Day 1 | ARRIVE IN BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA |
| BRISBANE Welcome to Brisbane! Hotel check-in available upon arrival. A pre-night is not required for early check-in. Schedule flights to arrive by 4 pm in time for a welcome meeting and dinner. (D) |
Day 2 | BRISBANE. EXCURSION TO THE AUSTRALIA ZOO |
| BRISBANE Orientation drive. Excursion to the Australia Zoo includes a [LF] behind-the-scenes tour of the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital. Free time this evening. (B) |
Day 3 | BRISBANE |
| BRISBANE Free day. (B) |
Day 4 | BRISBANE–CAIRNS |
| Fly to Cairns, “Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.”CAIRNS Orientation tour; visit to the Cairns Aquarium. Dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D) |
Day 5 | CAIRNS. EXCURSION TO THE OUTER GREAT BARRIER REEF |
| OUTER GREAT BARRIER REEF Scenic catamaran cruise to the Outer Great Barrier Reef (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) includes the option of snorkeling, a glass-bottom-boat tour, an underwater observatory, and watching a fish feeding. CAIRNS Free time this evening. (B,L) |
Day 6 | CAIRNS |
| CAIRNS Free day. (B) ENHANCE YOUR FREE TIME in Cairns with a trip on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and the world-famous Kuranda Scenic Railway. This and many more options throughout your tour are available for purchase with MyGlobus. Get local maps and tips for free time on your GlobusGO mobile app. |
Day 7 | CAIRNS–MELBOURNE |
| Fly to MelbourneMELBOURNE Orientation drive. (B) |
Day 8 | MELBOURNE |
| MELBOURNE Free day. We suggest the optional excursion to see the world-famous Penguin Parade or a trip on the scenic Great Ocean Road. (B) |
Day 9 | MELBOURNE–SYDNEY |
| Fly to Sydney.SYDNEY Guided sightseeing includes the financial district, Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, the botanic gardens, and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Walking tour with a Local Guide includes the Sydney Opera House (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) with [LF] panoramic lunch at an Opera House restaurant. Free time this afternoon and evening. (B,L) |
Day 10 | SYDNEY |
| SYDNEY Free day. Your Tour Director will have suggestions for sightseeing, shopping, and dining. (B) |
Day 11 | SYDNEY |
| SYDNEY Free day before a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D) |
Day 12 | SYDNEY–PERTH–NINGALOO REEF (EXMOUTH) |
| Fly to Learmonth Airport via Perth. Transfer to your hotel located at the Ningaloo Reef (Exmouth). EXMOUTH Free time the remainder of the day. (B) |
Day 13 | THE NINGALOO REEF (EXMOUTH). WHALE SHARK OR HUMPBACK WHALE EXCURSION |
| EXMOUTH Today enjoy a once-in-a-life time opportunity to glide alongside whale sharks (April-June) or Humpback whales (July-September). Swimming with one of these beautiful creatures is one of life’s most breathtaking experiences. Also be on the lookout for other playful creations like manta rays, turtles, dolphins, dugongs, and tropical fish. Whale watchers are welcome onboard as well (those not wanting to snorkel). Return to Exmouth where the remainder of the day is at leisure. (B,L) NOTE: Whale sharks and Humpback whales are wild creatures. Everything will be done to maximize the likelihood you will swim with a whale, but we cannot guarantee it. Since the whales will continually move, swimming is required to do the interaction. You will need to be a confident swimmer and be able to snorkel and swim freestyle. The whales are found in the open ocean so you may be swimming in currents and swells. If you do not wish to get in the water, you may remain on the boat and watch these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. |
Day 14 | THE NINGALOO REEF (EXMOUTH) |
| EXMOUTH Enjoy a full day at leisure. Take a stroll on the beach or relax at your resort. You may wish to canoe, kayak, or snorkel to explore more of the beautiful Ningaloo Reef on your own. You can also opt to take a guided gorge walk or cast a fishing rod in the nearby waters. Make sure to visit the town’s shops for a favorite souvenir and get your photo next to the town’s giant prawn statue. A must do! (B) |
Day 15 | NINGALOO REEF (EXMOUTH)–PERTH |
| NINGALOO REEF (EXMOUTH) Transfer to Learmonth Airport and fly to Perth. Transfer to your hotel in Perth.PERTH Free time the remainder of the day. (B) |
Day 16 | PERTH |
| Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B) |