Nautilus Aquatics [CD956]

Summary

11 Days / 9 Nights - Australia

Cairns city is home to many unique attractions and activities to experience when you visit. Enjoy a cruise and snorkel or dive in the Great Barrier Reef, which is listed by the World Heritage Society and also acclaimed as one of the world's most wonderful assets or take a safari to the outback. You may want to trek into the Kuranda, or one of the other Wet Tropical Rainforests or view the green canopies from the cableway above. These year round natural attractions are truly memorable and inspiring.

The Spirit of Freedom is located off of Australia's north eastern town of tropical Cairns. Cairns is Australia's gateway for two of the world's greatest diving icons, the Great Barrier Reef and the Coral Sea. The Great Barrier Reef is a broad chain of 2,900 individual reefs and is the Earth's largest structure built by living organisms, being clearly visible from space. It is an ecosystem of unsurpassed marine diversity and presents the diver with a vision of exquisite natural beauty. Beyond the continental shelf that harbours the Great Barrier Reef, lie the isolated reef systems and crystal clear waters of Australia's Coral Sea. This is home territory for huge schools of pelagic fish and sharks in an undersea world of mountains, pinnacles and sheer walls laced with gorgonian fans and rising from thousands of feet below. The liveaboard dive vessel 7 Day Trip departs Cairns 7:00am Monday and returns 8:00am the following Monday.

Features

Accommodation - Cairns (1 Night), Spirit of Freedom (7), Cairns (1)
US Domestic Flights not included per your request
International Flights - Los Angeles to Brisbane (Return)
Australian Domestic Flights - Brisbane to Cairns (Return)
Shuttle Transfers - Cairns Airport to Accommodation (Return)
Overnight Tours Included - Cairns: 7 Night Liveaboard Great Barrier Reef Dive Expedition
Live-Aboard Diving Expedition includes: Transfers to/ from Cairns city accommodation, Opportunity for 24 to 26 dives, En-suite cabin with daily service, Chef prepared meals, Australian wines & soft drinks with evening meal.
All Day Tours listed are Optional (Not Included)
Visa Issuance for entry into Australia (additional US$15.00 per person)
F.I.T. (Free & Independent Travel, i.e. this is not an Organized Group Tour)
All Taxes and Fuel Levies (Except where noted)

Detailed Itinerary

17th Nov 2017 (Day 1) - International Flight, Los Angeles to Brisbane: Shortly after departing Los Angeles you will be served dinner and you will be given breakfast before landing in Brisbane.

Relax, watch some movies, and try to get some sleep!; Please confirm with the airline at check-in that they have all your Frequent Flyer information on record (if applicable).
19th Nov (Day 2) - Australian Domestic Flight, Brisbane to Cairns: Travel within Australia by domestic air from Brisbane to Cairns.
19th Nov (Day 2) - Shuttle Transfer, Cairns Airport to Accommodation: Travel by shuttle from the Cairns Airport to your vacation accommodation in Cairns, Australia.; Need to Know
Luggage Restrictions: 1 checked bag and 1 hand luggage is free of charge per person in the shuttle. Additional luggage is 10$ each. Strollers are free. Bikes need to be in a bike bag. Fishing rods need to be broken down and in a container.
19th - 20th Nov (Days 2 to 3) - 1 Night Accommodation in Cairns: Enjoy 1 night at your 4-Star Cairns accommodation.; Nestled in the tropical paradise of Cairns, this remarkable hotel captivates guests with its warm hospitality, exceptional service, and breathtaking views. The accommodations offer a harmonious blend of comfort and style, complemented by the hotel's prime location near dining, shopping, and cultural attractions. From the inviting restaurant to the attentive staff, every aspect ensures an unforgettable stay. Discover a tranquil oasis in Cairns that promises cherished memories for discerning travelers.

