9 Days: Australian Open - Finals & Sightseeing [ST-AO4]
Australia Travel Deal

Book By: January 10, 2017

Starting at
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Highlights & Inclusions
  • Accommodation - Melbourne (7 Nights)
  • US Domestic Flights and International Flights are not included but can be booked
  • Shuttle Transfers - Melbourne Airport to Accommodation (Return)
  • Day Tours - Melbourne: Phillip Island Penguin Parade Ultimate Eco Tour, Rover Land Arena Session (Category 2), Australian Open 3-Day Grounds Pass (Twilight Finals), Great Ocean Road Tour with Lunch
  • 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) - International Flight, Los Angeles to Melbourne

Shortly after departing Los Angeles you will be served dinner and you will be given breakfast before landing in Melbourne.

Relax, watch some movies, and try to get some sleep!

Please confirm with the airline at check-in that they have all your Frequent Flyer information on record (if applicable).

(Day 2) - Shuttle Transfer, Melbourne Airport to Accommodation

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

(Days 2 to 9) - 7 Nights Accommodation in Melbourne

Travel to your accommodation where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 7 nights.

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - Eureka Skydeck 88 & Edge Cube

Located in the heart of the city, Melbourne Skydeck captures everything that is special about Melboure and beyond.

Melbourne on the Edge: Push the boundaries of thrill-seeking when you step into the Edge. A world-first, the Edge suspends daring guests in a transparent glass cube that projects out from Melbourne Skydeck, leaving them suspended nearly 300 metres above the streets of Melbourne. Challenge your friends, face your fears, or execute an unforgettable proposal!

Operates
Daily except Christmas (25DEC)

Includes
– Entrance fee to Skydeck
– Edge Experience
– Spectacular views of Melbourne

Need to Know
Family pricing is available. Photo package of Edge Experience available for purchase at own cost.

Upgrades
Voyager Experience, Skydeck Adventurer, Thrill Seeker, Max VR Experience, Ultimate Skydeck, Cocktails in the Clouds

Optional Evening Tour (Not Included) - Late Colonial TramCar Dinner

As you cruise the scenic streets of Melbourne, you will enjoy fine cuisine and drink the very best of Australian wines. The atmosphere is cosy, the service friendly and the decor as inviting as the colonial period these trams reflect.



The Colonial Tramcar Restaurant officially commenced operation in August 1983. These glossy, burgundy restaurants on wheels are the first travelling tramcar restaurants in the world and ensure a delightful innovative approach to dining. Dining aboard the Tramcar is not only a culinary delight, but also a trip into a little piece of Victoria’s history.



The tram is air-conditioned for total comfort and piped music helps to create a unique mood on wheels.
Smart casual, suit or similar dress is appropriate when dining.

Late Dinner 8:35-11:30pm (Daily)

Also available: Lunch 1:00-3:00pm (On Request); Early Dinner 5:45-7:15pm (Daily)

(Please note that a surcharge will apply for Christmas Day Luncheon and New Years Eve Late dinner.)

Children between the ages of 5 and 16 years can be accommodated, however space for highchairs, capsules and prams is not available. Due to safety concerns, children under the age of 5 years cannot be accommodated.

(Day 4) - Event, Australian Open Rod Laver Arena Day Session 1/26/17

The 2018 Australian Open Rod Laver Arena AM Session Tickets.

Today you’ll enjoy a morning session at Rod Laver Arena for the Women’s Singles Semifinals of the Australian Open! The session starts at 11:00am. Your seating is in Category B or C. Ask about upgrading to Category A.

After the session you can stay on the grounds and check out the other matches or watch the Men’s Singles Semifinals sessions on the big screen.

Many upgrades and additional sessions are available. Ask your destination specialist about all your Australian Open options.

(Day 3) - Day Tour, Phillip Island Penguin Parade Ultimate Eco Tour

Phillip Island is home to an astounding array of wildlife, including Australia’s largest fur seal colony, little penguins and cuddly koalas. Get up close with the remarkable penguins and wildlife of Phillip Island.

Your unforgettable day will commence with a visit to Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Park where you are guaranteed plenty of close encounters with an array of Australian native animals like kangaroos, wombats and echidnas.

Next stop is Phillip Island where, time/season permitting, you’ll drive to Woolamai Surf Beach to catch a glimpse of the awesome waves and die-hard surfers. Following this, you then travel over to the dramatic west coast of the island. At the Nobbies, you will stroll along the boardwalk to experience the waves crashing along this dramatic coastline and perhaps spot a few seals and some penguin nests.

Finally, your Phillip Island Day Tour is not complete without its black-tie gala event: the Penguin Parade. You will first head to the Visitor Center for a chance to shop and have a coffee. Then last but certainly not least, you will meander along the boardwalk to the viewing platform. It’s time to relax and let the show begin. The little penguins will waddle ashore, decked out in their tuxedos as they hurry off to find their burrows.

