Australian Safari

Your Small Group Discovery tour begins! Your hotel room is available for immediate check-in. A pre-night is not required for early check-in. Please schedule flights to arrive by 4pm in order to attend this evening’s welcome briefing and dinner. (D)

Koalas, Crocs & Roos, Oh My! Start your day with an orientation tour of the city. See the mix of historical building and modern high-rises. Afterward, travel to the Australia Zoo, “Home of the Crocodile Hunter” where you’ll see some of Australia’s famous wildlife. You can hand-feed kangaroos, pet a dingo, see the amazing saltwater crocodiles, and more. Return to Brisbane where the evening is at leisure. (B) LOCAL FAVORITE CONSERVATION HEROES Go behind-the-scenes for a look at Australia Zoo’s [LOCAL FAVORITE] Wildlife Hospital. Founded by Steve and Terri Irwin, it is home to amazing work being done by an extraordinary team of veterinarians. All proceeds from your included visit directly benefit the hospital to help provide specialized care to wildlife. Whether it’s a kangaroo hit by a car, a flying fox entangled in a fence, or a sea turtle that has ingested plastic, the team at the Wildlife Zoo are dedicated to returning them back into the wild.

Bountiful Brisbane A full day to explore more of vibrant Brisbane. (B) ENCHANCED FREE TIME EXPLORE MORE in Brisbane with a scenic cruise on the Brisbane River, relaxing at Streets Beach, Australia’s only inner-city man-made beach, or just taking a stroll on Queen Street Mall, full of shops and restaurants. For a little more activity, join an optional excursion to Tangalooma Island where you can swim and snorkel among shipwrecks. This and more options are available throughout your tour at MyGlobus. Your Tour Director and your GlobusGO mobile app have all the tips and guidance to enjoy your free time.

Sights & Seas Depart Brisbane for Cairns, “Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.” Upon arrival. an orientation tour shows the highlights of the city. Later, visit the Cairns Aquarium. Dinner tonight is at a local restaurant. (B,D) TOUR HIGHLIGHT OCEAN STUDIES Touted as Australia’s newest aquarium, the Cairns Aquarium won’t disappoint. Journey through the waterways from freshwater rivers flowing through the rainforest, into the mangroves and finally into the depths of the Great Barrier Reef. Discover 71 different exhibits showcasing this regions extremely rare and unique species. Enjoy animal presentations, habitat talks, and daily shark feeds. It will be a great introduction for your experience on the Reef tomorrow.

Below the Surface Prepare for the experience of a lifetime when you board a catamaran and cruise to the Outer Great Barrier Reef, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Explore this underwater world that is a dazzling kaleidoscope beneath the surface. Return to Cairns where your evening is at leisure. Tonight, you may want to visit the Cairns Night Markets, the perfect place to find a favourite souvenir or try some local fare. (B,L) TOUR HIGHLIGHT BUCKET LIST. CHECK! The only living structure on Earth that can be seen from space, the Great Barrier Reef is a masterpiece of Mother Nature comprising over 3,000 individual reefs and spanning over 135,135 miles (350,000 square kilometers), your day at the Reef will be one to remember. After your scenic catamaran cruise, the day is yours to explore the Reef how you like. Choose to snorkel amid dazzling fish and coral, take a semi-submersible watercraft tour, attend an informative presentation by a marine biologist, or just relax and enjoy the serenity of your surroundings.

Aussie Adventures Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore more of Cairns. (B) ENCHANCED FREE TIME EXPLORE MORE in Cairns with a 4 wheel-drive excursion into the Daintree Rainforest, soar high on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, or stroll Cairns’ famous Esplanade home to shops and art galleries, or just sit back and relax at your resort’s pool. This and more options are available throughout your tour at MyGlobus. Your Tour Director and your GlobusGO mobile app have all the tips and guidance to enjoy your free time.

Rock Stars Today, fly to the Red Center of Australia and visit Ayers Rock, a UNESCO world Heritage Site, known also by its Aboriginal name, Uluru. Visit the “Sunset Strip” for a drink and to witness the changing shades of the rock. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHT NATURAL WONDERS Travel out to Uluru for a spectacular way to end the day. This fascinating icon stands 1,141 feet/348 meters high, however, most of its mass is below ground level. You’ll be overwhelmed by its incredible size, presence, and inherent spirituality. As the sun sinks over the horizon and the evening sky brings out the many changing hues for which Uluru is famous, you’ll enjoy sparkling wine and nibbles and say goodbye to another wonderful day.

Into the Outback Today, travel through the heart of the Outback to Alice Springs. At dusk, visit [LOCAL FAVORITE] the Kangaroo Sanctuary. (B,D) Please note: The Kangaroo Sanctuary is closed during the summer months for the welfare of their animals. If you are travelling in January or February, you will visit an alternate animal sanctuary. LOCAL FAVORITE SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE First established in 2005, the Kangaroo Sanctuary rescues orphaned baby kangaroos and adult kangaroos. It along with its founder, Chris “Brolga” barns, otherwise known as “Kangaroo Dundee,” has been featured on the BBC and National Geographic channels. Your small group will be treated to a leisurely walk through the reserve to learn about the “roos,” and have a chance to get up close to these amazing animals, a treasured symbol of Australia. You’ll quickly experience the Sanctuary’s motto, “Animals come first.”

