Australia's Outback to New Zealand's South Island

Arrive today in Sydney, perhaps one of the friendliest metropolises in the world. Tonight join your fellow travelers and toast to the start of your adventure down under during dinner in lively Darling Harbour.

See where English colonists first settled during a city tour of Sydney, starting with a guided walking tour of The Rocks district. Then, head to Circular Quay, famed for two of Sydney’s most recognizable landmarks - the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. Take an expert-led tour of the Sydney Opera House, poised majestically on Sydney Harbour, to discover its remarkable architecture and history. Continue your discovery of the city with a visit to the Botanic Gardens and its historic surroundings. Then, have the chance to join a special presentation at the National Opal Collection. Our city tour of Sydney will conclude around 3:00 p.m. You are free to explore the city for the remainder of the day, perhaps booking a show at the Opera House.

Deepen your exploration of Sydney’s many wonders with a full day at leisure. Tonight, enjoy scenic vistas of Sydney during a delightful dinner cruise of Sydney Harbour departing from the hotel at 4:30 p.m. Marvel at the magnificent skyline and iconic attractions: the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge.

Fly to Cairns, the tropical gateway to one of the world’s most spectacular natural attractions – the Great Barrier Reef (UNESCO). Established as a marine park in 1975, the reef is a haven for thousands of species of sea life, as well as turtles and birds.

Board a high-speed catamaran for an exciting excursion to the Great Barrier Reef. Explore the reef from your base on Green Island. Enjoy a glass-bottom boat ride, stroll the island’s walking trails, relax on the beach, snorkel or just watch the fish and sea turtles swim past from the pier. For a more adventurous encounter with the reef, an optional outer reef tour is also available.

Soak up the tropical atmosphere — the day is yours. Perhaps you’ll take an optional tour on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, taking you above the rainforest canopy for a bird’s-eye view of unspoiled nature. Or, you might spend your time at Rusty’s market shopping for local produce and handicrafts. Maybe you’ll head to the Cairns Aquarium to get another look at those magnificent sea creatures.

Gain insight into Aboriginal culture with a trip to Mossman Gorge, located on the edge of the Daintree Rainforest, the oldest tropical rainforest in the world. Experience a private smoking ceremony, which welcomes you to the rainforest. Learn about how the Indigenous people found bushfoods and made soap and ochre paint. This afternoon, visit Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures to see crocodiles on a nature cruise. Head through rainforests on boardwalks to spot wildlife like birds, reptiles, and wallabies.

Say goodbye to the Tropics and hello to Uluru (the Aboriginal name for Ayers Rock) nestled in the heart of Australia’s Outback. This awe-inspiring monolith, along with the striking sandstone domes of Kata Tjuta, stands as a testament to millennia of natural upheaval and erosion. Explore the base of Uluru, uncovering its fascinating geology and deep cultural significance to the Aboriginal people. As the day draws to a close, marvel at the shifting hues of Uluru at sunset, perfectly paired with a celebratory champagne toast.

This morning, set out to explore Kata Tjuta — Uluru’s awe-inspiring neighbor. These towering, domed rock formations stretch for miles across the desert, offering a dramatic contrast to the surrounding landscape. Wander through the soaring red peaks and be rewarded with sweeping views that capture the raw beauty of the Outback. Return to your resort, where the rest of the day is yours — unwind, recharge, or take advantage of the resort’s activities.

Fly to the beautiful Victorian city of Melbourne. Set upon the shores of Port Phillip Bay and the Yarra River, the city exudes a lively and cosmopolitan atmosphere.

Set out on a city tour and see Fitzroy Gardens and Melbourne’s bustling “laneways.” Visit the Melbourne Botanical Gardens and Shrine of Remembrance. Then, it’s your choice! Enjoy panoramic views from above at Melbourne Skydeck, the Southern Hemisphere’s highest public vantage point -OR- unwind on a scenic cruise along the Yarra River, taking in Melbourne’s sights from the water. With an afternoon to yourself, perhaps you will ride a free city tram, try the amazing array of cuisines on offer in this multicultural city, or enjoy the Victorian-era architecture.

Leave Australia behind and fly to Queenstown, New Zealand. One of New Zealand’s most popular towns, Queenstown is nestled against a picturesque bay and snowcapped mountains. Home to ski resorts, hiking trails, and an abundance of natural beauty, the city is known as the “Adventure Capital of the World.” Settle into your new home for the next three nights.

Soak in the rugged grandeur of Hollyford Valley as you travel through an ancient beech forest via the Homer Tunnel. Cruise the Milford Sound and see why this fjord is one of the most visited sights on South Island. Following the cruise, consider returning to Queenstown via a short optional flight (weather permitting) for spectacular views of New Zealand’s Southern Alps.

Your day is free to experience Queenstown your way. Shop or people-watch in the village, find a unique eatery for lunch, sample some New Zealand wine – the day is yours to enjoy this stunning city. This evening you might choose to cruise Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm where you will enjoy a lakeside barbecue lunch followed by a sheepdog demonstration before sailing back.

Set off for the 19th-century settlement of Arrowtown, founded during the gold fever. Follow the Kawarau River and cross Lindis Pass before arriving in New Zealand’s most famous national park – Mt. Cook. Savor some free time in this Alpine paradise. You may choose to take a nature walk, or simply meditate on the quiet of the Southern Alps.

Depart for Christchurch this morning and pay a visit to Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. A leader in the conservation of New Zealand species, Willowbank offers the chance to view New Zealand’s “Big 5” up close and personal. Learn about the local Indigenous culture of the Maori, with a paddle on the Avon River in a traditional canoe or waka. Later, join some locals for a home-hosted dinner.

Devastated by an earthquake in early 2011, see firsthand how the “Garden City” is recreating itself during a sightseeing tour that highlights the city’s magnificent gardens and elegant park district. As the day draws to a close, toast to your adventure down under at a farewell dinner with your fellow travelers.

Your tour comes to a close, leaving you with unforgettable memories of the South Pacific.