Australia

Sydney Suggested Package

Day 1. Sydney
Welcomed on arrival in Sydney and transferred to your centrally located hotel.
Three Night Stay: Sydney - All Seasons Premier Menzies (Standard), Sofitel Wentworth (First-Class), Shangri-La Hotel (Deluxe).

Day 2. City Sights, Beaches and Lunch Cruise
The morning is free to explore. At midday, join a luncheon cruise on one of the world's most beautiful harbors, enjoying a delicious meal and the scenery for which Sydney is famous. See the Harbour Bridge spanning this great waterway and admire the architectural wonder that is the Sydney Opera House. After your cruise, take in the sights, including Hyde Park, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney Opera House, the Harbour Bridge and bustling Kings Cross. (L)

Day 3. Blue Mountains, Koalas
Travel west today to the popular holiday resort area of the Blue Mountains. This area's rugged mountains, deep wooded valleys and remarkable rock formations have drawn Sydney-siders for more than a century. See the famous Three Sisters, a giant rock formation towering over the Jamison Valley. Take in the views from Echo Point and tour the charming town of Katoomba, capital of the Blue Mountains. You have an opportunity to ride the Scenic Skyway, Railway or the new Sceniscender (own expense). Later, we visit an Australian wildlife park to see native animals, including kangaroos, wombats and koalas.

Day 4. Sydney
This morning is at leisure in the harbor city of Sydney. Perhaps do some shopping down trendy Paddington Street before your transfer to Sydney Airport.

Price per person:
standard = US$480 double, US$835 single
first class = US$555 double, US$985 single
deluxe = US$695 double, US$1265 single

New South Wales Self-drive

Blue Mountains Walking Tour

Hawkesbury River Walking Tour

Roof of Australia Walking Tour

Day Tours (prices subject to change due to currency fluctuations)

Day Tour Passes - 4 for US$255

Sydney Highlights
Enjoy spectacular views of Cockle Bay and Darling Harbour. See the Sydney Monorail, Major shopping areas, Hyde Park, Parliament House and stunning views over Sydney Cove and Circular Quay. Next we see the Sydney Opera House and cross the Sydney Harbour Bridge to Milsons Point to get panoramic views of the bridge and skyline. Then cross the Spit Bridge for magnificent views from the Seaforth Lookout over Middle Head and Pearl Bay marinas. We'll stop at the seaside resort of Manly, noted for its famous surf beach and Norfolk pines and perhaps a walk along the Corso, browse in the shops or simply relax on the beach. We''' also tour through the northern beaches of Freshwater Bay and Curl Curl and see native bushland along Wakehurst Parkway.
Available daily at 830am. Price: Adults = US$40, Child = US$20
+ Harbor cruise = Price: Adults = US$84, Child = US$42

Afternoon City Tour
See the Rocks, Sydney's birthplace, then on to Sydney Town Hall, Chinatown, Sydney Aquarium and the Monorail at spectacular Darling Harbour. On to the Sydney Entertainment Centre, Sydney Tower, Conservatorium of Music, Parliament House, Hyde Park, St James Cathedral, St Marys Cathedral, Art Gallery and Domain. Highlights will include seeing the Sydney Opera House, visiting Mrs Macquaries Chair (superb views of the harbour and city skyline), passing through historic and trendy Paddington and the Royal Australian Naval Base at Garden Island. Visit Bondi Beach, Australia's most famous surf beach, and The Gap, for stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the Heads. Also see exclusive Double Bay and Vaucluse, Rushcutters Bay and Kings Cross - Sydney's 'hot spot.'
Available daily at 230pm. Please meet at Jetty 4, Circular Quay or Pier 26 Aquarium Wharf at 2.00pm Price: Adults = US$40, Child = US$20
+ Harbor cruise = Price: Adults = US$84, Child = US$42

Cuddle a Koala Tour
We will visit a well layed out and 'easy to get around' park. Experience an Emu encounter, walk through the Rainforest Aviary to see vividly coloured native birds such as Parrots, Lorikeets and Cockatoos, see one of the Australia's largest
Crocodiles, Tasmanian Devils, Kangaroos and Wallabies, Wombats and Bandicoots. Highlights might be seeing Goannas and Echidnas, visiting the Reptile House or the Nocturnal House (Owls, Possums and rare creatures of the night). You can walk through Koala enclosures and see Koalas in trees and close-up. Koalas cling to an object or branch. You may touch a Koala, but you are not permitted to hold Koalas.
You can have your photo taken with a Cuddly Koala (own expense).
Daily - Price: Adults = US$50, Child = US$25
+ Harbor cruise = Price: Adults = US$93, Child = US$46

