|
|
| ||||||||||||
| Day 1 of Australia & New Zealand Tour Arrival in Melbourne Today we arrive in Melbourne, Victoria. Melbourne flourished in the 1850s when the city emerged as a result of the huge gold rush in the Victorian hills. Melbourne is culturally very diverse and has several times been named the world's "most liveable city." ATTENTION: This tour is based on a Qantas air pass that MUST be booked by Adventures Abroad in conjunction with Qantas international air tickets. If you intend to secure your own international air a SURCHARGE (approx 600-1000 USD) will apply. Overnight in Melbourne. |
||||||||||||
 | ||||||||||||
| Day 2 of Australia & New Zealand Tour Melbourne: City Tour Melbourne boasts broad and leafy streets, plenty of parks and gardens, and an air of distinction. It is the stateliest of all Australian cities. It is also a fairly recent creation, for it was only in 1835 that a Tasmanian farmer named John Batman arrived to establish a settlement here. He made a deal with local Aborigines, trading blankets, knives and tomahawks for 500,000 acres of land, and a township began to grow. A gold rush in the 1850s resulted in rapid expansion and, by 1861, Melbourne's population (then 125,000) had already overtaken Sydney's. Sydney moved ahead again in 1911 and has stayed ahead, but Melbourne has never been far behind. Today our tour includes a number of highlights, including Fitzroy Gardens, originally laid out in the shape of the Union Jack. The prime attraction is Cook's Cottage, the family home of James Cook, the English navigator who explored the southern hemisphere in three great voyages. It was purchased in 1933, shipped over from Yorkshire and presented as a gift to the state of Victoria for its 1934 centenary. We will also see the Old Melbourne Gaol, Shrine of Remembrance, St Kilda Road, Victoria Market, Melbourne University, Parliament House, Lake Albert, and pay a visit to St Patrick's Cathedral. Overnight in Melbourne. |
||||||||||||
| | ||||||||||||
| Day 3 of Australia & New Zealand Tour Melbourne: Yarra Valley Today we have an excursion into the Yarra Valley, one of the finest wine growing regions in Victoria and home to over 40 wineries. The Yarra Valley region has earned itself an enviable reputation based on fine produce, rolling hills, wines and stunning views. We will visit several wineries and enjoy a wine tasting as part of our tour. We also include lunch today, allowing you to enjoy an evening at leisure back in Melbourne. Overnight in Melbourne. |
||||||||||||
| | ||||||||||||
| Day 4 of Australia & New Zealand Tour Melbourne - Canberra: City Tour This morning we fly from Melbourne to Canberra, Australian Capital Territory. On arrival we visit the National Capital Exhibition, which displays the development of Australia's capital city; followed, appropriately, by a guided tour of the distinctly designed Parliament House. We then enjoy a guided tour through the Australian National Botanic Gardens at the base of Black Mountain. We also drive through the embassy district, where many of the embassies reflect the architectural style of their native countries. Canberra is a uniquely Australian city which, right from its beginning, had had a very strong North American connection. The idea for a purpose-built capital came soon after the various Australian states agreed to form a federation in 1901. The creation of a new city was seen as a means of ending the rivalry between Sydney and Melbourne, and a way of giving the fledgling nation its own identity. An international design competition was conducted and, in 1913, the competition was won by a young landscape architect from Chicago named Walter Burley Griffin, who submitted his design in conjunction with his wife Marion Mahoney Griffin. Since then, Canberra has grown to become one of Australia's most distinctive cities. Overnight in Canberra. |
||||||||||||
| | ||||||||||||
| Day 5 of Australia & New Zealand Tour Canberra - Cairns Today we fly from Canberra to Cairns, Queensland. Queensland is huge -- at about 1 745 000 sq km (667,000 square miles) the second largest state (Western Australia is the biggest) and more than twice the size of Texas. Taking the Cape York Peninsula and the Gulf of Carpentaria into account, it has an enormous coastline over 7500 km (4,590 miles). Queensland started out as part of New South Wales, used as a penal colony starting in 1824. An influx of free settlers, many who entered illegally, changed its face from prison to agricultural centre. In 1842 it was officially opened to free settlement and, by 1859, the population was large enough to justify its status as a separate colony. The settlers made their way with sheep, cattle, wheat, an abundance of natural resources and cash crops --including bananas, which gave rise to the rather derisive name the rest of Australia sometimes uses for Queensland natives: "Banana benders". Overnight in Cairns. |
