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Essential Australia
Prices from $1999 land only or $4039 including air
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Tour Description

Essential Australia tour mapNature was inspired when it created Australia. Rainforest, coastline, outback, mountains and savannah paint a colorful palette of magical sights against an azure sky. On this leisure stay tour, you can immerse yourself in the land “down under” experiencing in-depth exploration of each area at a relaxed pace. You’ll spend extended time in the region around the Great Barrier Reef; plus three nights in Australia’s rugged Outback and four nights in Australia’s fun-loving city, Sydney. 

Tour Experiences
  • Spend 3 nights in Australia's rugged and spectacular Outback.
  • Marvel at the magnificent views as you dine at a revolving restaurant overlooking Sydney.
  • Visit the extraordinary Ayers Rock at sunset and watch it magically change color before your eyes.
  • Pose for a photo with a cuddly koala and feed the kangaroos during your visit to Koala Park.
  • Experience the Great Barrier Reef from different vantage points.
Tour Itinerary

Essential Australia tour pictureDay 1 & 2: Depart From Home
Today you board your flight and begin the adventure of a lifetime. Crossing the International Dateline, you lose a full day.

Day 3: Cairns (Northern Beaches), Australia - Tour Begins
Your tour begins in the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, Queensland, Australia. Enjoy a welcome dinner this evening with your fellow travelers. (D)

Day 4: Cairns
This morning you board the Skyrail Rain Forest Cableway for an unforgettable ride above the rain forest canopy, enjoying sights that were once strictly "for the birds." Traveling at treetop level, you are totally immersed in your surroundings, your senses tingling as you and the rain forest become one. There are two stops where you may get off the cableway and experience the forest floor from the safety and comfort of boardwalks. Here trees, lush palms, ferns, and the amazing diversity of plants, animals and bird life will surround you. This afternoon take a crocodile cruise on Hartley's Lagoon in search of saltwater crocs in their natural habitat as well as the exotic bird life of Queensland. After the cruise, enjoy a delicious Aussie BBQ. (B, D)

Day 5: Great Barrier Reef
The inspiring beauty of the Great Barrier Reef draws visitors from around the globe. Board a high speed catamaran for an exciting excursion to the Great Barrier Reef. From your base on Green Island, you are able to explore the reef. Enjoy a trip on a glass bottom boat* where beautifully colored fish swim by in their natural habitat. Choose a stroll on the walking trail to take in the rain forest, relax on the beaches or watch the fish and sea turtles swim past from the pier. For a more adventurous encounter with the reef, optional scuba diving, snorkeling and an outer reef tour are also available. (B, L)

Day 6: Cairns
Today is yours to enjoy at leisure. You may choose an optional excursion out to Cape Tribulation. Take in the lush, foliage filled Daintree Rain Forest during a canopy tour. You will visit Daintree Village, once the heart of the timber industry and now a thriving tourist center, where a river boat cruise will give you an up-close look at the many birds, animals and reptiles that make this their home. (B)

Day 7: Cairns - Alice Springs
You fly to Alice Springs, located in the heart of Central Australia. A sightseeing tour includes the Old Telegraph Station, Anzac Hill and the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Tonight, experience the real Outback complete with entertainment under the stars and dinner in the bush. (B, D)

Day 8: Alice Springs
This morning you will be delighted as a specialist guide and the Aboriginal people of the Walpiri Tribe take you on a journey showcasing the lifestyle and beliefs of traditional Aboriginal people. Mingle with these people at their camp and watch as various dreamtime stories are depicted in paintings. Tonight you may "Take a Camel to Dinner" (optional) and enjoy a camel ride through the Outback to your dinner. (B)

Day 9: Alice Springs - Ayers Rock
Today you drive to Ayers Rock in the heart of the Australian Outback. The huge monolith called Ayers Rock and the sandstone domes of the Olgas were created through the process of upheaval and erosion. You will tour the Olgas and around the base of "the Rock," after which you view a beautiful sunset. Watch as Ayers Rock magically changes color. (B)

Day 10: Ayers Rock - Sydney
Enjoy a morning at leisure in Ayers Rock. You may choose to catch the sunrise on an optional "Take a Camel to Sunrise" excursion. This afternoon, fly to Australia's fun-loving city, Sydney.

