9 Days: Sydney & Reef Australia Vacation [ST-26S]
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Highlights & Inclusions
  • Accommodation - Sydney (3 Nights), Cairns (4)
  • International Flights are not included (can be included on request)
  • Australian Domestic Flights - Sydney to Cairns, Cairns to Brisbane
  • Shuttle Transfers - Sydney Airport to Accommodation (return), Cairns Airport to Accommodation (return)
  • Day Tours - Sydney: Opera House Tour; Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Cruise, Kuranda Heritage Tour
  • Visa Issuance for entry into Australia is additional $15.00 per person
  • Not Valid with any other resort offer/discount
  • Based on twinshare accommodations
  • Subject to availability and exchange rate fluctuation
  • F.I.T. (Free & Independent Travel, i.e. this is not an Organised Group Tour)
  • All Taxes and Fuel Levies
  • Itinerary is flexible and can be tailored to suit your needs.
Itinerary Details
(Day 1) - 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) - Shuttle Transfer, Sydney Airport to Accommodations

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 to 5) - 3 Nights Accommodation in Downtown Sydney

Travel to your accommodation in Sydney, Australia, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 3 nights.

Embrace Sydney’s best location with this four star vacation accommodation ideally nestled in the heart of the city. Overlooking Wynyard Park you will enjoy this icon of time-honored tradition, warm hospitality and friendly personal service. Just a short stroll away from many famous attractions including the Sydney Opera House, The Rocks, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Darling Harbour, The Royal Botanical Gardens and more. You will love the luxury of the close accessibility to public transportation including light rail access, train station, the bus system and nearby Circular Quay which will allow you to see much more of Sydney and surrounds. Featuring: 446 elegantly appointed guest rooms and suites, 2 restaurants, 4 bars, indoor heated pool, sauna, spa, and gymnasium. Amenities: air conditioning, daily maid service, fridge, iron & board, radio channels, shower, coffee & tea, ensuite bathroom, hair dryer, shaving adaptor, sprinklers, smoke detectors, television, telephone, internet access (broadband), data port, wake up calls, mini bar, and 24 hour room service. With all this and more take time out to experience the wonders of Sydney while enjoying all your accommodation has to offer.

Upgrade Available (Upon Request): Stunning 5 Star Property – Fees Apply

(Day 3) - Day Tour, Sydney Opera House Tour (1Hr)

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 4) - 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 Tour (Not Included) - Blue Mountains

Today enjoy a tour to the Jenolan Caves and the Blue Mountains.

Enjoy discovering the beauty of World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park (near Katoomba), taking in views over stunning eucalyptus forests and age-old rock formations and the unusual Blue Lake. Also visit the western spur and see Australia’s largest and best known underground limestone caves called Jenolan Caves. Explore this extensive network of caves, tucked away inside a sleepy valley. Enjoy a fully guided tour of the Lucas, Imperial or Chifley caves and discover the deep chamber of intricate limestone formations. Learn about the folklore of the settlers and bushrangers of this region. Overnight tour available.

Operates Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

Photo Credit: Jenolan Caves

Optional Tour (Not Included) - City Explorer

Spend the afternoon touring Sydney’s attractions.

The Sydney Explorer has 26 stops, offering an amazing insight into the history and majesty of Australia’s most popular city. From the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House to Darling Harbour and Kings Cross, with plenty in between. You can hop on and off this service or if you prefer to stay on the coach, the full circuit will take around 2 hours to complete.

Optional Tour (Not Included) - Harbour Cruise

At midday enjoy a harbour lunch cruise followed by a scenic tour of Sydney’s suburbs & beaches. 1/2 Day Tour Afternoon

Midday enjoy an unforgettable Sydney Harbour luncheon cruise on one of the worlds most attractive harbours. The cruise offers a la carte dining, million dollar views, licensed bar, first class service and quality contemporary Australian cuisine. In the afternoon tour Kings Cross and Bondi Beach. Walk along the beach, see cosmopolitan Kings Cross, exclusive Double Bay and stop at Sydney’s famous Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair before returning to your Hotel early evening. Evening free – maybe see a show at the Sydney Opera House (bookings well in advance required).

