Wonders of Australia OCTOBER 25 - NOVEMBER 6, 2020 with host JIM VANDERZWAAN, Former KSBW 8 Lead Forecaster Courtesy of Tourism Australia Tourism of Courtesy DAY 8: BRISBANE & LAMINGTON views to the ocean and Bribie Island, Great Barrier Reef NATIONAL PARK enabling us to watch the ships goby This morning we fly to Brisbane, the from our balcony. All rooms are sub-tropical capital of Queensland conveniently fitted with full kitchen and one of Australia’s most charming and laundry facilities. B cities. Our tour takes us into the Brisbane city center, past many historical and DAY 11: EUMUNDI MARKETS significant architectural buildings & SEA LIFE SUNSHINE including City Hall, Parliament House, COAST AQUARIUM and St. John’s Cathedral. We travel This morning we visit the world-famous JIM VANDERZWAAN south to our accommodations for two outdoor markets in Eumundi. More than nights at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat 350 market stalls showcase a wonderful Former KSBW 8 Lead Forecaster located in the heart of one of the world’s mix of local produce, arts, crafts and Jim Vanderzwaan served as great sub-tropical rain forests – World fashion. Later we take a fascinating California’s Central Coast’s weather Heritage Lamington National Park. journey from the coast to the ocean expert for 32 years on the #1 rated Enjoy a brief tour of the Retreat and depths on a guided tour through the KSBW Action News 8. Jim has the get ready to explore the magnificent rain SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast Aquarium longest running broadcast weather forest and its many attractions. Walk and Oceanarium. Explore 16 themed career in the station’s 65-year history, Wonders of Australia through the treetops on the famous zones and soak-up the amazing view having provided what is estimated Treetop Walk and inspect the extensive from the seabed in the ocean tunnel. Additional dates may be available to be more than 25,000 weather OCTOBER 25 - NOVEMBER 6, 2020 display of plants and flowers in the nearby Get up close to over 10,000 creatures forecasts. From tropical depressions botanical gardens. Later appreciate including Australia’s largest collection to regional micro-climates, he guid- The ultimate experience featuring distinct accommodations, DAY 6: KURANDA SCENIC the night sky with its remarkable clarity of jellyfish and most diverse arrays of ed area residents through every TRAIN & SKYRAIL and beauty. Never before has the marine life. Meet the rare weedy sea changing weather pattern on the unique activities and must-see attractions. Today we experience one of the most Southern Cross been viewed so dragons, the resident seals plus over Central Coast. DAYS 1 & 2: SYDNEY BOUND harbor and city during lunch at the Sydney spectacular rail excursions in the world, majestically. O’Reilly’s Rainforest 20 species of shark and rays. We enjoy Jim kept the Central Coast informed We meet our Tour Director and prepare Tower Revolving Restaurant. Later there’s the Kuranda Scenic Train. As we ascend, Retreat is a stargazer’s dream. B,D lunch at the Pub at Aussie World, a about the weather each weeknight for our overnight flight to the Land Down time to visit the attractions of Darling our journey provides unsurpassed views popular Sunshine Coast icon. The at 5, 6, and 11 pm. He has spoken Under. Upon crossing the International Harbor or The Rocks. Darling Harbor is of World Heritage recognized rain forest, DAY 9: O’REILLY’S RAINFOREST Pub’s claim to fame is due to its quirky about the marvels of weather and Date Line, we lose a calendar day. Sydney’s favorite destination for leisure steep ravines, and picturesque waterfalls RETREAT shape and the caricature exterior. The forecasting to many civic groups and entertainment, with restaurants, within Barron Gorge National Park. Upon Start the day with O’Reilly’s famous remainder of the afternoon is free to and schools and never tires of the DAY 3: HARBOR CRUISE cafes, museums, theaters, parks and arrival in Kuranda, there’s plenty of time bird walk and meet the hundreds of experience Caloundra’s charm and ever-changing sky. This morning we arrive in Sydney, specialty shops. The Rocks is one of to explore this fascinating mountaintop birds that feed each morning at the stroll along the coastal boardwalks Australia’s largest, oldest and most the most prestigious areas in Sydney village and visit the Heritage Markets, full Retreat. During breakfast a rain forest beside Bulcock and Kings Beach. L Jim enjoys traveling, photography cosmopolitan city. We’re introduced with its restored houses and buildings, of colorful and interesting arts and crafts. guide will invite us to participate in the and jazz music. He and his wife, to Sydney’s sparkling waterfront spectacular views across the harbor, After lunch at Frogs Restaurant we day’s guided activities. Guided walks, DAY 12: NOOSA ECO-CRUISE Jeri, have