Eastcoast Explorer Itinerary [L27]

Summary

14 Days/12 Nights - Eastcoast Explorer

Sydney, Great Barrier Reef, Farmstay, Rainforest Retreat, Brisbane

Sydney is Australia's oldest city, the economic powerhouse of the nation and the country's capital in everything but name. Sydney is blessed with sun-drenched natural attractions, dizzy skyscrapers, delicious and daring restaurants, superb shopping and friendly folk. Bursting with character, Sydney is a vibrant city catering to all your desires whether you seek exhilaration and exploration or 100% relaxation. Select from the Optional Day Tours.

Next head north to an island on the Great Barrier Reef. The Island is a true coral cay right on the World Heritage Listed Great Barrier Reef. Here you can swim straight off the beach to an endless garden of coral where the waters are literally teeming with beautifully coloured fish and marine life.

Situated on a 10,000 acre working cattle station in the Scenic Rim of South East Queensland country just an hour's drive from Brisbane and the Gold Coast, the farm stay offers an exclusive Outback Australian accommodation getaway. SE Queensland Country offers boutique hotel accommodation centered around the historic homestead, and for those seeking a distinctive country experience, you can escape the luxury by camping accommodation in one of the overnight cabins as part of our 4WD and horse riding tours.

The Rainforest Resort is located in World Heritage Lamington National Park, 2 hours by road south of Brisbane and 1 1/2 hours by road west of the Gold Coast. Lamington National Park is home to a vast array of unique flora and fauna. Pademelons, gliders and possums, frogs and the amazing array of birdlife makes the retreat a nature lover's paradise. This lush tropical rainforest retreat is 930 meters (3,000 feet) above sea level, enjoys cool mountain air (for cooler days and nights in summer), and has spectacular views, which go forever.

Arrive in Brisbane, a city which was once described a big country town has now emerged as one of the country's most progressive centres. Brisbane has several interesting districts, a good street cafe scene, a great riverside park, a busy cultural calendar and a thriving nightlife. Known locally as Bris Vegas, the city is renowned for its sun and the brash, glitzy hordes that follow it, but it's also a thriving arts capital, with dozens of theatres, cinemas, concert halls, galleries and museums. A climate this good and culture too? It must be paradise.

Features

Accommodation - Sydney (3 nights), Great Barrier Reef Island (3 nights), Outback Farmstay (3 nights) - Breakfast, Rainforest Retreat (2 nights), Brisbane (1 night)
International Air & USA Domestic Air are not included in pricing. Please enquire for flight pricing to be included.
Australian Domestic Flights - Sydney to Gladstone, Gladstone to Brisbane
Shuttle transfers - Sydney Airport to Accommodation (return), Brisbane Accommodation to Airport
Private Car Transfers - Brisbane to Farmstay, Farmstay to Rainforest Retreat, Rainforest Retreat to Brisbane
Day Tours Included: (Sydney) Sydney Opera House,
All other day tours are optional and not included.
Visa Issuance for entry into Australia
F.I.T. (Free & Independent Travel, i.e. this is not an Organised Group Tour)
All Taxes and Fuel Levies
Itinerary is flexible and can be tailored to suit your needs.

Detailed Itinerary

(Day 1) - US Domestic Flight, Your Home City to Los Angeles (own arrangements): Your Home City flight to Los Angeles will be selected to suit the International Departure Flight to Australia.; Please allow 3 hours between arrival of your US domestic flight and departure of your International flight.
(Day 1 cont) - 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) - 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 5) - 3 Nights Accommodation in Sydney: Travel to your accommodation in Sydney, Australia, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 3 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 2) - Day Tour, Sydney Opera House Tour (1 Hr): 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 8x10" 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.
Insider's Tip - Sydney Explorer Bus: Spend the afternoon touring Sydney's attractions.; The Sydney Explorer has 26 stops, offering an amazing insight into the history and majesty of Australia's most popular city. From the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House to Darling Harbour and Kings Cross, with plenty in between. You can hop on and off this service or if you prefer to stay on the coach, the full circuit will take around 2 hours to complete.
(Days 3 & 4) - Free Days to Explore: 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 harbor-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) - The 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) - Visit the Hunter Valley Wineries: 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
Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - The Jenolan Caves & Blue Mountains: Today enjoy a tour to the Jenolan Caves and the Blue Mountains.; Enjoy discovering the beauty of World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park (near Katoomba), taking in views over stunning eucalyptus forests and age-old rock formations and the unusual Blue Lake. Also visit the western spur and see Australia's largest and best known underground limestone caves called Jenolan Caves. Explore this extensive network of caves, tucked away inside a sleepy valley. Enjoy a fully guided tour of the Lucas, Imperial or Chifley caves and discover the deep chamber of intricate limestone formations. Learn about the folklore of the settlers and bushrangers of this region. Overnight tour available.

