DAY 1 | ARRIVE SYDNEY

This evening on arrival in Sydney, you are met and transferred to the Inter Continental Hotel on historic Macquarie Street. The location is ideal for you to enjoy the sites of Sydney�Circular Quay, the Opera House, the historic Rocks Region, shopping and entertainment. Also the building incorporates the original Treasury Building and this certainly adds a lot of character and history to the property. Overnight Inter Continental Hotel.

DAY 2 | EXPLORE SYDNEY

This morning after full breakfast in the hotel, the remainder of the day is free at leisure to relax and explore Sydney at your own pace. If you�re feeling particularly energetic, you can climb the Sydney Harbor Bridge. A wonderful range of restaurants located on the waterfront of Circular Quay and Darling Harbor awaits you. Overnight at the Inter Continental Hotel. [B]

DAY 3 | SYDNEY BLUE MOUNTAINS

After an early wake-up call, departing the city, we arrive at our breakfast location, Featherdale Wildlife Park where we enjoy a leisurely continental breakfast consisting of fresh croissants, bread rolls, cheese, spreads, fresh fruits, juice tea and coffee in a special environment free of other tourists (Note to editor: this is because they will be there before it opens to the public, explained below). Featherdale Wildlife Park is located 40 minutes from the CBD of Sydney. Here you will meet Australia�s unique wildlife in a natural bush setting. Featherdale has one of Australia�s largest private collections of Australian Animals. We will have the opportunity to see over 2000 animals at close range by arriving at the Wildlife Park before it is open to the general public, ensuring we experience the animals when they are at their most vibrant. After breakfast we enjoy meeting Australian animals including kangaroos, emus, wombats, dingos and more, without other tourists. We then depart the Park as it opens to regular visitors and travel to the Blue Mountains�we ascend Bells Line of Road and pause at Bilpin, citrus region of Sydney and this is a chance to purchase fresh fruit from the gardens. Bells Line of Road is named after one of Australia�s Pioneer Explorers to this region. It is a more scenic drive through rural suburbs before ascending the mountains. Leaving here we continue past Tomah Botanic Gardens and further up the mountains for a stop near Mt. Wilson. Here we have a short nature walk where the native flora is described in an informative and interesting manner and we see wonderful Blue Mountains views. From this point we cross the mountains to Mt. Victoria and turn East to travel to Govetts Leap for magnificent valley and waterfall views followed by a followed by a 2-course lunch at the Imperial Hotel, Mt. Victoria. After lunch you will be delivered to Lilianfels Blue Mountains, where you will check into your overnight accommodation at this truly spectacular property overlooking the Blue Mountains canyons. The afternoon is free for you to wander the many tracks that run through the mountains, relax in the grounds of your accommodation or take an optional tour. Dinner is on your own tonight at either of Lilianfels� two restaurants or a fine selection of pubs within walking distance. Overnight as Lilianfels Blue Mountains. [B,L]

DAY 4 | BLUE MOUNTAINS � EAGLEREACH WILDERNESS RESORT

After continental breakfast in the hotel, your guide will call at 0830 to collect you for the day. After continental breakfast in the hotel, your guide will call at 0830 to collect you for the day. Your guide will call at 0800 to collect you for the day � departing Katoomba we drive down the Great Western Highway to Springfield and travel through the rural town of Richmond before turning north to travel alongside Wollemi National Park to Putty. We visit a farm for Devonshire morning tea/coffee and scones and if time permits we enjoy a stop at Bulga to introduce the ancient Aboriginal Art located on private property - here a painting of the Spirit God Biame and other art is explained. Next we enter the Hunter Valley wine areas and enjoy tastings at 2 fine boutique wineries and lunch at a vineyard caf�. The Hunter Valley is Australia�s oldest winemaking region. It boasts the country�s oldest winery and over eighty wineries and cellar doors with some of the latest winemaking and tasting facilities. All wineries visited today are boutique wineries � these are smaller, more personalized wineries and our hosts are often the owners or winemakers. Each Vineyard has it�s own specialties � tastings will include a selection of white and red wines � varieties would include Chardonnay, Semillon, Verdello for whites and Shiraz, Merlot and Cabernet blends in Reds. Your day finishes with the drive across The Hunter Valley to Eaglereach Wilderness Resort. Nothing will prepare you for the breathtaking views and standard of accommodation here. Around sunset you will be amazed at the number of Wallabies and Kangaroos that visit along with several species of parrots and other bird life. Dinner at Eaglereach�s own restaurant, Treehops Restaurant completes the perfect days touring. Overnight at Eaglereach Wilderness Resort in a luxury lodge. [B,L,D]

