2011 Australia & 2011 Australia & New ZealandNew Zealand Tour Tour

18 Days18 DaysMelbourne to AucklandMelbourne to Auckland

YMT VacationsYMT Vacations““America’s Best Choice for Affordable Travel Since America’s Best Choice for Affordable Travel Since

1967” 1967” Prepared May 2010Prepared May 2010

Tourists staying no longer than 3 months can get an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA), on-line at the http://www.eta.immi.gov.au website.

They will need to have their valid passport number and travel dates to apply. (They do not need their airline ticket to apply.)

There is no charge for the Visa, but there is a 20 Australian Dollar processing fee which will be charged when they apply.

BEFORE THEY DEPART…..

All visitors to

Australia MUST get

an Australian

VISA.

Verona

Pisa

SorrentoAmalfi Coast

Australia/New Zealand Tour Highlights:

• Unique Wildlife – Koalas, penguins, kangaroos, parrots & kiwi birds

• Diverse Scenery – Farmlands, rainforest, coral reef, active geothermal areas

• Great Cities – Melbourne, Sydney & Auckland

• The Great Barrier Reef – a World Wonder

• Waitomo Glow-Worm Caves • Native Cultures – Aboriginals & Maori

Experience their customs, dance & food• Rotorua – a thermal wonderlandAn Easy Comfortable Destination

No Language differencesCasual environmentFun-Loving people

Australia & New Zealand – Australia & New Zealand – Travel NotesTravel Notes

ClimateClimate – Mild to T – Mild to Temperate in emperate in both countries, but the both countries, but the SEASONS ARE REVERSEDSEASONS ARE REVERSED

LanguageLanguage – English – English (& slang (& slang phrases)phrases)

Culture/CustomsCulture/Customs – very similar – very similar to USA. Casual atmosphere, a bit to USA. Casual atmosphere, a bit dressier attire in the big citiesdressier attire in the big cities

Visas are required

Erfoud

ShoppingShopping – Popular items – Popular items include:include:• Woolens & Sheep skinsWoolens & Sheep skins• Aboriginal/Maori carvings – Aboriginal/Maori carvings – bowls,bowls, masks, artwork masks, artwork• Boomerangs & didgeridoos& didgeridoos• Jewelry – Australian Opals & Jewelry – Australian Opals & New Zealand Jade New Zealand Jade • and more!and more!

Travelers will need a electrical Travelers will need a electrical converterconverter (from 110 to 230/240 volts) and an (from 110 to 230/240 volts) and an adapteradapter with 2 flat, slanted blades & a with 2 flat, slanted blades & a grounding bladegrounding blade

Rotorua

Traveling to the other side of the globe – everything runs in reverse

Tour at a GlanceTour at a Glance

Days 1-2 Depart USA & day lost crossing Int’l Dateline Passport & Visa Required!

Day 3 Arrive Melbourne, Australia

Day 4 & 5 Melbourne – City Sights & Phillip Island

Day 6 Melbourne to Albury

Day 7 Albury to Canberra, ATC

Day 8 Canberra to Sydney

Days 9&10 Sydney – City Sights & Blue Mts

Day 11 Fly Sydney to Cairns

Days 12&13 Cairns – Barrier Reef & Kuranda

Day 14 Fly Cairns to Auckland, New Zealand

Day 15 Auckland sightseeing

Day 16 Auckland to Rotorua

Day 17 RotoruaDay 18 Rotorua to Auckland and fly back to the USA

Day 1 – Depart USADay 1 – Depart USADay 2 – Day 2 – Cross the International Cross the International

DatelineDatelineThe world is divided into 24 time zones. The International Date Line marks the dividing time zone where one day ends and the next one begins. When you travel west (USA to Australia) across the International Date Line, you will go forward one day, or “lose” a day.When you travel east you will go back one day, and “gain a day.

Flight time LA to Melbourne about 15 hoursIt’s always tomorrow in Australia!

Day 3 – Arrive Melbourne, AustraliaDay 3 – Arrive Melbourne, Australia

1 - Clear 1 - Clear immigration immigration (have (have passport ready)passport ready)

2 - Collect checked 2 - Collect checked luggage luggage (the baggage (the baggage trolleys are free)trolleys are free)

3 -Proceed through 3 -Proceed through CustomsCustoms

AfterAfter exiting the Customs Hall, guests are met by a exiting the Customs Hall, guests are met by a YMT representative and transferred to their Melbourne YMT representative and transferred to their Melbourne Hotel*Hotel*

*Transfer ONLY provided if air flights bought through YMT

On TourOn Tourin Australiain Australia

Travel on Deluxe Deluxe motor coaches motor coaches with a friendly and with a friendly and experienced experienced Drivers Drivers andand Escort GuidesEscort Guides

Afternoon Meeting with Tour Escort for tour briefing and to learn about Optional Tour opportunities.

