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Lory Fishers 40th Birthday Trip [CD1135]

10 Days / 8 Nights - Cairns, Live-Aboard Diving Expedition and Sydney - Cairns, Live-Aboard Diving Expedition, Sydney

This itinerary departs from the USA on Saturday evening. Stay in Cairns for one night before you board the diving vessel the next evening (Tuesday). After disembarking from the dive vessel stay in Cairns for one more night then travel to Sydney for 3 nights. Your arrival day back into the USA will be on Wednesday morning.

Australia's north eastern town of tropical Cairns is the gateway for two of the world's greatest diving icons, the Great Barrier Reef and the Coral Sea.

The dive vessel departs Cairns 5:10 pm Tuesday and returns 3:00 pm the following Friday. You will be transferred to and from your accommodation in Cairns.

Travel Package Features

• Accommodation - Cairns (2 Nights), Live-Aboard Diving Expedition (3 Nights), Sydney (3 Nights)
• International Flights - Los Angeles to Cairns, Sydney to Los Angeles
• Australian Domestic Flights - Cairns to Sydney
• Day Tour - Cairns: Live-Aboard Diving Expedition
• Shuttle Transfers - Cairns Airport to Accommodation (return), Cairns Accommodation to Live-Aboard Dive Boat (return), Sydney Airport to Accommodation (return)
• All Other Day Tours are Optional and not included
• Visa Issuance for entry into Australia (US$15.00 per person)
• F.I.T. (Free & Independent Travel, i.e. this is not an Organized Group Tour)
• All Taxes and Fuel Levies (Except where noted)
• Itinerary is flexible and can be tailored to suit your needs.

Travel Package Detailed Itinerary

9th Oct 2010 (Day 1) (Sat) - International Flight - Los Angeles to Cairns

After departing from Los Angeles, you will be provided with an evening meal, you can relax, have a drink, watch a movie and rest. You will be given Breakfast before landing in Cairns, Australia. (you lose one day crossing the International Date Line but don't worry you'll catch it up again on your return flight to the USA) This flight has a connection in Sydney or Brisbane.

The Qantas Boeing 747-400 is equipped with the latest entertainment features of any Airline. The overnight flight to Australia can be a good opportunity for sleeping or to watch the latest movies after your evening meal.

11th Oct (Day 2) (Mon) - Shuttle Transfer Cairns Airport to Accommodation

Travel by shuttle from the Cairns Airport to your vacation accommodation in Cairns, Australia.

Luggage restrictions apply as per standard economy Australian domestic flights of 2 standard bags under 30kg (66 lbs) per passenger. Excess baggage is AUD$5.00 per bag payable on board. If traveling with excess baggage please advise the shuttle company upon reservation confirmation so appropriate trailer size is available.

Pickups are conducted with a maximum waiting time of 20 minutes after collection of baggage from flight. If you are unable to meet within this time frame you will be required to wait for the next available shuttle.

11th to 12th Oct (Days 2 to 3) (Mon - Tues) - 1 Night Accommodation in Cairns

Travel to your accommodation Cairns, Australia, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 1 night.


Your 4 star accommodation, combines fresh contemporary decor with relaxing North Queensland style. This bright and spacious 314 room hotel is perfect for exploring the Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree Rainforest or Kuranda and the Atherton Tablelands. Other nearby highlights include: Cairns Casino, Marlin Jetty, the Esplanade and the Night Markets. Unwind with a cocktail by the lagoon pool or kick back with live music in the Bar followed by a sumptuous buffet or a la carte meal in the restaurant.

All rooms and suites have individual balconies, individually controlled air conditioning, refrigerator with mini bar, colour television, in-house movies, telephone, iron and ironing board, along with tea and coffee making facilities. Facilities include: a swimming pool with sandy beach, swim up bar, walk in bar, restaurant, 24 hour reception and porter, room service, valet laundry, dry cleaning, coin laundry, gymnasium, undercover parking, conference facilities, facsimile service, internet, tour desk, lobby shop, foreign exchange, babysitting (on request).

12th -15th Oct (Days 3 to 6) (Tues - Fri) - 4 Days Live-Aboard Diving Expedition

Go for the adventure of a lifetime snorkeling or, if you choose, diving the magnificent Outer Barrier Reef.

