Cosmopolitan cities, native culture, magnificent scenery and one legendary train excursion make this comprehensive tour of Australia and New Zealand a truly spectacular trip of a lifetime. Highlights include a visit to the Sydney Opera House, the Little Penguins parade in Melbourne, wine sampling in the Barossa Valley, Te Puia, Rotorua’s thermal area, the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef, Aboriginal rock petroglyphs in Kakadu National Park, stunning vistas seen from the renowned Ghan train, Mount Cook National Park and Queenstown.

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Call 877-929-7245 to book Great Adventure Down Under.

• Hotel accommodations for 27 nights
• 40 meals
• Travel in Gold Service on the legendary Ghan train
• Transportation by deluxe motorcoach
• Sightseeing and scenic excursions per itinerary (admission to all attractions included in tour price)
• Services of a professional tour manager
• Baggage handling
• Taxes and service charges

Scenic highlights of your trip include:

• Great Barrier Reef
• Cairns Tropical Zoo
• Darwin
• Kakadu National Park
• Ayers Rock
• Alice Springs
• Barossa Valley
• Port Arthur
• Auckland
• Waitomo Glowworm Caves
• Rainbow Springs
• Dunedin
• Mount Cook National Park
• Fiordland National Park

Air 1 – G’day and Welcome to Australia
Arrive in Cairns, gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. This evening get acquainted with your fellow travelers at a welcome dinner hosted by your tour manager. Overnight Novotel Cairns Oasis. (D)

Day 2 – Great Barrier Reef Excursion
Today we board a fast catamaran for a cruise to Green Island, one of the many tropical islands on Australia’s famous Great Barrier Reef, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Here you can choose to snorkel, take a glass-bottom boat tour or walk through the island’s cool rainforest. After your excursion, the remainder of the day is at your leisure. This evening you may wish to have a unique experience at the famous Flames of the Forest, where you can enjoy tropical dining in an actual rainforest and authentic Aboriginal culture through storytelling and music (operates seasonally), or consider a sunset cruise followed by a delicious dinner at a waterfront restaurant. Overnight Novotel Cairns Oasis. (B)

Day 3 – Cairns – Darwin
This morning we’ll visit the Cairns Tropical Zoo for a chance to meet Australia’s native animals. Enjoy breakfast in the park, a talk by a wildlife keeper and an opportunity to have your picture taken with a koala! Afterward, you may elect to join an optional excursion to Kuranda via the old scenic rail route which takes you along lush rainforests and twisting waterfalls from the comfort of a restored historic mountain train; for the return journey, you can choose to take the Skyrail Rainfiorest Cableway. Later today, we fly to Darwin, located at the top of Australia and famous for its strategic importance during WWII. Overnight Crowne Plaza. (B)

Day 4 – Darwin – Kakadu National Park
Today we travel to Kakadu National Park. On the way see the giant termite nests. Upon arrival, explore some of the 7300 square miles of unspoiled waterways with a rich heritage of Aboriginal culture. Stop at the Bowali Visitor Centre to learn about Kakadu’s habitats, cruise the waterways to view crocodiles or hike ancient trails to see Aboriginal rock petroglyphs. Overnight Holiday Inn Gagudju Crocodile. (D)

Day 5 – Kakadu National Park – Darwin
On our return to Darwin we’ll stop at the Windows on the Wetlands Visitor Centre, an interactive display of Kakadu fauna. Back in Darwin, see the elegant architecture of the city’s historic buildings that survived Cyclone Tracy in 1974. Visit the splendid botanic gardens, beautiful East Point rich in WWII memorabilia and the art gallery to view fine collections of Aboriginal art. Overnight Crowne Plaza. (B)

Day 6 – Darwin – Alice Springs – Ayers Rock
As we make our way to Ayers Rock today, we’ll stop in Alice Springs for a visit to the School of Air to learn how education services are provided to children living in the vast Outback. Visit Old Telegraph Station to discover how the locals live in this remote area and learn the history of how the early settlers developed communication. Our touring continues with a visit to Anzac Hill, a tribute to the war heroes of Australia and New Zealand. Afterward, we’ll fly to Ayers Rock. Upon arrival we’ll travel to a popular lookout to enjoy views of magnificent Kata Tjuta (the Olgas), a geological splendor of some 30 brilliant monoliths. We’ll also tour the base of Uluru (Ayers Rock) before heading to the "Sunset Strip" for a drink, canapés and a chance to see the changing colors of the rock. Overnight Desert Gardens Hotel. (B)

