9 Days: Lady Elliot Island, Brisbane & Sydney [ST-Dive05]
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Highlights & Inclusions
  • Accommodation - Sydney (2 nights), Lady Elliot Island (4) - Breakfast & Dinner, Brisbane (1)
  • Diving Activities - 10 Dives including tanks, Air fills & Weight Belts (combination of Night & Day Dives)
  • Non Diving Activities - Snorkel Equipment, Guided Reef & Nature Walks, Glass Bottom Boat or Boat Snorkel Trip (limit one per person), Use of Reef Education Centre
  • International Flights - Los Angeles to Sydney, Brisbane to Los Angeles Included.
  • USA Domestic Air is not included (as per your own arrangements)
  • Australian Domestic Air - Sydney to Brisbane, Brisbane to Bundaberg (Return), Bundaberg to Lady Elliot (Return)
  • Shuttle Transfers - Sydney Airport to Accommodation (Return), Brisbane Airport to Accommodation (and return)
  • Visa Issuance for entry into Australia.
  • Includes All Taxes & Fuel Levies
Itinerary Details
(Day 1) (Fri) - International flight Los Angeles 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) (Sun) - Shuttle Transfer from 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.

(Days 2 - 4) (Sun to Tues) 2 Nights Accommodation in Sydney

Travel to your accommodation in Sydney, Australia, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 2 nights in your studio room apartment.

Just 30 minutes from Sydney Airport, your accommodation is conveniently located between Darling Harbour and the Sydney CBD.

The friendly staff at your accommodation can attend to your every need with 24 hour guest reception. Enjoy a scrumptious breakfast at their signature restaurant.

Relax in a stylish and comfortable haven whilst being in close proximity to shopping at Westfield’s Pitt St Mall and Darling Harbour. Don’t forget to take a stroll down Pitt St towards Circular Quay to take in more of Sydney’s world famous sites- like the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge.

(Day 3) (Mon) - 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) - 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) - Dinner Cruise

See the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge with spectacular nightime views of the city and surrounds while enjoying dinner as you’re cruising on one of the world’s most attractive harbours.

Today enjoy the ultimate dining experience on Sydney Harbour. The cruise offers a la carte dining, million dollar views, licensed bar, first class service and quality contemporary Australian cuisine. 1 1/2 Hours

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - Sydney Opera House

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.

Insiders Tip - Explorer Bus Tour

Experience all the excitement of Sydney, Australia’s famous harbour city, and the capital of NSW with the Big Bus Sydney and Bondi Explorer – Sydney’s only Hop-On Hop-Off tourist bus service.

The Sydney and Bondi Tours are included with this pass. The Sydney tour features 23 stops and the Bondi tour features 11 stops.

As well as Sydney’s glorious harbour and stunning beaches the city offers a multi cultural lifestyle, exuberant festivals and events, a dynamic food scene and a striking cityscape of modern and colonial architecture.

Don’t miss a thing aboard this open-top double-decker bus tours with 34 stops in Sydney and Bondi Beach. Plan your own itinerary and visit the landmarks and attractions at your own pace. Buses run frequently so rejoining the tour is easy! Plus, you’ll receive a booklet with travel information, detailed maps, discount vouchers and much more!

Be sure to bring your camera to capture all the excitement!

Operates
Daily
9:00am to 4:00pm

Includes
– Hop on Hop off tour
– Sydney & Bondi Beach routes
– 1-day validity
– Up to 34 stops
– Digital commentary
– Free earphones onboard
– Free wifi

Need to Know
Fully flexible tour. Please bring money for lunch.

Upgrades
2-Day Explorer w/Cruise

(Day 4) (Tues) - Shuttle Transfer from Sydney Accommodation to Airport

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

(Day 4 cont) (Tues) - Domestic Flight Sydney to Brisbane

Travel within Australia by domestic air from Sydney to Brisbane.

(Day 4 cont) (Tues) - Flight continues from Brisbane to Bundaberg

Travel within Australia by domestic air from Brisbane to Bundaberg.

(Day 4 cont) (Tues) - Fly from Bundaberg to Lady Elliot Island

Travel within Australia by domestic air from Bundaberg to Lady Elliott Island.

(Days 4 - 8) (Tues to Sat)- Dive Dive Dive - Lady Elliot Island & Great Barrier Reef for 4 Nights

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!

Lady Elliot Dive Sites

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.

(Day 8) (Sat) - Depart Lady Elliot Island for Bundaberg

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

(Day 8) (Sat) - Domestic Flight Bundaberg to Brisbane

Travel within Australia by domestic air from Bundaberg to Brisbane.

(Day 8) (Sat) - Shuttle Transfer from Brisbane Airport to Accommodation

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

Luggage is limited to 2 suitcases per person. Excess luggage, surfboards & bicycles will be carried at a rate of $10.00 AUD per item. All luggage must be clearly labelled by the passenger, including name and full address.

(Day 8 - 9) (Sat to Sun) - 1 Night Accommodation in Brisbane

Travel to your accommodation in Brisbane, Australia, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 1 night.

Your 3 Star vacation accommodation is conveniently located in Brisbane’s city centre. It is within walking distance to the Queen Street Mall shopping precinct, Treasury Casino, South Bank Parklands, Queensland Performing Arts Centre. Recently, the hotel went through a major refurbishment. Its rooms are equipped with free coffee/tea making facility, fridge, air conditioning, and hair dryer.

(Day 9) (Sun) - Shuttle Transfer from Brisbane Accommodation to Airport

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

Luggage is limited to 2 suitcases per person. Excess luggage, surfboards & bicycles will be carried at a rate of $10.00 AUD per item. All luggage must be clearly labelled by the passenger, including name and full address.

(Day 9 cont) (Sun) - International Flight from Brisbane to Los Angeles

Mid-day Departure from Brisbane, In-flight Dinner and Movie with arrival in the USA. 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.

  • a) All prices are USD$/person (including all Taxes). Subject to availability and seasonality. Other Conditions Apply (see Terms and Conditions).
  • b) Land Content Only represents the pricing for the full itinerary as detailed, except the International Flights from the USA (and return) are NOT included.
  • c) An Infant (Lapchild) must be less than 2 years old on the date of departure. Infant must travel with at least one adult. An infant with a seat pays the price of a Child.
  • d) A Child must be aged between 2-11 years on the date of departure. Child must travel with at least one adult.