Day 1 Fly USA to Sydney

Please note international air from the USA has not been included in the package price.

Day 2 You cross the International Date Line

The International Date Line is an imaginary line on the earth’s surface that approximately coincides with the 180th meridian (LONGITUDE), and separates the calendar date. Traveling east across the line takes the traveler back one day; traveling west takes the traveler forward one day.

Day 3 Welcome to Sydney, Australia

On arrival into Sydney you will need to clear customs and make your way to your next flight north to Brisbane. Upon arrival you will be transferred to your accommodation.

Brisbane, the 'City of Sun Days', is a clean, fresh and vibrant city. As Australia's only sub-tropical capital city, Brisbane offers all the excitement of a Big City but with a relaxing pace. With the warm waters and golden sands of the Gold Coast only one hour south of Brisbane, and the Sunshine Coast only 90 minutes north, Brisbane is a perfect place to begin to explore other regions.

Day 4 At leisure, Brisbane

Today is at your leisure in Brisbane, there are many activities and attractions available at the doorstep of your Hotel.  South Bank Parklands offers a vibrant atmosphere with parklands, restaurants and cafes.  The Cultural Centre, Queensland Art Gallery, Museum and State Library are also close by.

Day 5 Drive Brisbane to Lockyer Valley

Pick up your rental vehicle from the Brisbane city depot for your drive southwest to Lockyer Valley. Peppers Hidden Vale is within an easy 60 minute drive from Brisbane on the Cunningham Highway.

Situated on a 10,000 acre working cattle station in Queensland's Lockyer Valley, Peppers Hidden Vale is surrounded by picturesque mountains, valleys and lakes. The property was first settled in the early 1800s - the original Homestead built in the 1920's is testimony to Australia's colonial past but has recently been revived with the indulgent touch of Peppers. While maintaining the heritage and elegance of a bygone era, Peppers Hidden Vale gives you the opportunity to gain an insight into the workings of a modern cattle property, but with all the comforts that you would expect of a Peppers Retreat.

Day 6 At leisure, Lockyer Valley

Peppers Hidden Vale Lockyer Valley is a destination within itself. During your stay, experience the workings of a working cattle station - but it's your choice as to how dirty you want to get! And with 10,000 acres on your doorstep, there's no wonder that there's so much to do without even leaving the front gate. Onsite leisure facilities include a swimming pool, tennis court, croquet lawn, mountain bikes, gym room and massage.

Day 7 Fly Brisbane to Cairns

Enjoy the drive back to Brisbane and return your rental car to the Brisbane airport depot before boarding your flight to Cairns.  Upon arrival make your way to your connecting flight to either Dunk Island (Standard & Superior) or Lizard Island (Deluxe).

Dunk Island (Superior)

Dunk Island is Australia's most beautiful tropical rainforest island. This island of peace and plenty offers an amazing variety of activities, facilities and experiences. It was known to the first inhabitants as 'Coonanglebah' - the Island of Peace and Plenty. Today, Dunk Island continues to be Australia's most beautiful rainforest island.

Lizard Island (Deluxe)

Lizard Island is one of a kind - a work of nature's art. Located right on the Great Barrier Reef. It is a private paradise with 24 powdery white beaches. During his epic voyage of 1770, Captain James Cook climbed the peak on Lizard Island to chart a course out to sea through the maze of reefs which confronted him. Today Lizard Island offers an escape of a different kind - a unique holiday on the Great Barrier Reef's northern most island resort.

Here you can snorkel off a secluded beach to discover a garden of giant clams, many a meter long and some reputed to be over 120 years old. And there are 23 more soft, powdery white beaches just waiting to be explored. Lizard Island is renowned for its diving. There are also many magnificent walks, and on at least one you can expect to glimpse a Monitor, the lizard after which the island was named.

Days 8-12 At leisure

Dunk Island (Superior)

Enjoy a superb range of resort facilities including a choice of dining and bar facilities, swimming pools, tennis and squash courts, a fully-equipped gym and a beauty salon offering massage services. There is a wide range of complimentary daily activities perfect for families to enjoy together. These include bushwalking along the scenic rainforest, garden or beach trails, golf on the 18-hole course (additional charge), catamaran sailing, windsurfing and archery. Snorkeling trips to the Great Barrier Reef, game fishing charters, para sailing and jetskiing as well as exhilarating horse rides through the rainforest and along the beach can also be arranged at an additional charge.

