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Days 1 & 2 – Depart from Home (Overnight Flight)

Today board your overnight flight to the land down under! Sit back and relax, you are embarking on a trip of a lifetime! We’ll give up a calendar day as we cross the International Date Line during our flight. Your R&J Tour Director is there to assist you throughout your flight.

 

Day 3 – Sydney

This morning arrive in Sydney where we will be welcomed by that great Australian hospitality! Soak up Sydney’s gorgeous harbor and great natural beauty. There is no better way to get up close and personal with the living history and heritage of Sydney than on foot with your friendly and enthusiastic guides. Let them take you off the beaten track to discover some the of the Rocks best kept secrets! This afternoon we will have lunch aboard Sydney’s flagship MV Sydney 2000. Take in the stunning views of the Opera House and Harbor Bridge as we enjoy a comprehensive commentary and a delicious seafood buffet lunch. Accommodations will be stunningly situated overlooking Sydney Harbor in the historic Rocks district perfectly located within walking distance to several of our events the next couple of days. Lose yourself in the cobblestone cul-de-sacs of The Rocks. Tonight dinner is served at the O Bar and Dining, as we take in the beautiful views of Sydney.

Hotel: Four Seasons Hotel Sydney (3 Nights) 

Included Meals: Lunch, Dinner 

 

Day 4 – Sydney Sightseeing & South Beaches

After breakfast we will visit some of the beautiful Southern beaches of Sydney including Bondi Beach. First we’ll visit the Rocks – Sydney’s birthplace where we’ll see fascinating relics and buildings of the city’s turbulent past. We pass the picturesque Botanical Gardens, the Conservatorium of Music, Art Gallery and Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, stopping for spectacular views of the Sydney Opera House. Then it’s back to the city’s commercial centre, Darling Harbour and Chinatown. This afternoon we’ll have a tour that will bring the the famous Sydney Opera house to life! More than 60 years ago, Jorn Utzon designed what is now considered one of the greatest buildings of all time. But for Utzon, the Sydney Opera House story was no fairy tale. The Sydney Opera House Tour brings to life the saga behind the making of the world’s most famous house. Dinner this evening will be at the lovely ARIA with magnificent harbor views. This evening we will attend a performance at the Sydney Opera House, a must experience while in Sydney!

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner 

 

Day 5 – Sydney (Free Day)

Today is at leisure, allowing you to chose how you would like to spend your time. Your hotel is a perfectly located steps from botanical gardens, Circular Quay, the Sydney Opera House, Hyde Park, The Rocks, Darling Harbor, and the Chinese Gardens.

Included Meals: Breakfast 

 

Day 6 – Sydney to Daintree Rainforest

Today we fly to the lush tropical wilderness of the Northern Queensland. Arrive in Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Then we take a scenic drive up the breathtaking coast to a unique hideaway on the edge of the Daintree Rainforest, the oldest living rainforest in the world. Protected by the World Heritage status, this ancient forest has been set aside for the enjoyment and education of all generations. R&J Tours wants you to be one of the few who will ever truly experience this ultimate rainforest and beach resort, the perfect base to explore the wonders of this World Heritage region, as we check you into your private Treehouse for a two night stay! This evening enjoy dinner at the resort.

Hotel: Thala Beach Nature Reserve – Bungalow (2 Nights) 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner 

 

Day 7 – Great Barrier Reef

This morning we’re off on a soft adventure. We’ll board The Quicksilver, a fast catamaran heading for the Great Barrier Reef stretching 1,200 miles along the Australian coast. Visit Agincourt Reef which is located at the very outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef. Here, special reefs known as ribbons run parallel to the Continental Shelf. Adjacent to the Coral Sea trench, these ribbon reefs are recognized as the most pristine eco-systems in the reef’s environment. Clear water provides the best possible underwater visibility, encourages rich coral growth and supports spectacular marine life. Some may want a closer look by snorkeling! Enjoy a tropical smorgasbord lunch aboard the catamaran. Arrive back at the resort for leisure. You may explore nature trails, bird watching, or star gazing.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

 

