Upon arrival you will be transferred by coach to your hotel. Due to arrival time and hotel checkin times, we have included a city sightseeing tour.  Sydney is one of the most beautiful cities in the World. It is endowed with a sparkling harbour, fabulous beaches and a sunny Mediterranean climate.  Visit the Gap on the ocean headland at Watsons Bay and return to the city via famous Bondi Beach, Paddington a Victorian suburb of restored terrace houses richly decorated with cast-iron. Travel into the commercial area of the city passing the historical buildings of Macquarie Street, Parliament House, The Mint and Hyde Park Barracks including a visit to Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair for a breath taking view of the city and harbour. Continue with a drive through the historic Rocks area where Australia was first found with its maze of terrace houses, resorted warehouses, pubs and restaurants. Drive under the famous ‘coast hanger’ the Sydney Harbour Bridge and view Sydney’s famous architectural masterpiece, the Sydney Opera House before arriving at the hotel.

Note: You will be given some free time during the tour for lunch (lunch at own expense)

Note: Hotel check-in is after 3.00 PM

Accommodation: In: Wednesday 11-Jan-17 Out: Friday 13-Jan-17  (2 Nights)

Free day at leisure. Optional Sydney Opera House morning tour. 

Optional Harbour dinner evening cruise.

Accommodation: In: Friday 13-Jan-17 Out: Sunday 15-Jan-17  (2 Nights)

Optional Melbourne Tramcar Dinner Evening   

Farm tour day – hosted by Semex Australia

• 2pm – Tyson Brandon and Heather Sinclair Timboon, Victoria.
• Stop to see 12 Apostles – Great Ocean Road.

Accommodation Warrnambool In: Sunday 15-Jan-17 Out: Tuesday 17-Jan-17   (2 nights)

Farm tour day – hosted by Semex Australia

• 10am – Craig and Tracey Thorburn in Simpson, Victoria.
• Craig and Sophie Bennett in 329 Centre Road, Timboon, Victoria 3268.
• Brendon and Yolanda McVilly in Windy View Holsteins, 2 Guys Road, Cooriemungle via Timboon, Victoria 3268.

• 1 farm visit on route to Ballarat
• Stop in Ballarat (explore on own and lunch at own expense)

Accommodation Shepparton  In: Tuesday 17 Jan 17 – Out: Friday 20 Jan 2017   (3 Nights)

• Semex Holstein Daughter Inspection morning tour; depart hotel at 08:00am
• International Dairy Week World Wide Sires Evolution Sale – 7:30pm–10:00pm – Tatura Fairgrounds

• Australia’s National Holstein Show – 08:00am – 6:00pm Tatura Fairgrounds
• Dairy Farm & Machinery Field days

            Inclusions:

                        Return Hotel Transfers ex Cairns

                        Morning & Afternoon Tea

                        Tropical Smorgasbord Lunch (beverages at own expense)

                        Snorkel Equipment

                        Coral viewing semi-submersible

                        Underwater observatory and informative talk by a marine biologist

You will be collected from your hotel this morning by a Quicksilver Connections coach and taken on a scenic drive to Port Douglas. Quicksilver’s friendly crew will take you to Agincourt Reef at the very edge of Australia’s Continental Shelf, to an underwater world that is a dazzling kaleidoscope of colour and brilliance. Here you can experience first-hand the magic that is the Great Barrier Reef. You can choose to dive, snorkel, or stay dry and explore the stunning reef from the comfort of a Quicksilver semi-sub, just one metre underwater (please note diving is an extra cost). Watch the fish feeding from the unique underwater viewing platform and underwater observatory. Complimentary morning and afternoon tea and a delicious lunch are included. Other refreshments are available at an additional cost. There will be a Marine Biologist presentation shown on the vessel televisions as well as a snorkelling demonstration. Arrive back at Marina Mirage at approximately 4.30pm and join your coach for the transfer back to your hotel arrival back will be after 6pm.

Free day at leisure. 

Optional day trip to Skyrail & Kuranda scenic rail tour.  (see optional tour information for more details )

Transfer Hotel to Cairns Airport for your flight to Brisbane (flight not included). 

