SEVEN WONDERS OF AUSTRALIA

ITINERARY – SEVEN WONDERS OF AUSTRALIA

DDay 1 (Tuesday): Australia Here We Come!
In the evening, you will depart Los Angeles for Brisbane on our escorted group flight. The flight will take about 14 hours - plenty of time to relax, get a little sleep, and make friends with the rest of your group.

Day 2 (Wednesday): In Transit
Today is "lost" as you cross the international dateline, but don't worry too much, you will get it back on your way home!

Day 3 (Thursday): Welcome to Australia!
This morning you will touchdown in Brisbane - your gateway to the beautiful Land DownUnder. Rustic Pathways staff members will be on hand to welcome you. After collecting your baggage and meeting your leaders, you will be off to take a connecting flight to Hamilton Island. The view out the plane window will be stunning as you land on the Whitsunday Islands. After collecting your bags you'll transfer to your ocean view apartment. This afternoon there'll be time to explore the island while getting to know your group.

Day 4 (Friday): Whitehaven Beach and Hamilton Island
Today we head out on a boat to visit the amazing Whitehaven Beach! Boasting pure white sands and turquoise waters, this beach is one of the jewels of the Whitsunday Islands. We will take a short hike up to a hill to get stunning views across a shallow inlet and take some time to relax and play on Whitehaven Beach. We will return to Hamilton Island for lunch and take a hike through the island for more spectacular views. Later this afternoon you'll be able to relax by one of the many resort pools.

Day 5 (Saturday): Cairns and Port Douglas
This morning you will fly from Hamilton Island to Cairns. Our guides will take you to visit the small town of Kuranda, where you can explore 'hippie' markets and pick up some eclectic Australian souvenirs. Then catch the Skyrail down the mountain (optional) and take in the incredible views of rainforest and ocean. In the afternoon we will take a scenic drive to Port Douglas, a coastal resort town an hour north of Cairns. On the edge of the Daintree Rainforest, this popular tourist town has palm-lined beaches and a trendy main street. Tonight you'll head out to one of the many restaurants to soak up the lively atmosphere in town.

Day 6 (Sunday): Can You Find Nemo?
The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef system in the world, spanning a distance of over 1,400 miles. Today you'll visit three superb sites on the outer Ribbon Reefs, and local marine biologists will be your guides to this wonderland. Try scuba diving atop the Great Barrier Reef (optional) where you may see minke whales. You will have an unforgettable experience as you float alongside the fish, turtles and corals of this World Heritage area!

Day 7 (Monday): The Oldest Rainforest On Earth
Millions of years ago, when Australia separated from Gondwana, the rainforest from this ancient landmass was divided. Part of this rainforest, now known as the Daintree, continues to thrive here in Australia, and today you'll visit a number of sites within this oldest rainforest on earth. As you head further north up the Cape, keep an eye out for the cassowaries, a large rainforest bird, and keep your camera handy as you look for crocs on the Daintree River! You'll stay in the small town of Cape Tribulation tonight and spend the afternoon in an area that is often described as paradise. With white-sand beaches and rainforest extending all the way to the sand, this region of Australia enchants visitors from across the globe.

Day 8 (Tuesday): From Tropical Queensland to the Top End
After a morning on the beach, you will make your way back towards Cairns. We'll make a stop at the picturesque Mossman Gorge, take a dip in the river, explore the city of Cairns, then catch out next flight across The Top End of Australia, which will bring you into Darwin in the late evening.

Day 9-10 (Wednesday/Thursday): Litchfield National Park and Hot Springs
Less than one hundred miles from Darwin lies the magnificent Litchfield National Park. Known for its spectacular waterfalls and diverse landscapes, this region offers yet another breathtaking view of Australia. The landscape is dotted with magnetic termite mounds, sandstone plateaus with stunning waterfalls, and tropical monsoon forest. The next two days will be spent exploring the park, swimming in 'billabongs,' jumping off waterfalls, and sleeping under the stars around a campfire in an Aussie swag. Then, after making like you're Crocodile Dundee, you will visit local hot springs, where you can soothe your muscles before returning to Darwin. On Thursday night you'll experience the famous sunset markets and catch the sun as it dips beneath the Timor Sea.