AUSTRALIAAUSTRALIAThe Land DownUnderThe Land DownUnder

A vast land A vast land of haunting of haunting beauty, beauty, natural wondersnatural wonders and and unique wildlifeunique wildlife

Almost size of the US Almost size of the US mainland, Australia is mainland, Australia is sparsely populated - only sparsely populated - only 18 million people18 million people, most , most residing in the larger citiesresiding in the larger cities

Young countryYoung country – first – first European settlers in 1788 European settlers in 1788

Casual atmosphere, Casual atmosphere, friendlyfriendly people who love people who love sports & Americanssports & Americans

Visit 3 of 7 statesVisit 3 of 7 states: : Victoria, New South Wales Victoria, New South Wales & Queensland& Queensland

The climate is like California The climate is like California Seasons are reversed to USASeasons are reversed to USA

MELBOURNEMELBOURNEThe capital city of The capital city of the state of Victoria, the state of Victoria, Melbourne is best Melbourne is best known for it’s many known for it’s many parks, gardens, parks, gardens, museums, variety of museums, variety of restaurants and restaurants and iconic streetcars.iconic streetcars.

The city sits atop Port Phillip The city sits atop Port Phillip Bay, bordered by the Yarra Bay, bordered by the Yarra River.River.

Travelodge Southbank Hotel Travelodge Southbank Hotel Melbourne - Stay 3 nightsMelbourne - Stay 3 nights

A 275-room hotel features rooms with A/C, cable TV, internet access, in-room safe, hairdryer & kitchenette with a microwave & refrigerator

A 4-star hotel next to a shopping center & short walk to Flinders St / city centerThe hotel has a breakfast lounge. Internet café & laundry facilities

Day 4 – MelbourneDay 4 – MelbourneMorning City Tour includes:

• The Arts Center• Shrine of Remembrance – a memorial for Australian war veterans with distinctive

classical architecture • St. Kilda Road - Melbourne’s lively beach front promenade• Fashionable Toorak Village

Shrine of Remembrance

• Tour Fitzroy Gardens, a National Trust of historic gardens • Visit Cook’s Cottage 18th century home of explorer Capt. James Cook’s, and a gift to Australia from the UK

Charming Cook’s Cottage

AfternoonAfternoon – at leisure in Melbourne – at leisure in Melbourne

Take a free City Circle Tram ride around the cityVisit the Australia Centre for Contemporary ArtExplore Queen Victoria MarketStroll famous Royal Botanical Gardens 85 acres of meticulously landscaped gardens along Yarra River

Queen Victoria Market Royal Botanical Gardens

Day 5 –MelbourneDay 5 –MelbourneMorningMorning – at leisure to explore city – at leisure to explore city

Afternoon /EveningAfternoon /Evening – Tour to – Tour to Phillip Phillip IslandIsland Visit Visit Koala Conservation CenterKoala Conservation Center – See Koalas, wallabies & kangaroos in their natural habitat DinnerDinner at a local waterfront restaurant at a local waterfront restaurantAt dusk watch little At dusk watch little Fairy PenguinsFairy Penguins swim to swim to shore then waddle to nest in sand shore then waddle to nest in sand marshlandmarshland

Day 6 – Melbourne to AlburyDay 6 – Melbourne to AlburyDrive through the Victoria countryside.

At border of Victoria and New South Wales, cross Murray River into AlburyAn 1800’s frontier town set along the riverbank

Chifley Albury HotelChifley Albury Hotel Albury – Stay 1 ntAlbury – Stay 1 nt

Situated on the majestic Murray River, this newly refurbished hotel has an outdoor pool, full-service restaurant, bar with a fireplace and laundry facilities.Each air-conditioned guestroom features cable TV, Internet access, coffee/tea maker, minibar, and a hair dryer.

Day 7 – Albury to CanberraDay 7 – Albury to Canberra Full Day - Scenic drive along the Alpine Way, through plains with a view Mt. Kosciuszko, Australia’s highest peak.

Late afternoon - Arrive CanberraCapital of Australia. Largest inland city.In ATC – Australian Capital Territory Built in 1918, a planned city designed by an American architect, constructed around man-made named after him - Lake Burley Griffin.

Novotel CanberraNovotel Canberra Canberra - Stay 1 Canberra - Stay 1

nightnightLocated in the city center, a Located in the city center, a contemporary hotel with an contemporary hotel with an indoor pool, sauna, steam indoor pool, sauna, steam room, gym, and a restaurant room, gym, and a restaurant and bar.and bar.The 286 spacious A/C rooms The 286 spacious A/C rooms have cable TV, internet access, have cable TV, internet access, minibar, in-room safe and a minibar, in-room safe and a hairdryer.hairdryer.