Day 8 – Daintree Rainforest to Cairns

Today we experience the Daintree Rainforest with a Dreamtime Gorge Walk. We will immerse ourselves in the Kuku Yalanji culture. We are welcomed with a traditional ‘smoking’ ceremony before our walk meanders through stunning rainforest. Our Indigenious guide provides an enchanting narrative of the rainforest and their special relationship with this unique tropical environment. A stop at ‘the Beach’ gives you the opportunity for a refreshing swim in a water hole where your guide demonstrates traditions like making bush soaps and ochre painting. We will enjoy traditional bush tea and damper. Later embark on a great adventure as we glide over pristine rainforest in gondolas. The Skyrail allows us to explore the wonders of an ancient tropical rainforest and learn about one of the most botanically fascinating and diverse areas on earth. This journey immerses us in an intimate rainforest experience where we’ll see, hear, smell and become part of the tropical rainforest environment. This afternoon we board the famous Kuranda Scenic Train as it meanders through the ancient rainforest and onto the famous “Village in the rainforest.” This enchanting journey will take you on one of the most scenic train rides in the world! View spectacular lush rainforests as you rail around mountainous terrain with rushing waterfalls and rich cane fields. We’ll settle into our lovely hotel, superbly located on the Cairns Esplanade between the Coral Sea and World Heritage Rainforest. This afternoon is at leisure and we are within walking distance to Cairns city center, shops, dining, and the wharf.

Hotel: DoubleTree Cairns 

Included Meals: Breakfast 

 

Day 9 – Cairns to Alice Springs

Enjoy a change of pace this morning as we fly into Australia’s Outback. Arrive in Alice Springs, located in the Red Centre of Australia. Along with a tour of Alice Springs, we make a stop at The Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) Visitor Centre. You will learn about the incredible history that has shaped the RFDS of today and view some amazing footage and listen to some incredible stories. The Alice Springs School of Air allows you to discover the unique teaching methods used by the school from its founding through to the present day. Then we check into our hotel that boasts glorious views of the MacDonnell Ranges. Later, we’ll travel out into the outback for an Original Outback Bush BBQ and Show under the stars! A truly unique and authentic experience! From the moment you step off the coach, you’ll be captivated by the setting sun exploding in a ray of color adrift in the great expanse of the Northern Territory sky. Become immersed in the spirit and grandeur that is the Australian Outback. Harking back to earlier times, the evening is spent huddled round a cozy campfire in the style of an old time cattle camp. Sink into a mouth-watering meal of prime Australian beef, the best the land has to offer. Hear epic stories of their life and survival in this harsh land. Underneath a chandelier of stars an authentic bush balladeer sings timeless Australian songs. A fantastic evening of boomerang demonstrations, bush damper cooking, star gazing, Aboriginal cultural talk, Cattleman’s talk and more!

Hotel: DoubleTree Alice Springs 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner 

 

Day 10 – Alice Springs to Ayers Rock

We awaken in the fresh air of the Outback with a delicious breakfast awaiting us. Then we are off on an exciting adventure as we climb atop camels for a memorable ride into the rugged Outback! After bidding our new camel friends goodbye, we travel to famous Ayers Rock, considered a holy place among the Australian Aborigines. This evening we enjoy a unique dining experience like non other as we board a specially designed double decker coach! The open air eatery on the upper deck offers uninterrupted views of the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Marvel at the beautiful changing colors of Uluru at sunset with 360 degree panaramic views and sip on sparkling wine. We travel to the base of Uluru for the main course as we learn about the pioneering history of the region. Dessert will be served as we make our way to the Mutitjulu Waterhole with Uluru silhoutted against the starry desert sky. An iconic sunset postcard view!

Hotel: Desert Gardens Hotel 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner 

 

Day 11 – Ayers Rock to Melbourne

Awake early and travel to a viewing area to see the Red Centre come alight by the first rays of the morning sun. We’ll watch the sunrise as it strikes Ayers Rock, turning it bright orange! After breakfast we will tour the base of Ayers Rock. Nothing can give a sense of its size except standing beneath the towering 348 meter wall of rock. Our informative guide will take us on a walk to the Mutitjulu waterhole and view Aboriginal rock paintings and learn of their history. The contrast today will be great as we fly south from the arid desert of the outback to the Victorian capital of Melbourne.

