Day 1
Arrive in Brisbane early this morning and pick up your station wagon. You’re ready for adventure in the state of Queensland! First, embark on a cruise to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary and get a photo of yourself and the kids holding a koala! Located just outside Brisbane, the sanctuary is one of the only places in the world where you can actually cuddle a koala and feed a kangaroo. This afternoon, head to downtown Brisbane and settle into your accommodations.
3-star hotel in Brisbane
Day 2
Today, head over to Australia Zoo, which is the most famous zoo in Australia and founded by the Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin. You are guaranteed a day of fun, discovery, and hands-on experiences that you will never forget.
3-star hotel in Brisbane
Day 3
Make the short drive into the hinterlands today to Lamington National Park. Regularly referred to as “Queensland’s National Park,” it has world heritage status in recognition of its high biodiversity, from temperate beech forest to subtropical rainforest to dry eucalyptus forest. You can also spot over 160 species of birds, as well as reptiles, frogs, mammals, and invertebrates at Lamington. Your home for the next 2 nights is a canopy suite with plenty of private balcony space to enjoy stunning views over the McPherson Ranges.
O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat
Day 4 – 5
Spend these days at leisure in Lamington National Park and enjoy all this rainforest retreat has to offer. View glowworms on moist rainforest banks, splash around in a cool mountain pool in the summer, watch a peregrine falcon dive, try a family-friendly hike, zipline through the rainforest canopy, or try your hand at dozens of other activities. There’s plenty to do for the whole family here! If you like, the lodge will pack you a picnic lunch to eat at the foot of one of many waterfalls nearby.
O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat
Day 6
Drive back to Brisbane and then fly to Cairns, gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Travel by private transfer about 25 minutes north of Cairns to one of the most spectacular beaches, Palm Cove. This laid-back seaside village has spas, restaurants, and relaxing sand and surf. You’ll have a 2-bedroom apartment in a hotel right on the beach with a lagoon-style swimming pool.
Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple Resort & Spa
Day 7
Today, a small group charter will take you to the outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef, where special reefs known as ribbons run parallel to the Continental Shelf. These ribbon reefs are recognized as the most pristine ecosystems in the reef’s environment. Clear water provides the best possible underwater visibility, encourages rich coral growth, and supports spectacular marine life. Enjoy 5 hours of unlimited snorkeling with lunch included.
Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple Resort & Spa
Day 8
Today is reserved for absolute leisure on the beach in Palm Cove. Optional additional activities include: horseback riding, ATV tours, whitewater rafting, bungy jumping, day tours to the ancient Daintree Rainforest, spa treatments for the parents, or exploring Palm Cove on foot.
Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple Resort & Spa
Day 9
Fly far south today to Sydney, where people from around the world come to play. Cosmopolitan and well landscaped, iconic Sydney is a feast for the eyes with plenty to offer everyone, from animal lovers to adrenaline junkies. Your boutique hotel is supremely located in easy walking distance of Sydney’s major attractions.
The Grace Hotel Sydney
Day 10
Today, join a small group and cycle around Sydney’s major sites on a bike tour. This easy ride features breathtaking views over the harbor! Pedal past Circular Quay, Walsh Bay piers, Darling Harbour, Hyde Park, and the Royal Botanic Gardens. The evening is yours to explore Sydney at your leisure.
The Grace Hotel Sydney
Day 11
During the day, explore Sydney on your own. Perhaps visit one of the many fabulous beaches in the city, or if you’re feeling adventurous, view Sydney from above on the Harbour BridgeClimb (age 10 and up). This evening is something special. Spend the night at Taronga Zoo, a fun ferry ride away from downtown. Camp in safari tents, enjoy a sumptuous feast, and get close-up animal encounters as you tour the zoo with a very small group. Spend the night in the zoo campsite with views of Sydney Harbour one side and lions, snow leopards, and meerkats on the other!
Safari tent at Taronga Zoo
Day 12
This morning, you will rise to the warbles, rumbles, squeaks, growls, and roars of the animals greeting the day. Your wildlife adventure continues with a continental breakfast before you are treated to 2 exclusive, behind-the-scenes experiences. You are also welcome to spend today exploring the zoo during the daylight hours. Spend the rest of the day catching the rest of the sights and making sure you’ve gotten all your souvenirs! Tomorrow, it will be time to say goodbye to Sydney.
The Grace Hotel Sydney
Day 13
Your flight today will take you back home, your whole family wide-eyed and bursting with knowledge and new experiences to share with friends.