Blue Mountains -
Cross the Sydney Harbour Bridge, then tour historic Windsor, heart of the Hawkesbury district. On to Richmond Air Force Base and spectacular views of the Cumberland Plains. Visit the Bilpin Fruit Bowl and erhaps enjoy the local specialty - tea or coffee with apple pie and cream. What a treat! Wonder at the ruggedness of the Blue Mountains from Bells Line of Road and tour through mountain towns of Mt Victoria and Medlow Bath. You'll have breathtaking views over the Grose Valley from Govetts Leap and then will follow the scenic Cliff Drive with magnificent views over Megalong Valley. You'll have an opportunity to ride the world's steepest Scenic Railway, Sceniscender Cable Car and the Skyway Cable Car (own expense). Walk on the valley floor boardwalk under a canopy of tall tree ferns. At Echo Point, see the Three Sisters rock formation towering over Jamison Valley. Tour Katoomba, resort capital of the Blue Mountains and the quaint mountain village of Leura. Visit an Australian Wildlife Park to hand feed Kangaroos, experience an Emu encounter, walk through rainforest aviaries, giant Crocodiles and more. Walk through Koala enclosures and see Koalas in trees and close-up. Finally we'll pass Homebush Bay, the 2000 Olympic Games site and see the Stadiums and facilities of the millennium Olympics.
Available daily at 840am. Price: Adults = US$79, Child = US$40 ($95/48 with lunch)

4WD Nature Tour to Blue Mountains -
Travel in a special luxury 4 Wheel Drive across the Sydney Harbour Bridge and pass Homebush Bay, the site of the 2000 Olympics. Traverse through towering eucalypts, over mountain streams and deep into the bush where we will enjoy morning tea with the locals... Kangaroos, Parrots and Kookaburras in our very special place - watch out for noisy Cockatoos. We'll then pass through the quaint mountain village of Leura. Marvel at the Three Sisters rock formation boldly presiding over Jamison Valley before arriving in Katoomba, capital of the Blue Mountains. Travel to the highest point in the mountains then descend in a 4WD along a thrilling back country track, exploring the tracks of the magnificent Megalong & Grose Valleys. Perhaps take a short bushwalk before enjoying a delicious country style lunch. From Govetts Leap wonder at the vastness of the Grose Valley. We will then visit an Australian Wildlife Park to hand feed Kangaroos, experience an Emu encounter, walk through rainforest aviaries, and more. Return to Sydney passing Darling Harbour.
Available daily at 840am. Price: Adults = US$126, Child = US$89

Sydney Explorer
The independent and easy way to get around Sydney and it's best attractions. The hop on - hop off City Explorer allows you to discover vibrant Sydney at your own pace. Stay on board for a 90 minute guided tour of the city or hop on - hop off all day - it's up to you!
Available daily. Price: Adults = US$22, Child = US$11

Sydney Wonderland
Experience magical worlds full of fun and excitement at Australia's biggest theme park. See Old Botany Bay, Little Wonders Land, catch a glimpse of history at the
Gold Rush There's a Beach water park - on't forget your swimming attire! (summer only). Ride The Demon rollercoaster or shoot the rapids on Snowy River
Rampage. Turn upside down on The Pirate Ship or ride the Bush Beast, the largest
wooden roller coaster in the Southern Hemisphere. Walk the plank at Bounty's
Revenge or take off on Space Probe 7. Visit the Outback Woolshed, a
glimpse into rural Australia, or the Australian Wildlife Park.
Available daily at 830am. Price: Adults = US$58, Child = US$48

Hunter Valley Wineries
World acclaimed Australian wines from the vineyards of the rolling hills and valleys of the Hunter region, delight both the palate and the eye in this green and fertile land
dotted with villages and over fifty wineries. The Hunter Valley is Australia's oldest commercial wine producing district with over 7000 acres under vine. Famous wine styles are semillon, shiraz, chardonnay, gewurztraminer, cabernet sauvignon and earthy pinot noirs.

Cross Sydney Harbour Bridge and then cross the Hawkesbury River, renowned for its superb oysters. Visit historic Wollombi and the Old Tavern, then tour Cessnock and the lower Hunter Valley, noted for its early Australiana townships. Visit McWilliams Mount Pleasant Winery for inspection and tasting and enjoy a sumptuous lunch there, complimented by fine Australian table wine (vegetarian meals available on request). Continue through the central and lower Hunter passing many famous wineries before visiting Rothbury Estate for a further tasting and inspection. Enjoy time at Hunter Valley Cellars for your final tasting and also enjoy the Chocolate and Cheese Factories and see the Dancing Waters (own expense)
Return through Cessnock and Freemans Water Hole to Sydney.
Available Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 840am.
Price: Adults = US$98, Child = US$49
Optional tour includes the awe inspiring Hunter Valley Gardens - wander throughout 12 spectacular themed gardens spanning over 25 hectares. Price: Adults = US$109, Child = US$54
**Overnight tour is available Tuesday,Wednesday and Thursday. Includes all features of Tour above plus: Free time to explore at leisure, Twin Share Accommodation with cooked breakfast. Price: Adults = US$261, Child = US$231

