Australia Family Vacation

Hotel Accommodations
Sea Temple Resort & Spa, Palm Cove
Voyages Desert Gardens Inn Hotel
Sheraton on the Park, Sydney
Freycinet Lodge
Grand Chancellor Hotel

Meals
11 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches, 8 Dinners

Day 1 – Arrive at Cairns International Airport
Welcome to Queensland! Upon exiting customs, you will be met by an Adventures by Disney representative who will escort you to your transfer vehicle. Relax as the driver assists with your luggage and takes you to the Sea Temple Resort & Spa Hotel.

Sea Temple Resort & Spa: Unwind from your journey as your Adventure Guide checks you into this tropical beachside resort. While adjusting to the time difference, cool off in one of the refreshing pools and satisfy your appetite at one of the many local eateries. Your Adventure Guide can make suggestions for exploring the village of Palm Cove on your own.

Welcome Dinner: Meet your fellow Adventurers at a private, family-style dinner served under the stars. The balmy tropical evening and the peaceful surroundings is the perfect setting to start your Australian adventure.

Day 2 – Catamaran Cruise to Great Barrier Reef
Greet your fellow Adventurers at breakfast before taking the coach for a ride to Port Douglas. At the Marina Mirage, board a high-speed catamaran and cross the Coral Sea to Agincourt Reef. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park is the largest coral reef system in the world. A World Heritage area, it's one of the Seven Natural Wonders and the only living thing that can be seen from outer space! Our dedicated marine biologist helps make the most of your day. Snorkel from the pontoon platform or view the reef 3 feet below the surface from inside a semi-submersible vessel.

Lunch on the Pontoon: Refuel for the afternoon's activities at the tasty tropical buffet on board the pontoon.

Hartley's Crocodiles Adventures: Return to the marina and travel by coach to Hartley's Crocodile Adventures for an exclusive viewing of the park's special residents. Go "croc spotting" on a lagoon cruise as you sip a welcome cocktail and nosh on savory appetizers. Then embark on a short "meet and greet" with the animal keeper to see brilliant birds and languorous lizards galore!

Welcome Dinner at Hartley's Crocodiles: Sit down at Lilies Restaurant overlooking the lagoon filled with crocodiles for a traditional Australian BBQ buffet that includes, grilled fish, exotic local fare such as crocodile dumplings, and vegetarian options.

Day 3 – Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park
Participate in Aboriginal traditions as members of the Tjapukai tribe share their culture with song and dance. Listen to a didgeridoo, learn how to throw a boomerang and a spear in a private lesson, and even paint your own boomerang during this private event.

Village of Kuranda: Home to koalas, kangaroos and the breathtaking Barron Falls, this vibrant mountain retreat is surrounded by a World Heritage Rainforest. Shop for Aboriginal artifacts, chase butterflies or relax at an upscale bar—this time is yours to explore this congenial village.

Lunch On Your Own: Restaurants in Kuranda offer traditional Australian cuisine and a variety of international options. Ask your Adventure Guides to recommend the best places to find a great family meal.

Skyrail from Kuranda to Caravonica: Glide over the lush canopy in a gondola as you uncover the wonders of the tropical rainforest. Sit back and soak up the panoramic views as the gondola immerses you in the spectacular sights of this amazing eco-system. Alight at the 2 mid-stations—Red Peak and Barron Falls—to explore the forest canopy on foot on guided boardwalk tours, from scenic look-outs and at the state-of-the-art Rainforest Interpretation Centre. Have a question? Ask a Ranger! Plenty are on hand to help. Dinner at Flames of the Forest : Attend the festive Flames of the Forest dinner and entertainment event. Ignite your senses under the bowing rainforest branches and flickering torches with fabulous food and unforgettable aboriginal storytelling.

Day 4 – Fly to Ayers Rock
Fly to the center of Australia to the heart of the outback to explore the red desert around the mysterious geological formation called Uluru (also known as Ayers Rock). A light lunch will be served in-flight. On your way to your hotel, stop at the Aboriginal Cultural Center for an orientation to Uluru and its indigenous people.

Uluru Walk: As you approach Uluru, you'll be amazed by its richness of textures and mass. Hike around its base as you learn the rock's stories and experience its beauty and energy. Today's walk will keep to the base of Uluru instead of climbing over it to respect the wishes of the Aboriginals who are the caretakers of this sacred site.

Arrive at Desert Gardens Hotel: Enjoy the stunning views of Uluru from this lovely hotel, your home for the next night. Relax in your room or unwind by the pool and garden.

