9 Days: - Pristine Tasmania & Sydney [ST-TAS1]
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Highlights & Inclusions
  • Accommodation - Hobart (5 Nights), Sydney (2)
  • US Domestic Flights - may be included in firm quote
  • International Flights - Los Angeles to Sydney (Return) (See pricing table below)
  • Australian Domestic Flights - Sydney to Hobart (Return)
  • Shuttle Transfers - Hobart Airport to Accommodation (Return), Sydney Airport to Accommodation (Return)
  • Day Tours - Hobart: Port Arthur with Tasman Island Cruise, Female Factory, Mt Wellington, Hobart Tour; Sydney: Opera House Tour
  • 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 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) - Australian Domestic Flight, Sydney to Hobart

Travel within Australia by domestic air from Sydney to Hobart, Tasmania.

(Day 2) - Shuttle Transfer, Hobart Airport to Accommodation

Travel by coach from the Hobart Airport to your hotel.

The standard luggage limit of two items per passenger applies and each must be less than 20 kilos. Extra luggage (bikes surfboards golf clubs etc.) will be charged at the applicable rate. Please advise the shuttle company upon reservation confirmation so appropriate trailer size is available.

(Day 2 to 7) - 5 Nights Accommodation in Hobart

Travel to your accommodation in Tasmania, Australia, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 5 nights.

Renowned for spacious rooms and friendly hospitality, this property is centrally located – within a stone’s throw of the city centre and just a block from Hobart’s waterfront. From here it’s just a gentle stroll to Salamanca Place and its legendary market, restaurants, harbour and waterside festivities, such as the annual Taste of Tasmania.

(Day 3) - Day Tour, Port Arthur with Tasman Island Cruise

Experience the spectacular wildlife and scenery of Tasmania’s southern coastline with a full day cruise along the Tasman Peninsula and visit the Port Arthur Historic Site where Australia’s convict history comes alive!

Towering cliff walls, cascading waterfalls, frolicking dolphins, playful seals and sunbathing Tasmanian devils – this is not your regular sightseeing tour. This is a tour of Tasmania’s incredible natural beauty and wildlife.

Your full day tour will begin with a bus ride from Hobart to the Tasman Peninsula, so sit back and relax as your friendly bus driver shares their warm disposition and expert knowledge of the region along the way. Enjoy morning tea on the Tasman Peninsula and prepare for a three-hour cruise wilderness cruise on our safe, fast and comfortable boats.

Marvel at the high cliff walls, spot dolphins and seals and if you’re lucky, you might spot a migrating whale! Be sure to bring a camera – you’ll want to capture these magnificent sights to look back on.

After your cruise you’ll enjoy lunch at Port Arthur, and once you’ve had your hearty fill prepare for Australia’s best-known symbol of its convict past.

Over its long history, Port Arthur has been a place of hardship and punishment, a place of opportunity, and a place of leisure. Now it is one of Australia’s most important heritage destinations, where the story of Australia’s colonial history is written in stone and brick.

Meet some of the people who have passed through this place, walk where their stories unfolded, and learn about Port Arthur’s evolution from a feared convict settlement to a World Heritage-listed Historic Site and world-class tourist destination.

Operates:
Daily, except Christmas Day
Departs 7:30am, Returns 6:00pm

Includes:
– Morning tea
– Lunch
– Three-hour wilderness cruise
– Entry to the Port Arthur Historical Site
– Return transfers from central Hobart to Port Arthur

Need to Know:
Please wear warm, comfortable clothing and non-slip shoes. Please bring a jacket, scarf, gloves and camera.

(Day 4 & 6) - Free Day to Explore Hobart

Rest, Relax or Explore Hobart

Hobart is Tasmania’s harbour capital, located in the south-east of the state at the foot of majestic Mount Wellington.

Head down to Salamanca Place where you will find 19th-century waterfront warehouses dating back to the 1830s whaling days. Today, they house cafes, restaurants, galleries and art studios, the ideal place to wander or enjoy alfresco dining.

Polished glass winks in the windows of settlers’ cottages in nearby Battery Point, and brass doorknobs gleam in the lofty porches of colonial edifices. Hobart is a city of warm sandstone, bright spinnakers on the water, fish punts at the docks and coffee under the sun umbrellas of Salamanca where the famous Salamanca Market is held every Saturday.

