Summary

Trip Length
7 days / 6 nights

Price
from USD$ 1,161
Details >

Outline
Start in Sydney
3 nights Sydney
3 nights Cairns
End in Cairns

Starts
Sydney

2007-2009
Daily, year round

Accommodation
Popular, Superior or Deluxe

Options & Upgrades
Additional nights and tours

Day 1- Sydney Arrival
Welcome to Sydney! The capital of New South Wales is Australia’s biggest and most well-known city. Built around a spectacular natural harbour, Sydney has a vibrant atmosphere with great restaurants, shops, nightlife, and a bustling waterfront. The down-to-earth friendliness of four million ‘Aussies’ helps you feel right at home. Whether you arrive from an international or domestic flight, your package includes a transfer to your hotel.

Day 2 - In Sydney
Today is your day to get acquainted with Sydney, and one of the smartest ways to do that is with comprehensive tour by land of the city’s highlights and its famous beaches, together with a harbour cruise. By land you’ll see Sydney Harbour Bridge, the historic Rocks area, and the northern and southern beaches - including Manly. From the water you’ll see Darling Harbour, the Opera House, and get a sense of the magnificence of the whole city, whilst enjoying a relaxing buffet lunch on board.

Day 3 - Sydney
Having found your feet, this day is free for you to explore on your own. Alternately, you can choose one of several optional day trips, such as a wine-tasting tour of the Hunter Valley or a walking trip in the Blue Mountains. Just ask your Fresh Tracks agent about these great options.

Day 4 – Sydney to Cairns
Transfer to the airport for a flight up the coast to Cairns (not included). With the Great Barrier Reef beneath its offshore waters and incredible tropical outback adventures in the surrounding area, Cairns is a must-visit destination in Australia.

Note: In Cairns you have the usual choice of Popular, Superior or Deluxe hotel packages - however, you can also choose whether to stay in the city or on the Northern Beaches. The city is where most people stay, where all the ‘action’ is, but if you want a quieter time and a nice beach we recommend our northern beaches package featuring Rockford Palm Cove Resort.

Day 5 - Great Barrier Reef cruise or Michaelmas Cay Cruise
Cairns’ greatest claim to fame is of course the Great Barrier Reef, the largest living thing visible from space and generally considered one of the natural ‘Seven Wonders of the World’ along with the likes of the Grand Canyon and Mount Everest. You have two choices of trip on which to enjoy the reef today:

Option 1 - Outer Barrier Reef cruise
Your friendly crew will take you to a reef at the very edge of Australia’s Continental Shelf, to an underwater world that is a dazzling kaleidoscope of colour and life. The reef lagoon at Agincourt offers excellent swimming and snorkelling areas. We suggest getting in the water, but those who wish can stay dry and still explore the stunning reef world from the comfort of a sub, just one metre underwater. Alternately, you can watch the fish feeding from a unique viewing platform and underwater observatory.
Included : pick up and drop off from your hotel, return wavepiercer cruise, morning and afternoon teas on board, informative reef presentation by a marine biologist, tropical smorgasbord lunch, all snorkelling equipment, qualified snorkelling safety officers on hand, underwater observatory fish and coral viewing and coral viewing by semi-submersible vessels.

Option 2 - Michaelmas Cay Sailing Cruise
Michaelmas Cay is everyone’s idea of a sandy tropical islet surrounded by reef, and you reach it on this cruise by a magnificent twin-hulled sailing boat. Snorkel from the boat with a marine biologist, explore the island with its 14 species of birdlife or just relax and drink in the magic of the place.
Included: pick-up and drop off from your hotel, morning and afternoon teas on board, informative reef presentation by marine biologist, tropical smorgasbord lunch, all snorkelling equipment, snorkelling safety officers on hand, coral viewing by semi-submersible vessels.

Day 6 - Cairns
Today you board the Kuranda Scenic Railway for a memorable journey through amazing Heritage Rainforest, past cascading waterfalls and through lush stretches of foliage. In the village of Kuranda enter the impressive Rainforestation Nature Park – 40 hectares of gardens and rainforest – and see the cuddly creatures of the tropics at the Koala and Wildlife Park. The day includes a BBQ lunch and an appearance by the Pamagirri Aboriginal Dancers. Return to Cairns via the famed Skyrail, a 4.5 mile (7.5 km) gondola ride over the rainforest.

Day 7 – Depart Cairns
Your Australia vacation concludes as you check-out from your hotel and transfer to the airport for your return flight.

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2007 - 2009 Package start dates
Daily departures, year round

Options & Upgrades
Upgrade on Green Island to a deluxe Reef Suite
Additional nights and tours

Price Notes
• Prices are per person
• Double means two people sharing

Included
• 6 nights accommodation in carefully selected, well located hotels, choose from Popular, Superior or Deluxe options
• Morning city and beaches tour with lunch harbor cruise
• Choose from either
1. Outer barrier reef tour based at the activity platform, transfer by High speed catamaran. Options available for non swimmers or
2. Michaelmas Cay Day Cruise- 4 hrs at the Reef , view amazing coral from the semi-submersible, snorkel or take a guided walk with a marine biologist along the beach . Complimentary champagne and entertainment on the homeward sail. Lunch inc.
• Airport transfers on arrival (Sydney) and departure (Cairns)
• Day trip aboard scenic railway to Kuranda, lunch at the Rainforestation Nature Park , cultural display from by Pamagirri Aboriginal Dance Troupe. Amphibious Army Duck rain forest tour . Have your photo taken with a koala (optional), hand feed kangaroos and view crocodiles at the Koala and Wildlife Park. Return to Cairns via the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. (Tour may operate in reverse).
• Airport transfers on arrival and departure
• Support of our 24-hour customer service hotline
• Good & Services Tax (GST)

Not Included
• International or domestic airfares
• Meals other than specified, Tips, Porterage, Gratuities or items of a personal nature
• Travel & medical insurance

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