Dinner at White Gums Restaurant: Named after the smooth-barked eucalyptus trees that grow nearby, this restaurant offers mouthwatering Australian cuisine at this buffet dinner featuring hearty soups, delicious seafood, refreshing salads and succulent roasted meats.

Star Gazing: View a night sky blazing with millions of stars (weather permitting) and listen to fascinating Aboriginal stories about the wonders above.

Day 5 – The View at Kata Tjuta
In the morning, visit the other major geological feature in the area, Kata Tjuta, also known as The Olgas. Kata Tjuta means "many heads," an apt description of the 36 red domes that make up this stunning formation. Hike into the folds to see desert plants and animals in Walpa Gorge. Then grab your camera to photograph the spectacular colors of the rocks as the light changes. Fly to Sydney: Time to leave the arid outback of central Australia and fly to Sydney, a beautiful coastal city. Sydney is known for its outdoorsy, laid-back lifestyle combined with a rich, vibrant culture. Lunch will be served in-flight.

The Domain Park and Mrs. McQuarie's Chair: Take a refreshing stroll at The Domain, Sydney, where signs invite you to walk on the grass, hug the trees and talk to the birds (but don't feed them!). This spacious park by the harbor offers great views of the famed Opera House and Harbour Bridge, and is home to the sculpted seat of Mrs. McQuarie, wife of the early 19th-century governor of Sydney, who purportedly sat on its storied steps to watch the passing ships.

Arrive at Sheraton on the Park Hotel: Settle into this stylish and elegant hotel in the heart of Sydney as your Adventure Guides check you in.

Dinner at Botanica Brasserie and Disney Movie Night: Adults dine at their leisure in this upscale hotel restaurant while Junior Adventurers join the Adventure Guides for dinner and a Disney Movie in a private venue.

Day 6 – Harbour Bike Tour
Hop on a bike and peddle past some of Sydney's most stunning scenery! This private tour takes you along the harbor's edge, starting at the historic Rocks district, where a local expert shares stories about Sydney from its historic settlement to today. After your ride, rest in the gardens of the 19th-century Sydney Observatory.

Luxury Buffet Lunch: All aboard a luxury boat for a leisurely buffet lunch! Enjoy exceptional cuisine prepared fresh on board as you pass Sydney's sensational harbor views. Sip a cool drink from the bar and stroll the extensive decks as you take in the sights.

Sydney Opera House Visit: Walk to the nearby Sydney Opera House for a "backstage" visit of one of the world's most renowned architectural wonders. Learn the history of its development and the challenges of hosting world-class performances.

Dinner On Your Own: Your Adventure Guides will help you find the perfect restaurant for a family meal you can enjoy on your own.

Day 7 – Private Surfing Lessons at Bondi Beach
Hit the waves at this world-famous beach as you take surfing lessons with a team of local instructors. Grab this once-in-a-lifetime chance to hang ten at one of the top surfing locations on the planet! Non-surfers can opt to walk with an Adventure Guide on the scenic coastal trail from Bronte to Bondi.

Lunch at North Bondi RSL Club: Feast on salads and gourmet-style pub grub with your fellow Adventurers at this "members only" beach club bistro overlooking the white sands and turquoise waters.

Afternoon and Evening On Your Own: This is your chance to explore Sydney's many attractions on your own. Do some last-minute shopping, stroll through the lovely parks, visit the Sydney Opera House or experience the Bridge Climb, one of Sydney's most popular attractions.* There are loads of interesting activities for you and your family. If you need any suggestions, ask your Adventure Guide.

Day 8 – Fly to Tasmania
Welcome to this heart-shaped island of old growth forests, serrated mountain peaks and extraordinary geology. Known as the Natural State, Tasmania is filled with nature reserves, national parks and World Heritage Sites. Land in Launceston, where you will take a coach to Hollybank Treetops.

Picnic Lunch: Fuel up on a savory box lunch from the Ashgrove Cheese Company at picnic tables surrounded by the lush scenery of the Tasmanian forest.

Hollybank Treetops Zip Line Adventures: Soar over the treetops of an ancient eucalyptus forest above the roaring Piper's River! Between exhilarating zip line flights, alight on "cloud stations" up in the trees as highly trained guides help you see the forest ecology from a bird's-eye view.

Arrive at Freycinet Lodge: Travel past spectacular scenery to your home for the next 2 nights. Nestled in the majestic Freycinet Peninsula with its pink granite peaks, white beaches and deep blue waters, this luxury accommodation exudes both a rustic warmth and high sophistication.

Dinner at the Lodge: Regale your fellow Adventurers with tales of the day's treks over a delicious dinner at the lodge's restaurant.

