Snorkel
in the Great Barrier Reef, skyrail over ancient rainforests,
ride camels by Ayers Rock, see exotic creatures and explore
cosmopolitan Sydney. Australia offers a range of exciting
sights and adventures to thrill the whole family.
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 escorts 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 on your
own, pamper yourself at the spa* or cool off in one of
the refreshing pools. Your Adventure Guide can make
suggestions for exploring the village of Palm Cove on
your own. *Additional charges will apply
Welcome Dinner
Meet your fellow Adventurers at a relaxing family-style
dinner served under the stars. Enjoy the balmy tropical
evening and the peaceful surroundings. It’s the perfect
setting to start your Australian adventure.
Day 2: (Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
Mossman Gorge Hike through an ancient rainforest, a lush
jungle filled with unusual animals and plants. After a
short informative tour, take your time to explore the
natural wonders in this scenic park.
Activities at
Voyages Silky Oaks Lodge Enjoy a delicious lunch by a river at Voyages
Silky Oaks Lodge. Swim in the river’s crystal-clear
water or relax and enjoy the sensational scenery.
Dinner at
Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures Cruise on a lagoon and meet some new reptilian
friends. Then feast on an assortment of delicious dishes
at a private hearty Aussie barbeque.
Day 3: (Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
Tjapukai
Aboriginal Cultural Park
Participate in Aboriginal traditions as Tjapukai tribe
members share their culture with song and dance. Listen
to a didgeridoo, learn how to throw a boomerang and a
spear, and even paint your own boomerang. Afterwards,
enjoy a buffet lunch featuring local dishes in Tjapukai.
Skyrail
Rainforest Cableway
Glide above the rainforest canopy, then descend among
the ancient trees, on the 7.5 km (4.7 mi) Skyrail. Voted
Best Major Tourist Attraction (Australia National
Tourism, Queensland and Tropical North Queensland
Tourism) numerous times, this amazing trip gives you a
birds-eye view of some of Australia’s most beautiful
scenery.
Australian
Butterfly Sanctuary
Your Skyrail ride ends in the village of Kuranda. There
you can visit Australia’s largest butterfly sanctuary
and browse through quaint shops.
Kids-Only and
Adults-Only Dinner
At the hotel, kids cut loose at their own dinner party
with their favorite foods. In the meantime, adults can
enjoy a quiet evening dining at the hotel.
Port Douglas
Marina
After a short stay in the lovely coast town of Port
Douglas, board a catamaran to sail to Low Isles in the
amazing Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, the largest
coral reef system in the world and considered one of the
world’s natural wonders.
Great Barrier
Reef Get ready for an extraordinary day! View the
dazzling array of sea life by snorkeling and take a tour
on a glass-bottom boat. You’ll also have the opportunity
to learn from a marine biologist who is on hand to
answer your questions and guide you on an informative
beach walk or snorkeling tour. A tropical buffet lunch
will be served on a catamaran. Swim, sunbathe, build
sandcastles and enjoy the beautiful surroundings above
the water.
Journey to
Ayer’s Rock Fly to the center of Australia to explore the
red desert around the mysterious formation known as
Ayer’s Rock, or by its Aboriginal name Uluru. Lunch will
be served in-flight. On your way to your hotel, a brief
stop at the Aboriginal Cultural Center provides an
orientation to Uluru and its indigenous people.
Arrive at
Voyages Desert Gardens Hotel Enjoy the stunning views of Ayers Rock from
this lovely hotel. Relax in your deluxe room or unwind
by the pool and garden.
Camel Ride at
Sunset Explore the cool evening desert from the back
of a camel. During the one-hour ride, marvel at the
vibrant colors of the sunset and listen to your local
expert spin ancient tales about this timeless landscape.
Ayers Rock Walk As you approach Ayers Rock, you will be amazed
by the richness of textures and mass of the rock. Hike
around its base to learn its stories and see its beauty.
Our group will walk at the base of Ayers Rock instead of
climbing to respect the wishes of the Aboriginals who
are the caretakers of this spiritual site.
