11 wonderful days!
ROMANTIC RAINFOREST LODGE
GREAT BARRIER REEF ISLAND
MAGNIFICENT SYDNEY

ANY MONTH - any day departure - this itinerary can be altered to suit travel time, personal interests and budget. Also see our regular travel itineraries for more of our traveling options.

DAY 1 WELCOME TO AUSTRALIA! (D)

Arrive Sydney early morning and continue on your flight to tropical Cairns in North Queensland.

On arrival, clear immigration and customs and exit into the Arrivals Hall where you are met and transferred up into the tropical rainforests and a romantic and active rainforest lodge.

The lodge rests on the edge of the spectacular Mossman River Gorge. From here you can walk into the World Heritage listed Daintree National Park, the oldest living rainforest on earth. It's a time capsule of primitive plants and birds of paradise, a place where new species of flora and fauna are discovered every year. Settle into your treehouse chalet with the forest so close you can touch it.

During your stay, join guide walks, river cruises or order a picnic hamper and find your own private peace in the rainforest. Kayak down the Mossman or swim in the private pool by the lodge. The crystal clear billabong is perfectly safe.

DAY 2 RAINFOREST SAFARI (B/L/D)

You are collected from the lodge after breakfast by your rainforest guide.

As you journey up to Daintree and Cape Tribulation you'll enjoy incredible coastal scenery. You are accompanied by an experienced naturalist guide and visit a variety of different environments throughout the day including estuary, mangroves, rainforest and beach.

Enjoy a river cruise on the Daintree River and a guided walk through ancient rainforest in the Cape Tribulation National Park.

After a barbecue at our private lunch site on the edge of Myall Creek, you'll stroll along deserted Myall Beach which offers spectacular views of the Cape Tribulation headland and Great Dividing Range. A scenic journey south allows you to relax and appreciate the beauty of this area, and your experience ends with your return to your accommodation.

DAY 3 RAINFOREST LODGE (B/D)

At leisure. Perhaps take your own canoe and picnic lunch up the gorge to your own private place for a swim and relaxing afternoon with the birds and trees - fun and romantic! Treat yourself to massages in the rainforest spa.

DAY 4 TO GREAT BARRIER REEF ISLAND (B/L/D)

You are transferred to your morning flight out over the Great Barrier Reef to a luxurious island at the edge of the reef. Arrive and settle into your Villa for three (glorious!) nights. Meet other guests over lunch today.

Positioned on the inner edge of the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of North Queensland, this island offers superb guest amenities. Endless sandy beaches for you to retreat to with a picnic hamper for the day. Snorkel trips to the outer edge of the reef are in addition to excellent snorkeling off the beach. There is a swimming pool, sailboards, paddle skis, catamaran sailing, glass bottom boat trips, dinghies, fishing and snorkeling gear, bush walking, hiking and picnicking. Most activities are included in your tariff.

All meals - all spectacular! - are included in your stay.

DAY 5 GREAT BARRIER REEF ISLAND (B/L/D)

DAY 6 GREAT BARRIER REEF ISLAND (B/L/D)

DAY 7 TO SYDNEY (B/L)

Depart the island, traveling south by air to one of the world's greatest cities: Sydney.

On arrival early evening, you are transferred to your hotel overlooking Sydney Harbour and the Opera House.

Sydney is a thriving harbourside metropolis populated by four million people and is Australia's best known city. It was the first site of European settlement on the Australian continent - one vastly different from today's cosmopolitan showcase. The city's most famous landmarks include Sydney Harbour Bridge, Opera House and the Centrepoint Tower. With the harbour as the Sydney's heart, the city proper is bounded by water to the north and west and fringed to the east by the extensive green parklands of the Botanical Gardens and the Domain. Sydney is an exciting and interesting city to experience.

DAY 8 SYDNEY, city sights and lunch cruise (CB)

This morning you have a tour of the city to acquaint you with the history and layout.

You arrive at Circular Quay for your luncheon cruise on Sydney Harbour.

DAY 9 SYDNEY, Blue Mountains (CB/L)
              or Hunter Wine Valley

Blue Mountains excursion: visit ancient Aboriginal sites and outstanding lookouts, examine rock formations and the unusual plants and wildlife, the magnificent Jamieson Valley and the Three Sisters, a delicious lunch under the canopy of the Australian bush, and a hidden valley where kangaroos graze in the wild.

Hunter Valley Vintage tour: This is a uniquely Australian day of fine wine, great food, interesting history and beautiful scenery.

DAY 10 SYDNEY, at leisure (B)

At leisure your final day in Australia. Perhaps take a trip out to the Australia Wildlife Park to see native animals in native habitats. Or, enjoy one of the 51 Sydney beaches! Last minute shopping, postcards. Performance at the Sydney Opera House - inquire to schedules.

DAY 11 SYDNEY/HOME (B)

Packing up warm memories of people and places, you are transferred to the airport for your afternoon flight home, re-crossing the dateline and arriving home this same day.