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Mike Ball Dive CNS Thur AYQ SYD 7N [DiveMB7]

15 Days / 13 Nights - Cairns, Live-Aboard Diving Expedition, Ayers Rock and Sydney

This itinerary departs from the USA on Monday evening. Stay in Cairns for one night before you board the diving vessel the next evening (Thursday). After disembarking from the dive vessel stay in Cairns for one more night then travel to Ayers Rock for 2 nights. After Ayers Rock you will stay 2 nights in Sydney. Your arrival day back into the USA will be on Tuesday 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 7:00 pm Thursday and returns 8:00 am the following Thursday. You will be transferred to and from your accommodation in Cairns.

Travel Package Features

• Accommodation - Cairns (2 Nights), Live-Aboard Diving Expedition (7 Nights), Ayers Rock (2 Nights), Sydney (2 Nights)
• International Flights - Los Angeles to Cairns, Sydney to Los Angeles
• Australian Domestic Flights - Cairns to Ayers Rock, Ayers Rock to Sydney
• Day Tours - Cairns: Live-Aboard Diving Expedition; Ayers Rock: Uluru Tour Pass
• Shuttle Transfers - Cairns Airport to Accommodation (return), Cairns Accommodation to Live-Aboard Dive Boat (return), Ayers Rock Airport to Accommodation (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

Day 1 (Mon) - 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.

Day 2 (Wed) - 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.

Days 2 to 3 (Wed - Thur) - 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).

Days 3 to 10 (Thur - Thur) - 8 Days Live-Aboard Diving Expedition

Coral Sea Safari. 7 nights - unlimited dives.
Imagine yourself as a feeling of excitement arises as you cruise north in the shelter of the Great Barrier Reef. Your choice of hot beverage delivered to your cabin begins the next day in a civilized way. On deck you are greeted by the fabulous turquoise waters of the Ribbon Reefs. To port is historic Cooktown to starboard is the vastness of the Coral Sea.





Day 1: Check-in and Departure
Cruise overnight to the magnificent Ribbon Reefs, the first stop on your 700km dive odyssey.

Day 2: Ribbon Reef #9 - Pixie Gardens, Cod Hole
Buddy up with diver size fish that dive with you at the Cod Hole!
Swim with giant potato cod, napoleon wrasse and moray eels.
Enjoy close encounters with huge Maori wrasse.
Anticipate spectacular coral gardens, spotted rays, reef sharks and green turtle sightings.
Night dive where decorator crabs, egg cowry shells, moray eels and crayfish are just a few of the creatures you can find.

Days 3 & 4: Coral Sea - Osprey Reef
Cruise 100 miles overnight to Osprey Reef in the Coral Sea.
Enjoy 40 meter (132ft) visibility with spectacular walls disappearing to 1000metres.
At North Horn swim with giant potato cod, napoleon wrasse, moray eels, tuna and barracuda.
Witness the resident shark population including grey whalers, whitetip reef sharks, silvertips and hammerheads.
Search for the commonly seen green and loggerhead turtles.
Find the caves, overhangs and spectacular walls adorned with huge soft coral trees and gorgonian fans.
Night dive.

Day 5: Lizard Island & Ribbon Reef #10 & #9 - Cod Wall, Cod Hole, Challenger Bay
Climb "Cook's Look" at Lizard Island where Captain Cook searched for safe passage through the reef.
Explore the rarely dived Cod Wall at the outer reef edge that disappears into 60 meters (200ft).
Glide back towards the Cod Hole while enjoying the clear water and spectacular coral formations.
Choose to dive the Cod Hole again if you agree with us that one day is not enough to enjoy its diverse marine life.
Shallow but fantastic, Challenger Bay is extremely rich in biodiversity from spectacular coral gardens and unusual critters through to large schooling fish. Great night dive location watch out for Baza the Barra!

Day 6: Ribbon Reef #9, #5, #4 - Lighthouse Bommie, Pixie Pinnacle, Andy's Postcard, Clam Beds, Vertical Gardens
Circumnavigate Pixie Pinnacle and Lighthouse Bommie shrouded in fusilier baitfish. Fluorescent purple and orange anthias attract predatory fish to these photogenic sites. Majestic Minke whales are seen here in June and July.
Rising from 80 meters the pinnacle of Andy's Postcard is encrusted in had corals, lion fish, nudibranchs, octopus, schooling trevally and barracuda.
See spectacular giant clams at Clam Beds as well as caves, canyons and coral encrusted bommies awaiting exploration.
Sheer walls covered in whip corals and sea fans brim the natural amphitheatre of Vertical Gardens. Marine life varies from the many colourful nudibranchs to large schooling bump head parrotfish.
Night dive.

