AUSTRALIAN SPLENDOUR 2010 - 13 Days

 Day 01 : Arrive into Melbourne Guided City Tour of Melbourne with Melbourne Cricket Ground

Welcome to Melbourne- the most romantic city in Australia. On arrival, our local representative will be waiting at the airport to welcome you. Today, we take you on a guided city tour of Melbourne. See the Town Hall, Bourke Street Mall, Parliament House, St Patrick's Cathedral, Chinatown and the Princess Theatre. Visit the Royal Botanical Gardens and take a relaxed walk by the lake. Later, we visit Melbourne Cricket Ground, the best known landmark of Melbourne and the Mecca of Australian cricket. See the beautifully maintained lawns and feel the aura of sitting in the stands of one of the best cricket grounds in the world (provided there is no event on the day you are visiting MCG). The rest of the day is free to explore Melbourne on your own. Overnight at hotel Swanston Grand Mercure or similar in Melbourne.


Day 02 : Great Ocean Road

Today, we drive to the Great Ocean Road. Experience one of the most cherished drives of your life time. You will be spellbound by the sheer beauty of the Great Ocean Road, which hugs tightly to the coast and stretches along the Southeast coast of Australia between Geelong and Warrnambool. See the world famed 'Twelve Apostles'. Its origin is about 10- 20 million years ago when billions of tiny skeletal fragments created limestone formations. They were later exposed to violent seas and winds that carved out these remarkable features. Overnight at hotel Swanston Grand Mercure or similar in Melbourne.

Day 03 : Onto Cairns Kuranda with Skyrail and Koala Wildlife Park

Today, we check out of the hotel and drive to the airport for our flight to Cairns. Welcome to Cairns, a living museum of Australia. Our local representative will be waiting at the airport to welcome you. We proceed to Kuranda, a village in the rainforest on a Skyrail. Gliding just metres above the rainforest canopy in comfortable six-person gondola cabins, the Skyrail journey of 7.5 kms immerses you in an intimate rainforest experience where you'll see, hear, smell and become part of the tropical rainforest environment. If you are lucky, you might get a glimpse of a friendly harmless fresh water crocodile, a playful platypus and a green tree snake. The next halt would be the Koala and Wildlife Park where you can wander at your leisure. Covered board provide excellent viewing of native Australian animals, including Crocodile, Wombats, Dingoes, Snakes, Lizards and the Cassowary. Hand feed Kangaroos and Wallabies. Also you have an opportunity to take a photo cuddling a cute Koala. Later, check into your hotel. Overnight at hotel Lake Cairns Resort and Spa or similar in Cairns.


Day 04 : Visit the Great Barrier Reef

After breakfast, get ready for an exciting day cruise to the Great Barrier Reef, one of the natural wonder of the world. The expanse of 2000km of Coral Reef, makes it the largest of its kind in the world. See the brilliant colors and fascinating life forms of the world heritage Great Barrier Reef as you glide in your Semi submersible. Spend the day enjoying the most spectacular marine life and corals. Enjoy a swim or snorkel to view the coral and marine life. You can also try scuba diving, undersea walk or a helicopter ride over the scenic Barrier Reef on your own at an additional charge. For those wishing to just relax, the Green Island is the best place to be where you can explore the Green Island National Park or just relax on the white sandy beach. Overnight at hotel Lake Cairns Resort & Spa or similar in Cairns.

Day 05 : Arrive Brisbane Drive to Gold Coast Infinity Show

Today, we check out of the hotel and drive to the airport for our flight to Brisbane. On arrival at Brisbane International Airport, our local representative will welcome and drive you to the Gold Coast - the entertainment capital of Australia. We visit the Chevron Renaissance Centre for your entrance to the Infinity Show, the first of its kind in the world, a mind blowing journey into spectacular and futuristic maze like worlds of wonder. An extraordinary series of around 20 multi-sensual environments filled with unique effects, atmospheric sound fields, ultra groovy music and illusions that appear to go all the way to infinity! Its great fun for all ages. Overnight hotel Conrad Jupiters or similar in Gold Coast.


