10 Days: Lady Elliot Diving, Sydney & Brisbane [ST-1309]
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Highlights & Inclusions
  • Accommodation - Sydney (2 nights), Lady Elliot Island (4), Brisbane (2)
  • Diving Activities - 10 Dives including tanks, Air fills & Weight Belts (combination of Night & Day Dives)
  • Non Diving Activities - Snorkel Equipment, Guided Reef & Nature Walks, Glass Bottom Boat or Boat Snorkel Trip (limit one per person), Use of Reef Education Centre
  • International Flights Los Angeles to Sydney, Brisbane to Los Angeles Included.
  • USA Domestic Air are not included (as per your own arrangements)
  • Australian Domestic Air sectors: Sydney to Brisbane, Brisbane to Bundaberg (return), Bundaberg to Lady Elliot (Return)
  • Transfers - Sydney Airport to Accommodation (Return), Brisbane Airport to Accommodation (Return)
  • Visa Issuance for entry into Australia.
  • All Taxes & Fuel Levies
Itinerary Details
(Day 1) (Fri) - International Flight, Los Angeles to Sydney

Travel to Australia on your vacation. After departing from Los Angeles you will be provided with an evening meal. You can relax, have a drink, watch a movie, review your itinerary or just 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)

Please confirm with the airlines at Check-in that they have all your Frequent Flyer information on record.

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

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

Travel via shuttle to your vacation accommodation in Sydney, Australia.

(Days 2 - 4) (Sun to Tues) 2 Nights Accommodation in Sydney

Travel to your accommodation in Sydney, Australia, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 2 nights in your studio room apartment.

Just 30 minutes from Sydney Airport, your accommodation is conveniently located between Darling Harbour and the Sydney CBD.

The friendly staff at your accommodation can attend to your every need with 24 hour guest reception. Enjoy a scrumptious breakfast at their signature restaurant.

Relax in a stylish and comfortable haven whilst being in close proximity to shopping at Westfield’s Pitt St Mall and Darling Harbour. Don’t forget to take a stroll down Pitt St towards Circular Quay to take in more of Sydney’s world famous sites- like the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Day 3 (Mon) - Free Day to Explore Sydney

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.

Walk to Circular Quay and catch a ferry to our wonderful harbour-side Taronga Park Zoo, or take the 30 minute ferry ride to Manly Beach, Sydney’s premier beach resort. Here you can enjoy the laid back beach culture as well as many festivals and events. If you prefer to stay closer to downtown Sydney, Bondi Beach is approximately a 10 minute train ride and is one of Australia’s most famous and iconic beaches. Save some time to take a beach walk from Bondi Beach to Bronte Beach, it’s known to be a true highlight. 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) - Bridgeclimb

Reach new heights and climb the famous Harbour Bridge in Sydney!

Achieve exhilaration and personal satisfaction as you climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge. For approximately 3.5 hours you and 11 other eager climbers will join a climb guide and weave through catwalks, climb up ladders and then arrive at the most spectacular point of all – the upper arch climb. The steady incline to the upper arch leaves you free to focus your attention on your Sydney experience, with opportunities for 360 degree views of Sydney, including east to the ocean, west to the mountains and the harbor city surrounds.

It is at this point that you not only have a bird’s eye view of the beautiful Sydney Harbour and the city, but have the exhilarating and rewarding experience of reaching the top of the iconic Harbour Bridge.

When you reach the top you will have a sense of achievement you’ll remember forever – you’ve conquered an Australian icon recognized the world over! No other Sydney tourist attraction can give you this feeling of standing at the top of the world, with the harbor spread before you.

All climbers will be issued a complimentary photograph of your climb group.

Operates:
Daily, in all weather conditions (except in cases of extreme weather conditions like electrical storms or high winds).

Need to Know:
– Wear comfortable, enclosed rubber-soled shoes and comfortable clothing;
– Secure lockers will be provided to store your personal belongings;
– No cameras, phones, GoPros or other video and mobile devices are allowed on the climb;
– Children ages 8 – 15 must be accompanied by an adult. Children younger than 8 are not permitted on the climb;
– Maximum of 14 people per group.

