SHORE EXCURSIONS CREDIT

OVERVIEW

Traveling by land and water, get an excellent overview of cosmopolitan Sydney’s key sights. You’ll be amazed by how many of them there are in this sparkling city founded just two centuries ago in the Rocks, a warren of narrow twisting lanes in the shadow of the Harbor Bridge. Highlights of your coach-driven city survey include gobs of stunning Victorian-era architecture, trendy arts districts like steeply-hilled Paddington, and Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair, by far the best sandstone seat in town. You’ll also see the Royal Australian Naval Base at Garden Island, colorful Chinatown and the sprawling Sydney Entertainment Center in Haymarket as you make your way to a stop at Bondi Beach, a beautiful half-mile crescent beloved by surfers and café-grazers alike. Catch dramatic views of the harbor entrance from The Gap, ogle the tony suburbs of Double Bay and Vaucluse, and witness the bohemian Kings Cross scene. Switching to aquatic transport, board your luxurious cruise vessel for a relaxed hour of waterborne sightseeing in Sydney Harbor. Highlights seen include the Opera House, Fort Denison, Middle Harbor with its parklands, and the inner harbor marinas and palatial waterfront homes. Then it’s a just short transfer back to the pier.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Experience the sights of Sydney from both the land and the water on a single wide-ranging tour.
• Be introduced to districts like The Rocks, Chinatown, hilly Paddington, exclusive Double Bay and scores of landmark buildings from Victorian to ultramodern.
• Capture amazing harbor views from The Gap, see icons like Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair and the Opera House, and stop by the famous sandy crescent of Bondi Beach.
• Board a luxurious cruising vessel for an hour’s tour of Sydney’s magnificent peninsula-lined harbor.
• Get back to your ship with a complete perspective on Australia’s oldest and largest city.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear casual, weather-appropriate clothing.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.
• Flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

OVERVIEW

See the sights of Sydney, enjoy a guided tour of what is surely its most prominent icon – the Opera House – and watch the surf roll in at world-famous Bondi Beach. Its signature roof design reminiscent of billowing sails, Sydney Opera House was officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II herself in October 1973. Today, it remains a lesson in the timelessness of great architecture as well as a defining component of the Sydney skyline – and sports a UNESCO World Heritage designation to boot. On your guided tour, you’ll gain behind-the-scenes insights on its history, design concept and current role within the city’s cultural life. A visit out to the Gap at Watson’s Bay promises breathtaking views of a different sort, these across the rocky headlands that together guard the entrance to Sydney Harbor. Your camera – and eyes – will struggle to fully capture this signature locale. And another one awaits a bit further down the coast: Bondi Beach’s half-mile crescent of sand and delightful shoreside eateries. This is a spot beloved by locals, tourists, surfers, strollers and seemingly everyone else.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Take a fascinating guided tour behind-the-scenes at Sydney Opera House, arguably the Harbour City’s ultimate harborside sight.
• Experience mind-boggling views of the bluffs framing Sydney’s dramatic harbor entrance at Watson’s Bay.
• Stop to take in the famous scene at Bondi Beach, where surfers chase the waves, loungers laze, and beachfront eateries line the street.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.
• Flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

OVERVIEW

See the highlights of Sydney at your own pace by riding an open-top bus around the city and hopping on and off whenever you please at the attractions that you find most intriguing. The buses operate throughout the day and offer a choice of two continuous loops through different sections of Sydney. As you approach each destination, you will hear enlightening commentary about it. You might opt for the Red Route that will take you to landmarks such as the Australian Museum, Sea Life Aquarium, Royal Botanic Garden and the Sydney Tower Eye, the city tallest building, which features a sky-high observation deck for the ultimate view of the urban landscape. The Blue Route makes 10 stops in and around Bondi Beach, the city most popular stretch of sand. Attractions along the way include the affluent eastern neighborhoods, the Sydney Jewish Museum and St. Mar Cathedral, a Gothic Revival icon constructed from local sandstone.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Ride a bus around Sydney, stopping at the attractions that you find most appealing.
• Stay as long as you like in each attraction to enhance your understanding of it.
• Hop on another bus whenever you please and ride it to another intriguing destination.
• Use the provided route maps and headphones to easily plan your exploration.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Cruise around Sydney Harbour as the sun begins to dip below the horizon, an absolutely magical time of day made all the more memorable while dining onboard. Chances are, the sky will turn brilliant shades of orange, yellow and red before the sun completely sets and the city lights begin to twinkle even brighter. Sydney will look absolutely radiant as the boat passes one landmark after another. Although the route will depend on the conditions, you will likely see the Sydney Opera House, whose iconic sail-like design will be illuminated for even greater dramatic effect. Nearby, you will find The Rocks, a historical neighborhood that has been revitalized with shops, restaurants and entertainment venues. Like the entire skyline, it will be aglow. You will be free to take in the breathtaking spectacle of lights from the open decks or from your table while enjoying a buffet dinner of classic Australian dishes.

