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).

Discover Australia as you travel by rental car for four days.

As part of your vacation self-drive Australia and explore our stunning landscapes, coastlines, regional towns and wildlife. Stop and meet the locals, maybe enjoy a counter meal at a local Aussie pub, or relax on the beach while sampling some takeaway fish & chips from the local deli or servo. During one of your rest stops try to spot a kangaroo, emu or even a Koala in the wild.

Please bring a valid American drivers license with you and be aware that the Australians drives on the left hand side of the road.

Base rate only paid by About Australia. GPS, Insurance, Premium Location Surcharge, Fuel and Fees to driver’s credit card.

Enjoy your scenic drive from Brisbane to the Gold Coast.

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

Your 4 1/2 Star vacation accommodation brings a new level of comfort and style to the heart of the boutique destination of Broadbeach, Australia. Just one block from patrolled surf beaches overlooking Victoria Park and directly opposite the casino and Gold Coast Convention Centre, the vacation property perfectly embodies the Mantra philosophy of providing unforgettable holidays in prime positions. Offering a range of first class facilities for guests to tailor their vacation and enhance their resort experience, the accommodation features spacious one, two and three bedroom apartments, a heated pool, 25 metre lap pool, fully equipped gymnasium, steam room, sauna & spa, barbecue area, conference facilities, games room and more.

With so much to see and do take the day to explore the many unforgettable moments of the Gold Coast!

You have your pick from action and adventure, pampering at a spa or follow your hunger on the Food & Wine Trail. Go ahead and dance til the sun comes up at Surfer’s Paradise, venture out to the deserted South Stradbroke Island or head to the lush rainforests of Lamington National Park. With easy access to Mount Tamborine, Byron Bay and the Natural Arch it makes this area the perfect spot to explore the many natural wonders. Don’t hesistate to check out the many beaches each with their own unique flavor!

Travel to the World Heritage Listed Lamington National Park and take in spectacular panoramic views of the famous Gold Coast from Tamborine Mountain.

ake in the spectacular panoramic views of the Gold Coast from Tamborine Mountain, then travel onward to O’Reilly’s for the tree top canopy walk. You will discover historic logging tracks, hear the epic adventures of early settlers, and the heroic rescue stories of the Stinsen plane crash. During your adventure, take time to sample Queensland made wines and fresh local produce!

Mt. Tambourine is a quaint mountain village in the Scenic Rim and is home to unique shopping, cottage style B&Bs, cheese factories, winemakers, art, craft outlets, and even a distillery! The gallery walk boasts over 70 art, craft, gift, and nick-nack shops and attracts thousands of visitors every year for its rainforests, waterfalls, wineries, and unforgettable Devonshire teas. O’Reilly’s National Park is a World Heritage Listed plateau in the McPherson Ranges is just 100kms (62mi) from Brisbane city and 40 minutes from the coastline. Cool, clean and green, it’s a shelter for native flora and fauna.

Operates
On Request
Departs 8:30am, Returns 5:15pm (approx.)
Does not operate on the Queen’s Birthday, Labour Day, Easter, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and Anzac Day

Includes
– Return transfers from hotel
– Gallery walk retail precinct
– Canungra Valley Vineyards and alpacas visit
– O’Reilly’s tree top walk
– O’Reilly’s Interpretive Rainforest Center

Need to Know
Please wear weather appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes. Please bring money for food and beverages, a hat, water bottle, sunscreen, and an umbrella if it is raining.

Upgrades
Lunch available at O’Reilly’s, but must be included at time of booking

Switch to island time and do as much or as little as you please on the land or in the water with this full day excursion to Tangalooma Island.

Why not escape for the day? Take advantage of a relaxing 75-minute cruise across glistening Moreton Bay to spend a few hours soaking up the tropical lifestyle at Tangalooma Island Resort. Spend the day on the world’s third largest sand island where there are over 40 activities offered, and many are absolutely FREE! Try archery, boules, tennis or swim in the beautiful waters of the bay.

Operates
Daily
Departs 7:00am, Returns 7:00pm (approx.)
Does not operate on Anzac Day

Includes
– Return transfers from hotel
– Boat cruise across Moreton Bay marine park
– Day pass access to the Resort, Use of Resort facilities including 2 swimming pools, restaurants and bars
– 1 standard beverage on the boat
– Eco Ranger Shows
– Lunch voucher $20 per adult/$15 per child (valid at any open resort food outlet)

Need to Know
Some of the activities and tours are physically demanding and may pose a health or safety risk. For your safety, you must disclose before booking if you are suffering from any injury, medical condition (such as pregnancy, epilepsy, asthma or cardiovascular conditions), disability, disease or illness which may be aggravated by participation in or may interfere with your ability to safely participate. Tour may be changed or cancelled due to extreme weather conditions.

Upgrades
Dolphin viewing; Dolphin feeding; Sunset cocktail; Snorkel the wrecks; Whale watching; Marine life cruise

From the moment you step on board our specially designed river cruiser you can take part in a range of activities such as feeding pelicans, yabbie pumping, fishing and trapping for crabs.