Lunch on Your
Own at Ayers Rock
Your Adventure Guides can suggest where you can enjoy a
family lunch.
The Views at
Kata Tjuta
In the afternoon, 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 geological
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.
Star Gazing
View a night sky blazing with millions of stars. Gaze
through telescopes and listen to fascinating Aboriginal
stories about the wonders above.
Kids-Only and
Adults-Only Dinner
While Junior Adventurers enjoy their own pizza party,
adults can enjoy a quiet dinner at the hotel.
Day 7: (Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
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 Grace Hotel
Your hotel is a beautifully-restored historical building
with the latest modern amenities. It is centrally
located and within easy walking distance of some of the
best attractions, shopping and dining in the city. Ask
your Adventure Guide for suggestions about local
activities to do on your own.
Dinner at
Summit Enjoy a 360-degree, bird’s-eye view of Sydney
from this revolving restaurant, including the
spectacular harbor, Sydney Bridge, and the Sydney Opera
House. Dine on the finest Australian fare.
Taronga Zoo
Enjoy an informative private breakfast with a zoo
keeper, which includes a visit from a new arrival to the
zoo’s nursery. Afterwards, join a privately-guided tour
focusing on the fascinating native Australian animals.
Cruise Sydney
Harbor
Ride the Sky Safari to the dock, where you embark on a
thrilling jet boat ride around the sights of Sydney
Harbor. Then lunch on delicious pizza at the
always-lively Circular Quay.
Bike Tour
Hop on a bike for a privately-guided tour of the
historic Rocks district, one of Sydney’s oldest
neighborhoods. Its charming maze of streets is now the
site of enticing shops, galleries and restaurants. While
you explore the area, you’ll hear some fascinating
stories about the city’s colorful past.
Morning in
Sydney
This is your chance to explore Sydney’s many attractions
on your own. Do some last-minute shopping, stroll
through the lovely parks or visit the Sydney Opera House
. There are loads of interesting activities for you and
your family. If you need any suggestions, ask your
Adventure Guide.
Lunch on your
own in Sydney
Your Adventure Guides can suggest where to indulge in a
special family lunch.
Tobruk Sheep
Ranch
In the afternoon, travel to the scenic countryside for a
fun-filled afternoon at a working sheep ranch! Watch
dust-raising demonstrations of herding, shearing, and
whip cracking. Then enjoy a family-style farewell dinner
of Australian barbeque and other favorites. Great Aussie
entertainment sets the mood!
Is
a passport required for this itinerary?
U.S. citizens will need a valid passport to enter Australia
and return to the United States. The passport must be valid
six months beyond the intended stay and have 1-2 blank pages
remaining. Allow sufficient time to have the application
processed if applying for a new passport or renewing an
expired passport – refer to
www.state.gov for further details. In addition, guests
17 years of age or younger may be required to show
additional documentation when traveling with a single
parent. Non-U. S. citizens should check with the Australian
Embassy or Consulate at
www.austemb.org for information on documentation
requirements. <Return to top
Is
a visa or other document required to travel to this country?
Short-term visitors can apply for a Visitor ETA on the
Internet, using the Australian government's Electronic
Travel Authority (ETA). This is an electronic visa that
takes the place of a stamp in your passport. To apply
online, visit
www.eta.immi.gov.au. In addition, Guests 17 years of
age or younger may be required to show additional
documentation when traveling with a single parent. Non-U. S.
citizens should check with the Australian Embassy or
Consulate at
www.austemb.org for information on documentation
requirements. <Return to top
Are vaccinations needed to travel to this country?
If coming from the U.S, special vaccinations are not
required for travel to Australia. (However, for extended
stays to other parts of Australia, Guests are advised to
consult
www.cdc.gov). Non-US Citizens should check local
requirements for vaccinations for travel to Australia. <Return to top
What airport do Guests fly in and out of?
Guests are picked up at Cairns International Airport (CNS)
in Queensland on arrival day. Flights should arrive no later
than 2:00 p.m. At the end of the adventure, Guests will
transfer to Sydney International Airport (SYD) for the
return flight home, departing anytime. <Return to top
Can the vacation extend beyond the Adventures by Disney
itinerary?
