Australia Wildlife Journey

12 Days / 9 Nights

 Highlights:  
  Cairns, Daintree National Park, Great Barrier Reef,
Adelaide, Kangaroo Island, Sydney

Sample Group Itinerary 

Day 1 – Depart USA 
We depart our hometown airport today and travel to Los Angeles International Airport, where we connect with our flight bound for Sydney, Australia.
 
Day 2 – (In Flight) 

Day 3 – Arrive Sydney – Cairns – Port Douglas
Morning arrival in “The Land Down Under.”  We arrive at Sydney.  After clearing Australian Custom and Immigration formalities, we are met by a local guide and a private coach to transfer to the Domestic Terminal.  There we board a connecting flight bound for Cairns.   On arrival in Cairns we are met and drive up the beautiful coastline to the charming town of Port Douglas.  Balance of the day at leisure.  Dinner and overnight.  (D)

Day 4 – Port Douglas  (Daintree National Park Excursion)
The Daintree Rainforest is believed to be the oldest existing rainforest in the world.  It has existed for more than 110 million years, and in 1988 it was granted World Heritage listing.  Today’s full-day trip starts with a visit to the Mossman Gorge, were we’ll explore rainforest trails and refreshing pools of crystal clear cool water and moss covered rocks.  The surrounding rain forest offers wildlife in abundance.  Next we enjoy a calm water cruise on the Daintree River observing wildlife that inhabits this environment.  Our guide will point out various species of wildlife and plants that make their home along the river.  Keep your eyes peeled for the elusive and fearsome Estuarine Saltwater Crocodile.  Next we savor a BBQ Lunch at the Daintree Eco Lodge’s Julaymba Restaurant, overlooking the peaceful freshwater lagoon, and accessible only by elevated boardwalks through the lush rainforest.  After lunch we cross the Daintree River by ferry, and proceed to Cape Tribulation Beach.  We’ll walk the beach and the boardwalk, while our guide explains the rich history of the area.  Late afternoon return to Port Douglas.  (B,L)

Day 5 – Port Douglas – Cairns  (Great Barrier Reef Excursion)
After an early breakfast, we travel to Cairns and embark on a full-day journey to the Outer Great Barrier Reef.  This experience of a lifetime takes us to a reef at the very edge of Australia’s Continental Shelf, to an underwater world that is a dazzling kaleidoscope of colors.  After a catamaran journey, we arrive at the Reef.  Here we can experience the magic that is the Great Barrier Reef.  You can enjoy the reef from the comfort of an underwater viewing chamber and a “semi-sub” to view the coral without getting wet.  A guided snorkeling safari is also included.  The guide will point out the different types of coral as well as the many different fish that live and depend on the reef.  A sumptuous buffet lunch is included.  Late afternoon return to Cairns, and proceed to our hotel, where you can enjoy the evening at leisure.  (B,L) 

Day 6 – Cairns – Adelaide – Kangaroo Island
We fly to Adelaide this morning.  We’ll tour the city and see sites such as St. Peter’s Cathedral, Government House, Ayers House and Botanic Gardens.  We’ll have lunch, and a guided walk through Elder Park and the King George V Gardens, before returning to the airport for our flight to Kangaroo Island.  We proceed to our hotel for overnight.  (B,L)

Day 7 – Kangaroo Island
We spend the day touring several different island habitats to see wildlife in its natural environment.  Listen to the native birdlife – Kangaroo Island is home to some 250 species of birds, many of which have developed their own subspecies unique to Kangaroo Island.  As we travel the island, keep an eye out for echidnas, wallabies, reptiles, and wildflowers.  At Seal Bay, our guide will escort us on a memorable walk along the beach.  Seal Bay is home to a healthy sea lion colony.  We’ll walk amongst them on the beach or sand dunes, watching them at play.  We stop at a bush property to enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch with wine.  As we travel through the island’s interior, keep a look out for koalas and echidnas.  We’ll explore the beaches of the north coast and take a bushwalk.  Listen for the Kangaroo Island Glossy Black Cockatoo, Australia’s rarest cockatoo, and watch for the Tammar Wallaby, with its small, fine features in its natural habitat.  Later in the afternoon, we see kangaroos leave the safety of the bush to begin grazing on the open pastures.  (B,L)

