Day 1:

April 04

Home City –Melbourne by Qantas Airways

Saturday

Board Qantas Airways overnight flight from Toronto to Melbourne via Los Angeles. In-flight meals on board.

Day 2:

April 05

En-route to Melbourne

Sunday

Day 3:

April 06

Arrive in Melbourne (Dinner)

Monday 

Welcome to Melbourne!  Upon arrival, you will be met and transfered to your hotel. Melbourne has a modern skyline with stunning new buildings. At ground level you will find clanging trams, elegant gold-rush architecture, and restaurants everywhere. Add tree-lined boulevards, magnificent public gardens, excellent shopping, plus world-class sporting venues and you have Melbourne!
Your afternoon is free. Tonight join your group for a walk along the river (for about 15 minutes) to a local restaurant for your welcome dinner.
Overnight: Travelodge Southbank Melbourne

Day 4:

April 07

Melbourne (Breakfast/-/Dinner) City Tour

Tuesday

This morning enjoy a city highlights tour visiting the many parks and gardens of this gracious city.  See the tranquil Fitzroy Gardens and Captain Cook’s cottage.  Pass the magnificent Royal Botanical Gardens and stop to visit the Shrine of Remembrance.  See the Arts and Cultural Centre, Albert Park Lake and the gracious tree lined St. Kilda Road. At the conclusion of the tour (approx. 4 hrs), enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure or take the opportunity to explore Melbourne. This evening, you will be transferred by private coach to the Tramcar Restaurant for dinner. Dining in Melbourne can be a fabulous experience, especially aboard a historical tram that has become The ‘Colonial Tramcar Restaurant’. This evening you will board this glossy, burgundy restaurant on wheels which is the first travelling tramcar restaurant in the world and ensures a delightful innovative approach to dining. As it cruises the scenic streets of Melbourne enjoy fine cuisine. The atmosphere is cozy, the service friendly and the decor as inviting as the colonial period these trams reflect.

Day 5:

April 08

Melbourne (Breakfast) Full Day-Great Ocean Road

Wednesday

Travel across the spectacular Westgate Bridge to Geelong, Victoria's largest provincial city.  We join the Great Ocean Road at Torquay and explore this magnificent road carved into the Cliffside offering some of the most spectacular coastal views in Australia.  Travelling through the popular seaside resorts of Anglesea and Lorne, enjoy the scenery as we pass wide surf beaches, dramatic stretches of precipitous cliffs and idyllic coves where fern-shaded creeks join the sea.  We will take time at the peaceful township of Apollo Bay to take a walk along a beautiful beach.  After crossing the beautiful Otway Ranges we arrive at the Port Campbell National Park, an area of immense beauty featuring some of the most rugged and dangerous coastline in Victoria.  See the power of the ocean at work at the Twelve Apostles, a row of great stone pillars, and the remains of London Bridge.  Behold the marvel of nature, which is Loch Ard Gorge, the scene of the dramatic shipwreck of the "Loch Ard" with only two survivors over 100 years ago.  This area is truly a photographer's paradise.

Day 6:

April 09

Melbourne (Breakfast/-/Dinner) Phillip Island – Koala Conservation & Wildlife Park - Penguin

Thursday

Enjoy the morning at leisure. This afternoon depart Melbourne for Phillip Island.  Visit the Koala Conservation Centre situated four kilometers from Cowes on Phillip Island.  See Koalas in their natural habitat with close viewing opportunities as you walk along an elevated boardwalk in the treetops.  Learn about koalas in the visitor centre where giant gum leaves with colorful displays tell the koala story. Enjoy dinner in a local seafood restaurant before continuing onto the Nature Reserve on Summerland Beach to watch the Fairy Penguins come home from sea.  From the waves, across the beach, to the sand dunes - the penguins can almost be touched as they make their way across the sand to their burrows.

