Day 3 - December 28: Sydney, Australia 

 

On arrival at the Sydney Airport, you will be met by our guide and transferred to our hotel. To give everyone a chance to arrive, no activities are planned today, however our guide is available to advise on available activities. We will meet for an optional dinner at 7:00pm.

 
Day 4 - December 29: Full Day Sydney City Tour 

 

Discover Sydney on a full one-day tour with the works! Highlights include the World Heritage listed Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, The Rocks, Customs House and the Royal Botanic Gardens. Learn Sydney's secrets and unravel its history as you're guided through the heart of the city's popular sightseeing district.

 

 

Go behind the scenes at the World Heritage listed Sydney Opera House. See what goes on behind the world's most recognizable sails. Hear the controversial story of the building's construction, as dramatic as any opera plot, brought alive by the new interactive audio-visual presentation.

 

See panoramic views of Sydney from the top of the Sydney Tower, the tallest structure in the city. The breathtaking views take in Sydney Harbour and the vibrant city centre, stretching all the way to the Blue Mountains and Botany Bay. A bonus for every visitor taking the ride to the top of the Tower is the journey aboard OzTrek, the largest simulated ride in the Southern Hemisphere. Soar above Sydney's icons, gliding effortlessly over the Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House and Bondi Beach. Then feel the exhilaration of white water rafting down a tropical Queensland river as you take an exciting magic carpet ride across Australia.

 

Tonight we are treated to a three-hundred and sixty degree panoramic view of Sydney whilst enjoying quality local and international cuisine. Enjoy our Welcome dinner at Sydney Tower Restaurant, the highest revolving restaurant in the southern hemisphere.

 

Day 5 - December 30: Spend the day at Sydney's Bondi Beach   

 

This morning we head out to Bondi Beach passing through historical Rocks and Circular Quay. Bondi Beach is Australia's most famous beach, simply because it has great surf, good food and great atmosphere. Whether you're drawn to the fashionable northern end, the surf-crazy south or the Pavilion, the main area of the beach, where the cafes, theatre and art gallery are you will have a fun-filled day.

 

See the crowds, the waves, the water, the sand, the sun bathers, the teenagers showing off, the tourists with long socks and shoes straight off the tour coach next to the skimpily clad sun bathers. It is all part of the Bondi Beach Scene. There will be time to enjoy one of the two scenic walks from Bondi Beach towards the south. These walks offer great views of the sea, visit popular beaches such as Tamarama and Bronte, and you will also get to see a number of historic spots. There are plenty of places along the way where to stop and admire the views.
 
Day 6 - December 31: New Years Eve Cruise - Sydney Harbour 

 

Take the Climb of Your Life with BridgeClimb Sydney! The Bridge Climb is an optional 3 ½ hour guided journey to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It will takes us along the outer arch of the Bridge on catwalks and ladders all the way to the summit, 440 feet above Sydney Harbour. When we reach the top you will have a sense of achievement that you will remember forever - you've conquered an Australian icon recognized the world over!

 

If you decide not to climb the day is yours to explore Sydney. Don't forget time to relax before our big evening!

New Years Eve 2010/2011 

 

Sydney Harbour Ballroom is ready and waiting to host our fabulous New Years Eve Party and Welcome in 2011 with a bang. With prime viewing of the spectacular fireworks display, you won't forget this New Years Eve celebration. Includes sumptuous appetizers, a selection of beverages, a fabulous DJ to keep us grooving throughout the night and of course an electric party atmosphere.

 

We will board an cruise ship with outside decks for prime viewing of the spectacular fireworks display. As a participant in the exclusive Harbour of Light Parade, Sydney Harbour Ballroom will be well positioned for prime viewing of the spectacular fireworks display.

Day 7 - January 1: Sydney to Cairns 

 

Sleep late or catch your last glimpse of Sydney before we are transferred to the airport for our flight to Cairns. Where we will be met and taken to our hotel to check in

 

Each night when the sun sets, Cairns Night Markets come alive. Featuring over seventy retail outlets and home to a myriad of food options, Cairns Night Market is the perfect place for us to grab dinner and hunt for a bargain.
Rydges Plaza Cairns for 3 Nights

Day 8 - January 2: Cairns Rainforest 

   

Explore the wonders of an ancient tropical rainforest by Skyrail Cableway, Scenic Railway, Boardwalks and Army Duck and learn about one of the most botanically fascinating and diverse areas on earth. Gliding just feet above the rainforest canopy in comfortable gondola cabins you’ll see, hear, smell and become part of the environment. Relax and enjoy the stunning rainforest scenery, panoramic views and the glittering waters of the Coral Sea. Stop at Skyrail’s two rainforest mid-stations, explore this amazing environment from the forest floor on boardwalks, scenic look-outs and in the state-of-the-art Rainforest Interpretation Centre.  