||||||||||||
| | ||||||||||||
| Day 6 of Australia & New Zealand Tour Cairns: Reef Cruise Today we have a full day cruise out to the Great Barrier Reef. The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef system, composed of roughly 3,000 individual reefs and 900 islands that stretch for 2600 kilometres (1,616 mi) and cover an area of approximately 344 400 sq km. The Great Barrier Reef can be seen from outer space and is sometimes referred to as the single largest organism in the world. In reality, it is made up of many millions of tiny organisms, known as coral polyps. The Great Barrier Reef supports a wide diversity of life and was selected as a World Heritage Site in 1981. Generally, the vessels offering reefs trips are large and comfortable with plenty of deck space and interior seating. A buffet lunch is served (included) and a wide range of beverages are available for purchase. Snorkeling equipment is available and included. Overnight in Cairns. |
||||||||||||
| | ||||||||||||
| Day 7 of Australia & New Zealand Tour Cairns - Kuranda - Darwin This morning we travel by the Kuranda Scenic Railway through the dense tropical rainforest, passing Barron Falls and Barron Gorge, to Kuranda, a picturesque village set in lush tropical rainforest on the edge of the Atherton Tablelands. Market stalls display works of local artisans. Late this afternoon we transfer to the airport for our flight to Darwin (there may be a stop en route). At the "top end" of Australia is a city unlike any other. Darwin is Australia's most northern capital city and its isolation from the other states has encouraged the evolution of a unique lifestyle. It is both old style Australia and distinctly Asian in feel and the genuine multicultural mix is reflected in the food, open-air markets and a people of immense character and hospitality. Here you will find a living Aboriginal history and art heritage, the elusive 'Dundees' and their crocodiliac partners lurking in the farms and wildlife parks. The perennially warm, tropical climate has bred an energetic outdoor lifestyle and a friendly, easy-going attitude to match. Overnight in Darwin. |
||||||||||||
| | ||||||||||||
| Day 8 of Australia & New Zealand Tour Darwin - Kakadu National Park Today we travel by road to Kakadu National Park along the Stuart and Arnhem Highways. We continue to Nourlangie Rock, an ancient Aboriginal living shelter. The area surrounding Nourlangie has great diversity: creeks, billabongs, sandy alluvial plains, forest and sandstone escarpment. Rich in food sources -- fish, waterfowl, wallabies, flying foxes and yams -- groups of Aboriginals made this area one where they would make camp and utilise the natural resources. Paintings of animals, insects and people that were done years ago, now help us to record human occupation in the region. Signs and displays will give detailed explanations of the art and area. We also have time to visit the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre to better understand the park's culture and history. After a break for lunch, we head to Cooinda for our Yellow Waters Billabong Cruise. Yellow Water is part of the South Alligator River floodplain. You will have the opportunity to see the varied birdlife Kakadu's World Heritage wetlands, and perhaps a croc or two. Overnight in Kakadu. |
||||||||||||
| | ||||||||||||
| Day 9 of Australia & New Zealand Tour Kakadu - Darwin This morning you have the option of a one hour scenic flight over Twin and Jim Jim Falls (optional: AUD 195 - your Tour Leader can pre-book). We depart Kakadu at approximately 11:00 and return to Darwin with a stop at the Wetlands Visitors Centre, which has great views over the wetlands. Overnight in Darwin. |
||||||||||||
| | ||||||||||||
