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

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 within Australia by domestic air from Brisbane to Gladstone.

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).

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.

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.

Travel within Australia by domestic air from Gladstone to Brisbane.

Travel within Australia by domestic air from Brisbane to Sydney.

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

Travel via shuttle to your vacation accommodation in Sydney, Australia.

Travel to your accommodation in Sydney, Australia, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 4 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

On your vacation explore Darling Harbour in Sydney, Australia with this unlimited full day pass, or take the 1 1/2 hour round trip cruise and see all the main harbour sights with commentary.

Hop On and Hop Off at up to seven famous harbour attractions with this unlimited full day pass, or simply take the 1 1/2 hour round trip cruise and see all the main harbour sights with commentary.

The Harbour Express stops at the following tourist attractions:

Fort Denison: The historic island and cafe in the middle of Sydney Harbour.

Taronga Zoo: Discover Australia’s amazing wildlife including koalas, platypus and kangaroos.

Shark Island: This island national park is the perfect destination for a BYO picnic lunch, complete with a small beach area for swimming.

Watson’s Bay: Home of Doyle’s famous seafood restaurant and only a short walk to beautiful harbour swimming beaches, HMAS Watson and headland parks.

Luna Park: Sydney’s famous fun park with rides and games, or walk across the Harbour Bridge from Milsons Point station.

Darling Harbour: Aquarium & Wildlife World, Australian Maritime Museum, shops, restaurants and only a short stroll or Monorail to Sydney Tower, Star City Casino, Powerhouse Museum and China Town.

Circular Quay: The Rocks historic precinct, weekend markets, Opera House, Royal Botanic Gardens and Harbour Bridge pylon. (Additional Fees apply for Park Entry to Fort Denison, Shark Island & Taronga Zoo).

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.

The Blue Mountains Deluxe Day is a real journey into the heart of a unique World Heritage Region. From temperate rainforests to towering sandstone escarpments, you’ll see and experience it all. Let the landscape work its wonders and become part of you for a lifetime.

Upon departing from the city, you will travel directly to the Blue Mountains and your first stop of the day is at Calmsley Hill Farm a working farm also home to Kangaroo, Emu, Wombat and Koala. Enjoy morning tea and time to wander at leisure.

From Calmsley Hill you will continue to ascend the Blue Mountains via the highway. Visit one of a range of stunning outlooks of the Jamison Valley seeing beautiful vistas. Where possible this will be away from the crowds of tours that visit the mountains each day with other operators, thus you will have the opportunity to enjoy a stress and hurry free environment taking in the views and information imparted by your guide.

Continuing on you will arrive at Eaglehawk Lookout, a remote lookout points away from the crowds for views of the famous 3 Sisters. Whilst the Blue Mountains features so much more than this natural attraction you can’t help but admire the unquestionable beauty of this amazing rock formation. The character of the Three Sisters changes throughout the day and throughout the seasons as the sunlight brings out the magnificent colors. Here your guide will discuss the legends behind this famous rock formation and time available for you to take some great photos.

Next you will be taken around the mountain towards the village of Blackheath and our lunch venue the Boiler House Cafe. Here in this relaxed venue with stunning views, you can enjoy a 2-course lunch with tea or coffee. All diets are catered for (excluding Kosher Meals). Please note that beverages can be purchased at your own expense from the Bar.

The afternoon is spent visiting a selection of lookouts. Once you clap your eyes on the view from Govetts Leap you’ll know why it’s one of the most famous lookouts in Australia. The magnificent waterfall drops a whopping 180m to the base of the cliff. If you’re not mesmerized by the dancing waves of water spray, you’ll be transfixed by the sweeping views down the valley to the Grose Wilderness.

Then take a brief stop to enjoy a glass of sparkling wine or orange juice at the delightful Mt Tomah Botanic Gardens, where you can enjoy the sweeping views across to Sydney before traveling down the Bells Line of Road to arrive back at your hotel approximately 4:30pm.

Operates

Daily.

Need to Know

This is a specialized small group tour with a maximum group size of 17 passengers.
Minimum of 2 guests required for tour departure.

Times

Pick-up from Sydney CBD hotel between: 7:00am – 7:30am.
Drop-off at Sydney CBD hotel between: 4:30pm – 5:00pm.
 