HIGHLIGHTS

• See Sydney from a unique water perspective by cruising around its harbour at night.
• Watch Sydney become even more radiant and breathtaking as the city lights come on.
• Views icons such as the Sydney Opera House, The Rocks and the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
• Savor a bountiful buffet dinner of Australian dishes and an open bar onboard.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

This is a Debark tour. See the sights of Sydney, enjoy a guided tour of what is surely its most prominent icon – the Opera House – and watch the surf roll in at world-famous Bondi Beach. Its signature roof design reminiscent of billowing sails, Sydney Opera House was officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II herself in October 1973. Today, it remains a lesson in the timelessness of great architecture as well as a defining component of the Sydney skyline – and sports a UNESCO World Heritage designation to boot. On your guided tour, you’ll gain behind-the-scenes insights on its history, design concept and current role within the city’s cultural life. A visit out to the Gap at Watson’s Bay promises breathtaking views of a different sort, these across the rocky headlands that together guard the entrance to Sydney Harbor. Your camera – and eyes – will struggle to fully capture this signature locale. And another one awaits a bit further down the coast: Bondi Beach’s half-mile crescent of sand and delightful shoreside eateries. This is a spot beloved by locals, tourists, surfers, strollers and seemingly everyone else.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Take a fascinating guided tour behind-the-scenes at Sydney Opera House, arguably the Harbour City’s ultimate harborside sight.
• Experience mind-boggling views of the bluffs framing Sydney’s dramatic harbor entrance at Watson’s Bay.
• Stop to take in the famous scene at Bondi Beach, where surfers chase the waves, loungers laze, and beachfront eateries line the street.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.
• Flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

OVERVIEW

This is a Debark tour. Discover the beauty of the countryside outside of Sydney with a trip to the Blue Mountains and enjoy an orientation drive through Sydney. Following the trail of Australia's early explorers, your coach will climb high into the Blue Mountains. Sit back and enjoy this awe-inspiring Grand Canyon of giant rock formations, geological history, and cascading waterfalls. This truly is a day to relax and take in the natural bushland and the many outlying western suburbs that form part of greater Sydney. Your mountain sightseeing will include numerous small towns along the way that provide a weekend escape for many of the city's residents. Arriving at the Blue Mountains lookout, you can see the famous rock formation, the Three Sisters and relish awesome panoramic views of the Jamieson Valley, Mount Solitary, the Ruined Castle, Katoomba Falls and the Burraborang Valley while capturing some truly memorable photos. Leaving the lookout, your tour continues with a ride on the world's steepest perpendicular railway, which plunges 700 feet into the valley. Disembarking at the bottom, it's a walk of approximately 7 minutes to the unique Scenic cable car which returns you to the top of the mountain. Lunch today will be on your own, in the charming little village of Leura, and free time will be provided to explore some of the charming local crafts and antique shops, as well as to admire the stunning views. Re-joining your coach, you will make the return to Sydney, having experienced an often-missed side of Sydney that presents a truly different aspect of this fascinating city. Before going to the airport, you will also be treated to a brief overview of the city's essential highlights.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Travel into the bushland and small towns west of Sydney, headed for the majestic Blue Mountains.
• Ascend into the Blue Mountain range, its unique rock formations like the Three Sisters reminiscent of a greener Grand Canyon.
• Revel in the views from the topside lookout and ride 700 feet down into the valley by perpendicular railway, returning by Scenic cable car.
• Enjoy lunch on your own at Leura or a similar township with time to wander and shop a bit after.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