At the end of the evening, your Guide will take you back to your Melbourne hotel.

Photo Credit: Visit Victoria

Operates
Daily. Does not run on Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve.
Tour Times: Summer/Daylight Savings (1st weekend October- 1st weekend April): approximately 2:00pm-11:00pm; Winter (All Other Times of the Year): approximately 1:00pm-10:30pm. Tour duration is approximately 8-9 hours.

Includes
– Return hotel transfers
– Expert guide with extensive local knowledge
– Entry to Moonlit Sanctuary
– Entry to Phillip Island Nature Park
– Penguins Plus viewing platform

Need to Know
Maximum of 11 people per tour. Bring warm and waterproof clothing. Child pricing available.

Upgrades
– Underground viewing for an up close look of the penguins
– Guided Ranger experience

(Day 5 - 7) - Event, Australian Open - Grounds Pass

The 2018 Australian Open marks the 107th staging of the event and is one of the most renowned tennis tournaments in the world. As the first Grand Slam tournament of the year, it features the world’s best singles and doubles players and is a must-do for any tennis fan.

Spend 3 days at the Australian Open! It’s time for the Finals! These twilight ground passes allow you to enjoy the atmosphere and entertainment of the Australian Open during Finals without paying an arm and a leg. You can catch the big matches on the big screens.

Be sure to bring sunscreen and a hat or umbrella. The sun can be harsh this time of year in Melbourne.

Many upgrades are available. Ask your destination specialist about all your Australian Open options.

(Day 8) - Day Tour, The Classic Great Ocean Road with Lunch - Full Day

The spectacular Great Ocean Road is one of Australia’s most popular destinations. Experience views of uninterrupted beaches, dramatic coastlines and the lush rainforest of the Otway Ranges with this small group eco-tour.

Travel west to the start of the Great Ocean Road and pass the coastal towns of Lorne and Apollo Bay. Arrive at the iconic Cape Otway Lighthouse, mainland Australia’s oldest surviving lighthouse and enjoy breathtaking views over the Southern Ocean and Bass Strait.

Discover the Shipwreck Coast, stroll along the historic beaches and see Loch Ard Gorge. Arrive at the famous 12 Apostles and descend the Gibson’s Steps, where you will be dwarfed by the high cliff line and these enormous offshore stacks. With this small tour group, there is plenty of time to get out and explore nature at its very best.

The highlights of this Great Ocean Road adventure include a visit to Bells Beach, where you’ll see one of Australia’s famous surfing beaches, world renowned for the Rip Curl Surfing Pro.

Enjoy the breathtaking view from iconic Cape Otway Lighthouse and learn about the fascinating history of the Aboriginal owners of the Gadabanud Peoples’ Cultural Centre. You will be afforded stops where you’ll see wildlife like Eastern grey kangaroos, koalas and native birds in the wild.

Pass through coastal towns of Lorne, Apollo Bay and Port Campbell. Enjoy a rainforest experience in the luscious surrounds of the Otway Rainforest and marvel at some of the tallest eucalyptus trees in Australia.

Operates
Daily except Christmas
Departs 7:00am – 8:00am and Returns 9:00pm (approx.)
April – October Departs 10:00am to 11:00am and Returns 9:00pm to Midnight (approx.)

Includes
– Return deluxe coach transfers from accomodations
– Morning tea, coffee, & cake
– Gorgeous views
– Complimentary onboard wifi
– Expert commentary

Need to Know
Request infant seats (0-3 years) or a child booster seats (4-8 years) free of charge. Please bring money for lunch. This experience can be catered to your dietary needs. Please advise of any special dietary requirements when completing your Traveler Information Form.

Upgrades
Sunset Tour

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - Melbourne Bike Tour - Half Day

Take a unique opportunity to participate in a phenomenal bike tour in Melbourne.

With this bike tour you’ll see more in a few hours than most see in days. Get your bearings as you explore Melbourne’s grooviest streets, parks, shops, cafes, hidden laneways and multicultural neighborhoods. Experience the real Melbourne hospitality and sample some gourmet treats on this leisurely ride with a local guide. It’s the perfect way to start any Melbourne visit. Find out which Italian cyclist founded Melbourne’s Little Italy, why Melbourne was originally called Batmania and why a stuffed Kiwi horse is the number one drawcard at Melbourne Museum on this tour. Learn why Melbourne’s streets are lined with lava and its Eureka Tower is glazed in real gold. Discover the Greek tavern that has no menu and Melbourne’s best-kept-secret, Little Saigon. Discover Melbourne’s best yum cha, the men’s salon that gives you a free Aussie beer with every haircut, the shop that boasts 15,000 cookbooks and lots more quirky “inside” info on the world’s most lively, rideable city. Rediscover the wind in your hair and the freedom of eco-friendly cycling.