Square-riggers still put out on the River, tacking among the yachts and fishing boats. Parliament House looks out on its lawns, once the market garden for old Hobart Town and historic Government House sits serenely in its park on the city’s northern fringe, where cows graze as they always have in their city-centre paddock.

Get involved in Hobart’s busy arts scene. You can take in art, craft, music and theatre at Salamanca Arts Centre and the surrounding warehouses. Learn about the Island and the city’s history and contemporary life at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery on Macquarie Street. The already world famous MONA has redefined both art and ‘museuming’, and is just 15mins from downtown. Drive in, or cruise upriver for a unique experience.

You can hang out to the sounds of South American flutes, pub rock, street buskers and string quartets, and theatrical performances both classic and contemporary. In galleries and studios, our artists and craftspeople make bold and beautiful statements in pigments, metal, wood, glass, pottery and fabrics.

Just out of the city you can visit some of Tasmania’s finest wineries, head up the mountain for a walk to the springs or travel down The Channel towards Bruny Island.

Photo Credit: Tourism Tasmania & Peter Baillie

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - Wineglass Bay & Freycinet - Full Day

Visit one of the world’s top 10 beaches, take in the azure blue waters and white sand that make this region famous. Freycinet is rugged and dramatic with the friendliest wallabies ever!

Wineglass Bay is nestled in the Freycinet National Park on the East Coast of Tasmania. One of Tasmania’s first National Parks this is a coastal area rich in stunning landscapes. Pink granite mountains form the backdrop for secluded bays, pristine waters, white sandy beaches, local wildlife and walking trails.

This tour will pick you up at your Hobart accommodation. Following the coastline north, your see amazing views of Maria Island and quant seaside town on the way to Freycinet National Park.

Walk as a group to the Wineglass Bay Lookout, this is a moderate uphill walk of around 45 minutes. Once at the top you are rewarded with that world – famous view of Wineglass Bay and the stunning Freycinet National Park. Enjoy the moment, take in the views and let our guides help you with those sought after photographs. The walk to Wineglass Bay Lookout is one of the Great Short Walks of Tasmania and requires good mobility and adequate fitness.

From the Lookout you have the option to return to the start of the walk with your tour guide, or keen walkers can choose to spend the rest of the time completing the walk down to Wineglass beach.

Wineglass Bay Beach Walk – This is a 2.5 hr return walk and adequate fitness is required.  You’ll have ample time to do the full walk to Wineglass Bay Beach and return.  Once on the beach you can enjoy our lunch in this stunning setting, jump in the pristine waters for a swim, or wander along the white sands.  This is one of the most rewarding walks in Tasmania!

If you prefer to select the shorter walking option, return from the Wineglass Bay Lookout with your Tour Guide and explore other areas of Freycinet National Park.  Visit Honeymoon Bay, Sleepy Bay, Cape Tourville Lighthouse & Great Short Walk.

After 4-5 hours at Freycinet National Park, you’ll return to Hobart with a few awesome stops along the way!

Operates
Daily, except Sundays

Times
Full Day Tour, 12 Hours
Approx. 7:30am – 7:00pm

Highlights & Inclusions
– Pick Up/ Drop Off at Hobart Accommodations
– Freycinet National Park (4+ hours)
– Wineglass Bay Lookout walk
– Honeymoon Bay
– Sleepy Bay
– Cape Tourville lookout and walk
– Optional longer walk to Wineglass Bay Beach
– Freycinet Marine Farm
– Kate’s Berry Farm – delicious!
– Small Group Tour
– Professional guides & interpretative walks

Need to Know

– Children under 8 years are not permitted.
– Lunch, Snacks and Beverages are not supplied, please pack your own or bring funds to purchase on the way.
Things to bring: Day Pack, Water Bottle, Camera, Sun Hat, Sunscreen, Warm Weatherproof Jacket, Good Walking Shoes, Bathing Suit, Towel

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - Bruny Island Traveller (Full Day)

Taste your way across Bruny Island visiting some of our favorite artisan producers on an all-inclusive gourmet adventure whilst taking in the spectacular scenery of Tasmania’s favorite island.

Be prepared for a delicious day out where you will enjoy award winning cheeses, premium wines and beer, freshly shucked oysters, handcrafted fudge, local honey and a delicious lunch at a beachside restaurant with sweeping views of Adventure Bay.

Meet and hear the stories of island producers including an exclusive cheese and beer experience at Bruny Island Cheese company and sweet taste sensations from Bruny Island Chocolate Company and Bruny Island Honey.

