Australia's Coastal Treasures: Sydney, Cairns, Gold Coast

Price

Inclusions

• Round-trip airfare on United Airlines from San Francisco to Sydney, returning from Brisbane.
• One way airfare on Virgin Australia from Sydney to Cairns and Brisbane
• 4-nights Sydney, Vibe Hotel Darling Harbour, Guest Room
  • Sydney Opera House Guided 1-hour Guided Tour
  • Sydney Harbour Discovery Lunch Cruise includes buffet lunch
  • Half-day Panoramic Sydney Tour includes hotel pick-up.
  • Full-day Blue Mountains Deluxe Tour includes hotel transfers, entrance fees, morning tea and lunch.
• 4-nights Cairns, Novotel Cairns Oasis, Standard Room
  • Full-day Ocean Freedom Cruise to Upolu Cay & Reef includes snorkeling equipment, glass bottom boat tour, reef talk by marine interpreter, complimentary tea & coffee, pastries & fruit on boarding and a buffet lunch.
  • Full-day Cape Tribulation, Daintree and Mossman Experience includes hotel transfers, admission fees, morning tea and lunch.
• 4-nights Gold Cost, Crown Surfers Paradise, Superior Ocean View Room
  • Classic Balloon and Vineyard Experience includes hotel transfers, wine tasting, Civil Aviation Insurance Levy, digital photo package, vineyard Champagne breakfast and a souvenir flight certificate.
  • Evening Rainforest and Glow-worm Experience includes hotel transfers from select pick-up points, tea, coffee and cake and National Park fees.
• Round-trip private sedan airport/hotel transfers
• US/foreign taxes and fees including September 11 Security Fee

Exclusions

• Sydney Opera House, Sydney Discovery Cruise and Ocean Freedom Cruise exclude hotel transfers. Guests to make their own way to the departure point.
• Panoramic Sydney excludes hotel drop-off. Guests disembark at Circular Quay and make their own way to their accommodation.
• Australian ETA Visa (AU$20/person) payable on application.

Map

Itinerary

• 01
  

  Day 1 - Depart USA

  This evening make your way to San Francisco Airport for your overnight flight to Sydney. Other gateway cities available, please call for details and pricing.

• 02
  

  Day 2 - International Date Line

  During your flight, you will cross the International Date Line.

• 03
  

  Day 3 - Sydney

  After you clear Immigration and Customs, collect your luggage and meet your driver for your transfer to your hotel where you will spend the next four nights. This afternoon, step beneath the sails and discover what makes the Opera House so inspiring. Discover insider secrets and stories of the Opera House artists and performances, and step inside the iconic theatres and foyers that bring to life over 1800 performances each year. Explore the building with your knowledgeable guide, learn about how Jorn Utzon’s vision came into existence against impossible odds, and capture photographs from rare vantage points, off limits to the general public.

  • 

    Vibe Hotel Darling Harbour (Superior)

    Boasting a central location, trendy Manhattan-inspired decor and a rooftop bar, the Vibe Hotel Darling Harbour is the perfect retreat after a day out sightseeing.

    The hotel offers 145 air-conditioned guest rooms with a desk, espresso makers, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a shower. Rooms come with a kettle for tea/coffee making, while some rooms will provide you with a balcony and others also provide guests with city views. At Vibe Hotel Sydney Darling Harbour every room is fitted with bed linen and towels. Enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi, modern curved rainfall showers, or simply lounge on the embedded window day beds.

    There is a laundry/dry cleaning service available, luggage storage, fitness center and an outdoor pool on-site.

    One of the features is the vibing rooftop, which dishes up some serious Dubai energy with a turquoise blue pool that overlooks the skyscrapers of Darling Harbour and the city’s inner west. You may have to fight for a prime position in one of cushioned cabanas by the pool but setting up camp is worth it for the views and the swanky curtains that close to offer a little privacy and refuge from the sun.

    Downstairs, The Sussex Store provides casual dining, from quick coffee to leisurely lunches. Room service is also available.

    
    
    

    Vibe Hotel Darling Harbour  (Superior)
• 04
  

  Day 4 - Sydney

  Embark on a captivating half-day Panoramic Sydney city tour from your hotel. Explore historic sites like the Rocks area, city center, and Macquarie Street, featuring stunning sandstone architecture such as NSW Parliament House and St. Mary's Cathedral. Take in breathtaking views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge from Mrs Macquaries Point. Venture through Sydney's Eastern Suburbs, stopping for photo opportunities along the picturesque harbor. Pass through Kings Cross, Double Bay, and Rose Bay before reaching Watsons Bay, where you can opt for a short coastal walk along the South Pacific Ocean. Continue to iconic Bondi Beach for a 30-minute stop, witnessing surfers, beachfront promenades, and more. Your journey also includes visits to Tamarama and Bronte beaches, Centennial Park, and Paddington's trendy district. Conclude your day at Darling Harbour, with some lunch cruises departing from Circular Quay.