Day 06 : Movie World

Today, we take you to spend a delightful day at the 'Movie World', also called 'Hollywood on the Gold Coast'. It is a fabulous extension of a fully operational movie studio. From out of this world and beyond the darkness enjoy Batwing Spaceshot, the latest thrill ride attraction. It is a rapid 4.5 G vertical launch up a 60 meter tower, followed by a drop into a breathtaking negative descent - beyond freefall! Scooby-Doo Spooky Coaster is a $13 million indoor rollercoaster ride inspired by the Scooby-Doo feature film. And this ride is for the ones who love speed - Superman Escape is an unprecedented Roller Coaster Ride experience which travels 0 - 100 km in just 2 seconds! Hold on tight for the most heart thumping ride of all time - 'Lethal weapon'. Or for the light hearted enjoy the colorful and gentle rides in 'Looney Tunes' Village. Overnight hotel Conrad Jupiters or similar in Gold Coast.

Day 07 : Hot Air balloon Sea World

Today the day starts very early, as we take you to experience a once in a lifetime opportunity - Hot Air Ballooning. Feel the thrill and excitement of a hot air balloon ride, float like a cloud as you witness the sunrise climbing over the Gold Coast skyline. Watch the sun reflecting off the myriad of canals and waterways and view the surrounding forest covered mountains of the Gold Coast hinterland. After this exhilaration of flying effortlessly above the Gold Coast skyline, its time to gently wind down with a sumptuous champagne buffet breakfast. Later, we take you on a full day visit to Australia's most spectacular marine theme park, Sea World. Get up close and personal at Shark Bay in Sea World! Shark Bay comprises of three main zones all allowing for unsurpassed viewing and interaction, including a touch pool, a snorkel and dive lagoon and a shark lagoon housing the world's most feared sharks. So come and conquer your fears at Sea World's Shark Bay - the closer you get the more you learn! Visit Sea World's famous attraction - the Polar Bear shores. There are a whole range of rides that you can avail. Don't miss the opportunity to see the young dolphins as they develop and grow under the protective watch of their mothers in Dolphin Nursery Pool. Overnight hotel Conrad Jupiters or similar in Gold Coast.

Day 08 : Onto Tangalooma Resort Dolphin Feeding and 4 Wheel Drive

Today, we drive to Holt St. Wharf to board the launch for Tangalooma Resort, a relaxing 75 minutes cruise from Brisbane across Moreton Bay. Fringed on 3 sides by Moreton National Park, Tangalooma Wild Dolphin Resort is subtly nestled amongst landscaped gardens and natural bush land, offering you a wide range of nature based and adventure activities. Relax and then get set to experience a 4 Wheel Drive. Dolphins swim right up to the beach, adjacent to the well-lit jetty, where they are hand fed fresh fish by Marine biologists, staff and Resort guests. Overnight at Wild Dolphin Resort in Tangalooma.


Day 09 : Onto Sydney

This morning is free for you to enjoy numerous activities in Tangalooma Resort. With over 70 tours and activities on offer, the resort is a perfect destination for you seeking an action packed, educational, nature based or relaxing experience. Don't forget to try Sand Tobogganing from 150- foot high sand hills, snorkeling the wrecks or kayaking tours at an additional cost. The resort has so much to offer, try your hands on archery, kookaburra, beach volleyball, tennis and cricket. Later, we check out of the hotel and proceed to Brisbane airport for our flight to Sydney The Harbour City of Australia. Our local representative will be waiting at the airport to welcome you and take you to your hotel. Overnight at hotel Rydges World Square or similar in Sydney.


