Trip Overview: Come experience the best of Australia in one unforgettable journey. Embark on a thrilling ride along the Gold Coast’s famous waves, explore the Great Barrier Reef in Cairns, and immerse yourself in Melbourne’s vibrant art and food scene. Discover the diversity and natural wonders of Australia in three incredible destinations – all in a single trip. This trip offers the perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and culture.
Highlights & Inclusions:
11 Days/ 9 Nights, Australia
4-Star Accommodation: Melbourne (3 Nights), Cairns (3), Sydney (3)
Private Transfers – Melbourne Airport to Accommodation, Sydney Airport to Accommodation (Return)
Shuttle Transfers – Cairns Airport to Accommodation (Return)
International Flights: Los Angeles or San Francisco to Melbourne via Auckland, Sydney to Los Angeles or San Francisco via Auckland
International Flights from Houston, Chicago, and New York available at a discounted rate – please inquire!
Australian Domestic Flights: Melbourne to Cairns, Cairns to Sydney
Permitted US Departures: April 1 – December 9, 2024. We’ll get the best deal possible! There may be other sale airfares available. Your Travel Advisor will find the best sale airfare for your selected travel dates. Black Out Dates: May 4-6 & 17-20, June 10-22, July 24-27, August 11-16, September 17-19, October 17-31, November 1-3, 2024. Lowest Price Found Departing USA: Select Mondays – Saturdays April 1-May 31; Select Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays June 1-December 5, 2024. *See Terms and Conditions for more detail
Questions about Australia’s COVID travel restrictions? We’re here for you! As specialists in travel to Australia, we are keeping up to date on all restrictions and providing our clients with the information they need to make their trip to Australia a reality.
Great news! Australia is making it easier to visit!
We will update this as often as possible, but please understand these are fluid and may change. Costs associated with travel requirements to Australia are not included in your itinerary unless specifically listed. We will update this information with approximate costs as we become aware of them.
Last Updated: 12/7/2022
Going to Australia
Travelers are reminded that it is your responsibility to ensure you meet the requirements of the airline you are traveling with and any countries you transit through.
Here’s what you need to visit Australia:
Valid visa to enter Australia (Electronic Travel Authority – also known as ETA)
Travel Agents can no longer process this on your behalf. USA Passport holders without criminal history can apply on their smartphones. Download the Australia ETA app: Google Play | Apple App Store
Avoid the following common errorsthat will hold up your application.
Name Mis-spelling – Double check your work!
Entering dates in the USA format instead of DAY – MONTH- YEAR
Mixing up the SURNAME and FIRST NAME Fields
ETAs can ONLY be processed through the official Australian ETA App on your smart phone.
Do not search for Australian ETA on your computer.
Using the WRONG app – 3rd Party Apps can NOT Process ETAs, they may be able to get Visa’s but it is not the quick ETA Visa. This will slow down your processing time.
If you are unable to complete the ETA application can apply for a standard Tourist Visa – subclass 600 – via a web form. Processing time is currently about 3 weeks.
Questions? Call the Global Service Center BEFORE submitting your application to ensure quick processing times.
Sun-Kissed Beaches, Urban Delights and World-Renowned Landmarks…. the Best of Australia’s Icons in One Trip!
We know the secret to a longer life.
It’s found in the promise of unique experiences in a new place. It’s found in the exciting challenges of exploring where you’ve never traveled before.
Studies repeatedly show that travel can lead to a longer life and, in fact, seem to slow down time.
And what better way to live a longer life than a trip discovering the incredible contrasts of Australia?
When you travel Down Under, you’re traveling through a perfect blend of sun-drenched beaches and world-class cities. The vibrancy emanating from these cities, metropolitan paradises framed within coastal splendors, is a uniquely Australian vibe found nowhere else in the world.
A vibe most only dream about experiencing.
Start living the dream and experience the best of Australia with our Melbourne, Great Barrier Reef & Sydney Vacation!
Melbourne
Begin your vacation in Melbourne, Australia’s undisputed cool kid. Here, enjoying the finer things in life is not reserved for a special occasion – it’s simply the way of life.
A passion for all things art, music and food touches every corner of the city – even the coffee is blended with an artful flourish that will raise your standards to an unparalleled level.
You’ll spend 3 nights in a 4-star apartment-style hotel located in the heart of the city.
There’s an unmistakably European feel about the city, with a whole world of vibrant cafes, restaurants, coffee shops and bars tucked within its central laneways.
Upgrade to our Add Tours Package to include a guided walking tour of Melbourne’s dynamic laneways.