Coach transfer to Surfers Paradise accommodation on the Gold Coast. 

Accommodation: In: Monday 23-Jan-17 Out: Friday 27-Jan-17   (4 Nights)

NOTE: This excursion will take approx. 2.5hrs each way to get from the hotel to the zoo.

Transfer back to Brisbane airport for return flight to Vancouver, BC 

FARES

PRICES QUOTED ARE IN CAD DOLLARS:

Inclusions in above prices:

• Hotel accommodation as per itinerary based on twin share
• All transfers and transportation is by private, air-conditioned coach with driver/guide (any individuals travelling outside the group arrangement must organize own transportation)
• Sightseeing and admissions as per the itinerary
• Meals as indicated on itinerary (B-full breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner)

Exclusions in above prices:

• All airfares, departure taxes & fuel surcharges, Seat Selection
• Optional tours as listed**
• Beverages
• Personal items
• Meals unless listed in itinerary
• Tips & Gratuities
• Early check-in & late check out of rooms (standard check-in time is 2pm and check out 10am)
• Travel Insurance

Visa/passport handling fees

Flight itinerary:

International:

Air Canada #33 09Jan Depart Vancouver at 11:45pm arrive Sydney 10:25am – 11Jan

Air Canada #36 27Jan Depart Brisbane at 12:00pm (noon) arrive Vancouver 07:20am – 27 Jan

Domestic:  Please note: flight times are subject to change.

Qantas #447 13Jan Depart Sydney at 4:00pm arrive Melbourne 5:35pm

Qantas #702 20JAN Depart Melbourne at 09:00am Arrive Cairns 11:20am

Qantas #655  23JAN  Depart Cairns at 5:10pm Arrive Brisbane 7:20pm 

It is important to note that any upgrade requests to Air Canada are strictly subject to availability and may not be possible. Forbes Travel International will do their utmost to accommodate all requests, however, cannot guarantee fulfilling all requests.

• Taxes and fuel surcharges are subject to change and are not guaranteed until tickets are issued and will be re-quoted at time of final invoicing.

• All international and domestic fares are subject to change with confirmation of flights

• IMPORTANT: When traveling in a group the airlines do not always allow seat assignments prior to departure.  Seats may be assigned when checking in for the flight.

OPTIONAL TOURS

$TBC

Will be available to purchase once confirmed on WestGen tour

Sydney – Visit to Sydney Opera House including return coach transfers – Thursday, January 12

Sydney Opera House – Private Walking Tour

This tour takes approx. 45-minutes and offers the opportunity to experience the Sydney Opera House in its daily operation. Visitors are guided into theatres, given a fascinating account of the history and architecture of the House and introduced to the magic of performance. With its white, sculptural ‘shells’ rising from the harbour foreshore at Bennelong Point, the Opera House is Sydney’s most recognisable building and, officially, one of the seven wonders of the 20^th century. Joern Utzon, the Danish architect who designed the Opera House, ascribed the inspiration for his masterpiece to the sails of yachts on the harbour. As the Opera House is first and foremost a performing arts centre, some areas may be restricted for viewing due to rehearsals and performances. 

$TBC

Will be available to purchase once confirmed on WestGen tour

Sydney –Dinner on Sydney Harbour – Thursday, January 12

• 2 hour Sydney Harbour Lunch cruise aboard a luxury catamaran
•  Deluxe buffet lunch with a choice of hot & cold dishes and salads prepared onboard
•  Dine while you sail past the iconic Opera House and under the Harbour Bridge
•  Air-conditioned vessel with informative commentary and a fully licensed cash bar

This evening you will be transferred to Circular Quay for your dinner cruise. Check-in at Jetty 6 approx. 30 minutes prior – Departure is at 7.00 PM. Cruise Sydney Harbour this evening which most travel experts agree is one of the most scenic harbours in the world. You will see spectacular views of Sydney Harbour Bridge, Circular Quay, The Rocks, Opera House, Fort Denison, Point Piper, Watson’s Bay. See Sydney’s foreshore parkland and many stately homes. Includes 3 course a la carte dining, upper deck seating and entertainment. 

