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Australia Singles Tour- March 22nd until April 4th, 2008
Cairns, Alice
Springs, Ayers Rock & Sydney- An Upscale Trip!
Australia is the only country that has a whole continent to
itself. World famous for its natural wonders and wide open spaces (beaches,
deserts and "the bush" or outback), Australia is ironically one of
the world's most highly urbanized countries and is well known for the
cosmopolitan attractions of its globally significant cities, renowned worldwide
for its vast, untouched landscape and its unique culture. Join our Singles Travel
Group which is composed of singles from all over the USA as we explore
Australia on this upscale and fully escorted tour.
Cairns is a vibrant, eclectic city framed by
the spectacular twin backdrops of rainforest mountain ranges and the sparkling
Coral Sea. Few places on earth can boast such unique natural attractions with
the Great Barrier Reef offering an underwater treasure trove of dazzling coral
and sea life, and superb World Heritage listed tropical rainforests within easy
reach. This area is truly a tropical paradise of beaches, islands, mountains,
rivers, waterfalls and lakes, of the legendary outback and a vast wilderness
fringed by the Coral Sea. Along with its rich ecology the Tropical North
has inherited wealth of cultures from its Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islanders.
Alice Springs is Australia's most inland town,
sitting around 125 miles south of the absolute centre of the continent. Alice
Springs grew around a permanent waterhole that was a key terminal for the
Overland Telegraph Station in 1870. It became a tough frontier town serviced by
camel trains from the railhead at Oodnadatta, until
the railway reached it in 1929 and it became a major terminus centre. Today the
city, with a population of 25,000 and stylish shopping and dining facilities,
provides a perfect base from which to access all of the surrounding natural
wonders, including Uluru (Ayer's Rock), and learn more about the local Arrernte Aboriginal tribal group who have inhabited the
area for 20,000 years.
Enjoy Sydney's rich cosmopolitan lifestyle, its fine
restaurants and cool shopping, as well as the natural beauty of its world
famous harbor. A great city to explore with your Singles
Travel friends and travel companions. Laze on a long, sandy beach, hike
in the high country, make a journey to the red outback, soothe your soul in one
of the State's many World Heritage national parks, and follow the leisurely
drives through country New South Wales. Be amazed by the quality of local food
and wine, kick your heels up at lively festivals and events, discover
Aboriginal heritage tours, see amazing landscapes and meet the friendly locals.
Whether you're after adrenalin-pumping adventure, relaxing on sun-kissed
beaches, trekking through ancient rainforest or snorkeling on the Great Barrier
Reef, there's an experience waiting to become your treasured memory in
Australia on this great singles adventure trip!
Day 01 Arrive Cairns (D)
Met on arrival and transferred by private coach to your hotel.
Your tour director Erik from USA will meet you on arrival at the hotel and
assist you to check in.
Rest of the day at leisure to relax and unwind from your
flight.
This evening there will be a briefing followed by a welcome 3 course dinner at
your hotel restaurant where you will get a chance to meet everyone in the
Singles Travel Group.
Overnight stay at The Hotel Cairns (4*) - Tower Rooms
<http://www.thehotelcairns.com/>
Day 02 Cairns (B/L)
Buffet Breakfast at your hotel. Travel by coach north along the
spectacular coastal road to Port Douglas, where you join a full day cruise to
the outer Barrier Reef.
After just 90 minutes you arrive close to Australia’s continental shelf where
you will moor over one of the most beautiful sections of the Great Barrier
Reef. It offers some of the best snorkeling and diving anywhere in the
world, with the warm waters of the Coral Sea affording crystal-clear
visibility, and the marine life is a riot of living color. You can take a
closer look at the breathtaking beauty of this seascape with its sunlit valleys
and coral cliffs, teaming with brilliant fish by swimming, snorkeling (equipment
provided) or cruising in the Subsea Explorer or glass bottom boat.
Sometimes described as the largest living structure on the planet, the Great
Barrier Reef is actually a collage of nearly three thousand individual reefs
and islands stretching for more than 1243 miles along the Queensland coast.
Enjoy a sumptuous smorgasbord lunch including fresh seafood and tropical
fruits. Morning and afternoon tea are also included.
Return to your hotel. Explore Cairns by night including the exciting nighlife and culture at your leisure. Overnight stay at The
Hotel Cairns
Day 03 Cairns (B)
Buffet Breakfast at your hotel
This morning visit the Cairns Tropical Zoo, where you will meet
Australia’s native animals, including Kangaroos, wombats, and crocodiles. You
can even have your photo taken with a koala (at extra cost).
Return to your hotel
This afternoon is at leisure on your own. Options
include famous beach areas like Trinity and Palm Cove beaches, Cairns Reef
Casino, or the Regional Art Center.