Day 7: Ribbon Reef #3 - Flare Point, Joani's Joy, Steve's Bommie
Spiral majestic coral pinnacles teeming with diverse marine life.
See huge schools of baitfish stalked by barracuda, mackerel and trevally.
Anticipate spectacular coral gardens, spotted rays, reef sharks and green turtle sightings.

Day 8: Dock
Early morning docking at Trinity Wharf - Cairns, breakfast, courtesy transfers to Cairns city hotels.

Note: Itinerary subject to change.

This itinerary has been designed to include the 'prime' Ribbon Reef sites that have restricted access.
If weather forces an itinerary change our surety of access to the prime Ribbon Reef sites is your guarantee of the best diving.
Additional Ribbon Reef sites: No Name Reef, Yonge Reef, Day Reef, Hicks Reef.
Drift dives with schooling fish at the northern Ribbon Reef passes between No Name Reef, Yonge Reef and Hicks Reef, can be substituted for the standard Monday itinerary.

Days 10 to 11 (Thur - Fri) - 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).

Day 11 (Fri) - 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.

Day 11 cont (Fri) - Australian Domestic Flight - Cairns to Ayers Rock

Travel within Australia by domestic air from Cairns to Ayers Rock (Uluru).

Days 11 to 13 (Fri - Sun) - 2 Nights Accommodation in Ayers Rock

Travel to your accommodation in the heart of Australia, the Red Centre, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 2 nights.

Your 4 1/2 Star vacation accommodation is centrally located to all resorts and Australia touring facilities and offers a range of stylish accommodations, from shaded poolside rooms to the magnificent deluxe rooms overlooking the desert. You can relax from your travel in the comfort of your own private balcony or courtyard, or unwind in the hotel's refreshing pool, sipping cocktails. It's only a short stroll to the resorts numerous lookouts, where you can view what is arguably Australia's best sunset. Its spectacular display of colours across the face of Uluru and the surrounding desert turns your vacation into a memorable event.

Airport shuttle transfers included.

Days 11 to 13 (Fri - Sun) - Uluru Tour Pass

On your vacation explore the fascinating surroundings of Australia's Red Centre.

This afternoon visit the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre and Maruku Arts and Craft Cooperative, dedicated to interpreting Anangu culture and law, as well as helping visitors learn about the cultural value of the region. Travel to the waterhole of Mutitjulu for a guided walk, viewing ancient cave paintings and learning about the Aboriginal legends of Kuniya Tjukurpa (Python Dreaming). Join the guided Mala Walk to learn the story of the Mala (Hare Wallaby) people who once lived at Uluru. See painted caves and learn of the region's geology and flora. As you tour the base of Uluru, visit Kantju Gorge, a waterhole and old hunting ground. Late in the day, watch the sunset over Uluru, admire the ever-changing colours of the monolith while the sun sinks below the horizon. Enjoy a complimentary glass of wine and canapes as the dusk deepens into night. Return to the Resort approximately 30 minutes after sunset.

The next morning, rise early and enter Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Enjoy a complimentary cup of tea or coffee as you witness Uluru (Ayers Rock) at sunrise and see the desert come to life. With the sun still climbing the morning sky, travel to Kata Tjuta (Olgas); a stop is made to view the immense scale of this formation which dominates the western skyline of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. This remarkable formation of 36 domes is thought to have once been a single rock many times the size of Uluru (Ayers Rock). On arrival at Kata Tjuta, join a guided walk into Walpa (Olga) Gorge. Marvel at the sheer walls that flank you as you enter the gorge. Learn of the domes' formation and of the wildlife of the region. Some of the plants you will see here are so rare that they are only found among these rocky domes. Return to your resort late morning with the rest of the day free.

Note: The tour may be closed without notice due to weather or cultural reasons.

Includes: Transfers to and from accommodation, National Park Entry Fee

Day 13 (Sun) - Australian Domestic Flight - Ayers Rock to Sydney

Travel within Australia by domestic air from the Red Centre at Ayers Rock to Sydney.

Day 13 cont (Sun) - Shuttle Transfer Sydney Airport to Accommodation

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

Days 13 to 15 (Sun - Tues) - 2 Nights Accommodation in Sydney

Travel to your accommodation in Sydney, Australia, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 2 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

Day 15 (Tues) - Shuttle Transfer Sydney Accommodation to Airport

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

Day 15 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