SYDNEY and CAIRNS

Day 1
Depart for your overnight flight to Sydney. You will lose a day crossing the International Dateline but I promise we will get it back for you on your return!

Day 2

Arrive Sydney, Australia. Upon arrival you are welcomed by your STATS Tours host and transferred to the Coogee Sands Beachside Apartments. Take the morning to settle in before we head off into the city for an afternoon tour of Sydney. Once in the city, we take the opportunity to see the sights of Circular Quay including the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Turning back we make our way up to the rocks district to view the site where British Immigrants first settled the city of Sydney (and Australia!) From here we catch the Sydney Ferry from Circular Quay to Darling Harbour. After taking a stroll around Darling Harbour we hop on board Sydney’s Monorail and make our way down to the Pitt St Mall and on to George St before heading back to Coogee for a well earned rest followed by the welcome dinner where you will be presented with your souvenir shirt.

Day 3
After breakfast we head into the city for a morning training session to get the mind into gear for tomorrow’s first game. After training we make our way down to Circular Quay where we catch the ferry to Manly Beach, one of Australia’s most famous surf beaches. Here you can chose to spend the day relaxing on the beach or take the opportunity to do some more shopping in this famous seaside town or even learn the famous Aussie game of beach cricket! In the afternoon we transfer back to the Coogee Sands Apartments via Lady Macquarie Chair for unsurpassed views of the city.

Day 4
Enjoy the morning at leisure. In the early afternoon we transfer to Telstra Stadium, home of the 2000 Olympics and 2003 Rugby World Cup. Here you will get an insiders tour of the Stadium including, players change rooms, Media Rooms, VIP Rooms and the ground surface. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure in Coogee. In the afternoon we transfer to the local stadium for your first game of the tour against Australian opposition.

Day 5
Day Open. Relax, you are in Sydney and the day is yours to do as you please. A bus will pick you up from the stadium and transfer you into the city. May we suggest the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb, the Sydney Sky Tour or Shopping in the famous Pitt St, George St precinct.

Day 6

This morning we head into Waratah Park, located atop the rugged Ku-ring-gai Chase escarpment. This is where the television series “Skippy the Bush Kangaroo” was filmed. At Waratah Park you’ll actually meet the koalas face to face. The special Koala House lets you pat these cuddly animals, and it guarantees great close up photographs of the koalas. Stroll through natural bushland paddocks to pat and feed the animals in their own environment. Visit the Tasmanian Devils, Australia’s unique carnivorous marsupials. Marvel at the prehistoric crocodiles. See parrots, dingos, wombats and many other fascinating Australian birds and animals including kangaroos, wallabies and emus - face to face! After getting to know the locals we will have a traditional Aussie BBQ in the bush setting after which you will have free time to wander true Aussie bush. In the afternoon we transfer you to your second game.

Day 7

Say goodbye to Sydney and make our way up to Cairns. Upon arrival we transfer you to the Cairns Mecure Harbourside where you can check in and enjoy the rest of the day to settle in. The Cairns Mecure Harbourside has a resort pools and spa, and is located a short stroll from the Esplanade and the heart of Cairns.

Day 8
Today we catch the train up to Kuranda Village on what is a magical 90 minute journey through some of the most spectacular rainforest in Northern Queensland. Enjoy lunch at one of the Banjo Australian Style Cafes and wander the markets that have made this town famous. After lunch take time to wander the markets before catching the Sky Rail Cableway back down the rainforest canopy for spectacular views. Optional afternoon training session.

Day 9

Morning open. After relaxing by the resort pool in the morning, and perhaps doing a little shopping, it is time to get the mind back into gear.

This afternoon sees the third competitive game of the tour against the local Cairns opposition. After the gamees enjoy traditional Far North Queensland hospitality as you mingle with the opposition teams.

