Australia Escapade

Australian Escapade

12 Days Melbourne/Sydney
from $3970 includes land & intra-tour flights

Come explore a country renowned for its pioneer spirit, exotic wildlife and unusual terrain. All this, plus one of the friendliest cultures found anywhere.

ITINERARY

Day 1, Tue. DEPART LOS ANGELES.
Board your overnight flight to Melbourne.

Day 2, Wed. EN ROUTE.
During your flight, cross the International Dateline.

Day 3, Thu. ARRIVE MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA.
Upon arrival, you are transferred to your hotel which has been pre-registered so you can check-in right away. The balance of the day is free.

Day 4, Fri. MELBOURNE.
See the Victorian architecture on a sightseeing tour that includes Melbourne University, Parliament House, Queen Victoria Market and Captain Cook’s Cottage in Fitzroy Gardens. Afternoon at leisure. Tonight, enjoy dinner aboard the 1927 Colonial Tramcar Restaurant, an authentic tramcar that has been converted into an elegant restaurant, traveling the scenic streets of Melbourne. (B,D)

Day 5, Sat. MELBOURNE.
A full free day to do as you please. This attractive city boasts some of the world’s finest museums, and shopping is some of the country’s best. You may wish to take the optional outing to the picturesque Yarra Valley, whose rolling vineyards produce some of Australia’s finest wines. Other ideas include a trip on Puffing Billy, Australia’s best known narrow gauge railroad, a day outing to historic gold rush country or a drive along the Great Ocean Road. Later, perhaps take the optional drive out to see the Fairy Penguin parade. (B)

Day 6, Sun. MELBOURNE / ALICE SPRINGS.
Head to the airport for the flight to the vast red land of the Outback. This afternoon, sightseeing includes a visit to the Royal Flying Doctor Service, Overland Telegraph Station and the School of the Air. Tonight, perhaps join the optional outing for a Bush Dinner in a traditional outback setting and listen to classic Australian music while you dine under the stars. (B)

Day 7, Mon. ALICE SPRINGS / AYERS ROCK.
A leisurely ride to Ayers Rock where you will drive around the Olgas, 36 giant red rock domes which dominate the Western sky. Later, enjoy a short walk to the base of Olga Gorge. This evening, visit the "Sunset Strip" for a glass of champagne while watching the sun set over Ayers Rock. (B)

Day 8, Tue. AYERS ROCK / CAIRNS.
Rise early this morning to view the grandeur of Ayers Rock. Hikers may have the opportunity to climb to the top of the Rock, or tour the caves at its base and hear an explanation of the Aboriginal Dreamtime Legends. This afternoon, fly to Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Dinner tonight is at a favorite "locals" restaurant. (B,D)

Day 9, Wed. GREAT BARRIER REEF EXCURSION.
Board a high-speed catamaran and cruise to the Great Barrier Reef. Your first stop is at Green Island, surrounded by coral reefs and sparkling water. Explore the island, snorkel from the beach, or take a glass bottom boat ride. Lunch is included during your stay. Or, you can spend some time on Green Island, then continue to the edge of the reef where you will board a three-level pontoon. Enjoy coral viewing from the Underwater Observatory, cruise through the coral on a sub-sea viewer, and snorkel in the deep, clear blue water. A marine biologist enhances the experience, and a smorgasbord lunch will be served. Late this afternoon, return from either trip to Cairns for a relaxing evening on your own. (B,L)

Day 10, Thu. CAIRNS.
A free day. Your Tour Director can arrange an optional excursion on the Kuranda Railroad to the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park. Other activities include river rafting, a rainforest walk, a hike or cruise through the Daintree Rainforest, or perhaps an outing to spot crocodiles. Tonight, there is an optional dinner outing in the midst of the rainforest, with flame-lit torches (B)

Day 11, Fri. CAIRNS / SYDNEY.
Board your flight to Sydney this morning. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your harborside hotel, with the balance of the day at leisure. (B)

Day 12, Sat. SYDNEY.
Visit a wildlife park to see some of Australia’s unusual fauna – koalas, kangaroos, wombat and emus. Next, board a luncheon cruise on Sydney Harbour for offshore views of the Harbour Bridge, Opera House, Fort Denison and beautiful waterfront homes. Afterwards, take a guided tour of the world famous Sydney Opera House. (B,L)

Day 13, Sun. SYDNEY.
A free day to relax, shop or sightsee. Perhaps join an optional tour to the Blue Mountains, Hunter Valley, or one of the many other choices. Tonight, reminisce with your fellow travelers at a Farewell Dinner at one of Sydney’s favorite restaurants. (B,D)

Day 14, Mon. SYDNEY / LOS ANGELES.
The morning is at leisure before your transfer to the airport for your flight home. Cross the International Dateline and arrive in Los Angeles the same day. Extra nights are available if you wish to extend your stay. (B)

RATES AND DATES

YOUR TRAVEL VALUE INCLUDES

• Arrival and departure transfers when Brendan issues your air tickets
• Transfers throughout the tour
• Accommodation in superior first class and first class hotels
• Pre-registered room in Melbourne to accommodate your early arrival
• 11 breakfasts (B), 2 lunches (L), and 3 dinners (D) including a Farewell ­Dinner in Sydney; On Tasmania extension: 4 additional meals
• Services of a professional Tour Director; local guides on Tasmania extension
• Sightseeing program including:
  Fitzroy Gardens; Ayers Rock; the Olgas; Great Barrier Reef; Wildlife Park; Sydney Opera House. On Tasmania extension: Bay cruise; Port Arthur
• All local taxes
• Portfolio of ­travel ­documents

BRENDAN HOTELS

• MELBOURNE - Rydges Melbourne (SF)
• ALICE SPRINGS - Crowne Plaza (SF)
• AYERS ROCK - Desert Gardens (F)
• CAIRNS - Pacific International (F)
• SYDNEY - The Sebel Pier One (SF)