Itinerary - Full Details
Day 1
Wednesday, March 2
Arrive at the airport, where you will be met by your guide and transferred to Hadleys Hotel.
Day 2
Thursday, March 3
We depart Hobart and cross the Tasman Bridge spanning the Derwent River to the Forrestier Peninsular. Stops will be made to view the rock formations Tasman Arch and the Devils Kitchen located in the Tasman National Park. Visit the Tasmanian Devil Park, where you will view the Tasmanian Devil and other Australian native animals and birds.
After lunch we continue to Port Arthur, Tasmania's most famous tourist attraction. Today there is peace and tranquility in the gardens and mellow sandstone ruins of Port Arthur, a prison for 12,500 convicts between 1830 and 1877. Ruins include the penitentiary, the officers' quarters and Irish agitator Smith O'Briens cottage. Fitted out as museums to a grim past are the medical officer's house, and the model prison.
After a guided tour of this site, enjoy a harbour cruise and see the Isle of the Dead - the original burial island for both prisoners and guards.
Day 3
Friday, March 4
Walk the tree tops of pristine forest at Tahune Forest Airwalk having traveled the Huon River Valley, a region of tended fields, superb forest clad rivers and fishing villages set by picturesque inlets.
After lunch we head south to enjoy the views of Hobart, the Derwent River and the Wrest Point Casino. Travel into the lush rolling hills and valleys of the Huon Valley. Pass through Franklin on the Huon River noted for its wooden boat building. Experience the country town of Geeveston.
Day 4
Shabbat, March 5
Enjoy Shabbat services in the old synagogue of Hobart. A special Shabbat program will be arranged.
Day 5
Sunday, March 6
Travel via The Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park which is listed under the World Heritage Convention as an area of outstanding universal value containing superlative natural phenomena, formations and features. It is home to one of the last remaining pristine river systems on earth. Witness ancient rainforest reflected mirror-like in rivers flowing direct from their source in the central highlands.
Taking a cruise you will glide across Macquarie Harbour on the journey to the mouth of the Gordon River. Enter the Gordon River, Endless tracts of untouched rainforest are reflected in the whisky coloured waters, stained with tannin. Take a walk in the rainforest, the reboard for a visit to historic Sarah Island and the ruins of the infamously brutal penal colony.
You will be staying at the Strahan Village Hotel.
Day 6
Monday, March 7
Cradle Mounatin is the central feature of the Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park, part of Tasmania's World Heritage area. The park is characterized by a rugged, glaciated landscape with over 25 major peaks and a wide range of formations-tams, glacial lakes, moraine deposits, U-shaped valleys and waterfalls.
Staying at the Cradle Mountain Chateau.
Day 7
Tuesday, March 8
Discover the captivating atmosphere of Launceston, which is nestled on an ancient native ravine in a valley beside the Tamar River and surrounded by mountains. Launceston is Tasmania's living heritage.We then fly to Melbourne.
Upon arrival in Melbourne you will be met and assisted with private coach transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free at your leisure.
Staying at the Quest Kimberley St Kilda.
Day 8
Wednesday, March 9
Today travel across the spectacular Westgate Bridge to Geelong, Victoria's largest provincial city. We join the Great Ocean Road at Torquay and explore this magnificent road carved into the cliffside offering some of the most spectacular coastal views in Australia. Travelling through the popular seaside resorts of Anglesea and Lorne, enjoy the scenery as we pass wide surf beaches, dramatic stretches of precipitous cliffs and idyllic coves where fern-shaded creeks join the sea. Time at the peaceful township of Apollo Bay to take a walk along a beautiful beach.
After crossing the beautiful Otway Ranges we arrive at the Port Campbell National Park, an area of immense beauty featuring some of the most rugged and dangerous coastline in Victoria. See the power of the ocean at work at the Twelve Apostles, a row of great stone pillars, and the remains of London Bridge. Behold the marvel of nature, which is Loch Ard Gorge, the scene of the dramatic shipwreck of the "Loch Ard" with only two survivors over 100 years ago. This area is truly a photographer's paradise.