Specialties of South Australia Sightseeing this morning includes a visit to the Royal Flying Doctor Service and the Old Telegraph Station. Fly to Adelaide in South Australia. Upon arrival, take a brief orientation tour along the wide, tree-lined streets and well-manicured gardens. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHT HIGHER CALLING The Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) was established in 1928 to bring much needed medical care to the residents of the remote Outback. Learn the history of Reverend John Flynn, the founder, and hear the heroic tales of the birth and growth of the RFDS. Through the interactive displays you can experience what it’s like to fly with an RFDS pilot and the issues they have faced from dirt runways, inadequate maps, and more. ENHANCED FREE TIME EXPLORE MORE This evening, check out a local restaurant and the exceptional gourmet food and wine scene that is flourishing in South Australia. Your Tour Director and your GlobusGO mobile app have all the tips and guidance to enjoy your free time.

A Walk in the Park Early this morning, depart Adelaide and travel by motorcoach and ferry to Kangaroo Island, one of the world’s last unspoiled habitats. Visit Seal Bay Conservation Park and Flinders Chase National Park, a sanctuary for native Australian animals, including kangaroos, wallabies, and koalas. Stop for a walk on Remarkable Rocks, with stunning views of the sea. Next, visit Admirals Arch, a unique rock formation and home to a colony of New Zealand fur seals. This is a full day excursion, and you will return to Adelaide late this evening. (B,L) TOUR HIGHLIGHT THE WILD SIDE The stunning views of the Australian sea lion colony and the neighbouring coastline make Seal Bay an essential experience on Kangaroo Island. There are no enclosures or cases at Seal Bay. Instead, you will be taken into the heart of the colony on a private tour with a Park Ranger. You’ll learn how these endangered animals hunt, surf, rest, interact with their pups and defend their territory. This is a truly exception wildlife experience not to be missed. Keep your camera handy for some terrific photo ops!

Cosmopolitan Cool Today, head to the cosmopolitan heart of Australia, Melbourne, home to beautiful gardens, restaurants, cafes and hidden arcades and laneways. Your Tour Director shows you the mains sights of the city, and then the remainder of the day is at leisure. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHT CITY SIGHTS Your sightseeing tour includes Melbourne’s legendary landmarks such as Federation Square, Parliament House, the Shrine of Remembrance, Queen Victoria Market, and a stroll through Fitzroy Gardens.

Wild by Nature After time at leisure this morning, travel to Phillip Island and experience breathtaking natural beauty, pristine beaches, scenic coasts and crashing ocean waves. Your first stop is the Koala Conservation Centre where you’ll have the chance to see koalas up close in their natural habitat. Then it’s on to the famous [LOCAL FAVORITE] Penguin Parade. Return to Melbourne this evening. (B,D) LOCAL FAVORITE SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE The day’s highlight is the famed [LOCAL FAVORITE] Penguin Parade where you’ll experience the magic of little penguins returning home at sunset to one of the largest penguin colonies in Australia. Watch as these beloved fairy penguins waddle from the ocean to their burrows in the sand around you. Your small group enjoys up close and personal views from the special Penguins Plus grandstand. It’s sure to be a highlight of your trip! NOTE: Penguins have sensitive eyes and bright, sudden, or unusual light can be frightening or disorientate a penguin. To ensure penguins keep coming back to this special area, cameras, camcorders, or camera phones are not permitted during the penguin parade.

Vineyards & Views Today is at leisure. (B) ENHANCED FREE TIME EXPLORE MORE in Melbourne with a trip to the top of the Eureka Skydeck for amazing views of the city below. You may also choose to venture to the breathtaking Yarra Valley, one of Australia’s premier wine regions. Other options include a walking tour of the city’s hidden laneways or a full-day trip to the Great Ocean Road to see fantastic scenery and the “Twelve Apostles.” This and more options are available throughout your tour at MyGlobus. Your Tour Director and your GlobusGO mobile app have all the tips and guidance to enjoy your free time.

Tasmanian Treasures Journey to Tasmania, once known as “Van Diemen’s Land.” Visit an ice creamery where you’ll have a chance to sample one of the 24 local varieties. Later this visit Cradle Mountain National Park, featuring a [LOCAL FAVORITE] nocturnal wildlife tour led by a local expert. (B,D) LOCAL FAVORITE WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE Cradle Mountain National Park is part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage area, home to towering mountains, ancient rainforests, and abundant wildlife. It is home to Tasmania’s highest mountain, unusual endemic species, and ancient aboriginal history. Tonight, be treated to a Night Spotting tour through the park by a local expert. Learn about the park’s history, the famous Overland Track, and learn tips on spotting the wildlife of the park including wallabies, echidnas, pademelons, local bird species and more. TOUR HIGHLIGHT SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE ACCOMMODATION Sleep tight in the heart of Tasmania's northwest highlands with a stay at the cozy and comfortable Cradle Mountain Hotel. This small property packs a punch as the perfect place to unwind amid the alpine woodland wilderness as your home away from home.