Times:
The climb lasts approximately 3.5 hours. Climbs are available at dawn (limited departures), day, twilight or night.

Inclusions:
BridgeClimb cap;
Certificate of Achievement;
A complimentary Climb Group photo.

Photo Credit: BridgeClimb Sydney.

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - Dinner Cruise

See the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge with spectacular nightime views of the city and surrounds while enjoying dinner as you’re cruising on one of the world’s most attractive harbours.

Today enjoy the ultimate dining experience on Sydney Harbour. The cruise offers a la carte dining, million dollar views, licensed bar, first class service and quality contemporary Australian cuisine. 1 1/2 Hours

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - Downtown Syndye, Bondi & Kings Cross

On your vacation explore and capture downtown Sydney, Bondi and Kings Cross.

Discover the birthplace of Modern Australia on a short guided Rocks Walking Tour. Hear stories of Sydney’s colonial past as you take a step back in time on your way to The Rocks District. Wander the cobbled laneways and learn how this area transformed from a British colony of convicts and sailors into a thriving entertainment precinct. Get your camera ready to take photos of Sydney’s most popular local sights and travel to La Perouse the historical headland suburb and see heritage-listed Bare Island. Then head over to Botany Bay and see where Captain Arthur Phillip and the First Fleet arrived on these shores Historical Buildings and see these and learn how the Aboriginal people were impacted.

For an additional cost, you can add on a luncheon cruise of Sydney Harbour. From the harbour enjoy views of Sydney’s renowned sights – including the Harbour Bridge and Opera House.

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - Blue Mountains Deluxe Day Tour - Full Day

The Blue Mountains Deluxe Day is a real journey into the heart of a unique World Heritage Region. From temperate rainforests to towering sandstone escarpments, you’ll see and experience it all. Let the landscape work its wonders and become part of you for a lifetime.

Upon departing from the city, you will travel directly to the Blue Mountains and your first stop of the day is at Calmsley Hill Farm a working farm also home to Kangaroo, Emu, Wombat and Koala. Enjoy morning tea and time to wander at leisure.

From Calmsley Hill you will continue to ascend the Blue Mountains via the highway. Visit one of a range of stunning outlooks of the Jamison Valley seeing beautiful vistas. Where possible this will be away from the crowds of tours that visit the mountains each day with other operators, thus you will have the opportunity to enjoy a stress and hurry free environment taking in the views and information imparted by your guide.

Continuing on you will arrive at Eaglehawk Lookout, a remote lookout points away from the crowds for views of the famous 3 Sisters. Whilst the Blue Mountains features so much more than this natural attraction you can’t help but admire the unquestionable beauty of this amazing rock formation. The character of the Three Sisters changes throughout the day and throughout the seasons as the sunlight brings out the magnificent colors. Here your guide will discuss the legends behind this famous rock formation and time available for you to take some great photos.

Next you will be taken around the mountain towards the village of Blackheath and our lunch venue the Boiler House Cafe. Here in this relaxed venue with stunning views, you can enjoy a 2-course lunch with tea or coffee. All diets are catered for (excluding Kosher Meals). Please note that beverages can be purchased at your own expense from the Bar.

The afternoon is spent visiting a selection of lookouts. Once you clap your eyes on the view from Govetts Leap you’ll know why it’s one of the most famous lookouts in Australia. The magnificent waterfall drops a whopping 180m to the base of the cliff. If you’re not mesmerized by the dancing waves of water spray, you’ll be transfixed by the sweeping views down the valley to the Grose Wilderness.

Then take a brief stop to enjoy a glass of sparkling wine or orange juice at the delightful Mt Tomah Botanic Gardens, where you can enjoy the sweeping views across to Sydney before traveling down the Bells Line of Road to arrive back at your hotel approximately 4:30pm.

Operates

Daily.

Need to Know

This is a specialized small group tour with a maximum group size of 17 passengers.
Minimum of 2 guests required for tour departure.

Times

Pick-up from Sydney CBD hotel between: 7:00am – 7:30am.
Drop-off at Sydney CBD hotel between: 4:30pm – 5:00pm.
 
