Trip Overview: From the glimmering beaches Gold Coast to the tropical vibes of Hamilton Island and up to iconic sights of Sydney – this trip has something new and exciting around every corner. Relax in Gold Coast, a coastal paradise is famous for its stunning surf breaks and buzzing nightlife. Visit Hamilton Island, in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef and Whitsundays. End your vacation in Sydney, famous for iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
Highlights & Inclusions:
11 Days / 9 Nights in Australia
4-Star Accommodation: Gold Coast (4 Nights), Hamilton Island (3), Sydney (2)
Private Transfers – Brisbane Airport to Gold Coast Accommodation (Return), Sydney Airport to Accommodation (Return)
Complimentary Transfers – Hamilton Island Airport to Accommodation (Return)
International Flights: Los Angeles to Brisbane, Sydney to Los Angeles
Australian Domestic Flights: Brisbane to Hamilton Island, Hamilton Island to Sydney
Permitted US Departures: May 28 – December 9, 2024*
Black out: May 31, June 1 – 6 & 30, July 1-5 & 31, August 1-2, 11-16, September 25-27 & 30, and October 1-5, 13-25, 2024.
We’ll get the best deal possible! There may be other sale airfares available. Your Travel Advisor will find the best sale airfare for your selected travel dates.
Starting Price can be found departing the USA:
Select Wednesdays – Sundays May 29 – September 29;
Select Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays October 12 – December 4, 2024.
Questions about Australia’s COVID travel restrictions? We’re here for you! As specialists in travel to Australia, we are keeping up to date on all restrictions and providing our clients with the information they need to make their trip to Australia a reality.
Great news! Australia is making it easier to visit!
We will update this as often as possible, but please understand these are fluid and may change. Costs associated with travel requirements to Australia are not included in your itinerary unless specifically listed. We will update this information with approximate costs as we become aware of them.
Last Updated: 12/7/2022
Going to Australia
Travelers are reminded that it is your responsibility to ensure you meet the requirements of the airline you are traveling with and any countries you transit through.
Here’s what you need to visit Australia:
Valid visa to enter Australia (Electronic Travel Authority – also known as ETA)
Travel Agents can no longer process this on your behalf. USA Passport holders without criminal history can apply on their smartphones. Download the Australia ETA app: Google Play | Apple App Store
Avoid the following common errorsthat will hold up your application.
Name Mis-spelling – Double check your work!
Entering dates in the USA format instead of DAY – MONTH- YEAR
Mixing up the SURNAME and FIRST NAME Fields
ETAs can ONLY be processed through the official Australian ETA App on your smart phone.
Do not search for Australian ETA on your computer.
Using the WRONG app – 3rd Party Apps can NOT Process ETAs, they may be able to get Visa’s but it is not the quick ETA Visa. This will slow down your processing time.
If you are unable to complete the ETA application can apply for a standard Tourist Visa – subclass 600 – via a web form. Processing time is currently about 3 weeks.
Questions? Call the Global Service Center BEFORE submitting your application to ensure quick processing times.
You planned ahead, took a days out of your busy schedule, booked your flight and made it to your destination ready to relax.
But your work didn’t end there.
Next, you stood in your hotel lobby, looking at the long shelf of endless brochures for tours, restaurants and things to do. You pored over each one, weighed the pros and cons of each activity, and not to mention figuring out how to even get there!
It all felt like a total shot in the dark.
That’s where we come in. We know where to send you and how to get you there, worry free. From start to finish, we put the pieces together and put the wheels in motion; all you are left to do is enjoy the ride.
This time, let your vacation actually be a vacation, no work required.
We’ve put together the perfect package for those who want their rest and relaxation stress-free in sunny Gold Coast, the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, and iconic Sydney.
Gold Coast
Photo: Tourism Australia
Your Australia vacation begins in Australia’s Gold Coast. Let comfortable 4-star accommodations be your home base from which you can venture out and experience a more cosmopolitan side to Australian paradise.
The Gold Coast is a perfect blend of the best of Australia. Urban metropolis sits side by side to some of the best beaches and beach culture Australia has to offer.
Here, you are never short on options for trying new, local cuisine, whether your tastes run to five-star tasting menus, or local pub-fare. Nearby, Gold Coast Food and Wine Trails offer step by step routes to whet your appetite and your thirst at the same time. We can help you hire a car or find a great tour to take you through Gold Coast’s burgeoning wine country.