Day 1
Get picked up from your Cairns accommodation the morning and board a fast, modern transfer boat for a 90 minute transfer to the Outer Barrier Reef.
After equipment selection, have a chance to explore the reef by snorkeling, or choose to dive (additional cost). In the afternoon, transfer to another vessel where you will have the afternoon and night to explore. Lunch, dinner, and accommodation arrangements on the Great Barrier Reef vessel are included.

Day 2
Enjoy breakfast and spend more of the morning and early afternoon to explore more of the majestic Outer Barrier Reef. After lunch, depart the Reef at 3:00 PM where you will be returned to your Cairns accommodation.

Optional Upgrades: Introductory or Certified Diving Package
Extras available for purchase on board: snacks, alcohol, dive guide, introductory dive, underwater camera.

15th -16th Oct (Days 6 to 7) (Fri - Sat) - 1 Night Accommodation in Cairns

Travel to your accommodation Cairns, Australia, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 1 night.


Your 4 star accommodation, combines fresh contemporary decor with relaxing North Queensland style. This bright and spacious 314 room hotel is perfect for exploring the Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree Rainforest or Kuranda and the Atherton Tablelands. Other nearby highlights include: Cairns Casino, Marlin Jetty, the Esplanade and the Night Markets. Unwind with a cocktail by the lagoon pool or kick back with live music in the Bar followed by a sumptuous buffet or a la carte meal in the restaurant.

All rooms and suites have individual balconies, individually controlled air conditioning, refrigerator with mini bar, colour television, in-house movies, telephone, iron and ironing board, along with tea and coffee making facilities. Facilities include: a swimming pool with sandy beach, swim up bar, walk in bar, restaurant, 24 hour reception and porter, room service, valet laundry, dry cleaning, coin laundry, gymnasium, undercover parking, conference facilities, facsimile service, internet, tour desk, lobby shop, foreign exchange, babysitting (on request).

16th Oct (Day 7) (Sat) - Shuttle Transfer Cairns Accommodation to Airport

Travel by shuttle from your Cairns vacation accommodation to the Airport in Cairns, Australia.

Luggage restrictions apply as per standard economy Australian domestic flights of 2 standard bags under 30kg (66 lbs) per passenger. Excess baggage is AUD$5.00 per bag payable on board. If traveling with excess baggage please advise the shuttle company upon reservation confirmation so appropriate trailer size is available.

16th Oct (Day 7 cont) (Sat) - Australian Domestic Flight - Cairns to Sydney

Travel within Australia by domestic air from Cairns to Sydney.

16th Oct (Day 7 cont) (Sat) - Shuttle Transfer Sydney Airport to Accommodation

Travel by shuttle from the Airport to your vacation accommodation in Sydney, Australia.

16th -19th Oct (Days 7 to 10) (Sat - Tues) - 3 Nights Accommodation in Sydney

Travel to your accommodation in Sydney, Australia, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 3 nights.

Embrace Sydney's best location with this four star vacation accommodation ideally nestled in the heart of the city. Overlooking Wynyard Park you will enjoy this icon of time-honored tradition, warm hospitality and friendly personal service. Just a short stroll away from many famous attractions including the Sydney Opera House, The Rocks, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Darling Harbour, The Royal Botanical Gardens and more. You will love the luxury of the close accessibility to public transportation including light rail access, train station, the bus system and nearby Circular Quay which will allow you to see much more of Sydney and surrounds. Featuring: 446 elegantly appointed guest rooms and suites, 2 restaurants, 4 bars, indoor heated pool, sauna, spa, and gymnasium. Amenities: air conditioning, daily maid service, fridge, iron & board, radio channels, shower, coffee & tea, ensuite bathroom, hair dryer, shaving adaptor, sprinklers, smoke detectors, television, telephone, internet access (broadband), data port, wake up calls, mini bar, and 24 hour room service. With all this and more take time out to experience the wonders of Sydney while enjoying all your accommodation has to offer.

Upgrade Available (Upon Request): Stunning 5 Star Property

19th Oct (Day 10) (Tues) - Shuttle Transfer Sydney Accommodation to Airport

Travel by shuttle from your vacation accommodation in Sydney, Australia, to the Airport.

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - Sydney Opera House

This inspiring tour provides a once in a lifetime opportunity to venture inside one of the world's most recognised global landmarks.

