Great Barrier Reef

Duration: 13 Days /10 Nights

Destinations: Sydney - Hamilton Island - Cairns

Travel to the Great Barrier Reef on this 10-night trip. Start in Sydney, where you see the Sydney Opera House and Bondi Beach. Then take a tour of the Blue Mountains National Park, where you see the beautiful waterfalls and steep valleys. Also, see Three Sisters Rocks and visit a wildlife park. From there, travel to Hamilton Island, with a night in Sydney en route. On Hamilton Island, spend a few days exploring the Great Barrier Reef and enjoying the island resort. Then, travel to Cairns, where you visit the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Center before returning to the US.

Sample Itinerary

1st Day: USA / Sydney

Depart from US on Fiji Airways trans-Pacific flight to Sydney.

2nd Day: En Route

Cross the International Date Line.

3rd Day: Sydney

Arrive in Sydney and transfer to hotel. (Hyatt Regency

/Radisson Blu Plaza).

4th Day: Sydney

Morning tour includes Sydney's birthplace (The Rocks), Sydney Opera House, and Mrs Macquaries Chair. Travel to famous Bondi Beach and stop at "The Gap," the head of the harbor, before the tour disbands. Afternoon at leisure. (B)

5th Day: Blue Mountains

In the morning, travel west into Blue Mountains National Park. See waterfalls, steep valleys, canyons and the famous Three Sisters rocks. Discover a blend of gardens and quaint shops in Leura village, where you may purchase lunch. Afternoon, get up-close to Australian animals, including kangaroos and koalas, at a wildlife park. Return to your hotel in Sydney. (B)

6th Day: Sydney / Hamilton Island

Fly to idyllic Hamilton Island. Upon arrival, take a ferry to your resort. (Reef View) (B)

7th & 8th Day: Hamilton Island

Hamilton Island weather makes it suitable year round for swimming, water sports and exploring the Great Barrier Reef. You may enjoy snorkeling, biking, scuba diving, dining and much more. Or, just relax at resort's poolside. (B)

9th Day: Hamilton Island / Cairns

Fly to Cairns and transfer to your hotel. (Pacific/Pullman Cairns) (B)

10th Day: Cairns

After breakfast, board the Kuranda Scenic Train and visit Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park to experience a dance performance, museum and lunch. (B/L)

11th Day: Great Barrier Reef

Experience an exciting full day on the Great Barrier Reef. Cruise by catamaran to the stunning Marine World coral reef location. Enjoy morning tea, an informative presentation by a marine biologist, a buffet lunch, semi-submersible tours, glass-bottom boat tours, and underwater observatory coral viewing. All snorkeling equipment, wet suit and Lycra suit are included, and a qualified snorkeling advisor is on hand. Scuba diving available at additional cost. (B/L)

12th Day: Cairns

Full day at leisure. (B)

13th Day: Cairns / USA

Depart via Fiji Airways and arrive in the US the same day. Or, take our New Zealand Extension or Fiji Extension. (B)