The highlight of the day for most of our guests is the thrill of pulling up the crab pot with its lively catch of the most sought after seafood delicacies – the Queensland mud crab, and other crabs in season. If you prefer, you can simply sitting back and enjoy the spectacular natural beauty of the tranquil and safe Terranora inlet, on the Tweed River. Tour includes a stop at the famous Terranora rock oyster leases and the opportunity to purchase oysters fresh from the farm.

Don’t forget to bring shorts and towel (for yabbie pumping), your camera, and binoculars if you’re a keen bird watcher! 3 Hour Catch-a-Crab tour including fishing rods, bait and all equipment supplied for activities, plus delicious morning tea. For seafood lovers, choose from whole freshly cooked mud crab OR crab platter duo of mud and spanner crab, cooked on board by your captain, served cracked with lemon wedges and dressing, and accompanied by garden salads and crusty breads.

Enjoy your scenic self drive from the Gold Coast to Brisbane.

Travel within Australia by domestic air from Brisbane to Hervey Bay.

Travel within Australia by domestic air from Hervey Bay to Lady Elliot.

Tonight you have the amazing opportunity to spend a night sleeping under the stars at the Great Barrier Reef!

There can be few more unique experiences offered in the world than the chance to sleep under the stars, 40 nautical miles from shore on the Great Barrier Reef! You’ll spend the night on a permanently moored pontoon located on Hardy Reef – one of the most spectacular stretches of the Great Barrier Reef.

By day, take part in amazing Great Barrier Reef Adventures activities – diving, snorkeling, and swimming with thousands of fish. As the sun sets, a soft hush settles over the reef… just the sound of the water, maybe a few sea birds. As dusk approaches watch for turtles surfacing or coming to nibble the seaweed around the pontoon. Watch as the sun sets over the reef while you sip your sundowner and then see the reef really come to life in the darkness of the night. You might even opt for a night dive if you’re certified! Gaze up at a gazillion stars from your comfy swag set up on the top deck of the pontoon before the tranquility of being in the middle of the ocean lulls you to sleep.

In the morning, enjoy more private time with the reef before the day guests join you. Optional guided snorkeling and diving trips during this exclusive time at the pontoon with your small group will see you visit very special spots – giant Maori Wrasse, spectacular coral formations, a myriad of tropical fish, turtles and reef sharks all might make an appearance. If you’re not a keen swimmer then have the underwater viewing chamber to yourself and watch your fellow guests swim around, or look at the coral from the comfort of our semi-submersible vessel. You’ll head home with the day guests onboard the reef vessel in the afternoon, taking home plenty of memories and stories to tell.

Highlights & Inclusions: 2 day / 1 night experience; Large, modern, vessel transfers; Overnight in swags under stars or a private double room; Breakfast, 2 morning & afternoon teas, 2 buffet lunches and barbecue dinner; Activities as specified; All the stars you can see!

On your vacation explore Australia’s underwater world in Queensland by participating in this unique diving adventure.

Located in northern Queensland, this island offers many diving opportunities to make your Australia vacation memorable. The dive shop is a PADI Resort association member. Scuba diving is conducted daily and a staff member escorts all dives. A certification card must be produced prior to diving. All Divers must produce a C-Card and Log Book prior to diving. Dive gear rental is available. A physicians release may be requested. Additionally, travel by glass bottom boat, boat snorkeling and guided snorkeling is subject to tides. Among the many popular diving sites are the following (not an exhaustive list):

Lighthouse Bommie (14-15 metres):
Is a set of coral heads approximately 100 metres offshore in 14 – 16 metres, conducted as either a Boat or Shore Dive. A rope trail has been laid from an easy shore entry to the bommies. It is a favourite haunt all year round for Manta Rays; some 4 metres from tip to tip. Because it is a cleaning station, the site can also host a variety of marine life such as Moray Eels, Bull Rays, schooling Barracuda, Coral Trout, small White Tip Reef Sharks and many other species.

Three Pyramids (18 metres):
Is a short boat ride on the Western side of the Island. An easy descent can be made down a permanent mooring and puts the diver almost on top of the first of three large coral heads (Bommies) in 16 metres. At this site, schools of Cardinals, Anemone fish, Turtles and Eagle Rays may be observed. It is also a great starting point for a drift dive to the Anchor Bommies or the Outer Scatters, depending of course on the direction of the current.

Anchor Bommie (21 metres):
This rather interesting site can be reached by one of two ways – a short boat ride, or an under water swim following a rope trail from the Coral Gardens. It is one of Lady Elliot Island’s premium dive sites. The depth at the base is around 19 metres and at the top it is 14 metres. The coral head is an important Manta Ray cleaning station, therefore other marine life to be seen here include the very rare Purple Leafy Scorpion Fish and Cleaner Shrimp, both of which have permanent colonies. Another common site is a rather large Shovel Nosed Ray which can be approached by divers as it rests on the sea floor. The soft and hard corals covering the bommie are also home to the brightly coloured Feather stars, while nearby in the sand, a family of Garden Eels can be observed swaying in the current. Also of interest are the two ancient Admiralty anchors that lie nearby. These anchors were lost by the Guano miners and have been resting on the bottom for some time.

