Escorted Australia 2025

Itinerary

Day 1

Days 0: Fly to Sydney - (Fri, March 21 & Sat., March 22) Motorcoach transportation from CT to Boston for flights to Sydney. Board flight on evening of Fri., March 21 and cross the International Date Line. Arrive in Sydney on Sun., March 23. Day 1: Welcome to Australia! (Sun., March 23) Welcome to Sydney, a vibrant metropolis nestled along Australia's southeastern coast. Upon arrival at Sydney International Airport, clear Immigration and Customs and then be greeted by your guide for a short orientation tour of the city. Enjoy a 2-course lunch before checking in at the luxurious Sofitel Sydney Wentworth, situated in the heart of Sydney's shopping and business district. This evening, savor a welcome 3-course dinner with a glass of wine at a local restaurant close to the hotel, and unwind in the comfort of your accommodations. L, D

Day 2

Day 2: Blue Mountains Excursion (Mon., March 24) Embark on an unforgettable journey to the Blue Mountains, a World Heritage-listed region renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and rich biodiversity. Accompanied by your guide, explore Blue Mountains National Park, marveling at its towering cliffs, lush forests, and iconic rock formations such as the Three Sisters. Experience the thrill of Scenic World's attractions, including the Scenic Railway, Cableway, and Skyway, offering unparalleled views of the surrounding scenery. Enjoy a 2-course lunch at Lookout Echo Point before visiting Featherdale Wildlife Park, where you can have your photo taken with a koala. See native Australian animals such as koalas, kangaroos, and wombats. En route back to the city, pass by Homebush Bay, the site of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. The evening is yours to explore Sydney at your leisure and dine at a restaurant of your choice. B, L

Day 3

Day 3: Sydney City Tour - Bondi Beach (Tue, March 25) Today, immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and rich history of Sydney with a guided city tour. Begin by exploring the historic Rocks area, followed by visits to Hyde Park, St Mary's Cathedral, and Parliament House. Enjoy a guided tour of the iconic Sydney Opera House, marveling at its architectural brilliance and cultural significance. Next, venture to Mrs Macquarie's Chair for magnificent views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Then proceed to the picturesque Bondi Beach. Take in the stunning coastal scenery and soak up the laid-back atmosphere of this world-famous destination. Lunch is on your own at Bondi, providing an opportunity to sample local cuisine at one of the beachfront eateries. In the evening, explore the vibrant dining scene around Circular Quay before returning to the hotel. B

Day 4

Day 4: Sydney Royal Botanic Garden & Dinner Cruise Sydney Harbour (Wed., March 26) Begin your day with a guided highlights tour of the Royal Botanic Garden, a serene oasis nestled in the heart of Sydney. Accompanied by a local guide, explore the garden's diverse collection of national and international plants, including rare and threatened species. Take in the beauty of nature as you stroll through themed garden areas and learn about the garden's rich history dating back to its establishment in 1816. Afterwards, enjoy some free time to further explore Sydney at your leisure. In the evening, embark on a memorable dinner cruise aboard the Captain Cook fleet, offering panoramic views of Sydney Harbour. Indulge in a delicious 4-course à la carte dining experience accompanied by a glass of wine as you sail past iconic landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. B, D

Day 5

Day 5: Yulara - Sunset Viewing of Ayers Rock (Thu, March 27) Depart from Sydney Airport for domestic flight to the remote town of Yulara, located in the south of Australia's Northern Territory. Serving as a gateway to the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Yulara offers a comfortable base for exploring the sacred world heritage site of Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock. Upon arrival, meet your driver-guide and transfer to Desert Gardens Hotel, offering stunning views of Uluru. In the evening, experience the mesmerizing beauty of Uluru at sunset from the designated viewing platform. As the sun sets behind the horizon, witness the rock's transformation from pinkish hues to vibrant shades of orange and red. Enjoy dinner at one of the nearby restaurants or dine at the hotel's in-house restaurant before retiring for the night. B

Day 6

Day 6: Yulara - Sunrise Viewing of Ayers Rock / Field of Lights Dinner (Fri, March 28) Rise early for a sunrise viewing of Uluru from the Talinguru Nyakunytjaku viewing platform. Marvel at the captivating spectacle as the first light gently embraces the desert landscape, offering unparalleled photo opportunities. Learn about the cultural significance of Uluru from your driver-guide as you explore the base of the rock, visiting sites such as the Mutitjulu waterhole and the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Center. Continue your cultural immersion with a 90-minute Dot Painting Workshop with Maruku, where you'll learn about traditional indigenous art and create your own artwork to cherish. Enjoy lunch at your leisure before indulging in the Field of Lights Dinner, a unique culinary experience set against the backdrop of illuminated desert landscapes. After dinner, take a self-guided walk through the mesmerizing Field of Lights exhibition before returning to the hotel. B, D

Day 7

Day 7: Cairns (Sat., March 29) Depart Ayers Rock Airport for your flight to Cairns. Cairns, once a quaint sugar-milling town, has blossomed into a bustling cosmopolitan city in North Queensland. Today, it stands as a vibrant hub for sailing, diving, and snorkeling, offering access to the breathtaking Great Barrier Reef and lush rainforests that envelop the region. Upon arrival, transfer to the Hilton Cairns Hotel, boasting a prime waterfront location and deluxe amenities. After settling in, enjoy dinner at the hotel. B, D