Photo: Destination Gold Coast
Meet some exciting locals!
Add-on our Discounted Tours Package to include a day trip to the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, a heritage-listed zoological garden home to one of the world’s largest collections of native Australian wildlife!
Getting up close and personal with wildlife has never been more intimate than this. Featuring over 1500 individual animals from over 200 species and entertaining, immersive shows, you’ll need a whole day to explore the sanctuary.
Get your picture taken while holding a koala – this experience isincluded in your tour!
Hand-feed dozens of rainbow lorikeets as they rest on your shoulder.
Meet an array of Australia’s reptiles.
Feel the stunning white coat of Marrok, a pure white alpine dingo and star of the Sanctuary.
Gold Coast is also known for its frequent and plentiful markets that pop up several times a week. Part craft fair, part farmer’s market, Gold Coast Central Markets are a must see during your stay. Browse vendor tents that feature everything from local crafts, food, drink and more.
Hamilton Island
After your stay in Gold Coast you’ll indulge in the ultimate tropical getaway as you step onto the pristine shores of Hamilton Island. Bask in the warm embrace of the sun, feel the soft sand between your toes, and let your worries drift away with the gentle sea breeze.
Situated in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, Hamilton Island offers an unparalleled experience of natural beauty and unparalleled luxury.
Here you’ll spend three nights in a luxurious 4-star hotel, where opulence and comfort await. Wake up to breathtaking views of the Coral Sea, with the sound of gently crashing waves in the background. Recharge in lavish suites adorned with contemporary touches and enjoy every moment of tranquility and relaxation.
Take to the sea for an unforgettable Great Barrier Reef experience.
Photo: Tourism & Events Queensland
Upgrade to our Tours Package for an included Great Barrier Reef tour!
While you’ve no doubt heard about the Great Barrier Reef over the years, you’ll actually get to see first hand the coral ecosystem that supports thousands of different types of marine life. In this Great Barrier Reef experience you will:
Cruise out to the Great Barrier Reef on a luxury catamaran.
Snorkel and swim for an up close view of the largest living organism on the planet (it can even be seen from space!)
Bask in the crystal-clear waters of the Coral Sea and find yourself enchanted by the iridescent colors of tropical fish.
A multitude of other ways to spend your day on the pontoon, including viewing decks, air conditioned lounges and included lunch buffet.
The Great Barrier Reef is a site not to be missed.
Whether you’re kicking back in the sand or by the marina, Hamilton Island’s atmosphere is relaxing and picturesque, with beach views of the stunning Whitsunday islands dotting the water.
Sydney
Spend your last few days in paradise in Sydney, where the magic of Australia is palpable. Here you’ll stay two nights in a central 4-star hotel. Sydney is never short on things to do and is home to many of Australia’s best museums, art galleries, and restaurants.
Take a day for yourself if you wish to just explore the city and let serendipity take over. You could end up finding yourself on a tour of Sydney’s wineries, checking out the local wildlife at the Sydney, or simply sitting back at one of many open air cafe’s and restaurants.
See Sydney’s Icon for yourself!
Upgrade to our Tours Package for an up close look at the famous Sydney Opera House.
You’ve no doubt seen the quintessential picture of Sydney Harbour and the Sydney Opera House. This architectural marvel is famous the world over for its iconic design, but the inside is just as interesting. You’ll tour the Opera House, view some of its performance halls and see the glass-enclosed foyer that offers incredible views of the harbor. See up close the details that went in to the making of the Opera House while an expert guide gives you the inside scoop from the Opera House’s inception to final opening.
With all the legwork done for you, why travel any other way? From start to finish, your vacation should be effortless. Book your vacation now. Leave the work at work and the planning to us.
Want more iconic Aussie moments?
Every stop along your journey offers a gateway to bucket list Australian experiences.
But it’s hard to see it all in just one trip.
That’s why we’ve added EVEN MORE time and experiences to your trip with our Extended Stay Package. This package features one additional night Sydney!
Package inclusions:
12 Days / 10 Nights Australia
4-Star Accommodation – Gold Coast (4 Nights), Hamilton Island (3), Sydney (3)
International Flights – Los Angeles to Brisbane, Sydney to Los Angeles
Australian Domestic Flights – Gold Coast to Hamilton Island, Hamilton Island to Sydney
Private Transfers – Brisbane Airport to Gold Coast Accommodation, Gold Coast Accommodation to Airport, Sydney Airport to Accommodation (Return)
Complimentary Transfers – Hamilton Island Airport to Accommodation (Return)
We’re big fans of making sure you hit everything you want to see on your vacation.
