11 Days: Aussie Beaches and Wildlife [ST-TA130]
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Highlights & Inclusions
  • Accommodation - Noosa (4 Nights), Gold Coast (3), Brisbane (2)
  • US Domestic Flights and International Flights are not included (Check Quote for Inclusion)
  • Shuttle Transfers - Brisbane Airport to Noosa Accommodation, Noosa Accommodation to Australia Zoo (Return), Noosa Accommodation to Gold Coast Accommodation, Gold Coast Accommodation to Brisbane Accommodation, Brisbane Accommodation to Airport
  • Day Tours Included - Noosa: 4WD Off Road Fraser Island Adventure, Steve Irwin's Australia Zoo; Gold Coast: Lamington National Park & Rainforest Tour; Brisbane: Tangalooma Resort
  • All other Day Tours listed are Optional (Not Included)
  • Visa Issuance for entry into Australia (additional US$15.00 per person)
  • F.I.T. (Free & Independent Travel, i.e. this is not an Organized Group Tour)
  • All Taxes and Fuel Levies (Except where noted)
  • Itinerary is flexible and can be tailored to suit your needs.
Itinerary Details
Day 1 - Hometown to Los Angeles (Check quote for inclusion)

Travel by domestic air to your destination.

If you request US domestic air pricing, this inclusion will be reflected in your quote.

Day 1 - International Flight, Los Angeles to Brisbane (Check quote for inclusion)

Travel by international air to your destination.

International air to your destination is not included in the starting price. If you requested international air, this inclusion will be reflected in your quote.

Day 2 - Shuttle transfer, Brisbane Airport to Noosa Accommodation

Travel by shuttle from Brisbane Airport to your Noosa vacation accommodation on the Sunshine Coast, Australia. (Estimated travel time is 1.5 hours)

Luggage is limited to 2 suitcases per person. Excess luggage, surfboards & bicycles will be carried at a rate of $10.00 AUD per item. All luggage must be clearly labelled by the passenger, including name and full address.

Days 2 to 6 - 4 Nights Accommodation in Noosa

Travel to your accommodation on the Sunshine Coast, Australia, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 4 nights.

Your 5-Star resort is nestled in the serenity of Noosa National Park. You can spend your days lazing in the free-form swimming pool, pampering yourself at the spa, or exploring all Noosa has to offer. World class shopping and restaurants are a short 1/3 mile stroll away in bustling hub of Hastings Street and Laguna Beach. At this premium accommodation you’ll find the ultimate in eco-conscious sustainability with solar energy and rainwater irrigation.

Aside from spacious and stylish accommodation, your resort offers WiFi access, a gymnasium and steam room, complimentary car parking, 24 hour reception and on-site dining.

Here, in Queensland’s most stylish holiday destination, you can stroll down to Hastings Street where Noosa’s main designer fashion boutiques and street side alfresco restaurants abound. Walk to the popular Noosa Main beach and enjoy the rolling surf while you soak up Queensland’s welcoming sunshine.

Your 1 Bedroom Apartment is in impeccable taste. The décor is graceful with a dash of verve. The facilities have it all with cable TV and Movielink, direct dial phone, in-room safe, a kitchen designed to make meal preparation an absolute pleasure. Your private balcony is the perfect place to reflect on your day as you enjoy a pre-dinner drink.

Bedding: 1 King or 2 singles with the option to add a rollaway bed.

Day 3 - Day Tour, 4WD Off Road Fraser Island Adventure - Full Day

The unique qualities of Fraser Island make it a destination you must see!

Your 4WD adventure begins by crossing the Noosa River and heading for Cooloola National Park. Ride along gorgeous beaches before reaching Rainbow Beach where erosion has left sandy cliffs exposed with a palette of 72 different coloured sands. Here you will stop for coffee or tea with fresh pastries and learn of the Aboriginal legend that tells of a spirit which took the form of a rainbow. After a fight over a young woman, the spirit fell into the cliffs and infused the sand with its many colours. Through Rainbow Beach to Inskip Point, we embark on the barge to Fraser Island… a brief crossing that may delight you with sightings of playful dolphins. Travelling 75 mile beach is an exciting experience as we navigate the pristine sands towards Eurong Village, then the off road terrain into the island’s core. Discover the awe of nature as you are guided through the rainforests of Central Station or Yidney Scrub, before a leisurely lunch stop at Lake McKenzie, Lake Birrabeen, or one of the island’s spectacular freshwater creeks. Your return journey is an invitation to enjoy the forestry wonders of Fraser Island – scribbly gums and eucalypts contrasting with blackbutts and string barked satinays. Back on the mainland, we enjoy afternoon refreshments on deserted beach stretches before returning to your accommodation.