Day 7 – Return to Alice Springs Today we fly to Alice Springs and visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service to appreciate how medical services are provided to those in remote regions. This afternoon is at your leisure. You may wish to visit the Desert Park to learn more about the flora and fauna of the Australian desert. Tonight enjoy a unique Aussie experience: an Outback barbecue featuring a meal of typical campfire fare, fascinating tales of the Outback and Aboriginal folklore. Overnight Lasseters Hotel (B, D)

Day 8 – The Ghan Train
Enjoy a relaxing morning at your leisure before embarking on a true highlight of your Australian vacation: an overnight journey on the Great Southern Railway’s Ghan train. You’ll get a whole new perspective on the Outback as you admire the passing scenery on your way to Adelaide. Overnight train. (B, L, D)

Day 9 – The Ghan to Adelaide
Arrive in Adelaide for a city tour along the wide tree-lined streets and well-manicured gardens. This afternoon is at your leisure. Overnight Majestic Roof Garden Hotel. (B)

Day 10 – Adelaide at Your Leisure
You have an entire day at leisure to explore Adelaide as you please. You may elect to embark on a full-day excursion to Kangaroo Island, one of the world’s last unspoiled habitats. Overnight Majestic Roof Garden Hotel. (B)

Day 11 – Adelaide – Barossa Valley - Melbourne
Today we drive to the Barossa Valley with its Bavarian villages, baroque Italianate chateaux and stunning vineyard scenery. Breathe in the beauty of the Adelaide Hills in the leafy greenness of the quaint yet charming villages. Enjoy a delicious lunch and sample some of Australia’s premium wines at a local winery. Later this afternoon we’ll fly to Melbourne, Australia’s second-largest city. Overnight The Swanston Hotel, Grand Mercure. (B, L)

Day 12 – Melbourne Sightseeing
Today’s sightseeing tour includes landmarks such as Parliament House and the Shrine of Remembrance, a tribute to Australia’s war heroes. Visit beautiful Fitzroy Gardens followed by a drive past the lush Royal Botanical Gardens. You’ll soon discover the differing architectural influences of this city as you see the Victorian Arts Centre and other buildings of significance. Later this afternoon, we’ll drive to Phillip Island to see a penguin parade from an exclusive viewing platform. Overnight The Swanston Hotel, Grand Mercure. (B, D)

Day 13 – Melbourne at Your Leisure
The entire day is free to explore this multicultural city. Dine at a local restaurant, walk along Chapel and Brunswick Streets, famous for its great shopping or take a trip outside of town to sample award-winning wines in the Yarra Valley. Overnight The Swanston Hotel, Grand Mercure. (B)

Day 14 – Melbourne – Hobart
Fly to Hobart, Tasmania, home of the famed Tasmanian Devil. Overnight Wrest Point Hotel. (B)

Day 15 – Excursion to Point Arthur
Today’s tour of the scenic Tasman Peninsula features the blowhole, the Devil’s Kitchen and the Tasman Arch coastal formations. Visit Port Arthur, where the first convicts arrived in the 1830’s. A guided tour of the Penal Settlement shows you the ruins of the 4-story penitentiary and the model prison—a grim reminder of Australia’s days as a penal colony. Also included is a short stop at a nearby wildlife sanctuary to see the famous Tasmanian Devil, the world’s largest carnivorous marsupial. Overnight Wrest Point Hotel. (B)

Day 16 – Hobart – Sydney
Today we fly to Sydney, Australia’s largest city. Upon arrival, we’ll visit the world-famous Bondi Surf Bathers’ Life Saving Club for a lifesaving demonstration. The remainder of the day is at your leisure for you to discover this exciting and beautiful city on your own. Overnight The Grace. (B)