Hotel: Crown Metropol Melbourne (2 Nights) 

Included Meals: Breakfast 

 

Day 12 – Melbourne (Full Day Phillip Island)

Today we journey into the Blue Dandenong Mountain Ranges to Warrook Farm for a special farm experience with a homestead lunch and afternoon tea! Breathe in farm fresh air and meet the wildlife & farm animals at historical Warrook. We will have a chance to milk a cow in the dairy, crack a stockwhip, and bottle feed baby calves. Step inside a century old shearing shed, watch sheep shearing, learn about wool grading and feel the lanoline in the wool. We will learn how to make damper and billy tea. Get close to Australian wildlife and feed kangaroos in a natural setting and get up close to a koala. See emus, alpacas, birdlife and other animals in this 130 year old farm setting. Enjoy a traditional Australian roast dinner with all the trimmings. This afternoon we visit Phillip Island, home of the largest colony of fairy penguins in existence. This natural reserve provides a home for shy koalas, seals, mutton birds, native pelicans and gulls, all of which will be seen in their natural habitat. Visit the Koala Conservation Centre and see these magnificent marsupials in their natural environment. To complete this fantastic afternoon, inspect the Visitor Information Centre and learn about the remarkable animals on Phillip Island. Then on to observe the nightly ritual of the world famous Penguin Parade as the Little Penguins march up the sand to their nesting places!

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

 

Day 13 – Depart Melbourne to Christchurch

Today we fly to Christchurch, New Zealand! We arrive this evening and check into our hotel for a restful night.

Hotel: Commodore Hotel 

Included Meals: Breakfast 

 

Day 14 – Christchurch to Franz Josef

Experience beauty that is unsurpassed as we board the Tranz Alpine Express for one of the most spectacular rail journeys in the world. Wind through the rugged Southern Alps with deep river gorges and across the Canterbury Plains. At Arther Pass, a deluxe motorcoach will be waiting to motor us through spectacular scenery to Franz Josef. This charming alpine village, nestled in among the Franz Josef Glacier, is a perfect place to take an evening stroll. Tonight enjoy a delicious dinner at the hotel.

Hotel: Franz Josef Hotel 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner 

 

Day 15 – Franz Josef to Queenstown

Motor through magnificent scenery at Haast Pass, the main divide of the Southern Alps and along the west coast with outstanding views of rugged rock cliffs falling into the Tasman Sea. See sweeping views of New Zealand’s lush rainforest as we wind along the edges of the sea. We’ll arrive this afternoon in Queenstown, New Zealand’s premier resort town. Our lodging is perfectly nestled in this wonderful resort village for three nights. Enjoy picturesque views of Lake Wakatipu nestled in the The Remarkable Mountain Range. This evening we will take a breathtaking sunset gondola ride up Bob’s Peak where we will be served dinner! This ride reveals spectacular views of Queenstown, and the Remarkables.

Hotel: Crowne Plaza (3 Nights) 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner 

 

Day 16 – Queenstown

This morning is free for those that would like to attend an Easter service! Giving you a free day in this alpine resort is a must. There is something for everyone and we want you to be free to decide! This afternoon we highly recommend an optional boat excursion on the Shotover River. Ride through the narrow gorges as you shoot the rapids on the world’s most exciting boat ride.

Included Meals: Breakfast 

 

Day 17 – Milford Sound day trip

Today will be a grand day you will long remember as we embark on a spectacular journey to Milford Sound. We make our way through rugged countryside to Te Anau, the gateway to Fjordland National Park. We wind through Homer Tunnel and on to amazing Milford Sound which boasts some of the most spectacular scenery in the world! This unique area is honored by belonging to the World Heritage Parks and today you’ll know why! Cruise on the quiet waters of the fjord along sheer rock cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and the occasional sight of a basking seal. See many contrasts with magnificent rushing waterfalls, rugged mountains, lush rainforests, and sparkling rivers. R&J has arranged for you to take a private scenic flight over the Southern Alps and Milford Sound and back to Queenstown. This short scenic flight is said to be among the most spectacular flights in the southern hemisphere! Truly an unforgettable day!!

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

 

Day 18 – Queenstown to Fairlie

Explore magnificent Mount Cook National Park in the heart of New Zealand’s breathtaking Southern Alps. Lunch will be at the Hermitage Lodge with magnificent Mount Cook as a backdrop! See Church of Good Shepherd at Lake Tekap before we meet our New Zealand host families for a home cooked meal and an overnight stay. You may ask your new friends about local politics, school, shopping, and things that you are curious about. R&J Tours has chosen a one-of-a-kind accommodations as we will be staying at individual, authentic farms in Fairlie, New Zealand – each farm host will share their farm, knowledge, and love of the area with us!!

