Leisure Travel Packages

Itineraries

Australia Farmstay, Reef & Rainforest Tour [L01]

16 Days / 14 Nights

Sydney, Great Barrier Reef Island, Brisbane, Outback Farmstay, Rainforest Retreat, Gold Coast




Sydney is Australia's oldest city, the economic powerhouse of the nation and the country's capital in everything but name. It's blessed with sun-drenched natural attractions, dizzy skyscrapers, delicious and daring restaurants, superb shopping and friendly folk. Choose from the many optional tours that are available.

A true coral cay right on the World Heritage Listed Great Barrier Reef. Here you can swim straight off the beach to an endless garden of coral where the waters are literally teeming with beautifully coloured fish and marine 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 daytrippers either.

Brisbane has shucked its reputation as a backwater and emerged as one of the country's most progressive centres. It has several interesting districts, a good street cafe scene, a great riverside park, a busy cultural calendar and a thriving nightlife.

Situated on a 10,000 acre working cattle station in the Scenic Rim of South East Queensland country just an hour's drive from Brisbane and the Gold Coast, the farmstay offers an exclusive Outback Australian accommodation getaway. The Outback Farmstay is a complete accommodation getaway with everything from bushwalks, orienteering and abseiling, to massage and beauty treatments and fine dining

The Rainforest Retreat is 930 metres (3,000 feet) above sea level and enjoys cool mountain air (for cooler days and nights in summer) and has spectacular views which go forever. Lamington National Park is home to a vast array of unique flora and fauna. A bird lover's paradise.

The Gold Coast is a dynamic city with about 290 sunny days annually. The City is located in picturesque south-east Queensland, Australia, and includes rural hinterland dense with sub-tropical vegetation and more than 57 kilometres of beaches.

Features

• Accommodation - Sydney (3 Nights), Great Barrier Reef Island (3 Nights), Brisbane (2 Nights), Outback Farmstay (2 Nights), Rainforest Retreat (2 Nights), Gold Coast (2 Nights)
• Meals - Great Barrier Reef: Breakfast; Outback Farmstay: Breakfast; Rainforest Retreat: Breakfast and Dinner
• Day Tours - Sydney: Sydney Opera House Tour; Brisbane: Australia Zoo
• Shuttle Transfers - Sydney: Airport to Accommodation (Return); Gladstone: Airport to Marina (Return); Brisbane: Airport to Accommodation; Rainforest Retreat: Rainforest to Gold Coast Accommodation; Gold Coast: Accommodation to Brisbane Airport
• Private Transfers - Brisbane: Accommodation to Farmstay; Farmstay Accommodation to Rainforest
• Ferry Transfers - Gladstone: Marina to Great Barrier Reef (Return)
• Australian Domestic Flights - Sydney to Gladstone; Gladstone to Brisbane
• International Flights - Los Angeles to Sydney; Brisbane to Los Angeles
• USA Domestic Flights (Not Included) - As per your own arrangements
• All Taxes and Fuel Levies (Except where noted)
• All Other Day Tours are Optional and not included
• Itinerary is flexible and can be tailored to suit your needs.
• Visa Issuance for entry into Australia (US$15.00 per person)
• F.I.T. (Free & Independent Travel, i.e. Not an Organized Group Tour)

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.

(Day 2) - Shuttle Transfer - Sydney Airport to Accommodation

Travel by shuttle from the Airport to your vacation accommodation in Sydney, Australia.

(Days 2 to 5) - 3 Nights Accommodation in 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 2) - Day Tour - Sydney Opera House Tour - (1 Hr)

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.

Insider's Tip - Sydney Explorer Bus

The Sydney Explorer is a Hop On, Hop Off, sightseeing bus that takes in 27 key landmarks of the inner city (Opera House, Darling Harbour) and eastern beaches (Coogee and Bondi).

This unique city tour through Sydney departs from Circular Quay every 20 minutes starting at 8:40am, with the last round-trip service departing at 5:20pm. You can get on or off at any of the stops on the route. After traveling through some of Sydney's most exclusive residential areas, the tours take in some of Sydney's most spectacular coastlines and beaches. The bus travels every day along a 30km route and makes numerous stops. The bus trip takes 2 hours to complete the whole journey (with no stops). Buy your tickets onboard ($39 AUD for Adult ticket). Use your ticket stub to get amazing discounts at each stop location. Please Note: Sydney Opera House is one of the stops if you would like to do the Explorer on the same day as your Opera House tour.

