Australia Explorer
7 Days
from
$2,044
to
$2,128
per person*
Highlights:
Australia
(Sydney, Cairns)
Trip Start/End:
Sydney
/
Cairns
It’s easy to feel the haunting spirits of Australia’s rich convict past as you stroll among the colonial buildings and cobblestone pathways of Sydney’s historic Rocks district.
But that’s not all Sydney has to offer. You’ll see a very different side of the city when you take on the breathtaking cliff-top walk from coastal Tamarama and Bronte, and experience relaxed surf culture on iconic Bondi Beach. Then it’s on to the rugged beauty of World Heritage-Listed Blue Mountains National Park where the panoramic Skyway cable car will transport you high above the soaring cliffs and rolling bush land valleys to capture once-in-a-lifetime views. Then you’ll make the journey north to tropical Cairns where you’ll tour spectacular Mossman Gorge and visit Cape Tribulation where the rainforest meets the sea. Of course, a trip to Cairns is not complete without a Great Barrier Reef experience, and you’ll see it up close and personal in the underwater observatory and semi-sub.
This trip proves that a tight travel budget and limited time frame does not need stop you from experiencing the grandeur of this vast continent. You’ll stay in premium four-star hotels along the way and expert local guides will help you get the best out of every minute of your trip. From the beaches of Sydney and the rugged southern mountains, to the tropical rainforests of the north and the vibrant underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef, you’ll see the many faces of Australia.
Enjoy a personalized vacation that best suits your needs, developed by one of our experienced destination experts. Relax during your trip with our 24/7 support and expert local guidance.
Overview
| Day | Activities | Hotel |
- Day 1
- Sydney
| - Transfer - Private - Airport - Vehicle/Driver
- Welcome Package - Documents
- Optional Activities
| The Grace (4*)
Deluxe (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 2
- Sydney
| - Shared - Morning Panoramic Sydney with Lunch Cruise - Mini-Coach
| The Grace (4*)
Deluxe (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 3
- Sydney
| - Shared - Full Day Blue Mountains & Wildlife with Lunch - Coach
- Lunch Included
| The Grace (4*)
Deluxe (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 4
- Sydney - Cairns
| - Transfer - Private - Airport - Vehicle/Driver
- Flight (Not Included)
- Transfer - Private - Airport - Vehicle/Driver
| The Hotel Cairns (4*)
Plantation Room (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 5
- Cairns
| - Shared - Full Day Cape Tribulation Tour - Coach
- Lunch Included
| The Hotel Cairns (4*)
Plantation Room (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 6
- Cairns
| - Shared - Reef Adventure (with Lunch) - Vehicle/Driver
- Lunch Included
| The Hotel Cairns (4*)
Plantation Room (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 7
- Cairns
| - Transfer - Private - Airport - Vehicle/Driver
| Depart
|
| B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, 1/2d = Half Day, Al = All Inclusive |
Trip Itinerary
Sydney
The Grace
Day 1: Sydney
A private transfer from the Sydney airport to the city/hotel, or vice versa, is provided.
In the package you will receive a welcome letter, detailed itinerary, vouchers for each service, supplier contact list as well as various brochures of the destinations you will be visiting. This will be provided about a month prior to your departure date.
From modern monuments to historic districts, the Australian capital Sydney boasts a variety of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy including trips to the Sydney Aquarium, Sydney Tower, and the Art Gallery of New South Wales. Try spending some time exploring the Harbour area with its many cafes and gift shops. Head out on a half day tour or picturesque harbour cruise. The SmartVisit allows visitors to visit the sight they want to see, on their own schedule. Ask your Travel Consultant for purchase details.
Accommodation: The Grace (4*) The Grace Hotel (4*) is an elegantly restored heritage listed Neo Gothic hotel built in 1930. The 382 contemporary guest rooms are spacious and comfortable, designed with the frequent traveler in mind. The Grace Cafe serves modern Australian cuisine and the Grace Brasserie offers a sumptuous buffet lunch available on weekdays. Drop in at P.J.O'Brien's Irish Pub and enjoy a pint of Guinness in the heart of Sydney. Take advantage of the Rooftop Health Club offering state-of-the-art Cybex fitness equipment, an indoor lap pool, sauna, steam room and sun terrace. For a rejuvenating experience, the Oriental Spa is also available, with the treatments assured to revitalize and invigorate.
