Australia Wildlife Experience

16 Days / 13 Nights

 Highlights:  Sydney, Kangaroo Island, Adelaide, Alice Springs, Kings Canyon,
Ayers Rock, Cairns, Great Barrier Reef, Daintree National Park
 

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, Australia
An early morning arrival at Sydney International Airport to meet your program manager.  This morning, see the sights of Sydney before a guided walk and lunch in the Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney, an oasis of 65 acres in the heart of the city, overlooking Sydney Harbour.  After lunch, your program manager will escort you to your centrally located hotel.  This afternoon you have free time and evening at leisure to explore the wonders that Sydney has to offer.   (L)

Day 4 – Sydney – Taronga Zoo and Opera House
Following breakfast, depart for Taronga Zoo, the nation’s leading zoological garden, featuring Australia’s finest collection of native animals and a diverse collection of exotic species.   Enjoy a rare behind the scenes tour and informative sessions from the keepers and researchers of the Zoo.  After lunch, a short ferry ride on the spectacular Sydney Harbor will have us arrive at the Sydney Opera House, one of the most distinctive 20th century buildings and Australia’s premier performing art center. Experience an afternoon tour, followed by an optional evening performance.  (BL)

Day 5 – Sydney – Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park and Sydney Harbour 
A morning departure for Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park to enjoy the picturesque scenery, wildlife and Australian Aboriginal Rock Art as lead by the National Parks Ranger.  Lunch will be in the park before returning to the fabulous Sydney Aquarium, for a guided talk; “walk under water” and explore Australia’s rich and diverse aquatic life.  A short walk away to depart for dinner on a yacht on Sydney Harbour.  (BLD)

Day 6 – Sydney – Adelaide – Kangaroo Island
Morning at leisure for a last look around Sydney or an optional tour to the Art Gallery of NSW before an early afternoon transfer to Sydney airport for the flight to South Australia.  A quick flight change in Adelaide before boarding the flight to Kangaroo Island, a rugged wilderness with unspoilt scenery and a haven for Australia’s unique wildlife.  Upon arrival at Kangaroo Island, the group will be transferred to Kangaroo Island Lodge for a two night stay.  Time to freshen up for before dinner at an award winning restaurant featuring local produce.   (BD)

Day 7 – Kangaroo Island
Today is spent with a local guide exploring the National and Conservation parks of Kangaroo Island and an opportunity to see koalas, kangaroos, platypus and echidna in their natural habitat.  The parks were declared across the Island, in recognition of the importance of preserving the unique plant and wildlife species that exist on Kangaroo Island and today they cover more than one third of the total area of land.  Enjoy such sights as Admirals Arch, the must see Remarkable Rocks, magnificent limestone caves, and Seal Bay Conservation Park where visitors can walk among the third largest and only accessible colony of Australia Sea lions. Kangaroo Island provides the opportunity to access spectacular coastline, unique geological formations, and enjoy Australia’s distinctive wildlife in their natural habitat.  (BLD)

Day 8 – Kangaroo Island -Adelaide
A morning departure for the ferry ride from Penneshaw to Cape Jervis followed by a leisurely drive through the winery region of Maclaren Vale. Sample the local produce and enjoy a wine tasting during lunch at a local winery.  After lunch we will continue the short distance to Adelaide before checking into our hotel and being transferred to Glenelg Beach for dinner.   (BLD)

Day 9 – Adelaide – Alice Springs
After breakfast, an airport transfer has been arranged for a morning flight to Alice Springs, the heart of Outback Australia. The tour leader will accompany the group to the Alice Springs Desert Park, home to an array of arid wildlife and flora where senior management will provide informative briefings followed by lunch.  This afternoon a visit to the Olive Pink Botanic Garden has been arranged to allow the opportunity to explore the diverse collection of over 250 species of plants, birds and walking trails.  The evening will come to a close with dinner under the stars experiencing the sights and sounds that the Central Australian Outback has to offer.  (BLD)

Day 10 – Alice Springs – Kings Canyon
Today is spent traveling and exploring Kings Canyon, a magical sandstone formation located within Watarrka National Park.  Lunch will be at a cattle station en route and tonight the group will experience the unique Kings Canyon Resort.  A resort built to blend harmoniously with the surrounds.  (BL)

Day 11 – Kings Canyon – Uluru (Ayers Rock) 
An opportunity for an early morning walk before departing for Ayers Rock, or as the traditional owners call it, Uluru.  Ayers Rock is a World Heritage Site and has many springs, waterholes, rock caves and Aboriginal Rock Art.  Tonight there will be sunset viewing of the rock, something that has to be seen to be believed.  Dinner will be in the village.   (BD)

Day 12 – Ayers Rock – Cairns – Port Douglas 
A guided aboriginal walk around the base of the rock with talks on locals myths and legends with an opportunity to see aboriginal art work and local artists at work together with lunch at the interpretive center before a late  afternoon flight to Cairns and arrival transfer to Port Douglas.  (BL)

Day 13 – Great Barrier Reef 
A full day outer barrier reef cruise with informative presentations from a marine biologist and lunch included. The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef system in the world.  (BL)

Day 14 – Friday, Daintree National Park
The Daintree Rainforest has existed for more than 110 million years and in 1988 it was granted World Heritage listing.  Today there is an opportunity for a guided tour and a chance to see the elusive cassowary, a peculiar looking flightless bird native to the tropical forests of North Eastern Australia.  After lunch, return to Port Douglas for dinner and overnight stay.  (BLD)

Day 15 – Port Douglas – Atherton Tablelands – Cairns
A morning departure for the Atherton Tablelands, a fertile plateau that forms part of the Great Dividing Range, to experience a guided walk and discussion on tropical bird life.  An afternoon visit to the famous village in the rainforest, of Kuranda, where no trip is complete without a visit to the markets to purchase handcrafted goods and aboriginal artifacts.  Return to Cairns in time to freshen up for the farewell dinner and overnight stay.  (BLD) 

Day 16 – Cairns 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.  (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 
  -  13 Nights Accommodation as described (or similar) 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.

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