Highlights of Australia (Apr–Sept)

Day 1-2: Overnight Flight

Board your overnight flight, bound for Australia.

Day 3: Introduction to Melbourne

Your tour director will take you on a quick walk so you can get to know the area. Melbourne is one of Australia’s lesser known gems. With more than 400 live music venues and a hip bar scene, it’s a hopping cosmopolitan city.

Welcome Mixer

Get to know your fellow travelers at an authentic local spot over some drinks and light appetizers.

Day 4: Sightseeing Tour of Melbourne

See the highlights of Melbourne with your Tour Director. Visit the bustling Queen Victoria Market, the largest open air market in the Southern Hemisphere, and walk tree-lined Collins Street in Melbourne's major shopping district and downtown business area.

Free Time in Melbourne (night)

Top 3 free time suggestions:

1. Chapel Street –One of the most iconic strips in Melbourne, Chapel Street is known for its great shopping, dining, and drinking. From midnight to 3am on weekends, the road gets flooded as clubs let out and modified cars start doing their Chap Laps cruising the street.

2. Richmond Club Hotel – TCatch a match of Australia’s version of football and grab a bite on the first floor, groove to some house beats and classic tunes on the second, or relax on the roof and take in the view.

3. Bimbo Deluxe – Bimbo is bohemian to the max: $4 pizzas, old couches, and dancing well into the night. Just try not to get disturbed by the little pink plastic babies that decorate the place.

Day 5: Travel to Cairns

Hop on a morning flight to Cairns, the last major settlement in Far North Queensland. Its popularity is mostly due to the Great Barrier Reef located right off the coast.

Introduction to Cairns              

Your tour director will take you on a quick walk so you can get to know the area.

Free Time in Cairns (night)

Top 3 free time suggestions:

1. Chapel Café –Large groups flock here to sit in the green booths and listen to the live acoustic acts; there's also a balcony overlooking the Esplanade.

2. The Civic Theatre – See a show at Cairns's most popular venue for live entertainment.

3. Gilligan's – Check out this sprawling bar/club that's quickly becoming the hottest spot in the city.

Day 6: Trip to the Great Barrier Reef

Discover one of the greatest natural wonders of the world. Stretching for 1,240 miles along the Queensland coast, the reef is nature’s largest living organism. You can swim, snorkel or take a semi-submersible boat ride to view the incredible underwater scenery of this multi-colored world.

Excursion:

Marine Biologist Snorkel Upgrade (extra cost)

While visiting the Great Barrier Reef, amp up your snorkeling experience. You’ll swim with a Marine Biologist to an unique a part of the reef. You’ll learn firsthand about all of the animals that call the Reef home and will have a greater opportunity to see colorful coral, clown fish, sea turtles and the world’s biggest clam!

Day 7: Travel to Townsville

On your way to Airlie beach, you'll stay the night in the seaside town of Townsville, known for its beachside bars, endless sunshine and plenty of outdoor attractions that you can only find in Oz.

Magnetic Island

All aboard for a lovely day on Magnetic Island, complete with 23 scenic beaches, WWII sites, coastal hikes, national parks and wild koalas! You're in for a day of sunny, relaxing, Australian fun at its finest.

Day 8: Travel to Airlie Beach

It's time to head off the beaten path to tranquil Airlie Beach. Upon arrival, your tour director will take you on a short walk around, showing you the highlights of this fun beach town.

Day 9

Excursion:

Whitsunday Island Cruise Extra Cost

Hop a catamaran and cruise around the Whitsundays, a group of islands in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. Bring a bathing suit, because you’ll be stopping at the white sand and turquoise oasis of Whitehaven Beach. It’s a blissful day of exploring, lounging, swimming, sightseeing and living it up under the sun.

Free Time in Airlie Beach (day)

Top 3 free time suggestions:

1. Airlie Beach Lagoon –This man-made saltwater lagoon is the only spot in Airlie Beach guaranteed to be jellyfish-free. Its sandy shore and tropical gardens could easily fool you into thinking you’re actually in the bay...if you didn’t have such a great view of it.

2. Fishing Pontoon in Shute Harbor – Forget everything you ever thought about fishing—the warm tropical water in the harbor makes catching fish a breeze.

3. Proserpine River Wetlands – Take an eco-friendly tour of the Proserpine River and marine mangroves to get up close and personal with some “salties,” saltwater crocodiles that are the largest living reptiles.

Day 10: Travel to Surfers Paradise

Take a flight to Brisbane and head down to Surfers Paradise, the epicenter of Australian fun.

