12 Days: Queensland, Heron Island & Sydney Trip [ST-2027]
Starting at
$3,514
Highlights & Inclusions
  • Accommodation - Brisbane (2 Nights), Gladstone (1), Heron Island (4), Gladstone (1), Sydney (2)
  • USA Domestic Flights are not included in pricing. Please enquire for flight pricing to be included
  • International Flights (not included - can be included on request - see detailed pricing below) - Los Angeles to Brisbane, Sydney to Los Angeles
  • Australian Domestic Flights - Brisbane to Gladstone, Gladstone to Sydney via Brisbane
  • Shuttle Transfers - Brisbane Airport to Accommodation (Return)
  • Shuttle Transfers - Sydney Airport to Accommodation (Return)
  • Boat Transfers - Gladstone Airport to Heron Island Accommodation (Return)
  • Day Tours - Brisbane: River Cruise and Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary; Sydney: Opera House Tour, Harbour Cruise Luncheon
  • 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 works best during turtle season December through to April.
  • Due to the logistical complexity of this itinerary, customization may be required.
Itinerary Details
Day 1 - International Flight, Los Angeles to Brisbane (can be included on request)

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 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.

Days 2 to 4 - 2 Nights Accommodation in Brisbane

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

Set in Spring Hill on the doorstep of Brisbane’s vibrant CBD, this stylish hotel takes its design cues from celebrated Australian abstract artist, Michael Johnson.

Your luxury boutique hotel hosts a myriad of features including 97 self-contained, open-plan suites and two elegant penthouses, a large pool with a sundeck and gymnasium. The guest experience is further complimented with onsite restaurant and bar, artworks, in-house art libraries and a dedicated art channel.

Set in Spring Hill, less than a mile from the CBD, you’ll have access to the best galleries, restaurants, cafes, bars and shopping in Spring Hill, the city center and entertainment hot-spot, Fortitude Valley. For those wanting to adventure a little further afield, Smart Cars and Bicycles are available for rent.

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.

Day 3 - Day Tour, River Cruise and Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Take an informative and entertaining river cruise down the Brisbane River followed by 3 hours at a koala sanctuary where you can hand feed kangaroos and emus.


This tour is an exceptional experience for nature enthusiasts. The cruise provides a scenic journey along the picturesque river, offering breathtaking views of the Australian landscape. The highlight of the tour is undoubtedly the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, where you can get up close and personal with adorable koalas and a variety of native wildlife. The knowledgeable guides provide fascinating insights into the animals and their conservation efforts. This tour is a perfect blend of relaxation and wildlife encounters, making it a must-do for anyone visiting Brisbane.

The koala sanctuary opened in 1927 as a safe refuge for sick, injured, and orphaned koalas, at a time when the species was being culled for the fur trade. The founder recognized something had to be done to help protect one of Australia’s most iconic species.

Operates
Daily except Christmas & Anzac Day
Boarding begins at 8:30am and Departs at 9:00am from Cultural Centre Pontoon
Tour ends at 2:45pm (approx.)

Includes
– Entry to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary with 3 hours to explore
– River cruise with informative commentary
– Platypus House
– Opportunity to feed kangaroos or wallabies

Need to Know
Koala photos purchases/opportunities are available at the “Lone Pine Sanctuary Experience Hut” and availability will vary daily depending on the needs of the koalas. Meals/Snacks are available at own expense from the on-board cafe. There are 28 stairs required to climb from the boat to the sanctuary.

Insiders Tip: Tour of Brisbane by Ferry, Bus & Train - Hop-On Hop-Off

Get a ticket on the City Cat Ferry – it’s good for all day & lets you ride bus, train and ferry.


Include Mount Cootha as part of the zones you will cross – you can get off at a ferry stop and take a bus from there to Mount Cootha and take in some great city views. Be sure to do this earlier in the day since the buses stop running out to Mount Cootha later in the day.

Brisbane has a great public transportation system in place and free tours of both the Parliament House and the Botanical Gardens.