Day 9 – Sea Kayaking on Coles Bay
After breakfast at the lodge, discover the Freycinet Peninsula on this guided excursion. Glide past pristine sandy beaches over crystal-clear waters as you watch for soaring sea eagles, and the gleam of a dolphin's back as it breaks the ocean surface. Take a break on a secluded beach to learn stories about the region while you sip freshly brewed coffee and snack on tasty tidbits.

Lunch at Freycinet Lodge: Relax and enjoy a leisurely lunch at the lodge restaurant.

Guided Hike to Wineglass Bay Overlook: Follow your Adventure Guides up the gentle slope that curves up and over the "saddle" between Mount Amos and Mount Mayson as you ascend to the Overlook. Take in the breathtaking views of Wineglass Bay from this prominent point.

BBQ Dinner on Lodge Deck: Sapphire waters ripple at the coastline as you savor a private BBQ dinner on the lodge lookout deck. Take in the panoramic view of Great Oyster Bay and share the day's tales with your fellow Adventurers.

Junior Adventurer's Game Night: After dinner, parents can relax with a glass of Tasmanian wine in front of a roaring fireplace or lounge on the deck overlooking the Great Oyster Bay while Junior Adventurers retreat to the Lodge's game room. With the Adventure Guides at hand, kids are in for an evening of board games, cards and storytelling!

Day 10 – Kate’s Berry Farm
Travel to this legendary cool-weather farm with sweeping views across the Great Oyster Bay and Freycinet National Park. Take a break in Kate's Just Desserts Café and devour her devilishly delicious ice creams, scones and fruit pies*, or just enjoy the beautiful farm scenery.

Meadowbank Estate Lunch: Hop on board the coach for a relaxing drive to the Meadowbank Estate. Indulge in a limited à la carte menu as you are surrounded by an ocean of leafy vines. Revel in the spectacular views with majestic mountains sitting sentinel beyond shimmering coastal inlets.

Wine Tasting and Junior Adventurer Lawn Bowls: In a private tasting, adults treat their palates to a sensational selection of Meadowbank's wines as Junior Adventurers join the Adventure Guides for another Australian sensation—lawn bowls!

Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary: Get ready for an extraordinary wildlife experience at the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary where a number of species live that are now extinct everywhere but Tasmania. Feast your eyes on the Tasmanian Devil, the Eastern Quoll, the Tasmanian Pademelon and the shy Tasmanian Bettong. Adventurers will also meet wallabies, koalas, echidnas, wombats and much more!

The Hotel Grand Chancellor: Sparkling in the brilliant Tasmanian sunlight, this sophisticated hotel overlooking the picturesque harbor is your home for the next 2 nights. Unwind in the lobby as your Adventure Guides check you in.

Dinner On Your Own: Your Adventure Guides will help you find the perfect restaurant for a family meal you can enjoy on your own. Seafood lovers adore Tasmania's amazing ocean harvest, while meat eaters claim Tasmania's beef is the best in the world!

Day 11 – Salamanca Market
Each Saturday, one of Tasmania's top attractions roars to life: the Salamanca Market! Over 300 vendors offer a plethora of goods that include fresh produce, gourmet foods, art and handicrafts from all over country. Wander through this market mecca on your own as you search for the perfect gift or souvenir.

Lunch On Your Own: Seek out a special meal on your own in Salamanca Place, which offers a number of restaurants and cafes. Not sure where to eat? Ask your Adventure Guides for recommendations!

Devil's Kitchen: On your way to Port Arthur, stop for photos of a stunning rock formation known as Devil's Kitchen. Meander atop the cliffs for panoramic views of the rocky surfaces that rise into the sky from the azure waters.

Port Arthur: Once known as the most brutal and inhumane prison of the 1800s, Port Arthur is Australia's second oldest European settlement and now considered one of its most significant heritage areas and attractions. Take a privately guided visit of the site's museum and grounds to learn about this formidable former penal colony. Afterward, take your time to explore the indoor and outdoor museums on your own.

Farewell Dinner in the Prison Asylum: Join your fellow Adventurers for a spooky farewell feast in the notorious former insane asylum at Port Arthur.

Ghost Tour: After dinner, follow a local guide on this private lantern-lit tour through the haunting ruins of this historic site. Listen as your cloaked guide tells tales of ghost sightings and unexplained phenomena that have been reported throughout the years. It's a chilling, thrilling way to top off your trip down under!

Day 12 – Breakfast at the Hotel
Enjoy one final breakfast with your fellow travelers as you wrap up your Australian adventure.

Transfer to Airport: Relax while we handle your luggage and arrange for transportation to the airport.