Overview

This independent vacation in Australia includes:

• Accommodation for 10 nights in 3 star hotels in Melbourne (3), Cairns (3), Undara (1), Sydney (3)
• 4 hour bicycle tour of Melbourne
• Walking tour to discover Melbourne's highlights and history
• Great Ocean Road tour with helicopter flight over the 12 Apostles
• Stay overnight in the Outback in a restored turn-of-the-century rail carriage
• See kangaroos & Aussie wildlife in the wild
• 3 nights in Cairns
• Full day outer Great Barrier Reef day cruise
• 3 nights in Sydney
• Cruise Sydney Harbour
• Behind the scenes VIP tour of Wild Life Sydney
• Tour and hike the Blue Mountains
• All airport transfers
• Goods & services taxes
• Springboard Vacations’ 24/7 local travel assistance and support

Itinerary

DAY ONE – MELBOURNE
The journey begins in Melbourne. You’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your downtown hotel. See Melbourne the way few people ever do: from the perspective of a passionate Melbournian who will take you on a guided walking tour of the heart of the city. Discover what makes Melbourne different – and why. Get a feel for the city, the way of life here, the people, the culture and the history of this get capital.

DAY TWO – BICYCLE TOUR OF MELBOURNE
Today your exploration continues on a bicycle tour around the city center, the famous Melbourne Cricket Grounds and the city’s diverse districts.

DAY THREE – THE GREAT OCEAN ROAD
Today you are out early and exploring the Great Ocean Road. You’ll see Bell’s beach – home to some of Australia’s best surfing. You’ll stop at some of the picturesque towns and wander through some of Australia’s most southerly subtropical rainforests. At the 12 Apostles you’ll board a helicopter for a thrilling flight over these incredible rock formations. Hear fascinating stories about Shipwreck Coast and some of the incredible and tragic characters of this region.

DAY FOUR - CAIRNS
You travel to Cairns – heart of the tropical north and is the primary gateway to Northern Australia & the Great Barrier Reef. Cairns is framed by the spectacular twin backdrops of rainforest mountain ranges and the sparkling Coral Sea.

DAY FIVE – OUTBACK QUEENSLAND
The next day you’ll travel into Australia’s outback- the Gulf Savannah country. You’ll stay in luxuriously restored railway carriages, nestled in the Queensland bush. Discover the prehistoric Undara Lava Tubes - part of the longest lava flow from a single volcanic crater on Earth. You’ll see plenty of Aussie wildlife in its bush home – including kangaroos, wallabies, birds and bats.

DAY SIX – OUTBACK QUEENSLAND
The next morning after breakfast, a Savannah Guide will take you to explore the Lava Tubes, and other interesting environmental, geological and historical features of this ancient part of Australia. After lunch you’ll return to Cairns.

DAY SEVEN – GREAT BARRIER REEF CRUISE
On day seven, you’ll meet the Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest living thing. You’ll travel north to Palm Cove and set out on a catamaran to spend the day at Agincourt Reef, a magnificent ribbon reef where you can experience firsthand the magic that is the Great Barrier Reef. You can choose to dive, snorkel, or stay dry and explore the stunning reef from the comfort of a semi-sub, just one meter underwater.

DAY EIGHT - SYDNEY
After another night in Cairns, you travel next to Sydney, Australia’s first – and largest city. You’ll stay downtown, close to all the action, attractions and shopping.

DAY NINE – SYDNEY HARBOUR CRUISE & BEHIND THE SCENES AT SYDNEY WILD LIFE
This morning you will be cruising on Sydney Harbour past the Opera House and Harbour Bridge to see magnificent waterfront homes and parklands. You’ll get a comprehensive view of what Sydney is all about, and why this magnificent Harbour is the heart of this city.

Later in the day you’ll take a special tour of Sydney Wild Life. Go behind the scenes at the colorful Butterfly habitat, observe the holding and breeding area for snakes and lizards and see the 5 most venomous snakes in the world. Touch the scales and tails of unique reptiles. You’ll visit the Nocturnal House and find out what the possums and quolls get up to after dark, get up close and personal with a koala. Your tour ends in the exclusive quarantine area where you'll learn about a variety of Australian animals, including wallabies, echidna’s and more.

DAY TEN – HIKE THE BLUE MOUNTAINS
Today is all about the Blue Mountains. But unlike most tourists who see the Blue Mountains from the window of a tour bus, your day is very different. This is a full day Blue Mountains sightseeing tour by luxury mini coach with time for bush walking included. See kangaroos in the morning in the Blue Mountains National Park, travel to Katoomba, see the 3 Sisters then enjoy 3 hours of self guided bushwalking time including picnic lunch time around Katoomba waterfalls. The walk features spectacular views into canyons and valleys. Included in your tour today is a self guide map kit/full walk information and backpack.

DAY ELEVEN - DEPARTURE
Your final day in Sydney concludes with a transfer to Sydney Airport for your flight home.

The end of the very untouristy tour of Australia, with plenty of bragging rights!

 

Dates & Conditions

Departs daily

Price is per person and based on twin share

Departs from Melbourne end in Sydney. Additional surcharges apply for travel in Sydney over New Years Eve. Please call for details.

Subject to availability

Price is USD based at today's exchange rate

Valid for travel through 31 March 2012

Land Only - Does not include airfares

 

Customize this vacation to suit you

Call Springboard Vacations today at 866.447.7746