The Down under Experience Program provides opportunities for groups to travel to Australia. The program has grown to incorporate group tours for adults, performance groups and student - cultural and educational groups.
All tours to Australia can be customized to suit the needs of each individual group. In addition, we offer a 4-day cultural and ecological optional excursion to New Zealand.
Touring opportunities to Australia are numerous. From the desert to the ocean, from the rainforest to the mountains; an exciting world awaits you in Australia.
The Down under experience 10 day tour includes:
- Great Barrier Reef
- Blue Mountains National Park
- Bondi Beach
- Australian Sheep Station
- Kuranda Scenic Railway
DAY 1: NORTH AMERICA / AUSTRALIA
Depart USA for Sydney, Australia.
DAY 2:
In Transit
DAY 3: SYDNEY (D)
Arrive in Sydney. After clearing Customs, you’ll visit Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair (next to the Botanical Gardens) for fantastic Sydney Harbor views. Travel through the city center and surrounds as you head to Watson’s Bay and on to famous Bondi Beach for lunch. Enjoy some free time exploring the promenade. While there, you will be able to take advantage of the wide range of eateries at Bondi Beach before you check in to your hotel in beautiful downtown Sydney and relax before your upcoming adventures!
DAY 4: SYDNEY (B,L)
Today you’ll get acquainted with the city through an exciting walking tour. You’ll start at the Sydney Tower and enjoy a spectacular panorama of the city. Afterward, you’ll move on to Darling Harbour and visit Sydney Wildlife World then walk to the King Street Wharf and board a Captain Cook cruise ship for a delicious buffet lunch and tour of Sydney Harbour.
After you disembark at Circular Quay, you’ll walk to the Sydney Opera House and take an internal tour of the world famous Sydney Opera House. You’ll see inside one of the busiest performing arts centers in the world.
DAY 5: SYDNEY (B,D)
Travel west to the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park. Afterward, you’ll visit Echo Point for spectacular views of the valley. Echo Point is the main vantage point for the ‘Three Sisters’ rock formation. After visiting Echo Point, you’ll travel around the rim of the valley down Cliff Drive to the Scenic Railway. There, you’ll ride the steepest railway in the world down to a lush and hidden valley and stroll along a hidden board walk high in the towering Jurassic rainforest. Once your walk is done, you’ll return to the top via the Cableway and take in the panoramic views. You’ll have some time to explore the villages of Leura and Katoomba before returning to the City and dining at Jordan’s Seafood Restaurant at Darling Harbour.
DAY 6: SYDNEY (B,L,D)
Today you’ll travel by coach to Gledswood Homestead; a traditional Australian sheep station. At the Homestead you’ll learn about sheep shearing, wool classing and some history of the wool industry in the South Pacific. You’ll see a demonstration of Australian sheep dogs working with the flocks of sheep and will also have the opportunity to try milking a cow and throwing a boomerang. Dinner will be a fun evening of great food, dancing, plate-breaking and entertainment at Aesop’s Greek Restaurant. Australia has the largest population of persons with Greek heritage outside of Greece.
DAY 7: CAIRNS (B,D)
You’ll start the day with a hearty breakfast and head to the airport for a flight to Cairns. Once in the city, you’ll check into the Cairns Colonial Club Resort and get acquainted with the lush tropical environment that thrives in Northern Queensland. You’ll have a relaxing day to unwind at the resort while you take advantage of its restaurants, swimming pools, shows and entertainment venues. After a relaxing day, you’ll dine at Dundee’s on the Waterfront. A unique Australian experience, Dundee’s features outstanding seafood and steaks. If you’re an adventurous eater, you’ll want to try some of the dishes which feature Emu, Kangaroo, Buffalo and Crocodile!
DAY 8: CAIRNS (B,L)
Today you will depart for a visit to Port Douglas and enjoy a tour to part of the Great Barrier Reef. You will travel for approximately 1 hour north along the coast, see some of the most beautiful beaches on earth and take a Quicksilver catamaran out to the Great Barrier Reef for a day of sun, snorkeling and a great buffet lunch! A Marine Biologist will join the tour to explain the colorful and unique wonders of the Great Barrier Reef. While learning and admiring the fabulous marine life, you’ll have the option to enjoy a glass-bottom boat tour and see turtles, colorful fish or simply relax and soak up the rays.
DAY 9: CAIRNS (B,L)
This morning you will enjoy a beautiful train journey on the Kuranda Scenic Railway to the village of Kuranda. You’ll pass magnificent waterfalls, lush landscapes and, once there, transfer to the Rainforest station Eco-Park. The Eco-Park will provide a tropical BBQ lunch for your enjoyment and offers opportunities to get up close with native animals. Afterward, you’ll enjoy an amphibious tour of the rainforest, learn about Aboriginal culture, learn to throw a spear and much, much more! You’ll return to Cairns via the Kuranda Skyrail Gondola where you will travel over the top of the rainforest for approx 6 1/2 miles.
DAY 10: CAIRNS / NORTH AMERICA
Check out of the resort and transfer to Cairns International Airport for your journey home.
Click here to view an extra 4 day option in New Zealand
LEGEND:
- B
- – BREAKFAST
- L
- – LUNCH
- D
- – DINNER
Tour Inclusions:
• Round trip economy airfares.
• Hotel Accommodation – twin/triple share (3-4 Star)
• Full American Breakfasts while in hotels
• Transfers to and from airports in Australia
• Visa Application
• Great Barrier Reef day tour
• Sydney Harbor lunch cruise
• Rainforest experience
Non Inclusion:
• Items of a personal nature
• Spending money
• All Departure & Government Taxes in the United States and Australia
• Passport Application
• Travel Insurance
Notes:
Educational World Travel reserves the right to alter or amend this itinerary at any time. See booking form for Tour and Cancellation conditions.
Travel/Medical Insurance is mandatory to participate on the Program. The medical insurance may not cover pre-existing medical conditions.
The terms and conditions of partaking in the The Down under Experience are set out in the Application to Travel/Travel Conditions form included in the Information and Application Brochure.