Hotel: Fairlie Farm Stay 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

 

Day 19 – Fairlie to Christchurch

Enjoy a country breakfast with your new farm friends before rejoining the group. Today we travel to Christchurch, known as the “Garden City.” Sightsee this charming city with its English look and gracious atmosphere. See Christchurch’s old stone buildings, the charming Avon River, and acres of green parklands. This afternoon we will experience punting on the Avon River with open flat boats while enjoying the sights as our handsome guide gently floats us down the river. This evening our dinner is at Curators House, situated in the picturesque Botanic Gardens!

Hotel: Commodore Hotel Christchurch 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner 

 

Day 20 – Christchurch to Rotorua

This morning we catch a flight for Rotorua, known for it’s Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve, bubbling mud pools, spouting geysers, and the great Pohutu Geyser. Our afternoon sights will include the Agrodome, Te Puia Thermal Reserve, Rainbow Springs and Kiwi Encounter. Tonight travel to the Te Tawa Ngahiri Pa, a Maori village and sacred meeting place set in the heart of mature native forest. We are special guests at a Hangi Polynesian feast & entertainment.

Hotel: Millennium Hotel Rotorua 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner 

 

Day 21 – Rotorua to Auckland

Today we tour through the beautiful countryside to the rugged hills south of Otorohanga, where we will visit the famous glow worms caves, the Waitomo Caves. We’ll board flat-bottomed boats and quietly glide along this underground river through the caves until we come to glowing caves alive with thousands of tiny glow worms hanging from the cave’s ceilings. Lunch is at Roselands Restaurant where we are graciously served a delicious BBQ Farm lunch. Arrive in Auckland, an attractive city set between two harbors of the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean. This evening, experience a wonderful farewell dinner at Soul Restaurant.

Hotel: Stamford Plaza Hotel Auckland 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

 

Day 22 – Depart Auckland to Home

Today we board our flight back to the United States and on to home. What a remarkable Australia & New Zealand journey we have shared together!

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

 

Australia & New Zealand Cancellation Policy: Cancel 90 or more prior to departure, receive full refund; 89-60 days prior, deposit non-refundable; 59-30 days prior, deposit plus airline ticket(s) plus any charges passed on by suppliers non-refundable; 29 days prior or less, 100% non-refundable. 

*VISA – As a courtesy to our Australia & New Zealand guests, R&J will facilitate the visa process. We will mail the application for an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) Visa to you prior to departure. The Visa process will be at NO extra cost to you!*

Flyaway Per Person Pricing Information

Double: $12,499
Single: $14,659

Flyaway Travel Protection Per Person

Double: $960
Single: $1,112

Travel Bucks

$75 Travel Bucks per person earned with this tour

Deposit Due

$200 deposit per person due at time of reservation. Full payment due 60 days prior to depart.

Passport Needed

Yes

Tour Pace

Moderate to Extensive Walking

Price Includes

Roundtrip airfare from MSP (including all taxes & surcharges appox. $500 p/p) as well as all internal flights, 37 meals, all activities as stated in brochure, Expert Local Guides, Hotels, Visa Process & Charges



Flyaway Departure Date:
03/17/2018
Flyaway Return Date:
04/07/2018

Make a Reservation Online

Tour Map


Tour Highlights

Sydney for 3 nights including a Seafood Lunch Cruise on the world famous Sydney Harbour! Plus a tour and performance at the Sydney Opera House!
Melbourne for 2 nights including Phillip Island for the world famous Penguin Parade and to Warrook Farm for a homestead lunch & tea!
Experience the Outback with Ayers Rock & Alice Springs complete with an Outback Bush BBQ & Entertainment Under the Stars!
Visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service & School of Air in Alice Springs
Camel Ride in the rugged Outback!
Journey to Kuranda, the famous “Village in the Rainforest,” by the Kuranda Scenic Railway & glide above the rainforest canopy in a Cairns Skyrail Gondola
Mossman Gorge - Aboriginal Dreamtime Tour
Thala Beach Nature Reserve – 2 night stay in a Beach & Rainforest setting in Bungalows!
Great Barrier Reef Cruise Excursion
Ride the Tranz Alpine Express Train, the Southern Hemisphere’s most scenic railway journey
Franz Josef Glacier Region
Queenstown for 3 nights including Fjordland National Park & Milford Sound Nature Cruise
1 night Farmstay! Stay and dine with a Fairlie family!
Mt Cook National Park
Punting on Avon River in Christchurch
Rotorua sightseeing including Rainbow Springs & Kiwi Encounter
Experience a Maori and Hangi Concert


Dedicated to presenting the greatness of God through the beauty of His Creation.