Get Shucked’s famous Bruny oysters will be served alongside lunch. We recommend the premium Tasmanian fish, chips and salad to keep you fueled as you continue exploring.

Be inspired by island anecdotes of flora, fauna and history as told by our guides and storytellers. See local aboriginal artefacts. Wonder at the Bligh Museum, with tall tales of Adventure Bay explorers.

Take in the glorious views from the iconic Neck Lookout, climbing the 240 wooden steps to take in the narrow isthmus between north and south Bruny Island. Step back in time with a walk through the ancient Mavista Rainforest and breathe in the cleanest air as you stroll under the towering canopy. Keep an eye out for the rare white wallabies.

Operates:
Daily, except Christmas Day
Departs 7:45am, Returns 6:00pm

Includes:
– Return transfers from central Hobart accommodation
– Ferry crossing to Bruny Island
– Tastings along tour route
– Lunch with oysters and entrée
– Two glasses of wine, beer, cider or local juices
– Entry to Bligh Museum

Need to Know:
Please wear warm, comfortable clothing and non-slip shoes. Please bring a jacket, camera and form of payment for purchases at local producers.

(Day 5) - Day Tour, Female Factory, Mt Wellington, Hobart Tour - Half Day

Be mesmerized by the dramatic setting and breathtaking views of Hobart Town from majestic Mt Wellington. Crowned by alpine vegetation, dusted by snow in winter, Mt Wellington enables a glimpse of the unfolding panorama of river, fields and the aquatic setting of Hobart town. Fare Includes city touring, commentary, and city hotel pick-up.

THINGS YOU’LL DO:

  • Mt Wellington guided tour up the mountain, with a stop at the spectacular summit
  • Stops at Cascade Gardens where you can view the outside of the historic Cascade Brewery building
  • Stops at the Female Factory

Tour Operates: Monday through Saturday (November 1 – April 30) & Tuesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday (May 1 – October 31)
Departs: 9:15am, Returns: 11:30am

(Day 7) - Shuttle Transfer, Hobart Accommodation to Airport

Travel by coach from your hotel to the Hobart Airport.

The standard luggage limit of two items per passenger applies and each must be less than 20 kilos. Extra luggage (bikes surfboards golf clubs etc.) will be charged at the applicable rate. Please advise the shuttle company upon reservation confirmation so appropriate trailer size is available.

(Day 7) - Australian Domestic Flight, Hobart to Sydney

Travel within Australia by domestic air from Hobart to Sydney.

(Day 7) - 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.

(Day 7 to 9) - 2 Nights Accommodation in Sydney

Travel to your accommodation in the heart of Sydney, Australia, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 2 nights.

Located in the heart of the action, your accommodation is a perfect Sydney accommodation base for those staying on business or enjoying a city break. From shopping and dining to superstar concerts and musicals. The ibis Sydney World Square boasts the best address without breaking your budget so you can enjoy it all. Sydney’s tourist spots offer endless indoor and outdoor entertainment options from museums, restaurants, bars and nightclubs to the tranquil Chinese Gardens and relaxed harbour cruising to make the most of the Sydney’s stunning waterfront.

(Day 7) - 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.

(Day 8) - 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 Day Tour (Not Included) - Sydney Harbour Bridgeclimb

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.

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - Sydney Harbour Cruise Express Pass

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:
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).

Optional Evening Tour (Not Included) - Opera Australia Performance

Enjoy a spectacular performance at the Sydney Opera House.

No trip to Sydney is complete without a visit to its most famous building. And the best thing to do when you visit the Sydney Opera House is to come inside and see an opera performance.

Opera is a vital part of Australia’s cultural landscape. The world’s best loved operas are performed under the iconic sails of the Sydney Opera House. Performances are broadcast in cinemas, on national television and ABC radio.

Operates

Summer Opera Season: January – April
Winter Opera Season: July – October

Need to Know

Ticket prices vary by depending on the type of performance and seats. Please contact an About Australia Destination Specialist to confirm your booking.

Casual dress is acceptable.

Times

Performance times vary by date. Please contact an About Australia Destination Specialist to confirm your booking.

Inclusions

Performance ticket.

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 9) - Shuttle Transfer, Sydney Accommodation to Airport

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

(Day 9) - International Flight from Sydney

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.

Packages by About Australia, a fully bonded and ARC Accredited travel company.