Vacation Experts (800) 999-1216 (410) 208-6641 (410) 905-3630
Collette Vacations Arrow Australia & New Zealand Arrow The Essence of Australia
The Essence of Australia
Nature was inspired when it created Australia. Rainforest, coastline, outback, mountains and savannah paint a colorful palette of magical sights against an azure sky. On this leisure stay tour, you can immerse yourself in the land "down under" experiencing in-depth exploration of each area at a relaxed pace. You'll spend extended time in the region around the Great Barrier Reef; plus three nights in Australia's rugged Outback and four nights in Australia's fun-loving city, Sydney.
Call for more information or to book today! Mention code 6806947
Tour OperatorCollette Vacations
OfferOffer valid through 5/31/2008
Duration
18 Days
Itinerary
DayDestinationDescription
Day 1 and 2Depart From HomeDepart from Home : Today you board your Qantas flight and begin the adventure of a lifetime to Australia. Crossing the International Dateline, you lose a full day.
Day 3CairnsArrive Cairns (Northern Beaches), Australia - Tour Begins : Your tour begins today in the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, the Northern Beaches of Queensland. Tonight, enjoy a special welcome dinner with your new mates.

Today dinner is included.

Day 4Great Barrier ReefGreat Barrier Reef : Board a high speed catamaran for an exciting excursion to the Great Barrier Reef. From your base on Green Island, you are able to explore the reef. Enjoy a glass bottom boat ride*, a stroll on the walking trail to take in the rain forest, relax on the beaches, or just watch the fish and sea turtles swim past from the pier. For a more adventurous encounter with the reef, optional scuba diving, snorkeling and an outer reef tour* are also available.

Today breakfast and lunch are included.

Day 5CairnsCairns : Experience the rain forest this morning from a bird's eye view as you ride through the rain forest canopy viewing waterfalls and fabulous scenery. This afternoon, cruise the still waters of Hartley's Lagoon, home to many of the regions surly saltwater crocs, before enjoying an Aussie BBQ.

Today breakfast and dinner are included.

Day 6Ayers RockCairns - Ayers Rock : Today you fly to the heart of the Australian Outback, Ayers Rock. The huge monolith called Ayers Rock and the sandstone domes of the Olgas were created through the process of upheaval and erosion. You will tour the Olgas and around the base of "the Rock," learning about their significance to the Aboriginal culture, after which you view a beautiful sunset. Watch as Ayers Rock magically changes color.

Today breakfast is included.

Day 7Alice SpringsAyers Rock - Alice Springs : Drive across the vast Outback today and arrive in the central city of Alice Springs. Upon arrival enjoy a sightseeing tour including the Old Telegraph Station, Anzac Hill, and the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Tonight you may "Take a Camel to Dinner" (optional) - enjoy a camel ride through the Outback to your dinner.
Day 8Alice SpringsAlice Springs : Discover the beliefs and customs of the Aboriginal people this morning during the 'Dreamtime Tour'. Your specialist guide, along with members of the Walpiri tribe, will teach you about the stories of creation and everyday activities of the Aboriginals. Mingle with these people at their camp and watch as various dreamtime stories are depicted in paintings. Tonight, enjoy a delicious dinner in the bush. Experience the real Outback complete with entertainment under the stars.

Today breakfast and dinner are included.

Day 9Barossa ValleyAlice Springs - Adelaide - Barossa Valley : Enjoy a morning at leisure before boarding your afternoon flight to Adelaide. Upon arrival transfer to the Barossa Valley. The Barossa Valley is one of Australia's most famed tourist destinations as it boasts breathtaking scenery and some of the world's best wine production. Dinner this evening will be at your hotel which overlooks the vineyards of well-known vintners such as Jacobs Creek.

Today breakfast and dinner are included.

Day 10Barossa ValleyBarossa Valley : Barossa Valley is Australia's richest and best-known wine-making region. The area was first settled by German immigrants more than a century ago and today produces some of the world's finest wines. Enjoy tours and tastings at two of the area's wineries.