This one hour tour outlines the intricate and controversial history of the Sydney Opera House along with details of the unique design of this architectural masterpiece. You will visit a number of the six performance venues, including the magnificent wood paneled Concert Hall and the Opera Theatre as well as the new Utzon room. You will also visit the glass enclosed northern foyer areas which boast spectacular views of Sydney Harbour - a perfect photo opportunity.

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - Bridge Climb

On your vacation climb the famous Harbour Bridge in Sydney.

Achieve exhilaration and personal satisfaction as you climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge. For approximately two hours you, along with 11 other eager climbers and a climb guide, weave through catwalks, climb up ladders and then arrive at the most spectacular point of all - the upper arch climb. The steady incline to the upper arch leaves you free to focus your attention on your Sydney experience, with opportunities for 360 degree views of Sydney, including east to the ocean, west to the mountains and the harbour city surrounds. It is at this point that you not only have a bird's eye view of the beautiful Sydney Harbour and the city, but have the exhilaration of the truly rewarding experience of reaching the top to the Harbour Bridge in Sydney, Australia. When you reach the top you will have a sense of achievement that you'll remember forever - you've conquered an Australian icon recognised the world over! No other Sydney tourist attraction can give you this feeling of standing at the top of the world, with the Harbour spread before you. All climbers will be issued a complimentary photograph of their climb group.

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - Blue Mountains

On your vacation, discover the spectacular Blue Mountains and see native wildlife Explore World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park, located outside of Sydney, Australia.

This rugged and beautiful region forms part of the Great Dividing Range, linking tropical north to temperate south, while dividing coastal cities from the vast Outback. Pass by Homebush Bay, site of the 2000 Olympics. Discover Leura village, a delightful blend of groomed gardens and quaint shops, enjoy free time to wander the streets of Leura. Next we stop at Echo Point and see the famous Three Sisters rock formation. Travel through Katoomba, heart of the resort region within the Blue Mountains National Park and discover the remarkable beauty of Blue Mountains National Park, enjoy an easy walk or Visit Echo Point Lookout, see the Three Sisters and hear the ancient Aboriginal legends of this impressive rock formation, hear traditional Aboriginal Dreamtime tales interpreting the creation of local landmarks. Enjoy 2 course hot lunch with tea, coffee or soft drink. Join the optional Blue Mountain rides - Scenic Railway, Cableway or Skyway (own expense). These are great ways to see the steep valleys, canyons and Three Sisters rock formation. Enjoy a short stop at Cahills Lookout for impressive mountain scenery. Next we enjoy an afternoon encounter at Koala Park and have your photo taken with a cuddly koala, see kangaroos, wombats, dingoes and cute little fairy penguins. Full Day Tour.

Depart approximately 8:15 AM, return at approximately 5:45 PM.

Insiders Tip - Explorer Tour Bus

The Sydney Explorer is a Hop On, Hop Off, sightseeing bus that takes in 27 key landmarks of the inner city (Opera House, Darling Harbour) and eastern beaches (Coogee and Bondi).

This unique city tour through Sydney departs from Circular Quay every 20 minutes starting at 8:40am, with the last round-trip service departing at 5:20pm. You can get on or off at any of the stops on the route. After traveling through some of Sydney's most exclusive residential areas, the tours take in some of Sydney's most spectacular coastlines and beaches. The bus travels every day along a 30km route and makes numerous stops. The bus trip takes 2 hours to complete the whole journey (with no stops). Buy your tickets onboard ($39 AUD for Adult ticket). Use your ticket stub to get amazing discounts at each stop location. Please Note: Sydney Opera House is one of the stops if you would like to do the Explorer on the same day as your Opera House tour.

For additional information, please visit: http://www.sydneybuses.info/tourist-services/sydney-explorer.htm

19th Oct (Day 10 cont) (Tues) - International Flight - Sydney to Los Angeles

Depart Sydney from the International Airport and fly to Los Angeles. Note: You will be traveling back across the International Date line so you will gain a day. You actually arrive in the USA on the same day you leave Australia.

Your flight home will give you the opportunity to reflect on your Australian Adventure. Please tell your friends if you have enjoyed the experience and direct them to "ABOUT AUSTRALIA " for information via our website at www.aboutaustralia.com