7 Days: Australia on Sale [ST-5652]
Starting at
$2,495
Highlights & Inclusions
  • Accommodation - Sydney (2 Nights), Cairns (3)
  • International Flights - Los Angeles to Sydney (via Auckland), Cairns to Los Angeles (via Auckland)
  • Australian Domestic Flights - Sydney to Cairns
  • Shuttle Transfers - Sydney Airport to Accommodation (Return), Cairns Airport to Accommodation (Return)
  • Day Tours - Sydney: Opera House Tour, Rocks Dreaming Tour; Cairns Great Barrier Reef Cruise
  • 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 Auckland

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

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) - International Flight, Auckland to Sydney

International flight from Auckland to Sydney, Australia

(Day 2) - 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 2 to 4) - 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 2) - Day Tour, The Rocks Aboriginal Dreaming Tour

Discover the natural and cultural history of Sydney through the eyes of the Aboriginal people who have lived here for thousands of years. Explore The Rocks, Sydney’s historic harbor precinct, on a guided walking tour uncovering the authentic Aboriginal heritage of Sydney Harbour and learn how modern Aboriginal people maintain their cultural practices in such a dynamic global city.

The Rocks Dreaming Aboriginal Heritage Tour is 100% Aboriginal owned and was developed by Aboriginal Elder, Margret Campbell, a Dunghutti-Jerrinjah woman. It is led by Aboriginal guides who share cultural knowledge and interpretation of Sydney’s Dreamtime symbology and creation, a living history passed down through generations. Learn how the Dreamtime ties within Sydney’s natural billion-year-old saltwater harbor and marine environment, sandstone strata, fresh waterways, flora, and fauna that continue to influence Aboriginal people’s thinking and lifestyle today in modern Sydney.

This 90-minute walkabout tour in The Rocks is a perfect introduction of Aboriginal culture. It highlights the perspective of Sydney’s Dreamtime heritage that is intimate, enlightening, and transformative.

Operates

Daily, on request. Does not operate on Christmas Day (December 25) and Good Friday.

Departs at 10:30am and returns 12:00pm, lasting approximately 1.5 hours (90 minutes).

Includes

– Local Aboriginal basic ceremonial greeting (good manners) that connect to Dreamtime Custodian Characters who Belong to Sydney Harbour’s saltwater sunrise and freshwater environment.
– Knowledgeable Aboriginal guides.
– Discover Aboriginals’ acknowledgement of “country” using Earth Mother’s traditional ochre paint.
– Discover everyday resources/equipment manufactured from natural environment – its origin source of cultural objects and materials harvested from landscape and handle small samples.
– Learn about the story of Aboriginal Dreamtime, it’s origin, history and how culture evolved.
– Understanding the connection of modern Sydney and the Aboriginal Dreaming in The Rocks Sydney.
 
Need to Know
– Tour participants are required to follow COVID19 safety measures as directed by guide
– Tour departs at Cadman’s Cottage courtyard area (110 George Street, The Rocks).
– The tour operates rain or shine
– Please wear comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, and a hat, and bring a bottle of water.

Upgrades
-Privates tours available

(Day 3) - 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.

Insider's Tip: Australian Opals

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 4) - Shuttle Transfer, Sydney Accommodation to Airport

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

(Day 4) - Australian Domestic Flight, Sydney to Cairns

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

(Day 4) - 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 4 to 7) - 3 Nights Accommodation in Cairns

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

Your 4.5 star accommodation combines contemporary decor with a tropical ambience. The magnificent location of this 176 room hotel is perfect for exploring the Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree Rainforest or Kuranda and the Atherton Tablelands. Other nearby highlights include: Cairns Casino, Marlin Jetty, the Esplanade and the Night Markets. Unwind with a cocktail by the pool or bar followed by a sumptuous meal at the award winning Bushfire Flame Grill.

All rooms and suites have individual balconies, individually controlled air conditioning, refrigerator, television, broadband internet access, hair dryer, iron and ironing board, along with tea and coffee making facilities. Facilities include: 24 hr reception, tour desk, wireless internet, Bushfire Flame Grill, bar, pool, business services on request, coin operated laundry on four floors, room service, laundry & dry cleaning.