Today breakfast and dinner are included.

Day 11CoonawarraBarossa Valley - Coonawarra : Travel through the southern Australian countryside, stopping at Naracoorte Caves National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Learn about the extensive fossil deposits of southern Australia as you tour the fossil center and view the 'megafauna' that once thrived in the area. Continue to Coonawarra, another rich wine-making region.

Today breakfast and dinner are included.

Day 12MelbourneCoonawarra - Melbourne : Journey across the spectacular Great Ocean Road, one of the world's most scenic drives. Pass through Port Campbell and discover the "12 Apostles," a dramatic row of stone pillars rising from the ocean, and the "London Bridge," a magnificent stone arch formation. Marvel at Loch Ard Gorge before arriving in Melbourne in the early evening.

Today breakfast and dinner are included.

Day 13MelbourneMelbourne : A tour of Melbourne features the Shrine of Remembrance and Parliament House, and a visit to Fitzroy Royal Botanical Gardens. The remainder of the day is yours to explore Australia's most cosmopolitan city. Stroll along the river, enjoy the great shopping, or just relax.

Today breakfast is included.

Day 14CanberraMelbourne - Canberra : Today you drive across the Australian countryside and through the breathtaking snowy mountains to Australia's capital, Canberra. Upon arrival enjoy a sightseeing tour of this beautiful city, architecturally modeled after Washington, DC. Your evening is at leisure to relax or explore the city of Canberra independently.

Today breakfast is included.

Day 15SydneyCanberra - Sydney : This morning you travel north to the great city of Sydney. Tonight, a perfect introduction to Sydney is in store as you view the city from one of her spectacular revolving restaurants.

Today breakfast and dinner are included.

Day 16SydneySydney : Tour the amazing city of Sydney today. You will see Kings Cross, the Harbour Bridge, Chinatown, the Rocks, Circular Quay, the Botanic Gardens, and the fashionable suburb of Paddington. Discover one of the world's most fascinating architectural works as you take a guided tour of the Sydney Opera House. An evening dinner cruise on Sydney Harbour will give you a different perspective of this beautiful city. Enjoy spectacular views of Sydney's greatest icons - the Harbour Bridge and the world-famous Opera House. Following the cruise, return to the Sydney Opera House to enjoy a captivating performance!

Today breakfast and dinner are included.

Day 17SydneySydney : Today you visit Koala Park. Not only will you see koalas in their natural habitat, but you might also have the unique opportunity to pose with one of these cuddly creatures. You will also have the chance to feed the kangaroos and pet a wombat. Later, enjoy a fascinating opal presentation and learn how raw opals are processed from the dark mine shafts to your favorite jewelry store. This evening, enjoy a delightful farewell dinner while overlooking Darling Harbour.

Today breakfast and dinner are included.

Day 18SydneySydney - Tour Ends : Your tour ends in Sydney today.

Today breakfast is included.

Dates/Pricing
Click Quote or call us to get additional information on your chosen travel date. Special offers or competitive pricing may be available!

DatePrice / DescriptionQuote
June 16, 2008Quote
Dining
Total meals - 24Breakfasts - 14
Lunches - 1Dinners - 9
Disclaimer
Base Rates Per Person
Air rates are based from the following airport: Los Angeles Intl Airport

*Tour and air prices are lead-in rates from a specific gateway based on twin occupancy and are subject to change. Rates do not include inter-air flights. Please call for triple or child occupancy rates. Please confirm your specific itinerary at the time of booking. For tours that feature a cruise, port taxes are not included in the prices above.

Tours

The Essence of Australia
From $3,249.00 (USD)

Nature was inspired when it created Australia. Rainforest, coastline, outback, mountains and savannah paint a colorful palette of magical sights against an azure sky.
 
Powered by OnlineAgency