Day 4 - Shuttle Transfer, Noosa Accommodation to Australia Zoo

Travel by shuttle from Noosa vacation accommodation on Australia’s Sunshine Coast to the Australia Zoo.

Day 4 - Day Tour, Steve Irwin's Australia Zoo (Entry Only)

Nestled on more than 110 acres and with more than 1200 amazing animals, Australia Zoo is the most interactive conservation destination on the planet!

You can cuddle a koala, feed gorgeous kangaroos or even walk a wombat! Don’t miss the amazing African animals on their very own savannah, or head to South-East Asia to visit majestic tigers and the gorgeous red panda. Take a trip to Bindi’s Island, where you can climb a three-story treehouse, but look out! With that view, you might spot ring-tailed lemurs, giant Aldabra tortoises, colorful parrots, and so much more. Don’t miss the Wildlife Warriors Show in the world-famous Crocoseum, with all the slithering, swooping, jaw-snapping action of epic saltwater crocodiles, birds and snakes! Get up close and personal with their gorgeous wildlife by booking an animal encounter. If you miss out, not to worry! Check out the free daily shows on offer and then explore the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, the busiest wildlife hospital of its kind in the world. Your ticket includes a sneak peek at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital. This gives you access to the hospital’s viewing area which is open from 8:30am – 5:30pm daily. You’ll be able to see the surgical theatre, intensive care unit and nursery through the glass panels, and catch a glimpse of the lifesaving work performed by the veterinary team. At Australia Zoo, it’s as wild as life gets!

Operates
Open daily from 8:30am-5:30pm, closed on Christmas

Includes
– Entry into Australia Zoo
– Access to Wildlife Hospital viewing area
– Free parking if you drive yourself
– Free WiFi in areas of the zoo

Need to Know
– Bring water, snacks, and wear comfortable walking shoes and clothes
– Concessions available throughout the zoo
– Bring insect repellent
– Does not include transfers to the zoo

Upgrades
– Multiple wildlife encounters are available at the Australia Zoo (Koala Cuddle, Binturongs, Wombats, Echidnas and more). Availability is limited. Book in advance to avoid disappointment. Contact your Destination Specialist for details.
– Platinum Guided Adventure – VIP tour with exclusive meet & greets and professional photographer.
– Guided Caddie Tour – Private tour with golf cart transportation.

Optional Day Tour Upgrade (Not Included) - Personalized Caddie Tour of Australia Zoo

Get the VIP treatment on board this caddie tour! A passionate and knowledgeable tour guide will be your chauffeur, taking you on a customized journey around one of the world’s greatest zoos.

You’ll never forget this “insider tour” discovering the knowledge, joy and history of the zoo and its hundreds of inhabitants whilst enjoying five-star service. Be the envy of everyone as you explore the exciting exhibits and receive exclusive reserved seating in the Crocoseum Stadium for the wildlife show. Your guide will ensure you have comfort, refreshments, and the flexibility to create a tour that suits your needs. You will learn all about Australia’s gorgeous animals, the history of Steve Irwin, and his vision for the Australia Zoo, as well as the zoo’s international conservation efforts and amazing wildlife hospital. This tour is the perfect way to explore the Zoo at your own pace. All you have to do is sit back and relax!

Operates
Daily on request, starts at 9:00am
Tour can be up to 5 hours (approximately)

Includes
– Five-star service in a chauffeured private buggy
– Exclusive reserved seating in the Crocoseum Stadium for wildlife shows
– Flexibility to customize tour to suit you
– Entry to wildlife show with reserved seating
– Free parking if you drive yourself
– Free WiFi in areas of the zoo

Need to Know
– Entry must be booked separately
– Max number of passengers is five per caddie.
– Bring water, snacks, and wear comfortable walking shoes and clothes
– Bring insect repellent

Upgrades
Multiple wildlife encounters are available at the Australia Zoo (Koala Cuddle, Binturongs, Wombats, Echidnas and more). Availability is limited. Book in advance to avoid disappointment. Contact your Destination Specialist for details. Children under 15 must be accompanied by a paying adult. Lunch can be preordered prior to arrival (fee applies).

