Gay Adventure Down Under
Let loose – Hermes style! – with our action-packed itinerary to Oz, the fun-loving Land Down Under. Begin with six nights in Sydney, one of the gay-friendliest cities on the planet. Our group size lets us truly connect with the outdoor spirit of the place, with a Harbour Bridge climb and a walk along the city's buff beaches. We'll explore farther afield into the beautiful Blue Mountains and vineyard-laden Hunter Valley. The fun continues in Cairns, where we check in to the continent's top GLBT resort, snorkel in the multihued Great Barrier Reef during a day-long catamaran cruise, and explore the oldest living rainforest on earth.

Highlights

• Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb
• Sydney Tour, including Botanical Gardens, Watson's Bay, and Centennial Park
• Blue Mountain visit,including Scenic World and Jenolan Caves admission
• Beach Walk from Coogee to Bondi
• Hunter Valley Wine Tasting Tour, including several wine tasting with cheese
• Great Barrier Reef Cruise with snorkeling aboard a catamaran
• Daintree Rainforest Tour,including guided forest walk and river cruise
• Cape Tribulation swim including Giant Galapagos Tortoise habitat, Charles Darwin Research Station, and Art Galleries of Puerto Ayora
• Roundtrip flight from Sydney to Cairns
• Accommodations for 10 nights in a deluxe room in Sydney and in a seaview room at a resort in Cairns
• 17 meals – 10 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 6 dinners
• Services of a Hermes Tours escort
• Services of an expert, local guide in all cities
• Entrance fees to all sites visited
• $100 per person savings if you reserve 5 months before departure!

Itinerary

Day 1 - Wednesday, April 2, 2014
Arrive in Sydney, Australia
Arrive in Sydney this morning. After an early check-in at your hotel, there'll be time to relax or explore one of the world's most gay-friendly cities. Late afternoon, join your guide for a "gayborhood" walking tour, followed by our special Hermes welcome dinner.
Overnight: Cambridge Hotel Sydney, Sydney 4*, or similar.
Meal: D

Day 2 - Thursday, April 3, 2014
Sydney
Start today on a high as you harness up for an unforgettable Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb! After lunch in a venue at the iconic Opera House, you'll take in more of this fabulous city, with tours of the sweeping Botanical Gardens, Watson's Bay, and Centennial Park. Dine with the group tonight near our hotel.
Overnight: Cambridge Hotel Sydney, Sydney 4*, or similar
Meal: B, L, D

Day 3 - Friday, April 4, 2014
Blue Mountains
Set off early this morning for the beautiful Blue Mountains, Sydneysiders' outdoor playground. You'll explore Scenic World, where outdoor sculptures, walkways, a skyway, cableway, and railway help visitors experience this spectacular natural world. You'll also descend into the Jenolan Caves, a network of 11 dramatic limestone caverns traversed by underground rivers.
Overnight: Cambridge Hotel Sydney, Sydney 4*, or similar.
Meal: B, L

Day 4 - Saturday, April 5, 2014
Beach Walk to Bondi & Free Time
Enjoy a morning stroll along the city's renowned beaches. From Coogee, you'll follow the coast to famous Bondi Beach, no doubt enjoying all sorts of scenery along the way! After a seaside lunch at Bondi, the afternoon is to explore on your own. Later, in another "gayborhood" of Sydney, Newtown, you'll dine along King Street. Tonight, stop in for a drink and a dance at The Imperial, the club made famous by Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.
Overnight: Cambridge Hotel Sydney, Sydney 4*, or similar
Meal: B, L, D

Day 5 - Sunday, April 6, 2014
Free Time in Sydney
Take today to relax and follow your own desires. In the afternoon, join your travel mates for a Sydney tradition: Gay Sunday drinks at two popular bars.
Overnight: Cambridge Hotel Sydney, Sydney 4*, or similar
Meal: B

Day 6 - Monday, April 7, 2014
Hunter Valley
Head out early this morning into the rolling hills of vineyard country and Hunter Valley. Several stops will highlight vintages from some of Australia's most successful cellars. For lunch, indulge in an unparalleled gourmet experience. At day's end, it's bubbly for all during a champagne tasting.
Overnight: Cambridge Hotel Sydney, Sydney 4*, or similar
Meal: B, L