Hotel Amenities
Free Wi-Fi, Swimming Pool, 24-hr Reception, Luggage Storage, Bar, Restaurant, Paid Parking, Room Service

Preferred Room
Standard Room - 1 King or 2 Singles - Room Features: Mini Fridge ; Private Balcony ; Air Conditioning ; Shower Amenities ; Hairdryer ; Safe ; Smart TV.

Room Upgrades
- Executive Room - 1 King or 2 Singles - Room Features: Mini Fridge ; Private Balcony ; Air Conditioning ; Shower Amenities ; Hairdryer ; Safe ; Esplanade, Trinity Inlet, or Ocean Views ; Flat Screen TV.
- Deluxe - 1 King or 2 Singles - Room Features: Mini Fridge ; Private Balcony ; Air Conditioning ; Shower Amenities ; Hairdryer ; Safe ; Flat Screen TV.
- Tropical Luxe - 1 King or 2 Singles - Room Features: Mini Fridge ; Same level as the pool deck ; Air Conditioning ; Shower Amenities ; Hairdryer ; Safe ; Pod coffee machine ; 42-inch Flat Screen TV.
- Tropical Luxe Premium - 1 King or 2 Singles - Room Features: Mini Fridge ; Pod Coffee Machine ; Air Conditioning ; Shower Amenities ; Luxury skincare & Hairdryer ; Safe ; Located on Levels 2 & 3 ; Washer & Dryer ; 50-inch Flat Screen TV ; Two-person bath.

Need to know
Hotel subject to availability. If this hotel is not available, a similar hotel will be substituted. Room booked will be preferred unless otherwise listed on your quote.
Optional Evening Event (Not Included) - Tjapukai Night Fire: More than just a dinner and show; Tjapukai Night Fire takes you on a magical adventure into the legends of Australia's dreamtime.; Here you will enter another world as Australia's Aboriginal culture is brought to life through a series of award winning performances as you feast on modern cuisine from the Far North. Settle in for a magical night of entertainment as you journey into a Dreamtime legend to discover the magic of Australia's ancient Aboriginal culture.

Enjoy a welcome drink on arrival before the performers lead a didgeridoo blessing ceremony followed by a spectacular fire performance and cultural dance celebration.

If you're keen, you can even take to the stage to learn a traditional dance yourself! This evening of entertainment is complemented by a delicious dinner, photo opportunity with the Tjapukai warriors & even time to shop in the retail gallery full of authentic souvenirs.

Operates Daily, except Christmas Day (December 25). Event is from 7:00pm - 10:00pm.

Need to Know Child pricing and family rates are available on request.

Inclusions Welcome Drink and Canapes; Delicious Buffet Dinner; Didgeridoo Journey; Fire-making Ceremony; Tjapukai Dance Performance; Fireside Farewell
Optional Evening Event (Not Included) - Evening Meal, Ochre Restaurant: Enjoy a gourmet meal at Cairn's most rewarded restaurant and mingle with the locals.; Perhaps the best known of all Cairns' restaurants is the multi award-winning Ochre Restaurant, which serves modern Australian cuisine with flair and creativity. Owner, Craig Squire is the talented chef who has worked tirelessly to make Ochre the success it is today. Mr Squire can often be found in the kitchen where he prepares and perfects Ochre's menu of dishes. He is a wanted man, in the guise of guest chef at many of the world's classiest establishments and 5-star kitchens of restaurants and hotels from Dubai to Shanghai.

Ochre Restaurant specialises in local and native produce with a daily catch of seafood and premium Australian beef tenderloin most recently recognized as "Best Beef" at Royal Brisbane Show. Some of their most famous dishes include Salt and Pepper Prawn and Crocodile, Grilled Kangaroo with Quandong Chilli Glaze, Wattleseed Pavlova and their Australian Antipasto Plate - the latter of which is a great meal to start giving diners a delicious insight into the country's cuisine.

The menu is an excellent read for any visitor and delivers on taste and value-for-money. Be sure to leave room for dessert which the Lonely Planet Guide urges its readers to try with the quote desserts worth moving to Cairns for.