Our Have It All package combines everything in the Tours AND Extended Stay Packages for the ultimate Australia vacation you’ll never forget!
Upgrade to our Have it all Package for the best value
Package Includes:
12 Days/ 10 Nights Australia
4-Star Accommodation – Gold Coast (4 Nights), Hamilton Island (3), Sydney (3)
Day Tours – Gold Coast: Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary & Koala Photo, Choice of: Lamington National Park, O’Reilly’s and Vineyard OR Nocturnal Rainforest & Glow Worms Tour; Hamilton Island: Great Barrier Reef Adventure; Sydney: Sydney Opera House Tour
International Flights – Los Angeles to Brisbane, Sydney to Los Angeles
Australian Domestic Flights – Gold Coast to Hamilton Island, Hamilton Island to Sydney
Private Transfers – Brisbane Airport to Gold Coast Accommodation, Gold Coast Accommodation to Airport, Sydney Airport to Accommodation (Return)
Complimentary Transfers – Hamilton Island Airport to Accommodation (Return)
It’s as simple as selecting your trip and traveling. We’ll take care of the rest. From flight bookings to accommodation, activities, transfers and more—you can simply enjoy your vacation.
Your Australia vacation shouldn’t be complicated. From booking connecting flights and hotels with your time and budget in mind, no one does it like an experienced travel professional.
As experts in Australian travel, we put trips like these together all day. From the moment you speak to our Destination Specialists to your plane touching down back home, we’ll make sure every aspect of your trip goes without a hitch.
Terms and Conditions for those purchasing this package from About Australia (USA) PTY Limited Inc, doing business as:
• About Australia – www.aboutaustralia.com
• About New Zealand – www.aboutnewzealand.com
• About Fiji www.aboutfijitravel.com
All prices are in US dollars and correct as of March 4, 2024.
Pricing is from “per person” based on Double Occupancy (2 Adults) in hotels in USD.
Single Supplements apply.
Upgrades available on request (upgrade supplements apply).
Changes are permitted (fees may apply).
Other restrictions may apply.
Not combinable with any other offer or discounted vacation package.
All taxes, GST & Fuel Levies are included in the Price unless specified otherwise.
Prices may vary when you book your travel package due to seasonality. Request a quote for your preferred dates of travel.
Your quote is not guaranteed until payment in full is received. Airlines, hotels and tour operators frequently change their prices as a result of rate increases, fuel surcharges, government imposed taxes or fees. Prices may increase prior to your deposit for those and/or other reasons.
After full payment, prices are guaranteed except only due to an increase in government imposed taxes/fees or in the case of extreme exchange rate fluctuation. By paying your deposit, you understand and agree to the possibility of such increases.
All itineraries and routings are subject to change.
Your About Australia travel advisor will find you the best price on Flights with the best possible routing according to their expertise. Flights, where included, will be operated by United, Qantas, Fiji Airways, Air New Zealand or their code-share partners; flight Taxes & Fuel levy included; Economy Flight Class of Service. To get the best price, the long-haul sectors may not be direct. Check your quote for details. Upgrades available for an additional cost.
Flights maybe based on Fares which cannot be held in advance of purchase, same day payment and ticketing may be required.
About Australia strongly recommends that you purchase Travel Insurance for your trip oversees. If you choose not to purchase Travel Insurance, you will be traveling at your own risk.
Payments and Documents Requests from you will be supplied in a timely manner. We are unable to honor Special Pricing if payment or requested document is received after a Special has expired. We reserve the right to cancel all arrangements if payments and/or Documents are not received on time.
Any itinerary changes requested by the client after bookings are in place will result in a minimum $100 change fee from About Australia. This fee is in-addition to any other fees issued by other providers (e.g. Airlines, Hotels & Tour Operators).
Deposit Payments made to About Australia are non-refundable. Subsequent payments made to About Australia may also not be refundable depending on the providers booked. To protect your investment in your travel package, we strongly recommend you purchase Travel Insurance. Please visit the following URL for About Australia’s Cancellation Policy: https://www.aboutaustralia.com/cancellation-policy-fees/
Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) or Visa is required to enter Australia. About Australia is not responsible for loss associated with Visas for entry into your travel destination. Note: In most cases Visa’s can be issued immediately for USA Passport holders. For non-USA Passport holders Visa Issuance may take up to 12 weeks. Felony criminal convictions can affect your admittance into Australia and New Zealand.