So what’s all the fuss about Melbourne’s laneways? Where are all these amazing cafes and coffee shops everyone talks about? This small group tour takes you deep into the hidden treasures of Melbourne, into the secret hot spots only known by locals. You won’t find these gems in a guide book.
Join a passionate, local guide who knows the ins and outs of Melbourne’s laneways and historic shopping plazas, often missed by tourists.
Visit eclectic boutiques, quirky cafes and delightful shops as you stroll down narrow alleyways coated in fascinating street art.
Learn the history behind the pockets of Victorian architecture dotted throughout the lanes.
Return to your favorite spots after your tour or grab lunch at a restaurant that caught your eye – when in Melbourne, do as the locals do!
Your days are free to explore Melbourne, and soon you’ll see why it’s considered Australia’s most stylish city. Go gallery hopping and explore Melbourne’s art district with a stop at the National Gallery of Victoria. Or visit Phillip Island, where you can meet native Australian wildlife and catch the famous Phillip Island Fairy penguins as they return home to their burrows in Summerland Beach.
The exciting energy pulsing through Melbourne will captivate the heart of any city lover. You’ll be dreaming of this dynamic city for days to come.
Ready for some sunshine?
Cairns
From Melbourne you’ll head to Cairns, the gateway to Australia’s tropical north. Here, suits and ties are exchanged for shorts and sunglasses. Days feel like an extended happy hour and nights are primed for enjoying the laid-back atmosphere.
You’ll spend 2 nights in a 4.5-star accommodation located in the heart of Cairns. The main shopping district, Reef Hotel Casino, Cairns Esplanade and Trinity Harbour are right at your doorstep.
And right on Cairns’ doorstep is the Great Barrier Reef, one of the world’s most treasured natural assets.
Upgrade to our Add Tours Package to include a day trip of cruising, snorkeling and swimming at the Great Barrier Reef.
No trip to Cairns is complete without seeing the Great Barrier Reef. With our Add Tours Package, we include a top-rated reef cruise to experience this natural wonder for yourself.
See bright tropical fish, sea turtles and giant clams mix with the mesmerizing colors of coral gardens.
If you have never snorkeled before, don’t worry – a briefing is held on board, explaining how to put on and use the snorkeling gear.
Enjoy a tropical buffet lunch on board and warm up with fresh, hot water showers.
Upgrade your reef adventure with an intro to scuba diving lesson – no experience necessary!
You’ve seen glamorous Melbourne and the tropical oasis of Cairns – now get ready for the perfect blend of city and coastal splendor in Sydney.
Sydney
After relaxing in the tropics you’ll head to Sydney, Australia’s famous harbor city. As your plane descends and you catch your first glimpse of the Opera House sails, gleaming against the sparkling harbor, you’ll be absolutely captivated. This sun-kissed city is the envy of harbor cities around the world, framed by stunning beaches and iconic cityscapes.
You’ll stay 3 nights in a stylish and comfortable accommodation conveniently located between Darling Harbour and the Sydney central business district, the perfect base for exploring the city.
Your days are free to discover Sydney’s endless charms. There’s always a spot to roll out a towel on one of its gorgeous beaches. Explore the fantastic food scene at waterfront restaurants and cozy eateries tucked within the city’s central lanes.
Explore Sydney like a Local!
When in one of the world’s top harbor cities, a cruise is a must! Upgrade with our Add Tours Package to include a Sydney Harbour Cruise Hop-On Hop Off Pass for cruise along the harbor.
Stop at sites such as Manly Beach, Taronga Zoo, Shark Island, and Watsons Bay
Cruise past iconic sights such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House.
Enjoy smartphone commentary along with printed maps and highlights.
Hop off and explore each stop at your leisure, or simply enjoy the cruise from the indoor and outdoor decks.
In Sydney, one moment you can be strolling through towering buildings and bustling lanes, and the next you’ll see a clearing of glistening water stretching into the ocean.
However you choose to spend your time in Sydney, we’re sure you’ll want your time Down Under to never end.
The best part? You didn’t have to stress out about your trip by planning a single thing.
Not ready to say goodbye?
Making the trek to this side of the world is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Why not see more of it with a few days in New Zealand?
Embarking on a journey to the Land Down Under, one cannot ignore the magnetic allure of neighboring New Zealand.
That’s why we’ve got you covered with our Add New Zealand package!
Continue your adventure to the breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand, where majestic mountains meet crystal clear lakes, and lush green forests stretch as far as the eye can see. Explore the untamed beauty of this South Pacific paradise and immerse yourself in its unique Maori culture.
