Aussie Holidays
Great Barrier Reef / Sydney New Year
December 24, 2007 - January 5, 2008

DOWN UNDER

Australia has always been defined by its remoteness from almost everywhere else in the world. For centuries explorers heard legends of a “Great South Land,” but they could never seem to find the mysterious island continent. Although Chinese and Arab sea captains may have landed here prior to 1,000 A.D., Australia remained virtually unexplored until the 17th Century.
     When the earliest European voyagers finally did land here (quite by accident), it was on the forbidding, rocky Western coast. It looked like such an inhospitable place that Britain thought it suitable only as a dumping ground for society’s undesirables and convicts. The British didn’t realize what they had found, and in retrospect it seems the convicts got a pretty good deal.
     Of course, Australia is not such a mystery nowadays. It has become known for its world-class cities, diverse landscape, unique wildlife, varied heritage, and its lilting accent. It has also become a breeding ground for a new generation of movie stars, including Nicole Kidman, Cate Blanchett, Naomi Watts, Russell Crowe, Hugh Jackman, and Heath Ledger. That distinction by itself should be enough incentive for lovers of natural beauty to run to Australia.
     Although an island, Australia is also a continent, and as such encompasses a huge land mass. No single vacation could ever include everything the place has to offer, so we have decided on just those spots we think would make for the perfect Holiday trip.
     We fly together from Los Angeles on Qantas Airways, changing planes briefly in Sydney before commencing the tour in Cairns, home to the Great Barrier Reef. Here we enjoy four full days of fun in the sun, sand and surf, as well as excursions into the nearby rivers and rainforests.
     The tour climaxes with six nights in Sydney, where we ring in the New Year with fireworks exploding above the celebrated silhouette of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Also, take excursions on different days to Hunter Valley Wine Country, and to the beautiful Blue Mountains to witness some of nature’s handiwork that makes Australia so unique.
     A vacation is supposed to be tranquil, so this Holiday excursion will help you start the New Year on a relaxed note. The tour incorporates just two locations, though both are hard to beat, so you will only need to change hotels once during the entire tour. This way, your vacation is about seeing the sites and taking as much time as you want to just kick back. Don’t start your New Year in frenetic fashion, but in laid back Aussie style on this Holiday vacation Down Under.

ITINERARY

Monday, December 24, 2007
Departure from the U.S.

Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Phantom Day

Crossing the International Date Line, you lose an entire day in the air, which you’ll recover again on the return trip home.     (Inflight Meals)

Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Arrival in Australia / Fly to Cairns

Our plane is scheduled to arrive in Sydney at 8:00am today. We change planes and fly onward to Cairns in the northeastern corner of the country. Upon arrival, we gather luggage, proceeds through customs, and transfer to our centrally-located hotel. The remainder of the morning and early afternoon are free to rest up from any lingering effects of jet lag, or you may want to do some exploring on your own near our hotel. This evening, Toto Tours hosts a Welcome Dinner at our hotel.     (Dinner included)

Thursday, December 27, 2007
The Great Barrier Reef

After breakfast, depart our hotel for a full-day excursion to the Great Barrier Reef. We will have the chance to observe abundant marine wildlife during the day. We make stops at various key spots for diving or snorkeling, and enjoy a sumptuous lunch aboard. Returning to the hotel in the afternoon, the remainder of the day is free.     (Breakfast / Lunch)

Friday, December 28, 2007
Free Day for Optional Tours

Today is completely free to do as you please, whether it is lounging on the beach, shopping, or going snorkeling or diving at the Great Barrier Reef. There are several optional tours available, including whitewater rafting or a full-day motorcoach safari to Daintree National Forest, a beautiful rainforest preserve filled with a magnificent array of bird and animal wildlife.     (Breakfast)

Saturday, December 29, 2007
Kuranda Railway

After breakfast, depart the hotel for a journey aboard the vintage Kuranda Scenic Railway, a 22-mile, 2-hour train trip through lush rainforests, deep gorges, and rugged mountains. After making a photo stop at spectacular Barron Falls, we descend on the Sky Rail for a ride at treetop level over the landscape. This evening, enjoy the “Flames of the Forest” dinner in a tropical rainforest location, with unique Australian cuisine and a show featuring Aboriginal culture.     (All Meals)

