Packages up to $4000

Itineraries

Sydney, Reef, Rainforest & Brisbane [CU123]

12 Day/10 Night - Aussie Adventure including 3 nights in Sydney, 3 nights on the Great Barrier Reef, 2 nights at a Rainforest Retreat and 2 nights in Brisbane

Sydney is a multicultural city boasting a beautiful harbor and the famous Sydney Harbor Bridge and Opera House. You will be staying downtown within walking distance of all the best features of the exciting city.

Fly North to an Island on the Great Barrier Reef is next, it is truly beautiful. The island is actually part of the reef offering the best opportunity to experience one of the seven wonders of the world.

Now head South to Brisbane and the transfer to your Rainforest Retreat. Here you will experience one of natures to beauties. The "Canopy Swing Bridge" will allow you to explore the rainforest from high in the tree tops.

Spend your last 2 nights in Brisbane with a Day trip to Steve Irwins (the crocodile hunter) awesome Australia Zoo

Features

• Accommodation - Sydney (3 nights)
• Accommodation - Great Barrier Reef Island (3 nights) - Breakfast,
• Accommodation - Rainforest Retreat (2 nights) - Breakfast & Dinner
• Accommodation - Brisbane (2 nights)
• International Air & USA Domestic Air are not included (as per your own arrangements)
• Australian Domestic Air sectors: Sydney to Gladstone, Gladstone to Brisbane.
• Transfers between: Gladstone and Island, Brisbane Airport to Rainforest Retreat & return.
• Day Tour - Brisbane - Australia Zoo
• Day Tour - Sydney Opera House Tour
• (Optional Day Tours) - Sydney: Bridgeclimb, Blue Mountains, Harbour Cruise & City tour & Underwater World
• Visa Issuance for entry into Australia.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - International Flight Los Angeles to Sydney

After departing from Los Angeles, you will be provided with an evening meal, you can relax, have a drink, watch a movie and rest. You will be given Breakfast before landing in Sydney, Australia. (You lose one day crossing the International Date Line but don't worry you catch it up again on your return flight to the USA)

The Qantas Boeing 747-400 is equipped with the latest entertainment features of any Airline. The overnight flight to Australia can be a good opportunity for sleeping or to watch the latest movies after your evening meal.

Days 2 to 5 - 3 Nights Accommodation in Downtown Sydney

Travel to your accommodation in Sydney, Australia, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 3 nights.

Embrace Sydney's best location with this four star vacation accommodation ideally nestled in the heart of the city. Overlooking Wynyard Park you will enjoy this icon of time-honored tradition, warm hospitality and friendly personal service. Just a short stroll away from many famous attractions including the Sydney Opera House, The Rocks, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Darling Harbour, The Royal Botanical Gardens and more. You will love the luxury of the close accessibility to public transportation including light rail access, train station, the bus system and nearby Circular Quay which will allow you to see much more of Sydney and surrounds. Featuring: 446 elegantly appointed guest rooms and suites, 2 restaurants, 4 bars, indoor heated pool, sauna, spa, and gymnasium. Amenities: air conditioning, daily maid service, fridge, iron & board, radio channels, shower, coffee & tea, ensuite bathroom, hair dryer, shaving adaptor, sprinklers, smoke detectors, television, telephone, internet access (broadband), data port, wake up calls, mini bar, and 24 hour room service. With all this and more take time out to experience the wonders of Sydney while enjoying all your accommodation has to offer.

Upgrade Available (Upon Request): Stunning 5 Star Property

Day 3 - Day Tour - Sydney Opera House Tour

On your vacation participate in an inspiring tour of the opera house in Sydney, Australia.

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.

Day 3 (Optional Day Tour - Blue Mountains

Today enjoy a tour to the Jenolan Caves and the Blue Mountains.

Enjoy discovering the beauty of World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park (near Katoomba), taking in views over stunning eucalyptus forests and age-old rock formations and the unusual Blue Lake. Also visit the western spur and see Australia's largest and best known underground limestone caves called Jenolan Caves. Explore this extensive network of caves, tucked away inside a sleepy valley. Enjoy a fully guided tour of the Lucas, Imperial or Chifley caves and discover the deep chamber of intricate limestone formations. Learn about the folklore of the settlers and bushrangers of this region. Overnight tour available.

Operates Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

Day 3 (Optional Day Tour - Harbour Cruise & City Tour

Spend today touring Sydney, having lunch as you're cruising on the harbour, and seeing its wonderful beaches. Full Day Tour

In the morning enjoy a tour of Northern Sydney followed by an unforgettable Sydney Harbour luncheon cruise on one of the world's most attractive harbours. The cruise offers a la carte dining, million dollar views, licensed bar, first class service and quality contemporary Australian cuisine. In the afternoon tour Kings Cross and Bondi Beach. Walk along the beach, see cosmopolitan Kings Cross, exclusive Double Bay and stop at Sydney's famous Mrs. Macquarie's Chair before returning to your Hotel early evening with the rest of the evening to spend at your leisure; maybe see a show at the Sydney Opera House (bookings well in advance required).

Day 3 (Optional Day Tour - Underwater World

Dive in!... to Australia's #1 Attraction! See one of the largest and most spectacular aquariums in the world!

Embark on a tour of Sydney Aquarium, where you can journey through the Rivers and Oceans of Australia. You will be astounded by the diversity of Australia's aquatic environments; some so harsh it is amazing life can survive at all. Sydney Aquarium is dedicated to presenting the unique aquatic life of some of these habitats to highlight their ecological importance and the necessity of conserving them for the future.

