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

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).

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

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

Your 4 Star vacation accommodation is located in the heart of Melbourne, Australia. Its suites are equipped with kitchenettes, air conditioning, and ensuite bathrooms. Most are facing on to the hotel’s private European style courtyard. The vacation accommodation is close to Chinatown. Or perhaps stroll to the Southern Cross Station and travel by tram throughout the city. For the less adventurous, Melbourne is the perfect launching pad for day tours to such places like Phillip Island and Penguins, or perhaps the Great Ocean Road.

Discover the beauty of Melbourne on this morning coach tour.

The city of Melbourne is a wonderful blend of heritage architecture, modern skyscrapers and contemporary designs. Vibrant cafes and cosmopolitan restaurants, colorful parklands and beautiful waterways are all found throughout this charming city. Discover its appeal for yourself and explore the cosmopolitan city with wide boulevards and fine historic buildings. View Bourke Street Mall and the tree-lined beauty of Collins Street, the ultimate shopping strip and business center. View fine examples of Melbourne’s architectural splendor, including St. Paul’s Cathedral, and Princess and Regent Theatres. Also see Melbourne Town Hall, the Royal Exhibition Buildings and Federation Square.

Stroll around Melbourne’s spectacular Royal Botanic Gardens. Visit the picturesque Fitzroy Gardens and explore Captain Cooks Cottage (optional, additional expense). See the bustling Queen Victoria Market and tranquil Albert Park Lake. See the city’s world renowned sporting arenas, including the MCG and Rod Laver Arena (home of the Australian Tennis Open). Pay tribute to the soldiers of war at the historic Shrine of Remembrance.

View Southbank, a world of waterfront shopping, dining and arts incorporating the Southgate Arts and Leisure Precinct and Crown Entertainment Complex (casino). Cross the West Gate Bridge for amazing views of the city skyline as well as the scenic bay side suburbs, St. Kilda and Albert Park.

Operates
Daily, except December 25 & January 1. Tour departs at 8:00am and returns at 11:50am, lasting approximately 3.5 – 4 hours.

Need to Know
Tour departs and returns at Federation Square. Wear warm layers during cooler months.

Inclusions
– Experienced driver guide
– Comprehensive commentary
– Travel in an air-conditioned coach

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

Travel within Australia by Domestic Air from Melbourne to Launceston Tasmania.

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.

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

Relax in your 4 star accommodation at the Quality Hotel Gateway in Devonport. Enjoy your stay at the largest hotel in Devonport located in the heart of Devonport’s CBD. Your room features a king size bed and ensuite with walk-in shower. Your room also includes many modern facilities like a color TV (with remote control), Mini bar, DVD player (on request) and direct dial phone. There are 3 function rooms available for guests suitable for business conferences, social events, weddings and more. Also, you can enjoy fine cuisine at the La Pomme Brasserie conveniently located in your hotel. This is your gateway to Tasmania’s Cradle region and Cradle Mountain.

Upgrade available for the Deluxe Spa rooms

Free time to rest, relax or explore the wonderful city of Devonport – Australia’s market garden! There are many specialty shops and boutiques to discover while visiting Devonport. Also, try the savory, local cuisine at one of the city’s many restaurants. Devonport has many attractions for visitors to see and experience!

Event Check-In Address:

GR8 Ride Cycles
46/48 Don Rd
Devonport TAS 7310

Cycle through the scenic Echo Valley on this challenging 220km ride in the Cradle Coast region of Tasmania. The Cycle Isle Gran Fondo tests your endurance by taking you through various terrains. Unpredictable weather conditions will add to your excitement and challenge your true abilities! Experience this amazing challenge of a lifetime in the beautiful wilderness of Tasmania, an island like no other in the world.

Not only will you be able to test your limits, you will have the opportunity to cycle through one of the most beautiful regions of Tasmania with a landscape that will inspire you to keep pushing yourself to the end! The event will be held on November 28, 2015 in Devonport, Tasmania. Also, indulge in cool climate wines and fine foods as well as fresh, local produce after the event. Experience Tasmania and discover the natural, untouched landscape of this unique island state.