Inclusions

– Professional Guide
– Hotel pickup & drop off from Sydney CBD
– Small group touring
– Morning tea
– National Park Fees
– 2-Course Lunch (Beverages with meals are not included)
– Glass of Sparkling Wine
– Mt Tomah visit

Upgrades

Private Touring

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

Reach new heights and climb the famous Harbour Bridge in Sydney!

Achieve exhilaration and personal satisfaction as you climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge. For approximately 3.5 hours you and 11 other eager climbers will join a climb guide and weave through catwalks, climb up ladders and then arrive at the most spectacular point of all – the upper arch climb. The steady incline to the upper arch leaves you free to focus your attention on your Sydney experience, with opportunities for 360 degree views of Sydney, including east to the ocean, west to the mountains and the harbor city surrounds.

It is at this point that you not only have a bird’s eye view of the beautiful Sydney Harbour and the city, but have the exhilarating and rewarding experience of reaching the top of the iconic Harbour Bridge.

When you reach the top you will have a sense of achievement you’ll remember forever – you’ve conquered an Australian icon recognized the world over! No other Sydney tourist attraction can give you this feeling of standing at the top of the world, with the harbor spread before you.

All climbers will be issued a complimentary photograph of your climb group.

Operates:
Daily, in all weather conditions (except in cases of extreme weather conditions like electrical storms or high winds).

Need to Know:
– Wear comfortable, enclosed rubber-soled shoes and comfortable clothing;
– Secure lockers will be provided to store your personal belongings;
– No cameras, phones, GoPros or other video and mobile devices are allowed on the climb;
– Children ages 8 – 15 must be accompanied by an adult. Children younger than 8 are not permitted on the climb;
– Maximum of 14 people per group.

Times:
The climb lasts approximately 3.5 hours. Climbs are available at dawn (limited departures), day, twilight or night.

Inclusions:
BridgeClimb cap;
Certificate of Achievement;
A complimentary Climb Group photo.

Photo Credit: BridgeClimb Sydney.

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.

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

Blu Bar 36 is located high above the city on level 36 of the Shangri-La Hotel.

A New York inspired design the Blu Bar 36 is located high above the city on level 36 of the Shangri-La. The Blu Horizon Bar boasts the best views in Sydney incorporating stunning Blue Mountain sunsets, Opera House, harbour bridge, northern suburbs and of course the harbour.

Sleek, sophisticated and sexy summarises the Blu Horizon Bar with bragging rights guaranteed. Be sure and notice the $10,000.00 drink on the menu.

Dress Code: Smart casual

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

Depart Sydney from the International Airport and fly to Los Angeles. 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.

All prices are in US dollars and correct as of March 30, 2016. Pricing is from “per person” based on Double Occupancy (2 Adults) in hotels.  Hotel accommodations are as follows:  The Menzies Sydney (4-star) & Heron Island Resort (4-star).   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.
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.

Where flights are included they will be operated by Virgin Australia or their code-share partners. Flight Taxes & Fuel levy included; Economy Flight Class of Service; Visa required additional $15 per person. Minimum Stay in Australia of 5 Days; Maximum stay in Australia of 12 months. Tickets must be issued on or before March 31, 2016. Flights are based on Fares which may not be able to be held in advance of purchase, same day ticketing may be required. Deal is priced for travel on Midweekfares. Additional Fees will apply for travel on Weekends. Midweek fares apply Sunday through Wednesday on each transpacific sector. Weekend fares apply Thursday through Saturday on each transpacific sector. Weekend levels: Economy = Midweek + $100USD/round trip, Premium Economy = Midweek + $200USD/roundtrip, Business Class = Midweek + $1,000USD/round trip.

Vendor Specific Terms & Conditions:Heron Island Ferry Transfers not available on Tuesdays, Thursdays or on 25th December.Heron Island Accommodation is Turtle Room with Queen Bed.

Permitted Travel Dates: Travel Period (Permitted USA Departure Dates): Now through May 29, 2016, July 24 through September 16, 2016 and November 1 through November 28, 2016

Pricing reflects trips that start and end within the Permitted Travel Dates. Travel may be permitted outside the dates listed, but may attract seasonality or special event surcharges.

Blackout Dates: August 6, 2016 (Sydney). Additional Blackout Dates may apply (subject to change without notice).

Book by: June 30, 2016
Subject to availability. Blackout dates and seasonal supplements will apply; these vary by travel vendor and are subject to change. Contact About Australia directly to get a firm quote based on current prices for your preferred travel dates.