| Day 10 of Australia & New Zealand Tour Darwin: City Tour This morning we will be collected from the hotel for a city tour of Darwin. Highlights include Parliament House, Stokes Hill Wharf area, Mooring Basin, Botanic Gardens and East Point Reserve. We continue to the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory. The galleries focus on the aspects of the Northern Territory environment, history, ethnic diversity maritime and natural history. The museum houses an impressive display of Aboriginal art. The Cyclone Tracey Gallery provides an actual experience of the cyclone. Overnight in Darwin. |
||||||||||||
| | ||||||||||||
| Day 11 of Australia & New Zealand Tour Darwin - Alice Springs Today we fly from Darwin to Alice Springs.* "The Alice," as locals affectionately call this town, lies at almost the exact geographical centre of Australia. Many Aboriginals work as stockmen on the vast stations in this area, and reminders of their rich heritage are everywhere. Wild camels roam throughout the region, and the dry red earth and deep blue sky create a surreal atmosphere. Neville Shute wrote a famous novel, A Town Like Alice, in 1950. That book and the movie based on it put Alice Springs on the international map for the first time, but it was many more years before it began attracting tourists in telegraph station here after his wife, Alice, and the town which later grew up nearby took the same name. This evening we enjoy a typical outback meal at a local restaurant. * NOTE: Due to ever-changing air schedules into / out of the Red Centre, the order of our sightseeing activities in Ayers Rock and Alice Springs may vary from this itinerary. If there are any changes for your trip, your Tour Leader will advise upon arrival. Overnight in Alice Springs. |
||||||||||||
| | ||||||||||||
| Day 12 of Australia & New Zealand Tour Alice Springs Area Our day tour of Alice Springs includes the panoramic ANZAC Hill, the Old Telegraph Station, and the Royal Flying Doctor Service HQ. "The Alice" began in 1872 as an overland telegraph station linking the north and south. Today it combines the vigour of the frontier-like environment with the convenience of modern facilities. A must see for every visitor is the Alice Springs Desert Park. In the space of just a few hours, you can discover many of the secrets of the Central Australian deserts. Hundreds of species of plants and animals found across Central Australian deserts can be seen. Our visit involves an easy walking trail through three desert habitats. Witness free-flying birds of prey in the nature theatre, see rare and endangered animals in the spectacular nocturnal house, hear the insights into the interlinking world of plants, animals and people from our local guides and enjoy a cinematic journey through four-and-a-half billion years of desert evolution during the 20 minute cinematic journey of "The Changing Heart". Overnight in Alice Springs. |
||||||||||||
| | ||||||||||||
| Day 13 of Australia & New Zealand Tour Alice Springs - Uluru (Ayers Rock) Today we travel over the Macdonnell Ranges and cross the vast desert we know as the "Red Centre" as we travel to Uluru, commonly named Ayers Rock, in the centre of the continent. Uluru is an incredibly impressive monolith 5 km (3 miles) in length and over 300 m (1,000 feet) high! Uluru is a remnant of ancient mountains which long ago weathered away, leaving the sandstone monolith standing alone in the desert. In 1989 scientists found evidence that Uluru, the Macdonnell Ranges, and a cluster of huge rock domes named Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) were part of a single plateau. Although British explorers trekked through the Red Centre as long ago as 1844, none of them visited Uluru until 1873, when it was named Ayers Rock after a colonial administrator of the day, Sir Henry Ayers. We visit Uluru for a short walk at the base before travelling to the sunset viewing area. Overnight near Ayers Rock. |
||||||||||||
| | ||||||||||||
| Day 14 of Australia & New Zealand Tour Uluru - Sydney: City Tour Today we have an early morning excursion to see the sunrise light up the Olgas / Kata Tjuta. We then fly from Ayers Rock to Sydney. On arrival we tour Sydney, and include a cruise on Port Jackson, Sydney's harbour, much like Captain Cook once did many years ago. Sydney is regarded as having one of the finest harbours in the world. The odd thing is that when the British explorer Captain James Cook sailed up the east coast of Australia in 1770 he missed it altogether. He saw the Sydney Heads, of course, but did not guess that a vast harbour lay behind them. So when a British fleet arrived to establish a colony in Australia in 1788 it went first to nearby Botany Bay. Within days, however, Sydney Harbour was discovered and the settlement moved there. We pass the world-famous Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Sydney Opera House, various sandy white beaches, and the exclusive homes that line Sydney's harbour on our way to the Pacific gateway. The Harbour Bridge spans one of the most narrow inlets of the harbour and is one of the largest arch bridges in the world. The bridge is affectionately known as "the Coathanger." Our tour also takes us to Bondi Beach, Paddington, Oxford Street, and King's Cross. Overnight in Sydney. |