Free time in Surfers Paradise (night)

Top 3 free time suggestions:

1. Elsewhere –This bar/nightclub’s ambience is clubbier than a lot of the other nightlife you’ll find in Surfers Paradise. Dance til you can’t dance no more inside then take in some fresh air and the night sky in the Penny Lane outdoor area.

2. D'Arcy Arms – For a more low key night, check out D’Arcy Arms, the spot for heaping plates of Irish food, Guinness drafts, and live music.

3. Surfers Paradise Beachfront Night Markets – A buzzing hub of treasure hunters, bargain spotters, and after-dinner walkers, this coastal stretch of more than 100 stalls is the place to go for unique gifts like jewelry, art, and homewares (open Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday nights).

Day 11

Excursion:

Surfers Paradise Rainforest Tour Extra Cost

Go for a full-day tour of the Lamington and Mount Tamborine National Parks. Out-of-this world vegetation, cascading waterfalls and incredible scenic views make for a truly unforgettable trip into Australia’s largest preserved subtropical rainforest. Feed exotic birds by hand, have some morning tea, and chow down on an Aussie BBQ lunch. You’ll also take a “Tree Top Walk” high above the rainforest floor.

Free Time in Surfers Paradise (day)

Top 3 free time suggestions:

1. Surfers Paradise Beach –This town is named Surfers Paradise for reason. Catch some rays, watch surfers in their natural habitat, and grab a photo under the Surfers Paradise arch.

2. SkyPoint – Take the elevator to the 77th floor for a 360-degree view of the Gold Coast from the Observation Deck or earn the view by taking Australia’s highest external building walk up SkyPoint Climb.

3. Evandale Park – Hang out in this man-made saltwater lake bordered by the Nerang River and an art walk. It’s a perfect place for a picnic, especially if you’re looking to throw some shrimp on the public barbies.

Day 12: Travel to Sydney

Hop on a flight to Sydney, Australia's oldest and largest city. Sydney has an energizing combination of scenery, culture, and nightlife. It's also known for being a very international city—more than 200 nationalities are represented in the city's population.

Introduction to Sydney

Get to know Sydney. Your tour director will take you on a short tour of the area, pointing out all of the major highlights.

Free Time in Sydney (night)

Top 3 free time suggestions:

1. The Camelot Lounge –This hidden gem is an explosion of quirkiness (and camels). It’s a fun spot for intimate drinks or catching live music and comedy.

2. The Lord Nelson – Sydney’s oldest hotel doubles as a pub and microbrewery and its nautical stone and wood theme give make it feel like an old world tavern.

3. The Sunroom at The Ivy – A classy rooftop pool bar, The Sunroom is the place to dance to R’n’B, garage, dance, and Top 20 music.

Day 13: Sightseeing Tour of Sydney

Your tour director will bring Sydney into focus. Learn about the city’s early role as a home for exiled convicts, and see the Sydney Opera House with its famous sail-like roof.

Opal Shop

The opal is the national gemstone of Australia and makes a great souvenir. Learn all about the special stone and maybe pick up one or two on your visit.

Sydney Harbor Cruise

Enjoy a scenic boat ride out on the picturesque Sydney Harbor and enjoy the amazing city views. You'll also visit Darling Harbor, an area of shops, gardens and museums.

Day 14

Excursion:

Surf Lesson at Manly Beach  Extra Cost

(weather permitting)

Spend the day exploring Manly Beach, one of Australia's most popular beaches. Ride the ferry across picturesque Sydney Harbor to meet up with your professional surfing instructor for a 2-hour lesson. After learning the basics, the adventurous can put their new skills to the test and try to hang 10, or simply enjoy the spectacle while paddling about on your board. Your ferry ticket is good all day, so head back to Sydney whenever you're ready.

Free Time in Sydney (day)

Top 3 free time suggestions:

1. Bondi Beach –Take your time swimming, sunbathing on the beach, or exploring the sandstone cliffs and coves of the one-hour Bondi-to-Bronte walk.

2. Royal National Park – Rainforest gullies and coastline make up the more than 50 square feet of park. Walk or bike its trails or enjoy any of its revered beaches.

3. Royal Botanic Gardens – Pack a lunch and roam this urban oasis full of Sydney’s native colors and smells. Be sure to make it to Mrs. Macquaries Chair for an unparalleled view of the Opera House across the harbor.

Farewell Dinner

Share some last laughs (and maybe shed a few tears) at an included farewell dinner with the group.

Day 15: Fly Home

It's time to say your goodbyes. Head to the airport for your flight back home.