Sydney Harbour Bridge
Day 2: Sydney
Begin this half-day panoramic city tour of beautiful Sydney today as you depart your hotel in a shared mini-coach on route to the renowned “Rocks” area, where your guide will explain the historic significance of this popular tourist harbour. Have you camera handy as you marvel at two of Australia’s most iconic landmarks, the Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House. Visit the city’s shopping center and the trendy new Oxford Street before traveling to the swanky Paddington area boasting some elegant terrace lined houses. After, travel to the superb coastal cliff area around Tamarama and Bronte for a brief walkabout before heading to the Bondi Beach area to explore the beachfront promenade. You’ll then return back to the Sydney harbour for a lunchtime cruise.
Accommodation: The Grace (4*) 
Wombat
Day 3: Sydney
Head out this morning west of Sydney into the rugged and beautiful landscapes of the World Heritage listed Blue Mountain National Park grounds by shared mini-coach. Travel along the scenic Bells Line Road making stops during this transit in Narrowneck and Cahill to really enjoy the fabulous views of the surrounding area. Marvel at the ever so steep valleys and canyons that encompass the Three Sisters monolith. Take a ride across the skies on the Scenic Skyway Cable Car system (at own expense). Enjoy listening to the ancient Aboriginal Dreamtime legends of creation before travelling to the quaint townships of Leura and Katoomba. Immerse yourself into the native bush as you visit an authentic Australian wildlife park for an opportunity to interact with a variety of habitual species including Koalas, Kangaroos, Wombats, Dingoes, and many more creatures.
Accommodation: The Grace (4*) 
Clown Fish
The Hotel Cairns
Day 4: Sydney - Cairns
A private transfer from the Sydney airport to the city/hotel, or vice versa, is provided.
Flight is required, currently not included in the quote.
A private transfer between Cairns airport and your hotel accommodation, or vice versa, is provided for today.
Accommodation: The Hotel Cairns (4*) The Hotel Cairns (4*) with its impeccably private and tropical ambiance is superbly situated in the heart of Cairns, one block from the famous Esplanade. Architecturally designed, the facade is one of the most beautiful examples of Queenslander heritage, and is a popular talking point among many of the hotel’s visitors and guests. Set back from the street and well shaded by tropical trees and plants the hotel boasts a tourist information service, an outdoor pool and spa, function rooms, on site car park and restaurant. The Hotel Cairns is also very reasonably priced and as such is always buzzing with activity.
Day 5: Cairns
Discover the unique wilderness area of the World Heritage listed rainforests of Cape Tribulation and Mossman Gorge. Starting early, this guided walk will give you the opportunity to experience Mossman Gorge firsthand during the quiet morning hours. An experienced naturalist guide will provide an interpretation of the ancient rainforest area during this exclusive, private rainforest walk leading you along all-weather boardwalks, in the treetop level of the rainforest - a paradise and photographer's dream! The Daintree Rainforest Aerial Walkway and Canopy Tower allows people of all ages easy access to every part of the rainforest. The tour guides you up amongst the Daintree rainforest canopy and allows you to observe the diversity of plants and wildlife living in this unique environment. After your exploration, a sumptuous buffet lunch awaits you at the luxurious Cape Restaurant and Bar at Cape Tribulation Resort and Spa or the Ferntree Resort. Swim in the resort’s pool or relax at the beach located the doorstep of the resort. Stroll along idyllic Cape Tribulation Beach to the lookout and observe where two of the world's natural wonders converge - the rainforest gives way to white sand and a fringing coral reef!
Accommodation: The Hotel Cairns (4*) 
Snorkelling
Day 6: Cairns
Escape on a journey under the sea during this breathtaking aquatic experience exploring the Outer Great Barrier Reef. This natural haven is home to various sea-life species which you have the pleasure of viewing and interacting with today. From the safe and comfortable stable reef platform, swimmers and non-swimmers are provided the perfect home base to start there exploration. Equip yourself with the provided snorkelling gear and dive right into this underwater adventure. For land-lovers whom prefer to stay somewhat dryer, take a ride on the semi-submersible sub or marvel at the sea-life from the underwater observatory. Your meals are taken care of as well including morning tea with some delicious cake selections, afternoon tea, a hot & cold lunch buffet, and some cheese and biscuit during the return journey.