To check ferry timetables, please visit:
https://www.translink.com.au/tt_results.php?routett=&mode=FER

Photo Credit: Brisbane Marketing

Insider's Tip: Dining in Brisbane

Brisbane is known for its foodies atmosphere and culture, and won’t disappoint when you’re looking for a bite to eat.

If you’d like to take detour from the fresh seafood, why not stop at Chur Burger. Owned by Warren Turnbull, owner of the “Best Burger” restaurant in Sydney, Chur Burger has brought the award winning taste to Brisbane. At $10 a burger, it’s an afforable and mouth-watering meal.

If you’re looking for something a bit sweeter, make a quick stop in Monty’s Chocolates in Brisbane. This chocolate store is filled with exquisite chocolates from all over the world and the perfect afternoon snack on a warm day.

Photo Credit: Tourism Australia

Day 4 - 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 4 - Australian Domestic Flight, Brisbane to Gladstone

Travel within Australia by domestic air from Brisbane to Gladstone.

Day 4 - Taxi from Gladtsone Airport to Accommodation, pay as you go

Travel by taxi or ride share from the airport to your vacation accommodation (as per your own arrangements, pay as you go). Uber is available in most major cities.
Other Australian ride share options are:
-Ola
-DiDi
-Shebah
-GoCatch
-Bolt

Make your way from the Airport Baggage Claim area to the Taxi Stand. Taxi’s are available on demand. Pay as you go.

Days 4 to 5 - 1 Night Accommodation in Gladstone

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

Occupying a sought-after position in the heart of Gladstone’s thriving CBD on Goondoon Street and just 10 minutes from Gladstone Airport,

Offering a unique and stylish base to soak in the myriad sights and activities the town has on offer. The region’s newest hotel reaching nine levels into the sky and offering deluxe accommodations and a central position unrivalled in the region.

Photo Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland

Insider's Tip: Gladstone

When it comes to choosing the perfect holiday, it’s all about location, location, location, and Gladstone, conveniently situated in the center of the Southern Great Barrier Reef, has it all, with surf beaches, tropical islands, coral cays and rivers teeming with fish.

Some fun things to do
From the buzzing heart of Gladstone’s city centre, with its restaurants and parks, to the seemingly endless stretches of practically deserted beaches and wild reef islands, you’ll find plenty of ways to spend your days in and around the Gladstone region.

– Get a light history lesson at Gladstone Regional Art Gallery & Museum.
– Being one of Australia’s largest ports, a visit to Gladstone isn’t complete without a stroll along the marina.
– For an epic photo-op, travel an extra two minutes down Alf Orouke Drive toSpinnaker Park, which looks back to the marina on one side and out to the surrounding islands on the other.
– Treat yourself with an ice-cream from Gelespresso and a stroll through East Shores Maritime Precinct, the town’s new parkland with a twist.
– Grab a Uber and take a hike up Mount Larcom, a two-hour climb to the peak overlooking Gladstone.

Photo Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland/Mike Hillburger

Day 5 - Taxi from Gladstone Accommodation to Airport, pay as you go

Travel by taxi or ride share from your vacation accommodation to the airport (as per your own arrangements, pay as you go). Uber is available in most major cities.
Other Australian ride share options are:
-Ola
-DiDi
-Shebah
-GoCatch
-Bolt

Day 5 - Boat Transfer, Gladstone Airport to Heron Island Accommodation

Travel to your island vacation resort via scheduled boat launch from the Gladstone Airport.

Your boat transfer today includes the accompanying transfer from the Gladstone Airport to the Gladstone Marina.

Days 5 to 9 - 4 Nights Accommodation on Heron Island

Travel to your accommodation on a Great Barrier Reef Island, Australia, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 4 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. Upgrade to Beachside Suite available (pricing upon request).

Day 6 to 8 - Free Days to Explore Heron Island

Spend the day to relax or explore Heron Island

Heron Island offers a unique experience where you can truly immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. Among the music of seabirds, tracks of turtles and multi-coloured clouds of fish, the feeling that you’re a guest of nature itself is inescapable. Reef walking, viewing underwater life from the coral submarine, watching the sun set over the ocean – you become part of a community caught up in the timeless evolution of the world’s largest living thing – the Great Barrier Reef.