DAY 5 | EAGLEREACH WILDERNESS RESORT - SYDNEY

Eaglereach is a nature based private wilderness resort that has 1000 acres of natural mountain wilderness and is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. There are 38 custom built self-contained holiday lodges with first class facilities including private bedrooms and bathrooms, and accommodate between 2 and 16 people. All lodges also have verandahs with spectacular views. Activities offered at the resort include walking, horse riding trail rides, mountain biking, tennis, swimming in the salt-water rock pool, yabbying, fishing in the freshwater lake, and barbecues. Awake to the splendor of the valley views and enjoy coffee served on the adjoining balcony at Treehops. Breakfast follows and the morning is yours to enjoy activities of your choice as listed above. Your guide will happily accompany you on one of the nature walks. After lunch we depart Eaglereach for the drive back to Sydney taking us through the Lower Hunter townships (historical towns established in the 1800�s) of Paterson and Maitland before joining the freeway for back to the city. On arrival in Sydney, this evening is free at leisure. Overnight at the Inter Continental Hotel. [B,L]

DAY 6 | SYDNEY � BINNA BURRA MOUNTAIN LODGE

This morning after a full breakfast in the hotel, you are collected and transferred to the airport to connect with your flight to Coolangatta. On arrival in Coolangatta, you are met and transferred to Binna Burra Mountain Lodge�a cozy mountain retreat nestled in the World Heritage listed rainforests of the Gold Coast Hinterland, Queensland. Here you are invited to enjoy the comfort of our rustic mountain cabins and home-style country cuisine while you delight in the warmth of new friendships. Discover the wonders of the wilderness as you explore the magnificent subtropical rainforests of Lamington National Park. Commune with Mother Nature and the rich abundance of birds and wildlife that inhabit this complex ecosystem, and share our commitment to the environmental ideals of those who have created and cared for this magical place. Binna Burra Mountain Lodge is a fully accredited eco-tourism retreat that combines the peace and tranquility of a mountain getaway with a unique opportunity to explore and learn more about the rainforest environment. Here at Binna Burra, there are no phones, clocks, radios or television to remind you of the life you've left behind. Acacia Cabins offer panoramic views of the Numinbah Valley and include private amenities. Share stimulating conversation by the roaring log fire in the Main Guest Lounge where you'll also find a wealth of information about the Lodge and National Park. Plan the next day's activities and enjoy a spectacular mountain sunset over drinks in the Library Lounge. Learn more about the Lamington National Park or find some light reading in our well stocked Library and Join in the friendly ambience of communal seating in our Clifftop Dining Room where the fresh home-style country cuisine, hearty meals with fresh local ingredients, is only surpassed by the mountain views. Overnight at Acacia Cabins, Binna Burra Mountain Lodge. [B,D]

DAY 7 | BINNA BURRA MOUNTAIN LODGE

Back in the 1930s, the founders of Binna Burra Mountain Lodge dreamed of creating a place where people could learn more about the rainforest through guided activities, discussions and first-hand encounters with the varied wildlife. That tradition is still very much a part of the Binna Burra experience. Each day guests can take part in a full program of guided bushwalks, adventure activities, evening spotlighting, lectures, discussions, parlor games and picnics. Lamington National Park is networked with over 160kms of marked walking tracks. Binna Burra's resident guides are all experienced naturalists and are happy to share their in-depth knowledge of the park ecosystems. After full breakfast at the lodge, the remainder of the day is free at leisure to relax and enjoy the many activities at this wonderful resort. Overnight in Acacia Cabins, Binna Burra Mountain Lodge. [B,L,D]