  • 

    Vibe Hotel Darling Harbour (Superior)

    Boasting a central location, trendy Manhattan-inspired decor and a rooftop bar, the Vibe Hotel Darling Harbour is the perfect retreat after a day out sightseeing.

    The hotel offers 145 air-conditioned guest rooms with a desk, espresso makers, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a shower. Rooms come with a kettle for tea/coffee making, while some rooms will provide you with a balcony and others also provide guests with city views. At Vibe Hotel Sydney Darling Harbour every room is fitted with bed linen and towels. Enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi, modern curved rainfall showers, or simply lounge on the embedded window day beds.

    There is a laundry/dry cleaning service available, luggage storage, fitness center and an outdoor pool on-site.

    One of the features is the vibing rooftop, which dishes up some serious Dubai energy with a turquoise blue pool that overlooks the skyscrapers of Darling Harbour and the city’s inner west. You may have to fight for a prime position in one of cushioned cabanas by the pool but setting up camp is worth it for the views and the swanky curtains that close to offer a little privacy and refuge from the sun.

    Downstairs, The Sussex Store provides casual dining, from quick coffee to leisurely lunches. Room service is also available.

    
    
    

    Vibe Hotel Darling Harbour  (Superior)
• 05
  

  Day 5 - Sydney

  Today, experience a relaxing Sydney Harbour Discovery Lunch Cruise aboard a first-class vessel. Unwind and escape from the stresses of life for a couple of hours while enjoying live commentary and a delicious lunch onboard. Explore the beauty of Sydney's renowned landmarks like the Harbour Bridge, Opera House, and Botanical Gardens, gaining fascinating insights from our knowledgeable live commentator.

  • 

    Vibe Hotel Darling Harbour (Superior)

    Boasting a central location, trendy Manhattan-inspired decor and a rooftop bar, the Vibe Hotel Darling Harbour is the perfect retreat after a day out sightseeing.

    The hotel offers 145 air-conditioned guest rooms with a desk, espresso makers, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a shower. Rooms come with a kettle for tea/coffee making, while some rooms will provide you with a balcony and others also provide guests with city views. At Vibe Hotel Sydney Darling Harbour every room is fitted with bed linen and towels. Enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi, modern curved rainfall showers, or simply lounge on the embedded window day beds.

    There is a laundry/dry cleaning service available, luggage storage, fitness center and an outdoor pool on-site.

    One of the features is the vibing rooftop, which dishes up some serious Dubai energy with a turquoise blue pool that overlooks the skyscrapers of Darling Harbour and the city’s inner west. You may have to fight for a prime position in one of cushioned cabanas by the pool but setting up camp is worth it for the views and the swanky curtains that close to offer a little privacy and refuge from the sun.

    Downstairs, The Sussex Store provides casual dining, from quick coffee to leisurely lunches. Room service is also available.

    
    
    

    Vibe Hotel Darling Harbour  (Superior)
• 06
  

  Day 6 - Sydney

  The Blue Mountains is a real journey into the heart of a unique World Heritage Region. The first stop is Calmsley Hill, a working farm based attraction involved in animal rehabilitation offering fabulous bush surrounds located near the heart of Sydney. Arrive early to get up close to a range of native and farmyard animals including Kangaroos and Koalas while enjoying a light morning tea. Departing from Calmsley Hill, head to the Blue Mountains. Visit one of a range of stunning outlooks of the Jamison Valley with beautiful vistas, where possible away from the crowds. Continue on to Eaglehawk Lookout for views of the famous Three Sisters and to learn of the legends behind this famous rock formation. Head to your lunch venue at the Hydro Majestic Hotel, a relaxed venue with stunning views and enjoy a 2 course lunch (beverages can be purchased at own expense). The afternoon is spent visiting a selection of scenic lookouts. The view from Govett's Leap is one of the most famous lookouts in Australia. Here the magnificent waterfall drops a whopping 180m to the base of the cliff. The last stop is the delightful Mt Tomah Botanic Gardens to enjoy the sweeping views and a glass of sparkling wine or orange juice before travelling back to your hotel.

  • 

    Vibe Hotel Darling Harbour (Superior)

    Boasting a central location, trendy Manhattan-inspired decor and a rooftop bar, the Vibe Hotel Darling Harbour is the perfect retreat after a day out sightseeing.