Ochre Restaurant is Cairns most awarded restaurant. Late in 2006 it increased its cache winning both Best Modern Australian and Tourism Restaurant categories at North Queensland's Annual Restaurant and Caterer's Awards and has continued to win many local awards since.

This restaurant is a short walking distance from most accommodations in central Cairns.

Closed Christmas Day
Insider's Tip: The Esplanade in Cairns: Experience the leisurely atmosphere at the playground for locals and tourists alike at The Esplanade in Cairns!; With so many activities available The Esplanade has always been a focal point for this city. This is a place that literally has everything! Take a stroll and do some bird watching on the boardwalk but as you enjoy the views don't forget to stop off at Foreshore Promenade for a bite to eat at the many available restaurants. Access to The Lagoon is easy here which is set overlooking the Barrier Reef and Trinity inlet and features all year free swimming where you can take a dip in this filtered saltwater lagoon. Let the kids can play in the sandy edges and in the shallow waters while you lounge on the semi-shaded timber decks. For the kids, don't miss out on the Trinity Bay foreshore playground "Muddy" with equipment for all ages. For the older kids, stop off at the Skate Park to see some skaters and BMXers in action! Whether you decide to take a morning jog, fly a kite or just relax in the large grassy areas for some lunch you will surely enjoy the tropical lifestyle!

If you happen to be in Cairns on a Saturday be sure to check out the Weekend Markets which feature only locally made arts and crafts, clothing and much more. While you're there listen out for the live music and fun street characters. The market gets into full swing on the promenade (just by the lagoon) every Saturday between 8am - 4pm.

Lagoon Hours: All Year, 6am-9pm
Closed Wednesdays until midday for maintenance
20th - 27th Nov (Days 3 to 10) - 7 Night Liveaboard, Great Barrier Reef Dive Expedition: Join Spirit of Freedom to explore at least 3 offshore Coral Sea Reefs and the Ribbon Reefs of the GBR. Covering over 1 million square kilometres and three times the size of the Great Barrier Reef, the region is scattered with spectacular coral reefs, in an undersea world of ancient mountains, rising thousands of metres from the ocean floor. In this oceanic wilderness, where mans' influence is relatively insignificant, pelagic fish populations abound including white tip and grey reef sharks, hammerheads, tuna, barracuda, big eye trevally, mackerel and manta rays. Rare sea creatures such as the Nautilus and Lacey Scorpionfish inhabit these waters, alongside an incredibly diverse range of corals, including massive soft corals and gorgonian fans.; Far beyond the continental shelf that harbours the Great Barrier Reef, lie the isolated reef systems of Australia's Coral Sea. We will travel 150 miles east of Cairns to explore the rarely visited Holmes Reef, where you will find the sheer walls, gin clear water, and schools of pelagics typical of the Coral Sea reefs. Heading north we will spend a day at Bougainville Reef, where a half submerged wreck perches on the reef, and we'll explore the caves and canyons of 'Dungeons and Dragons' and other sites. Northwards again we may stop at Shark Reef, wether depending, or head straight through to our favourite reef, Osprey Reef with its' renown and thriving shark populations, mantas, and massive soft corals. The last one or two days will be spent diving some of the iconic sites of the Ribbon Reefs such as the Cod Hole with its' family of massive Potato Cod, and Steve's Bommie, a coral reef pinnacle overloaded with marine diversity.

Proposed Itinerary:
Note: Exact dive location from Day 2 to Day 7 may be variable dependent on weather and tide conditions.
Depart Cairns: On selected Monday at 12:00 noon
Return Cairns: The following Monday at 07:00am
Day 1: Cairns City accommodation transfers begin at 11.15am, for a 12.00 noon departure. Diving this afternoon on the outer reefs from Cairns, before overnight travel to Holmes Reef.
Day 2: Diving Holmes Reef, Coral Sea
Day 3: Diving Bougainville Reef, Coral Sea
Day 4: Diving Shark and/ or Osprey Reef, Coral Sea
Day 5: Diving Osprey Reef, Coral Sea
Day 6: Diving Osprey Reef, Coral Sea /or The Northern Ribbon Reefs.
Day 7: Diving Steve's Bommie and various sites Number 3 to 5 Ribbon Reefs
Day 8: Arrive Cairns early morning. Breakfast on board and disembark 7.00am.