Lizard Island (Deluxe)

Those in search of a true escape travel from all corners of the globe to encounter this rare and remarkable reef experience. Pursue your diving and game fishing interests amongst myriad coral cays, reefs and islets, or simply relax and revitalize on the beautiful white beaches. Complimentary activities include catamarans, glass bottom boat trips, motorized dinghies, snorkeling equipment and lessons, tennis, self-guided island walks and nature trails as well as a gymnasium.

Day 12 Fly Dunk or Lizard Island to Cairns

Depart your island paradise and fly back to Cairns.  Upon arrival you will transfer to your accommodation in the Daintree Rainforest.

The Daintree Rainforest north of Cairns in Tropical Far North Queensland is one of the most diverse and beautiful examples of Mother Nature in the world. It is home to the largest range of plants and animals on earth, and all are found within the largest chunk of rainforest in Australia - an area spanning approximately 1200 square kilometers.

This World Heritage Listed area contains the highest number of plant and animal species that are rare, or threatened with extinction, anywhere in the world. The Daintree Rainforest is a unique area, precariously balanced between the advances of development and the warnings of environmentalists.

Day 13 Daintree Rainforest full day tour

Departing from your hotel, travel toward the southern reaches of Cape Tribulation National Park.  A stop is made to walk on Maardja Boardwalk in a spectacular and fascinating rainforest mangrove area.  We visit the Daintree Environmental Centre for the opportunity to understand more about this unique part of the world.  Climb the 25 meter canopy tower and experience life from the tree-tops.

Following morning tea, the trail leads inland to Thorntons Peak.  Immerse yourself in the natural environment, swimming in pristine streams and feasting on gourmet sandwiches deep in the rainforest.  Travel to Cooper Creek for a 1-hour discovery cruise.  Watch for abundant bird-life, pythons and the estuarine crocodiles that inhabit this coastal mangrove system (sightings not guaranteed).

En route back to your resort, pleasure your tastebuds with exotic homemade ice cream at the Daintree Ice Cream Factory (own expense).  Tour duration is 8 hours.

Day 14 Fly Cairns to Sydney

Transfer back to Cairns for your flight south to Sydney.  Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to the Blue Mountains.

Located less than two hour's drive from Sydney, the Blue Mountains offer a natural wonderland of untamed bush, spectacular rock formations and native wildlife. Vast views reach to the horizon, waterfalls plummet to the valleys below and there are numerous lookouts and other places where you can sit alone with nature. All this and more on Sydney's doorstep.

Whether it's a luxurious hotel or resort, a charming guesthouse or a cottage, you'll find it here, and there is a great range of restaurants, cafes and country pubs to match. Highlights include picturesque towns and villages with shops, boutiques, art and antique galleries, and cafes. There are activities for all ages and fitness levels from high adventure abseiling, mountain biking or horse riding, to a gentle stroll through the pristine scenery.

Day 15 At Leisure, Blue Mountains

At your leisure to explore the beautiful Blue Mountains. Take a tour to the Jenolan Caves or maybe take a walk on the many walking trails through the natural environment that is called the "Mini Grand Canyon".

Day 16 Blue Mountains to Sydney

Depart the Blue Mountains and enjoy the scenic drive back to Sydney. You will be dropped off at your hotel upon arrival.

Sydney - Australia's premier city is the oldest settlement in Australia, the economic powerhouse of the nation and the country's capital in everything but name. Built on the shores of the stunning Port Jackson, you would have to die and go to heaven before you see a more spectacular setting for a city. It's a vital, self-regarding metropolis, exuding both a devil-may-care urbanity and a slavish obsession with global fads.  The Sydney area was the ancestral home of the Daruk tribe, whose territory extended from Botany Bay to Pittwater.

There are some 2000 Aboriginal rock engraving sites in the Sydney area, and many of Sydney's suburbs have Aboriginal names. The city of Sydney began life as a penal colony in 1788 and for the next 60 years received the unwanted, persecuted and criminal elements of British society. Despite its brutal beginnings, the city's mixture of pragmatic egalitarianism and plain indifference has transformed it into a thriving multicultural society. Sydney now attracts the majority of Australia's immigrants and the city's predominantly Anglo-Irish heritage has been revitalized by large influxes of Italian, Lebanese, Turkish, Greek, Chinese and Vietnamese.

Day 17 At leisure, Sydney

At your leisure to explore Sydney. Most of the major attractions of the city are within easy walking distance of your accommodation - Sydney Opera House, Darling Harbour, Centrepoint Tower, Circular Quay, The Rocks etc.

Day 18 Fly Sydney to USA

You will be met and transferred to the airport for your departure flight.