(Day 5) - Shuttle Transfer, Sydney Accommodation to Airport

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

(Day 5 cont) - Australian Domestic Flight, Sydney to Cairns

Travel within Australia by domestic air from Sydney to the gateway of the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns.

(Day 5 cont) - Shuttle Transfer, Cairns Airport to Accommodation

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

Need to Know
Luggage Restrictions: 1 checked bag and 1 hand luggage is free of charge per person in the shuttle. Additional luggage is 10$ each. Strollers are free. Bikes need to be in a bike bag. Fishing rods need to be broken down and in a container.

(Days 5 to 9) - 4 Nights Accommodation in Cairns

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

Your 4 Star vacation accommodation is located on the waterfront, overlooking Trinity Bay and the extensive parklands of Cairns, Australia. Elegantly appointed rooms with private balconies offer panoramic views to the Coral Sea or to Australia’s majestic rainforest clad mountains. The hotel facilities include a restaurant, wine bar, and swimming pool. Travel and experience Australia’s nature and culture by visiting the Great Barrier Reef or Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park. Or travel along Captain Cook Highway and visit picturesque Mossman Gorge.

(Day 6) - Day Tour, Kuranda Village, Skyrail and Train Ride

Today you’ll board the famous Kuranda Scenic Railway for an awe-inspiring journey to Kuranda. You’ll enjoy exploring Kuranda Village and gliding over the rainforest canopy aboard Skyrail, the “World’s Most Beautiful Rainforest Experience.”

Travel onboard the Kuranda Scenic Railway from Cairns as this famous historic journey winds its way along the Kuranda Range through 15 tunnels and over 40 bridges passing the impressive Stoney Creek and Barron Falls, considered to be one of the world’s most spectacular railway journeys.

Spend free time in Kuranda “Village in the Rainforest” your destination, wandering the many shops and markets offering a full range of local and unique handcrafts, souvenirs and gifts. The Australian Butterfly Sanctuary (optional own expense) is renowned to be amongst the worlds largest, offering the visitor a close look at these beautiful creatures. Other optional attractions include Birdworld, boasting over 70 species of Australian and Exotic birds.

Return to Cairns via Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, renowned as the “World’s Most Beautiful Rainforest Experience.” Glide over the rainforest canopy and take advantage of the two stops en route to enjoy a rainforest walk and the magnificent view of the Barron Falls. Be sure to visit the CSIRO Rainforest Interpretive Centre which features hi-tech interactive displays and video presentations.

Operates
Daily except Christmas
Departs 8:00am and Returns 3:30pm (approx.)

Includes
– Bus pick-up from accommodation
– Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
– Kuranda Scenic Railway

Need to Know
Tour may operate in reverse. Lunch is not provided, but you may bring money for cafe. Tour concludes at the Cairns Central Railway Station and you will make your own way back to your accommodation.

Discover the Skyrail App: Using GPS technology and an innovative design, the Skyrail app allows you to fully immerse yourself in the ancient rainforest’s remarkable story of survival over an outstanding 130 million years. Unlock this ancient landscape’s many secrets and gain fascinating insights about the world’s oldest tropical rainforest when you download the Skyrail app.

Upgrades
Diamond View, Gold Class

(Day 7) - Day Tour, Great Barrier Cruise & Snorkelling

Today you’ll go on a cruise to the Great Barrier Reef, one of the natural wonders of the world, and not surprisingly the world’s most extensive coral reef.

Cruise by luxury catamaran to reef activity platforms moored at the ribbon reefs on the outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef. Experience the unsurpassed coral formations, marine life and underwater visibility of the Agincourt Ribbon Reef system where you can explore this reef world. Visit Moore Reef, located on the outer reef, and swim and snorkel, or view the aquatic world from a semi-submersible or glass-bottom boat. Marvel at the spectacular beauty of the reef teeming with tropical fishes, and explore the colourful coral.


Visit the marine life touch tank and underwater theatre. Enjoy a buffet lunch (included). With facilities for swimmers and non-swimmers it’s sure to be fun for the whole family.