Event: 28th November 2015

Registration for the event is online – https://cycleisle.com.au/

Registration opens on February 1, 2015 and closes November 21, 2015 at midnight. The entry fee is $165 per entrant.

Event packs will be collected when checking-in on Friday, 27th November 2015. Event packs will include cycling jersey and cap, bike and helmet numbers, bib number, luggage tag, plastic bag, ID wrist band(s) and sponsor promotional products. Refunds will be granted up to 8 weeks prior to the event. $10 cancellation fee will apply. There will be 6 aid stations to assist the riders along the course all with toilet facilities. First aid will also be available from qualified medical officers. You are not allowed to use your ipod or music player during the event. It is an open course with normarl road rules applying so you need to be aware of traffic around you at all times. Photo Credit – Cycle Isle Gran Fondo

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

Travel within Australia by domestic air from Launceston to Melbourne.

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

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

Your 4 Star vacation accommodation is located in the heart of Melbourne, Australia. Its suites are equipped with kitchenettes, air conditioning, and ensuite bathrooms. Most are facing on to the hotel’s private European style courtyard. The vacation accommodation is close to Chinatown. Or perhaps stroll to the Southern Cross Station and travel by tram throughout the city. For the less adventurous, Melbourne is the perfect launching pad for day tours to such places like Phillip Island and Penguins, or perhaps the Great Ocean Road.

Today you’ll have the day free to Explore Melbourne City’s vast shopping centres, markets and boutiques, maybe do some souvenir shopping.

Melbourne is a Multicultural City boasting many boutique cafes, wineries and extensive shopping. You’ll also find it very easy to get around on the trains and trams, especially within the inners of Melbourne.

Photo Credit: Tourism Victoria

Journey into the ancestral lands of the Kulin nation and explore their rich and thriving culture on this award winning walk in the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. Experience a traditional smoking ceremony with our Indigenous Guides and learn about traditional uses of plants for food and medicine.

In the heart of Melbourne, the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens occupy what was once a traditional camping and meeting place for the Boonwurrung and Woiwurrung people. Today, you can participate in one of the most interesting walking tours in the city. Local Aboriginal guides take you on a journey which incorporates the themes of spirit, connection and land. Stories and culture of the original inhabitants are introduced, along with the plant lore of traditional foods and medicine, tools and ceremony on this award-winning tour.

Tours every Monday to Thursday and Sunday.
Tours do not operate on Anzac Day or 4th Nov.

Flinders Lane is home to some of Melbourne’s finest Aboriginal and contemporary Art.

Flinders Lane is home to aboriginal and contemporary art styles that any art enthusiast would enjoy. Take a stroll down Flinders Lane and you will see that it boasts many dynamic art galleries, including several that focus solely on Aboriginal paintings, ceramics, sculptures and other artifacts.

Mingle with visitors and locals alike at the centre of the city known as Melbourne’s meeting place, Federation Square! Showcasing a creative mix of attractions it boasts 15 restaurants, cafes and bars and over 2000 events annually making this a must see in Melbourne!

Winner of the 2006 and 2007 Victorian Tourism Awards, Federation Square embraces some of the world’s most stunning architecture with a wide array of attractions. Situated on the traditional lands of the Kulin Nation the Square supports the nation’s contemporary expression and values the heritage and traditions of the indigenous people of this area. Be sure to check out the Atrium, a major challenge made of glass, steel and zinc.

Flanked by Zinc, this centre provides access to The Square which features the paved sandstone cobbles from Western Australia and spectacular views of the City, Southbank and the Yarra River. Don’t forget to make a stop off at the Wharf which offers up the Riverland Bar and Cafe, Hire-A-Bike, Ferry Boat Drop off and Pick Up Service.

