7 Days: Sydney Vacation - I Love Adventure [ST-S1a]
SYDNEY TRAVEL DEAL

Book By: September 21, 2017

Starting at
$1,929
Highlights & Inclusions
  • Accommodation - Sydney (5 Nights)
  • US Domestic Flights are not included. Please check quote for inclusion.
  • International Flights - Los Angeles to Sydney (Return)
  • Shuttle Transfers - Sydney Airport to Accommodation (Return)
  • Day Tours Included - Small Group Morning Harbour Cruise, Blue Mountains & Wildlife Hike in the World Heritage, Day Tour, Sydney Classic Bike Tour, Surfing Lesson
  • 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 - Hometown to Los Angeles (Check quote for inclusion)

Travel by domestic air to your destination.

If you request US domestic air pricing, this inclusion will be reflected in your quote.

Day 1 - International Flight, Los Angeles to Sydney

Departure from US arriving in Sydney via Virgin Australia Boeing 777.

In-flight meal along with beverages served throughout the flight. Enjoy award-winning In-flight entertainment with individual seat back screens featuring movies, music and more. Upgrades to ‘The Business’ and Premium are available upon request.
Note: 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.

Day 2 - 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.

Days 2 to 7 - 5 Nights Accommodation in Sydney

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

Your accommodation is located on George Street, right in the heart of the city, with easy access to major attractions such as Sydney Harbour, Darling Harbour, Chinatown, and all the shopping of the CBD.

Day 2 - Day Tour, Small Group Morning Harbour Cruise - 2 Hours

Begin your day with a sensational morning tea cruise around Sydney Harbour! You’ll feel as if you are spending the day aboard your savvy local mate’s yacht while he shows you around his favorite spots.

A unique, Sydney Harbour Highlights two-hour cruise experience. Enjoy the company of a small group aboard a 52-foot motor yacht. Your personal captain and host will share the rich history of Sydney Harbour and it’s foreshore as you take in the sites of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Sydney Opera House and the bays and coves of Sydney Harbour.

Enjoy lite morning tea with coffee, tea, juice, water and 5-star service.

Operates
Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday
Departs from Circular Quay at 10:00am, Returns 12:00pm

Includes:
– Two-hour cruise
– Lite morning tea (Tea, coffee, juice & lite refreshments)
– Live commentary

Upgrades:
Can be booked on a private basis

Day 3 - Day Tour, Sydney Classic Bike Tour - Half Day

Take a beautiful ride through parks, along the harbor, and past all of Sydney’s iconic sites on this unique biking tour.

Experience the very best of Sydney’s iconic landmarks and hidden gems on a unique two-wheeled journey through the heart of this vibrant city. Your adventure begins at the tour’s headquarters, where you’ll be equipped with a comfortable bike and guided by a friendly expert. The tour covers a wide range of Sydney’s must-see sights, including the Sydney Opera House, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, The Royal Botanic Garden, Circular Quay, and more. You’ll have opportunities to pause, capture stunning photos, and delve into captivating stories about the city’s rich history and culture.

As you pedal through the city, a gentle breeze from Sydney Harbour will accompany you, enhancing your exploration of this dynamic metropolis. Suitable for all fitness levels, the tour ensures a leisurely pace with ample breaks, including a delightful stop at a local pub to savor the flavors of Sydney. This adventure guarantees an immersive and memorable experience that will leave you with a deep appreciation for the beauty and vibrancy of Australia’s most iconic city. Whether you’re a local rediscovering your city or a visitor eager to experience Sydney’s finest, this tour offers an exciting and eco-conscious way to explore it all.

Operates
Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday (Excluding Anzac, Christmas, Boxing, New Year’s, and Australia Day)
Departs 10:30am, Returns 2:30pm (approx.)

Includes
– Super comfortable bicycle (child bikes, baby seats, and trail alongs available)
– Helmets
– Bicycle mounted bags for small items (camera, wallet, etc.)
– Secure bag storage (while you are out on the tour)
– Rain ponchos (if necessary)
– Fun, entertaining guide knowledgeable in the city and surrounds

Need to Know
Tour operates in the rain. Please wear weather appropriate clothing and footwear (closed-toe) suitable for biking. Please bring money for food and drinks at the pub, a water bottle, sunscreen, and a hat.

Upgrades
E-Bikes available

Day 4 - Day Tour, Blue Mountains & Wildlife Hike

This Blue Mountains hiking tour is the perfect way to experience the pristine World Heritage site.