Yes, Guests may stay in Australia before or after the
itinerary. Pre- and post-night stays in Palm Cove and Sydney
are available at special rates if booked through Adventures
by Disney Travel Services, Inc. in conjunction with a land
package and cannot be combined with any other offer. Please
contact us for further information. <Return to top
What
is the climate like?
Summer in the United States is winter in Australia.
Basically, Australia's seasons are the opposite of the
northern hemisphere - summer officially starts in December
and winter in June.
December - March
(Australia’s Summer) N. Queensland: an average of 75°F.
In the wet season it is common to have a warm downpour
of rain for a few hours. Ayers Rock: an average of 100°F.
Sporadic storms can roll in suddenly. Sydney: an average of 79°F during the
day and 65°F at night.
May-August (Australia’s
Winter) N. Queensland: an average of 75°F.
Sporadic rain, however not as much as in the wet season. Ayers Rock: an average of 65°F during
the day and 40s at night. Sydney: an average of 65°F during the
day and 45°F at night.
How strenuous are the activities?
This is an active trip with most activities being easy to
moderate. Some of the hiking opportunities include a
30-minute walk through the rainforest and hiking around
parts of the base of Ayer’s Rock and the Mala Gorge at the
Olgas. These hikes are all on unpaved trails and uneven
terrain with minimal uphill. Temperatures may be hot,
particularly in the desert, so be prepared with cool
clothes, hats and water. There will also be the opportunity
to swim or snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef, ride a bike
through Sydney (minimal traffic) and explore diverse areas
by foot. <Return to top
What is the basis for the suggested minimum age for this
trip?
While Disney welcomes children ages 4 and up at the time of
travel, it is recommended that children be at least 7 years
old at the time of travel for the Discovery Down Under trip.
This is based on several factors, such as flight time and
jet lag, time zone differences in the destination, duration
of the vacation, extended hours of daily activity
programming, number of internal transports between
experiences, potential for extreme temperatures in the
summer months, and amount of physical activity (e.g.,
walking, hiking, swimming, snorkeling, biking) involved.
Because each child is different, please contact us to
discuss whether this is the right trip for each child being
considered. <Return to top
Can special dietary needs be accommodated? Adventures by Disney can accommodate some
special dietary needs at no additional charge.
Unfortunately, some special dietary needs requested may not
be able to be accommodated. Please contact us in advance to
advise of special needs prior to departure. <Return to top
What types of meals are served during the Australia
itinerary?
Typically breakfast is served buffet style. Dinners and
lunches usually include fish, meat, and pasta or rice
entrées, vegetables along with salad, cheese, desserts and
fruit. While the menus have been planned to give a taste of
typical Australian cuisine, they are always balanced with
limited American fare. Some meals on this trip are served
buffet style while others offer a limited-choice menu. Given
the nature of group travel, á la carte menu choices are not
available. Children-friendly choices are available at all
meals. Menu items are subject to change due to the
availability and seasonality of foods. In order to offer
each Guest a bit of time to enjoy meals amongst themselves,
there are some meals that are not included in the itinerary.
These meals have been planned in towns or cities where there
are plenty of options available. For questions or concerns
about dining at any time during the vacation, the Adventure
Guides will be happy to assist. <Return to top
Is
alcohol included?
Alcoholic beverages are typically not included with
scheduled meals, however, they may be purchased at the
Guests own expense. <Return to top
Is
this itinerary appropriate for travelers with special needs?
Please note that this vacation includes activities that
present certain challenges to Guests with special needs. It
is strongly recommended that persons requiring assistance be
accompanied by a companion who is capable of and totally
responsible for providing assistance. Neither
Adventures by Disney nor its suppliers may
physically lift or assist Guests onto transportation
vehicles. Please contact us to discuss specific needs. <Return to top
What is the language and currency of Australia?
English is spoken in Australia. The unit of monetary
currency is the Australian dollar. ATM machines are
available in most places to obtain cash in the local
currency, and credit or debit cards are widely accepted.