Canberra
The nation's capital - a purpose built city, ultra modern, with imposing architecture yet a rural charm of lakeside, gardens and open spaces. This hi- tech city is the seat of Parliament and home of superb national monuments, museums and galleries. Tour through the Southern Highlands and Goulburn sheep district and see mysterious Lake George. Enter the Australian Capital Territory and the nation's capital to visit the new hands on, state-of-the art National Museum. Appreciate our indigenous history and multi cultural future. Visit the spectacular billion dollar New Parliament House for a guided inspection. Observe Parliament, if in session, and see the Senate, the House of Representative chambers and the Great Hall. See sweeping views of Canberra from the Queens Terrace, then tour Canberra and see Lake Burley Griffin, High Court of Australia, National Library, National Science and Technology Centre, "The Lodge" - residence of the Prime Minister, Embassies and Diplomatic residences (including Thailand, USA, France, Malaysia, Great Britain, Indonesia and more), Captain Cook Memorial Fountain and the Carillon. Visit the Australian War Memorial and enjoy panoramic views from the summit of Mt Ainslie. An evening meal stop (own expense) will be made on our return to Sydney.
Available Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at 830am.
Price: Adults = US$86, Child = US$43
**Overnight tour available on Sunday, Friday, Saturday. Includes all features of Tour above plus: free time to explore at leisure, Canberra Sightseeing hip on-hop off, 4 star hotel with breakfast, Twin Share Accommodation.
Price: Adults = US$238, Child = US$195

Port Stephens Dolphin Cruise and Reptile Park
Discover the beautiful Central Coast north of Sydney with it's holiday villages, white sandy beaches and the sparkling Pacific Ocean. Ride the wave crests with the Dolphins in the azure waters of sheltered Port Stephens where forests, villages and stately homes meet with the sea. This quiet arm of the blue Pacific Ocean is home to a pod of nature's most lovable and intelligent marine mammals. Observe alligators feeding and meet our most famous Australians - Eric, the oldest Saltwater Crocodile, the infamous funnel web spider and kangaroos and koalas in a natural bush setting.

Cross Sydney Harbour Bridge and tour through leafy North Shore suburbs. We come to the Hawesbury Ranges, with magnificent natural sandstone and Eucalypt forests and cross the Hawkesbury River, renowned for its superb oysters. Take a short bush walk and view the Somersby Falls. Visit the home of many native Australian animals and indulge in a magical Aussie bush experience. Witness Alligators leap from their pond to snatch food from their handlers. Walk amongst kangaroos and hand feed them if you wish. Look for koalas from treetop boardwalks - have your photo taken
with a koala! Then on to beautiful Port Stephens - permanent home of 80 Bottlenose
Dolphins. Board our luxury cruiser with 360o viewing decks at Nelson Bay - A buffet lunch awaits. Cruise Port Stephens to view the Dolphins, listen to the dolphins underwater through hydrophones and perhaps ride the Boom Net - there could be an inquisitive visitor swimming with you!
Available Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 830am. Price: Adults = US$98, Child = US$49

South Coast Dolphin Explorer
A day of discovery along pristine pacific coastline to beautiful Jervis Bay. To witness Dolphins in their natural habitat is truly a privilege. Mountain and forest environments with dramatic sandstone escarpments and plunging waterfalls, historic colonial towns with beautiful gardens complete this special day. See Botany Bay, landing place of Captain Cook and the bayside suburbs of Sans Souci and Sylvania Waters. Tour through the Royal National Park, then on to scenic Wollongong, third largest city in New South Wales. See stunning rugged coastline and south coast beaches and visit the surf beach resort of Kiama and the famous Blowhole. Then we reach beautiful Jervis Bay - permanent home of Bottlenose Dolphins. Board our cruiser for a sumptuous buffet lunch and cruise Jervis Bay to view the dolphins. A bow camera and numerous video screens will help you to witness dolphins in the wild. Then on to Mount Camberwarra and Fitzroy Falls in the Morton National Park. Walk on elevated boardwalks observing native flora and fauna - perhaps you'll see a Lyrebird! You'll have spectacular views of the falls and deep sandstone gorges. See Bowral, a delightful town of beautiful gardens and homes on the way back to Sydney.
Available Thursdays at 830am. Price: Adults = US$98, Child = US$49