Australian Outback and Beyond including New Zealand

Included Features

• Free parking with roundtrip transfers to the Philadelphia International Airport
• Airfare between Philadelphia International Airport and Sydney, Australia, with return from Christchurch, New Zealand
• In-country flights throughout Australia and New Zealand
• Roundtrip transfers – airport/hotel
• 17 night hotel accommodations
• Meals: 17 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 9 Dinners
• Services of a Professional AAA Member Choice Vacations Tour Manager and Driver
• All local taxes, hotel service charges & porterage
• Services of a Discoveries Journey Manager

Highlights

• Sydney, Australia
• Sydney Opera House
• Cairns, Australia
• Great Barrier Reef (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
• Alice Springs, Australia
• Uluru (Ayers Rock)
• Melbourne, Australia
• Queenstown, New Zealand
• Milford Sound
• Mt. Cook National Park
• Christchurch, New Zealand
• Willowbank Wildlife Reserve

Itinerary

Wednesday, October 23, 2024 – Depart for Sydney, Australia

Transfer by motorcoach from Central PA to the Philadelphia International Airport for an overnight flight to Sydney, Australia.

Thursday, October 24, 2024 – Cross the International Date Line

While inflight you will cross the International Date Line and skip a day ahead!

Friday, October 25, 2024 – Welcome to Sydney, Australia!

Your tour opens in Sydney, perhaps one of the friendliest metropolis’ in the world. Tonight, join your fellow travelers and toast to the start of your adventure down under during dinner in lively Darling Harbour. Hotel: Sofitel Sydney Wentworth, Sydney (Dinner)

Saturday, October 26, 2024 – Sydney

See where English colonists first settled during a city tour of Sydney, starting with an Aboriginal-guided walking tour of The Rocks district, after which you visit Kings Cross, the Harbour Bridge, Chinatown, the Rocks, Circular Quay, the Botanic Gardens, and the fashionable suburb of Darlinghurst. Take an expert-led tour of the Sydney Opera House, poised majestically on Sydney Harbour. Then, have the chance to join a special presentation at the National Opal Collection. (Breakfast)

Sunday, October 27, 2024 – Sydney

Deepen your exploration of Sydney’s many wonders with a day at leisure. Tonight, enjoy scenic vistas of Sydney during a delightful dinner cruise of Sydney Harbour. Marvel at the magnificent skyline and iconic attractions: the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Monday, October 28, 2024 – Sydney - Cairns

Fly to Cairns, the tropical gateway to one of the world’s most spectacular natural attractions – the Great Barrier Reef (UNESCO). Established as a marine park in 1975, the reef is a haven for thousands of species of sea life, as well as turtles and birds. Hotel: Bailey Hotel by Crystalbrook, Cairns (Breakfast)

Tuesday, October 29, 2024 – Great Barrier Reef 

Board a glass-bottom catamaran and sail to the Low Isles to discover the aquatic realm of the Great Barrier Reef. Spend the day however you please, perhaps choosing from a selection of included activities. Maybe you’ll soak up the sun on a tiny remote island,* located along the outer reef. Or, consider snorkeling in the rolling waves, uncovering a pod of vibrant sea life. You can also meet with a marine biologist or join an expert on a heritage trail walk along the island. (Breakfast, Lunch)

*There will be minimal amenities on the island, so be sure to bring everything you may need for the day including water and a change of clothes.

Wednesday, October 30, 2024 – Cairns

Soak up the tropical atmosphere – the morning is yours to relax and explore. Perhaps you will take an optional tour on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, taking you above the rainforest canopy for a bird’s-eye view of unspoiled nature. This afternoon, visit Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures to see crocodiles on a nature cruise. Head through rainforests on boardwalks to see animals such as wild birds, reptiles, and wallabies. Visit with a koala and chat with a wildlife naturalist to learn more about these furry creatures. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Thursday, October 31, 2024 – Cairns – Alice Springs

Experience the vast landscapes and tranquility of the Outback. Your flight takes you to Alice Springs, the perfect place to begin exploring this unique land. Tonight, continue your cultural immersion with a memorable bush dinner set against the backdrop of this unique desert environment. Hotel: Crown Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters, Alice Springs (Breakfast, Dinner)

Friday, November 1,  2024 – Alice Springs

Access the history and culture of the Arrernte Aboriginal people by enjoying a guided walk on their sacred land, followed by a talk with an Aboriginal guide. Gain insight into their cultural history and discover what makes this place so special. This afternoon, discover a more modern side to Outback living when you visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service, a lifeline to thousands across the vast terrain of Central Australia. Later, tour the Old Telegraph Station and Anzac Hill with its excellent views of Alice Springs and the surrounding area. (Breakfast)

Saturday, November 2, 2024 – Alice Springs - Uluru

Traverse the “Red Centre” and head to Uluru (the Aboriginal name for Ayers Rock) in the heart of the Australian Outback. This huge monolith and the sandstone domes known as Kata Tjuta were created through upheaval and erosion. Tour the base of "the Rock," learning about its geology and significance to Aboriginal culture. Witness the changing colors of Uluru at sunset accompanied by a champagne toast. Hotel: Desert Gardens, Ayers Rock (Breakfast)

Sunday, November 3, 2024 – Uluru - Melbourne

Fly to the beautiful Victorian city of Melbourne. Set upon the shores of Port Phillip Bay and the Yarra River, the city exudes a lively and cosmopolitan atmosphere. Hotel: Crown Promenade, Melbourne (Breakfast, Dinner)