Sunday, December 30, 2007
Flight to Sydney

After breakfast, we check out of our hotel and transfer to the local airport for our Qantas flight to Sydney, universally considered to be the Crown Jewel of Australia. On our way from the airport to the hotel we enjoy a motorcoach orientation tour of the city’s highlights. Settle in for a six-night stay at our conveniently located hotel in Sydney’s city center. The group might want to head out later in the evening to sample some of the city’s gay nightlife.     (Breakfast)

Monday, December 31, 2007
New Year’s Eve

Send off the old year with a full day tour of Sydney and the Southern Beaches. See the Sydney Opera House, the historic Rocks area and the Harbour Bridge. Travel past historic and trendy Paddington and the Royal Australian Naval Base at Garden Island. Visit Bondi Beach and see stunning views of the harbour entrance from The Gap. Pass through the exclusive suburbs of Double Bay and Vaucluse as well as Sydney’s Hot Spot—Kings Cross.
     Our group gathers together in the evening for a celebratory dinner. Afterwards, we can make our way to the Harbor to watch the evening’s fireworks or party the night away at the gay clubs on Oxford Street.     (Breakfast / Dinner)

Tuesday, January 1, 2008
New Year’s Day

Considering last night’s festive celebration and late hours, today is entirely free from any planned activities. Those with the energy to get out and do things will not lack for choices. It might be a perfect day to hit the beach! Your tour host will help you organize optional activities, such as a fantastic climbing adventure across the Harbor Bridge.     (Breakfast)

Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Hunter Valley Wine Country Tour

The Hunter Valley is located amidst rolling hills 95 miles north of Sydney. It is one of the oldest wine regions in Australia dating back to the 1830s with over 80 wineries. This memorable day begins with a hotel pick-up, from whence we escape the city through the National Park to stop for morning tea of Aussie lamingtons. In the wine country we enjoy a gourmet lunch and visit special unique wineries, where we have a chance to do some wine tasting and chat with winemakers. We return to our Sydney hotel and the remainder of the day is free.     (Breakfast / Lunch)

Thursday, January 3, 2008
Featherdale Park and the Blue Mountains

Enjoy a full-day adventure in nature today as we journey to the beautiful Blue Mountains, a dramatic landscape of waterfalls and granite escarpments just an hour’s drive from Sydney. Our first stop is Featherdale Wildlife Park, a unique wildlife habitat on the edge of Sydney. Pat a cuddly koala and see other amazing Australian animals, including kangaroos and crocodiles. Enjoy fantastic photo opportunities and the chance to feed and interact with the animals!
     After touring the park we continue on toward the Blue Mountains for a day of dramatic vistas, great photo opportunities, and fresh mountain air. Relax with a gentle bushwalk at Govetts Leap, with breathtaking views from the lookouts. See the historic township of Katoomba. Take in the gorgeous scenery of Jamison and Megalong Valleys.
     Take a ride on the world’s steepest railway, the Skyway Cable Car, or the brand new Sceniscender (additional charge). See the Three Sisters rock formation. Discover the delightful village of Leura and explore an antique shop. Returning to the hotel, the evening is free.     (Breakfast)

Friday, January 4, 2008
Free Day / Farewell Dinner

Today is entirely free for sightseeing, souvenir shopping or relaxation. This would be a good time to do the Harbour Bridge Climb or trek out to Bondi Beach, a popular place for members of the Sydney gay community to swim and meet. This evening Toto Tours hosts a festive Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant.     (Breakfast / Dinner)

Saturday, January 5, 2008
Departure

Enjoy a free morning today before we meet to check out and transfer to the airport for our flight on Qantas Airways back to Los Angeles. Qantas flight QF11 departs Sydney at 3:20pm and arrives in Los Angeles at 9:45am on the same day, about five and a half hours before we left! This is when we get back the day we lost crossing the date line on our way to Australia.
     We recommend that you allow plenty of time to clear customs before booking ongoing flights to your home city (preferably after 1:00pm today). Let us know if you wish to extend your stay in Sydney. We will be happy to make all arrangements for your hotel and return flight.     (Breakfast)