DAY 8 | BINNA BURRA MOUNTAIN LODGE � CAPE TRIBULATION

This morning after full breakfast, you are collected and transferred to Brisbane Domestic Airport to connect with your flight to Cairns. On arrival in Cairns you are met and transferred to the magnificent Coconut Beach Rainforest Resort where the green of the rainforest melts into the blue of the sea. Coconut Beach Rainforest Resort is located at Cape Tribulation 60 kilometers north of Port Douglas by road. Crossing the Daintree River by vehicular ferry, the journey takes approximately an hour and 40 minutes. Coconut Beach Resort is a spectacular ecolodge with 40 rainforest villas and 27 hillside rooms built of polished native woods and hung with native aboriginal art. A hundred yards down, a pristine tree fringed beach awaits. The villas open directly onto the world's most ancient rainforest, the Daintree & Cape Tribulation Rainforest, which is 130 million year old. This is the only rainforest resort with it�s own beach, set in 100 hectares of rainforest. This is also the only place in the world where two world heritage wonders meet�the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree, Cape Tribulation Rainforest. Your accommodation is a luxurious Rainforest Villa situated in the heart of the rainforest. Here at Coconut Beach, you can immerse yourself in the world of ecotourism, as little or as much as you like. In the evenings, dine in the magnificent Long House, offering a range of dishes featuring fresh local produce and seafood, the focal point of the resort and overlooking the beach and Coral Sea. Upon your arrival time to relax and settle in before enjoying a complimentary orientation walk � departing daily at 5pm from the Round House reception area. Your orientation walk will create the flavor for your stay at the Resort and explain some of the additional activities available which will provide you with a richer understanding of the surrounding environment. The tour finishes at the Long House with a refreshing "Jungle Juice". Overnight Rainforest Villa, Coconut Beach Rainforest Resort. [B]

DAY 9 | COCONUT BEACH RAINFOREST RESORT - REEF VISIT

This morning after tropical breakfast (consisting of tropical fresh fruits, croissants, pastries, tea and coffee) depart from the resort to enjoy a day snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef. Your vessel is the Rum Runner IX, a 55 foot sailing/motor catamaran and our destination is the pristine reefs off the remote and undisturbed coast of Cape Tribulation. Our journey time to the reef is 45-60 minutes and once there, enjoy 5 hours to snorkel, swim or relax and unwind. Experienced staff will provide you with informative information on the marine ecology. Morning tea and coffee and tropical buffet lunch are enjoyed on this trip. Arrive back at the Resort approximately 4.00 � 4.30pm. Remainder of the evening is free at leisure. Overnight Rainforest Villa, Coconut Beach Rainforest Resort. [B,L]

DAY 10 | COCONUT BEACH RAINFOREST RESORT - FREE DAY

This morning after a tropical breakfast, the day is free to enjoy the resort or take one of the many optional tours available. Some tours that are available are [Note to editor: see list below.] Overnight in Rainforest Villa, Coconut Beach Rainforest Resort. [B]

DAY 11 | COCONUT BEACH RAINFOREST RESORT - PALM COVE

This morning after tropical breakfast, the morning is free at leisure. Early this afternoon we will depart to Palm Cove. Palm Cove�the tropical paradise where the mysterious Rainforest meets the grandeur of the Great Barrier Reef. White sandy beaches lined with glorious coconut palms and year round warm ocean breezes make Palm Cove the most beautiful beach in the world. Add the relaxing atmosphere and tropical sunshine and you've got the perfect holiday destination. Once called Palm Beach, it was a popular weekend destination for Cairns and Tableland's people who brought the whole family for their weekend picnic The wildlife is abundant with lizards, tree frogs, butterflies and large numbers of native birds; Rainbow Lorikeets, cheeky Kookaburras, Cockatoos, Doves, Sunbirds, Finches and more; happily making Palm Cove their preferred home. Treat yourself to a trip to the Great Barrier Reef and experience the fabulous underwater world of tropical sea life and colorful corals where the snorkeling is out of this world. Scuba diving trips are plentiful. Whether you are a certified diver or wish to do a course, there is something to suit you. Or visit the tropical Rain Forest, experience the Aboriginal culture, go horse trekking, visit one of the many wildlife parks such as Bird World, Wild World or Butterfly World in the area around. For the adventure seeker there is a wide range of activities from White Water Rafting to Bungee Jumping, from Parasailing to Sky Diving, from the experience of flying in a beautiful restored Tiger Moth to Hot Air Ballooning; on the water; sailing, fishing, scuba diving and more Dining out in Palm Cove is truly an awesome experience, with fine Restaurants, Bistros and Cafes competing to produce the finest cuisine by combining Australia's finest meats and seafood with the freshest tropical fruit and vegetables. Dine in a tropical garden under the stars, treat yourself to a sizzling seafood buffet, take in a pleasurable a la carte experience on the beachfront, a cozy cafe or just eat Fish 'n Chips on the beach. [B]

DAY 12 | PALM COVE

This morning after full breakfast in the hotel, the remainder of the day is free at leisure to relax. Perhaps catch up on last minute shopping or enjoy last minute sightseeing. [B]

DAY 13 | PALM COVE � DEPART

Sadly today is departure day. This morning after full breakfast in the hotel make your way from the hotel to Cairns Airport and connect with your return flight home, taking with you many unforgettable memories of your holiday in Australia. [B]