Day 7 - Tuesday, April 8, 2014
Fly to Cairns
Fly to Cairns today, gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. After checking in to Turtle Cove, Australia's #1 gay and lesbian resort, relax for the afternoon. Join us tonight for a special dinner.
Overnight: Turtle Cove Gay Resort, Cairns 4*
Meal: B, D

Day 8 - Wednesday, April 9, 2014
Great Barrier Reef
After a tropical breakfast, embark the Synergy Reef catamaran for a full day of snorkeling and sunning on the Great Barrier Reef. On board, savor a barbecue lunch and morning and afternoon tea. After dinner back on land, explore Cairns' lively night markets.
Overnight:Turtle Cove Gay Resort, Cairns 4*.
Meal: B, L, D

Day 9 - Thursday, April 10, 2014
Daintree Rainforest & Cape Tribulation
Lisbon's wealth was built upon the Age of Exploration, and evidence of its maritime history is everywhere. During our city tour, you'll explore the Jeronimos Monastery and Belem Tower, and marvel at the resplendent Monument to the Discoveries. Your afternoon is free to explore Lisbon's historic Alfama district and browse its shops.
Overnight:Turtle Cove Gay Resort, Cairns 4*.
Meal: B, L, D

Day 10 - Friday, April 11, 2014
Cairns, Free Time
Spend today pursuing your own interests. Our special farewell dinner is at Turtle Cove; if the weather is right, we'll build a bonfire on the beach.
Overnight:Turtle Cove Gay Resort, Cairns 4*, or similar.
Meal: B, D

Day 11 - Saturday, April 12, 2014
Depart for home
Return to Sydney today, then continue home.
Meal: B

All-Gay Australia Tour Hotels

Sydney:
Cambridge Hotel Sydney
Located in Surry Hills (Darlinghurst - Surry Hills), Cambridge Hotel Sydney is close to Taylor Square, Sydney Opera House, and Darling Harbour. Also nearby are Circular Quay and ANZAC War Memorial.

Cambridge Hotel Sydney has an indoor pool and a spa tub. Public areas are equipped with wireless Internet access (surcharges apply). Business amenities at this 4-star property include a business center and secretarial services. This Surry Hills hotel offers a restaurant, a coffee shop/café, and a bar/lounge. The staff can provide tour/ticket assistance, tour assistance, and currency exchange. Additional amenities include multilingual staff, gift shops/newsstands, and laundry facilities. The property has designated areas for smoking.

The 173 air-conditioned guestrooms at Cambridge Hotel Sydney include minibars and safes. Beds have Select Comfort mattresses, down comforters, and premium bedding. Wireless high-speed Internet access (surcharge) is provided. Televisions are equipped with premium cable channels. Bathrooms offer hair dryers and complimentary toiletries. All units feature refrigerators and coffee/tea makers. Additional amenities include irons/ironing boards and clock radios. In addition, housekeeping is offered daily and amenities available on request include wake-up calls.

Cairns:
Turtle Cove Gay Beach Resort
Turtle Cove Resort is a Gay & Lesbian, Adults only, Holiday Vacation Resort.In Port Douglas,Cairns Queensland Australia Join us in Tropical Far North Queensland and experience the most fantastic piece of unspoilt Gay, Lesbian Paradise in Australia.or some say the world.

Be assured Turtle Cove Beach Resort is not your ordinary Gay Lesbian Hotel! Come and explore our totally private secluded,clothing optional, Absolute Beachfront,

Turtle Cove Beach Resort, conveniently located between Cairns, palm cove,and Port Douglas, is the perfect place to chill and relax, or if you can drag yourself away, both the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rain Forest are on our doorstep.These pristine sites are World Heritage Listed and have to be experienced to be believed.

Located on a clothing-optional private beach, this gay and lesbian resort offers luxurious rooms with private balconies overlooking the ocean or gardens. It features a swimming pool and a sauna.

All air-conditioned rooms are bright and airy, and feature cane and wood furnishings. Each room has a TV, refrigerator and tea and coffee making facilities. Most rooms include 42-inch flat-screen TVs.

Turtle Cove Beach Resort is located 15 minutes' drive from the Port Douglas city centre. Mossman Gorge is a 25-minute drive away.

Guests can relax in the clothing-optional jacuzzi, or exercise in the well-equipped fitness centre. The resort shop is the perfect place to purchase a special souvenir to take home.

The Turtle Cove Restaurant serves a range of light lunch options, an extensive a la carte dinner menu, and a barbecue buffet on Sundays. The Sand Bar offers a variety of refreshing cocktails.