Overnight stay at The Hotel Cairns
Day 04 Cairns (B/D)
Buffet Breakfast at your hotel.
Your Erik's Adventures Singles Travel Director can set up a wide range of
activities for you in Cairns.
Full day at own leisure or you may join an optional Kuranda
tour
Kuranda all
inclusive tourUS$ 170 per person
Pick up from hotel- 7.30 am
Approx return to your hotel- 5.15 pm
Experience the contrast of the regions oldest and most picturesque railway
and the invisible technology of the world’s most beautiful Cableway in one day.
Enjoy your day knowing that we have taken care of all the details.
Pick up from your hotel and proceed to the Freshwater Station. Here you will
meet your hostess for the day who will run through the
day’s schedule. Once aboard the train, sit back and enjoy the spectacular views
as you journey through 15 hand cut tunnels and past spectacular waterfalls.
Following this you have 1½ hours free time to do some of your own exploring;
check out the local markets (Heritage Markets daily).
Your hostess will be waiting for you at Skyrail with
your tickets. Once aboard, you will be amazed as you glide silently over the
rainforest canopy on the world’s most beautiful rainforest experience. There
are two stations en-route where you can alight and enjoy a walk through the
rainforest to spectacular lookouts and views or visit the CSIRO Interpretive
Centre at Barron Falls Station to discover more about the special plants and
animals that inhabit this unique environment. The Skyrail
journey may end at Caravonica Lakes, but not the fun.
A short distance from the Skyrail Terminal is the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park and first stop there is
the extravagant buffet lunch. Afterwards you have ample time to explore all the
attractions of Tjapukai including movie theatres,
stage shows, craft demonstrations, the Aboriginal village and of course, the
famous Tjapukai Dance Troupe.
Your hostess will meet you at the entrance at 4:40 pm to say goodbye as you
board the coach for return transfer to Hotel - the end of a day that you will
never forget.
Please note: A fuel levy of AUD $2 (Approximately US$ 1.75) is
applicable and will be collected directly by a representative on the day of
travel. All passengers will be issued with a receipt confirming their payment.
This evening meet your director who will split your group into smaller groups
of 4 to 5 people, where you will visit a local home for an Aussie family
dinner.
Overnight stay at The Hotel Cairns
Day 05 Cairns / Alice Springs (B/D)
Buffet Breakfast at your hotel.
Transfer by private coach from your hotel to Cairns Domestic Airport and board
your flight to Alice Springs. (Flight not included). On arrival in Alice
Springs, you will be met and taken on an Alice Springs Town tour en-route to
your hotel.
Visit the historic Old Telegraph Station to discover how the locals had live in
this remote area and the history of the early settlers who explored the region
and developed communication. Continue up to Anzac Hill to enjoy spectacular
views of the town before visiting the Royal Flying Doctors Base. Appreciate how
an aerial medical service is provided to those living in extremely remote
regions. A highlight of your day is the opportunity to ride a camel (at own
expense), the transport of the desert, at the Camel Farm.
This evening transfer to Heavitree Gap.
The contemporary Aboriginal performance Red Centre Dreaming will honor
their ancestors by creating an interactive evening of unique entertainment and
dining that can be enjoyed & shared by everyone. Enjoy a highly
authentic traditional and contemporary Aboriginal performance featuring
dancing, weaponry, interaction, didgeridoo playing and cultural history.
Includes 3 course Territorian style meal using
indigenous native fruits, seeds and herbs, with wine and soft drink
Return to your hotel
Overnight stay at Crowne Plaza Resort
(Garden view Rooms)
<http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/cp/1/en/hotel/aspbd?&>
Day 06 Alice Springs (B)
Buffet Breakfast at your hotel
This morning meet up with your Erik's Adventures singles tour director and
re-join your coach for your Australia Aboriginal Dreamtime & Bushtucker Tour.
A specially trained guide will introduce you to local traditional Aboriginal
people who are still "living the culture". Try your hand at throwing
Boomerang or Spear and learn about the different types of weapons and
implements used. Taste various bush foods including some Witchetty
Grub and learn of traditional hunting and gathering techniques, bush survival
skills, the Kinship system, spiritual beliefs and much more including a
traditional corroborree performance (unchanged over
hundreds of years). Morning tea is (one of the many highlights) oven baked
damper with Cocky's Joy and Billy Tea and Coffee. A
once in a lifetime opportunity to discover and learn about a totally unique
culture, meet traditional Aboriginal Elders and respecting their lifestyle and
beliefs today in an ever changing world.
Return to your hotel.
Afternoon and Evening at leisure to explore Alice Springs.
Overnight stay at Crowne Plaza Resort
Day 07 Alice Springs / Ayers Rock (B)
Buffet Breakfast at your hotel
Morning at leisure or you may enjoy an optional Hot Air Balloon ride.