||||||||||||
| | ||||||||||||
| Day 15 of Australia & New Zealand Tour Sydney - Blue Mountains - Sydney This morning we drive by coach westward to the Blue Mountains, named for the blue haze created by the eucalyptus oil in the air above the mountain gum forests. The Blue Mountains National park includes almost 600,000 acres of sandstone plateau, forested river valleys and deep gorges. We'll visit the Wentworth Falls Reserve for a short walk and spectacular views of the valley, followed by a drive along Cliff Drive to the Echo Point Visitor Information Center where we will see colourful parrots, lorikeets and rosellas, which gather at the center's panaramic windows. There is a nice view here of The Three Sisters formation, in legend members of the Katoomba tribe that were unlucky in love. Return to Sydney. Overnight in Sydney. |
||||||||||||
| | ||||||||||||
| Day 16 of Australia & New Zealand Tour Sydney: At Leisure Today is a free day to explore Sydney's attractions on your own. You'll have ample advice from our Tour Leader and from materials available locally. You may also wish to do some research on your own before departure. Overnight in Sydney. |
||||||||||||
| | ||||||||||||
| Day 17 of Australia & New Zealand Tour Sydney, Australia - Christchurch, New Zealand Today we fly to Christchurch, New Zealand's 'Garden City.'* Christchurch is the focal point of what is called the Canterbury Region, which is that portion of the South Island that generally lies east of the Southern Alps, and from just south of Kaikoura to just north of Oamaru along the coast. The city's population is a manageable 300,000 or so, and dates from around 1850. It began as a Church of England settlement (hence the name) and was supposed to be a haven for landed gentry and "good Christian souls of lesser caste"! NOTE: Please ensure that you dispose of all fresh food before passing through Customs as NZ has very strict bio-security laws. Forbidden items include fruit, honey and dairy products. * NOTE: This flight between Australia and New Zealand is NOT included in the LAND ONLY price. Land only passengers should contact us for latest fare quote. Overnight in Christchurch. |
||||||||||||
| | ||||||||||||
| Day 18 of Australia & New Zealand Tour Christchurch - Mt Cook National Park - Twizel Today we travel through the fertile Canterbury Plains to the vicinity of Mt Cook National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage area. Mount Cook Village is at the base of Mount Cook, probably the most spectacular national park in the country and one that rivals most scenery you'll see in the European Alps. The park, 680 sq km (270 square miles), contains more than 20 peaks over 3000 m (10,000 feet), including Mount Cook, the tallest mountain in Australasia. The Maoris called it Aoraki, 'the Cloud Piercer.' It also features the world's longest temperate-zone glacier, the Tasman. After a few hours for lunch and exploration -- possibly a leisurely walk to a glacier -- we continue to nearby Twizel and our hotel. NOTE: After our Feb 2012 trip has departed, this itinerary will be changed; the price and dates will change at that time. Overnight in Twizel. |
||||||||||||
| | ||||||||||||