Inclusions

– Professional Guide
– Hotel pickup & drop off from Sydney CBD
– Small group touring
– Morning tea
– National Park Fees
– 2-Course Lunch (Beverages with meals are not included)
– Glass of Sparkling Wine
– Mt Tomah visit

Upgrades

Private Touring

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - Sydney Opera House

On your vacation, participate in an inspiring tour of the Sydney Opera House.

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 Theater 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.

Operates
Daily, Hourly 9am to 5pm
Does not operate Good Friday, Christmas, New Year’s Eve or Valentine’s Day 2024

Includes
One hour guided experience.

Need to Know
This tour has 300+ stairs – Low Impact. It is strongly encouraged that you leave bags at your hotel and avoid bringing any large items to the Opera House (anything larger than an 8×10″ sheet of paper). No luggage or large bags accepted. Videoing is not allowed. There are plenty of photo opportunities — your tour guide will advise you if photos are not to be taken at any point.

Upgrades
-Add a lunch, dinner or performance to your tour.
-Upgrade your experience with a private, backstage, or architectural tour.

Insiders Tip - Explorer Bus Tour

Experience all the excitement of Sydney, Australia’s famous harbour city, and the capital of NSW with the Big Bus Sydney and Bondi Explorer – Sydney’s only Hop-On Hop-Off tourist bus service.

The Sydney and Bondi Tours are included with this pass. The Sydney tour features 23 stops and the Bondi tour features 11 stops.

As well as Sydney’s glorious harbour and stunning beaches the city offers a multi cultural lifestyle, exuberant festivals and events, a dynamic food scene and a striking cityscape of modern and colonial architecture.

Don’t miss a thing aboard this open-top double-decker bus tours with 34 stops in Sydney and Bondi Beach. Plan your own itinerary and visit the landmarks and attractions at your own pace. Buses run frequently so rejoining the tour is easy! Plus, you’ll receive a booklet with travel information, detailed maps, discount vouchers and much more!

Be sure to bring your camera to capture all the excitement!

Operates
Daily
9:00am to 4:00pm

Includes
– Hop on Hop off tour
– Sydney & Bondi Beach routes
– 1-day validity
– Up to 34 stops
– Digital commentary
– Free earphones onboard
– Free wifi

Need to Know
Fully flexible tour. Please bring money for lunch.

Upgrades
2-Day Explorer w/Cruise

(Day 4) (Tues) - Shuttle Transfer from Sydney Accommodation to Airport

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

(Day 4 cont) (Tues) - Domestic Flight Sydney to Brisbane

Travel within Australia by domestic air from Sydney to Brisbane.

(Day 4 cont) (Tues) - Flight continues from Brisbane to Bundaberg

Travel within Australia by domestic air from Brisbane to Bundaberg.

(Days 4 - 8) (Tues to Sat)- Dive Dive Dive - Lady Elliot Island Great Barrier Reef

Tonight you have the amazing opportunity to spend a night sleeping under the stars at the Great Barrier Reef!

There can be few more unique experiences offered in the world than the chance to sleep under the stars, 40 nautical miles from shore on the Great Barrier Reef! You’ll spend the night on a permanently moored pontoon located on Hardy Reef – one of the most spectacular stretches of the Great Barrier Reef.

By day, take part in amazing Great Barrier Reef Adventures activities – diving, snorkeling, and swimming with thousands of fish. As the sun sets, a soft hush settles over the reef… just the sound of the water, maybe a few sea birds. As dusk approaches watch for turtles surfacing or coming to nibble the seaweed around the pontoon. Watch as the sun sets over the reef while you sip your sundowner and then see the reef really come to life in the darkness of the night. You might even opt for a night dive if you’re certified! Gaze up at a gazillion stars from your comfy swag set up on the top deck of the pontoon before the tranquility of being in the middle of the ocean lulls you to sleep.

In the morning, enjoy more private time with the reef before the day guests join you. Optional guided snorkeling and diving trips during this exclusive time at the pontoon with your small group will see you visit very special spots – giant Maori Wrasse, spectacular coral formations, a myriad of tropical fish, turtles and reef sharks all might make an appearance. If you’re not a keen swimmer then have the underwater viewing chamber to yourself and watch your fellow guests swim around, or look at the coral from the comfort of our semi-submersible vessel. You’ll head home with the day guests onboard the reef vessel in the afternoon, taking home plenty of memories and stories to tell.

