2027 Australia & New Zealand

Explore the rich history, remarkable architecture, and natural beauty of Sydney on a guided city tour. Begin with a walking tour of The Rocks, the site of Australia’s first British settlement, before continuing to Circular Quay for views of the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House. Step inside the world-famous Opera House for an expert-led tour showcasing its fascinating design and history. Continue your exploration with a visit to the Royal Botanic Gardens and surrounding historic sites, followed by an opportunity to learn about Australia’s prized gemstones during a special presentation at the National Opal Collection. The tour concludes in the afternoon, leaving you free to enjoy Sydney at your own pace.

Enjoy a full day at leisure to further explore the many wonders of Sydney at your own pace. Whether you choose to stroll along the harbor, visit world-class museums, relax on one of the city’s famous beaches, or discover hidden neighborhoods and local favorites, today offers the freedom to create your own Sydney experience.

Experience the beauty of Sydney from the water during an unforgettable dinner cruise on Sydney Harbour. As you sail past the city’s sparkling skyline, take in spectacular views of iconic landmarks, including the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. Enjoy a delicious dinner while soaking in the scenic vistas and vibrant atmosphere of one of the world’s most celebrated harbours.

Fly to Cairns, the vibrant tropical gateway to the world-renowned Great Barrier Reef. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and protected as a marine park since 1975, this extraordinary natural wonder is home to a dazzling array of marine life, including colorful coral ecosystems, tropical fish, sea turtles, and countless bird species. Prepare to experience one of the planet’s most remarkable and biodiverse environments.

Board a high-speed catamaran for a scenic journey to Green Island, a tropical coral cay nestled within the Great Barrier Reef. Spend the day exploring the island’s rainforest trails, relaxing on white-sand beaches, snorkeling in shallow reef waters, or enjoying a glass-bottom boat tour. With its laid-back island atmosphere and variety of activities, Green Island offers the perfect introduction to the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef.

$199 per person

Venture beyond the islands to the heart of the Great Barrier Reef on this full-day Outer Reef adventure. Cruise by catamaran to Moore Reef, where a spacious activity platform provides direct access to some of the reef’s most spectacular coral formations and marine life. Snorkel among vibrant coral gardens, observe tropical fish from the underwater viewing platform, or enjoy a semi-submersible reef tour with expert commentary. This immersive experience offers a closer look at one of the world’s most extraordinary natural wonders.

Soak up the laid-back tropical atmosphere of Cairns with a morning at leisure to enjoy the city your way. Browse local flavors and handmade goods at Rusty’s Markets, or continue your discovery of the region’s incredible marine life with a visit to the Cairns Aquarium. Whether you choose to shop, explore, or simply relax, this free time offers the perfect opportunity to experience the charm of tropical North Queensland.

$149 per person

Glide above and through the lush rainforest canopy on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, the world’s longest gondola cableway. Travel approximately 4½ miles through the breathtaking landscapes of Barron Gorge National Park, part of the UNESCO-listed Wet Tropics World Heritage Area.

Along the way, your gondola descends through the layers of the rainforest canopy, offering unique perspectives of this ancient ecosystem. Stop at scenic viewing platforms to take in sweeping views of Barron Gorge and its cascading waterfalls, and immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and scents of one of the world’s most extraordinary natural environments.

This session will cover the proper care and handling of IOLTA Trust accounts. On the surface, they may appear to be regular bank accounts, but trust accounts come with specific rules and record-keeping obligations. As we brush up on the rules and regulations, we will go over the basic dos and don’ts that will keep you in compliance, including practical tips for record-keeping and reconciliation. We will also discuss retainer payments, trust disbursements, and strategies for dealing with unusual situations.

You’ve done the work. Now it’s time to bill your clients. This session will provide tips and tricks to make the billing process less of a chore. We will cover keeping on top of tracking billable time and reimbursable expenses, maintaining a consistent billing cycle, deciding what information should and should not be included on your invoices, and following up with clients on outstanding balances. We will also discuss determining when fixed-fee billing is appropriate and how to set a flat rate that will cover your time.

Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming part of everyday legal practice, whether lawyers are ready for it or not. This two-hour session will cover the practical and ethical issues attorneys need to consider when using generative AI, including competence, confidentiality and privilege, supervision of attorneys and staff, verification of AI-generated work, client notice and consent, and billing. We will also discuss practical steps law firms should be taking now to evaluate AI tools, protect client information, establish appropriate safeguards, and develop policies governing AI use. Throughout the program, we will consider how approaches being taken in Australia and New Zealand compare with the developing standards governing U.S. lawyers.