Day 4 - Shuttle Transfer, Australia Zoo to Noosa Accommodation

Travel by shuttle from the Australia Zoo to your Noosa vacation accommodation on Australia’s Sunshine Coast.

Day 5 - Free Day to Explore Sunshine Coast

Rest, relax or explore the Sunshine Coast.

On the Sunshine Coast, the only thing more refreshing than the water is the lifestyle. With its endless beaches, lush rainforests and easy smiles, it’s a place where you will feel like a local from the moment you arrive.

While you’re not enjoying the beach, enjoy the hinterland charm! From rolling surf to rolling hills, the Sunshine Coast Hinterland is full of natural beauty, cosy cafes and boutiques waiting to be discovered.

Be entertained by local artists and stock up on arts and crafts at Eumundi Markets.
Take in the view from the Glass House Mountains or wander through national parks and trails.
Pair local cheese and wine in Maleny or treat yourself to high tea and antique shopping in Montville.

With award-winning restaurants, food trails, vibrant food festivals and bustling farmers markets, the Sunshine Coast is one giant celebration of food and wine.

Tick off your foodie bucket list with beachfront and rainforest restaurants worth travelling for.
Sample just-picked strawberries and fresh-caught seafood at an outdoor farmer’s market.
Create your own cuisine at one of the many cooking schools.

Credit Photo: Tourism Queensland

Insider's Tip: Noosa Dining

While in Noosa be sure to grab lunch and dinner at a few of the local restaurants. The Sunshine Coast is food-obsessed! Noosa, especially is a foodie’s dream. Walk down the main drag on Hashing St. and you’ll find a wealth of top-quality eateries, serving Italian, modern Australian, Asian fusion, summer-inspired cocktails and even nitrogen-fired ice cream.



Gympie Terrace and Thomas Street are also popular eat streets, with restaurants serving up tastes from around the world as well as contemporary Australian fare. Choose from relaxed, budget eateries and award winning restaurants or enjoy a seafood platter with stunning water views.




Looking for the best burger on the Sunshine Coast? Try Burger Bar, Jimmy Fox or Betty’s Burgers. For amazing Japanese and Shushi, head over to the Regional Restaurant of the Year, Wasabi on Noosa Head. Their fresh caught seafood and local produce make their 9 and 7 course meals an amazing experience.

Photo Credit: Tourism Australia

Day 6 - Shuttle transfer, Noosa Accommodation to Gold Coast Accommodation

Travel by shuttle from Noosa vacation accommodation on Australia’s Sunshine Coast to the Gold Coast.

Luggage is limited to 2 suitcases per person. Excess luggage, surfboards & bicycles will be carried at a rate of $10.00 AUD per item. All luggage must be clearly labelled by the passenger, including name and full address.

Days 6 to 9 - 3 Nights Accommodation on the Gold Coast

Travel to your accommodation on the Gold Coast, Australia, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 3 nights.

Located in Surfers Paradise, the heart of the Gold Coast, your 4-Star apartment-style hotel offers accommodation for couples and families looking for a relaxed beachside getaway. With the beach just one block away and direct access to a variety of local attractions including famous theme parks and casual and fine dining restaurants, you won’t be short of things to do on your holiday.

When you’re not out exploring Surfers Paradise and the Gold Coast take a walk around your hotel which features unique Aztec-inspired architecture and design set amongst lush tropical gardens. The resort offers many facilities with a lagoon style pool complete with snake-like waterslides, as well as an indoor pool and spa, tennis courts, sauna, on-site dining.

Your One Bedroom Apartment offers clean and comfortable surrounds with the added convenience of a fully equipped kitchen and laundry.  It features a private balcony offering  views of the Gold Coast hinterland as well as tea and coffee making facilities, air-conditioning, cable TV and in-house movies. One King or 2 Singles (Bedding configurations subject to availability).

Day 7 - Day Tour, Lamington National Park & Rainforest Tour

Travel to the World Heritage Listed Lamington National Park and take in spectacular panoramic views of the famous Gold Coast from Tamborine Mountain.