Outback Ballooning (30 Minute Flight)US$ 195 per person
Pick up from Crowne Plaza 4.00 am
Approx return to your hotel9.00 - 9:30 am
Your pre-dawn ballooning adventure begins alongside the majestic MacDonnell
Ranges. The balloon is inflated and rises to meet the first rays of a new day
in the Australian Outback. Drifting over the rugged landscape one is able to
appreciate the ancient red land and watch it awaken. To spot a kangaroo or
wallaby, fly amongst the green and pink flashes of budgerigars and galahs is an
experience not to be forgotten. After your flight you are taken to their
outback breakfast site for their famous piping hot chicken and champagne
breakfast.
Please note: A Civil Aviation Recovery Levy of AUD 20
(Approximately US$ 18) per person is to be paid by all passengers, on the
morning of the flight.
Later this morning meet your singles group director who will assist you with
your transfers by private coach to Alice Springs Airport and board your flight
to Ayers Rock. (Flight not included). Met on
arrival in Ayers Rock and transfer by private coach to your hotel.
This afternoon travel through desert plains for the short journey to The Olgas - known to the Aborigines as ‘Kata
Tjuta’. You will be amazed by the sheer size and
grandeur of these 36 massive domes of conglomerate red rock. Enjoy a guided
walk to Olga Gorge and explore the unusually shaped formations.
Late afternoon, travel to Ayers Rock sunset viewing area, to witness
and photograph the striking color changes that can occur on the world’s largest
monolith in the desert plain - Uluru (Ayers Rock) and enjoy a complimentary
glass of wine. On completion of the tour you will return to your hotel.
Overnight stay at Desert Gardens Hotel - standard rooms
<http://www.ayersrockresort.com.au/desert/>
Day 08 Alice Springs / Sydney (B)
Buffet Breakfast at your hotel
Travel by private charter coach to visit Uluru. Begin with a drive around the
base of Uluru (Ayers rock). Your driver/guide will point out a number of
interesting features of the monolith. Thereafter take a walking tour of Mutitjulu Waterhole where you can view Aboriginal rock art.
There is also time to visit the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre.
Later this morning, your tour director will
assist you with your transfer transferred to Ayers Rock airport to board your
flight to Sydney. (Flight not included). Upon your arrival in Sydney,
met and transfer by private coach to your hotel.
Rest of the day at leisure
Overnight stay at The Grace Hotel - superior rooms
<http://www.gracehotel.com.au/>
Day 09 Sydney (B)
Buffet breakfast at your hotel
Meet your driver/guide at the hotel and tour Sydney City sights and Southern
Beaches Tour.
Visit the Rocks - Sydney’s birthplace and see fascinating relics and buildings
of the city’s turbulent past. At the Sydney Opera House you will be taken on a
private guided tour of this famous Sydney Icon. Located on Bennelong Point, the
Opera House is one of the most recognizable sights of Sydney. Built in 1973
this building was designed by Danish architect Joern Utzon and is considered to be one of the 20th
century’s architectural triumphs. Continue on to Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair for
spectacular views of Sydney Harbor.
Return back to the city to visit Darling Harbor and China town prior to heading
out through Paddington with its maze of quaint terrace houses decorated with
cast iron lace balconies, galleries and offbeat shops. Continue onto Sydney’s
southern beaches and drive through exclusive Double Bay and Rose Bay. View the
Pacific Ocean from the Gap and view world famous Bondi
Beach.
Return to the city, where you will be boarding one of Matilda’s luxury
catamarans for an afternoon coffee cruise. Enjoy live commentary with fresh
coffee or tea and a selection of cakes and assorted cookies. Enjoy the
incredible harbor views, including Sydney Harbor Bridge, the Opera House and
Fort Denison. It’s a day you’re sure to remember.
Upon disembarkation at Circular Quay, you will be taken to one of the country’s
leading Opal Companies to discover how the beautiful gems are mined.
The rest of the day is at leisure. Enjoy Sydney's spectacular nightlife with
your new singles friends!
Overnight stay at The Grace Hotel
Day 10 Sydney (B)
Buffet breakfast at your hotel
Full day at leisure or you may opt to take an optional tour to Hunter Valley
Magnificent Hunter Valley Winetaster
US$ 125 per person
Pick up from The Grace Hotel 7.30 am
Approx return to your hotel6.45 pm
Operates: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays
Explore the fertile Hunter Valley and taste award-winning regional foods and
wines. Enjoy private vineyard inspections and learn of the winemaking process.