Highlights & Inclusions: 2 day / 1 night experience; Large, modern, vessel transfers; Overnight in swags under stars or a private double room; Breakfast, 2 morning & afternoon teas, 2 buffet lunches and barbecue dinner; Activities as specified; All the stars you can see!

(Day 4 cont) (Tues) - Fly from Bundaberg to Lady Elliot Island

Travel within Australia by domestic air from Bundaberg to Lady Elliott Island.

Lady Elliot Dive Sites

On your vacation explore Australia’s underwater world in Queensland by participating in this unique diving adventure.

Located in northern Queensland, this island offers many diving opportunities to make your Australia vacation memorable. The dive shop is a PADI Resort association member. Scuba diving is conducted daily and a staff member escorts all dives. A certification card must be produced prior to diving. All Divers must produce a C-Card and Log Book prior to diving. Dive gear rental is available. A physicians release may be requested. Additionally, travel by glass bottom boat, boat snorkeling and guided snorkeling is subject to tides. Among the many popular diving sites are the following (not an exhaustive list):

Lighthouse Bommie (14-15 metres):
Is a set of coral heads approximately 100 metres offshore in 14 – 16 metres, conducted as either a Boat or Shore Dive. A rope trail has been laid from an easy shore entry to the bommies. It is a favourite haunt all year round for Manta Rays; some 4 metres from tip to tip. Because it is a cleaning station, the site can also host a variety of marine life such as Moray Eels, Bull Rays, schooling Barracuda, Coral Trout, small White Tip Reef Sharks and many other species.

Three Pyramids (18 metres):
Is a short boat ride on the Western side of the Island. An easy descent can be made down a permanent mooring and puts the diver almost on top of the first of three large coral heads (Bommies) in 16 metres. At this site, schools of Cardinals, Anemone fish, Turtles and Eagle Rays may be observed. It is also a great starting point for a drift dive to the Anchor Bommies or the Outer Scatters, depending of course on the direction of the current.

Anchor Bommie (21 metres):
This rather interesting site can be reached by one of two ways – a short boat ride, or an under water swim following a rope trail from the Coral Gardens. It is one of Lady Elliot Island’s premium dive sites. The depth at the base is around 19 metres and at the top it is 14 metres. The coral head is an important Manta Ray cleaning station, therefore other marine life to be seen here include the very rare Purple Leafy Scorpion Fish and Cleaner Shrimp, both of which have permanent colonies. Another common site is a rather large Shovel Nosed Ray which can be approached by divers as it rests on the sea floor. The soft and hard corals covering the bommie are also home to the brightly coloured Feather stars, while nearby in the sand, a family of Garden Eels can be observed swaying in the current. Also of interest are the two ancient Admiralty anchors that lie nearby. These anchors were lost by the Guano miners and have been resting on the bottom for some time.

(Day 8) (Sat) - Depart Lady Elliot Island for Bundaberg

Travel within Australia by domestic air from Lady Elliot Island to Bundaberg.

(Day 8) (Sat) - Domestic Flight Bundaberg to Brisbane

Travel within Australia by domestic air from Bundaberg to Brisbane.

(Day 8) (Sat) - Shuttle Transfer from Brisbane Airport to Accommodation

Travel by shuttle from the Airport to your 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.

(Day 8 - 10) (Sat to Mon) - 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 8 - 10) (Sat to Mon) - 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 (Sun) - Free Day to Explore Brisbane

Today you’ll have the day free to Explore Brisbane. We suggest you use this opportunity to take in the sights of this beautiful city. Perhaps purchase a few souvenirs for family or friends back home.

