Australia Experience 2013 ~ 18 Days

Itinerary

Jan 23, 2013
FLYING TO NEW ZEALAND
This tour begins with a flight from Canada via Vancouver into Auckland, New Zealand. We will cross the International Date line and lose a day. [IFM]

Jan 24, 2013
LOSE THIS DAY

Jan 25, 2013
AUCKLAND, NZ ~ CAIRNS, AU
An early morning transfer to the Auckland International Airport for a flight that will take us into Cairns, Australia. Upon arrival into Cairns, we clear Australian Customs then transfer to “Tjapukai Aboriginal Park” for lunch, followed by a tour of the park which features shows, dancing and boomerang throwing. We check into our hotel around 3:30 p.m. and the rest of the day is free to enjoy the pool area and to relax after our busy day. [B/L]

Jan 26, 2013
CAIRNS, AU
A high speed catamaran takes us to the tropical ‘atoll’ of “Green Island”, which is situated on part of the “Great Barrier Reef”. While on Green Island our group will take a glass bottom boat to view the coral and enjoy a buffet lunch. There will be time for snorkeling and swimming in either the warm waters of the ocean or the fresh water pool located at the resort. Mid afternoon we return back to Cairns. [B/L]

Jan 27, 2013
CAIRNS, AU
Today we travel from Cairns, up onto the Atherton Tablelands. Here we can learn some of the farming techniques unique to the area; from sugar cane to bananas and from peanuts to tea. We will also get to taste some of the exotic tropical fruits that are grown in the area. After lunch, we visit the Giant Fig Tree, before returning to Cairns for the night. [B/L]

Jan 28, 2013
CAIRNS, AU
Following breakfast at our hotel, we travel to “Freshwater Station” where we board the “Kuranda Rail” for a scenic train journey up the mountains to “Kuranda Station”. There is time to explore Kuranda on our own before taking one of the most unforgettable and the world’s longest gondola ride over the rainforest to Smithfield Station.  Board the afternoon flight that will take you to Brisbane for a 2-night stay.  [B]

Jan 29, 2013
BRISBANE, AU
Enjoy a morning cruise on the Brisbane River to “Lone Pine Wildlife Park”, where it is still possible to cuddle a koala and feed the kangaroos.  Return to the city of Brisbane with the  afternoon free.  [B]

Jan 30, 2013
DALBY, AU
Depart Brisbane and travel westward over the “Great Dividing Range” and onto the Darling Downs.  This area  encompasses some of Australia's richest  farm lands where wheat, sorghum and pulse crops are grown  in abundance.  Visit a feed lot and  with local farmers.  Overnight in Dalby.  [B/L]

Jan 31, 2013
GOONDIWINDI, AU
Visit more grain farms this morning  around the agricultural community of Dalby before driving to the major wheat area of Goondiwindi for an  overnight stay.  Goondiwindi is known for the huge grain bunkers and storage silos.   [B/L]

Feb 01, 2013
NARRABRI, AU
This morning you cross into New South Wales. A short drive will take you to Moree for a tour of a pecan farm, olive tasting and lunch before continuing past more grain bunkers on the way to Narrabri, the Cotton Capital of Australia, for an overnight stay. [B/L]

Feb 02, 2013
RURAL HOME STAY, AU
This morning you tour Narrabri then meet your host families for lunch, dinner and an overnight stay. The cotton and wheat farms here are some of the largest in the country. [B/L/D]

Feb 03, 2013
MUDGEE, AU
This morning we say good bye to our host families and travel through the countryside to the city of Mudgee. This is one of the premier wine producing areas of Australia. Dinner will be at our hotel this evening. [B/L/D]

Feb 04, 2013
SYDNEY, AU
Our scenic travels today will take us over the “Blue Mountains” of the Great Dividing Range with a stop at the “Incline Railroad”. We arrive into Sydney in the afternoon for a tour of the “Sydney Opera House” before checking into our hotel in Sydney for a two night stay. Dinner this evening will be in the Sydney Tower. [B/D]

Feb 05, 2013
SYDNEY
Enjoy a morning cruise on the beautiful Sydney Harbour passing under the Sydney harbour Bridge and past the Sydney Opera House plus other attractions.  The balance of the day is free to explore Sydney on your own. [B]

Feb 06, 2013
MELBOURNE
Fly from Sydney to Melbourne.  Upon arrival, travel through the wine country of the Yarra Valley for lunch and wine tasting before checking into the city centre hotel for 3-night stay. [B] 

Feb 07, 2013
MELBOURNE
This is a free say to explore on your own, join an organized tour to the Great ocean Road or visit the Ferry Penguins.  The choice will be yours. [B]

Feb 08, 2013
MELBOURNE
A morning tour of Melbourne and have a chance to shop at the Queen Victoria Market where local farmers and market gardeners bring their produce to sell.  There are numerous other shops for some of that last minute purchasing.  The afternoon is free to explore on your own.  This evening, dinner will be in the “Historic Tram Car Restaurant” as a “Farewell to Australia”, hosted by Select Holidays. [B/D]

Feb 09, 2013
END OF TOUR
Transfer to the Melbourne International Airport this morning for the flights back to North America [B]