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - Dive the Great Barrier Reef

Your island resort is known the world over for its Great Barrier Reef scuba diving and snorkelling.

There are more than 20 different diving sites to explore, more than half of which are just fifteen minutes from the beach. Acres of living, unspoiled coral are literally teeming with fish, it’s easy to see why serious divers keep coming back time and time again.

The deepest dive (18m) is first up for the morning and is followed by a 16m and a 14m dive. Every dive is accompanied by a qualified diving guide and is watched over by a lookout and skipper fully certified in dive first aid. All dives are chosen for the prevailing conditions and visibility.

Includes air, weights and boat trip. Does not include BCD & Regulator.

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef

Your island resort is known the world over for its Great Barrier Reef scuba diving and snorkelling.

Enjoy one of our three daily snorkel tours offering a kaleidoscope of coloured fish and coral on Heron and Wistari Reefs, all within easy reach of Heron Island.

Novice snorkellers are strongly encouraged to take advantage of a snorkel lesson at 2pm daily. A minimum age restriction of 8 years applies, whilst experience level required may vary due to weather and surface conditions.

Snorkel trips are at 9am, 11am and 3pm daily.

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - Heron Island Turtle Tour

During Turtle season, you’ll be able to spot both green and loggerhead turtles on the beaches.

Join a Turtle Tour to spot turtles nesting and hatching. Peak nesting times are December through to April. Watching the turtles laying their eggs is a truly magical and unforgettable experience.

Day 9 - Boat Transfer, Heron Island Accommodation to Gladstone Airport

Travel to the Gladstone Airport from your island vacation resort via scheduled boat launch.

Your boat transfer today includes the accompanying transfer from the Gladstone Marina to the Gladstone Airport.

Day 9 - Taxi from Gladstone Airport to Accommodation, pay as you go

Travel by taxi or ride share from the airport to your vacation accommodation (as per your own arrangements, pay as you go). Uber is available in most major cities.
Other Australian ride share options are:
-Ola
-DiDi
-Shebah
-GoCatch
-Bolt

Make your way from the Airport Baggage Claim area to the Taxi Stand. Taxi’s are available on demand. Pay as you go.

Days 9 to 10 - 1 Night Accommodation in Gladstone

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

Occupying a sought-after position in the heart of Gladstone’s thriving CBD on Goondoon Street and just 10 minutes from Gladstone Airport,

Offering a unique and stylish base to soak in the myriad sights and activities the town has on offer. The region’s newest hotel reaching nine levels into the sky and offering deluxe accommodations and a central position unrivalled in the region.

Photo Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland

Day 10 - Taxi from Gladstone Accommodation to Airport, pay as you go

Travel by taxi or ride share from your vacation accommodation to the airport (as per your own arrangements, pay as you go). Uber is available in most major cities.
Other Australian ride share options are:
-Ola
-DiDi
-Shebah
-GoCatch
-Bolt

Day 10 - Australian Domestic Flight, Gladstone to Brisbane

Travel within Australia by domestic air from Gladstone to Brisbane.

Day 10 - Australian Domestic Flight, Brisbane to Sydney

Travel within Australia by domestic air from Brisbane to Sydney.

Day 10 - Shuttle Transfer, 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 10 to 12 - 2 Nights Accommodation in Sydney

Travel to your Sydney Accommodation where you will stay for 2 nights.

Nestled in the heart of Sydney’s CBD, your hotel is an easy walk to many of Sydney’s best attractions, including the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge and the historic precinct, The Rocks.

Your modern guest room is comfortable and spacious featuring Free WIFI. The hotel’s 24 hour reception is on hand to help you make the most of the facilities and the local area, with recommendations on everything from picturesque running tracks to memorable small bars. The hotel features a well-equipped gym, coin-operated laundry, lobby bar and a restaurant for a quick and convenient bite to eat (not included) before your adventures in Sydney begin.

