The Discovery Journey to
Australia
Experience a captivating trip to Australia filled with exhilarating landscapes - the biodiversity of Cape Tribulation Park, and rising from the desert's vivid hues the mystery and magic of Ayer's Rock and the Olgas. This is the only place you can find the world's oldest rainforest and largest living organism - Daintree and the Great Barrier Reef. Participate in conservation work, Aboriginal tradtions, enjoy private tours and Outback adventures, plus absorb historical Alice Springs and contemporary Sydney - make this an once-in-a-lifetime journey.
Days 1/2/3 - Los Angeles/Sydney
Cross the International Date Line on your flight to Sydney and lose a day. Upon arrival, you are escorted to your boutique hotel. Enjoy a welcome dinner at Summit Restaurant and Orbit Lounge, one of the city's finest dining establishments boasting a revolving panoramic view. AMORA JAMISON SYDNEY. (Meals Aloft; D)
Days 4/5 - Sydney
Explore Sydney's famous sights, including Harbour Bridge, Darling Harbour, Chinatown, King's Cross and surfing Mecca, Bondi Beach, before embarking on a luncheon cruise to the upper reaches of Middle Harbor. Marvel at the Sydney Opera House during a guided tour. Next day begins with an early morning adventure to Taronga Park Zoo. A full Aussie breakfast awaits you. Then enjoy exclusive access to the grounds and exhibits with expert guides. And an intimate encounter with a native animal. End the day with a delightful walk down The Rock Vilagge's historic cobbled lanes and narrow alleys, home to some of Sydney's earliest buildings. AMORA JAMISON SYDNEY. (B,L; B)
Days 6/7 -Cairns/Cape Tribulation/Daintree National Park
Fly to Cairns, Queensland's northernmost city and drive to Daintree National Park. Revel in the natural beauty surrounding your eco-haven villas situated deep in the rainforest. Next morning, learn about the rainforest's ancient vegetation while strolling along the Marrdja Boardwalk. See abundant wildlife on a discovery cruise along Cooper Creek's coastal mangrove system, including saltwater crocodile, mud crab, python and a variety of birds. Lunch is around a freshwater swimming hole before continuing to the Discovery Centre. Their aerial walkway affords you a special look at the rainforest canopy. Cap off the day with a scoop at the Daintree Ice Cream Company. COCONUT BEACH RAINFOREST LODGE. (B;B,L)
Days 8/9 - Cairns/Cape Tribulation/Great Barrier Reef
Become a Green Guardian and help renew the rainforest at Cape Tribulation Park. Afterwards, transfer to Cairns and your beautiful waterfront accommodations. Next day, board the Ocean Spirit for a full day exploration of the Great Barrier Reef and its dazzling underwater world. Informative talks on the biology and history of the reef will addto your snorkeling fun (beginners welcome & scuba diving is available at additional cost with certification cards). See the most important sea bird breeding site on the reef, Michaelmas Cay, surrounded by magical coral gardens. RYDGES TRADEWINDS CAIRNS. (B;B,L)
Days 10/11 - Ayers Rock/Olgas
Glimpse Ayer's Rock from your plane's window - a giant phoenix of arkosic sandstone rising from the red sand like a terrestrial beacon. Transfer to your 5-star oasis in the desert before spending the afternoon touring the Olgas - a labyrinth of mysterious, dramatic and vividly-colored rock domes that lead to the Olga Gorge, just in time for sunset and a Champagne toast. Next day, delve into the Aboriginal culture with Aborginal guides and retrace the path of their mythological ancestors on the Liru Walk. A bush skills demonstration includes the creative process for making kiti (bush glue), a critical component in constructing weapons. A feast of fine cuisine follows surrounded by the solitude of the desert during the Sounds of Silence Dinner, complete with millions of twinkling stars. An astronomer will treat you to an insightful journey through the constellations, pointing out stars and planets that are significant to the Aboriginal people - a powerful telescope makes this an unforgettable sight. SAILS IN THE DESERT. (B;B,D)
Days 12/13 - Kings Canyon
A scenic desert drive brings you to King Canyon Wilderness Lodge, a fully operational cattle and camel station located on Kings Creek Station that specializes in rounding up wild camels. Accommodations are in ten exclusive, opulent, tented cabins designed in harmony with the landscape. Absorb the sheer vastness of the Australian Outback with a range of optional activities (some at additional cost), including quad biking, camel rides, helicopter sightseeing and tours of Aboriginal petroglyphs. KINGS CANYON WILDERNESS LODGE. (B,D; B,L,D)
Days 14/15 - Alice Springs/Sydney
Arrive at Alice Springs, the original pioneer settlement of the Europeans. Drop by the 'on-air' classroom that has been broadcasting lessons to children living in isolated communities for over 50 years. Tour the RFD's base (time permitting) to learn about this unique aero medical, communication and emergency service outfit. Return by air to Sydney, where the remainder of your day is at leisure. Next morning, board your flight home, crossing the International Date Line and 'regaining' your lost day. AMORA JAMISON SYDNEY. (B; B, Meals Aloft)
Optional Post-Extension to South Australia
Experience a perfect blend of historic treasures, world-famous wines and unspoiled wilderness as you journey through South Australia. Travel aboard the famous Ghan Train to Adelaide. Taste premium wines during private sessions with expert staff while exploring Barossa Valley. Fly to Kangaroo Island for incredible flora and fauna viewing, including more than 50 orchid species. See the world's smallest penguins at Phillip Island and possibly encounter a dingo while hiking trails at Healesville Sanctuary. The sights of Melbourne come alive during innovate dining on wheels aboard the Colonial Tramcar Restaurant.
Your Journey Includes:
- Superior accommodations throughout as indicated or similar.
- Breakfast daily and other meals as indicated in itinerary.
- All sightseeng and ground transfers by deluxe, air-conditioned motor coach.
- Local guides and professional naturalists throughout the itinerary.
- All applicable hotel/lodge taxes and gratuities for baggage handling.
- Complimentary backpack, baggage tags and passport wallet.
2008 Dates |
Price Main Trip Land Only |
Single Supplement Price/Main |
Extension |
Single Supplement Price/Ext |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Mar |
$7,495 |
$1,995 |
$4,995 |
$995 |
May |
$7,495 |
$1,995 |
$4,995 |
$995 |
Aug |
$7,495 |
$1,995 |
$4,995 |
$995 |
Oct |
$7,495 |
$1,995 |
$4,995 |
$995 |
Nov
|
$7,495 |
$1,995 |
$4,995 |
$995 |
*Prices do not reflect applicable taxes.