Return to your hotel this evening.
Day 9
Thursday, March 10
Morning at your leisure. This afternoon depart Melbourne for Phillip Island. Visit the Koala Conservation Centre situated four kilometres from Cowes on Phillip Island. See Koalas in their natural habitat with close viewing opportunities as you walk along an elevated boardwalk in the treetops. Learn about koalas in the visitor centre where giant gum leaves with colourful displays tell the koala story. Continue onto the Nature Reserve to watch the Fairy Penguins come home from sea.
Arriving before sunset, we continue on to Summerland Beach, location of the Fairy penguin Parade. From the waves, across the beach, to the sand dunes - the penguins can almost be touched as they make their way across the sand to their burrows.
Return to your Melbourne hotel late this evening.
Day 10
Friday, March 11
This morning we tour the city of Melbourne, including a visit to the beautiful Fitzroy Gardens and Royal Botanical Gardens.
The afternoon is free to visit the city centre and prepare for Shabbat.
Day 11
Shabbat, March 12
Enjoy Shabbat in the most religious city of Australia. A special program has been arranged by the local community.
Day 12
Sunday, March 13
This morning transfer to the airport by private coach for your flight to Cairns. Upon arrival in Cairns you will be met and assisted with a private coach transfer to your hotel.
The remainder of the day is free at your own leisure.
Your hotel is Sofitel Reef Cairns Resort.
Day 13
Monday, March 14
Breakfast at your hotel.This morning, transfer to Freshwater Station, to board the scenic Kuranda Rail and journey through breathtaking scenery, before arriving at picturesque Kuranda Station. Free time to enjoy this unique mountain village.
This afternoon board Skyrail, an enclosed cable car which takes you skimming across the rainforest canopy taking in breathtaking views of the Coral Sea and Green Island, to Caravonica Lakes at the base of the range. Visit the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park and enter a magical, mystical world. For the first time an entire park has been dedicated to preserving and presenting authentic Aboriginal Culture with the aid of modern technology. Enjoy 3 theatres, a museum, an art gallery and a traditional Aboriginal camp which is combined to give you a complete and meaningful glimpse of the Tjapukai Aboriginal people's rich and ancient culture.
Return to your hotel late afternoon
Day 14
Tuesday, March 15
Breakfast at your hotel.
Today sail by Catamaran to Michaelmas Cay, a unique sand cay, which is a protected sanctuary for more than 28,000 migratory sea birds of 14 species. The surrounding outer reef is a spectacular garden of exotic marine life, magnificent coral and giant clams, boasting more varieties of tropical fish than the entire Atlantic Ocean. The Michaelmas Cay Cruise offers a wide range of activities including snorkelling, the optional extra of scuba diving (both certified and first time beginner), semi-submersible coral viewing, coral cay scientific tours, nature walks among a bird sanctuary, live musical entertainment and a glass of champagne on the homeward sail. Informative ecological presentations by a Marine Biologist and smorgasbord luncheon are also included.
Return to your hotel late afternoon.
Take Care:Sunburn is a major problem in the tropics. Depending on your skin you can start to burn within a few minutes. Always cover yourself generously with maximum strength sunblock, repeating regularly, even if the day is overcast. When visiting the reef, remember to use sunblock on your face, the back of your legs, the back of your neck and the tops of your feet - these are places that are very prone to sunburn. We also suggest you take a hat and a towel on your cruise.
Day 15
Wednesday, March 16
Breakfast at your hotel.
Travel north by private vehicle along the Marlin Coast travelling via the Mossman River Gorge where you will have a brief guided tour. Then it is onto the Daintree River where you will be taken on a cruise along this beautiful river. Relax and enjoy the splendour only the Daintree can offer as you learn of estuarine crocodiles, mangrove forests, wildlife, this is nature at its best. Take a walk into the rainforest and look out for butterflies, exotic birds in the trees, and goannas on the forest floor, before continuing to the beach at Cape Tribulation. Take a walk along this beautiful stretch of sand - where the rainforest meets the reef.