Brisbane is a vibrant city with many activities and sights to enjoy within walking distance from your hotel. Visit the South Bank precinct, full of fantastic riverside restaurants, home of renowned art galleries including the Gallery of Modern Art and Queensland Museum, sky-high views from The Wheel of Brisbane, as well as parklands that feature family friendly urban beach pools with expansive city views. Experience the beauty of Brisbane from the river CityCat ferries, and hop on and off at riverside neighborhoods such as the cultural Powerhouse precinct, and festive dining and beverages found at the new Howard Smith Wharves precinct. A must see for all visitors to Brisbane, Mt Coot-tha’s “Brisbane Lookout” offers spectacular panoramic views over the city all the way to Moreton Bay. Walking tracks are abundant through the National Park and the Lookout itself showcases a historical timeline of this iconic destination.
Photo Credit: Brisbane Marketing

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) -

Today you’ll visit the world-renowned Australia Zoo, made famous by Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin. You’ll travel in style and comfort with a small group in a luxury air-conditioned vehicle that will pick you up and drop you off right at your hotel.

Australia Zoo on the beautiful Sunshine Coast, Queensland, is nestled on over 70 acres of natural Australian bushland. Steve and Terri Irwin’s vision has always been to make Australia Zoo the biggest and best wildlife conservation facility in the entire world, and there is no other zoo like Australia Zoo. The friendly and experienced zookeepers will expand your knowledge and passion, and the animals love to get up close and personal with everyone! There is always something new to see or do! This isn’t like many zoos you’ve encountered. The love and dedication to our planet’s wildlife is palpable in every corner of this seventy acres facility. In fact, many who “normally wouldn’t like zoos” have reported loving their experience at Steve Irwin’s Croc Zoo! There are stacks of wildlife action every day and plenty of exciting wildlife shows. Get your adrenaline pumping when you watch a massive Saltwater Crocodile launch a strike in the 5,000 seat Crocoseum and catch the thrilling free flight birds as they fly right over your head in this amazing stadium.
 
Operates
Daily – except Christmas Day
Departs 8:00am and returns 5:00pm (approx.)
 
Includes
– Pick up & drop off from your Noosa Hotel
– Day Admission into Australia Zoo
– At Least 6 hours to Explore Australia Zoo
 
Need to Know
Water is available on transport and snacks are available for purchase. Please wear comfortable, closed toe walking shoes. Bring insect repellent, sunscreen, hat and a camera! You may also bring swimwear and a towel for use at the waterpark.

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - Tangalooma Island Tour

Enjoy a day out on Moreton Island, this beautiful location is a short 75 minute cruise from Brisbane. Enjoy crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches and untouched national parks. The tour highlight is the magical experience of hand feeding wild bottlenose dolphins at sunset.

An unforgettable day out as you discover a tropical island paradise just 75 minutes from Brisbane. At Tangalooma Island Resort on Moreton Island, you can enjoy a delicious lunch, challenge yourself to sand tobogganing and at sunset, wade into the water to hand feed one of the island’s special visitors, a wild bottlenose dolphin! The experience is unforgettable.

Includes: 4WD desert safari and sand tobogganing, acces to the day lounge for showers, tea and coffee, dolphin behaviour and data collection presentation, wild dolphin feeding at sunset, 25 free land based actitivites.

Operation: Daily except Saturdays; Estimated Times: Departure: 8:45am
Important Note: Does not operate on Christmas Day

Insiders Tip: Lone Pine Koala

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary (established in 1927) is the world’s first and largest koala sanctuary.

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is one of the best places to visit Australian native animals in a natural Aussie bush country setting. At Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary you can hug one of 130 cute koalas any time of the day (cuddling Koala’s is only legal in the state of Queensland). You can also hand feed friendly kangaroos & emus, see Tasmanian devils, wombats, dingoes, reptiles and more. The sanctuary is 20 hectares (50 acres) and is available for you to explore at your leisure. Hours are 8am – 5pm.

Admission is $36.00 AUD for Adults & $22.00 AUD for Children (Ages 3-13). Escorted Tour also available (afternoon only).

There are regular buses to and from Lone Pine operated by the Brisbane City Council. They are relatively cheap and start from the city centre, dropping you off inside Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. Adult fares are $6.70 and children are $3.40. Prices are subject to change.

(Day 10) (Mon) - Shuttle Transfer from 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 10 cont) (Mon) - International Flight from 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.

  • 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.