Highlights of Australia (Dec–Mar)

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 (local guide)

See the highlights of Melbourne with a local guide. 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. Plus, you'll get the best views of the city skyline and scenic bayside from St. Kilda.

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 – Catch 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.

Celebrate New Year's Eve in Melbourne on the 12/28 departure.

Day 5: Free Time in Melbourne (day)

Top 3 free time suggestions:

1. St. Paul's Cathedral –A rare glimpse into the past of Melbourne—known more for being modern and cosmopolitan—this stunning Gothic cathedral is impressive outside and in with colorful details.

2. Queen Victoria Market – A busy market that displays Melbourne’s vibrant, exciting mix of cultures and ethnicities through a variety of foods and souvenirs from all corners of the Earth.

3. Melbourne Cricket Ground – Australians love their sports, so why not do as the locals do and take in a match at this 90,000-seat stadium.

Excursion:

Hidden Melbourne: Uncover the City's Top Street Art  Extra Cost

Melbourne is world renowned for street art. Colorful, beautiful, and intriguing—street art pops throughout the city. A working street artist will guide you down hidden laneways and arcades and show you some of the most interesting street art and galleries. Its unconventional, unique, interesting and decidedly Australian. You’ll also get insight into the street art subculture, social and political aspects of the murals, and the skills needed to create it. End the tour at the famous Blender Studios to meet and share a few included drinks and snacks with street artists. Even if art isn’t your thing, this unconventional, off-beat tour is a great way to see lesser-known parts of the city.

Day 6: 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 7: 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 8: Travel to Moreton Island

Head to Moreton Island, the third-largest sand island in the world.

Day 9: Free Time on Moreton Island (day)

Top 3 free time suggestions:

1. Tangalooma Wrecks –The 15 sunken ship wrecks at Tangalooma have become created an artificial reef and are a popular spot for snorkeling and swimming.

2. Blue Lagoon – A freshwater lake on the northeast side of the island, the lagoon is amazingly clear and perfect for swimming.

3. Mt. Tempest – Get out your bush walking shoes! Climb the world’s largest vegetated sand dune for photo-worthy ocean views.

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 Tower

Go up to the observation deck of Sydney Tower. At 1,063 feet, this is the second-tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere.

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.

Sydney Wildlife World

Get up close to all kinds of animals, including Australian favorites like kangaroos, koalas and crocs.

Day 14: 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.