The Blue Mountains experience is a journey into the heart of a unique World Heritage Region. The first stop on the tour is at Euroka Clearing, located deep in the National Park. Here there is abundant birdlife to be found and it’s also home to wild kangaroos. We have time to wander at leisure to see if we can spot any of these beautiful native animals. Your guide will prepare a refreshing morning tea or coffee for you with some local delicacies
We will travel through picturesque villages, see spectacular views and waterfalls. Enjoy a short walk to a lookout point and hear about the unique Australian forest species.
We arrive at Evans Lookout where you will be issued your lunch pack, map and instructions on the hiking track. You hike from Evans Lookout to Govett’s Leap all the while looking out across Australia’s Grand Canyon, The Grose Valley. The magnificent waterfalls drop a whopping 180m to the base of the cliff. The last stop is the delightful Mt Tomah Botanic Gardens where we stop briefly to enjoy the sweeping views and enjoy a glass of sparkling wine or orange juice before travelling back to your hotel.

Day 5 - Transfer from your accommodation to Bondi Beach, pay as you go

Make your way from your accommodation to Bondi Beach (pay as you go).

You have several options to make your way to Bondi Beach.

1. Bus – Catch the 333 or 380 from Museum Station, Liverpool St. This runs every 10 minutes. Your travel time will be about 40 minutes. ($2-3 AUD per person)

2. Taxi – grab a taxi outside your hotel. The drive to Bondi Beach is about 10 minutes. ($25 – $31 AUD)

3. Uber – Uber is readily available in Sydney and will pick you up right outside your hotel. ($15 – $17 AUD)

4. Walk – The walk to Bondi is a pleasant 4.4 miles and will take approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Day 5 - Day Tour, Surfing Lesson

On your vacation plunge into the Pacific Ocean and try surfing at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia

To build up your knowledge and confidence, you will first start out on the beach and your instructor will teach you how to recognize surf conditions and practice your surfing technique before you get into the water.

Then it’s off into the ocean, where you start off in broken waves. You’ll be amazed at how easy, safe and enjoyable it can be to learn to surf.

Your lesson will cover surf awareness and safety, sport-specific warm-ups and stretches, standing up, paddling techniques, catching waves and equipment selection advice.

Operates

Daily.

Need to Know

Please bring your own swimsuit and towel.

Lessons are in small groups of 5.

Times

Lessons are 2 hours long available beginning from 7:00am – 4:00pm.

Inclusions

– 2 Hour lesson
– Surfboard and wetsuit rental

Day 6 - 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 Day Tour (Not Included) - Hunter Valley Scenic Wine Tasting Tour

Enjoy touring through the scenic regions to Hunter Valley, wine tasting at boutique wineries, a gourmet lunch experience, cheese, olive oil and chocolate tasting then sit back and snooze on the way home!

Your informative and knowledgeable guide will collect you from your Sydney hotel. Departing from the city, travel north over the Sydney Harbour Bridge via the Gore Hill Freeway to join the Pacific Highway and then the F3 freeway.

180 years young, this is Australia’s oldest and best-known wine region and is soaked in history. It’s a dynamic and fascinating area that brims with over 150 top class wineries, 65 indulgent restaurants as well as gourmet produce and boutique breweries. Your first visit is to a 5-star winery nestled in the Mount View region of the Hunter Valley, a well renowned viticulture area. Sample exquisite wines in your own private area.

From here, continue onto Leogate Estate. This opulent cellar door is the perfect place to enjoy that unique taste which only the Hunter Valley and their award-winning wines can provide. All wines produced from the great vines of one of the most highly regarded vineyards in Australia. Here you will enjoy a selection of cheeses to accompany the wine tasting, followed by a tour of the onsite winery to learn of the wine making process.

On conclusion of the tour, enjoy a relaxing 2 course lunch (selection of platters, followed by dessert of choice) accompanied by a glass of wine. Further beverages can be purchased at own expense.

After lunch, travel to Keith Tulloch Winery. This small completely family owned winery and vineyard produces wines that express the unique terrain and climate from the ancient soils of the Brokenback Range. Here you will enjoy a unique wine tasting experience in collaboration with artisan chocolatier “Cocoa Nib”. You will sample five handmade praline chocolates, matched to the wineries current release wine – a sensational way to conclude your day in the Hunter Valley Wine Region.

Operates

Monday – Friday between September – April (excluding 25th & 26th Dec, 1st Jan and 2nd & 25th Apr)

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

Full Day Tour
Sydney CBD hotel Pick-up around 7:00am – 7:30am and Sydney CBD hotel Drop-off around 5:00pm – 5:30pm
 
Inclusions

– Professional Guide
– Hotel pick-up & drop-off
– 2 course lunch with wine
– Wine Tastings
– Wine & Chocolate Pairing

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

Insider's Tip: The Rocks

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

Day 7 - Shuttle Transfer, Sydney Accommodation to Airport

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

Day 7 - International Flight, Sydney to Los Angeles

Departure from Sydney arriving in US via Virgin Australia Boeing 777.

In-flight meal along with beverages served throughout the flight. Enjoy award-winning In-flight entertainment with individual seat back screens featuring movies, music and more. Upgrades to ‘The Business’ and Premium are available upon request.

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.

Day 7 - Los Angeles to Hometown (Check quote for inclusion)

Travel by domestic air to your destination.

If you request US domestic air pricing, this inclusion will be reflected in your quote.

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