Travel within Australia by domestic air from Lady Elliot Island to Hervey Bay.

Travel within Australia by domestic air from Hervey Bay 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 5 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, 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.

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.

On your vacation, discover WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo and SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium – two of the most fun things to do in Sydney right next door to each other.

At SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium you will see the habitat exhibits that make up the experience, together with some of the amazing and bizarre animals that inhabit them. As you’ll discover, Australia has an enormous diversity of aquatic environments, some so harsh it is amazing life can survive at all! As the world’s largest island, Australia has tropical seas to the north and icy currents to the south of the continent. Australia is also renowned as the world’s driest inhabited continent, where inland rivers in drought conditions may simply consist of a chain of billabongs, or temporary pools of quiet water.

SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium is dedicated to presenting the unique aquatic life of some of these habitats to highlight their ecological importance and the necessity of conserving them for the future. So, dive in and enjoy your time at the SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium!

At WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, with three levels, over 65 exhibits representing several different habitats and more than 130 different species of Australian animals, there’s a lot to explore!

Marvel at one of Australia’s most renowned creatures in the Koala Sanctuary – why not have your photo taken with this iconic marsupial at Koala Rooftop. Discover Red Kangaroos in our Red Centre habitat and Yellow-Footed Rock Wallabies, as well as Hairy-Nosed Wombats, in our Rocky Cliffs habitat. Explore the Rainforest, home to the world’s most dangerous bird, the Cassowary. Take a trip into the dark, nocturnal world of Bilbies, Quolls and Sugar-Gliders. Wonder at the weird and wonderful reptile world, including Australia’s largest snake, the Scrub Python. Learn about the creepy crawly set in the invertebrate displays and become immersed in the colourful, beautiful world of butterflies. We’re sure you’ll enjoy your journey into Australia’s wonderful landscapes and animals.

Operates
Daily from 10:00am to 5:00pm

Includes
– 1 day entry General Admission at SEALIFE Aquarium
– 1 day entry General Admission at WILDLIFE Zoo

Need to Know
Parking fees are not included. Please bring money should you wish to dine in the cafe at the Aquarium or the Zoo.

Located on the Harbour just a stroll away from the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge is the place where Sydney itself began, The Rocks!

Amidst the hustle and bustle of the Business District, this unique village features a centre with more than 70 shops, boutiques and galleries with everything from hand-made puppets, vintage clothing and accessories, antiques, art supplies, jewelry and some of Australia’s finest arts and crafts.

If hunger takes over there are a myriad of places to eat, from some of the finest restaurants to quaint cafes and casual eateries with many offering stunning views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. If quenching a thirst is what you’re after don’t forget to stop off at one of the 13 Heritage pubs serving local wines and beers!

On Saturdays and Sundays, be sure to check out the market held at the northern end of George Street. Perfect for gifts and souvenir shopping, it has more than 150 stalls selling quality crafts, home wares, jewelry and Australian-designed goods, all under a unique sail-like canopy.

With the transport to The Rocks serviced by the Explorer and just a five minute walk from the Circle Quay it is easy to get here. The Sydney Visitors Centre on the corner of Argyle & Playfair Streets at The Rocks: open 9.30am – 5.30pm every day of the year (except Christmas Day and Good Friday). Opening hours may vary on some public holidays.

Photo Credit: Tourism New South Wales

Explore the fertile Hunter Valley and taste delicious food and awardwinning wines. Enjoy private vineyard inspections and learn of the winemaking process. Spend time strolling in the vineyards, purchase some wine or simply enjoy the beautiful Australian countryside.

Admire the magnificent views of the Hawkesbury River on your drive through the Central Coast. The Hunter Valley is home to Australia’s oldest wine-producing region and owes its fame to world-class viticulturists and fertile soils.

Enjoy a private wine tasting experience at Leogate Estate Wines, which produces trophy-winning wines such as Chardonnay, Semillon and Shiraz, and learn of local wine-making techniques. Visit Hunter Valley Resort, where you can walk among the vines and learn about the wine-making process and the key role the resort plays in this region.

Enjoy lunch made with local produce, while you sample some of the area’s best wines. You’ll also have the chance to purchase a beer tasting paddle from the on-site brewery. The McGuigan family are respected pioneers of the industry and at their cellar door you’ll be greeted warmly and welcomed to a tasting of their fine wines.

Finish the day at Roche Estate, where you’ll have free time to explore the shops offering Australian cheeses at the Smelly Cheese Shop and gourmet delights plus coffee, gelato, craft beer and cellar doors (own expense).

Operates

Daily

Times

Sydney CBD hotel Pick-up 7:45 – 8:00am & Return 6:30pm (approximate times)
 
Inclusions

– 3 Wine Tastings
– Lunch
– Experienced Driver Guide
– Comprehensive commentary
– Travel in an air-conditioned coach

Upgrades

Upgrade to a Small Group Luxury Tour

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.

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

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.