Day 11 (Friday): Into The Desert
This morning you're off to see some of the famous sites around Darwin. Re-live history by walking through WWII oil storage tunnels, and experience the ferocity of Cyclone Tracy they destroyed the city in 1974. Then, we take another flight to Alice Springs, the outback capital in the center of Australia.

Day 12 (Saturday): Alice Springs to Kings Canyon
The 'Red Centre' is famous for its red sand and stunning Outback landscapes. After an exploration of the famous Outback township of Alice Springs, you will make your way through a land that has been looked after by Aboriginal Australians for over 1,000 generations. Driving through the desert, you will want to keep an eye out for wild camels as you approach Kings Canyon. This afternoon you will take a walk around the rim of Kings Canyon, a truly magnificent part of Australia. On your way around the canyon, you will pass the tropical pools of the Garden of Eden and the beehive rock formations called the Lost City. Be sure to stop and take in the scenery - Outback views don't get much better than this! Tonight you stay in safari tents on a cattle station that catches wild camels!

Day 13 (Sunday): Kings Canyon to Uluru
After a cooked breakfast, we continue through the desert to Uluru (Ayer's Rock). After checking into the hostel, we head out to see the cultural center and walk around the base of Uluru. At sunset you will see 'The Rock' change color and as the daylight disappears, the brightness of the Outback night skies will be a sight you'll never forget.

Day 14 (Monday): Sunrise Camel Ride and Into the Big Smoke
This morning is an opportunity for the adventurous to see the sunrise bring the desert to life while riding a camel (optional)! With Uluru as your backdrop, this is an experience that is definitely recommended. Your guides will then take you out to Kata Tjuta to see the spectacular dome before you head to the airport and fly southeast to Sydney in the early afternoon.

Days 15 & 16 (Tuesday & Wednesday): Sydney and Her Sights
These two days will be spent in Australia's most famous city. During these two days, you will head out to see the sights of spectacular Sydney Harbour, walk through the famous Rocks District, admire the bridge, and ponder the Opera House. Then cruise through the harbor to the seaside suburb of Manly and experience Darling Harbour and Chinatown. There will also be the option of climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge! One of only three bridge climbs in the world, this adventure is sure to get your adrenaline pumping and will show you Sydney from a unique perspective. And if there's any time left, you'll head over to famous Bondi Beach, hang out with some Aussie surf lifeguards, and finish the trip by checking out a few fun and trendy neighborhoods in this stunning city. Sydney is continually voted one of the world's top ten most livable cities and you'll soon discover what makes it so special.

Day 17 (Thursday): Back to Brisbane For The Next Adventure!
After a morning flight up to Brisbane, you will check in to your international flight back to the USA. If you are continuing on to another Rustic Pathways adventure in Australia, you will connect with your new leaders this morning. If you are traveling on to another Rustic Pathways destination, your staff will help you with your flight arrangements. Wherever you are headed, we wish you happy travels and hope you return to the Land DownUnder soon!

An Important Note about Schedule Changes
Rustic Pathways reserves the right to change, alter, or amend the daily itinerary for this trip at any time. Changes can be made for various reasons including changes in flight or program schedules, changes in the schedules of various external tours incorporated in our trips, the addition of new activities into a trip, or the substitution of an old activity for a new activity. The itinerary shown here provides a good outline of the anticipated daily schedule for this program. As with any travel program, some changes may occur.

Packing List – Seven Wonders of Australia

Please use the list below as a guideline of what to bring. If you are doing a combination of trips over two or three weeks, be sure to check the packing lists for all sections of your trip.

To Help You Come Prepared…
Trip Length: 15 days in Australia, 2 days in-flight
Weather: Generally blue sunny skies, some days overcast with chance of rain
Temperature: Varies between 65-85 degrees during day then cold desert nights (20-40 degrees)
Sleeping: Bunk beds in hostels + 4 nights camping in tents
Washing: Self-serve laundry twice during program
Internal Flights: Please note the baggage allowance is 20kg (44lb) on internal flights. Students are responsible for paying their excess baggage charges ($10/kg).

Carry-On
A small backpack is the best carry-on bag and will be useful throughout your program for day trips.