Day 8 – Canberra to Day 8 – Canberra to SydneySydney

Morning – City Tour views:National LibraryNational GalleryParliament House & EmbassiesDrive along Ceremonial Drive & ANZAC Parade – lined with monuments built to honor the men and women of Australia and New Zealand (ANZAC) who lost their lives in wars.

View of ANZAC Parade to Mount Ainslie

Parliament House

Late Morning - Depart for drive northeast to Sydney.

ANZAC = Australia & New Zealand Army

Corp

SYDNEYOne of the most beautiful harbors in the world. Australia’s largest city (4½ million) & most cosmopolitan Established in 1788 as a British penal colony. Full of history, natural beauty and sights & activities for every taste.

Sydney TravelodgeSydney TravelodgeSydney - Stay 3 nightsSydney - Stay 3 nights

Close to Oxford Street, Darling Harbour, & Pitt Street shopping mall. Hotel has a laundry, internet access and a restaurant & bar The 406 air-conditioned rooms have cable TV, a kitchenette and a hairdryer.

Day 9 - SydneyDay 9 - SydneyMorning – City Tour includes:• Darling Harbor – maritime center• The Botanical Gardens 75 acres of colorful beauty• Chinatown• Historic Rocks area • Exclusive shoreline suburbs

Capt. Cook Luncheon Cruise along Sydney Harbor. Great views of Opera House, Skyline, Fort Denison

Darling Harbor

AfternoonShort break to explore historic ‘Rocks’ area on own – Shops and colonial history displays

1-Hour Guided tour of inside Sydney Opera HouseLearn how the design was chosenand built. Hear the amazing acoustics

The Rocks

Day 10 – The Blue MountainsDay 10 – The Blue Mountains

View The Three Sisters

Buffet Lunch

Cable car ride into the valley for great views & explore the rainforest & old coal mines

The Three Sisters

Full Day Tour to Blue MountainsVisit Featherdale Wildlife ParkMeet uniquely Australian animals - koalas, wombats, kookaburras & kangaroos in their natural habitat

Day 11 – Sydney to CairnsMorning Fly north to Cairns in Far North Queensland

CAIRNSTropical city & gateway to the Barrier ReefSmall city with resort feel

Harbourside Cairns HotelHarbourside Cairns Hotel Cairns – Stay 3 nightsCairns – Stay 3 nights

Rooms are large with A/C, mini bar, cable TV, wi-fi internet access, in-room safe, coffee/tea maker, and a hairdryer.

4-Star hotel with great location on the Esplanade Hotel facilities include swimming & spa, gardens, laundry facilities, restaurants & bar

Day 12 – The Great Barrier Day 12 – The Great Barrier ReefReef

Full Day excursion to one of the new Seven Wonders of the World & the largest living structure on the planetlargest living structure on the planet

Take Take high-speed catamaranhigh-speed catamaran for a 90-minute ride (40 miles) to for a 90-minute ride (40 miles) to a stable mooring at heart of the reef. There’s plenty of seating, a stable mooring at heart of the reef. There’s plenty of seating, tables, shade & sundeck, changing rooms, showers & a bar.tables, shade & sundeck, changing rooms, showers & a bar.

ActivitiesLectures

Snacks & a Buffet Lunch

On Board – sunbath, listen to On Board – sunbath, listen to Marine Biologists talksMarine Biologists talks, , walk through the walk through the Underwater ObservatoryUnderwater ObservatorySwim & Snorkel Swim & Snorkel - the water is warm & snorkeling gear - the water is warm & snorkeling gear providedprovidedRide on Ride on Subsea Explorer Subsea Explorer & & Glass-Bottom BoatGlass-Bottom Boat

Day 13 – Tjapukai & KurandaDay 13 – Tjapukai & Kuranda Full Day Touring

Drive to Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural ParkVillage dedicated to the aboriginal culture. See historical theatre performances, famous Tjapukai Dance Troupe, craft demonstrations

Learn how to throw a boomerang & play a didgeridoo

Take Skyrail cable car – gentle ride above the rainforest canopy.

Stop at lookout stations for aerial view & visit Rainforest Interpretation Centre

Arrive in Kuranda village in the center of the rainforest - free time to explore shops and colorful craft markets. Take Kuranda Scenic RailwayWinding train journey through World Heritage protected rainforest, see waterfalls and Barron Gorge.

Day 14 – Fly to NEW Day 14 – Fly to NEW ZEALANDZEALAND

Depart Australia for flight across the Tasman Sea to the island nation of New Zealand.

This is an International flight – about 3+ hours.