• How attorneys and law firm staff are using generative AI
• Understanding the capabilities and limitations of AI
• Attorney competence and responsibility for AI-assisted work
• Confidentiality, privilege, and protecting client information
• What information should and should not be entered into AI systems
• When clients should or must be notified about the use of AI
• When client consent may be required and what that consent should address
• Hallucinations, inaccurate output, and verification requirements
• Candor to courts and accuracy of AI-assisted filings
• Supervision of attorneys, paralegals, and other law firm staff

Hour Two: Managing AI Risk in Your Practice

• Developing practical client notices and engagement-letter provisions addressing AI
• What to do when a client limits or opts out of the use of AI
• Identifying which technologies and workflows are affected by a client opt-out
• Communicating client restrictions to attorneys and staff and documenting those restrictions
• Billing and fees when AI reduces the time required to perform legal work
• Evaluating and selecting AI tools for law firm use
• Understanding data retention, training, security, and vendor practices
• Developing a practical law firm AI policy
• Establishing procedures for reviewing and approving AI-generated work
• Training attorneys and staff on appropriate AI use
• Comparing developing approaches in the United States, Australia, and New Zealand
• Practical steps firms can implement immediately

Gain insight into Aboriginal culture with a visit to Mossman Gorge, located on the edge of the Daintree Rainforest—the world’s oldest tropical rainforest. Be welcomed with a private smoking ceremony that offers a traditional introduction to the rainforest. Learn how Indigenous communities have long lived in harmony with the land, discovering bushfoods, natural medicines, and traditional materials used for soap and ochre paint. This immersive experience offers a meaningful connection to Australia’s ancient cultural heritage.

Visit Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures for an unforgettable encounter with Australia’s unique wildlife. Take a guided nature cruise to observe crocodiles in their natural habitat, then explore elevated rainforest boardwalks where you may spot native birds, reptiles, and wallabies. This immersive experience offers a close-up look at the diverse ecosystems of tropical North Queensland.

Travel from the Tropics to the heart of Australia’s Outback and arrive at Uluru, also known by its Aboriginal name, Ayers Rock. This awe-inspiring monolith, together with the striking sandstone domes of Kata Tjuta, reflects millions of years of geological history shaped by natural forces of uplift and erosion.

Explore the base of Uluru to gain insight into its remarkable geology and profound cultural significance to the Anangu people, the Traditional Owners of the land. As the day comes to a close, witness the rock’s dramatic color transformations at sunset, accompanied by a celebratory champagne toast in this unforgettable setting.

$129 per person

Rise early and travel to the extraordinary installation of Field of Light by artist Bruce Munro. Arriving in the stillness of pre-dawn darkness, wander at your own pace through 50,000 glowing spheres of light set against the vast desert landscape.

Continue to a nearby sand dune viewing area, where you can enjoy a warm cup of tea, coffee, or hot chocolate as the sunrise gradually illuminates the Outback. From this stunning vantage point, take in sweeping views of both Uluru and Kata Tjuta as the desert comes to life in a truly unforgettable moment.

This morning, set out to explore Kata Tjuta—Uluru’s awe-inspiring neighbor in Australia’s Red Centre. These towering, domed rock formations rise dramatically from the desert, stretching across the landscape in a series of massive red peaks. Walk among these ancient natural wonders and take in sweeping views that showcase the raw, rugged beauty of the Outback.

Return to your accommodation at Desert Gardens Hotel, where the remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure in the heart of Australia’s Red Centre. Relax among the native desert gardens, take a refreshing dip in the outdoor swimming pool, or unwind with a drink at the on-site restaurant and bar.

You may also choose to explore the wider Ayers Rock Resort precinct using the complimentary shuttle service, book optional cultural experiences or guided tours through the concierge, or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings of this unique desert setting.

Fly to the vibrant city of Melbourne, beautifully set along the shores of Port Phillip Bay and the banks of the Yarra River. Known for its dynamic culture, elegant architecture, and cosmopolitan energy, Melbourne offers a lively continuation of your Australian journey.

Upon arrival, transfer to your accommodation at Crown Promenade Melbourne, where you can settle in and unwind. Take time to relax, refresh, and enjoy the hotel’s contemporary comforts as you prepare to explore one of Australia’s most exciting cities.