| Day 19 of Australia & New Zealand Tour Twizel - "Grand Traverse" Flight-seeing - Queenstown This morning we enjoy (weather permitting) a scenic flight-of-a-lifetime -- the "Grand Traverse" --a spectacular scenic flight-seeing experience allowing you to explore the Mount Cook and Westland National Parks. This flight seeing experience encompasses two World Heritage National Parks and 200 sq km of New Zealand's most memorable and spectacular scenery: Beautiful turquoise glacial lakes, golden tussock lands and braided river systems of the Mackenzie basin; remote High Country sheep stations, glacial valleys and landforms; the Aoraki Mount Cook National Park--a magical world of permanent ice and snow. The fixed wing aircraft ensures that every passenger has a window seat and all aircraft have wings-above to ensure optimum viewing below. Pilots provide a full and informative commentary. After our flight we hit the road for a scenic drive to Queenstown. We travel through the Gibbston Valley, New Zealand's southernmost wine making region. En route we will make a stop at one of the local wineries for a brief visit and tasting. Queenstown is situated on Lake Wakatipu and location is stunning; the lake is beautiful and the surrounding mountain scenery adds to the overall splendour. Overnight in Queenstown. |
||||||||||||
| | ||||||||||||
| Day 20 of Australia & New Zealand Tour Queenstown - Doubtful OR Milford Sound Cruise Today we travel by road to our embarkation point for our cruise of either Milford or Doubtful Sound.* We board either the Fiordland Navigator (Doubtful Sound) or the Milford Mariner (Milford), both of which feature private twin-bedded cabins and operated by our partners, Real Journeys (view the full itineraries and vessel descriptions at www.realjourneys.co.nz). Fur seals and bottlenose dolphins are often seen and at times, rare penguins can be observed. There is also time for you to kayak around the shoreline or go exploring in the tender craft with our nature guide. As the shadows lengthen we'll drop anchor at a favourite mooring for the night. After the day's activities, we enjoy a delicious evening buffet meal in the spacious dining saloon. Both ships are purpose-built for cruising in the fiords and offer spacious viewing decks, a comfortable dining saloon/fully licensed bar and observation lounge. Our trip features private cabins with twin side-by-side beds and en suite bathrooms. * The sound that we cruise can vary depending on space availability and other scheduling considerations. Of course Milford is the more famous of the two, but Doubtful goes over very well with passengers, who enjoy it's serene isolation and relative lack of commercialization. This said, both offer outstanding experiences with top-rate accommodation and service. NOTE: Please pack an overnight bag for the cruise. Your main baggage will be kept in storage. Overnight cruise. |
||||||||||||
| | ||||||||||||
| Day 21 of Australia & New Zealand Tour Overnight Cruise - Queenstown The physical grandeur of towering peaks descending into moody waters, outstanding waterfalls from high-up ice-age valleys and fiords clad with ancient vegetation, create a powerful atmosphere of solitude and serenity. After waking to the beauty and serenity of the sound, we will have breakfast and disembark, returning to Queenstown with time at leisure. Overnight in Queenstown. |
||||||||||||
| | ||||||||||||
| Day 22 of Australia & New Zealand Tour Queenstown Sightseeing This morning we enjoy a lake cruise on the TSS Earnslaw Steamer. You can watch the stokers fuelling the fireboxes and hear the sound of the steam engines working. The cruise allows plenty of time to explore the TSS Earnslaw's decks and bridge, view the engine room, and historic displays in the Fo'c'sle Gallery. Later this afternoon, we visit the Kiwi Birdlife Park where you are guaranteed to view a kiwi. The staff at the Kiwi Birdlife Park are passionate about providing an eco-friendly environment. By visiting the park you are also contributing to the breeding programmes for endangered New Zealand bird species. We then proceed to the nearby gondola and travel to the top of the mountain that overlooks the town, lake, and mountains beyond. You'll have some free time before we enjoy a mountaintop dinner. Overnight in Queenstown. |
||||||||||||
| | ||||||||||||
| Day 23 of Australia & New Zealand Tour Queenstown - Wellington Today we fly from Queenstown to Wellington (probably via Christchurch). Later today we arrive in Wellington, New Zealand's capital -- surrounded by rugged green hills dotted with charming homes. Wellington is quite often compared to San Francisco in site and design. The harbour was formed by the flooding of a long extinct and very large volcanic crater. Overnight in Wellington. |
||||||||||||
| | ||||||||||||