See the highlights of Sydney at your own pace by riding an open-top bus around the city and hopping on and off whenever you please at the attractions that you find most intriguing. The buses operate throughout the day and offer a choice of two continuous loops through different sections of Sydney. As you approach each destination, you will hear enlightening commentary about it. You might opt for the Red Route that will take you to landmarks such as the Australian Museum, Sea Life Aquarium, Royal Botanic Garden and the Sydney Tower Eye, the city’s tallest building, which features a sky-high observation deck for the ultimate view of the urban landscape. The Blue Route makes 10 stops in and around Bondi Beach, the city’s most popular stretch of sand. Attractions along the way include the affluent eastern neighborhoods, the Sydney Jewish Museum and St. Mary’s Cathedral, a Gothic Revival icon constructed from local sandstone.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Ride a bus around Sydney, stopping at the attractions that you find most appealing.
• Stay as long as you like in each attraction to enhance your understanding of it.
• Hop on another bus whenever you please and ride it to another intriguing destination.
• Use the provided route maps and headphones to easily plan your exploration.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Encounter some of Australia’s most unusual and iconic wildlife while walking about Taronga Zoo, a remarkable attraction with more than 4,000 animals. Taronga is an Aboriginal word that means “beautiful view,” an appropriate description as the zoo overlooks lovely Sydney Harbour. The sights within the zoo will be just as extraordinary as you will discover while following a zookeeper on an enlightening introductory tour and by exploring in depth on your own. If you wish to see indigenous wildlife such as koalas, dingoes and kangaroos, take the trail through the Nura Diya Australia habitat. Other areas showcase animals from lands such as Africa and Asia, including critically endangered species such as eastern bongos and Sumatran tigers. California sea lions and fur seals are but a few of the marine mammals that live in the Great Southern Oceans habitat. Native and exotic birds, amphibians and reptiles are also abundant throughout the zoo.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Spend hours walking through Taronga Zoo with a zookeeper and on your own.
• See Australian wildlife ranging from iconic koalas to lesser-known bilbies.
• Observe animals indigenous to Africa and Asia in their own special habitats.
• Focus on the animals you find most fascinating, whether small birds or massive gorillas.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Here’s your chance to experience a once-in-a-lifetime thrill as you embark on a safe but scary climb up to the summit of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Don’t worry, organized climbs have been ascending the span for years now. Your local escort will walk you to BridgeClimb HQ, where you’ll be given an extensive safety briefing, issued a special Bridge Climb Suit to wear over your clothing, and outfitted with an all-important safety harness. Proceeding to the Climb simulator, your experienced Climb Leader will ensure that you’re up to speed on ladder procedures and harness use. Then, set up with radio and headset for hearing your leader’s commentary, it’s time to get out there! During approximately two hours on the bridge, your group of 12 climbers will make its way over 4,900 feet of steel, weaving through catwalks and up ladders – all to reach the most spectacular part of all, the upper arch climb. As birds-eye views of Sydney Harbour and the city fully surround you, your Climb Leader will capture the “historic” moment on camera.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Gather your courage for a never-to-be-forgotten adventure as you literally climb one of the world’s most iconic bridges.
• With your Climb Leader’s briefing under your belt, a climb Suit over your clothes, and your safety harness ready to click in when instructed, begin your ascent.
• Spend two adrenaline-laced hours crossing catwalks, climbing ladders, and making your way to the upper arch and back.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear comfortable clothing; a Climb Suit must be worn over during the climb.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.
• Flat, rubber-soled athletic shoes with a closed toe are mandatory.

OVERVIEW

Discover the beauty of the countryside outside Sydney as you head for the World Heritage splendor of the Blue Mountains. Headed west from the city, feel the echoes of excitement still reverberating as you pass the site of the 2000 Sydney Olympics at Homebush. Travel through small towns and bushlands that Sydneysiders escape to on weekends as you begin to climb into the Blues along a road once the trail of Australia’s early explorers. Drink in panoramic views of an awe-inspiring Grand Canyon of giant rock formations and cascading waterfalls. Once up at the Blue Mountains lookout, spot the famous Three Sisters rock formation and bask in the breathtaking views all around you – of Jamieson Valley, Mount Solitary, Ruined Castle, Katoomba Falls and the Burragorang Valley. Take a thrilling ride on the world’s steepest perpendicular railway, dropping some 700 feet down into the valley. A brief walk at the bottom brings you to where the Scenic cable car picks up for your return to the mountaintop. Lunch will be on your own in Leura or a similar township, with free time to browse the local handicraft and antique shops. And enjoy brief Sydney highlights drive on the return.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Travel into the bushland and small towns west of Sydney, headed for the majestic Blue Mountains.
• Ascend into the Blue Mountain range, its unique rock formations like the Three Sisters reminiscent of a greener Grand Canyon.
• Revel in the views from the topside lookout and ride 700 feet down into the valley by perpendicular railway, returning by Scenic cable car.
• Enjoy lunch on your own at Leura or a similar township with time to wander and shop a bit after.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear layered, weather-appropriate clothing.
• Flat, comfortable walking or hiking shoes are recommended.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.