• Passport and wallet
• Photocopy of passport (2 additional photocopies should be carried in checked luggage)
• Sunglasses
• Journal and pens
• Book / magazine
• Reusable water bottle (eg: Nalgene bottle)
• Personal medications (Be sure to bring medications in your carry on in the event that your luggage gets delayed in transit!)
• Camera

Checked Luggage
A medium sized duffel bag, wheeled bag, or a large backpack will be suitable. Students must be able to carry and load their own luggage.

• Jeans (3)
• Sweat pants (3)
• Shorts (3)
• T-shirts (6)
• Hooded sweatshirt (1)
• Fleece jacket or warm jacket (2) (gets cold at night while camping)
• Underwear (10)
• Socks (5)
• Swim Suits (1)
• Lightweight rain coat (1)
• Sneakers (1)
• Flip-Flops (1)
• Cap or Sun Hat
• Flashlight/Head-lamp 
• Beach towel
• Pillow case
• Basic toiletries (soap, shampoo, conditioner etc, small bottles only)
• Personal first aid kit
• Sun-screen/ lip balm (SPF 30+)
• Photocopies of passport (2)
• Travel adapter for Australia (see www.korjo.com)
• Books, music, iPod speakers, games, guitar, cards (optional)

Additional Notes
While most programs in Australia require a sleeping bag + sheet + bath towel, these are not necessary for the Seven Wonders program. If you are connecting on to another program, please check to see if you require a sleeping bag for that trip.

FAQ’s – Seven Wonders of Australia

1 – What are the internal flights on this trip?
During this program, you’ll take five internal flights in Australia. These will be from Fraser Island to Sydney, to Uluru, to Darwin, to Cairns and back to Brisbane.

2 – What kind of food will we be eating?
Food in Australia is quite similar to American cuisine. Some meals will be cooked in kitchens at the houses, and some meals will be out at local restaurants or cafes. Vegetarians and other dietary restrictions can easily be accommodated. Australia also has many unique foods, and students will have the opportunity to try these as well!

3 - What will the accommodation be like?  
Students will primarily stay in lodges, hotels, and rented houses during the trip. Generally there’ll be 2-3 students in a room, with shared bathroom facilities. For two nights in the national park, students will be camping in tents at established campsites. Tents will generally be 2-person tents. Students will also have the option of sleeping in a ‘swag’, an Australian camp bed.

4 – Isn’t it winter in Australia? Won’t it be cold and raining?
This weather on this program will vary, but will generally be warm to hot. It will be warm (65-75 degrees) in Noosa, on Fraser Island, and at Uluru. It will be cooler (55 – 65 degrees) in Sydney, and hotter (75-85) in Darwin and Cairns. There may be some rain in Sydney, but at all other places it is the drier time of year and the skies should be clear and sunny.

5 - How many girls and boys will there be on this trip?
Participants on Rustic trips are generally 60% female and 40% male.

6 - How does this program connect to other programs?
This program connects in Brisbane to our programs on the Sunshine Coast (Sunshine Coast Service & Adventure, Aussie Surf & Service, and You, A ‘Roo, & Australia Zoo).

You can also easily connect to programs in Fiji and New Zealand, with direct flights from Brisbane. Students connecting to programs in Asia must do their Australia program first, and typically fly from Brisbane to Sydney for their connecting flights to Asia.

7 - Do we need to get visas for this program?
Yes, US citizens are required to apply for a tourist visa to Australia. Students are responsible for arranging their own visas. Visas can be obtained through a simple online application at http://www.eta.immi.gov.au/. Residents of other countries may need to take additional steps and can find more information at http://www.immi.gov.au/.

8 - What immunizations do we need to get for this trip?
All Rustic Pathways students are required to have an up-to-date tetanus shot. We suggest Hepatitis A and B and Typhoid vaccinations and recommend that you consult a doctor regarding immunizations for travel to the region. You can find additional information on immunizations for travel from the US Center for Disease Control at www.cdc.gov.

9 - What costs are not included on this trip?
Optional activities, snacks and souvenirs are not included in the program cost. Optional activities include camel riding at Uluru ($90) and climbing Sydney Harbour Bridge ($150).