Adventure Guides can help with any currency issues or
language barriers. <Return to top
Adventures by Disney
has taken care of certain tips and gratuities for all
included meals and activities such as tips for porters,
housekeepers, drivers, activity providers, local
experts, and dining room staff for included meals.
On Your Own Dining
Gratuities: When eating at a restaurant, a
gratuity is usually included in the bill. However,
Guests who feel they have received exceptional service,
may leave an additional gratuity. Many choose to simply
“round up.”
Adventure Guide
Gratuities: Gratuities for Adventures Guides
are not included. For Guests who feel that their
Adventure Guides have provided excellent service, the
following discretionary gratuity is suggested : Per
Guest/Per Adventure guide/Per Day - $5-$8 USD.
Adventure Guides accept local currency, U.S. dollars,
and travelers’ checks.
What if Adventures by Disney cancels the adventure prior to
departure? Adventures by Disney reserves the right to
cancel or reschedule an adventure at any time for any
reason, such as if there are too few Guests or if the
quality of the trip or the safety of the Guests would, in
Disney’s opinion, be compromised, such as from unforeseen
circumstances (acts of God) or other circumstances beyond
Adventures by Disney's control.
If air is purchased through
Adventures by Disney Travel Services, Inc., Disney will
attempt to re-book for another departure of the same
adventure during the same season, subject to
availability, and Disney will bear any resulting airline
re-booking charges. If unable to re-book on another
departure, a full refund of all payments that had been
made to Disney for the canceled adventure will be
issued, including land package, airfare and Vacation
Protection Plan (unless you have filed a claim), which
refund shall constitute a full settlement.
If air is not purchased through
Adventures by Disney Travel Services, Inc., and Disney
cancels an adventure prior to its scheduled start date,
Disney will attempt to re-book for another departure of
the same adventure during the same season, subject to
availability; however, the Guest will bear any resulting
airline re-booking charges. If unable to re-book on
another departure, Disney’s sole obligation is to refund
payment received for the land portion and Vacation
Protection Plan (unless you have filed a claim), which
refund shall constitute a full settlement. Disney
assumes no responsibility for any losses incurred by you
on account of non-refundable air tickets or otherwise.
1Value, Standard and Peak dates are
identified on prior page. 2Valid
for bookings made more than 120 days prior
to departure. The number of packages
available at these rates is limited. Not
valid with any other offer. 3Based
on double, triple or quad occupancy. Single
supplement applies. Subject to availability,
eligible parties of 4 may be booked as a
quad or two doubles. 4Child
rate applies to Guests under 12 when
accompanied by an adult in the same room.
Guests under 18 must be accompanied by a
parent or legal guardian.
All
prices are listed in USD.
Airfare to and
from destination is not included.
Please call for assistance in purchasing
flights.
Notes on Accommodations:
(subject to availability)
Parties of three
in North Queensland are accommodated
in a two-bedroom apartment with one
king bed and one queen bed.
Parties of three
in Ayers Rock are accommodated in
one room with two queen beds
(rollaway available upon request).
Parties of three
in Sydney are accommodated in one
room with a rollaway and either one
king bed or two twin beds.
Parties of four
booked as a quad:
In North
Queensland, quads are
accommodated in a two-bedroom
apartment with one king bed and
one queen bed.
In Ayers
Rock, quads are accommodated in
one room with two queen beds.
In Sydney,
quads must be accommodated in
two connecting rooms, each
having either one king bed or
two twin beds.
Parties of four
booked as two doubles:
In North
Queensland and Sydney,
accommodations consist of two
rooms, each having either one
king bed or two twin beds.
In Ayers
Rock, accommodations consist of
two rooms, each with two queen
beds.
Connecting rooms
and rollaways may be requested.
Pre- and
post-dates are available. Please
contact us for more details.
Snorkel
in the Great Barrier Reef, skyrail over ancient rainforests,
ride camels by Ayers Rock, see exotic creatures and explore
cosmopolitan Sydney. Australia offers a range of exciting
sights and adventures to thrill the whole family.
Concierge
Services