Take in the spectacular panoramic views of the Gold Coast from Tamborine Mountain, then travel onward to O’Reilly’s for the tree top canopy walk. You will discover historic logging tracks, hear the epic adventures of early settlers, and the heroic rescue stories of the Stinsen plane crash. During your adventure, take time to sample Queensland made wines and fresh local produce!

Mt. Tambourine is a quaint mountain village in the Scenic Rim and is home to unique shopping, cottage style B&Bs, cheese factories, winemakers, art, craft outlets, and even a distillery! The gallery walk boasts over 70 art, craft, gift, and nick-nack shops and attracts thousands of visitors every year for its rainforests, waterfalls, wineries, and unforgettable Devonshire teas. O’Reilly’s National Park is a World Heritage Listed plateau in the McPherson Ranges is just 100kms (62mi) from Brisbane city and 40 minutes from the coastline. Cool, clean and green, it’s a shelter for native flora and fauna.

Operates
On Request
Departs 8:30am, Returns 5:15pm (approx.)
Does not operate on the Queen’s Birthday, Labour Day, Easter, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and Anzac Day

Includes
– Return transfers from hotel
– Gallery walk retail precinct
– Canungra Valley Vineyards and alpacas visit
– O’Reilly’s tree top walk
– O’Reilly’s Interpretive Rainforest Center

Need to Know
Please wear weather appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes. Please bring money for food and beverages, a hat, water bottle, sunscreen, and an umbrella if it is raining.

Upgrades
Lunch available at O’Reilly’s, but must be included at time of booking

Day 8 - Free Day to Explore the Gold Coast

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) - Catch a Crab Tour

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.

Insider's Tip: Gold Coast Dining

Some of the most spectacular water-view restauarants are located in Gold Coast.

From upscale bistros like Seascape, with cocktails and chef-selected five course banquets to the casual, pub-style Helm Bar in Surfers Paradise, delicious dining locations are awaiting you along the beach. Take a stroll and try one of the many restuarants with a view.

Photo Credit: Tourism Australia

Insider's Tip: Gold Coast Markets

The Gold Coast is well known for its sensational shopping and the weekly markets in and around the region provide shoppers with an opportunity to purchase handmade local arts and crafts, a wide variety of fresh produce and delicious food.

  • The Surfers Beachfront Markets are an institution, running for the past 23 years. Evening strollers can browse more than 120 stalls featuring mainly handmade or home-grown wares, while enjoying the live entertainment and beachfront location.
  • Set on the Sanctuary’s Village Green, the Sanctuary Markets feature a slew of international street food trucks with live music from 5pm.
  • The Art and Craft on the Coast markets feature more than 150 stalls of handmade fashion, jewelry, homewares, skincare, food, plants and the creative wares of local arts and craftspeople. Many a tourist has snared a unique souvenir during the market’s 20-year history and locals enjoy browsing the stalls on their way to and from the beach.
  • HOTA comes alive on Sunday mornings as locals emerge to stock their pantries for the week ahead. There are more than 80 stalls manned at the Bundall Farmers Markets by local farmers, growers, producers and creators of fine artisan foods. As well as ticking off the food shopping, market-goers can take in breakfast or brunch, enjoy live music and wander the arts precinct, including the gallery, Evandale Lake and the children’s playground. Remember to bring your own bags as single-use plastic ones aren’tt available on-site.
  • From its humble beginnings as a boutique fashion market, The Village Markets has been the launching pad for a string of successful local labels including Peony Swimwear, Kivari boho creations and designer pet outfitter Bones Society. TVM prides itself on its carefully curated selection of funky fashion, preloved and vintage clothing and homeware stalls, with food trucks, live music and its trademark relaxed Sunday vibe thrown in.

Content: Destination Gold Coast

Photo Credit: Surfers Paradise Alliance

Day 9 - Shuttle Transfer - Gold Coast Hotel to Brisbane Hotel

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

Luggage is limited to 2 suitcases per person. Excess luggage, surfboards & bicycles will be carried at a rate of $10.00 AUD per item. All luggage must be clearly labelled by the passenger, including name and full address. Valuable items (e.g. jewellery, expensive equipment, cash etc) should be carried by the passenger on their person. Passengers are strongly advised to take out appropriate travel insurance to cover any unforeseen circumstances.