For additional information, please visit: http://www.sydneybuses.info/tourist-services/sydney-explorer.htm

Insider's Tip - Opal Shopping

View the world famous "Black Opal" the "Aurora Australis" valued at "1 Million Dollars" with the opportunity to bring home the colors of Australia with a beautiful piece of opal jewelry.

Australia is known as the country of origin for this splendid stone with 95% of the world's precious gem opal found in exclusively in Australia. Australian opal displays all the colors of the rainbow and holds a spectrum of colors found in nature, fire, the ocean and more. It is these contrasts that make opals a truly fascinating and unique gemstone with no two opals appearing exactly the same. In the Middle Ages the Romans considered opal a stone that could provide great luck, as it was believed to possess all the virtues of Emeralds, Sapphires and Ruby’s.

Share this unique experience and be educated about Australian Opal at Altmann & Cherny. Established in 1948 with hopes of sharing this unique gemstone with the world, they have built a reputation of excellence with 3 generations actively involved the families are considered leading opal experts. Please visit them at:

18 Pitt Street
Sydney, NSW
Telephone: 61 2 9251 9477

(Days 3 & 4) - Free Days to Explore

With Sydney at your fingertips, take the chance to explore the Darling Harbour area at your leisure, which is a modern collection of Shopping Malls, Parkland, Restaurants and Harbour Front activities.

The Monorail connection to the City Center provides quick transit, or walk to Circular Quay and catch a ferry to our wonderful harbour-side Taronga Park Zoo, or to the lovely tree-lined beach suburb of Manly. If visiting on a weekend then go to the Rocks Market and shop for local Arts, Crafts & unique Australian Souvenirs.

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - Hunter Valley Wineries

Winery Tour in the Hunter Valley.

Departs Daily (except Mon & Sat ) in the morning (Full Day Tour). Credited with being one of the premier wine regions in the world, let us tempt your taste buds as we showcase 3 of the regions best wineries. We meander through the majestic Hunter Valley and include wine tasting at Wyndham Estate, McGuigans and McWilliams Mt Pleasant winery. Take the time to refresh your palette with local cheeses (own expense) or browse the quaint little gift shops of Wollombi. A delicious steak and vegetables lunch with damper (aussie bread) is included whilst you sit back and enjoy learning the "tricks of the trade". Partake in a tour of the wine making process. (Vegetarian meals available). Return to Sydney late afternoon. Evening Free.

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - Jenolan Caves & Blue Mountains - Full Day

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.

(Day 5) - Shuttle Transfer - Sydney Accommodation to Airport

Travel by shuttle from your vacation accommodation in Sydney, Australia, to the Airport.

(Day 5 cont) - 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.

(Days 5 to 8) - 3 Nights Accommodation on Private Great Barrier Reef Island

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 cont) - Shuttle Transfer - Brisbane Airport to Accommodation

Travel by shuttle from the Airport to your vacation accommodation in Brisbane, Australia.

(Days 8 to 10) - 2 Nights Accommodation in 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 9) - Day Tour - Steve Irwin's Australian 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 550 animals that you would only expect to see in the wilds of Australia. Experience a truly remarkable day as you watch 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 and wallabies. 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: Entry to Australia Zoo
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

Optional Upgrade (Pricing Available On Request) - Australia Zoo Caddie Tour

Spoil yourself with an upgrade to your Australia Zoo experience with a caddie chauffer for 5 hours!

Make it all about YOU at Australia Zoo with a new experience to spoil yourself on your wild day out! The 'Hire a caddie for a day' tour gives you the opportunity to have your very own caddie chauffeur take you on a mind blowing journey around Australia Zoo that you will never forget. Choose your very own caddie* from the profiles below to suit the experience that you wish, whether it is an educational tour you are after or a crazy adventure…it is entirely up to you! This tour will give you the inside knowledge on Australia Zoo.

Profiles: Available upon request

Includes: Choosing your own experienced caddie for a VIP day*, Five star chauffeured service in your very own private buggy, Flexibility to customize your tour, VIP seating in the Crocoseum, Refreshments

Duration: Five hours. No. of people: Maximum of four people per caddie

* Please note that the caddie that you select for the day is subject to availability

(Day 10) - Private Car Transfer - Brisbane Accommodation to Outback FarmStay

Travel by private luxury sedan from your Brisbane vacation accommodation to the Outback Farmstay accommodation in Grandchester, Australia.

