Packages up to $4000

Itineraries

Eastcoast Explorer Itinerary [L27]

14 Days/12 Nights - Eastcoast Explorer

Sydney, Great Barrier Reef, Farmstay, Rainforest Retreat, Brisbane

Sydney is Australia's oldest city, the economic powerhouse of the nation and the country's capital in everything but name. Sydney is blessed with sun-drenched natural attractions, dizzy skyscrapers, delicious and daring restaurants, superb shopping and friendly folk. Bursting with character, Sydney is a vibrant city catering to all your desires whether you seek exhilaration and exploration or 100% relaxation. Select from the Optional Day Tours.

Next head north to an island on the Great Barrier Reef. The Island is 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.

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 farm stay offers an exclusive Outback Australian accommodation getaway. SE Queensland Country offers boutique hotel accommodation centered around the historic homestead, and for those seeking a distinctive country experience, you can escape the luxury by camping accommodation in one of the overnight cabins as part of our 4WD and horse riding tours.

The Rainforest Resort is located in World Heritage Lamington National Park, 2 hours by road south of Brisbane and 1 1/2 hours by road west of the Gold Coast. Lamington National Park is home to a vast array of unique flora and fauna. Pademelons, gliders and possums, frogs and the amazing array of birdlife makes the retreat a nature lover’s paradise. This lush tropical rainforest retreat is 930 meters (3,000 feet) above sea level, enjoys cool mountain air (for cooler days and nights in summer), and has spectacular views, which go forever.

Arrive in Brisbane, a city which was once described a big country town has now emerged as one of the country's most progressive centres. Brisbane has several interesting districts, a good street cafe scene, a great riverside park, a busy cultural calendar and a thriving nightlife. Known locally as Bris Vegas, the city is renowned for its sun and the brash, glitzy hordes that follow it, but it's also a thriving arts capital, with dozens of theatres, cinemas, concert halls, galleries and museums. A climate this good and culture too? It must be paradise.

Features

• Accommodation - Sydney (3 nights), Great Barrier Reef Island (3 nights), Outback Farmstay (3 nights) - Breakfast, Rainforest Retreat (2 nights) - Breakfast & Dinner, Brisbane (1 night)
• International Air & USA Domestic Air are not included (as per your own arrangements)
• Australian Domestic Flights - Sydney to Gladstone, Gladstone to Brisbane
• Shuttle transfers - Sydney Airport to Accommodation (return), Brisbane Accommodation to Airport
• Private Car Transfers - Brisbane to Farmstay, Farmstay to Rainforest Retreat, Rainforest Retreat to Brisbane
• Day Tours Included: (Sydney) Sydney Opera House,
• All other day tours are optional and not included.
• Visa Issuance for entry into Australia
• F.I.T. (Free & Independent Travel, i.e. this is not an Organised Group Tour)
• All Taxes and Fuel Levies
• Itinerary is flexible and can be tailored to suit your needs.

Detailed Itinerary

(Day 1) - US Domestic Flight, Your Home City to Los Angeles (own arrangements)

Your Home City flight to Los Angeles will be selected to suit the International Departure Flight to Australia

Please allow 3 hours between arrival of your US domestic flight and departure of your International flight.

(Day 1 cont) - 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 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 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

Spend the afternoon touring Sydney's attractions.

The Sydney Explorer has 26 stops, offering an amazing insight into the history and majesty of Australia's most popular city. From the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House to Darling Harbour and Kings Cross, with plenty in between. You can hop on and off this service or if you prefer to stay on the coach, the full circuit will take around 2 hours to complete.

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) - Visit the 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) - The 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.

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - 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).

Insider's Tip - 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) - 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 on an Island on the Great Barrier 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. Breakfast Included. Upgrade to Reef Room 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) - Private Car Transfer, Brisbane Airport to Farmstay

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

A private chauffeur will pick you up upon arrival in Brisbane, Australia. He will be holding a sign with your name on it.

(Days 8 to 11) - 3 Nights at your Farmstay in the Outback

Travel to your accommodation at an Australia Outback Farmstay, where you will be staying whilst on vacation
for 3 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 11) - Private Car Transfer from Farm Stay to Rainforest Retreat

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

(Days 11 to 13) - 2 Nights Accommodation at your 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

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 - 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 13) - Private Car Transfer, Rainforest Retreat to Brisbane Accommodation

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

(Days 13 to 14) - 1 Nights Accommodation in Downtown Brisbane

Travel to your accommodation in Brisbane, Australia, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 1 night.

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 14) - Shuttle Transfer, Brisbane Accommodation to Airport

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

(Day 14 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.

(Day 14 cont) - US Domestic Flight, Los Angeles to Your Home City (own arrangements)

The connection flight to your Home City from Los Angeles will be selected to suit the International Arrival flight from Australia.

Please allow 3 hours between arrival of International flight before departure of your US domestic flight.