Day 5 - Australian Domestic Flight, Sydney to Gladstone

Travel within Australia by domestic air from Sydney to Gladstone (morning flight).

This flight takes you across the border from the state of New South Wales to Gladstone, a coastal town in Queensland, north of Brisbane.

Day 5 to 8 - 3 Nights Accommodation on the Great Barrrier Reef

Travel to your accommodation on a Great Barrier Reef Island, Australia, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 3 nights.

This luxury vacation resort is set amongst a dazzling parade of aquamarine waters, shimmering white sand beaches and colour-splashed reef teeming with life. It's what you don't see around the island that makes the resort so special. You won't see any buildings above the tree line. And you won't bump into any day trippers either. The reef vacation experience is exclusively for guests, a unique experience few other resorts in the world can offer. There's a relaxed island lifestyle that sets the island apart, a sophisticated yet casual resort atmosphere. Here the emphasis is on exploring and discovering the natural attractions that have made Heron famous around the world. The vacation resort rooms are equipped with either balcony or terrace, as well as tea and coffee making facilities, refrigerators, hairdryers, and many more. In order to help guests leave the outside world behind, televisions and telephones, while available on the island, are not found in guest rooms.

Breakfast Included. Upgrade to Beachside Suite available (pricing upon request).

Day 8 - Australian Domestic Flight Gladstone to Brisbane

Travel within Australia by domestic air from Gladstone to Brisbane.

Day 8 - Private Car Transfer

Travel by private luxury sedan from the Airport in Brisbane, Australia to your vacation accommodation in the Rainforest.

Day 8 to 10 - 2 Nights Accommodation at a Rainforest Retreat

Travel to your accommodation at the Rainforest Retreat, Australia, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 2 nights.

Your vacation Rainforest Retreat is located in one of Australia's most enchanted rainforests. You will enjoy the spectacular mountain view on your drive to this eighty year old hideaway. The Rainforest Retreat offers a range of guestrooms to cater to all tastes, from the grandeur of the luxurious Canopy Suites through the most popular Mountain View Rooms to the simple yet comfortable Garden View (subject to availability). Most rooms also take advantage of the magnificent mountain views. Enjoy the birds and wildlife in their natural habitat. Or relax from your travel and ponder the beauty of life as you sit on a rock amongst the ferns and greenery and admire waterfalls, creeks and other pleasures of nature.

Includes a Dinner Platter on arrival, Breakfast and Dinner the following day as well as Breakfast on your departure day.

Tip: Ask about getting a packed lunch or picnic basket (not included) to go and enjoy your meal in the rainforest!

Day 10 - Shuttle Transfer

Travel by shuttle from your vacation accommodation at the Rainforest Retreat to your Brisbane accommodation.

Upgrade Available: Private Car Transfer (Extra Cost)

Day 10 - 12 - 2 Nights Accommodation in Downtown Brisbane

Travel to your accommodation in Brisbane, Australia, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 2 nights.

Your 3 Star vacation accommodation is conveniently located in Brisbane's city centre. It is within walking distance to the Queen Street Mall shopping precinct, Treasury Casino, South Bank Parklands, Queensland Performing Arts Centre. Recently, the hotel went through a major refurbishment. Its rooms are equipped with free coffee/tea making facility, fridge, air conditioning, and hair dryer.

Day 11 - Day Tour, Steve Irwins Australia Zoo

Travel along the Glasshouse Mountains scenic route 2 hours North of Brisbane to the Wildlife Park of the famous Crocodile Hunter (Steve Irwin) at the Australia Zoo.

You will be taken directly to and from the Wildlife Park and have nearly 6 hours to experience the best of the zoo. Take in the many daily shows and demonstrations where you can see exciting snakes, birds and crocodiles in action! The "Call of the Wild" experience leads you to Steve's home and over 1,000 animals that you would only expect to see in the wilds of Australia. Experience a demonstration featuring wild crocodiles. Meet Amelia, the Wedged-Tailed Eagle and other birds of prey. Watch the small clawed otters frolic and Harriet, the world's oldest giant Galapagos land tortoise, as they feed. Encounter cuddly koalas close up and join in the feeding of the kangaroos, wallabies, and elephants. This is a day to experience the pleasures of the wild and watch very experienced professional handlers get close to extremely dangerous creatures. Don't miss the opportunity to take a photo with a snake at the Croc Hunter Museum or see the wild caught croc demo. Keep your eyes out for handlers walking through the park with the animals so you can get "up close and personal". With many more shows including foxes, camels, otters, koalas and birds you're sure to have a wild time!

Operation Days: Daily
Includes: Return Coach Transfers, Entry to Australia Zoo, and Reserved Seating in the Crocoseum
Estimated Times: Departure: 8:45am Return: 5:30pm

Upgrades Available: Hire a Caddie Tour, Safari Guided Tour & Private Guided Tour
Self Drive Upgrades: Platinum Zoo Adventure

Day 12 - International Flight, Brisbane to Los Angeles

Mid-day Departure from Brisbane, In-flight Dinner and Movie with arrival in the USA. Note: You will be traveling back across the International Date line so you will gain a day. You actually arrive in the USA on the same day you leave Australia.

The Qantas Boeing 747-400 is equipped with the latest entertainment features of any Airline. The overnight flight to the USA can be a good opportunity for sleeping or to watch the latest movies after your evening meal.