Day 17 – Sydney Sightseeing
The day begins with a visit to Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair in the city’s botanical gardens for a great photo opportunity of the harbor, Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Next, take a guided tour of the Sydney Opera House, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, followed by a visit to one of the country’s leading opal companies to learn how the beautiful gems are mined. Later, we’ll cruise Sydney Harbour. Overnight The Grace. (B)

Day 18 – Sydney at Your Leisure
The entire day is yours to explore the city at your own pace. You may wish to take an optional excursion to the Blue Mountains or Hunters Valley, one of Australia’s leading wine-growing regions. This evening enjoy a special dinner at a waterfront restaurant with fabulous views. Overnight The Grace. (B, D)

Day 19 – Sydney – Auckland, New Zealand
Fly across the Tasman Sea to Auckland, situated on an isthmus between two magnificent harbors. This evening enjoy dinner in the Sky Tower, offering sweeping views of the city. Overnight SKYCITY Hotel. (B, D)

Day 20 – Auckland Sightseeing
This morning we’ll embark on a sightseeing tour of the city. The afternoon is at your leisure in the "City of Sails." Overnight SKYCITY Hotel. (B)

Day 21 – Auckland – Waitomo - Rotorua
Today we travel to the pastoral Waikato region for a visit to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves for a guided tour through the limestone chambers and passages of the cavern. Take a silent boat trip through Glowworm Grotto as you glide quietly beneath the lights of thousands of glowworms suspended from the cave ceiling. Our travels continue over the Mamaku Ranges to Rotorua this afternoon. This evening we’ll enjoy a traditional Hangi dinner followed by a Maori concert. Overnight Novotel Rotorua Lakeside. (B, D)

Day 22 – Rotorua Sightseeing
Our sightseeing begins with a visit to the Agrodome this morning where we will learn more about one of the country’s major industries—sheep! Continue on to Rainbow Springs to view native bush and wildlife, including a walk through the kiwi bird enclosure. Our last sightseeing stop is Te Puia, Rotorua’s most prominent thermal area featuring New Zealand’s largest geyser, boiling mud pools and silica terraces. The afternoon and evening are at your leisure. Overnight Novotel Rotorua Lakeside. (B)

Day 23 – Rotorua - Dunedin
Today we fly to Dunedin, one of the best-preserved Victorian and Edwardian cities in the Southern Hemisphere. Upon arrival we’ll embark on a short orientation tour to see the historic sights of the city including St. Paul’s Cathedral and a photo stop at the Dunedin Railway Station with its Flemish Renaissance-style architecture. Overnight Scenic Hotel Dunedin City. (B, D)

Day 24 – Dunedin – Mount Cook National Park
Today we drive to Mount Cook National Park, named after New Zealand’s highest peak. We’ll stop at the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Center for unique insight into the history and culture of this region. Weather permitting, you may choose to take an optional ski-plane flight that actually lands on the 18-mile long Tasman Glacier or a thrilling helicopter ride. Overnight The Hermitage. (B, D)

Day 25 – Mount Cook – Queenstown
This morning we drive to Queenstown, the "Adventure Capital of the World." Enjoy an afternoon at leisure in this popular resort town, nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by the rugged peaks of the Southern Alps. Overnight Novotel Queenstown Lakeside. (B)

Day 26 – Cruise on Milford Sound
Today we travel into Fiordland National Park through the Homer Tunnel to Milford Sound. Boasting some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world, this region of New Zealand has been honored as a UNESCO World Heritate Site. Cruise on the fjord with sheer rock walls rising thousands of feet from the water’s depths. Overnight Novotel Queenstown Lakeside. (B, L)

Day 27 – Queenstown at Your Leisure
The entire day is yours to discover Queenstown as you please. Consider an optional excursion to a local vineyard or maybe a thrilling jet-boat ride on the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers. This evening surround yourself with breathtaking scenery as you cruise Lake Wakatipu aboard the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw. Upon arrival at Walter Peak, enjoy dinner at the Colonel’s Homestead. Overnight Novotel Queenstown Lakeside. (B, L)

Day 28 – Queenstown
Your great vacation Down Under comes to a close after breakfast this morning. (B)

   

   

   

Departures	Price per Person
February 21	$8,379
March 20	$8,299
September 25	$8,479
October 23	$8,479
November 6	$8,519