$TBC

Will be available to purchase once confirmed on WestGen tour

Melbourne – Half Day City Tour – Saturday, January 14

Departs: 9:00 am, drop-off at 1:00 pm

$TBC

Will be available to purchase once confirmed on WestGen tour

Melbourne – Tramcar Dinner – Saturday, January 14

Colonial Tramcar Restaurant – Late Dinner – 5 Course – Saturday

Departs: 5:00pm / Returns approx. 8:00pm

Treat yourself to a unique dining experience in Melbourne on the Colonial Tramcar Restaurant. While you cruise through the city aboard a historical tramcar, dine on a 3 course meal in an elegant, period-style setting. The unique experience of seeing Melbourne by tram and enjoying fine food along the way. The tram’s luxurious fittings and period details make the ride a journey into the past.  Fare includes return coach transfer and all food and beverages.  Please note: The time of this tour may change to a 4 course luncheon if space is not available for all – your ticket price will NOT change.

$TBC

Will be available to purchase once confirmed on WestGen tour

 Cairns  – Great Barrier Reef – Saturday, January 21

Cruise in comfort aboard a fast and spacious wave piercing catamaran to Quicksilver’s unique and stunning outer reef destination – renowned Agincourt Reef situated on the edge of Australia’s Continental Shelf.  Here, a spacious and exclusive reef activity platform with semi-submersibles, underwater observatory, and exciting in-water activities let you fully enjoy the Outer Barrier Reef fo

r your personal reef discovery – whether you are a swimmer or non-swimmer.  Your day includes:  return wave piercer cruise from Port Douglas; morning & afternoon teas on board; reef presentation by marine biologist; hot & cold tropical buffet lunch; snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel & fins) and instruction provided; qualified lifeguard snorkeling safety officers on hand; underwater observatory fish & coral viewing; semi-submersible coral viewing tour with commentary; fish feeding (conducted by crew).  Optional activities to upgrade your experience available on sight – introductory and certified scuba diving; oceanwalker helmet diving; marine biologist guided snorkel tours; scenic helicopter flights.

Coach pickup at 08:05am – Pullman Cairns International Hotel

Coach dropoff at approx. 6:00pm – Pullman Cairns International Hotel

$TBC

Will be available to purchase once confirmed on WestGen tour

Cairns – Full Day Kuranda Tour

You will start your day with a ride on the Kuranda Scenic Railway, winding through tunnels and over bridges on this magnificent journey, passing Stoney Creek and Barron Falls. Once in Kuranda, you will travel to Rainforestation Nature Park via shuttle (included).

Explore the rainforest on a 6-wheel drive World War II Army Duck amphibious vehicle over land and water. Your experienced duck driver will help you search for wildlife and teach you about the plants and trees that make up the surrounding rainforest. After your tour, you can sample exotic fruits and locally made ice cream at a Tropical Treats fruit orchard.

Transfer on the shuttle bus from Rainforestation Nature Park to Kuranda Village. Once in the village, you have free time to explore the markets and shops.

At the end of your day, you will travel back to Cairns via the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway over a pristine rainforest with the canopy just meters beneath you. It is recommended that you spend time at the two stations enroute: Red Peak Station and Barron Falls Stations. Upon arrival in Cairns, you will be transferred back to your accommodation.

Coach pickup at 07:20am – Pullman Cairns International Hotel

Coach dropoff at 5:50pm at Pullman Cairns International Hotel

$TBC

Will be available to purchase once confirmed on WestGen tour

Gold Coast – Australia Zoo – Wednesday, January 25

Home of the Crocodile Hunter is where you’ll experience wildlife like nowhere else in the world.   With over 1200 animals, you will enjoy interactive wildlife shows and talks daily including tigers, otters, crocs and koala!  The Australia Zoo is proud to remain a privately owned and operated zoological facility. Includes Burger Lunch.

This excursion will take approximately 2 hours each way between the hotel and the zoo.

Coach pickup at 08:00am – Surfers Paradise Hilton

Coach dropoff at 6:00pm – Surfers Paradise Hilton