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Australian Retreat

15 nights from $3145

Highlights

Destinations
Brisbane, Lockyer Valley, Great Barrier Reef Islands, Daintree Rainforest, Blue Mountains, Sydney

Your Itinerary Includes

Internal coach class air in Australia
Round trip airport transfers
2 nights Brisbane
3 day car rental
2 nights Lockyer Valley
4 nights Great Barrier Reef Island
3 nights Daintree Rainforest
Daintree Rainforest full day tour
Transfer Sydney to Blue Mountains
2 nights Blue Mountains
Private transfer Blue Mountains to Sydney
2 nights Sydney
9 breakfasts 1 lunch (Superior option includes 2 additional breakfasts. Deluxe option includes 4 additional breakfasts, 4 additional lunches and 4 dinners)

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Day-By-Day Itinerary

This itinerary can be fully customized; to tailor this package to your specific requirements please call one of our travel specialists at 1-800-22-SWAIN.

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 Dateline
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. Spicers 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, Spicers 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. While maintaining the heritage and elegance of a bygone era, this property gives you the opportunity to gain an insight into the workings of a modern cattle property, but with all the comforts of a retreat.

Day 6 At leisure, Lockyer Valley
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 (Superior) or Lizard Island (Deluxe).

Stretching for 1,616 miles, more than 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands comprise the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland, Australia. It is the world’s largest coral reef system. The World Heritage Site-listed area supports a diversity of wildlife including whales, dolphins, sea turtles and more than 1,500 species of fish. The reef is an extremely popular destination for tourists, sustainably managing approximately two million visitors each year.

Days 8-12 At leisure, Great Barrier Reef Island
One of Australia’s most popular attractions, this aquatic playground is teeming with colorful fish, rare birds and alluring islands. The crow jewel of the Great Barrier Reef is the chain of 74 islands making up the Whitsunday Islands. Uninhabited and stunningly beautiful, the Whitsunday’s are a paradise for kayaking, snorkeling, diving, fishing, hiking and sailing. After a day of playing Robinson Crusoe, retreat to your resort where paradise and pampering blend seamlessly.

Day 12 Fly Great Barrier Reef Islands 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 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.

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.

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Hotels

For more information about the hotels visited in this itinerary please click the hotel name below.

City	Standard	Superior	Deluxe	Luxury

Brisbane	Ibis Brisbane	Royal on the Park	Sofitel Brisbane Central	-

Lockyer Valley	Spicers Hidden Valley	Spicers Hidden Valley	Spicers Hidden Valley	-

Great Barrier Reef Islands	Dunk Island (Garden Room)	Dunk Island (Beachfront Room)	Lizard Island	-

Daintree Rainforest	Ferntree Rainforest Lodge	Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa	Silky Oaks Lodge	-

Blue Mountains	Leisure Inn Spires	The Carrington	Lilianfels Resort & Spa	-

Sydney	Travelodge Sydney	Holiday Inn Darling Harbour	Sheraton on the Park	-

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Pricing

Please note all prices listed below are subject to current rate of exchange adjustments. Please call for exact price quote for your travel dates.

To determine pricing for your tour select the appropriate travel season and desired accommodation level from the table below.

	Standard	Superior	Deluxe	Luxury
Reference #	SWSP6913	SWSP10441	SWSP10443	-

4/1/10-9/30/10	$3145	$4110	$7130	-

10/1/10-3/31/11	$3145	$4145	$7165	-

Upgrade to a Harbor View Room at Four Points Darling Harbor in Sydney

4/1/10-9/30/10	-	$85	-	-

10/1/10-3/31/11	-	$100	-	-

Upgrade to an Opera View Premier Room at Four Seasons Hotel in Sydney

4/1/10-9/30/10	-	-	$60	-

10/1/10-3/31/11	-	-	$265	-

Single Supplement
4/1/10-9/30/10	$1975	$3030	$4740	-

10/1/10-3/31/11	$1975	$3065	$4775	-


International Airfare Pricing
Routing: LAX-BNE//SYD-LAX

4/1/10-4/30/10				$890

5/1/10-6/8/10; 7/24/10-9/21/10				$590

6/9/10-7/23/10; 11/1/10-12/6/10				$990

9/22/10-10/31/10				$1290

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Terms & Conditions

*Prices are per person, twin/double share in USD. Travel may be restricted to certain days of the week and be available from one or multiple US departure points. Add on fares are available from most US cities and surcharges may be applicable for travel on particular days of the week. Seats are limited and may not be available on every flight. Hotels and tours remain subject to availability. US and Foreign Govt. taxes and fees vary depending on the itinerary selected and may range from $90 to $395 per person. Passenger Facility Charges of up to $18 per person and the September 11th Security Fee of up to $10 per person, are not included. After ticketing changes may not be permissible in some circumstances, or a change fee may be applied. Cancellation penalties and other booking or alteration restrictions may exist. Please note that some air segments may be served by an associated carrier. Full payment for special deals may be required within a number of days of the reservation being made as nominated by your consultant at the time of booking (or 60 days prior to departure). Please note blackout dates may apply to Christmas, New Year and local special event periods. Prices indicated remain subject to change without notice. Group inquiries are welcome however specials remain subject to hotel and airline capacity control and therefore may not be applicable for group travel. The best deal available for group travel will always be given in lieu of the offer indicated. Unless otherwise indicated all travel must be completed by March 31, 2011 if not before. CST #2012413-20 See our Complete Terms and Conditions.

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