Operates
Daily
Departs 10:00am, Returns 2:30pm (approx.) from 16 Waterview Walk in the Melbourne Docklands
Does not operate Christmas Day
Tour is 4.5 hours (approx.)

Includes
– Bicycle tour of Melbourne
– Bicycle for the tour
– Bottle of water

Need to Know
– Guests are responsible for transportation to and from 16 Waterview Walk in the Melbourne Docklands
– Minimum of 2 people to operate and no more than 8 people per tour
– Children under 12 not recommended due to traffic crossings, but may attend based on parent’s best judgement to ride
– For smaller children, there are baby seats, children’s bikes, tagalongs and tandems available (limited quantities)
– Tour takes a lunch stop at a local restaurant (lunch is not included with the tour price)
– Tour may change or be cancelled due to weather and unforeseen circumstances
– Tour suitable for moderate fitness levels

Upgrades
– Electric bike
– Private tours (minimum 2 people)

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - Hidden Secrets of Melbourne Tours

Discover the secrets of creative Melbourne with this dynamic half day, small group, guided walking tour with lunch!

Join your passionate local guide, who is more of an aficionado, as they take you around the style capital of Australia. Your guide will show you all of Melbourne’s best salons, studios and hidden hotspots tucked away in the European-style lanes in the heart of the city. Discover shops where Melbourne’s celebrated food, coffee and art scene thrive, and are usually missed by tourists. You’ll practically become a local before lunch! On this half day indulgent walking tour, you’ll immerse yourself in the historical, architectural, cultural insights while exploring more than 30 exquisite boutiques. There will be a stop where you will enjoy a wonderful lunch and glass of wine before finishing your walk. After your casual tour, make it a day by returning to your favorite spots visited in the city of marvelous Melbourne!

Operates
Monday – Saturday
Departs 10:00am, Returns 2:00pm (approx.)
Tour departs and returns to Time Out Café in Federation Square

Includes
– City map with local offers and tour itinerary
– Trained local city tour guide
– Chocolate tasting
– Lunch and glass of wine
– Seated drink stop and drink choice

Need to Know
– Minimum of 4 guests required with a maximum of 8
– Not ideal for children ages 12 and under, special requests taken case by case
– Please bring with you a water bottle, sunscreen, extra cash for food and drinks, and wear weather appropriate clothing
– Runs in all weather – umbrellas will be on loan if required
– General level of fitness required. There may be stairs along the way
– Mobility accommodations available – please advise prior to booking
– This experience can be catered to your dietary needs. Please advise of any special dietary requirements when completing your Traveler Information Form

Upgrades
– Cafe Culture Walk
– Progressive Degustation Walk

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - National Australian Sports Museum

Experience the essence of Australia through the pride of sports.

Located within iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is Australia’s greatest showcase of sports at the world-class National Sports Museum.

This museum honors Australian Football, cricket, soccer, Olympic Games and more! Immerse yourself in this spiritual home of sports, contained within a new, modern museum on two levels of the MCGs new Olympic Stand.

See over 2,500 of the finest sports-related artifacts from Australia’s rich sporting history along with innovative interactive technology. The eight permanent exhibitions offer insight into all levels of achievement, values, fair play and the pursuit of excellence of Australian sportsmen and women.

It is recommended to spend at the least one to one and half hours touring the museum. Re-entry is available the day of with your original entry ticket.

Operates

Open daily.

Need to Know

– Self-guided audio tours are available and guided tours are available for an additional cost.
– Guided tours depart regularly between 10am and 3pm daily, and take approximately 75 minutes.
– Café is available for coffee and lunch (own expense).
– Tickets for entry are recommended to be purchased before arrival.

Times

The National Sports Museum is open from 10:00am – 5:00pm. Times may vary on weekends for event days or public holidays.

Inclusions

Entry into the museum.

(Day 9) - Shuttle Transfer, Melbourne Accommodation to Airport

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

(Day 9) - International Flight, Melbourne to Los Angeles

Your International Flight arrives in Los Angeles on the same day of departure from Australia, due to your crossing of the International Dateline.

  • a) All prices are USD$/person (including all Taxes). Subject to availability and seasonality. Other Conditions Apply (see Terms and Conditions).
  • b) Land Content Only represents the pricing for the full itinerary as detailed, except the International Flights from the USA (and return) are NOT included.
  • c) An Infant (Lapchild) must be less than 2 years old on the date of departure. Infant must travel with at least one adult. An infant with a seat pays the price of a Child.
  • d) A Child must be aged between 2-11 years on the date of departure. Child must travel with at least one adult.