A private chauffeur will pick you up from your vacation accommodation. He will meet you at the reception desk.

(Days 10 to 12) - 2 Nights Accommodation at Australian Outback Farmstay

Travel to your accommodation at an Australia Outback Farmstay, where you will be staying whilst on vacation
for 2 nights.

Your vacation Outback Farmstay is situated on a 10,000 acre working cattle station in Queensland, Australia. The boutique hotel accommodation is centered around the historic homestead and each room offers panoramic views of the surrounding picturesque mountains and valleys from large verandahs. Experience an escape our 4WD and horseriding tours, bushwalks, orienteering and abseiling, to massage and beauty treatments and fine dining. You can camp out and gaze at the stars with an overnight stay in one of our cabins. Experience a muster at the Australia Outback Farmstay with an experienced guide, the properties stockman and trained cattle dogs. You will treasure your vacation memories and want to tell a 'yarn' or two about it. Accommodation: Valley Room (maximum of three people per room) with buffet breakfasts, or upgrade to the Junior Heritage Suite for Spa bath and private verandah.

(Day 12) - Private Car Transfer from Farm Stay to Rainforest Retreat

Travel from the Australia Outback Farmstay to your Rainforest Retreat vacation accommodation.

(Days 12 to 14) - 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.

Rainforest Retreat Meal Plan (Included)

Includes Dinner on your arrival day, 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!

Optional Add-On (Pricing Available On Request) - Rainforest Activity Pass

This Rainforest Discovery Pass can be used to participate in many activities while in the Rainforest.

Your pass is good for 6 activities and can be shared between individuals in your group, throughout your stay. The available activities include Morning, Afternoon and Evening Activities such as Guided Rainforest walks, 4WD Bus Excursions, Flying Fox, Adventure Activities, Spotlighting Walk, and Glow Worm Tour. There is an adult pass as well as a children's pass (ages 4-15).

Activity Pass also available for 8 activities.

(Day 14) - Shuttle Transfer - Rainforest Retreat to Gold Coast Accommodation

Travel by luxury coach from your vacation accommodation at the Rainforest Retreat to the Gold Coast, Australia.

(Days 14 to 16) - 2 Nights Accommodation in the Gold Coast

Travel to your accommodation on the Gold Coast, Australia, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 2 nights.

Your 5 Star luxury vacation accommodation is in Broadbeach, the Gold Coast's most cosmopolitan location. Only 50 metres from the beach, the hotel is a short stroll to the Gold Coast Convention Centre. The spacious rooms are equipped with balconies and panoramic views, some of which are directly of the ocean. Some other amenities include in-room safe, broadband high speed Internet access, and air conditioning. Travel to Lamington National Park, one of Australia's green and lush, subtropical rainforests. Or perhaps you want to see the Gold Coast from a unique vantage point of a balloon. Whatever your heart desires, you find it while on vacation here.

(Days 14 to 16) - Free Days to Explore

With so much to see and do take the day to explore the many unforgettable moments of the Gold Coast!

You have your pick from action and adventure, pampering at a spa or follow your hunger on the Food & Wine Trail. Go ahead and dance til the sun comes up at Surfer's Paradise, venture out to the deserted South Stradbroke Island or head to the lush rainforests of Lamington National Park. With easy access to Mount Tamborine, Byron Bay and the Natural Arch it makes this area the perfect spot to explore the many natural wonders. Don't hesistate to check out the many beaches each with their own unique flavor!

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - Ballooning in the Gold Coast - ½ Day

Hot-air ballooning over the Gold Coast.

Float like a cloud as you witness the sunrise climbing over the unforgettable panorama of Surfers Paradise. Watch the sun reflecting off the myriad of canals and waterways and view the surrounding forest covered mountains of the Gold Coast Hinterland. A truly a spectacular experience. Early Morning Departure.

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - Fraser Island

Travel by 4WD to Rainbow Beach and enjoy the majestic Glasshouse Mountains bordered by Pine Forests and Pineapple plantations before heading to the largest sand island in the world, Fraser Island.