Brisbane o

Auckland o

NEW ZEALAND “Aotearoa” - Land of the long

white cloud

Breathtaking sceneryBreathtaking scenery - - diverse & dramatic diverse & dramatic landscapeslandscapesOnly 4 million people in a Only 4 million people in a country about the size of country about the size of California. California. Two main islands – North & Two main islands – North & SouthSouthTour visits the Tour visits the North North IslandIsland – Subtropical – Subtropical forests, dormant volcanoes, forests, dormant volcanoes, thermal geysers, sparkling thermal geysers, sparkling waterwayswaterwaysHistorical landmarks & Historical landmarks & Maori cultural centerMaori cultural center The climate on the North Island The climate on the North Island is temperate – similar to is temperate – similar to southern Australia. southern Australia.

AUCKLANDAUCKLANDThe “City of Sails” Nautical city built along beautiful Waitemata Harbour Most sailboats per capita in the worldCosmopolitan city built on hills and extinct volcanoesSubtropical climate hosting lush rainforest surroundings

It is the largest city in New Zealand with almost 1½ million people – 40% of country’s total population

Mercure Auckland WindsorMercure Auckland Windsor Auckland - Stay 2 nightsAuckland - Stay 2 nights

Good location on famed Queen StreetBoutique-style hotel with a gym, sauna, guest laundry and a restaurant and bar. Rooms have A/C, wireless internet, cable TV, minibar, iron and ironing board, tea/coffee maker & a hairdryer

Day 15 – AucklandDay 15 – Auckland Morning starts with 1½ hour harbor cruise See historic DevonportThe Harbour Bridge New Zealand Navel Base. Stop on volcanic Rangitoto Island Learn about area’s flora & fauna

Afternoon - Sightseeing by motorcoach.Drive through quaint Parnell Village with its Edwardian style architecture.Follow Tarnaki Drive along the waterfront.

Parnell Rose Garden

Visit the Auckland War Memorial Museum, housing the world’s finest collection of Maori artifacts.

Auckland War Memorial Museum

The Maori New Zealand’s native people Sailed from Polynesia about 950 ADCulture rich in art of sculpture, carving, and weaving — create objects that harbor an inner divine force & used with storytelling, song and dance to pass down their history & traditions

Maori traditions, language and symbolic motifs are treasured, and pervade all facets of modern-day New Zealand culture.

“Hongi:The traditional Maori Greeting

Day 16 – Auckland to Day 16 – Auckland to RotoruaRotorua

Stop in Waitomo for a guided tour through the incredible Waitomo Glow Worm Caves.

Morning descending into fertile Waikato Plains.

820 feet of an underground limestone passages & caves

Boat cruise inside the Glowworm Grotto - meander along the underground Waitomo River and gaze at the myriad of ‘glowworm lights’ that light-up the cave walls & ceiling

AfternoonLunch (included) Drive south through small timber-mining town of Putaruru to thermal wonderland of ROTORUA

Located in the center the North Island, region alive with geysers, bubbling mud pools & steaming sulphurous lakes with some of the best trout fishing in the world. Rotorua is the center of the Maori culture

Sudima Hotel RotoruaSudima Hotel Rotorua On scenic shores of Lake Rotorua & walking distance to city center Hotel facilities include a swimming pool, 3 private spa pools, garden, laundry, gift shop, restaurant and bar.

Rotorua - Stay 2 nightsRotorua - Stay 2 nights

The 248 guestrooms feature cable TV, wireless Internet access, refrigerators, coffee/tea makers and hairdryers.

Day 17 – RotoruaDay 17 – RotoruaMorning – Sightseeing tour Explore Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve Landscape of erupting geysers, bubbling mud pools & mineral springs Learn about Maori Culture through their traditional carving, weaving and dancing See the elusive national emblem - the Kiwi Bird.

Visit Rainbow Springs Displays of native flora & fauna and development of the Rainbow Trout.

Drive through town along the lake’s waterfront See Government Gardens

Afternoon is at leisure to relax or explore – Take a mud bath or spa, and explore some of the wonderful handicraft shops.

Last evening enjoy special Maori celebration dinnerSee a Maori concert of native games and dances, including the famous and fierce “Haka” or war dance. The included dinner is a “Hangi” – a buffet of native delights cooked in an earthen fire.

Day 18 – Rotorua to Day 18 – Rotorua to AucklandAuckland

and fly to USAand fly to USAMorning drive north through the native bush and farmlands Stop at Longlands Farm at foot of Kaimai Ranges. Tour working dairy farm, with lavish lavender & rose garden Enjoy a BBQ lunch with tasty local produce

Afternoon continue drive north through the Bombay Hills to Auckland

Depart Auckland Depart Auckland and and New ZealandNew ZealandArrive Auckland International Airport for evening flights back to

USA

Fly back across The International Dateline to arrive back in the USA on the same day.

Thank you YMTThank you YMTor another great holiday!or another great holiday!