(Day 5) - Day Tour, Great Barrier Reef Cruise with Snorkelling

Indulge in an all-inclusive snorkeling and diving tour for a day on the outer reef.

Enjoy a delightful 90-minute voyage to the outer reef, where you can savor a scrumptious breakfast and receive a comprehensive briefing on the day’s activities. Following the morning’s exhilarating diving and snorkeling adventure, you have the option to unwind on the sundeck or actively participate in the Citizen Science project, contributing to vital research aimed at preserving the reef’s ecosystem.

Lunchtime brings a delectable tropical feast crafted by the talented in-house chefs, featuring seasonal ingredients sourced from local suppliers. While you bask in the leisurely lunch experience, your skipper will navigate the vessel to a new reef location, getting ready for the afternoon’s diving and snorkeling sessions. Wrap up your day by inputting your remarkable sightings into the photo database, all while savoring a well-deserved beverage accompanied by a platter of exquisite cheese and cold cuts.

Operates
Wednesday – Sunday, Except Christmas and New Year’s Day
Departs 7:30am, Returns 4:00pm (approx.)

Includes
– Transfers to and from Cairns city accommodation
– Delicious chef-prepared meals
– All snorkelling and scuba diving – open deck (Introductory or Certified Dive included)
– Waterproof, bone conducting headsets for underwater commentary
– Take home drink bottle
– All food and beverages, including alcoholic drinks on return journey
– Tea, coffee, and water fountain always available for self-service
– Environmentally friendly plant-based wetsuits and all dive/snorkel equipment
– Taxes & Marine Park Levy

Need to Know
Must be at least 12 years old to participate. Please bring swimwear, a hat, easy slip on shoes, sunscreen, and cash for souvenirs. For guests over the age of 65, a dive medical is requested. Certified divers with medical conditions may need to provide a dive medical as well. This experience can be catered to your dietary needs. Please advise of any special dietary requirements when completing your Traveler Information Form.

(Day 6) - Free Day to Explore Cairns

Take the day and explore what could be considered the capital of the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns!

A major outlet to the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest amongst its many attractions, the tropical paradise of Cairns is sure to enchant you. With many area activities centrally located there’s enough to occupy everyone in the family because Cairns literally has it all! Have a visit to the Esplanade where you can experience all walks of life and make memories. With a nightlife that caters to singles and families alike you’re visit will be filled with so many things to do, so take a deep breath and have fun!

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - Wildlife Dome

The Cairns Wildlife Dome is a spectacular all-weather wildlife exhibit, encased by a 20-meter-high glass dome right in the heart of Cairns. You’ll be immersed in a rainforest environment whilst parrots, cockatoos, lorikeets, and other birds native to the Wet Tropics region fly freely around, with the opportunity to observe free-roaming rainforest wallabies and view bettongs, curlews, frogmouths, kookaburras, frogs, turtles, pythons, crocodiles and lizards.

Enjoy included guided tours, daily interactive animal presentations, and great photo opportunities. You’ll have a blast as you watch the afternoon feedings, get up close with a crocodile, watch the free flying birds, cuddle with furry friends and watch the nocturnal creatures awaken. Don’t miss out on taking your photo with a koala (own expense)! If you do, “No worries!” – your ticket is good for re-entry for up to 4 additional days.

Cairns ZOOM & Wildlife Dome is home to the world’s first Challenge Ropes Course in a wildlife park! If you are looking for some adventure, be sure to add-on a ZOOM activity.
 
Included Wildlife Shows:
Cockatoo Feeding Tour, Reptile Show, Koala Talk, Crocodile Show, Nocturnal Mammals Show

Operates
Daily (Excluding Christmas Day, December 25); 9:00am – 6:15pm Sunday – Friday & 9:00am – 8:00pm Saturday

Need to Know
Minimum age for any ZOOM activity is 6 years. Height & Weight Restrictions apply to ZOOM Activities (not included). Pre-existing medical conditions: It is your responsibility to assess whether you are fit enough to take part in ZOOM activities. A waiver will be required. Pregnant women ineligible to participate in ZOOM activities. Skirts and dresses not allowed. Enclosed footwear with good grip recommended – no sandals. Long hair must be tied back.

