Australia’s Outback to New Zealand’s South Island

Today you will board your overnight flight for your trip to Australia and New Zealand (flight is not included in price but is available from Brekke Tours).

Crossing the International Dateline, you skip a day ahead.

Your tour opens in Cairns, the tropical gateway to one of the world’s most spectacular natural attractions – the Great Barrier Reef (UNESCO). Established as a marine park in 1975, the reef is a haven for thousands of species of sea life, as well as turtles and birds. Overnight at Flynn Crystalbrook Collection Hotel.

Soak up the tropical atmosphere – the morning is yours. Perhaps you will take an optional tour on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, taking you above the rainforest canopy for a bird’s-eye view of unspoiled nature. This afternoon, visit Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures to see crocodiles on a nature cruise. Head through rainforests on boardwalks to see animals such as wild birds, reptiles, and wallabies. Visit with a koala and chat with a wildlife naturalist to learn more about these furry creatures.

Board a glass-bottom catamaran and sail to the Low Isles to discover the aquatic realm of the Great Barrier Reef. Spend the day however you please, perhaps choosing from a selection of included activities. Maybe you’ll soak up the sun on a tiny remote island*, located along the outer reef. Or consider snorkeling in the rolling waves, uncovering a pod of vibrant sea life. You can also meet with a marine biologist or join an expert on a heritage trail walk along the island.

Fly to the beautiful Victorian city of Melbourne. Set upon the shores of Port Phillip Bay and the Yarra River, the city exudes a lively and cosmopolitan atmosphere. Overnight at Mantra On Little Bourke Hotel.

Set out on a city tour and see Fitzroy Gardens and Melbourne’s bustling “laneways.” Then, it’s your choice! Enjoy free time to explore on your own -OR- visit the Melbourne Botanical Gardens and Shrine of Remembrance. With an afternoon to yourself, perhaps you will join an optional excursion to Phillip Island, home to the world’s largest colony of Little Penguins, where you’ll see hundreds of these birds waddle out of the sea and cross the beach to their dune burrows.

The day is yours. Often referred to as Australia’s cultural capital, Melbourne is home to a plethora of captivating art, delicious cuisine, and unique neighborhoods. Perhaps you’ll wander through its vibrant “laneways” – narrow roads home to local restaurants, colorful murals, and trendy boutiques. Or, you may choose to join an optional full day journey through Yarra Valley, Australia’s Wine Country, where you’ll learn about the regional wines at a tasting paired with lunch.

Experience the vast landscapes and tranquility of the Outback. Your flight takes you to Alice Springs, the perfect place to begin exploring this unique land. Tonight, continue your cultural immersion with a memorable bush dinner set against the backdrop of this unique desert environment. Overnight at Doubletree by Hilton Alice Springs.

Access the history and culture of the Arrente Aboriginal people by enjoying a guided walk on their sacred land, followed by a talk with an Aboriginal guide. Gain insight into their cultural history and discover what makes this place so special. This afternoon, discover a more modern side to Outback-living when you visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service, a lifeline to thousands across the vast terrain of Central Australia. Later, tour the Old Telegraph Station and Anzac Hill with its excellent views of Alice Springs and the surrounding area.

Traverse the “Red Centre” and head to Uluru (the Aboriginal name for Ayers Rock) in the heart of the Australian Outback. This huge monolith and the sandstone domes known as Kata Tjuta were created through upheaval and erosion. Tour the base of "the Rock," learning about its geology and significance to Aboriginal culture. Witness the changing colors of Uluru at sunset accompanied by a champagne toast. Overnight at Desert Gardens.

This morning, tour Kata Tjuta before saying farewell to the rugged Outback. Fly to Sydney, an energetic metropolis. Upon arrival in Sydney, enjoy dinner in lively Darling Harbour. Overnight at Sofitel Sydney Wentworth.

See where English colonists first settled during a city tour of Sydney, featuring Kings Cross, the Harbour Bridge, Chinatown, the Rocks, Circular Quay, the Botanic Gardens, and the fashionable suburb of Darlinghurst. Take an expert-led tour of the Sydney Opera House, poised majestically on Sydney Harbour. You’ll have the chance to join a special presentation at the National Opal Collection. In the evening, consider an optional dinner and engaging performance at the famous Opera House.

Deepen your exploration of Sydney’s many wonders with a day at leisure. Tonight, say your farewell to Australia and take in the scenic vistas during a delightful dinner cruise of Sydney Harbour. Marvel at the magnificent skyline and iconic attractions: the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge.

Leave Australia behind and fly to Queenstown, New Zealand. One of New Zealand’s most popular towns, Queenstown is nestled against a picturesque bay and snowcapped mountains. Home to ski resorts, hiking trails and an abundance of natural beauty, the city is known as the “Adventure Capital of the World.” Settle into your new home for 3 nights. Overnight at Novotel Queenstown Lakeside.

Soak in the rugged grandeur of the Hollyford Valley as you travel through an ancient beech forest via the Homer Tunnel. Cruise the Milford Sound and see why this fjord is one of the most visited sights on the South Island. Following the cruise, consider returning to Queenstown via a short optional flight (weather permitting) for spectacular views of New Zealand’s Southern Alps.

Enjoy a day at leisure. Shop in the bustling village center or enjoy an optional and exhilarating jet boat ride on the Shotover River. You might also consider joining an optional tour of the countryside, showcasing many of the locations where blockbuster movies have been filmed.

Set off for the 19th-century settlement of Arrowtown, founded in the gold fever. Sample the freshness of the Central Otago region with a stop at a local fruit stand. Follow the Kawarau River and cross Lindis Pass before arriving in New Zealand’s most famous national park – Mt. Cook. Savor some free time in this Alpine paradise. You may choose to take a nature walk, enjoy an optional glacier flightseeing tour (weather permitting) or simply meditate on the beauty of the Southern Alps. Overnight at The Hermitage.

Depart for Christchurch this morning and pay a visit to Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. A leader in the conservation of New Zealand species, Willowbank offers the chance to view New Zealand’s “Big 5” up close and personal. Later, join a local Kiwi family for a home hosted dinner. Overnight at Novotel Christchurch Cathedral Square Hotel.

Devastated by an earthquake in early 2011, see firsthand how the “Garden City” is recreating itself during a sightseeing tour that highlights the city’s magnificent gardens and elegant park district. The remainder of your day is free to continue exploring Christchurch on your own. As the day draws to a close, toast to your adventure down under at a farewell dinner with your fellow travelers.

Your tour comes to a close, leaving you with many pleasant memories of a wonderful vacation.