Sydney and the Great Barrier Reef

This itinerary is the starting point for your tour, but it’s not set in stone. If there are days you would like to change, or specific places you’d like to go, we can work with you to create a personalized program that fits the needs of you and your students.

Day 1: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2: Overnight Flight

Cross the International Dateline en route. Don't worry—the day that escapes you now is recovered on your return!

Day 3: Sydney

Welcome to Australia! Arrive in Sydney and meet your ACIS Tour Manager. Enjoy an orientation sightseeing tour of this seaside city, including Watson's Bay and ending at Bondi Beach. There you will experience the thrill of catching a wave (hopefully!) at Australia's most famous beach during a surfing lesson. The remainder of your day is at leisure.

Day 4: Sydney

This morning visit Darling Harbour, a waterfront leisure park with food, shopping, and entertainment on every corner! We also visit the Sydney Aquarium, where you'll learn about sharks, seals, crocodiles and penguins among other aquatic species. This afternoon see Sydney Harbor from a new perspective, aboard a luxury ferry on a harbor cruise. Enjoy a fish and chips dinner tonight.

Day 5: Sydney

After breakfast, enjoy a guided tour of the Rocks district, a historic area famous for its cobblestone streets and colonial buildings. An afternoon tour of Australia's most famous building, the Sydney Opera House, introduces you to this architectural wonder. At the Opal Discovery Center, you will be greeted by a member of the Costello mining dynasty and learn about the process of mining for gems. Enjoy a free evening after a pizza dinner.

Day 6: Sydney

After a free morning to explore more of Sydney's treasures at your own pace, head on an Australian Bush Walkabout Tour for an interactive experience of bush tucker, bush medicine, friendly native animals and ancient Aboriginal sites. After an Australian BBQ dinner and bonfire, take a walk to meet Australia’s fascinating nocturnal creatures.

Day 7: Sydney

Today is free to shop for souvenirs, check out the Royal Botanic Garden, or chat with a local Sydneysider to get a taste of Australian culture. Tonight enjoy dinner as you take in the breathtaking views of the Harbor from Sydney Tower Revolving Restaurant.

Day 8: Cairns

Depart Sydney on a flight to Cairns, a vibrant city on the northeast coast of Australia. Upon arrival, enjoy an orientation tour before checking into your hotel.

Day 9: Cairns

The Great Barrier Reef, stretching 1,258 miles down Australia's coast, is one of the most stunningly beautiful natural attractions in the world. Today you’ll take a luxury catamaran cruise through the islands of the Outer Reef. Once the boat anchors, you’ll have a chance to snorkel up to the reefs to examine their beauty more closely. Lunch on board is included instead of dinner.

Day 10: Cairns

Travel to the mountain town of Kuranda and explore the Rainforestation Nature Park with a local guide. First experience the tropical rainforest from both land and water while riding aboard their amphibious WWII army duck vehicle before getting a close-up look at some of Australia's famous wildlife, including koalas, kangaroos, wombats and crocodiles. You'll also learn about the history and culture of the Aboriginal people as you enjoy a Pamagirri Aboriginal Dance performance. Then enjoy a birds-eye view of the rainforest aboard the Skyrail Cableway, an hour and a half long trip skimming just above the canopy and broken up by two mid-station stops. Tonight's highlight is a farewell dinner.

Day 11: Departure

Depart for the USA.