Upgrades
Koala or Reptile Photo; Private Wildlife Experience; Zoom Activities, choose 1 or more: Mid-ZOOM or Hi-Zoom – Experience adventure at varying heights and levels of difficulty on the Mid-ZOOM and Hi-ZOOM courses, with 65 elements of crossings and ziplines: including one which takes you directly over our 13-foot saltwater crocodile! The PowerJump – a free-fall adventure with a 13m drop; DomeClimb – offers spectacular views of the city, the Coral Sea and surrounding landscapes. The Pirate Climb; Commando Rope Climb; Slack Line

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - ATV Quad bike tour in the Kuranda, Half day

The half day ATV Quad Bike adventure travels through tropical rainforest & creek beds, encountering spectacular unspoilt mountaintop views, and purpose built obstacles, mud pits, and motocross track on 5 acres to itself.

Half day tours operate twice daily with sessions at 9:00am and 1:30pm. Actual riding time is 2hrs and includes a pre-tour riding lesson, and safety briefing. Riders will be given plenty of practice time on the training track, and guides will asses riders to determine the trails to venture on.

The ATV Quad bikes on the fleet are Polaris 300cc, and there are also some Yamaha 90cc bikes for the kids and small adults. All bikes are fully automatic, requiring no use of a foot or hand clutch, and adopting a single hand braking method for all 4 wheels making these bikes extremely safe and fun to ride for anyone. Comfortability is also well considered with the fleet of bikes having independent quad suspension, and being shaft driven for that additional sustainability of trekking up hills and through the mud.

All riding abilities, and children ages 12yrs and up are welcome to participate. Group sizes are small and personalised with a maximum of 8 riders per group and all experience levels catered for.

Freshly made morning / afternoon tea & refreshments are served following your tour.

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - Skyrail, Kuranda Village & Scenic Railway

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. Please note: Tour may operate in reverse

Includes: Skyrail Rainforest Cableway & Kuranda Scenic Railway
Estimated Times: Departure: 8:00am Return: 5:30pm
Operation Days: Daily

(Day 7) - 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 7) - International Flight, Cairns to Auckland

Depart Cairns and fly to Auckland.

(Day 7) - International Flight, Auckland to Los Angeles

Today depart Auckland and fly to the USA. Enjoy an in-flight dinner and movie with arrival in the USA. Note: you will be traveling back across the International Date Line. Gain that day back you lost on the way over, you actually arrive in the USA on the same day you leave Auckland.

Note: Flight may include a stop over in Australia.

* Terms & Conditions

All prices are in US dollars and correct as at 1 September 2013. Pricing is from “per person” based on Double Occupancy (2 Adults) in hotels. Single Supplements apply. Upgrades available on request (upgrade supplements apply). Additional Day Tours may be purchased and added to your itinerary at a later date (prior to your USA departure). Addition of “Day Tours” or accommodation upgrades will not attract the $100 change fee, upgrade supplements will apply. This offer is subject to availability. Black-out dates and seasonal supplements may apply. No refunds are allowed. Changes are permitted (fees may apply). Other restrictions may apply. Not combineable with any other offer or discounted vacation package. About Australia reserves the right to adjust the amount of any outstanding balances at any time according to USA Exchange Rate variations. Prices may vary when you book your travel package and are not guaranteed until payment in full is received. Airlines, hotels & tour operators frequently change their prices as a result of rate increases, fuel surcharges, government imposed taxes or fees. Prices may increase prior to full payment for those and/or other reasons. All prices, itineraries and routes are subject to change. After full payment, prices are guaranteed except only due to an increase in government imposed taxes or fees. By paying your deposit, you understand and agree to the possibility of such increases. All Air New Zealand flights to Australia require a stopover in Auckland, New Zealand. It is the passenger’s responsibility to ensure all visa requirements are complied with. Contact About Australia directly to get a firm quote based on current prices for your travel dates.

Permitted Travel Dates: October 21 – November 25 & May 1 – June 8 , 2014

Book By: October 31, 2013

Book your Australian Vacation Today

Call 888-983-3739 (8:30am – 5:00pm, CT USA)

To customize this itinerary, or check ‘availability’ for your travel dates, please use the ‘Request-A-Quote’ button (below)