 

Experience the rainforest aboard an amphibious World War II Army Duck. Our Captain will point out ferns, orchids, strangler figs and stinging trees, as well as birds and a host of other animals and reptiles. As we splash into the lake keep an eye out for water dragons or pythons sunbathing or slithering up trees.

 

Wander at leisure along covered boardwalks that provide excellent viewing of native Australian animals, including crocodiles, wombats, dingoes, snakes, lizards, and the cassowary. Hand feed kangaroos and wallabies, or have your photo taken cuddling a cute koala (optional extra).

 

Watch a traditional Aboriginal dance performance depicting animals, food gathering, and hunting. The rainforest serves as the theatre walls whilst sounds of wildlife accompany the haunting sounds of the didgeridoo and clapsticks. A tour along an all weather walk-way gives fascinating insight into aboriginal culture. Try your hand at boomerang throwing, observe spear-throwing and be amazed at the distance the Pamagirri Guides can throw.

 

Travel the Scenic Railway through some of the oldest rainforest in the world, past the spectacular Stoney Creek Falls, enjoy incredible views of Cairns and out to Green Island before arriving at the main station.

 

Day 9 - January 3: Full day Green Island Cruise with Lunch 

 

Green Island is a beautiful coral cay on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef with unique rain forests, surrounded by white sandy beaches & magnificent coral reefs and abundant marine life. Snorkel, dive and swim in the warm island waters, view the spectacular reef from the coral viewing tours, explore Green Island National Park or just relax on the sandy beach.  

 

Discover the fascinating underwater world among the coral reefs surrounding Green Island where you will see an endless variety of colourful fish, turtles, giant clams, starfish, shells, anemones, eels, sponges, sea urchins and many more incredible marine creatures. Or stroll the boardwalks that lead you through the lush island rainforest of the National Park to the sophistication of the Green Island Resort where you can browse the shops or make use of the facilities including resort pool, fresh water showers, restrooms and lockers.
 
Day 10 - January 4: Cairns to Melbourne 

 

After breakfast we head to the airport for our flight to Melbourne, Australia's second largest city.

 

Upon landing, be immediately immersed in the delights of Australia's cultural capital. See all the very best Melbourne has to offer! Our guide will educate us about Melbourne's proud history and will show us some of the many places that make Melbourne the envy of large cities around the world.

 

Discover the charm on city as we visit Fitzroy Gardens, Queen Victoria Market, Albert Park, and the Shrine of Remembrance. See some of the city's best architecture including St. Paul's Cathedral and the Princess and Regent theatres. As we cross the Bolte Bridge enjoy the great city views.

 

Melbourne is a beautiful city at night with lots of activities, such as casinos, discos, restaurants and bars.

Day 11 - January 5: Melbourne - Philip Island

Enjoy a morning of leisure. Sleep late, eat breakfast and visit some of the many sights of Sydney.. Stroll the Royal Botanical Gardens or visit Southbank, a world of waterfront shopping.

At dusk every evening the world's smallest penguins waddle ashore after spending the day fishing out at sea. Be truly enchanted as the penguins emerge from the surf and pass right before our eyes.

Let's stop at the Suzuki Night Market before we call it a day. With over 150 vendors, 2 stages showcasing the best world music and live entertainment, 30 stalls preparing fresh food on-site and 3 bars, there will be something for everyone.

Day 12 - January 6: Savannah Walkabout Australian Animals Eco Tour from Melbourne
 
See Kangaroos and Koalas in the wild! This naturalist guided tour gives the group quality time to see wildlife and enjoy the wide open spaces of Australia. Walk amongst huge mobs of kangaroos, spot koalas and abundant bird life. The special Koala Research Project ensures that you see these delightful creatures in the wild.

Venture into 'real Australia' to see wild Kangaroos, Koalas and abundant bird life. Learn about native animals and plants both in the famous open-range grasslands and around the billabongs of Serendip Sanctuary on the Western Plains and in the bush lands of a nearby National Park.

Within easy reach from the Melbourne, these environments provide the perfect introduction to Australia's unique wildlife and indigenous culture. The area we will walk through is of great significance to the local Aboriginal People of the Wathaurong Tribe. Freshwater lakes and billabongs nearby provided a rich food source for them, and some signs of their occupation still remain.

Tonight we share our farewell dinner together at the The Meat and Wine Company.

Day 13 - January 7: Depart Australia

Today we must say goodbye to Australia and all our new single friends. After breakfast transfer to the airport and our flights home.

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Down Under Australia - New Years Singles Vacation