Itinerary Details
Abercrombie & Kent: Tailor Made Australia: A Family Adventure
Day 1 Brisbane, Australia
Arrive in Brisbane — an energetic river town with an edgy arts scene, great restaurants, lush parks, and historic buildings — where you are met and privately transferred to your hotel.
Emporium Hotel South Bank
Meals:
Day 2 BrisbaneSet out on a full-day private exploration of the Australia Zoo, learning en route about the late Steve Irwin of Crocodile Hunter fame and his family and how their humble little park became one of Australia's most sought-out travel destinations. Upon arrival at the zoo, begin with all-ages, hands-on activities with the animals. Watch as park handlers feed babies of such species as cockatoo, snake and crocodile. Then, visit the state-of-the-art animal hospital, built by Irwin to honor his mother, whom he credited for his passion for wildlife. Learn about the thousands of animals treated there and perhaps look in on a surgery. Next, settle in the “Crocoseum” to view a variety of birds of prey and other Australian animals in action. Throughout the day, as you stroll the zoo, you may encounter freely roaming echidna and wallaby who venture close enough to touch and hand feed. Also see dingo, the endangered cassowary, and the Tasmanian Devil as well as giant land tortoises, some over 100 years old. After this rousing wildlife outing, return to your hotel for the evening.
Emporium Hotel South Bank
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3 Port DouglasFly to Cairns, where you are met and privately transferred along the coastal Pacific Highway to Port Douglas, catching glimpses of the spectacular Coral Sea along the way. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and relax.
Peppers Beach Club
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Port DouglasHead to the Port Douglas Marina to embark by boat to idyllic Low Isles on the Great Barrier Reef for a day of snorkelling. Arrive at this protected coral cay, an island graced with white sandy beaches and coconut palms that is surrounded by magnificent coral gardens and the Coral Sea. Snorkel the turquoise waters, viewing colorful corals and the myriad sea life that dwells among them, or simply relax on the beach as your vessel moors in a sheltered blue lagoon. After lunch on board, fit in a fun glass-bottom-boat trip or laze on deck before an exhilarating cruise back to Port Douglas.
Peppers Beach Club
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5 Port DouglasBegin another active day at the renowned Mossman Gorge Visitor Centre, set at the edge of the lush Daintree Rainforest. Meet with members of the local Kuku Yalanji people who welcome you into the forest with a traditional smoking ceremony. Then, ascend to the start of Mossman Gorge and view the incredible array of rare plants, birds and wildlife that now surrounds you. Walk with a guide along an aerial walkway and enjoy the option to cool down with an impromptu swim in the gorge. Afterward, drive to Janbal Gallery, to discover how to understand the stories told through the Aboriginal paintings on display, while creating your own souvenir of Australian art to take home. Following lunch, proceed to a secret location on the Mossman River for a one-of-a-kind River Drift excursion, searching for turtles, water dragons and the elusive platypus. Watch fish dart in and around the river stones and keep your eyes out for the occasional turtle. Conclude your day with a relaxing return to your hotel.
Peppers Beach Club
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6 SydneyFly to cosmopolitan Sydney, with its extraordinary icons both natural and man-made, where you are met and transferred to your hotel in the city’s historic Rocks area.
Four Seasons Hotel Sydney
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 SydneyDevote your day to discovering the wonders of Sydney, starting with the historic Rocks precinct, the birthplace of Sydney. Listen as your private guide recounts the history, stories and cultural character of this area, exploring convict-built cottages, pubs and the first church in Australia. Continue to the stunning Botanical Gardens and Macquarie Street, seeing Australia's first Parliament House, St Mary's Cathedral and panoramic views of Sydney Harbour. Proceed through hip and trendy Woolloomooloo, historic Kings Cross and on to Rushcutters Bay and several other coastal viewpoints. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant and afterward step behind the scenes at the iconic Sydney Opera House to discover insider secrets and stories about artists and performances on a privately guided experience. Then, proceed to the Circular Quay to embark on a jet boat adventure, blasting off from shore to view Sydney's famous sights from thrilling new perspective, while fishtailing, wave riding and executing incredible spins. It's the best fun to be had on Sydney Harbour.
Four Seasons Hotel Sydney
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 8 SydneyToday’s activities begin with an expertly guided climbing experience on the soaring Sydney Harbour Bridge. Feel the excitement while walking over the catwalk to climb the pylon and then span the arch on the way to the summit, more than 400 feet above Sydney Harbour. Marvel at the spectacular 360-degree views of one of the worlds' great harbour cities. Once you return to ground level, transfer to Bondi Beach. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, followed by a private surf lesson, geared for beginners. After gaining confidence in your surfing technique with hands-on help from an expert coach, paddle out into the Pacific to safely ride your first wave. When you complete your day of sun and surf, return to your hotel.
Four Seasons Hotel Sydney
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 9 SydneyAfter breakfast, privately transfer to the airport for your departing flight.
Meals: Breakfast