Day 7:

April 10

Melbourne – Cairns by air (Breakfast) Today fly to Cairns

Friday

Upon arrival in Cairns, you will be met and transferred by a private coach to your hotel in Palm Cove.
Hotel: Novotel Palm Cove Resort

Day 8:

April 11

Cairns (Breakfast/Lunch) Full Day Cape Tribulation-Daintree River Cruise 1.5 hr–1hr Broadwalk Tour – BQQ Lunch

Saturday

Visit Mossman Gorge en route to Cape Tribulation. See crystal clear water cascading over large granite boulders in the Mossman River gorge before venturing into the Daintree and Cape Tribulation National Parks - exploring the lush rainforest and its amazing landscapes. Continue along one of Australia’s great scenic Highways before arriving at the Daintree River where you will join a calm water cruise of this important waterway. Your guide will point out the different types of wildlife and plants that make their home along the river. Keep your eyes peeled for the elusive and fearsome estuarine saltwater crocodile! Next stop is the Daintree Eco Lodge for lunch. Cross the Daintree River and continue on to Cape Tribulation Beach while your driver explains the rich history of the area. Arrive and spend time at Cape Tribulation Beach. Enjoy the Maardja Boardwalk and its tranquil setting. We then return to the Daintree River, with a stop en route to enjoy the panoramic view from Alexandra Lookout. 

Day 9:

April 12

Cairns (Breakfast/-/Dinner) Free day at leisure– Flames of the Forest Dinner (non-exclusive)

Sunday

Enjoy the day at leisure. This is a perfect opportunity to explore Pam Cove or some time for sun and sand. This evening, transfer by shuttle to dinner. Step out of your everyday life and into a magical place, experiencing the sights and sounds of the world’s oldest rainforest at night, the atmosphere only enhanced through the use of thousands of candles and flames.  This enchanted evening of dining in the rainforest is enhanced by Aboriginal storytelling and music. Relax and enjoy this truly unique dining experience. 

Day 10:

April 13

Cairns (Breakfast) Hot Air Balloon flight over Cairns

Monday

Experience the fun & unique sensation of hot air ballooning in the Atherton Tablelands, Australia. Enjoy the picturesque landscape at sunrise as you float for 30 minutes, in your hot air balloon and breathe in the wide-open spaces!  After breakfast, enter a magical, mystical world.  For the first time an entire park has been dedicated to preserving and presenting authentic Aboriginal Culture with the aid of modern technology. Enjoy 3 theatres, a museum, an art gallery and a traditional Aboriginal camp - all combined to give you a complete and meaningful glimpse of the Tjapukai Aboriginal people's rich and ancient culture.
Your tour continues a short walk away at Caravonica Station where you will board the Skyrail. Relax and enjoy the stunning rainforest scenery, panoramic views of the Cairns’ tropical region and the glittering waters of the Coral Sea. Alight at Skyrail’s two rainforest mid-stations, Red Peak and Barron Falls, where you’ll explore this amazing environment from the forest floor on boardwalks, scenic look-outs and in the state-of-the-art Rainforest Interpretation Centre. Upon arrival into Kuranda there is free time to enjoy this unique mountain village, which is populated by alternative lifestyles and home to the colourful Kuranda Heritage Markets. Transfer to Rainforestation. This property of 40 hectares including 30 hectares of dense rainforest is set in the midst of the World Heritage rainforest. Tour this World Heritage Rainforest by World War II amphibious Army Ducks, a totally unique and exciting experience on land and water.

Day 11:

April 14

Cairns (Breakfast/-/Dinner) Great Barrier Reef Cruise-Quicksilver Outer Reef Cruise  

Tuesday  

Today sail on a Catamaran from Quicksilver Outer Reef Cruise to Michaelmas Cay, a unique sand cay, which is a protected sanctuary for more than 28,000 migratory sea birds of 14 species.  The surrounding outer reef is a spectacular garden of exotic marine life, magnificent coral and giant clams, boasting more varieties of tropical fish than the entire Atlantic Ocean.  The Michaelmas Cay Cruise offers a wide range of activities including snorkeling, semi-submersible coral viewing, coral cay scientific tours, nature walks among a bird sanctuary, live musical entertainment and a glass of champagne on the homeward sail. For those interested in scuba diving (an optional extra) both certified and first time beginner dives are offered. Informative ecological presentations by a Marine Biologist and smorgasbord luncheon are also included.

