Australian Natural Adventures

Itinerary for Matthew Oswald continues...

Day 14 - Tuesday, October 18:Melbourne
This morning you are picked up at 9.30am by Roger or Janine of Echidna Walkabout for a full day outing to the hills and plains west of Melbourne to see wild kangaroos and koalas, abundant birdlife and discover a rich Aboriginal heritage. You’ll learn about native animals and plants both in the open-range grasslands of Serendip Sanctuary on the Western Plains and in the bush lands of Brisbane Ranges National Park. Within easy reach from the centre of the city of Melbourne, these environments provide the perfect introduction to Australia's unique wildlife and indigenous culture. You’ll see and walk amongst Grey Kangaroos in large free ranging groups, and find emus, wallabies, koalas and other unique Australian wildlife. A delicious bush lunch is provided. The Brisbane Ranges are home to a large and healthy population of wild koalas and we rarely miss out on multiple sightings of these delightful creatures. In additional to the wildlife of the region during your journey your guide will share with you the great significance of the Western Plains to Aboriginal people.       L

Day 15 - Wednesday, October 19: Melbourne / Sydney
After an easy morning to rest after three busy days fly north to Sydney. Taxi or use the airport shuttle to your hotel, Harbour Rocks, in the Rocks area of Sydney.This afternoon discover Sydney, a wonderfully cosmopolitan city. The Rocks is an historic and vibrant area. Many of the buildings date from the very first years of the settlement, and are convict-built. Make sure you visit Cadman's Cottage, just near your hotel, built in 1816 and possibly Australia's oldest surviving house. Your own hotel was once a woolshed. At the nearby Information Centre, located in an 1864 building, you can pick up a brochure for a self-guided walk, which will give you a good insight to the history of Sydney, and Australia. The Australian Museum, with its impressive collection of Aboriginal artefacts and art, is also close by.              B

Day 16 - Thursday, October 20: Blue Mountains
You are picked up this morning for a full day out to the Blue Mountains just west of Sydney. Your route takes you much the same way as the early explorers who sought a way across the mountains to the fertile grazing land beyond. The views from the lookouts, including the Three Sisters, are quite spectacular. You can enjoy a short bushwalk, look for kangaroos, experience the tall Eucalyptus forest - and try some billy tea while there - enjoy some typically Australian food in an country pub, or homestead for lunch, and see early Australian non-urban architecture. As well as taking the incline railway, you have the optional opportunity to ascend via the Scenicsender, which offers great views across the mountains and valleys. Your guide will tell you much abut the history and geology and of the areas visited. You are returned to your hotel about 6pm. This evening call Bridgeclimb - the number is on your voucher - to arrange a time for your clinmb of the Sydney Harbour Bridge tomorrow.                       B, L

Day 17 - Friday, October 21: Sydney
A free day to explore Sydney. At your arranged time you will report to the base of the Sydney Harbour Bridge for a special view of Sydney - from the top! After a safety talk and instructions, and rigging up, you'll start to climb the span of the bridge, to the very top. The view is nothing short of spectacular, and every time you see a photo of Sydney you'll be able to point to the bridge and say "I've climbed that!" The total climb time, including briefing, is about 3 hours leaving you plenty of time to see some of Sydney's other sights. Just a short walk is the Botanic Gardens and the Domain, which has good views of the harbour, an abundant bird life, and a colony of huge grey fruit-bats, whose wingspans are approximately three feet.                       B                   

Day 18 - Saturday, October 22: Sydney / Los Angeles / Cincinnati
Sadly, your last day in Australia. This morning make your final preparations before shuttling or taxiing to the airport for your Qantas flight QF149 9.45am flight home. Due to the International Dateline, you arrive in Los Angeles at 6.05am today, in plenty of time for your Delta 8.29am flight DL1808 to Cincinnati, arriving at 3.40pm. As you wing your way across the Pacific you take with you many memories of the people, places and wildlife that have made your Australia journey truly memorable.                  B