Sydney & Cairns

ITINERARY:

Day 1 Fly to Sydney

Day 2 Sydney 
Today you will arrive in Sydney you will be transferred to your hotel. 
This morning make your own way to Circular Quay where you board your Matilda cruise vessel. You will cruise the delightful Sydney Harbor, a must for all visitors to see. Cruise the upper reaches of Sydney harbor and view the magnificent waterfront homes and parklands. See the Opera House and the Harbor Bridge from the water. Refreshments are served on board and a hostess provides an informative commentary. 

OPTION: This afternoon make your way to Bridgeclimb, located at The Rocks, where you suit up for the ‘climb of your life’. The climb to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge is moderate and you can enjoy informative commentary from your guide as you ascend the bridge. This is a great experience and the views from the top of the Bridge are spectacular. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Day 3 Sydney – Blue Mountains
Explore the impressive Jenolan Caves and stunning mountain scenes.  Nestled on the western side of the Blue Mountains, this extensive network of limestone caves and above ground arches are Australia’s most impressive. Climb the western mountain highway via the sleepy townships of Blaxland, Leura, Wentworth and Lawson. Visit Katoomba - The quaint ‘capital’ of the Blue Mountains. Learn about ancient Aboriginal Dreamtime interpretation of the creation of the world. Time to ride aboard either the Skyway*, Scenic Railway* or Cableway*. Enter the Grand Arch at Jenolan Caves, hiding place of sparkling limestone caverns.  Take in the beauty of the region and see the mysterious Blue Lake. Join an informative and fully guided Cave tour. Watch for native wildlife among the quiet bush land and the deep caves. Learn the folklore of the intrepid settlers and legendary bushrangers of this region.
Upgrade Option:  4WD Blue Mountains tour.  Have a more intimate Blue Mountain experience and you will be served an authentic Aussie BBQ in the bush.

Day 4 Sydney – Cairns
You will take a late morning flight to Cairns.   Upon arrival into Cairns you will be taken to your hotel. You will have some free time to enjoy the Cairns area.  You’re hotel is in walking distance of the Esplanade, which is the main beach area, full of restaurants, art and artistic photograph shops, and a public swimming pool called “The Lagoon”.

Day 5 Cairns - Great Barrier Reef
You will be picked up from your hotel by coach and taken to the Cruiser or a full day cruise to the outer Barrier Reef. After just 90 minutes you arrive close to Australia's continental shelf where you will moor over one of the most beautiful sections of the Great Barrier Reef.  It offers some of the best snorkeling and diving anywhere in the world, with the warm waters of the Coral Sea affording crystal-clear visibility, and the marine life is a riot of living color. You can take a closer look at the breathtaking beauty of this seascape with its sunlit valleys and coral cliffs, teaming with brilliant fish by swimming, snorkeling (equipment provided) or cruising in the Sub-sea Explorer or glass bottom boat.  It is the largest system of coral reefs and associated plants and animals in the world, and nothing to rival it has ever existed on Earth. Enjoy a sumptuous smorgasbord lunch including fresh seafood and tropical fruits. Morning and afternoon tea are also included. After the cruise you will be returned to your hotel.

Day 6 Cairns – Kuranda Rainforest
Board the Scenic Rail at Freshwater Station and take a spectacular journey through tunnels and past waterfalls and gorges. Arrive in Kuranda.  Time to explore this rainforest village before boarding the Sky Rail to glide silently over the rainforest canopy.  Touch-down and take a short stroll to Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park where buffet lunch is enjoyed.  Afterwards you have ample time to explore all the attractions of Tjapukai – movie theatres, stage shows and craft demonstrations.  Rejoin your coach and return to your hotel.

END OF TOUR