G'day mate! Join Capital Public Radio General Manager Rick Eytcheson on a 14-day adventure to amazing Australia. Your expedition begins in Sydney where you’ll dine in waterfront cafes, cruise the harbor and tour the world-renowned Sydney Opera House. Enjoy a wine excursion to Hunter Valley before heading south to charming Melbourne. We’ll soak up the sites on the gorgeous Great Ocean Road, spend a day sailing out to the Great Barrier Reef, and visiting a nature preserve with kangaroos and koala bear. You’ll have time to see Australia’s unique vegetation at a botanical garden and ride a cable car above a lush rainforest. And best of all? You’ll travel with like-minded public radio friends! Space is limited..

Make a Reservation

MAKE YOUR RESERVATION or call Earthbound Expeditions toll free at 1.800.723.8454 or email [email protected]

Trip Facts:

It's included:

Days 1 & 2: OCT. 21 – Depart for Australia

Depart San Francisco for Sydney, crossing the International Date Line as you head over the Pacific Ocean.

 

Day 3: OCT. 23 - Arrive in Sydney

Your local guide will meet you at the airport and assist with the transfer by private motor coach to the Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel at Circular Quay, which is located just a block away from SydneyHarbour. En route, you’ll enjoy stunning views of Australia’s glistening coastline and the iconic Sydney Opera House. Relax and freshen up before meeting your guide and host for a SydneyHarbour lunch cruise. Sleep in Sydney.

 

Days 4 & 5: OCT. 24 & 25 – Exploring Sydney

You'll spend the next few days exploring Sydney: ferry-hopping and dining on fresh seafood in quaint bistros. Our exploration of the Sydney area will also include a day trip to HunterValley to taste a few local wines. We'll also tour the Sydney Opera House and Botanical Gardens.

Thrill seekers may wish to climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Yes, that’s really an option! Strapped in by harness you’ll walk over the top of the bridge for an exhilarating hour. Tickets are optional and your guide will be available to assist reserving this for you. And you won’t want to miss a stroll along Sydney Harbour and a walk through one of Sydney’s great foodie neighborhoods affectionately known as “The Rocks.” All of this and more lies within a 5 to 20 minute walk from your hotel. Sleep in Sydney.

 

Day 6: OCT. 26 - Fly South to Melbourne

This morning, we fly south to Melbourne, capital of the state of Victoria and the second most populous city in Australia. Upon arrival, you’ll enjoy a city orientation, which will reveal not only the highlights but also the local secrets of this world class metropolis. Your centrally-located hotel is next to the historic Queen Victoria Market. Relax and freshen up before meeting your guide and host for a Welcome to Melbourne feast in a nearby bistro. Sleep in Melbourne.

 

Day 7: OCT. 27 – Exploring Melbourne
This morning, we'll meet up with an entertaining local guide and explore some of Melbourne's lesser-known neighborhoods. After hearing some of the city's secrets, we'll end up on the seafront
where we'll enjoy some local cuisine. The afternoon is free to further explore Melbourne. This evening you may wish to go out on the town and catch a jazz concert. Sleep in Melbourne.

Day 8: Oct. 28 - Great Ocean Road

After breakfast, we set off to explore the Great Ocean Road. Experience one of the world's most scenic coastal drives. See the towering Twelve Apostles, get up close to native wildlife, and take in iconic surf breaks, pristine rainforest and misty waterfalls as you go. Admire the stunning coastline on the Great Ocean Walk, see koalas, emus and kangaroos at Tower Hill and explore surf towns and seaside villages. Gourmands will relish the opportunity to taste local fresh seafood and other products. Sleep in Melbourne.

Day 9: OCT. 29 – North to Port Douglas

This morning, we fly north to the state of Queensland, gateway to both the world renowned Great Barrier Reef and the Kuranda Rainforest. Upon arrival in Cairns, we’ll drive north to charming Port Douglas via a spectacular coastal road that is surrounded by forest and ocean. You’ll enjoy a brief orientation before checking into your four star hotel, which is located just a short walk from the Coral Sea. Tonight enjoy another fabulous dinner. Sleep in Port Douglas.

Day 10: OCT. 30 – Port Douglas Wildlife Habitat

Today is a great day to kick back and live like a local. After a leisurely morning, we’ll meet up for an afternoon visit to the Wildlife Habitat. Constructed in 1988 on two hectares of land, the wildlife immersion exhibit allows guests and animals to mingle in a spacious and natural setting. Visitors wander along elevated boardwalks for up close viewing of a huge range of flora and fauna. Naturally, you’ll be seeing plenty of kangaroos and koala bears! Sleep in Port Douglas.

 

Day 11: OCT. 31 - The Kurandas Rainforest Cableway

The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway experience spans 7.5 kilometers over Australia’s pristine tropical rainforests. You’ll glide just meters above the rainforest canopy before descending through the canopy layers and deep into the heart of the forest at Skyrail’s two rainforest mid-stations for the ultimate tropical rainforest experience. This afternoon you'll have time to relax, walk the beach or simply sit by the pool. Sleep in Port Douglas.

Day 12: NOV. 1 - A Day on the Great Barrier Reef

Grab your sandals and sun hat! Today we are heading out to the Great Barrier Reef. We’ll spend a full day on the Coral Sea with Calypso Cruises visiting three different sites, providing a glimpse of the extraordinary coral gardens and marine creatures of the reef. Snorkel gear is available and included (scuba excursions are extra.) Lunch is included. You'll have time to freshen up after our excursion before meeting your host and fellow travelers for a farewell dinner. Sleep in Port Douglas.

Day 13: NOV. 2 - Fly to Sydney

Guests on the group flight will depart to Sydney this afternoon
and overnight before returning to the U.S. Depending on flight
schedules, you'll have some free time in Port Douglas or Sydney
today.

Day 14: NOV. 3 - Tour Concludes
Return home with a lifetime of marvelous memories.

NOT JOINING THE GROUP FLIGHT?
If booking your own international air, please note that your
journey will end on November 2 in Port Douglas. You would be
responsible for getting yourself to/from the airports in Australia.
Please deduct $1,749 if not accepting the group air portion on
QANTAS.

*Itinerary subject to change

 Download Trip Brochure (PDF)

*** SAVE $500 ***

Reserve your space before March 15 – SAVE $200

Pay your final balance by check – SAVE $200

Capital Public Radio travel alumni – SAVE $100

Make a Reservation

MAKE YOUR RESERVATION or call Earthbound Expeditions toll free at 1.800.723.8454; email [email protected]

 

Earthbound Expeditions POB 11305, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110 USA T. 800 723 8454 / T. 206 842 9775 / F. 206 238 8480 www.EarthboundExpeditions.com