| Day 24 of Australia & New Zealand Tour Wellington: City Tour This morning we will have a guided tour of Wellington that will include the Botanical Garden and a view of New Zealand's Parliament Building -- the "Beehive." The highlight of our day is Te Papa, New Zealand's fantastic national museum where we will have a 90-minute guided tour of the highlights from New Zealand's natural environment, art, and history. You are free this afternoon to remain at the museum or explore this compact and picturesque capital on your own. Overnight in Wellington. |
||||||||||||
| | ||||||||||||
| Day 25 of Australia & New Zealand Tour Wellington - Rotorua: Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve We have an early departure from Wellington. Our journey north from here takes us on the spectacular desert road along the edge of the World Heritage Site at Tongariro National Park. Not far away is our next stop at the gorgeous Huka Falls, located on the rushing Waikato River. A short walk along the river provides views into the startling blue waters of this fast flowing river often used for white water rafting. We make a stop for a panoramic view over New Zealand's largest geothermal electric generating station at Wairaki. The steam fields below are impressive and provide us with an idea of how important this energy source is to NZ. Later today we come to Lake Taupo one of the most famous holiday spots in the country, though it was only formed in the 19th century due to nearby volcanic activity. We then continue to Rotorua, entering an area of abundant geothermal activity. Rotorua is in the middle of what is called the Taupo Volcanic Zone which runs from northeast to southwest across the North Island. The area has long been a popular spa area and the locals make use of the hot steam that rises to the surface for heating their homes, cooking, and building their own private hot pools. On arrival we visit the Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve and Maori Arts and Crafts Centre where we witness boiling pools of mud and geysers that spout up to 30m (100 feet). Our visit also includes a guided tour through fascinating aspects of tradition Maori life before the coming of the Europeans. This evening we will be transferred from the hotel to a Maori cultural performance and traditional Hangi dinner, cooked underground using pre-heated rocks and / or geo-thermal steam. Overnight in Rotorua. |
||||||||||||
| | ||||||||||||
| Day 26 of Australia & New Zealand Tour Rotorua - Waitomo Caves - Auckland After 2 hours we arrive at the Waitomo Caves, formed over thousands of years by the constant dripping of water. Our tour includes a boat ride through the glow-worm grotto, illuminated by thousands of tiny lights emitted by the glow-worms suspended from the cave ceiling. These magnificent limestone caverns, many of which are still unexplored, are famous for their glow-worm grotto. The caves are a sort of greenish Milky Way, dotted with thousands of lights from the insects clinging to the cave roof. The worms, actually the larval stage of a fly, emit their light to attract other insects to sticky filaments they dangle to snare their food. We then travel north through the rich farmland of the Waikato region before arriving in Auckland, New Zealand's largest urban area with a population of just under a million people. Auckland is the centre of commerce and industry, and is perhaps the most vibrant, bustling and multicultural city in New Zealand. Auckland is also the biggest Polynesian city in the world, a cultural influence reflected in many different aspects of city life. Overnight in Auckland. |
||||||||||||
| | ||||||||||||
| Day 27 of Australia & New Zealand Tour Auckland: City Tour This morning we tour begin our tour of Auckland. We will make a stop at the Parnell Rose Garden before continuing to Parnell Village, the Central Business District, the Mission Bay area, Tamaki Drive, and the Harbour Bridge before our visit to the Auckland Museum. Three expansive levels tell the story of New Zealand's history, from emergence as a nation through the loss and suffering of war, to their uniquely ancient natural history and priceless Maori and Pacific treasures. We also enjoy a superb view of Auckland from Mount Eden, a dormant volcano, complete with crater, from where you can clearly see Auckland's setting between two harbours. Overnight in Auckland. |
||||||||||||
| | ||||||||||||
| Day 28 of Australia & New Zealand Tour Departure Departure from Auckland. BON VOYAGE / KA KITE ANO! |
||||||||||||
| | ||||||||||||
| |
||||||||||||
|
Copyright
Adventures Abroad Worldwide Travel Ltd | All rights reserved | For technical
difficulties, contact webmaster@adventures-abroad.com
|