Day 12:

April 15

Cairns –Sydney by air (Breakfast)

Wednesday

Transfer to the Cairns Airport for your flight to Sydney. Upon arrival in Sydney, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Hotel: Travelodge Hotel Sydney

Day 13:

April 16

Sydney (Breakfast/Lunch) City sightseeing-Opera Guided Waling Tour-Matilda Cruises

Thursday

Enjoy a city tour visiting the historical Rocks area, where the First Fleet landed in 1788 to establish Australia's first European settlement. Observe examples of early architecture and the beautiful sandstone buildings, made out of the same rocks, which gave this area its name. Visit the Sydney Opera House, described as the Eighth Wonder of the World for a guided tour. See St Mary's Cathedral, Parliament House, Darling Harbour, Chinatown and Mrs Macquarie's Chair for splendid views over this magnificent harbour. Continue on your coach tour through cosmopolitan Kings Cross, Rushcutters Bay, Double Bay and Watson’s Bay before stopping at the world famous Bondi Beach. Return to Circular Quay for your Sydney Harbour Lunch Cruise on magnificent Sydney Harbour. Enjoy fresh local seafood including Sydney rock oysters and fish of the day, combined with Moroccan beef, butter chicken, marinated chicken, superb garden fresh salads, hot roasted potatoes and vegetables, crusty bread rolls, fresh fruit platters, a selection of fresh cakes and tea and coffee. All to the spectacular vista of Sydney Harbour aboard our big white cruise ship.

Day 14:

April 17

Sydney (Breakfast) Sydney Aquarium

Friday  

Today you will be transferred by private coach to the Sydney Aquarium. Explore the aquarium at leisure. Nowhere else in the world will you find a larger collection of Australian aquatic life then at the Sydney Aquarium. With over 11,000 Australian aquatic animals, Sydney Aquarium is one of the most spectacular aquariums in the world.  Don’t miss the Open Ocean Floating Oceanarium where you will walk beneath the ocean and be surrounded by the world’s largest collection of sharks in captivity – some over 3.5 meters long.  Watch massive Grey Nurse Sharks and giant stingrays passing overhead.  With the biggest Great Barrier Reef Exhibit in the world, you will be captivated by the color and magic of live corals and myriads of tropical fish. (Own way back to your hotel.)

Day 15:

April 18

Sydney (Breakfast/Lunch) Hunter Valley Winelands

Saturday

Today board your coach for a journey to the picturesque Hunter Valley. Cross the Sydney Harbour Bridge and travel through the Sydney's North Shore, then over the Hawkesbury River to Wollombi, first settled in 1820. The Hunter Valley is Australia's oldest wine producing area with a colorful history dating back over 150 years.  Head into the valley and enjoy magnificent views overlooking Cessnock, Pokolbin and surrounding vineyards from Mt View. The Hunter Valley grows many varieties of grapes including Chardonnay, Semillon, Cabernet, Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and Shiraz.  Your tour visits a minimum of three wineries for tasting and the opportunity to purchase wine (purchase of wines at own expense).  Lunch today is at a local winery.  After you have tasted and decided on the Hunters best wines return by private coach to your accommodation.

Day 16:

April 19

Sydney (Breakfast/Lunch) Full day tour to Blue Mountain

Sunday

Breakfast at Featherdale Wildlife Park.
This morning, visit Sydney's leading Koala and Wildlife Sanctuary where you will meet our cuddly Koala. This park has a large collection of Australian Native animals and birds on display.  Continue travelling west of Sydney by coach, and follow the trail of Australia's early explorers as we climb the Blue Mountains.  These are aptly named by the distinctive blue haze, caused by light striking droplets of eucalyptus oil evaporating from the gum trees.  The Blue Mountains National Park covers an area of 247,021 hectares, abundant in rare wildlife, flora and fauna. Discover the "Grand Canyon" of giant rock formations, geological history, deep tree studded valleys and cascading waterfalls. Explore the Jamieson Valley (sheer cliffs of pink and rust colored sandstone that line the vast valley of blue) from the Scenic Railway, reputed to be the world's steepest - plunging 230 metres in to the valley, and the Sceniscender. View the world famous rock formation "The Three Sisters" and panoramic views of the Jamieson Valley, Mount Solitary and the Ruined Castle.  Enjoy further panoramic views over lunch at the Skyway Brassiere. See Sydney Olympic Park on the return to your accommodation late this afternoon.

Day 17:

April 20

Sydney (Breakfast)

Monday

Whole day free at leisure.

Day 18:

April 21

Sydney –Toronto by Qantas Airways  (Breakfast)

Tuesday

Transfer to the airport for your flight home via Los Angeles.