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Australia's Outback to New Zealand's South Island
Venture through the natural splendor of New Zealand's Southern Alps and the stillness of Australia's rugged Outback. Tour Sydney Opera House with an expert guide. Enjoy a delightful dinner cruise of Sydney Harbour. Delve into the underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef. Take a "Dreamtime tour" in the Outback, introducing you to Aboriginal life and culture. Settle in for a 3-night stay in Queenstown. Cruise Milford Sound. Meet Australia and New Zealand's famous wildlife up-close. From Alice Springs and Uluru (Ayers Rock) to snow-capped peaks and fjords, explore the diverse wonders of the lands Down Under.
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Depart from Home
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.
Sydney, Australia - Tour Begins
Your tour opens in Sydney, perhaps one of the friendliest metropolis in the world. Tonight join your fellow travelers and toast to the start of your adventure down under during dinner in lively Darling Harbour.
Sydney
Start your sightseeing with an indigenous Welcome to Country and walking tour of the area where English colonists first settled. Continue your city tour of Sydney, featuring Kings Cross, the Harbour Bridge, Chinatown, 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.
Sydney
Deepen your exploration of Sydney's many wonders with a day at leisure. Tonight, enjoy scenic vistas of Sydney during a delightful dinner cruise of Sydney Harbour. Marvel at the magnificent skyline and iconic attractions: the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge.
Sydney - Cairns
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.
Cairns
Board a high-speed catamaran for an exciting excursion to the Great Barrier Reef. Explore the reef from your base on Green Island. Enjoy a glass-bottom boat ride, stroll the island's walking trails, relax on the beach, snorkel or just watch the fish and sea turtles swim past from the pier. For a more adventurous encounter with the reef, an optional outer reef tour is also available.
Cairns
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.
Cairns - Alice Springs
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.
Alice Springs
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.
Alice Springs - Uluru
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 colors of Uluru at sunset accompanied by a champagne toast.
Uluru - Melbourne
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.
Melbourne
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.
Melbourne - Queenstown, New Zealand
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.
Queenstown - Milford Sound - Queenstown
Soak in the rugged grandeur of 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.
Queenstown
Your day is free to experience Queenstown your way. Shop or people-watch in the village, find a unique eatery for lunch, sample some New Zealand wine - the day is yours to enjoy this stunning city.
Queenstown - Mt. Cook National Park
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. Savor 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.
Mt. Cook National Park - Christchurch
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. Learn about the local indigenous culture of the Maori, with a paddle on the Avon River in a traditional canoe or 'waka.' Later, join a local Kiwi family for a home hosted dinner.
Christchurch
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 travelers.
Christchurch - Tour Ends
Your tour comes to a close, leaving you with unforgettable memories of the South Pacific.
Departure Dates
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Start: April 24, 2024 End: May 13, 2024 Price: $5,999 pp | Land Only Get an Estimate |
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Product Code: Member Choice Vacations-97
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