Leave Australia behind and fly to Queenstown, New Zealand. One of
New Zealand’s most popular towns, Queenstown is nestled against a
picturesque bay and snowcapped mountains. Home to ski resorts,
hiking trails and an abundance of natural beauty, the city is known as
the “Adventure Capital of the World.” Settle into your new home for
the next 3 nights.
Day 15 - Wednesday, March 15: Milford Sound (B.L)
Soak in the rugged grandeur of the Hollyford Valley as you travel
through an ancient beech forest via the Homer Tunnel. Cruise the
Milford Sound and see why this fjord is one of the most visited sights
on the South Island. Following the cruise, consider returning to
Queenstown via a short optional flight (weather permitting) for
spectacular views of New Zealand’s Southern Alps.
Day 16 - Thursday, March 16: Queenstown (B)
Enjoy a day at leisure. Shop in the bustling village centre or enjoy
time to relax.
Day 17 - Friday, March 17: Mt. Cook National Park (B,D)
Set off for the 19th-century settlement of Arrowtown, founded in the
gold fever. Follow the Kawarau River and cross Lindis Pass before
arriving in New Zealand’s most famous national park – Mt. Cook.
Savour some free time in this Alpine paradise. You may choose to
take a nature walk or simply meditate on the beauty of the Southern
Alps
Day 18 - Saturday, March 18: Willowbank Wildlife Reserve (B,D)
Depart for Christchurch this morning and pay a visit to Willowbank
Wildlife Reserve. A leader in the conservation of New Zealand
species, Willowbank offers the chance to view New Zealand’s “Big
5” up close and personal. Later, join a local Kiwi family for a home
hosted dinner
Day 19 - Sunday, March 19: Christchurch (B,D)
Devastated by an earthquake in early 2011, see firsthand how the
“Garden City” is recreating itself during a sightseeing tour that
highlights the city’s magnificent gardens and elegant park district. As
the day draws to a close, toast to your adventure down under at a
farewell dinner with your fellow travellers.
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