The information provided by About Australia is in good faith and represents the best knowledge of the authors at the time.
About Australia, its directors, employees, shareholders, agents and other representatives, under any circumstances, liable for any injury, loss or damage arising out of or related to your overseas trip. This limitation of liability includes, but is not limited to, compensatory, direct, indirect or consequential damages, loss of information, income or profit, loss of or damage to property and third party claims.
If for any reason you cancel or miss a flight, accommodation, shuttle transfer, day tour or any other booking made by About Australia, we request you contact the applicable vendor as per the details contained on the relevant voucher. Please record all details of any changes made including, but not limited to, cancellation confirmation numbers, date, time and person with whom the cancellation was made. About Australia cannot guarantee a refund for any missed or cancelled portions of your trip. For this reason, we strongly recommend travel insurance.
All bookings are subject to availability. If a product, tour or accommodation is not available an equivalent product, tour or accommodation will be substituted. A tour may be moved to another day if required.
Travel in today’s post-COVID environment requires additional requirements set forth by the country and states of Australia. Some of these requirements may require additional costs. These costs are not included in your itinerary. Travel Requirements are subject to change. About Australia has documented travel requirements on this page above. We will keep these as updated as possible, but your best source will always be official government websites. Please review, understand and be willing to comply with Australia’s travel requirements before making a deposit.
This agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of Texas applicable to agreements made and to be performed entirely within such state and without regards to the conflicts of law principles of such state. The parties hereby agree that venue of any action under this agreement shall be exclusively in the state courts of Bexar County, Texas. Permitted USA Departure Dates: May 28 – December 9, 2024 Black Outs: May 31, June 1 – 6 & 30, July 1-5 & 31, August 1-2, 11-16, September 25-27 & 30, and October 1-5, 13-25, 2024. Lowest Price Found Departing USA:
Select Wednesdays – Sundays May 29 – September 29;
Select Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays October 12 – December 4, 2024.
Request a firm quote for your preferred dates. ADD TOURS Black Outs: May 31, June 1 – 6 & 30, July 1-5 & 31, August 1-2, 11-16, September 25-27 & 30, and October 1-5, 13-25, 2024. Lowest Price Found Departing USA:
Select Wednesdays – Sundays May 29 – September 29;
Select Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays October 12 – December 4, 2024. EXTENDED STAY Black Outs: May 31, June 1 – 6 & 30-31, July 1-5 & 31, August 1-2, 11-16, September 24-27 & 30, and October 1-5, 13-25, 2024. Lowest Price Found Departing USA:
Select Wednesdays – Sundays May 29 – September 29;
Select Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays October 12 – December 4, 2024. HAVE IT ALL Black Outs: May 31, June 1 – 6 & 30-31, July 1-5 & 31, August 1-2, 11-16, September 24-27 & 30, and October 1-5, 13-25, 2024. Lowest Price Found Departing USA:
Select Wednesdays – Sundays May 29 – September 29;
Select Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays October 12 – December 4, 2024.
Other dates require a different airfare, but we’ll find the best one for you! Request a firm quote for your preferred dates.
Subject to availability. Blackout dates and seasonal supplements will apply; these vary by travel vendor and are subject to change. Travel may be permitted outside the dates listed, but may attract seasonality or special event surcharges.
All hotels are centrally located, inspected and approved by About Australia. Hotels may be substituted for similar hotels based on availability.
Additional Terms and Conditions apply. You will be required to review and agree to the Terms and Conditions of travel before making your deposit.
Contact About Australia directly to get a firm quote based on current prices for your preferred travel dates.
About Australia is proud to be an ARC Accredited Agency, part of the most select group of dedicated professionals in the U.S. travel industry recognized as having met stringent financial, personnel, and security requirements. About Australia’s ARC # 45581863
Questions about Australia’s COVID travel restrictions? We’re here for you! As specialists in travel to Australia, we are keeping up to date on all restrictions and providing our clients with the information they need to make their trip to Australia a reality.
Great news! Australia is making it easier to visit!
We will update this as often as possible, but please understand these are fluid and may change. Costs associated with travel requirements to Australia are not included in your itinerary unless specifically listed. We will update this information with approximate costs as we become aware of them.
Last Updated: 12/7/2022
