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Our
Itinerary - Exploring Australia 2004
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Friday, June 25, 2004
Depart For Australia
Day 1
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Meet with our local
delegation at Chicago's O'Hare Airport for our flight to our
departing airport, Los Angeles' LAX. Greet our fellow Ambassadors in
Los Angeles before boarding our international flight to Brisbane,
Australia. |
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Saturday, June 26, 2004
En route
Day 2
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We lose a day as we cross
the International Date Line en route to Australia. After clearing
customs and meeting our delegation manager, we have the opportunity
to exchange some money into Australian currency. |
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Sunday, June 27, 2004
Sunshine Coast
Day 3
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Today we arrived in
Brisbane, the capital of Queensland. This is where we were greeted
by our delegation manager and coach driver. Brisbane was the second
original convict settlement and has grown to become Australia's
third largest city. We're heading north to the Sunshine Coast with a
stop at the Australia Zoo, famous for crocodile rescue and
conservation. |
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Monday, June 28, 2004
Sunshine Coast
Day 4
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Today we explore the
Sunshine Coast including a visit to the resort town of Noosa. We
will see Australia's unique fauna such as koalas and kangaroos at a
wildlife sanctuary. We will visit UnderWaterWorld to learn about
marine life and see a hilarious seal show. There will be aquariums
with a wide range of fish and an underground tunnel where we will
come face to face with huge sharks. |
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Tuesday, June 29, 2004
Farm Stay
Day 5
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The scenery changes
during the journey north along the inland highway from coast to
outback. We will explore the farming community of Murgon and the
Queensland Dairy Museum before arriving at the farm stay. After
meeting the hosts, enjoy a home cooked meal and hospitality. |
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Wednesday, June 30, 2004
Farm Stay
Day 6
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Enjoy the unique
Australian bush setting with its large assortment of wildlife and
natural eucalyptus forest, with surround the farm. Experience Aussie
hospitality and participate in such activities as bushwalking,
spotting wildlife, and horse riding. Learn about life on an
Australian farm property. |
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Thursday, July 1, 2004
Whitsunday Island
Day 7
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Bid farewell to your
Australian hosts and journey back to the cost toward Airlie Beach,
the gateway to the 74 Whitsunday Islands named by Captain James Cook
in 1770. Explore Mackay, an important center of the sugar cane
industry in Australia, before boarding a ferry to Long Island. This
beautiful island is the home to wallabies and the unusual curlew
bird with its long legs and mournful cry. |
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Friday, July 2, 2004
Whitsunday Island
Day 8
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Today's activities begin
with an introduction to the island involving a presentation on the
fauna, flora, and geological aspects of the surrounding environment.
Explore the island during a short bushwalk. Prepare to get your feet
wet during an introductory snorkeling lesson and reef experience. In
the afternoon, have your questions ready about the Great Barrier
Reef as you will be meeting with a representative of OUCH (Order of
Underwater Coral Heroes) who will brief you on this fascinating
formation that is the worlds largest living organism. Later continue
your watery adventures with a swim or try some water sports. |
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Saturday, July 3, 2004
Whitsunday Island
Day 9
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Cruise to the magnificent
Great Barrier Reef, one of the great natural phenomena the world has
to offer.. Stretching over 1250 miles and covering an area of over
135,000 sq. miles, the reef is the only living thing visible from
the moon! The Great Barrier Reef is rich in marine life, including
1500 species of fish. Observe the fragile ecosystem and snorkel in
the pristine aquamarine water. Be amazed by the diverse colors and
varieties of the live coral. Play with the fish as they dart in and
out of their watery wonderland. There will also be semi-submersible
boat rides available to view the thousands of varieties of colorful
fish and coral without getting wet. Witnessing life on the reef is
truly a magical experience. |
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Sunday, July 4, 2004
Yeppoon
Day 10
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Leaving the Whitsunday's,
you journey south along the Bruce Highway to Rockhampton. Located on
the Tropic of Capricorn, Rockhampton is considered the capital of
Australia's beef industry. Head for the coast to beautiful Yeppoon
your home for the next two days. |
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Monday, July 5, 2004
Yeppoon
Day 11
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Your day begins with a visit
to the Dreamtime Aboriginal Cultural Center, where you will learn about
Australia's rich Aboriginal culture. The centers activities include
musical and dance performances as well as boomerang and spear throwing
demonstrations. The Aborigines are believed to have arrived 20,000 -
60,000 years ago via Asia. Then discover Olsen's Capricorn Caves, well
known for their unspoiled beauty and natural formations including
the famous "Cathedral Cave".
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Tuesday, July 6, 2004
Brisbane
Day 12
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Today you continue south to
the country town of Gin Gin where you will have lunch before continuing
through regions well known for their agriculture and historic towns.
Returning to Brisbane, discover the city during an orientation
highlighting important areas such as Southbank, site of Expo 88, the
Town Hall Square and the Botanical Gardens. Enjoy lunch while taking in
the busy Queen Street Mall.
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Wednesday, July 7, 2004
Sydney
Day 13
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In the morning fly to Sydney,
uniquely set on the natural harbor of Port Jackson and the largest city
in Australia. Your explorations of Sydney begin with a guided
orientation of the majestic Sydney Opera House complex. The visually
intriguing structure houses an Opera Theatre, Concert Hall, Playhouse as
well as one of Sydney's finest restaurants. It has become one of the
cities most internationally recognized landmarks. Then discover the
historical Rocks area and reenact the convict era in period costumes.
Tonight dine at Sydney restaurant overlooking Darling Harbor.
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Thursday, July 8, 2004
Sydney
Day 14
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Good morning, it's time for
an association visit! Spend the day at famous Manly Beach, where you
will learn some surf life-saving skills, play beach games, and best of
all, meet Australia youth. later in the afternoon, learn about
Australia's national gemstone, the opal, during a visit to an opal
establishment where you will have a cutting and polishing demonstration.
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Friday, July 9, 2004
Sydney
Day 15
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This morning, enjoy a
sumptuous breakfast on board a cruise, with Sydney Harbor as your
spectacular backdrop. |
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Saturday, July 10, 2004
Depart for the U.S.A Day 16
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Pack your suitcase for the
last time, make sure you have everything you need for the flight in your
carry-on. Board the coach for the airport for your return flight to the
United States. |
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