Day 11: Sydney
Today you will enjoy a tour highlighting Kings Cross, the Harbour Bridge, Chinatown, the Rocks, Circular Quay, the Botanic Gardens and the fashionable suburb of Paddington. Discover one of the world's most fascinating architectural works as you take a guided tour of the Sydney Opera House. Later, enjoy a fascinating opal presentation at Gemtec. Learn how raw opals are processed from the dark mine shafts to your favorite jewelry store. This evening, view the city from above as you dine at a revolving restaurant overlooking Sydney. (B, D)

Day 12: Sydney
The day is yours to explore Sydney on your own. An optional excursion will take you north across the Hawkesbury River to the Hunter Valley, Australia's oldest wine producing district. The multitudes of vineyards that dot the landscape of Hunter Valley produce some of Australia's most renowned wines. Visit some of the wineries for tasting and guided tours. You may enjoy a lunch at The Hunter Resort and revel at the scenery as you tour the vineyard by horse-drawn carriage. (B)

Day 13: Sydney
This morning, travel to Koala Park where you will see koalas in their natural habitat. You will even have the chance to feed the kangaroos and pet a wombat. Tonight, enjoy a fantastic dinner cruise on gorgeous Sydney Harbor giving you a different perspective of the city. Complete your evening with a fabulous performance at the Sydney Opera House. (B, D)

Day 14: Sydney - Tour Ends
Your tour ends in Sydney today. (B)


Stay Another Night - Add a pre night stay in Los Angeles or Palm Cove or a post night stay in Sydney. Prices start at $50 per person, double.

Extend Your Vacation with...

An Optional 3-Night Stay in Fiji
$499* USD per person, double, land only
1 Meal: 1 Dinner
---------------------------------------------------------------

Day 14: Sydney - Nadi, Fiji
Today you will arrive in the beautiful paradise island of Fiji. Fiji retains all the primitive cultural fascination of the South Pacific. The expansive sandy beaches and clear ocean waters are world-famous. (B) from base program
Day 15 & 16: Fiji
Your time is free to relax and enjoy your surroundings. As optional island tour is offered. Enjoy a lovely dinner one evening. (D)
Day 17: Fiji - Tour ends
Your tour ends in Fiji.

*Air inclusive rate is valid for passengers who have purchased. Collette's air package for the full tour. Rate will vary for passengers who have purchased their own air.



 
Uniquely For You                              Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
Have you ever wanted to visit Australia's exotic tropical rainforest? Imagine gliding through the tree tops for a bird's eye view of the amazing rainforest canopy. On this Collette Vacations tour, you can do just that. The multi-award winning Skyrail Rainforest Cableway is a world first in environmental tourism and the world's longest gondola cableway built over World Heritage United Nationals-listed, Barron Falls National Park. Passengers glide in six person cabins just feet above the tree tops and experience the sights, sounds, smells and forest life that are the rainforest canopy. Along the journey, two stops will be made where you may experience the forest floor via low impact boardwalks, view the spectacular Barron Gorge and Falls, and learn about the environment you are visiting in the Rainforest Interpretive Centre. Rise over the foothills of the coastal rage to reveal spectacular view of Cairns and the Coral Sea. And surround yourself with some of the 3,000 plant species that can be found in Australia's tropical rainforests. Tree kangaroos, cassowaries, parrots, butterflies and frogs also frequent the area which you will travel.


Base Rates Per Person

Departure Date Tour Rate – Twin Tour and Air Rate
Apr 20 2006 $1899 $3829 from LAX
Sep 27 2006 $1999 $4039 from LAX
Nov 03 2006 $1999 $4039 from LAX
Feb 13 2007 $1999 $4139 from LAX
Mar 16 2007 $1999 $4039 from LAX

*Tour and air prices are lead-in rates from a specific gateway based on twin occupancy and are subject to change. Rates do not include inter-air flights. Please call for triple or child occupancy rates. Tours departing BEFORE 4/30/06 may follow a different itinerary than what is listed here. Please confirm your specific itinerary at the time of booking. For tours that feature a cruise, port taxes are not included in the prices above. Additional tour dates may be available, please call us for information.

Tour Hotels and Info

14 days, 15 meals
10 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 4 Dinners

Day 1, 2 - Overnight Flight
Day 3 - 6 - Novotel, Palm Cove
Day 7, 8 - Crowne Plaza, Alice Springs
Day 9 - Sails in the Desert or Desert Gardens, Ayers Rocks
Day 10 - 13 - Holiday Inn Darling Harbour, Sydney

On some dates alternate hotels may be used

NOTES:

  • Land rates do not include inter-tour flights.
  • Due to changes in air schedules while on tour, the order of days in the itinerary may change.
  • Due to early arrival times in some cities, rooms may not always be ready for immediate check-in.
  • Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed with the exception of visits to wildlife parks.
  • Upgrading your visit with the Outer Reef option is at an additional cost.

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