Days 9 to 11 - 2 Nights Accommodation in Brisbane

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

Your 4-Star Apartment-Style Hotel is located in the Brisbane CBD. From here, the most popular attractions and things to do in Brisbane are within close proximity many within walking distance.

For a day out on the water, try kayaking on the river or catch the City Hopper Ferry to various riverside attractions including the Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Brisbane Art Gallery, Maritime Museum and South Bank Brisbane’s very own inner city beach with swimming lagoons that you can enjoy perfect for the whole family and a way to cool off from the Queensland heat during the warmer months.

To get out into nature, the Brisbane Botanical Gardens and Roma Street Parklands offer lots of wide green open spaces, with grassy areas to sit and enjoy a picnic, walking tracks and wildlife including native lizards, birds and insect species. Soak in a panoramic vista of Brisbane City from the Wheel of Brisbane, or for those who are a little more adventurous the Story Bridge Climb will take you 262m feet above sea level for the ultimate view.

When it comes to shopping Brisbane offers a number of options including the Queen Street Mall and Fortitude Valley, with an extensive assortment of retail and entertainment stores. Treasury Casino is not far from the hotel, with some great shows and restaurants.

Discover the Eagle Street Pier with its collection of restaurants, bars and cafés, is a great place to eat and enjoy the scenery. Home also to the Riverside Craft Markets, held each Sunday, you can meet up with friends to share a meal before taking a walk along the pier and browsing the local crafts on showcase.

Step into the stylish comfort of your Hotel Deluxe room. You’ll be spoilt from the moment you enter with 40 inch LCD HD TV, iPod dock and WiFi (charges apply). Choose from our Hotel Room, Hotel Deluxe or Studio Suite. There’s everything from air conditioning, tea and coffee making facilities and mini-bar, to those special little touches like beautiful bed linen, ironing facilities and work desk.

Choose from a King Bed or two Singles. You’ll love the views over Spring Hill and the CBD from your private Juliette balcony.

Day 10 - Day Tour, Tangalooma Resort, Feed the Dolphins - Full Day

Enjoy a cruise along the Moreton Bay Regions protected marine park and take the opportunity to handfeed wild dolphins at sunset.

Journey along the coastline in search of dolphins, dugongs, green sea turtles, sea cucumbers, rays and more! A purpose-built catamaran provides unobstructed views of Moreton Bay’s intriguing marine life. Full commentary is provided by an Eco Ranger.

In the evening, guests are invited to wade into the ocean beside the resort jetty to handfeed the wild dolphins at sunset. This is a magical and unforgettable experience before returning to the mainland.

Operates
Daily
Departs 8:45am, Returns 6:00pm – 7:15pm depending on sunset
Does not operate on Anzac Day

Includes
– Return transfers from hotel
– Boat cruise across Moreton Bay marine park
– Day pass access to the Resort, Use of Resort facilities including 2 swimming pools, restaurants and bars
– 1 standard beverage on the boat
– Marine discovery cruise
– Eco Ranger Shows
– Lunch voucher $20 per adult/$15 per child (valid at any open resort food outlet)
– Day Lounge access with tea & coffee making facilities
– Admission to the nightly dolphin feeding program

Need to Know
Adults must participate in dolphin feeding with any children. Some of the activities and tours are physically demanding and may pose a health or safety risk. For your safety, you must disclose before booking if you are suffering from any injury, medical condition (such as pregnancy, epilepsy, asthma or cardiovascular conditions), disability, disease or illness which may be aggravated by participation in or may interfere with your ability to safely participate. Tour may be changed or cancelled due to extreme weather conditions.

Upgrades
Sunset cocktail

Day 11 - Shuttle Transfer, Brisbane Accommodation to Airport

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

Luggage is limited to 2 suitcases per person. Excess luggage, surfboards & bicycles will be carried at a rate of $10.00 AUD per item. All luggage must be clearly labelled by the passenger, including name and full address.

Day 11 - International Flight, Brisbane to Los Angeles (Check quote for inclusion)

Travel by international air to your destination.

International air to your destination is not included in the starting price. If you requested international air, this inclusion will be reflected in your quote.

Day 11 - Los Angeles to Hometown (Check quote for inclusion)

Travel by domestic air to your destination.

If you request US domestic air pricing, this inclusion will be reflected in your quote.

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