This 9-day itinerary provides an overview of key destinations and experiences in Australia, including Sydney, the Great Barrier Reef, and Melbourne. Travelers will spend New Year's Eve in Sydney, visit the Great Barrier Reef to snorkel and see coral and fish, and drive along the Great Ocean Road with opportunities to see scenic beaches and landmarks. The trip also includes time in Melbourne and Cairns with guided activities and sightseeing in each location.

4. Day 3: The Great Ocean Road Day 3 (Dec 30): Today we’ll drive the Great Ocean Road, known as one of the world’s most scenic roads. You’ll have the chance to see the famous “12 Apostles”, Bell’s beach (a world famous surf beach) and the lively surfing town of Torquay. If the weather’s good, we’ll take some time to relax at one of the gorgeous beaches along the way and have a bbq lunch. We’ll also stop for various short hikes and other scenic stops.

6. Day 5: Bondi Beach Day 5 (Jan 1): After a leisurely breakfast and morning we’ll drive to Sydney’s renown Bondi Beach for an afternoon of relaxing, swimming and (for those who wish to give it a go) surfing. Those who wish to can do the Bondi to Cogee walk, a stunning coastal walk that provides great views of Sydney and its surrounding coastline.

8. Day 7: The sights of Sydney Day 7 (Jan 3): Today you’ll have a full day to explore the many amazing sights of Sydney – the Harbour Bridge, the Opera House, Darling Harbour, The Rocks District, the downtown….and all the other wonderful and world famous sights that Sydney has to offer. We’ll provide maps of self-guided walking tours for those who are interested, or you can opt to go on a city tour (not included in trip price). Tonight we’ll get together for our final meal in Sydney.

9. Day 8: Explore Cairns Day 8 (Jan 4): After breakfast and a final look at Sydney, we’ll fly to Cairns, home of the Great Barrier Reef. After settling into our stylish, centrally located apartments you’ll be free to explore the city. Cairns offers a multitude of outdoor activities that you can choose to participate in, including bungy jumping, sky diving, rafting and mountain biking (not included). Tonight we’ll eat together at a restaurant in Cairns.

10. Day 9: Great Barrier Reef Day 9 (Jan 5): We’ll spend a full day exploring the Great Barrier Reef by boat. The world’s largest collection of coral reefs and a World Heritage Site, the Great Barrier Reef is a place of remarkable natural beauty – home to more than 400 types of coral and 1500 species of fish. We’ll spend a full day exploring the reef on a glass bottom boat, snorkeling, swimming and enjoying a delicious lunch. Please note: Those wishing to scuba dive should be aware that they will need to stay in Cairns an extra night because they will not be able to fly on day 10

11. Day 10: Departure Day Day 10 (Jan 5): Today the official itinerary ends. You can either take a flight back to Sydney for your trip back to the US, explore more of Australia, or spend a few days in New Zealand on your way home

12. Trip Details Dates: Dec 28 – Jan 6 Price: US$2800* What’s included: flights from Melbourne to Sydney and Sydney to Cairns, all accommodation ((4* star (or equivalent), centrally-located, serviced apartments)), all ground transportation, all indicated activities and excursions, two knowledgeable local guides, two lunches What’s not included: flights to/from Australia, meals not listed above, optional New Year’s Eve dinner, optional activities * Please Note: The operator reserves the right to add a surcharge in the event that exchange rate fluctuations result in cost increases.

13. Flights Arrival: Fly into: Melbourne Arrive in Australia: Dec 28 th Leave the US: Dec 26th Departure: Fly out of: Cairns Leave Australia: Jan 6 th Arrive in the US: Jan 6 th We strongly recommend that you book your flights ASAP. Airfares are rising daily!