Day 10 : Guided Tour of Opera House from Inside Guided City Tour of Sydney Sydney Aquarium, Sydney Tower and OZ Trek Tour Sea Plane Ride and Sydney Showboat Cruise

Today, we take you on a guided city tour of Sydney. We start of our day with a private guided tour of the world famous, uniquely designed Opera House. The Opera house is an architectural masterpiece and Australia's most popular sightseeing attraction. Visit the magnificent wood paneled Concert Hall, the Opera Theatre as well as the new Utzon room, the only interior room designed by Jorn Utzon, the main architect of the Opera House. Later, we proceed to see the Harbour Bridge, the Rocks, Mrs Macquarie Chair & Hyde Park. We stop at Darling Harbour, one of Australia's major attractions. Also, visit the famous Sydney Aquarium with Sydney Tower and OZ Trek. This afternoon, its time to take you on an amazing Seaplane Ride. See Sydney like you have never seen before, as you fly over the Bondi Beach via the stunning cliffs of the Eastern Suburbs. View Manly from the Harbour perspective concluding with an orbit at the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. In the evening, get ready for a unique attraction, the Sydney Show Boat Cruise. Revel in the carnival atmosphere of Sydney Showboats' unique live entertainment extravaganza by the Sydney Show Boat Follies - a vibrant, fast-paced cabaret show reflecting the grandeur, glamour and splendor of the original performance genre, that began in the sidewalk cafes of 19th century France. Dancing to modern tunes such as 'Big Spender', 'Fever' and 'Jumpin' Jack Flash', their show girls will captivate you with their grace, confidence and overt cheekiness. You will be mesmerized by the beauty of Opera House and Harbour Bridge as they gleam under the moonlit sky. Enjoy a veg / non-veg Indian dinner on board. Overnight at hotel Rydges World Square or similar in Sydney.

Day 11 : Full Day Blue Mountains with Jenolan Caves

Today we take you on a full day excursion to Blue Mountains with Jenolan Caves. Experience fresh mountain air as you rise above Sydney and enter the spectacular Blue Mountains region. The Blue Mountains is perfect for exploring the best that nature has to offer. Bushwalking, galleries, fine dining, shopping and numerous attractions. See the Three Sisters, the famous rock formation and one of the Blue Mountains' most famous sights, towering above the Jamison Valley. 'Fun!' 'Awesome!' 'Unbelievable!' 'Magical!' These are words you will use to describe Jenolan Caves, as it is an experience you should not miss. Regarded as Australia's most outstanding cave system with 11 spectacular show caves, pure underground rivers and amazing formations, it is among the finest and oldest cave systems in the world. Overnight at hotel Rydges World Square or similar in Sydney.


Day 12 : Hunter Valley with Cheese Factory and Gardens

Today is full of excitement with your trip to the Hunter valley. A two hour drive, the valley is home to some of of Australia's best Wineries. Visit the Cheese factory where visitors can sample a wide range of cheese products along with a comprehensive variety of local produce. Cheese varieties include Fromage Blanc, Gourmet Feta, Brie, Grape Vine Ash Brie, Hunter Gold washed Rind, Pokolbin Smear Ripened and Pokolbin Natural Rind. Later, we visit the Hunter Valley Gardens. Spanning over 60 acres, it has ten stunning feature gardens and each one will amaze you with its thousands of flowers, trees & shrubs with an air of discovery at every turn. Bask in a lavish array of color and scent found in the Rose Garden with more than 8,000 roses on display. Laze above the 10 metre waterfall and take in the superb views from the lookout or step back in time with all of the favorite fairytale characters in the storybook Garden. A floral display featuring a variety of plants, all of a standard that you won't see elsewhere in Australia. Enjoy this magical experience a combination of the sounds of water and birds, together with a multitude of fragrances and color. Overnight at hotel Rydges World Square or similar in Sydney.
Day 13 : Return home with wonderful memories

Today, we proceed to the airport for our flight back home. It's time to say goodbye to the new friends you've made. We hope you take back many happy memories.