Return to your hotel late afternoon.
Day 16
Thursday, March 17
Breakfast at your hotel.
This morning transfer by private coach to the airport for your flight to Sydney. Upon arrival in Sydney you will be met and assisted with private coach transfer to your hotel the Swiss Grand Resort & Spa Bondi Beach.
After arrival you will enjoy a city sights tour stopping at the world famous Bondi Beach before visiting Watson's Bay for a spectacular view over the Pacific Ocean. Continue through Double Bay, Rushcutters Bay and cosmopolitan Kings Cross. Stop at Mrs Macquarie's Chair for splendid views over this magnificent harbour and the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge. See St Mary's Cathedral, Parliament House, Darling Harbour and Chinatown. Visit the historical Rocks area, where the First Fleet landed in 1788 to establish Australia's first European settlement. Observe examples of early architecture and the beautiful sandstone buildings, made out of the same rocks, which gave this area its name.
Visit the Sydney Opera House, described as the Eighth Wonder of the World for a guided tour.
Day 17
Friday, March 18
Breakfast at your hotel.
This morning we travel to Circular Quay for your morning cruise on magnificent Sydney Harbour. See spectacular views of the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Fort Denison, million dollar mansions and the bays and inlets that dot the harbour. Return to your hotel and have the afternoon at leisure to shop and get ready for Shabbat.
Day 18
Shabbat, March 19
Enjoy Shabbat services at the nearby synagogue, and a stroll along the famous Bondi Beach promenade in the afternoon. A program is being arranged with a local Rabbi and community.
Day 19
Sunday, March 20
Breakfast at your hotel.This morning, departing Sydney, we travel west to visit Sydney's leading Koala and Wildlife Sanctuary where you will meet our cuddly Koala. This park has a large collection of Australian Native animals and birds on display. Continue travelling west of Sydney by coach, and follow the trail of Australia's early explorers as we climb the Blue Mountains. These are aptly named by the distinctive blue haze, caused by light striking droplets of eucalyptus oil evaporating from the gum trees.
The Blue Mountains National Park covers an area of 247,021 hectares, abundant in rare wildlife, flora and fauna. Discover the "Grand Canyon" of giant rock formations, geological history, and deep tree studded valleys and cascading waterfalls. View the world famous rock formation "The Three Sisters" and panoramic views of the Jamieson Valley, Mount Solitary and the Ruined Castle.
Return to your hotel late afternoon.
Day 20
Monday, March 21
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure for home.
Price
$4,850 per person on a share twin basis + tips
- Costs Include
- Accommodation in 4- 5 star hotels with private facilities as indicated in the itinerary.
- Full board every day
- All transfers and touring by sole use of charter coach with experienced driver/guide with English speaking commentary
- Airport arrival assistance in all cities
- Entrance fees to attractions specified in the itinerary
- Hotel Porterage
- Great Barrier Reef Environmental Management Charge (EMC)
- Australian Goods & Services Tax (GST) @ 10%
- Welcome kit and documentation on arrival
- Costs Do Not Include
- International and domestic airfares (MEL-HBA/LST-MEL- CNS - SYD) - we will assist with coordinating flight bookings to meet the tour schedule.
- Items of a personal nature i.e. telephone calls, liquor, laundry, beverages with meals etc.
- Pre registration if early arrival in any city
- Use of hotel rooms before / after normal check in / out times
- Airport porterage
- Any other services not indicated in the itinerary
- Optional Extra - New Zealand Tour:Feb 22 - March 2
New Zealand Pre Tour Ad-On
Feb 22 - March 2
Combined New Zealand & Australia Tour: 26 nights.
Please inquire for more details of the New Zealand add-on.