Day 8

Day 8: Cairns - Skyrail - Kuranda Rainforest- (Sun, March 30) Start your day with breakfast at the hotel before embarking on an adventure through the lush rainforests of Cairns. Meet your guide and journey to Smithfield Station, where you'll board the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Glide over pristine rainforest canopy, stopping at two mid-stations for ranger-guided tours and breathtaking views. Upon arrival in Kuranda, explore the village and Heritage Markets at your leisure before visiting the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, home to over 1,200 butterflies. Next, board a shuttle to Rainforestation Nature Park for a buffet lunch and an Army Duck Rainforest Tour, immersing yourself in the region's natural beauty and indigenous culture. Conclude your day with a scenic ride on the Kuranda Scenic Railway, winding through tropical mountains and lush valleys back to Cairns. Enjoy dinner on your own, exploring the town and Esplanade area. B, L

Day 9

Day 9: Cairns - Great Barrier Reef (Mon, March 31) Prepare for an unforgettable day of exploration as you embark on a full-day Great Barrier Reef Cruise to the Outer Barrier Reef. Board the Ocean Spirit catamaran, setting sail for Michaelmas Cay, a pristine sand cay surrounded by fringing reef and teeming with migratory seabirds. Spend the day snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, cruising in a semi-submersible for a diver's view of the reef, watching the fish feeding presentation and observing the island's vibrant birdlife. For a more leisurely experience, relax on the beach or onboard Ocean Spirit’s spacious decks. The beach buggy shuttle will transfer you between the Ocean Spirit and the beach. Enjoy morning and afternoon tea and a hot and cold buffet lunch during this excursion. After disembarking from the day cruise, walk back to the hotel and reflect on your remarkable memories of your Great Barrier Reef adventure. B, L

Day 10

Day 10: Melbourne (Tue, April 1) Board your flight from Cairns Airport to Melbourne. Welcome to the cultural heart of Australia, where the Yarra River meanders through a cityscape rich with gardens, culinary delights, and artistic treasures. After settling in at the luxurious Sofitel Melbourne On Collins, centrally located on prestigious Collins Street, you'll have free time to explore the vibrant Central Business District (CBD). Take advantage of the complimentary trams within the CBD to discover the city's eclectic mix of attractions, from the stunning Royal Botanic Gardens to the bustling Queen Victoria Market. Dinner tonight is at your leisure, offering the chance to sample Melbourne's renowned culinary scene. B

Day 11

Day 11: Melbourne - Phillip Island - Koalas - Penguin Parade (Wed., April 2) Enjoy a leisurely morning before meeting your guide for a day of exploration. Your first stop is the Royal Botanic Gardens in Cranbourne, where the Australian Garden showcases the beauty and diversity of native flora across 35 acres of landscaped gardens. Continue your journey to Phillip Island, home to an array of wildlife and natural wonders. At the Koala Conservation Centre, stroll along treetop boardwalks for an up-close encounter with these iconic marsupials in their natural habitat. Then, visit The Nobbies, where boardwalks offer panoramic views of the rugged coastline and the chance to spot seals basking on Seal Rocks. Dinner on Phillip Island. As evening falls, head to Summerland Beach for the unforgettable Penguin Parade, as hundreds of Little Penguins waddle ashore to their burrows. After witnessing this magical spectacle, return to Melbourne for a restful evening. B, D

Day 12

Day 12: Melbourne - KaBloom - Lotus Farm - Yarra Valley (Thu, April 3) Embark on a scenic journey today as we depart for the Dandenong Ranges and Yarra Valley with our guide. Our first stop is KaBloom - Fields of Fabulous Flowers, where you'll be enchanted by millions of flowers across five acres of stunning plantings in the picturesque Dandenong Ranges. Continue to the Blue Lotus Farm. Although the Lotus may not be in full bloom in April, the garden boasts an array of vibrant autumn flowers, including begonias, bougainvillea, and sunflowers. Afterward, we head to the renowned Yarra Valley, a region steeped in history and known for its wine production since the 19th century. Enjoy a wine tasting and lunch at a local winery before stopping at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery to indulge in some delicious treats. Return to the hotel in the evening, where you're free to explore the Flanders Lane or dine at one of the many local Melbourne restaurants. B,L

Day 13

Day 13: Melbourne - Aboriginal Talk - Botanic Garden - Skydeck - St Kilda (Fri, April 4) This morning, join your guide for a tour of Melbourne's cultural highlights. Begin with an Aboriginal talk led by experienced Koorie guides, offering insight into the indigenous history and significance of the Birrarung Wilam to the local Kulin peoples. Next, explore the Royal Botanical Gardens Victoria, a lush oasis in the heart of the city boasting over 23 collections of plants. Then, experience Melbourne from new heights at the Melbourne Skydeck, the Southern Hemisphere’s highest viewing attraction. We'll head to St. Kilda, Melbourne's seaside playground. Explore St. Kilda's attractions, including Luna Park, Acland Street, and Fitzroy Street, before returning to the hotel to freshen up. In the evening, enjoy a farewell 3-course dinner with a glass of wine at a local restaurant. B, D

Day 14

Day 14: End of Itinerary (Sat., April 5) Transfer to Melbourne International Airport for your return flight home with amazing memories from the Land Down Under.

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