Day 10
In the morning we make our way out to Palm Cove where you can enjoy the surrounds of one of North Queenslands most spectacular beaches. From here we make our way to Hartley’ Crocodile farm to get interactive with Australia’ wildlife including the famous Salty or Estuarine Crocs!

This afternoon will be the final game of the trip.

Day 11
Today we save the best for last as we set out on the Great Adventures Tour to the outer reef of the Great Barrier Reef. Departing Cairns in the morning we set out for Green Island where we stop over and take in the sights of this amazing coral cay. Departing from Green Island we then head out to the Outer Reef for coral viewing on the semi submersible craft and underwater observatory. For those of you who wish to explore the reef first hand there is snorkelling gear provided, so bring your swimmers! Included in this day tour are morning and afternoon tea and a hot and cold buffet seafood lunch. This is sure to be a great way to finish off the tour. In the evening we have a farewell dinner to see off the tour and look back at the memorable moments that were had.

Day 12

Sadly it is time to depart Australia for the US, however we are sure you will leave with many great memories and we hope to see you Down Under again some time soon!

TOUR INFORMATION (GO TO WEB SITES FOR MORE INFORMATION)

SYDNEY-COOGEE SANDS APARTMENTS www.coogeesands.com.au

Room Facilities

Guest Services

24 hour reception

Foreign currency exchange

Safety deposit box

Guest laundry and dry cleaning service

Room service - (breakfast only)

Undercover security parking

Public transport - 50 meters

MERCURE HARBOURSIDE HOTEL www.mercure-harbourside.com.au

Room Facilities

The Mercure Hotel Harbourside Cairns offers 173 spacious guest rooms and accommodation suites, each with private balconies and elegantly appointed furnishings which reflect the tropical theme of the region. Mini bar, tea and coffee making facilities, iron and ironing board, colour television and in-room safes are standard throughout all rooms and suites.

All rooms contain a shower and a bath, hair dryer and a shaving outlet. Non-smoking floors are available. Our corporate floor has a fax/modem facility.

SYDNEY www.sydney.com.au

Circular Quay

Circular Quay is the hub of Sydney Harbour, situated at a small inlet called Sydney Cove, the founding site for Sydney and Australia. It is a stepping-off point for most attractions based around the harbour and an exciting place to be on a warm summer’s day. The quay is a vibrant, bustling place with ferries leaving every few minutes to different parts of the harbour, including Manly, Watson’s Bay, Mosman and Taronga Park Zoo. There are great views of the Harbour Bridge, a short distance away. On the southern side of Circular Quay is a walkway that leads to the Sydney Opera House and Royal Botanical Gardens; while on the northern side, a short walk along lovely landscaped walkways takes you to the Harbour Bridge and The Rocks, one of the oldest, most attractive and most interesting parts of Sydney. Circular Quay is at the foot of the central business district and the older, historic end of the city. Buses depart here for Bondi and the eastern suburbs. There is a major railway station at the quay, which is part of the underground City Circle , which skirts around the CBD. Alongside the ferry terminals are a number of small outdoor cafes and the area is a magnet for buskers of every description.

The Rocks
The Rocks is one of the most-visited parts of Sydney. It is not hard to see why. Nestled at the foot of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and on the western shores of Sydney Cove, The Rocks is the foundation place of Sydney and Australia, and of enormous historical significance. It is often described as “Sydney’s outdoors museum”. The Rocks is the oldest area of Sydney and has recently undergone an amazing metamorphosis, the old district being transformed into a vibrant pocket of cafes and restaurants and interesting tourist shops and stalls. This has been achieved without destroying the area’s Old World charm and historic buildings. Sydney’s town planners have put in place a sensitive conservation program that has preserved the heritage and character of The Rocks and brought about an interesting fusion of modern amenities in an old and valued setting. Most activities centre around walking, looking and eating. The Rocks is Sydney’s oldest preserved colonial district so the main emphasis is on the historical importance of the area.