If you just happen to be in Melbourne on a Thursday night be sure to take advantage of the late night program! Open until 9pm, the Ian Potter Centre is the world’s first major gallery dedicated exclusively to Australian art which showcases a spectacular array of over 20 galleries housed within this landmark architectural complex. Also open until 9pm, don’t miss the Australian Centre for the Moving Image which is the first centre of its kind in the world with its dedication to the moving image in all its forms – from early cinema to the latest digital media – it certainly offers a unique experience for visitors from around the globe.

Tours can be booked via the Melbourne Visitors Centre onsite at Federation Square: Tours depart daily, Monday – Saturday at 11am (50 minutes duration) Group limit: 15 people Cost: Free
Photo Credit: Federation Square

As you cruise the scenic streets of Melbourne, you will enjoy fine cuisine and drink the very best of Australian wines. The atmosphere is cosy, the service friendly and the decor as inviting as the colonial period these trams reflect.

The Colonial Tramcar Restaurant officially commenced operation in August 1983. These glossy, burgundy restaurants on wheels are the first travelling tramcar restaurants in the world and ensure a delightful innovative approach to dining. Dining aboard the Tramcar is not only a culinary delight, but also a trip into a little piece of Victoria’s history.

The tram is air-conditioned for total comfort and piped music helps to create a unique mood on wheels. Smart casual, suit or similar dress is appropriate when dining.

Early Dinner 5:45-7:15pm (Daily)

Also available: Lunch 1:00-3:00pm (On Request); Late Dinner 8:35-11:30pm (Daily)

(Please note that a surcharge will apply for Christmas Day Luncheon and New Years Eve Late dinner.)

The spectacular Great Ocean Road is one of Australia’s most popular destinations. Experience views of uninterrupted beaches, dramatic coastlines and the lush rainforest of the Otway Ranges with this small group eco-tour.

Travel west to the start of the Great Ocean Road and pass the coastal towns of Lorne and Apollo Bay. Arrive at the iconic Cape Otway Lighthouse, mainland Australia’s oldest surviving lighthouse and enjoy breathtaking views over the Southern Ocean and Bass Strait.

Discover the Shipwreck Coast, stroll along the historic beaches and see Loch Ard Gorge. Arrive at the famous 12 Apostles and descend the Gibson’s Steps, where you will be dwarfed by the high cliff line and these enormous offshore stacks. With this small tour group, there is plenty of time to get out and explore nature at its very best.

The highlights of this Great Ocean Road adventure include a visit to Bells Beach, where you’ll see one of Australia’s famous surfing beaches, world renowned for the Rip Curl Surfing Pro.

Enjoy the breathtaking view from iconic Cape Otway Lighthouse and learn about the fascinating history of the Aboriginal owners of the Gadabanud Peoples’ Cultural Centre. You will be afforded stops where you’ll see wildlife like Eastern grey kangaroos, koalas and native birds in the wild.

Pass through coastal towns of Lorne, Apollo Bay and Port Campbell. Enjoy a rainforest experience in the luscious surrounds of the Otway Rainforest and marvel at some of the tallest eucalyptus trees in Australia.

Operates
Daily except Christmas
Departs 7:00am – 8:00am and Returns 9:00pm (approx.)
April – October Departs 10:00am to 11:00am and Returns 9:00pm to Midnight (approx.)

Includes
– Return deluxe coach transfers from accomodations
– Morning tea, coffee, & cake
– Gorgeous views
– Complimentary onboard wifi
– Expert commentary

Need to Know
Request infant seats (0-3 years) or a child booster seats (4-8 years) free of charge. Please bring money for lunch. This experience can be catered to your dietary needs. Please advise of any special dietary requirements when completing your Traveler Information Form.

Phillip Island is home to an astounding array of wildlife, including Australia’s largest fur seal colony, little penguins and cuddly koalas. Get up close with the remarkable penguins and wildlife of Phillip Island.