    The hotel offers 145 air-conditioned guest rooms with a desk, espresso makers, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a shower. Rooms come with a kettle for tea/coffee making, while some rooms will provide you with a balcony and others also provide guests with city views. At Vibe Hotel Sydney Darling Harbour every room is fitted with bed linen and towels. Enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi, modern curved rainfall showers, or simply lounge on the embedded window day beds.

    There is a laundry/dry cleaning service available, luggage storage, fitness center and an outdoor pool on-site.

    One of the features is the vibing rooftop, which dishes up some serious Dubai energy with a turquoise blue pool that overlooks the skyscrapers of Darling Harbour and the city’s inner west. You may have to fight for a prime position in one of cushioned cabanas by the pool but setting up camp is worth it for the views and the swanky curtains that close to offer a little privacy and refuge from the sun.

    Downstairs, The Sussex Store provides casual dining, from quick coffee to leisurely lunches. Room service is also available.

    
    
    

    Vibe Hotel Darling Harbour  (Superior)
• 07
  

  Day 7 - Cairns

  Transfer to Sydney Airport by private vehicle for your flight to Cairns. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your accommodation for a 4-night stay.

• 08
  

  Day 8 - Cairns (L)

  Enjoy a catamaran cruise from Cairns for a full-day adventure exploring two remarkable snorkel and dive sites in the Great Barrier Reef. Travel in style on a fast and comfortable catamaran to the outer edge of Upolu Reef. Dive into the pristine marine world with an Adventure Snorkel & Glass Bottom Boat Tour, taking you through protected no-fishing zones within the Marine Park. Recharge with a delectable buffet lunch onboard before venturing to your next destination, Upolu Cay reef, where you can immerse yourself in the shallow, crystal-clear waters teeming with vibrant coral and colorful fish.

• 09
  

  Day 9 - Cairns (L)

  Today is free to explore the city and region at your leisure. Relax around the hotel pool or discover more of the area. Ride Skyrail above and through the rainforest canopy. Enjoy a scenic rail journey to Kuranda Village. Tantalize your taste buds on an Outback tasting tour and get up close with native wildlife at Hartley's Creek Crocodile Farm.

• 10
  

  Day 10 - Cairns (L)

  Travel in comfort to Cape Tribulation; through some of the oldest rainforest in the world … Included is morning tea and a driver guided walk at Mossman Gorge, a cruise on the Daintree River, delicious tropical BBQ lunch set amongst the rainforest, walk on famous Cape Tribulation Beach, a delicious exotic fruit ice cream cup at the Daintree Ice Cream Company and a photo stop at Alexandra Lookout.

• 11
  

  Day 11 - Gold Coast

  Transfer to Cairns Airport by private vehicle for your flight to Brisbane. On arrival, you will be met and transferred by private vehicle to the Gold Coast for a 4-night stay. The remainder of your day is free to relax or explore at your leisure.
• 12
  

  Day 12 - Gold Coast (B)

  This morning, experience a serene sunrise flight over the stunning Gold Coast Hinterland, taking in panoramic views of Mt Tamborine, Lamington National Park, and the glittering Gold Coast skyline. Afterward, savor breakfast at O'Reilly's Grand Homestead, featuring a charming atmosphere with wide verandahs and high ceilings. Enjoy a leisurely stroll in the peaceful grounds or indulge in wine tasting at the Cellar Door.
• 13
  

  Day 13 - Gold Coast

  A free day before embarking on an exciting nighttime tour featuring stargazing, dessert at a local restaurant, and a guided rainforest walk to a waterfall. It's a fantastic opportunity to explore the rainforest's bio-network and observe nocturnal wildlife. The tour includes a tranquil journey to the scenic Gold Coast hinterland, where a mountaintop cafe serves tea, coffee, and delightful cakes. With the guidance of an expert, explore Mount Tamborine National Park's lush forests and spot native nocturnal animals using provided flashlights. The trail leads to Curtis Falls, a subtropical waterfall home to mesmerizing glow worms. Enjoy an intimate, small-group experience away from the crowds, all meticulously organized for your relaxation and enjoyment.
• 14
  

  Day 14 - Gold Coast

  Today is free to relax or take in the sights of the Gold Coast. The Gold Coast's star attraction is its beaches, including the world-renowned stretch of sand at Surfers Paradise. Beyond the beaches, discover laid-back neighborhoods, a booming culinary scene and the Gold Coast's famous theme parks.
• 15
  

  Day 15 - Depart Gold Coast

  This morning, transfer to Brisbane Airport for your return flight to the US.