been married more than playground during a delightful Captain and cobbled streets and pathways. B,L descend the magnificent MacAlister a four-wheel drive trip to magnificent This morning we follow the stunning 30 years and love living on the Cook harbor cruise. Gain a glimpse Range, a 4.7 mile gondola cableway. locations and morning and afternoon coastline rimmed with wide stretches Central Coast. of the Sydney Opera House and Harbor DAY 5: TROPICAL CAIRNS Enjoy spectacular views of the rain forest, tea are included. Tonight, enjoy a of clean, white sand beaches to Noosa. the Coral Sea, and the lush Cairns nature presentation at the Retreat We experience the rich history and Join Jim and KSBW 8 viewers on Bridge, the longest single span bridge This morning we fly to tropical Cairns Highlands as we glide over the dense Theater or a guided walk to view natural beauty that earned Noosa the this wonderful vacation. in the world, sail past pristine parks, in Far North Queensland. This is the golden beaches and charming har- gateway city to many of Australia’s forest canopy. B,L nocturnal creatures such as possums, title of Queensland’s first UNESCO borside neighborhoods. This afternoon natural wonders, including the Great pademelons, and glowworms. B,D biosphere. The Noosa Eco-Cruise we arrive at the Rydges World Square Barrier Reef. We visit the Tjapukai DAY 7: GREAT BARRIER provides spectacular views of beaches, Hotel. Our superior accommodations Aboriginal Cultural Park to explore the REEF & SCENIC DAY 10: CROCODILE HUNTER’S mountains, birds and marine life. We for two nights are conveniently located rich history of the world’s oldest living HELICOPTER FLIGHT AUSTRALIA ZOO enjoy a short guided walk to discover in the central business district. Tonight, culture, dating back over 40,000 years. Today we experience one of the high- We depart our secluded rain forest retreat native plants, then reboard our vessel become acquainted with your fellow We join the descendants of Tjapukai lights of our tour, a visit to the Great and head north to the Sunshine Coast. for a generous morning tea in the Australia Zoo travelers at a KSBW 8 Welcome people on the foothills of the Barron Barrier Reef. We cruise to Moore Reef We visit the Australia Zoo, situated in shadow of the national park. There’s Bindi Irwin & Wombat Dinner hosted by your Tour Director Gorge rain forest for an afternoon of located on the outer edge of the reef, the shadow of the Glasshouse Mountains, time to stroll along Noosa’s famous at the Cyren Restaurant. D performances, activities, and demon- the world’s largest living organism. The home of legendary television personality Main Beach and visit fashionable strations. Touch and smell traditional reef is one of Australia’s greatest national Steve Irwin the “Crocodile Hunter.” See Hastings Street, home to the best DAY 4: OPERA HOUSE bush foods, listen to the didgeridoo, treasures and stretches more than 1,200 colorful birds and those prehistoric in boutiques, renowned cafes, and & CITY SIGHTS throw and paint a boomerang, marvel miles along the coast. We view vividly saltwater crocodiles in the Crocoseum. restaurants. We gather this evening Today we discover Sydney with an expert at live dance performances, gain insight colored tropical fish and coral from the Experience hands-on animal encounters for our special Farewell Dinner. D local guide. Enjoy views of the Queen into ancient hunting methods, and learn reef viewer, underwater observatory, like nowhere else in the world. Pet a Victoria Building, Hyde Park, bustling the medicinal value of native plants. and glass bottom boat. Learn about the koala, hand-feed kangaroos, wallabies DAY 13: FOND FAREWELLS Kings Cross, and popular Bondi Beach. Enjoy three pleasant nights at the Flynn fish and marine life that inhabit this and see emus, wombats, dingoes, This morning we bid farewell to We marvel at the iconic sails atop the Hotel Cairns adjacent to the waterfront underwater world. Enjoy breathtaking cassowaries, and kookaburras. We Australia. We cross the International famous Sydney Opera House and enjoy and esplanade. This stunning five-star sights of the Great Barrier Reef on an arrive at our oceanfront home for the Date Line and return home with a tour through this landmark venue, hotel features three restaurants and included scenic helicopter flight. Swim, next three nights, the deluxe Monaco cherished memories. one of the most recognizable in the bars, glass swimming pools and snorkel, or just relax in this beautiful Resort in Caloundra. Our luxurious one world. Enjoy panoramic views of the Eléme Day Spa and wellness center. marine setting. B,L bedroom apartments offer stunning Tour Highlights Beautiful Scenery, Iconic Architecture & Extraordinary Experiences Kuranda Scenic Train Enjoy the scenic beauty of tropical North Queensland as we ride the legendary Kuranda Scenic Railway.