Eastern Australia: From Sydney to Cairns

It's time for an adventure down under! Pack your bags and head to your departure airport, ready for a flight to Sydney. Night on board.

Continue your journey to Sydney. Due to the time difference, you will lose a day on your outward journey, but will gain it back on your return. You are not in-flight for two days.

Land in Sydney, pass through customs, and transfer independently* to the hotel. Take the rest of the day to rest and get to know your new surroundings. Sydney is Australia’s largest city, known for the sunny disposition of its locals and its urban beaches like Bond and Manly. The stunning harbor provides a dramatic backdrop for the city's famous icons, like the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. Here, you can find a wide-ranging cultural life, a dynamic food scene and vibrant cityscape of outstanding contemporary architecture.*In the next step of the booking process, you will have the opportunity to add private transfers, early check-in, more meals, and included activities to an upgraded reservation. Please bear in mind that these options are subject to limited availability.

Wake up in Sydney. There’s no better way to discover the city than on foot, so begin the day with a walking tour of The Rocks district. Hear the city’s story as you stroll along the shoreline of sparkling Sydney Harbour with views of the Sydney Opera House, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, past Campbell’s Cove and Cadman’s Cottage. The Rocks is renowned for having the oldest streets in Sydney, which are dotted with beautifully restored nineteenth-century buildings. Wander down hidden alleyways, into shady courtyards, and along cobbled lanes. Discover the nooks and crannies and get up close and personal with the living history of Australia’s first British settlement.The afternoon is free to spend as you please in Sydney. Why not get a closer look at one of Sydney’s major landmarks with an optional tour of the Sydney Opera House?* Overnight in Sydney.*Optional Sydney Opera House tour: Discover insider secrets of the Opera House and step inside the iconic theaters that bring over 2000 performances to life each year. Explore the building and learn about how Jørn Utzon’s vision for the design of the Opera House came into existence against impossible odds.

Wake up in Sydney. Enjoy the day at your leisure, taking full advantage of your last 24 hours in the city. Sample Sydney’s famed coffeeshops, stroll along the beach, or visit museums, it’s up to you! If you aren’t sure what to do, we suggest an optional Panoramic city sights excursion* to get a full picture of what Sydney has to offer. If Australia’s nature piques your interest, you could also choose the optional excursion to the Blue Mountains National Park** outside the city. After your afternoon, head back to the hotel. Overnight in Sydney.*Optional Panoramic city sights excursion: See the essentials of Greater Sydney in this bus tour. Start in the CBD, then marvel at 18th-century sandstone architecture such as the Parliament House. Head to Mrs. Macquaries Point to enjoy magnificent views and continue through Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, home to the rich and famous. Pass through areas such as Kings Cross before arriving at Watsons Bay. Travel on to famous Bondi Beach and see Aussie surfers riding the waves. Continue to Tamarama and Bronte beaches before returning to the city via Paddington, a trendy district with elegant shops. End in Darling Harbour. **Optional Blue Mountains excursion: The Blue Mountains National Park is one of seven national parks that make up the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. This wonderland of sandstone outcrops, deep ravines and hazy blue eucalypt forests boasts stunning scenery. Go off the beaten track with an expert guide to visit remote viewpoints and discuss the history, flora, and fauna of this magnificent region.Important note: These optional activities take place simultaneously and cannot be combined.

Transfer to the airport for an internal flight to Brisbane. The third-largest city in Oceania and the capital of Queensland, Brisbane is well-known for its diversity, parks, and botanical gardens.Upon arrival, head straight for the hotel to check-in and spend the rest of the day at your leisure. Rest after the flight or head out on foot to begin exploring the city! Overnight stay in Brisbane.

Head out for a full day of activities in Brisbane, beginning with a self-transfer to the prearranged meeting point. You’ll begin with a tranquil cruise along the Brisbane River. Enjoy informative commentary from your captain as you glide along Brisbane’s waterfront, passing from the bustle of the city’s skyscrapers to leafy suburbs with waterside mansions. The cruise will drop you off at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, a Brisbane must-see for over 70 years. This is both the biggest and the oldest koala sanctuary in the world! You’ll have three hours to explore the expansive terrain, get up close and feed the animals—it's a special opportunity to observe kangaroos, wallabies, and even the shy platypus, all of which are native to Australia. Self-transfer back to central Brisbane and overnight stay in Brisbane.

Today is a free day to explore Brisbane as you see fit. The possibilities are endless–check out the city’s Chinatown, head to the Queensland Museum, or visit the Kangaroo Point Cliffs just across the river from the CBD! One way to get out of the city for the day is our optional excursion to Moreton Island.* No matter what you choose, make sure you get some rest and prepare to travel tomorrow! Overnight stay in Brisbane.*Optional excursion to Moreton Island: Located just off the mainland in the Moreton Bay, this island is mostly occupied by a National Park and offers numerous outdoor activities to enjoy! Convene at the prearranged meeting point and head straight for the island in the morning. Enjoy sand-tobogganing, snorkeling, swimming, kayaking, and more along with a picnic lunch.

Wake up in Brisbane, prepared for an internal flight to Cairns. Located in the far north of Queensland, Cairns is a tropical city and a center for tourism in the region’s spectacular nature. The city offers easy access to the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef, both UNESCO World Heritage sites.After landing, self-transfer to the hotel and take the rest of the day to discover this exciting city independently. Swim at the Esplanade lagoon, sample local produce at a farmer's market, shop for a summer wardrobe, or cruise around the marina. It’s up to you! Overnight in Cairns.

Arrive back in Canada and end your trip.