Please note that above itinerary is a sample only and sites may vary or the sequence may change. Access to the Coral Sea is weather conditional and while every attempt will be made to keep to the advertised itinerary, the Coral Sea and specific sites on the Great Barrier Reef are not guaranteed.

Cabin types available: Quad, Double/Twin, Stateroom, Ocean View Standard, Ocean View Deluxe.
27th - 28th Nov (Days 10 to 11) - 1 Night Accommodation in Cairns: Enjoy 1 night at your 4-Star Cairns accommodation.; Nestled in the tropical paradise of Cairns, this remarkable hotel captivates guests with its warm hospitality, exceptional service, and breathtaking views. The accommodations offer a harmonious blend of comfort and style, complemented by the hotel's prime location near dining, shopping, and cultural attractions. From the inviting restaurant to the attentive staff, every aspect ensures an unforgettable stay. Discover a tranquil oasis in Cairns that promises cherished memories for discerning travelers.

Hotel Amenities
Free Wi-Fi, Swimming Pool, 24-hr Reception, Luggage Storage, Bar, Restaurant, Paid Parking, Room Service

Preferred Room
Standard Room - 1 King or 2 Singles - Room Features: Mini Fridge ; Private Balcony ; Air Conditioning ; Shower Amenities ; Hairdryer ; Safe ; Smart TV.

Room Upgrades
- Executive Room - 1 King or 2 Singles - Room Features: Mini Fridge ; Private Balcony ; Air Conditioning ; Shower Amenities ; Hairdryer ; Safe ; Esplanade, Trinity Inlet, or Ocean Views ; Flat Screen TV.
- Deluxe - 1 King or 2 Singles - Room Features: Mini Fridge ; Private Balcony ; Air Conditioning ; Shower Amenities ; Hairdryer ; Safe ; Flat Screen TV.
- Tropical Luxe - 1 King or 2 Singles - Room Features: Mini Fridge ; Same level as the pool deck ; Air Conditioning ; Shower Amenities ; Hairdryer ; Safe ; Pod coffee machine ; 42-inch Flat Screen TV.
- Tropical Luxe Premium - 1 King or 2 Singles - Room Features: Mini Fridge ; Pod Coffee Machine ; Air Conditioning ; Shower Amenities ; Luxury skincare & Hairdryer ; Safe ; Located on Levels 2 & 3 ; Washer & Dryer ; 50-inch Flat Screen TV ; Two-person bath.

Need to know
Hotel subject to availability. If this hotel is not available, a similar hotel will be substituted. Room booked will be preferred unless otherwise listed on your quote.
28th Nov (Day 11) - Shuttle Transfer, Cairns Accommodation to Airport: Travel by shuttle from your Cairns vacation accommodation to the Airport in Cairns, Australia.; Need to Know
Luggage Restrictions: 1 checked bag and 1 hand luggage is free of charge per person in the shuttle. Additional luggage is 10$ each. Strollers are free. Bikes need to be in a bike bag. Fishing rods need to be broken down and in a container.
28th Nov (Day 11) - Australian Domestic Flight, Cairns to Brisbane: Travel within Australia by domestic air from Cairns to Brisbane.
28th Nov (Day 11) - International Flight, Brisbane to Los Angeles: Mid-day Departure from Brisbane, In-flight Dinner and Movie with arrival in the USA. Note: You will be traveling back across the International Date line so you will gain a day. You actually arrive in the USA on the same day you leave Australia.