On your way to join your 4WD Tour, you'll get to see the majestic Glasshouse Mountains which are a series of volcanic peaks that tower above and are bordered by Pine Forests, Pineapple plantations and open fields. You will meet your tour at Rainbow Beach, access point to Fraser Island, which gets its name from the 74 different sand shades that can be found here. Upon setting foot on Southern Queensland's most impressive (and famous) attraction, Fraser Island, you'll be awed by the array of coloured sands, unspoiled freshwater lakes and creeks, pristine white beaches, towering ancient rainforests and the endless stretch of 'Ocean Beach'. This World Heritage listed island is a precious part of Australia's natural and cultural heritage and protected for all to enjoy. Visit Central Station museum, Lake Mckenzie which is the islands most spectacular fresh water lake, or Lake Birrabeen. Then head to a great place to explore the island at Eurong Resort where you will stop for lunch. Be sure to keep an eye out for one of the controversial island Dingos - the purest specimens of this native Australian dog.

Not Included: AUD$20.00 fee payable on Board
Estimated Times: Departure: 6:00am Return: 10:30pm
Operation Days: Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays Only
Includes: 4WD Touring, Lunch at Eurong Resort, National Park Fees

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - Byron Bay

Enjoy a day at Byron Bay, Tropical Fruit World and some other great local spots!

Our first stop in Byron Bay is the Cape Byron Lighthouse. Standing on a bald rocky headland with a precipitous cliff on the east side, and a sheer drop of approximately 100 metres, Enjoy a day at Byron Bay, Tropical Fruit World and some other great local spots!

Cape Byron Lighthouse is the most easterly light in Australia, and one of the most powerful. Here you have the opportunity to stand on the edge of Australia! Not only is Byron Bay famous for being the most easterly mainland point but also as the "alternate lifestyle" capital of Australia so meet the locals and enjoy the atmosphere. There will be opportunities for a swim at Byron Bay Beach so be sure to be prepared.

For a bit of retail therapy, there is a great range of original crafts, clothing and gift ideas. Have some lunch (own expense) in one of the local cafes, the beachfront pub or have take away by the beach.

Then spend time at a 5th generation family farm at Tropical Fruit World. It boasts some of Australia's and the world's most exotic fruits and the best fruit parfaits around! Be sure to stop off and purchase some exotic and local fruits along with some great natural products. Next have a brief stop at Superbee Honeyworld where you can sample from up to 15 local varieties of honey. Don't worry if honey doesn't suit you then just head next door to the Chocolate Expo where you can find over 140 hand made varieties.

Note: During the winter months you may even see whales making their annual migration north.

Includes: 3 Hours in Byron Bay, Honey World, Chocolate Factory, Tropical Fruit World

Operation Days: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays Only
Approximate Times: Departure: 8:45am Return: 4:45pm

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - Catch a Crab

From the moment you step on board our specially designed river cruiser you can take part in a range of activities such as feeding pelicans, yabbie pumping, fishing and trapping for crabs.

The highlight of the day for most of our guests is the thrill of pulling up the crab pot with its lively catch of the most sought after seafood delicacies - the Queensland mud crab, and other crabs in season.
If you prefer, you can simply sitting back and enjoy the spectacular natural beauty of the tranquil and safe Terranora inlet, on the Tweed River. Tour includes a stop at the famous Terranora rock oyster leases and the opportunity to purchase oysters fresh from the farm.

Don't forget to bring shorts and towel (for yabbie pumping), your camera, and binoculars if you're a keen bird watcher!
3 Hour Catch-a-Crab tour including fishing rods, bait and all equipment supplied for activities, plus delicious morning tea. For seafood lovers, choose from whole freshly cooked mud crab OR crab platter duo of mud and spanner crab, cooked on board by your captain, served cracked with lemon wedges and dressing, and accompanied by garden salads and crusty breads

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - Surfing Lesson

What better place to try the thrill of surfing but at one of World’s most beautiful beaches, Burleigh Heads? The fully qualified staffs 'hands on' approach and coaching methods make this so unique that you'll be up and riding a wave in no time!

For your knowledge and safety, you will start with a brief orientation on the beach where you'll be taught to recognize water conditions including rips and current then onto the fun stuff with practicing some surfing techniques. Then out into the ocean, you'll have your experienced coach with you in the water at all times. This will boost your confidence and you'll be surfing before you know it.

Includes: 2 Hour lesson, surfboard

Operation Days: Daily
Estimated Times: 10:00am - 12:00pm
Upgrades Available: Private one on one lesson (extra cost)

(Day 16) - Shuttle Transfer - Gold Coast Accommodation to Brisbane Airport

Travel by shuttle from your Gold Coast vacation accommodation to the Airport in Brisbane, Australia. (Estimated travel time 1.5 hours)

(Day 16 cont) - 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.