singles trip to Australia with eric's adventures erik's adventures

Looking for a great holiday destination where you can get the big city buzz plus great beaches, outdoor lifestyle and World Heritage national parks?

New South Wales, the oldest and biggest state in Australia. Enjoy Sydney's rich cosmopolitan lifestyle, its fine restaurants and cool shopping, as well as the natural beauty of its world famous harbor. Laze on a long, sandy beach, hike in the high country, make a journey to the red outback, soothe your soul in one of the State's many World Heritage national parks, and follow the leisurely drives through country New South Wales. Be amazed by the quality of local food and wine, kick your heels up at lively festivals and events, discover Aboriginal heritage tours, see amazing landscapes and meet the friendly locals.

Queensland is Australia's second largest state consisting of 25% of Australia's land mass, which is more than twice the size of Texas in the US.

Queensland is known as Australia's Sunshine State. Brisbane, the capital makes an excellent base for touring the Gold Coast, "Australia's Playground" with everything you could possibly imagine at your fingertips. Revel in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef in Cairns, your gateway to the rainforests and islands of Tropical North Queensland.

Whether you're after adrenalin-pumping adventure, relaxing on sun-kissed beaches, trekking through ancient rainforest or snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef, there's an experience waiting to become your treasured memory in Australia.

Itinerary for 11 days

May 10th (Thurs) Depart USA

May 11th (Fri) In transit (you cross the International date line and loose a day)

May 12th (Sat) Arrive Sydney, Australia
Welcome to Sydney! Upon arrival, please proceed outside the terminal for your shuttle bus transfer to the hotel. This afternoon meet your host for a welcome briefing.

Sydney is the "best city in the world" according to readers of Condé Naste Traveler magazine and Travel & Leisure Magazine. It was also the site of the Olympic Games in the year 2000. From its convict origins as the first European settlement in Australia, it grew up to become the country's largest and most exciting city. Sydney is one of the most beautiful cities in the World and the most cosmopolitan city in Australia. It is endowed with a sparkling harbor, fabulous beaches and a sunny Mediterranean climate. It is your major gateway to the State of New South Wales and the rest of Australia.

Overnight stay at the Travelodge Wynyard.
<http://www.travelodge.com.au/locations/features.aspx?hid=765>

May 13th (Sun)Sydney (B)

This morning, after enjoying breakfast at your hotel, your host will transfer you to the wharf where you will join the Sydney Harbor Explorer Cruise. Sightseeing tour will highlight all of Sydney’s famous attractions such as the Opera House, the historic Rocks area, Watsons Bay, Taronga Zoo, Sydney Aquarium & Darling Harbor.

Harbor Explorer stops around Sydney Harbor, with the option to get off and explore and simply rejoin throughout the day. Cruises depart regularly throughout the day. (Please note - entrance fees are to be paid direct)

Return to your hotel on own.
Overnight stay at the Travelodge Wynyard.

May 14th (Mon)Sydney (B)
Breakfast at hotel.
Join a full day scheduled service tour 'Bush Walk the World Heritage' - Blue Mountains sightseeing tour with bush walk for the more active visitors.
Travel to the spectacular Blue Mountains, an awe inspiring “Grand Canyon” of giant rock formations, geological history, and deep tree studded valleys and cascading waterfalls. Arrives in Katoomba where you may enjoy a 3 hours self guided bush walk around the Three Sisters/Scenic Railway. (Take a Scenic railway ride at your own expense). This tour does not include a stop at the Olympic site. You are provided with a picnic lunch, water bottle and self guided map kit. Recommended clothing: Walking shoes and jacket essential.

Return to your hotel.
Overnight stay at the Travelodge Wynyard.

May 15th (Tue)Sydney (B)
Breakfast at hotel. Day at leisure.
Overnight stay at the Travelodge Wynyard.

May 16th (Wed)Sydney / Cairns (B)
Breakfast at hotel.

Transfer by private vehicle to the airport for your flight to Cairns. On arrival meet your host and transfer by private vehicle to your hotel.

The bustling tropical city of Cairns is the gateway to the rainforests and Reef of Far North Queensland. This area is truly a tropical paradise of beaches, islands, mountains, rivers, waterfalls and lakes, of the legendary outback and a vast wilderness fringed by the Coral Sea. Just north of Cairns you’ll discover the only place on earth where you can see two World Heritage listed sights side by side; the magnificent Great Barrier Reef and the ancient rainforest areas of Atherton tableland; Daintree and Cooktown to the north; and the wilderness of Cape York Peninsula beyond. Along with its rich ecology the Tropical North has inherited wealth of cultures from its Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.

Overnight stay at Cairns Queenslander.
<http://www.seedownunder.com.au/destination/queensland/cairns/cairns-accommodation/queenslander/accommodation.html>

May 17th (Thu)Cairns (B/L)

Join a scheduled full day tour to the Rain Forest, inclusive of a scenic rail journey, the Pamagirri dancers, dreamtime walk, army duck ride, lunch, wildlife park and the sky rail.

Glide over the rainforest canopy and enjoy a walk through the rainforest surrounded by a diversity of plants and birdlife. At Kuranda spend some time wandering through the village. Tour includes a visit to Rainforest station to visit the koala and wildlife park and see crocodiles, snakes, wombats and turtles. Hand feed the friendly Grey Kangaroos or have your photo taken with a cuddly koala (cost of photos not included). Join the amphibious Army Duck for a journey deep into the rainforest on land and water. Be entertained by the Pamagirri Aboriginal Dancers in the Rainforest Amphitheatre which provides a naturally beautiful backdrop for the Corroboree. On the Dreamtime Walk see spear throwing, didgeridoo playing and try your hand at boomerang throwing.

Tour also includes a ride on the Kuranda Scenic Railway - this historic rail journey winds its way along the Kuranda Range through 15 tunnels and over 40 bridges clinging to the rock face. Lunch on tour included.

May 18th (Fri)Cairns (B/L)
Today join a scheduled cruise for a full day visit to Michaelmas Cay Island, inclusive of lunch and snorkeling equipment.

Michaelmas Cay is a picturesque reef sand island surrounded by magical coral gardens teething with an incredible diversity of marine life. The Cay is a protected seabird sanctuary playing host to over 20,000 migratory seabirds....one of the most important nesting sights in the Southern Hemisphere - an absolute haven for any nature lover. Buffet lunch on tour included. Snorkeling equipment on cruise are provided.

May 19th (Sat)Cairns (B)
Day at leisure to enjoy Cairns on your own.

May 20th (Sun)Cairns (B)
Transfer by shuttle bus from your hotel to the airport for your onward flight to USA.
“End of tour”

Land cost includes:-
·Accommodation at hotels specified or similar on sharing basis
·Meals - as mentioned in the itinerary (B - breakfast, L - lunch)
·Coach class air ticket for travel Sydney /Cairns inclusive of airport taxes.
·Airport transfers as indicated in the itinerary.
·Sightseeing tours in air-conditioned vehicles with an English speaking driver-guide.
·Entrance fees as mentioned in the itinerary.
.Professional National Guide and group leader for duration of the trip

Land cost does not include:-
·International tickets with applicable departure taxes.
·Applicable travel authorization permits for US passport holders.
·Additional tours & meals not indicated in the itinerary.
·Items of a personal nature such as telephone calls, laundry, beverages etc.
·Porterages, tips and gratuities to staff and guides.
·Personal medical and travel insurance.