Sydney and the Great Barrier Reef

The itinerary is the starting point to your tour, but it’s not set in stone. Your group leader may make changes leading up to departure.

Day 1, Monday June 10: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2, Tuesday June 11: Overnight Flight

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

Day 3, Wednesday June 12: Sydney

Welcome to Australia! Arrive in Sydney and meet your Sydney guide. 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. (D)

Day 4, Thursday June 13: 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. (B,D)

Day 5, Friday June 14: Port Stephens

This morning depart for Port Stephens, famous for its scenic bays, whale- and dolphin-watching opportunities and more than two dozen beaches. (B,D)

Day 6, Saturday June 15: Port Stephens

This morning board a boat for your dolphin-watching tour where you'll marvel at these wonderful and much-loved local animals as they frolic in their native habitat. After enjoying an included lunch aboard the boat, you'll head ashore for Stockton Beach, home to the largest sand dunes in Australia. Then prepare to channel your inner surfing bum for some unique fun in the sun with a lesson in the popular sport of sandboarding! (B,L,D)

Day 7, Sunday June 16: Sydney

During today's guided tour of Tilligerry Habitat Reserve, you'll get a close-up look at the diverse plants and animals that thrive in this shoreline area along Tanilba Bay. You might even see one of Australia's most beloved wildlife superstars, the notoriously shy koala bear. Crikey! Return to Sydney this afternoon. (B,D)

Day 8, Monday June 17: 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. (B,D)

Day 9, Tuesday June 18: 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. (B,L)

Day 10, Wednesday June 19: 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. (B,D)

Day 11, Thursday June 20: Departure

Depart for the USA. (B)