Accommodation: The Hotel Cairns (4*) Day 7: Cairns
A private transfer between Cairns airport and your hotel accommodation, or vice versa, is provided for today.
Accommodation: Depart Depart from Cairns international airport - end of itinerary.
Accommodations
- The Grace
The Grace (4*) - Sydney
The Grace Hotel (4*) is an elegantly restored heritage listed Neo Gothic hotel built in 1930. The 382 contemporary guest rooms are spacious and comfortable, designed with the frequent traveler in mind. The Grace Cafe serves modern Australian cuisine and the Grace Brasserie offers a sumptuous buffet lunch available on weekdays. Drop in at P.J.O'Brien's Irish Pub and enjoy a pint of Guinness in the heart of Sydney. Take advantage of the Rooftop Health Club offering state-of-the-art Cybex fitness equipment, an indoor lap pool, sauna, steam room and sun terrace. For a rejuvenating experience, the Oriental Spa is also available, with the treatments assured to revitalize and invigorate.
- The Hotel Cairns
The Hotel Cairns (4*) - Cairns
The Hotel Cairns (4*) with its impeccably private and tropical ambiance is superbly situated in the heart of Cairns, one block from the famous Esplanade. Architecturally designed, the facade is one of the most beautiful examples of Queenslander heritage, and is a popular talking point among many of the hotel’s visitors and guests. Set back from the street and well shaded by tropical trees and plants the hotel boasts a tourist information service, an outdoor pool and spa, function rooms, on site car park and restaurant. The Hotel Cairns is also very reasonably priced and as such is always buzzing with activity.
Travel Info
Travel tips of Australia
VISA/PASSPORT
American and Canadian citizens are required to have a valid passport to enter Australia. Americans and Canadians must enter with an Australian visa or, if eligible, through Electronic Travel Authority (ETA). The ETA replaces a visa and allows a stay of up to three months. It may be obtained for a small service fee. Airlines and many travel agents in the United States are also able to apply for ETAs on behalf of travelers. Please note that American citizens who overstay their ETA or visa, even for short periods, may be subject to exclusion, detention, and removal.
Please note obtaining a visa is your responsibility. These requirements change often and therefore it is best that you check information about the ETA, other visas, and entry requirements with the Embassy of Australia
HEALTH
Health insurance is recommended. Medical facilities are good quality. We recommend that you see a health-care provider who specializes in Travel Medicine. The doctor or health-care provider will determine what vaccinations and medication you will need, depending on factors such as your health and immunization history, areas of the country you will be visiting, and planned activities. For more information on travel requirements, visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/australia.aspx
COUNTRY INFO
Capital: Canberra.
Government: Constitutional Monarchy. Gained independence from the UK in 1901.
Language: The official language is English. Many other languages are retained by minorities, including Italian, German, Greek, Vietnamese, Chinese dialects and Aboriginal languages.
Religion: 27% Roman Catholic, 21% Protestant and smaller minorities of all other major religions.
Time: Australia spans three time zones: GMT + 10 (GMT + 11 from October to March, except Queensland; starts a month earlier in Tasmania). GMT + 9.5 (GMT + 10.5 from October to March, except Northern Territory). GMT + 8 (GMT + 9 from October to March, three-year trial in Western Australia until 2009 followed by referendum). Some states operate daylight saving time during the Australian summer.
Electricity: 220/240 volts AC, 50Hz. Three-pin plugs are in use, however sockets are different from those found in most countries and an adaptor socket may be needed. Outlets for 110 volts for small appliances are found in most hotels.
Telephone: Country code: 61.
Mobile Telephone: Roaming agreements exist with most international mobile phone companies. Coverage is good in and around populated areas; access in some of the more isolated, outback and rural areas is limited. US handsets are not compatible.
Internet: Available throughout Australia. Internet cafes are prevalent in all capital cities and tourist towns, and individual hotels may also provide facilities. Wi-Fi access is increasing in cities and is mainly found in hotels, bars and cafes.
What's Included:
- Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services
What's not Included:
- International and Internal Flights - Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance
Trip Terms & Conditions
- Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $350). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure.
- Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of 30% of program price. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to loss of 100% of program price.
- Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
- Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
- Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
- Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.kensingtontours.com/terms-and-conditions
- Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.
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