As some of you know, Andy and I have decided to tag along on Pati and John's trip to Australia. My amazing travel agent (also my fantastic mother-in-law) recently sent me the itinerary and I really wanted to share it with everyone.
Day 1: ARRIVE SYDNEY & EXPLORE SYDNEY
Day 2: EXPLORE SYDNEY
Day 3: TRAVEL BY AIR TO CAIRNS
Day 4: SCUBA AND SNORKEL THE GREAT
BARRIER REEF
Snorkel, dive or do a day trip to the Great Barrier Reef – a World Heritage-listed spectacular of coral islands, sponges and seaweed. Learn to dive with one of the many professional schools stationed around Cairns. Or if you’re an experienced diver, take a day trip out to the deep drop offs, underwater tunnels and caves. Check out the myriad of technicolour coral and marine life on a glass-bottomed boat on a snorkeling trip to Green Island, Fitzroy Island and the outer reef.
Day 5: FREE DAY
Day 6: The
Daintree RAIN FOREST EXCURSION
Take an ecotour down the Daintree River in the World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest. The planet’s oldest surviving tropical rainforest is just a two hour drive north of Cairns and home to Australia’s most diverse range of plants and animals. See fresh-water crocodiles sunning themselves on the mangrove-lined river banks, as well as many rare tropical birds and animals. Feast on freshly caught barramundi in the picturesque Daintree village or continue north to Cape Tribulation. Here, where the forest plunges to the reef, you can bushwalk, spot nocturnal wildlife and swoon at Bloomfield Falls.
Day 7: SCUBA AND SNORKEL THE GREAT BARRIER REEF
Day 8: Train to
Kuranda MOUNTAIN VILLAGE
Climb up mountain ranges and through tropical rainforest, waterfalls and national park on the relaxing one-and-a-half hour journey from Cairns to Kuranda. This century-old railway showcases natural wonders like Barron Falls and Stoney Creek Falls, as well as the historic engineering feat of Barron River Falls Bridge. In the quaint rainforest village of Kuranda you can cruise down the river, past butterflies, gaudy parrots, platypus and fresh water crocodiles. Or boardwalk through World Heritage listed rainforest to Barron Falls lookout. Browse the street markets, buy Aboriginal artifacts and learn to play the didgeridoo. Head back to Cairns, where you can continue your Aboriginal experience with the world-famous dance theatre Tjapukai.
Day 9: TRAVEL TO SYDNEY
Day 10: BLUE MOUNTAINS
You’ll love the blue-hazed beauty of the Blue Mountains World Heritage Area – one million hectares of tall forests, sandstone cliffs, canyons, waterfalls and bushland. Take in the breathtaking panoramas on a bushwalk, mountain bike, climbing rocks, canyoning or abseiling. Marvel at natural attractions like Wentworth Falls and the Three Sisters - a trio of rocky pinnacles named after an Aboriginal legend. Explore the underground rivers and chambers of Jenolan Caves, then walk the historic Six Foot Track to Katoomba. In amongst the sandstone outcrops and eucalyptus forests you’ll find great dining, luxury retreats, the world’s steepest railway and a vibrant community of artists.
Day 11: TRAVEL HOME --
I'M SO EXCITED!! I CAN HARDLY WAIT!!
**BTW**
If you are interested, there is still time to come along! Let me know if you are interested!!
