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Australia 

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April 2024

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Hosted by International Scuba

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Australia Yongala
April 2024 | Call 972-416-8400

11 Days / 9 Nights – Townsend & Spirit of Freedom

Visit the tropical town of Townsville where you will board the luxury live-aboard dive boat ‘Spirit of Freedom’ for an amazing scuba diving adventure exploring the Great Barrier Reef! We depart from the USA on Saturday evening with arrival into Australia on Monday.

Stay in Townsville for one night before you board the diving vessel the next morning (Tuesday). After disembarking from the dive vessel stay in Cairns for one more night. Your arrival day back into the USA will be on Tuesday morning.

Australia’s north eastern town of tropical Cairns is the gateway for two of the world’s greatest diving icons, the Great Barrier Reef and the Coral Sea. It is also the base for the awesome Spirit of Freedom 120ft liveaboard dive boat.

The dive vessel departs Townsville Tuesday and returns the following Monday. You will be transferred to and from your accommodation.

Cairns the colorful, sophisticated capital of the tropical north is alive with life and charm. Experience the majesty of this underwater playground which is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, and is known as the Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Here, warm northern hospitality and enthusiasm are the order of the day. With many unique attractions and activities such as a cruise to the reef or islands, a 4WD safari to the outback, trek into the rainforest or see it from the rainforest cableway above its green canopy on your way to or from Kuranda. These year-round natural attractions are truly memorable and inspiring.

Highlights & Inclusions: 
•    Accommodation - Townsville (2 Nights), Live-Aboard Dive Vessel (6), Cairns (1)
•    International Flights - Dallas to Townsville via Sydney, Cairns to Dallas via Sydney
•    Shuttle Transfers - Townsville Airport to Accommodation, Townsville Accommodation to Breakwater Marina, Cairns Accommodation to Airport
•    Day Tour - Townsville: Introduction to Reef Health Monitoring and the Great Barrier Reef
•    Overnight Tour - Townsville: Yongala Expedition 2021 - 6 Nights
•    All other 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)
•    Itinerary is flexible and can be tailored to suit your needs

Reef Scientific Discovery
Reef HQ Great Barrier Reef Aquarium is the world’s largest living coral reef aquarium and the Australian Government’s National Education Centre for the Great Barrier Reef. Our innovative reef education programs allow participants to meet and interact with Marine Park experts responsible for managing one of the world’s largest marine protected areas and develop a fuller understanding of the Great Barrier Reef ecosystem and the animals and plants that call it home.
The one-day program at Reef HQ Aquarium includes to following activities: Introduction to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and World Heritage Area Presentation

REEF HQ AQUARIUM'S TURTLE HOSPITAL
Reef HQ Aquarium’s Turtle Hospital provides a dedicated facility, where sick and injured marine turtles can be cared for and rehabilitated. The hospital operates under and promotes the C.A.R.E (Conserve. Act. Rehabilitate. Educate) philosophy playing a key role in raising community awareness in relation to threatened species and encouraging behavioral change that will benefit the environment. During this truly inspirational experience participants will learn more about marine turtles and visit the Turtle Hospital where sick and injured marine turtles are being cared for.

INCLUSIONS:
•    Admission into Reef HQ Introduction to Marine Park Management 
•    Introduction to Eye on the Reef Rapid Monitoring Programme 
•    Snorkel within Reef HQ Aquarium’s Coral Reef Exhibit 
•    Rental of lycra suit, snorkel, mask, fins 
•    Reef Discovery Tour 
•    Introduction to Top 10 Families of Reef Fish Visit to Reef HQ Aquarium’s Turtle Hospital 
•    Dedicated education staff to facilitate the activities, 
•    Lunch @ Reef HQ Waterview Café (Selection of sandwiches, seasonal fruit platter, served with juice)

$5,805 to $7,145 including airfare. $1,500 Deposit
Ask for full itinerary. Call 972-416-8400

Add a 3-Day Excursion to Sydney (additional $360)

2 nights in your studio room apartment.
Just 30 minutes from Sydney Airport, your accommodation is conveniently located between Darling Harbour and the Sydney CBD.
The friendly staff at your accommodation can attend to your every need with 24-hour guest reception. Enjoy a scrumptious breakfast at their signature restaurant.
Relax in a stylish and comfortable haven whilst being in close proximity to shopping at Westfield’s Pitt St Mall and Darling Harbour. Don’t forget to take a stroll down Pitt St towards Circular Quay to take in more of Sydney’s world famous siteslike the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge.
On your vacation, participate in an inspiring tour of the Sydney Opera House.
This one hour tour outlines the intricate and controversial history of the Sydney Opera House along with details of the unique design of this architectural masterpiece. You will visit a number of the six performance venues, including the magnificent wood paneled Concert Hall and the Opera Theatre as well as the new Utzon room. You will also visit the glass enclosed northern foyer areas which boast spectacular views of Sydney Harbour – a perfect photo opportunity.  Additional investment, only $360.

Add a 6-Day Excursion to Ayers Rock and Sydney 

Travel to your accommodation in the heart of Australia, the Red Centre, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 2 nights.  Your 4 1/2 Star vacation accommodation is centrally located to all resorts and Australia touring facilities and offers a range of stylish accommodations, from shaded poolside rooms to the magnificent deluxe rooms overlooking the desert. You can relax from your travel in the comfort of your own private balcony or courtyard, or unwind in the hotel’s refreshing pool, sipping cocktails. It’s only a short stroll to the resorts numerous lookouts, where you can view what is arguably Australia’s best sunset. Its spectacular display of colours across the face of Uluru and the surrounding desert turns your vacation into a memorable event.  Then it’s off to Sydney for as your final destination before returning home.  Additional investment: $1,780