This package includes everything in the Classic Australia Getaway plus:
3 Nights in Queenstown, a wintry wonderland nestled within the snowy Remarkables mountain range
2 Nights in Rotorua, a tranquil city rich in lush forests, geothermal wonders, and Maori traditions
2 Nights in Auckland, the city of sails, where the bustling city life meets serene beaches.
Flights to get you from Australia to New Zealand and domestic New Zealand flights.
Private airport transfers in Queenstown and Auckland
We’re big fans of making sure you hit everything you want to see on your vacation.
Our Ultimate Australia and New Zealand Getaway Package combines everything in the Add Tours AND Add New Zealand Packages for the ultimate South Pacific vacation you’ll never forget!
Upgrade to our Ultimate Australia and New Zealand Getaway for the best value
Day Tours – Melbourne: Laneways and Arcades Foodie Tour; Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Cruise and Snorkel; Sydney Hop on Hop Off Cruise, Opera House Tour; Queenstown: Milford Sound Cruise; Rotorua: Te Po Maori Cultural Performance & Dinner, Hobbiton Movie Set Tour from Rotorua to Auckland; Auckland: Hop-On Hop-Off 2-Day Bus Pass
International Flights – Los Angeles or San Francisco to Melbourne via Auckland, Sydney to Queenstown, Auckland to Los Angeles or San Francisco
Australian Domestic Flights – Melbourne to Cairns, Cairns to Sydney
New Zealand Domestic Flights – Queenstown to Rotorua
Private Transfers – Melbourne Airport to Accommodation (Return), Sydney Airport to Accommodation (Return), Queenstown Airport to Accommodation (Return), Auckland Accommodation to Airport
Shuttle Transfers – Cairns Airport to Accommodation (Return)
Putting together all the parts of a trip to the other side of the world can be overwhelming. From booking flights and hotels to communicating with shuttle services and tours, making sure everything goes smoothly can be a full-job.
Luckily, that is our full-time job! As experts in Australian travel, we put trips like these together all day. From the moment you speak to our Destination Specialists to your plane touching down back home after your vacation, we’ll make sure every aspect of your trip goes without a hitch. Let’s begin your Australian journey today!
All prices are in US dollars and correct as of September 12, 2019. Pricing is from “per person” based on Double Occupancy (2 Adults) in hotels. Single Supplements apply. Upgrades available on request (upgrade supplements apply). No refunds allowed. Changes are permitted (fees may apply). Other restrictions may apply. Not combinable 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. All taxes, GST & Fuel Levies are included in the Price unless specified otherwise. Prices may vary when you book your travel package and are not guaranteed until payment in full is received. Airlines, hotels and 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 routings 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.
Flights, where included, will be operated by Qantas or their code-share partners; flight Taxes & Fuel levy included; Economy Flight Class of Service. Flights maybe based on Fares which can not be held in advance of purchase, same day ticketing may be required.
Visa required additional $15 per person.
Permitted US Departure Dates: February 1 – August 15, 2020.
Starting Price can be found departing the USA select dates March 31 – June 10, 2020.
Subject to availability. Blackout dates and seasonal supplements will apply; these vary by travel vendor and are subject to change. Travel may be permitted outside the dates listed, but may attract seasonality or special event surcharges. Known Special Events that will increase price are as follows:
Melbourne:
March 12 – 15, 2020
Cairns:
December 31, 2019
Sydney:
On or around June 5 and July 10, 2020.
All hotels are centrally located, inspected and approved by About Australia. Hotels may be substituted for similar hotels based on availability.
Bedding Configuration is as follows:
Melbourne: 1 Queen (2 Queens available at an additional charge)
Cairns: 1 King or 2 Singles (subject to availability)
Sydney: 1 Queen (2 Queens available at an additional charge)
Tour Restrictions:
Phillip Island Tour: Does Not Operate on December 25.
Great Barrier Reef Tour: Price does not include transfers, but Marlin Jetty is a very short walk from your hotel. Transfers can be added on request (additional cost). Departure subject to weather conditions. Does not operate on Christmas. This tour may require $20AUD EMC, Port Authority & fuel levy per person per day to be paid at Check-in.
Melbourne Foodie Tour: Does not operate on Sundays. Not a great option for small children.
Sydney Hop On Hop Off: Special Prices and conditions apply on selected special event dates including but not limited to February 14 & Vivid Sydney (Late May – Early June)
Contact About Australia directly to get a firm quote based on current prices for your preferred travel dates.
About Australia is proud to be an ARC Accredited Agency, part of the most select group of dedicated professionals in the U.S. travel industry recognized as having met stringent financial, personnel, and security requirements. About Australia’s ARC # 45581863