Upgrades Available at Additional Cost: Introductory & Certified Diving, Ocean Walker Helmet Dive, Adventure Snorkel Tour with Marine Biologist & Helicopter Scenic Flights.

Not Included: Fees Payable on Board: Fuel Surcharge may be applicable. Subject to change, please verify before tour.

Please bring with you: towel (available from your hotel room), a change of clothes, hat, sunscreen & underwater disposable camera (optional). Cameras available from any local chemist or convenience store.

(Day 8) - Free Day to Explore Cairns

Free time to rest, relax or explore.

Insiders Tip: The Esplanade

Experience the leisurely atmosphere at the playground for locals and tourists alike at The Esplanade in Cairns!

With so many activities available The Esplanade has always been a focal point for this city. This is a place that literally has everything! Take a stroll and do some bird watching on the boardwalk but as you enjoy the views don’t forget to stop off at Foreshore Promenade for a bite to eat at the many available restaurants. Access to The Lagoon is easy here which is set overlooking the Barrier Reef and Trinity inlet and features all year free swimming where you can take a dip in this filtered saltwater lagoon. Let the kids can play in the sandy edges and in the shallow waters while you lounge on the semi-shaded timber decks. For the kids, don’t miss out on the Trinity Bay foreshore playground “Muddy” with equipment for all ages. For the older kids, stop off at the Skate Park to see some skaters and BMXers in action! Whether you decide to take a morning jog, fly a kite or just relax in the large grassy areas for some lunch you will surely enjoy the tropical lifestyle!

If you happen to be in Cairns on a Saturday be sure to check out the Weekend Markets which feature only locally made arts and crafts, clothing and much more. While you’re there listen out for the live music and fun street characters. The market gets into full swing on the promenade (just by the lagoon) every Saturday between 8am – 4pm.

Lagoon Hours: All Year, 6am-9pm
Closed Wednesdays until midday for maintenance

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - Tropical Zoo

Welcome to your ultimate wildlife adventure at the award winning Cairns Tropical Zoo.

This award winning attraction is, simply, the most outstanding wildlife experience in the Cairns’ region. Nowhere else in tropical Australia will you find the diversity of wildlife that is available at this wonderful oasis. Since 1980, the Zoo has been delighting visitors of all ages from Australia and around the world.

As you meander through the Zoo’s award winning tropical gardens, discover fascinating and rare animals both from Australia and other regions of the world such as Nepalese Red Pandas and Ring-tailed Lemurs. You can Cuddle a Koala, feed a kangaroo, see giant crocodiles and enjoy great wildlife presentations and tours. There’s so much to see and do at Cairns Tropical Zoo.

Interactive photo sessions are:

Cuddle a Koala – 9:30am
Cuddle a Koala, Hold a Boa, or Hold a Crocodile – 11:30am and 1:30pm.

Opening Times: 8:30am to 4:00pm daily (closed Christmas Day)

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - Sunset Cruise

Cairns Sunset Cruise allows passengers to soak in beautiful views of the waterways, mangroves and mountains in the magical early evening sun. 90 minute cruise

Our Cairns sunset tour rates as one of the top ten things to do in Cairns and is sure to be an unforgettable evening. Picture yourself relaxing on a sunset cruise in Cairns, standing on the deck with a drink in hand, the breeze blowing through your hair with the sun setting over Cairns’ lush mountains throwing out a glorious mix of colours into the sky above.

As our friendly crew greet you on board, you will be offered a welcome drink to enjoy on deck prior to departure. Departing at 5.30pm, the cruise allows passengers to soak in beautiful views of the waterways, mangroves and mountains in the magical early evening sun.

Upgrade to a sunset cruise & dinner package

(Day 9 cont) - Shuttle Transfer, Cairns Accommodation to Airport

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

Need to Know
Luggage Restrictions: 1 checked bag and 1 hand luggage is free of charge per person in the shuttle. Additional luggage is 10$ each. Strollers are free. Bikes need to be in a bike bag. Fishing rods need to be broken down and in a container.

(Day 9) - Australian Domestic Flight, Cairns to Brisbane

Travel within Australia by domestic air from Cairns to Brisbane.

(Day 9 cont) - International Flight, 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.

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  • 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.