Your unforgettable day will commence with a visit to Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Park where you are guaranteed plenty of close encounters with an array of Australian native animals like kangaroos, wombats and echidnas.

Next stop is Phillip Island where, time/season permitting, you’ll drive to Woolamai Surf Beach to catch a glimpse of the awesome waves and die-hard surfers. Following this, you then travel over to the dramatic west coast of the island. At the Nobbies, you will stroll along the boardwalk to experience the waves crashing along this dramatic coastline and perhaps spot a few seals and some penguin nests.

Finally, your Phillip Island Day Tour is not complete without its black-tie gala event: the Penguin Parade. You will first head to the Visitor Center for a chance to shop and have a coffee. Then last but certainly not least, you will meander along the boardwalk to the viewing platform. It’s time to relax and let the show begin. The little penguins will waddle ashore, decked out in their tuxedos as they hurry off to find their burrows.

At the end of the evening, your Guide will take you back to your Melbourne hotel.

Photo Credit: Visit Victoria

Operates
Daily. Does not run on Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve.
Tour Times: Summer/Daylight Savings (1st weekend October- 1st weekend April): approximately 2:00pm-11:00pm; Winter (All Other Times of the Year): approximately 1:00pm-10:30pm. Tour duration is approximately 8-9 hours.

Includes
– Return hotel transfers
– Expert guide with extensive local knowledge
– Entry to Moonlit Sanctuary
– Entry to Phillip Island Nature Park
– Penguins Plus viewing platform

Need to Know
Maximum of 11 people per tour. Bring warm and waterproof clothing. Child pricing available.

Upgrades
– Underground viewing for an up close look of the penguins
– Guided Ranger experience

Located at the southernmost tip of mainland Australia, Wilsons Promontory is a pristine wildlife haven with picturesque beach strolls to peaceful bush walks and spectacular views.

 “The Prom” as it is widely known, was the first National Park established in Australia in 1898 & remains one of Victoria’s most loved and cherished natural attractions. This pristine slice of natural wilderness will inspire and intrigue even the most discerning traveler, with its panoramic views, pristine white beaches, coastal forests, cool climate rainforests and well-preserved walking tracks.

The Prom is home to many marsupials, such as kangaroos & wombats, native birds and other native animals such as emus, which with a bit of luck you can see up-close. The best way to explore the Prom is on foot, so you will no doubt enjoy your stroll along some spectacular tracks & be entertained by the pure white quartz ‘singing sands’ of Squeaky Beach. An opportunity is available to enjoy either a gentle rainforest walk at Lilly Pilly Rainforest or amazing panoramic views from the summit of Mount Bishop which we climb via an easy to medium graded walking track.

Operates
Wednesday, Friday, & Saturday (except Christmas)
Departs 7:00am – 8:00am and Returns 8:00pm to 9:00pm (approx.)

Includes
– Park entry fees
– Expert tour guide
– Complimentary onboard Wi-Fi

Need to Know
This experience can be catered to your dietary needs. Please advise of any special dietary requirements when completing your Traveler Information Form. Please wear comfortable outdoor and weather appropriate clothing and walking shoes. Bring snacks, a water bottle, and money for meals not included in the tour. Infant seats or boosters provided if pre-booked.

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

Your International Flight arrives in Los Angeles on the same day of departure from Australia, due to your crossing of the International Dateline.

All prices are in US dollars and correct as of October 1, 2014. Taxes and Fuel levy included. Visa required additional $15 per person. Pricing is from “per person” based on Double Occupancy (2 Adults) in hotels. Single Supplements apply. Upgrades available on request (upgrade supplements apply). Subject to availability. Blackout dates may apply. Seasonal supplements will 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. 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. Contact About Australia directly to get a firm quote based on current prices for your travel dates.

Participants must register for event separately (not included in package)
Registration opens on February 1, 2015 and closes November 21, 2015 at midnight. The entry fee is $165 per entrant.
Registration for the event is online – http://cycleisle.com.au/

Book By: June 30, 2015

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