Spend your time strolling amongst the vineyards, purchase some wines, or just
enjoy the beautiful Australian countryside. Be treated to magnificent views of
the Hawkesbury River in the morning. See the remains of a convict built road
winding into the Hunter Valley and stroll around historic Wollombi Village. Home to Australia’s oldest wine producing region, the Hunter Valley
owes its fame to world class viticulturalist's and
fertile soils, enjoy a guided tour of McWilliams Mount Pleasant Estate, founded
in 1921 and part of the largest family owned 100% Australian wine company.
A delicious luncheon is accompanied by wine tasting. Your two-course lunch will
be complemented with specially chosen wines. Further tasting includes a visit
to McGuigans Winery. Be sure to taste their renowned
Australian wines. Your last stop will take you to Hunter Valley Gardens, a
quaint little township within the Hunter Valley, enjoy
the opportunity to taste premium wines in a unique atmosphere of the Hunter
Valley's only underground cellars.
Overnight stay at The Grace Hotel
Day 11 Sydney (B/D)
Buffet breakfast at your hotel
Full day at leisure or you may opt to take an optional tour and visit Blue
Mountains. Your Erik's Adventure singles travel Australia tour guide can take
you around Sydney or set up optional tours for you.
Blue Mountains & Wildlife Encounter US$ 100 per
person
Pick up from The Grace Hotel 7.30 am
Approx return to your hotel5.45 pm
Discover the spectacular Blue Mountains and see native wildlife Explore World
Heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park. 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 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.
Join the optional Blue Mountain rides - Scenic Railway, Cableway or
Skyway (own expense). These rides 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 enjoy an afternoon encounter at the Featherdale
Wildlife Park see kangaroos, wombats, dingoes and cute little fairy penguins.
This evening meet your singles travel Australia tour guide who will assist
you for your farewell dinner at the Waterfront Restaurant.
The Waterfront Restaurant has a unique nautical decor and breathtaking
views across Sydney Harbor, overlooking the Opera House and Harbor Bridge. The
Waterfront is recognized as one of Australia’s great seafood restaurants,
offering the best quality seafood available. Includes return transfers from
hotel & a 3 course set menu.
Overnight stay at The Grace Hotel
Day 12 Sydney (B)
Buffet breakfast at your hotel
Last day with the singles travel group- Farewell. Your Erik's Adventures
Australia tour director will assist you in your transfer to the airport.
Transfer by private coach to Sydney International airport to meet your onward
flight.
Land Cost:
US$ 3,650 per person sharing twin room
US$ 1,285 single supplement rate for a single room
Land Cost Includes:-
Accommodation for 4 nights at The Hotel Cairns (tower
rooms) or similar
Accommodation for 2 nights at Crowne Plaza
Resort, Alice Springs (garden view rooms) or similar
Accommodation for 1 night at Desert Gardens Hotel, Ayers Rock (standard
rooms) or similar
Accommodation for 4 nights at the Grace Hotel, Sydney (superior room)
or similar
Hotel porterage - is mandatory at most hotels
for groups and is included in the above cost, where porters are
available. Hotel porterage is usually based on
a maximum of one large suitcase per person.
Meals as mentioned in the itinerary: B - breakfast, L - lunch & D -
dinner
Transportation - All tours and transfers are in private modern,
air-conditioned coaches, (except on day 2, where transfers are carried out by Quicksilver
Connections own coaches and the group may travel with other passengers). The
driver will act as the tour guide on all tours.
Sightseeing tours as specified in the above itinerary inclusive of
entrance fees.
Local Guides - includes the services of a local English speaking guide
for Meet & Greet on arrival in Cairns only.
Current 10% Goods and Services Tax (GST) - subject to change
Professional Singles Travel Tour Director from the USA to escort the
trip
Transfers to and from the Airport for your international flights
Land Cost Excludes:-
All air tickets (USA / Cairns / Alice Springs / Ayers Rock/
Sydney / USA) and taxes. We can help you arrange these flights!
Visa fees.
Tips & Gratuities to local guides, drivers etc.,
Airport Porterage - luggage trolleys at all
domestic terminals in Australia are not Free of Charge and may incur a
charge of AUD 2 to 3 (Approximately US$ 1.75 to 2.65) per luggage
trolley. Therefore we recommend that you keep change handy. Cairns Airport is
the only Airport where luggage porterage service is
available, and we have included group porterage for
your arrival and departure flights in Cairns.
Extra visits and meals not indicated.
Optional sightseeing tours/activities (The optional tours are currently
based on “Seat in Coach”, tour times are subject to change and cancellation
fees will apply once confirmed)
Items of a personal nature such as telephone calls, laundry, beverages
etc.
Personal medical and travel insurance.
Depart USA You will depart your home city two days
before your arrival into Cairns because you will loose a day on the way there
while crossing the International Date Line
Contact Us or
call 312 925 0287 for more information