Monday, November 4, 2024 – Melbourne

Set out on a city tour and see Fitzroy Gardens and Melbourne’s bustling “laneways.” Then, it’s your choice! Enjoy free time to explore on your own OR visit the Melbourne Botanical Gardens and Shrine of Remembrance. With an afternoon to yourself, perhaps you will join an optional excursion to Phillip Island, home to the world’s largest colony of Little Penguins, where you’ll see hundreds of these birds waddle out of the sea and cross the beach to their dune burrows. (Breakfast)

Tuesday, November 5, 2024 – Melbourne – Queenstown, New Zealand

Leave Australia behind and fly to Queenstown, New Zealand. One of New Zealand’s most popular towns, Queenstown is nestled against a picturesque bay and snowcapped mountains. Home to ski resorts, hiking trails and an abundance of natural beauty, the city is known as the “Adventure Capital of the World.” Settle into your new home for the next 3 nights. Hotel: Novotel Queenstown Lakeside, Queenstown (Breakfast, Dinner)

Wednesday, November 6, 2024 –Queenstown – Milford Sound - Queenstown

Soak in the rugged grandeur of the Hollyford Valley as you travel through an ancient beech forest via the Homer Tunnel. Cruise the Milford Sound and see why this fjord is one of the most visited sights on the South Island. Following the cruise, consider returning to Queenstown via a short optional flight (weather permitting) for spectacular views of New Zealand’s Southern Alps. (Breakfast, Lunch)

Thursday, November 7, 2024 – Queenstown

Your day is free to experience Queenstown your way. Shop or people-watch in the village, find a unique eatery for lunch, sample some New Zealand wine – the day is yours to enjoy this stunning city. (Breakfast)

Friday, November 8, 2024 – Queenstown – Mt. Cook National Park

Set off for the 19th-century settlement of Arrowtown, founded in the gold fever. Follow the Kawarau River and cross Lindis Pass before arriving in New Zealand’s most famous national park, Mt. Cook. Savor some free time in this Alpine paradise. You may choose to take a nature walk or simply meditate on the beauty of the Southern Alps. Hotel: The Hermitage, Mount Cook National Park (Breakfast, Dinner)

Saturday, November 9, 2024 – Mt. Cook National Park - Christchurch

Depart for Christchurch this morning and pay a visit to Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. A leader in the conservation of New Zealand species, Willowbank offers the chance to view New Zealand’s “Big 5” up close and personal. After, enjoy a Maori cultural performance. Dinner tonight will be at the hotel. Hotel: Distinction Christchurch Hotel, Christchurch (Breakfast, Dinner)

Sunday, November 10, 2024 – Christchurch

Devastated by an earthquake in early 2011, see firsthand how the “Garden City” is recreating itself during a sightseeing tour that highlights the city’s magnificent gardens and elegant park district. As the day draws to a close, toast to your adventure down under at a farewell dinner with your fellow travelers. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Monday, November 11, 2024 – Depart for USA

Today your tour comes to a close, leaving you with many unforgettable memories of your South Pacific journey. Transfer to the airport for your flight and transportation back to Central PA. (Breakfast)

*Please see your Travel Advisor to book your choice of optional excursions*

Tour Activity Level: 3
This tour includes moderate physical activity. The itinerary blends some longer days with shorter days and more leisure time. Walking tours, as well as walking slightly longer distances, up stairs, or on uneven walking surfaces, should be expected.

General Information

Travel Documents

Original, signed passport valid for 6 months beyond stay, and with at least one blank visa page for visa stamp(s). All guests are required to obtain both an Australian ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) for travel to Australia and a New Zealand ETA for travel to New Zealand. The visas are not included in the price of the trip and will be an additional cost. Please see your AAA Travel Advisor for additional information and pricing.

Payment

Deposit of $698 per person will confirm your reservation. Final Payment is due to AAA by August 9, 2024.

Cancellation/Penalties

Deposit date to day of departure $25 per person, plus...

From April 26 - August 23, 2024 - $698 per person, plus additional suppliers fees
From August 24 - October 7, 2024 - 40% per person, plus additional suppliers fees
From October 8 - October 22, 2024- 75% per person, plus additional suppliers fees
After October 22, 2024- 100% NON-REFUNDABLE
*Airfare is non-refundable after final payment.

Flight

Air arrangements are handled by the tour operator. Seat assignments cannot be confirmed until the tour operator releases names to the airlines(s) 30 days prior to departure. Specific seat requests cannot be guaranteed. Some flights may contain code share agreements.

Insurance

For your protection AAA recommends travel insurance. Pre-existing medical conditions may be waived with proper coverage if travel insurance is purchased within 14 days of initial deposit only. Other conditions may apply; ask your travel agent. AAA recommends Allianz.

Clothing/Climate

Temperatures for Australia and New Zealand in October vary depending on your location and average between the 40s and 80s with cooler mornings and evenings. Pack for a variety of temperatures. Casual clothes that can be layered work best and comfortable walking shoes.

Baggage

One suitcase per person will be allowed. You may also bring a carry-on bag small enough to fit under your seat. Baggage fees are not included in the price of the trip. Baggage fees and other charges may be directly assessed by airlines or airport.

Travel Assistance

For personal comfort, group participants who need assistance are required to have a traveling companion who is capable of and totally responsible for providing the needed assistance.

GRP8924

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