Operates Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

Photo Credit: Jenolan Caves
Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - Sydney Sights with the Works & Lunch Cruise: Spend today touring Sydney, having lunch as you're cruising on the harbour, and seeing its wonderful beaches. Full Day Tour; In the morning enjoy a tour of Northern Sydney followed by an unforgettable Sydney Harbour luncheon cruise on one of the world's most attractive harbours. The cruise offers a la carte dining, million dollar views, licensed bar, first class service and quality contemporary Australian cuisine. In the afternoon tour Kings Cross and Bondi Beach. Walk along the beach, see cosmopolitan Kings Cross, exclusive Double Bay and stop at Sydney's famous Mrs. Macquarie's Chair before returning to your Hotel early evening with the rest of the evening to spend at your leisure; maybe see a show at the Sydney Opera House (bookings well in advance required).
Insider's Tip - Opal Shopping: 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 5) - Shuttle Transfer, Sydney Accommodation to Airport: Travel by shuttle from your vacation accommodation in Sydney, Australia, to the Airport.
(Day 5 cont) - Australian Domestic Flight, Sydney to Gladstone: Travel within Australia by domestic air from Sydney to Gladstone (morning flight).; This flight takes you across the border from the state of New South Wales to Gladstone, a coastal town in Queensland, north of Brisbane.
(Days 5 to 8) - 3 Nights Accommodation on an Island Reef Resort: Travel to your accommodation on a Great Barrier Reef Island, Australia, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 3 nights.; This luxury vacation resort is set amongst a dazzling parade of aquamarine waters, shimmering white sand beaches and colour-splashed reef teeming with life. It's what you don't see around the island that makes the resort so special. You won't see any buildings above the tree line. And you won't bump into any day trippers either. The reef vacation experience is exclusively for guests, a unique experience few other resorts in the world can offer. There's a relaxed island lifestyle that sets the island apart, a sophisticated yet casual resort atmosphere. Here the emphasis is on exploring and discovering the natural attractions that have made Heron famous around the world. The vacation resort rooms are equipped with either balcony or terrace, as well as tea and coffee making facilities, refrigerators, hairdryers, and many more. In order to help guests leave the outside world behind, televisions and telephones, while available on the island, are not found in guest rooms.

Breakfast, 2 course or buffet lunch and 3 course or buffet dinner. Upgrades available (pricing upon request).
(Day 8) - Australian Domestic Flight, Gladstone to Brisbane: Travel within Australia by domestic air from Gladstone to Brisbane.
(Day 8 cont) - Private Car Transfer, Brisbane Airport to Outback Farmstay: Travel by private luxury sedan from Brisbane Airport to your vacation accommodation in Grandchester, Australia.; A private chauffeur will pick you up upon arrival in Brisbane, Australia. He will be holding a sign with your name on it.
(Days 8 to 11) - 3 Nights at your Farmstay in the Outback: Travel to your accommodation at an Australia Outback Farmstay, where you will be staying whilst on vacation
for 3 nights.; Your vacation Outback Farmstay is situated on a 10,000 acre working cattle station in Queensland, Australia. The boutique hotel accommodation is centered around the historic homestead and each room offers panoramic views of the surrounding picturesque mountains and valleys from large verandahs. Experience an escape our 4WD and horseriding tours, bushwalks, orienteering and abseiling, to massage and beauty treatments and fine dining. You can camp
out and gaze at the stars with an overnight stay in one of our cabins. Experience a muster at the Australia Outback Farmstay with an experienced guide, the properties stockman and trained cattle dogs. You will treasure your vacation memories and want to tell a 'yarn' or two about it. Accommodation: Valley Room (maximum of three people per room) with buffet breakfasts, or upgrade to the Junior Heritage Suite for Spa bath and private verandah.
(Day 11) - Private Car Transfer from Farmstay to Rainforest Retreat: Travel from the Australia Outback Farmstay to your Rainforest Retreat vacation accommodation.
(Days 11 to 13) - 2 Nights Accommodation at your Rainforest Retreat: Travel to your accommodation at the Rainforest Retreat, Australia, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 2 nights.; Your vacation Rainforest Retreat is located in one of Australia's most enchanted rainforests. You will enjoy the spectacular mountain view on your drive to this eighty year old hideaway. The Rainforest Retreat offers a range of guestrooms to cater to all tastes, from the grandeur of the luxurious Canopy Suites through the most popular Mountain View Rooms to the simple yet comfortable Garden View (subject to availability). Most rooms also take advantage of the magnificent mountain views. Enjoy the birds and wildlife in their natural habitat. Or relax from your travel and ponder the beauty of life as you sit on a rock amongst the ferns and greenery and admire waterfalls, creeks and other pleasures of nature.
(Day 13) - Private Car Transfer, Rainforest Retreat to Brisbane Accommodation: Travel by private luxury sedan from your vacation accommodation at the Rainforest Retreat to Brisbane, Australia.
(Days 13 to 14) - 1 Nights Accommodation in Downtown 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 14) - Shuttle Transfer, 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 14 cont) - International Flight, 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.
(Day 14 cont) - US Domestic Flight, Los Angeles to Your Home City (own arrangements): The connection flight to your Home City from Los Angeles.; Please allow 3 hours between arrival of International flight before departure of your US domestic flight.