Donna Salerno Travel

Depart by ferry for a privately guided visit to Taronga Zoo, complete with an aquarium, rainforest aviary, an abode built for nocturnal animals and a koala house. Enjoy magnificent harbor views as you zigzag along the paths around the animal enclosures, and come face-to-face with local "residents" that include emu, kangaroo, wombat, koala and kookaburra. Then head to famous Bondi Beach to meet a real Aussie lifesaver and learn to ride the waves during a surfing lesson (minimum age is seven). Tonight, attend a welcome dinner and meet other families sharing your Australian adventure. Four Seasons Hotel Sydney B L D

Design Your Day options fill the morning; see the next page for details. Board an afternoon flight to Adelaide, founded in the Gold Rush boom years. Its Mediterranean climate and immense parklands make it ideal for mountain biking and exploring. An orientation tour takes you through the city known for its many churches and wineries.

Design Your Day - Sydney: Privately tour the Sydney Opera House, or embark on an exhilarating jet boat ride on the harbor or soar to new heights atop Sky Tower. 
InterContinental Adelaide B D

Fly to Kangaroo Island, renowned as nature's wonderland and brimming with diverse, abundant wildlife untouched by modern development. The island is often referred to as the "Galápagos of Australia." You and your family explore by four-wheel-drive vehicle, walk among the seals and enjoy a barbecue lunch. Later, board your return flight to Adelaide.  InterContinental Adelaide B L D

Board a flight to Alice Springs in the Australian Outback. In this vast land of deserts and semi-arid plains, witness a mixture of light and color seen nowhere else on earth. The sky is a bright blue, and the clear air makes the sun sparkle as it reflects on the red rocks. This afternoon's adventure includes an ATV ride on a private cattle station that takes you and your family over bush tracks, dry riverbeds and close to mountain ranges. Tonight, attend an Aussie-style barbecue in a natural bush setting under the stars.  Alice Springs Resort B D

Visit the School of the Air, a program of radio instruction that brings home schooling to isolated children living in the Outback. Board a flight to Uluru (Ayers Rock) and visit this sacred Aboriginal site. Take part in a few short walks along its base, viewing hallowed sites and paintings of ancient Aboriginal tribal myths. Then enjoy canapés and beverages at sunset.  Sails in the Desert B

This morning, drive to the rock formations of Kata Tjuta (the Olgas). Discover why the desert snakes and lizards are so important to the local Anangu people and listen as they tell creation stories during a private viewing of Predators of the Desert. Later, fly to Cairns and transfer to your luxurious resort in the seaside town of Port Douglas. 
Sea Temple Port Douglas B D

Swim and snorkel among the colorful fish in the crystal-blue waters surrounding the Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy a day of sun and surf as you explore various coral sites that make up this great wonder of the world. 
Sea Temple Port Douglas  B L

This morning, travel to Cooya Beach. Meander through these primordial habitats with your Aboriginal guide who tells you the ancient stories and history of the area. Gather food, throw spears and learn about traditional hunting in the mudflats, mangroves and beaches. Tonight, attend a special farewell dinner at your resort.  Sea Temple Port Douglas B D

Take advantage of some time left for last-minute shopping before your departure flight takes you back across the International Date Line toward home.  B