Wombats & Wilderness Wonders Today is spent exploring the beauty of Cradle Mountain National Park. Sightseeing includes a visit to the Ronny Creek Boardwalk, an easy walk to take in the fresh air, scenic views, and the chance to spot wombats, the chubby little creatures who call this part of the park home. Then travel to Dove Lake set beneath the towering spires of Cradle Mountain. There’s time to admire the scenery, snap photos, and for those that wish, take the walking trail around the lake for a full perspective (approximately 3.7 miles/6km). This afternoon is yours to explore the park at leisure. (B,D) LOCAL FAVORITE DEVILISH FUN! This evening, enjoy a behind-the-scenes visit to Devils@Cradle, a unique sanctuary concentrating primarily on the Tasmanian devil. A specialist will discuss biology, behaviour, threats, and the important work being done to save these vulnerable animals. Then, you’ll observe the amazing nighttime antics of these animals being fed. It won’t take you long to see how the fierce Tassie devil got its name! ENHANCED FREE TIME EXPLORE MORE with a visit to the Cradle Mountain Wilderness Gallery dedicated to Tasmanian artists, or just relax at your hotel and take in the spectacular surroundings of this natural environment.

Tradition in Tasmania Travel through the rolling hills and farm fields of Tasmania to the capital city of Hobart. As the second oldest of Australia’s state capitals, Hobart's rich history is still evident in its beautifully restored Georgian buildings and colonial cottages. Upon arrival, enjoy an orientation tour which highlights this charming waterfront city. This evening is at leisure for you to explore on your own. (B)

Historic Highlights After breakfast, head to the Tasman Peninsula home to natural beauty and convict history. Take a thrilling jet boat ride along the scenic coastline and then visit the Port Arthur Historic Site for a guided tour. Return to Hobart where your evening is at leisure. (B,L) LOCAL FAVORITE SCENIC WONDERS Wild and remote, the Tasman Peninsula has one of the most dramatic coastlines in Australia. On your [LOCAL FAVORITE] Tasman Island jet boat ride, see waterfalls, rock formations, archways, and deep-sea caves, along with the highest vertical sea cliffs in the Southern Hemisphere. At any time, you’re likely to see the feeding frenzy of diving gannets and albatross or a pod of playful dolphins surfing the bow waves of the boat. Keep your camera handy for a chance to spot whales, seals, and other wildlife. TOUR HIGHLIGHT HISTORY LESSONS One of the country’s most important heritage sites, Port Arthur will bring to life Australia’s convict history. On your private guided tour, meet some of the people who have passed through this place, walk in their footsteps, and hear their stories. It was not just hardened criminals but women and children who found their way here as did 75,000 convicts transported to Tasmania between 1803 and 1853. See 30 historic buildings, ruins, restored homes, and the beautiful heritage gardens.

Spectacular Sydney Today brings you to Sydney, Australia’s largest city and considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It’s home to first-class restaurants, grand shopping arcades, and top tourist attractions. Sightseeing includes a visit to the famous Sydney Opera House and a visit to the botanic gardens for great photo opportunities and sweeping views of the harbor and Harbour Bridge. The evening is yours to explore the thriving culinary scene. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHT CULTURAL GEM The Sydney Opera House is one of the most well-known buildings in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The building was designed by Jorn Utzon, a Danish architect, and was finally completed in 1973, after sixteen years of construction, at a cost of over $100 million dollars. You’ll enjoy a private guided tour of the Opera House and see its interiors and stages. Hear untold stories, be awed by the acoustics, and learn the history and future of this amazing hall beneath the sails.

Surf, Sky & Sights Today is at leisure to explore all that Sydney has to offer. (B) ENHANCED FREE TIME EXPLORE MORE in Sydney with an optional excursion to experience one of Sydney’s famous beaches, Bondi Beach, where a local surf instructor will give you a tour of the lifesaving club and teach you how to surf. You can also choose to see the city from a different view from atop the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb. Enjoy amazing views of the harbor and city skyline below from this unique perspective. In the evening, you might want to walk in the footsteps of Australia’s early convicts on the Rocks Pub Tour. This and more options are available throughout your tour at MyGlobus. Your Tour Director and your GlobusGO mobile app have all the tips and guidance to enjoy your free time.

Celebration in Sydney Another day for you to explore Sydney. Tonight, join your Tour Director and companions for a special farewell dinner at a local restaurant. The perfect ending to your Australian Safari. (B,D) ENHANCED FREE TIME EXPLORE MORE You may wish to visit the elegant Queen Victoria Building with its three levels of fashion, jewellery, and gifts. Other options including visiting the Art Gallery of New South Wales, taking a ferry to nearby Manley Beach, or enjoying delicious Asian food at one of the restaurants in Spice Alley.

Until We Meet Again! Your tour ends with breakfast this morning. You may also choose to extend your time in Sydney and explore more on your own. Extra nights are available for purchase. (B)