Splendors of Australia and New Zealand 22 days from $9,884 / Includes airfare, taxes, & all fees May 7–28, Sept. 24–Oct. 15, Oct. 29–Nov. 19, 2022 & Jan. 11–Feb. 1, Feb. 15–Mar. 8, Mar. 15–Apr. 5, Apr. 8–29, 2023 Venture “Down Under” for an exploration of some of the world’s most stunningly diverse landscapes—from colorful coral reefs and lush forests to stark deserts and dramatic fjords! Highlights Include
Great Barrier Reef: Learn about this World Heritage site from a marine biologist and see the reef up close as you swim, snorkel, or view it from a glass-bottomed boat. You’ll also take a thrilling journey aboard the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway and travel through the rain forest canopy on the world’s longest gondola cableway. Australian Outback: Watch the sun set over Uluru (Ayers Rock) at Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Relax around a campfire and look for the Southern Cross as you savor a traditional “bush” dinner. Learn about the Walpiri Aboriginal people during a “Dreamtime” tour. Sydney: Enjoy two fascinating days exploring Sydney, where highlights include tours of the iconic Sydney Opera House and Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park (home to koalas, kangaroos, and wallabies), plus a luncheon cruise around Sydney Harbour. New Zealand’s South Island: Venture to the Southern Alps and Mt. Cook to experience the mountainscape and visit the Hillary Gallery, which commemorates Sir Edmund’s achievements, including the first ascent of Mt. Cook’s south face. Look in awe upon breathtaking Milford Sound, a World Heritage site, during an afternoon cruise through the fjords. Plus, savor a wine tasting and enjoy independent time in Queenstown. North Island: In Rotorua, meet with a group of Maori people and enjoy a traditional hangi dinner and cultural
performance. You’ll also observe famed geothermal features, such as geysers and thermal hot springs, at a nearby park. Conclude your spectacular journey with a two-night stay in Auckland, the “City of Sails,” where a half-day city tour features the War Memorial Museum, Auckland Harbour, and the America’s Cup Village. Limited to 24 Smithsonian Journeys guests. Great Cairns Barrier Reef
Coral Sea
Alice Springs Ayers Rock
AUSTRALIA Sydney
Auckland Rotorua
Overnight Featured Site Air Motorcoach
Tasman Sea
Mount Cook National Park Milford Sound Queenstown
Christchurch
NEW ZEALAND
Smithsonian Journeys Experts James Zimbelman (Sept.)–senior geologist emeritus at Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum. George Losey (Oct.) and Geoff Cox (Apr.)–experts in the natural sciences, the environment, and marine biology. Don Wilson (Jan.)–senior scientist and curator emeritus at Smithsonian’s Natural History Museum. Peter Bobrowsky (Feb./Mar.)–highly respected geologist.
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park 101
