AUSTRALIA: TASMANIA TO THE GREAT BARRIER REEF EXPEDITION HIGHLIGHTS
• Explore some of Australia’s most spectacular wildernesses: Tasman Island, Cradle Mountain, and the Daintree Rainforest. • Get acquainted with Tasmania’s rare creatures on a private visit to the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary. • Go snorkeling or float in a glass-bottom boat on the Great Barrier Reef. • Get a new perspective on the natural world while exploring the Daintree Rainforest with the Kuku Yalanji people.
I T I N E R A RY
| 12 DAYS
DAYS 1 AND 2 SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
Arrive in Sydney this morning and take a private cruise through its stunning harbor. Visit the Royal Botanic Gardens, and take a behind-the-scenes tour of the Sydney Opera House. Set out on an optional excursion to climb Sydney’s iconic Harbour Bridge (not available in December). INTERCONTINENTAL SYDNEY (D; B, L) DAYS 3 AND 4 HOBART, TASMANIA/TASMAN ISLAND/PORT ARTHUR
Fly to Tasmania to tour the capital of Hobart. Enjoy a private visit to the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary with National Geographic grantee Dr. Stewart Nicol. The next day, see Tasman Island’s geological formations on a coastal wilderness cruise run by ecotourism pioneer Robert Pennicott, named a National Geographic Traveler of the Year in 2012. Above: A pair of eastern gray kangaroos bounds across the landscape in Australia.
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EXPERT Writer and adventurer Roff Smith migrated to Australia more than 25 years ago. In 1996, he embarked on a 10,000-mile solo bicycle trek through the outback, chronicled in a three-part series in National Geographic magazine and later in his book Cold Beer and Crocodiles. He continues to regularly contribute to National Geographic magazine and has also authored several books for National Geographic, including National Geographic Traveler’s guidebook to Australia. ROFF WILL ACCOMPANY THE DECEMBER 2017 AND JANUARY 2018 DEPARTURES. SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR EXPERTS ON OTHER DEPARTURES.
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Wander the ruins of Port Arthur, a historic prison colony. HENRY JONES ART HOTEL (B, L, D; B, L) DAYS 5 AND 6 CRADLE MOUNTAIN–LAKE SAINT CLAIR NATIONAL PARK
Drive to Mount Field National Park, pausing for a walk to Russell Falls and a sheep-shearing demonstration at Curringa Farm. Explore the glacially sculpted landscapes of Cradle Mountain–Lake Saint Clair National Park on guided walks and a nighttime wildlife-spotting excursion. CRADLE MOUNTAIN LODGE (B, L, D DAILY) DAYS 7 AND 8 MELBOURNE/PHILLIP ISLAND
Fly to Melbourne and take a tour of the city known as the cultural capital of Australia. On Phillip Island, observe koalas at the Koala Conservation Centre and witness the famous penguin parade. Alternatively, take an optional excursion along the beautiful Great Ocean Road. SOFITEL MELBOURNE ON COLLINS (B, L; B, D) DAYS 9 AND 10 CAIRNS/PORT DOUGLAS/ GREAT BARRIER REEF
Fly to Cairns. En route to Port Douglas, meet National Geographic grantee Dr. Adam Barnett to hear about his studies on deep-sea sharks. Discover the Great Barrier Reef, observing it from a viewing platform or a glass-bottom boat, or while snorkeling. THALA BEACH LODGE (B; B, L) DAY 11 DAINTREE RAINFOREST
Take a wildlife cruise along the Daintree River, and join an indigenous guide on a Ngadiku Dreamtime Walk at Mossman Gorge for a look at the connection between culture and the land. Relax on the beach this afternoon before our farewell reception. (B, L, D) DAY 12 PORT DOUGLAS/CAIRNS
Transfer to Cairns for your return flight. (B)
Visit our website for details on our Australia Family Expedition. I N F O R M AT I O N Dates: 2017: Oct. 22–Nov. 2 • Dec. 30, 2017–Jan. 11, 2018* 2018: Jan. 21–Feb. 1 • Feb. 18–Mar. 1 *The itinerary shown describes the October, January, and February departures. The December departure is one day longer and includes a New Year’s Eve overnight in Sydney, as well as an extra day in Hobart to experience the Taste of Tasmania festival. Expedition Cost: October, January, and February $9,995 December* $11,695 Prices are per person, double occupancy. For a single room, add $3,700 in October, January, and February and $4,700 in December. Airfare to Sydney and return from Cairns and airfare within Australia are not included in the expedition cost. The group flights within Australia are $800–$825 (subject to change). Optional Extension: Extend your trip to Uluru with a stay at Longitude 131° or to Kangaroo Island with a stay at Southern Ocean Lodge, both members of the National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World collection. Visit our website or call for details.