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, one of the country's most beguiling cities, and meet your Australian Tour Manager. On the way to your hotel, enjoy an orientation sightseeing tour that includes Bondi Beach. You may opt to stretch your legs on the Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk, a spectacular clifftop trail with amazing views of the ocean and beaches. Dine together on an included welcome lunch, then continue to Watsons Bay where you will take in amazing views of Sydney Harbour from the lookout. Then check-in at your hotel and have the rest of the day to begin exploring Sydney at your own pace.

Day 4: Sydney

Visit SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium this morning, a captivating underwater world located in Darling Harbour. It features themed zones, like a Great Barrier Reef exhibit, and showcases over 13,000 marine creatures from more than 700 species, making it one of the largest collections of Australian aquatic life. In the afternoon, see Sydney Harbour from a new perspective, aboard a luxury ferry for a harbor cruise. Enjoy panoramic views of the city's skyline, see the Opera House from different angles and marvel at the towering Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Day 5: Sydney

Begin today with a ferry ride from the neighborhood of Darling Harbour to Circular Quay. You'll get a good view of the magnificent Sydney Harbour Bridge from the water as you travel beneath it. Later enjoy an afternoon tour inside Australia's most famous building and architectural wonder, the iconic Sydney Opera House. There will be time to explore and shop in The Rocks, a historic district at the base of the bridge that is the original settlement in Australia on Sydney Harbour. Next enjoy the views from Sydney Harbour Bridge itself, as you walk along it from South to North before catching a ferry from Milsons Point back to Darling Harbour. Round out your day of sightseeing with the opportunity to shop for souvenirs as you experience Paddy’s Markets—the spot where locals and visitors alike can find anything and everything! Then tonight enjoy dinner in the sky at SkyFeast at Sydney Tower, a famous revolving restaurant located almost 1,000 feet up and offering breathtaking views of the harbor.

Day 6: Sydney

Travel to the town of Calga for an immersive visit to the Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary. This sanctuary is a haven for Australian native wildlife and a place of cultural significance. It is home to free-roaming kangaroos, wallabies, emus, and other iconic Australian animals, as well as rescued wildlife that require lifetime care. Enjoy a fascinating journey into the heart of Australian bush culture and ecology. During this experience, knowledgeable rangers guide you through the sanctuary's pristine bushland, sharing insights into traditional Aboriginal practices. Return to Sydney for the evening.

Day 7: Sydney

This morning board the fast ferry at Circular Quay for a trip to Manly, one of Sydney's popular beachside suburbs. Get ready to get wet in true Aussie style: You will have the opportunity to “stand-up and surf the curl,” as you learn the art of surfing under the guidance of some of Sydney’s highly qualified coaches. They will provide you with a surfboard and wetsuit and teach you the steps for how to catch a wave and stand up on the surfboard. Lunch in Manly is included today instead of dinner. If you're not totally knackered, the rest of the afternoon is yours to continue exploring Manly at your own pace before boarding the ferry back to Sydney.

Day 8: Cairns

Depart Sydney on a flight to Cairns, a vibrant city on the northeast coast of Australia. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and relax at the lagoon or begin to explore this tropical town, with its great local shops, markets and cafes.

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. Later, return to Cairns and enjoy the evening at your leisure.

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.