Note that this itinerary may be subject to slight modifications.

12/05/02: Andamooka Opal Mines (B, L, D)
After breakfast we will depart the hotel and drive to historic Andamooka, a nearby opal mining town. There we will see the homes of early miners and inspect an underground shaft mine. Luncheon is included at the Tuckerbox Restaurant. After lunch, experience opal mining first hand and view an opal cutting demonstration. Dinner at the Oasis Restaurant. Overnight at the Eldo Hotel, Woomera.

12/06/02: Woomera-Barossa Valley (B, L, D)
Leaving Woomera after breakfast, we will take a private coach tour to the Barrossa Valley with an en route stop at Port Augusta. Lunch at Wadlata Outback Center and time at leisure to explore the Wadlata Museum, winner of 6 Australian Tourism Awards. Arrive at the hotel with time to freshen up before dinner. Overnight in Barossa Valley.

12/07/02: Barossa Valley (B, L)
After breakfast at the hotel, travel via private charter coach to the Barossa Valley. Enjoy sightseeing of this famous wine growing district near Adelaide, including wine tasting before arriving at the Yalumba Winery, Australia's oldest family owned winery, established in 1849. Enjoy a gourmet BBQ lunch at Yalumba before resuming your tour of the area. Overnight in Barossa Valley.

12/09/02: Cairns - Great Barrier Reef (B, L)
After breakfast at the hotel this morning, you will be transferred by coach to Port Douglas north of Cairns. There you will board the Quicksilver, a high-speed catamaran, and begin your cruise. The ribbon reefs north of Cairns are renowned for their excellent year round water clarity and coral formations. Agincourt Reef is the only ribbon reef on the very outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef to be visited by a day cruise. The reef lagoon at Agincourt offers ideal swimming and snorkeling areas. For the more adventurous, scuba diving on Agincourt is amongst the best in the world. With over 1,000 species of multi-colored reef fish and more than 200 varieties of magnificent corals, this is truly an underwater wonderland.

Agincourt Reef is a part of the Great Barrier Reef and lies within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and World Heritage Area. The Great Barrier Reef is one of the most diverse and delicate ecosystems in the world and the Quicksilver employs a team of qualified marine biologists to help you unravel the mystery of this amazing living structure while preserving the reef for future generations. Part of your fare on this tour goes towards research and education to preserve and protect the Great Barrier Reef.

Glide through coral chasms in the Quicksilver submarine, just one meter underwater, or lie in the sun on a pontoon anchored above the reef. Watch the fish feeding from a unique viewing platform and underwater observatory. A delicious tropical smorgasbord lunch will be served. At the conclusion of the cruise you will be returned to your hotel. Overnight Cairns.

12/10/02: Cairns - Kuranda Rainforest Tour (B, L, D)
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Freshwater Station where you will board the scenic train to Kuranda (34 km) at the top of Mac Alister Ranges. The line was completed in 1888 at great expense and goes through 15 tunnels during its steep ascent. The final stretch is through the magnificent Barron Falls Gorge where you can look back over the coastal plains and see the sugar plantations stretching to the sea in the distance. Enjoy a ride with the unusual Army ducks for a different look at the rainforest and some of it's inhabitants. Your amphibious Duck travels over land and water to take you to the heart of the rainforest. Enjoy a performance of the Pamagirri Dance group, a Dreamtime walk. View the Wildlife Park and the native animals. A BBQ lunch is provided. After lunch you will be transferred back to Kuranda Village where you will have time to explore on your own, shop, or perhaps visit the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary.

When you are ready to depart Kuranda, you will make your way to the Skyrail terminal for your ride out of the Mac Alister Ranges. Skyrail is the world's longest gondola and glides just meters above Far North Queensland's Heritage Rainforest. Traveling at tree top level, you are totally immersed in this unique environment - you will see, hear, smell and become a part of the tropical rainforest. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Coral Sea and Green Island as you descend through the rainforest. You will have two different opportunities to stop and take a rainforest walk: Red Peak Station, where you can explore the rainforest floor along lightweight boardwalks, and Barron Falls Station,- which features the Rainforest Interpretative Centre and views of the spectacular Gorge and Falls. Arrive at Caravonica Lakes where your coach will meet you and return you to your hotel. Time available to freshen up prior to the transfer into Cairns for Dinner at the Red Ochre Restaurant.

12/12/02: Sydney (B, L)
Following breakfast at the hotel this morning, board your coach and enjoy a sightseeing tour of Sydney and the Southern Beaches. This tour will feature the historic "Rocks" area, which was originally a convict settlement. You will visit Macquarie Street where many of Sydney's early buildings have been restored to their original splendor, and then go on to the Domain where you will have a chance to take some superb photos of the Sydney Opera House and Harbor Bridge. Travel through the nightlife area of Kings Cross and the affluent suburbs of Double Bay and Rose Bay to Watson's Bay and the Gap. Visit the world famous Bondi Beach, where you will have lunch at Danny's Seafood Restaurant and a traditional Life Saving demonstration on the beach. Time at leisure to enjoy Bondi on your own, before returning to the city via trendy Paddington with its beautifully restored lace fronted Victorian terrace houses. Balance of day at leisure. Overnight Old Sydney Holiday Inn, Sydney.

12/15/02: Return to the U.S. (B)
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer via private coach to Sydney Airport with assistance provided by our local representative. En route to the U.S. you will cross the International dateline and arrive Los Angeles the morning of the same day that you left Sydney!

For cancellations made through March 21, 2002, there will be a $100 per person cancellation fee. For cancellations made between March 22 - August 22, 2002, there will be a $900 per person cancellation fee. There are no refunds after August 22, 2002. Air cancellation terms are additional.

Trip cancellation/medical insurance is available. Applications will be provided to tour members with reservation booklet or initial invoice.