The hotel’s ideal position means you can choose between exploring the city on foot or via the extensive public transport network. Many of Sydney’s best attractions are within a short distance of the hotel, including some of the city’s most heavily awarded restaurants, such as Rockpool and Bennelong. The inner-city streets are also dotted with bars of every size, shape and specialty, from small, whiskey-focused Baxter Inn to the sprawling, cocktail-ready Opera Bar.

Day 11 - Day Tour, Sydney Opera House Tour (1 Hour)

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.

Day 11 - Day Tour, Small Group Harbour Cruise Luncheon - Half Day

Treat yourself to one of Sydney Harbor’s most sensational lunch cruises! This small group cruise offers the experienced traveler a personalized service like no other. You’ll feel as if you are spending the day aboard your savvy local mate’s yacht while he shows you around his favorite spots.

Enjoy the company of a small group aboard a 52-foot motor yacht. Your personal captain and host will share the rich history of Sydney Harbor and its foreshore as you take in the sites of the Sydney Harbor Bridge, the Sydney Opera House and the bays and coves of Sydney Harbor.

Enjoy a 3-course BBQ lunch with regional wines, local beers and 5-star service. Immerse yourself in all the activities that a private vessel offers including, swimming, fishing and kayaking – or sit back, relax on the expansive sunbed and do nothing at all.
 
Operates
Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday except 18Dec-7Jan when the cruise operates daily.
Departs from Circular Quay at 12:30pm, Returns 4:30pm

Includes:
– Four-hour cruise
– 3 course BBQ lunch
– Regional wines and local beers
– On board activities such as swimming, fishing and kayaking
– Live commentary

Upgrades:
Can be booked on a private basis

Insider's Tip: The Rocks

Located on the Harbour just a stroll away from the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge is the place where Sydney itself began, The Rocks!



Amidst the hustle and bustle of the Business District, this unique village features a centre with more than 70 shops, boutiques and galleries with everything from hand-made puppets, vintage clothing and accessories, antiques, art supplies, jewelry and some of Australia’s finest arts and crafts.




If hunger takes over there are a myriad of places to eat, from some of the finest restaurants to quaint cafes and casual eateries with many offering stunning views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. If quenching a thirst is what you’re after don’t forget to stop off at one of the 13 Heritage pubs serving local wines and beers!

On Saturdays and Sundays, be sure to check out the market held at the northern end of George Street. Perfect for gifts and souvenir shopping, it has more than 150 stalls selling quality crafts, home wares, jewelry and Australian-designed goods, all under a unique sail-like canopy.

With the transport to The Rocks serviced by the Explorer and just a five minute walk from the Circle Quay it is easy to get here. The Sydney Visitors Centre on the corner of Argyle & Playfair Streets at The Rocks: open 9.30am – 5.30pm every day of the year (except Christmas Day and Good Friday). Opening hours may vary on some public holidays.

Photo Credit: Tourism New South Wales

Insider's Tip: Altman + Cherny: Specializing in Australian Opals Since 1948

Altmann & Cherny is a family owned jewellery business in Sydney with an international reputation for excellence in opals and is one of the World’s foremost Australian Opal authorities.

Australia is known as the country of origin for this splendid stone with 95% of the world’s precious gem opal found exclusively in Australia. The Australian opal displays all the colors of the rainbow; holding a spectrum of colors found in nature. 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 Rubies.

Established in 1948 in hopes of sharing this unique gemstone with the world, they have built a reputation of providing the highest level of quality, service and value for three generations. Their mantra has always been and will continue to be – “Excellence in service, quality and value.” So come share in this unique experience to learn more about Australian Opals at Altmann & Cherny!

Altman + Cherny
18 Pitt St., Sydney, NSW 2000 / Ph: 61 (02) 9251 9477

Hours: Monday – Friday: 9:30am – 5:30pm / Saturday & Sunday 10:00am – 4:00pm

Day 12 - Shuttle, Sydney Accommodation to Airport

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

Day 12 - International Flight, Sydney to Los Angeles (can be included on request)

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.

  • 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.