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About this trip
From world-class wine to glistening beaches – we’ve lost count of the number of reasons to visit Australia. But, just for the record books, here are a few of favorites from the tourism board of Australia...
OUR BEACHES ARE DIVINE
When you think of Australia (besides kangaroos and koalas) you probably think of sunny beaches and rolling waves – and you’d be right! If you visited one beach a day, it would take you 27 years to see them all. Our sandy stretches are home to world-class surfing, unique marine life, striking ocean pools and unbeatable beach culture. So, it’s no wonder Australian beaches regularly rank among the best in the world. Surf, swim, snorkel, sun-worship – there are endless ways to enjoy Australia's beautiful beaches and islands.
WE'VE GOT SOME REALLY BIG THINGS
From the only living organism visible from outer space (the Great Barrier Reef) to the planet’s biggest rock (no, not Uluru – it’s actually Mount Augustus!), many Aussie attractions defy imagination. We’re the world’s biggest island with the world’s oldest rainforest, the world’s whitest sand and the world’s oldest civilization.
THE WILDLIFE IS WEIRD AND WONDERFUL
Did you know that 80 per cent of Australia’s wildlife is so unique it can't be found anywhere else in the world?
Our exotic animals will make you gasp, laugh and scratch your head, sometimes all at the same time. You’ll be familiar with some – kangaroos, koalas and wombats – others you might not expect. Like harmless whale sharks (swim with them in Ningaloo Reef); the smiling quokka (grin alongside one on Rottnest Island); the shy platypus (hiding in south-east Australia’s rivers); and one of the planet’s largest birds, the emu.
Sure, you can visit a zoo or watch a wildlife documentary, but there’s nothing like getting up close to Australia’s magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
WE'RE AN ADVENTURE-SEEKER'S PARADISE
Australia’s adventure options cater to every style of explorer, span every corner of the country and cover all domains – the definition of adventure is up to you!
Ocean adventurers can meet the Great Barrier Reef’s Great Eight and come face to face with whales, turtles and over 50 species of shark. Lovers of the skies can enjoy the best scenic flights over Australia, including dramatic air safaris, pub crawls by helicopter and waterway exploration by seaplane. If it’s thrills you seek, you can get your fix with an adrenaline rush. Descend 140 metres (459 feet) down the world’s highest commercial abseil or swim with great white sharks!
GET CLOSER TO OUR ANCIENT CULTURE
Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities have the oldest continuous culture in the world, having called this land home for over 60,000 years. There is so much about this country that is spiritual and sacred to Indigenous Australians.
From traditional rock art and dot paintings to didgeridoos and Creation stories, there are hundreds of reasons to include Aboriginal experiences in your trip. The cultures and communities differ in each region, so you can learn a little more about our ancient origins everywhere you go.
THERE'S JUST NO PLACE LIKE AUSTRALIA
Don’t just take our word for it – researchers regularly rank Australia as one of the world’s best places to live and visit (read: laid-back, relaxed, fun). The 2,800 annual hours of sunshine, magnificent native scenery and delicious local gastronomy all contribute to making Australia a land like no other.
It’s easy to smile when Australia is your backyard, and we’d love to share it with you. So, what are you waiting for? Come and see for yourself why Australia is the best place to visit.
Payment Schedule
Pricing: $2972 per person/double occupancy
Internal Air not Included
Deposit/Registration Fee: $800 due at time of registration. $100 of which is a registration fee.
The full $800 is refundable for two weeks from date of registration. This allows you to get vacation time approved, find animal sitters, look into flights, convince your friends to join us, etc. After those two weeks, the $100 registration fee is non-refundable.
February 19, 2024 - Final Date for remaining $700 deposit refund to be refunded.
March 19, 2024 - Second payment of $1,000 is due.
June 19, 2024 - Final payment Due
What’s included
- GuidePrivate, English speaking guides
- TransportationFirst class, a/c coaches and transfers with certified drivers.
- Entrance FeesAs listed in the itinerary
- Meals as statedBreakfast Daily
What’s not included
- GratuitiesLocal guides, drivers, guides.
- Meals not Stated
- Personal ExpensesDrinks, souvenirs, free-time activities, additional activities not noted,etc.
Itinerary
The flights from Chicago to Sydney take approximately 24 hours. Sydney to Cairns is another 3 hours.
Flight Search Note: Best value may be a round-trip ticket from USA to Sydney and a separate round-trip ticket to from Sydney to Cairns.
Be sure to schedule yourself enough time to get to Cairns and catch your breath prior to the itinerary beginning. Possibly arrive on Sept 18 or even Sept 17, just to have that decompress time so you are rested and ready to go! We can help you with pre-trip hotel rooms and airport transfers.
Many travelers prefer to book their own international flights. Some want to use miles or credits and others want to control their departure and arrival times - possibly adding a pre or post trip to this adventure.
We will gather flight information and have the suppliers transfer meet the the largest group of folks arriving together. Should your arrival be outside of that time, we can help you book a different transfer and even pair you up with others to help with the cost.
The balance of the day is at your leisure.
Overnight: Pacific Hotel Cairns