Darling Harbour
Darling Harbour is intended to be one of Sydney’s “buzz” places. A former dockside area, the small harbour has been transformed into a major tourist site and leading convention and exhibition centre. A monorail service runs from the Central Business District to Darling Harbour and skirts the harbour, making stops at points around the harbour.

Until now, Darling Harbour has been a place that has appealed more to little folk, due to the number of children’s attractions, but the advent of the Cockle Wharf restaurant and cafe complex has added a new dimension to Darling Harbour.

Manly Beach

Manly Beach is one of Australia’s most famous beaches and among the world’s most well-known beaches home to more surf culture mega stores than anywhere else in the world. People stream off the ferry, down the Corso with its fast food, bargain stores, ice cream parlours, pubs, restaurants, buskers and seagulls till they finally arrive at the Ocean Beach. Stand on the promenade, look out to sea, and leave it all behind you. Out there in front of you is Fairy Bower, Shelly Beach, Cabbage Tree Bay, maybe a dolphin, maybe a whale if you’re lucky, certainly a wave of some sort but very definitely the South Pacific Ocean.

KURANDA RAINFOREST TOUR
The Kuranda Scenic Railway - one of the Worlds great train journeys. The historic Kuranda Railway travels up from Cairns to Kuranda through the one of the most impressive stretches of track you’ll ever see. There’s a commentary onboard to tell you the amazing stories of the first pioneers, and Kuranda’s famous flea markets await. On descent Skyrail really is a bird’s eye view of the rainforest canopy & the region from the coast over the mountains to Kuranda.

Hartleya’s Crocodile Farm www.crocodileadventures.com

Situated on the magnificent coastal drive between the popular destinations of Palm Cove and Port Douglas. Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures is the best place to see crocodiles and native wildlife in Tropical North Queensland. Set in the foothills of the MacAlister Range, in a World Heritage listed area, Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures is home to a range of habitat types including melaleuca wetlands, riverine rainforest and eucalypt woodland. Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures provides an innovative approach to viewing and interacting with wildlife, enabling visitors to become immersed in a natural environment with safety. A series of timber boardwalks provide elevated viewing of wildlife as visitor’s journey through a range of natural habitats.

GREAT ADVENTURE TOURS, GREAT BARRIER REEF www.greatadventures.com.au

Great Adventures is widely recognised as the market leader in Outer Barrier Reef and Island cruises to Tropical North Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef. Great Adventures is operated by Reef Management and is part of the Daikyo Group of Companies. With an operating history of more than 100 years, the Company is also the largest operator in the region and offers the most diverse range of tours to The Great Barrier Reef and Green Island. Great Adventures prides itself on the professionalism of its 300 staff, all of whom are dedicated to providing guests with an unforgettable and unrivalled experience of the seventh natural wonder of the world.

COST PER PERSON
Travel costs vary based on numerous variables. Please contact STATS Tours for accurate pricing.

COST INCLUDES

• 5 nights accommodation at the Coogee Sands Apartments, twin share, breakfast included (4 star)
• 5 nights accommodation at the Cairns Mecure Harbourside twin share, breakfast included (4 star)
• All transfers as outlined in the above itinerary
• Flights
• Darling Harbour Ferry
• Monorail Transfer
• Manly Ferry transfer Telstra Stadium Tour
• Visit to Waratah Park, Includes BBQ Lunch and Admission Kuranda Rail Transfer
• Lunch at Banjo’s Cafe
• Kuranda Sky Cable Transfer
• Entry to Hartley’s Crocodile Farm
• Great Barrier Reef, Outer Reef Full Day Tour (includes Snorkelling and lunch)
• STATS Tours Guide on call and available 24 hours a day while on tour.
• STATS Athletics representative

COST EXCLUDES

• Items of a personal nature
• Lunch and dinner except where stated above
• Additional room costs

 

For more sample itineraries, please contact us.

As need dictates, STATS Tours may vary itineraries and event times.