Day 8 – Kangaroo Island
We travel to the western section of the island to discover Flinders Chase National Park, covering 20 percent of the island, much of it a Wilderness Protection Area.  It is home to a variety of flora and fauna unique to Kangaroo Island.  In the spring (August – November) a wonderful variety of native flowers carpet the area, making it a picturesque backdrop for the wildlife and unusual geological formations.  We’ll walk through the part in search of kangaroos, wallabies, and a variety of birdlife.  We’ll see at close range some of the 10,000 healthy New Zealand fur seals in their colony at Cape du Couedic, and discover the formation of the Remarkable Rocks.  These large granite boulders balance dramatically on the cliff edge, which plunges 250 feet into the turbulent Southern Ocean below.  At Admiral’s Arch, we see where the powerful forces of nature have cut through the headland to create this natural geological formation.  A gourmet picnic lunch with wine will be served in a secluded bush setting.  During the day koalas can be observed peacefully existing in their treetop habitat.  By special permit, we’ll enter the Kelly Hill Conservation Park to see kangaroos and other native wildlife emerge from the safety of the bushland to graze on the open plains.  We visit Point Ellen at Vivonne Bay, recently voted Australia’s best beach.  Vivonne Bay offers 3 miles of untouched white sandy beaches and the clearest water you will ever see.  (B,L)

Day 9 – Kangaroo Island - Sydney
We hop back to Adelaide, and connect with a flight to Sydney.  On arrival in Sydney, we proceed to our hotel for dinner and overnight.  (B,D)

Day 10 – Sydney
Early this morning we cross the Sydney Harbour Bridge to reach the Taronga Zoo – Australia’s largest.  We’ll gain early access to the Zoo, and be welcomed by a member of the Zoo staff.  A full Aussie breakfast will be served overlooking Sydney Harbour.  Then we’ll be taken on an Australian Walkabout tour focusing on Australian Fauna, including koalas, echidnas, kangaroos, wallabies, and birds, among others.  You’ll have some free time at the zoo before returning to the hotel.  The afternoon is free for shopping or to explore more of Sydney on your own.  This evening we’ll enjoy a dinner cruise on Sydney Harbour.  (B,D)

Day 11 – Sydney
The morning will be spent at the Sydney Aquarium, where we explore the wonders of Australian aquatic life.  The Aquarium is located in Darling Harbour, overlooking the spectacular waters of Sydney Harbour.  This is the largest collection of Australian aquatic life, with over 12,000 animals, including huge sharks and rays, platypus, fairy penguins, crocodiles and much more.  We’ll have lunch, and then see some of Sydney’s other sites of interest, including The Rocks, with its winding streets and sandstone buildings.  We’ll walk around the traditional pubs, galleries, craft shops, and outdoor cafes.  Then it’s on to the Sydney Opera House, where we’ll enjoy a 60 minute guided tour.  We’ll see the theatres, be given a fascinating account of the history and architecture of the House, and be introduced to the excitement of Performing Arts in Australia.  (B,L)

Day 12 – Sydney to USA
Morning at leisure until our transfer to the airport for our flight back to the USA.  Upon arrival at the U.S. gateway airport, we clear U.S. Customs & Immigration formalities, and then board our connecting flight back to our hometown airport, full of life-long memories of Australia and its wildlife!  (B)

Included Meal Codes:
B  -  Breakfast
L  -  Lunch
D  -  Dinner.

Tour Price Will Include:
  -  Round-Trip Airfare from USA to Australia 
  -  Internal flights within Australia as per itinerary   
  -  Round trip private transfers airports/hotels in Australia 
  -  9 Nights Accommodations with private facilities, based on double occupancy
  -  Meals as indicated  
  -  Transportation by modern air conditioned vehicles
  -  Services of a professional English speaking escort throughout, plus local guides as deemed appropriate 
  -  Admission fees for all included visits 
  -  Applicable local and government taxes on accommodation and transportation.

Tour Price Will Not Include:
  -  Taxes, Fuel Surcharges, and other fees applicable to the airfare
  -  Tips to guides, driver, and tour director
  -  Excess baggage fees
  -  Items of a personal nature, such as telephone calls, internet access fees, laundry, etc.
  -  Travel Insurance.

Please  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or Call Us at:  800-752-3723

 Return to Zoo Journeys Page