ITINERARY:

DAY 1: Arrive Gold Coast.
On arrival at Brisbane Airport, our representative will meet and assist with your transfer to your hotel in Gold Coast. The evening is free to enjoy at your leisure.
Overnight in Gold Coast.
Accommodation for 4 nights in Surfers Paradise

DAY 2: Free day Gold Coast.
Today is a free day on the Gold Coast for you to relax and enjoy the beautiful beaches. The Gold Coast is a metropolitan region south of Brisbane on Australia’s east coast. It's famed for its long sandy beaches, surfing spots and elaborate system of inland canals and waterways. It’s also home to theme parks such as Dreamworld, Sea World and Wet’n’Wild. Inland, hiking trails crisscross Lamington National Park’s mountain ridges and valleys, home to rare birds and rainforest.

Day 3: Byron Bay Day Tour.
Home to numerous arts and music festivals, Byron Bay is known for its relaxed lifestyle and alternative vibe. Your full-day tour to this artistic enclave begins with pickup at your central Gold Coast hotel in a comfortable air-conditioned coach. Enjoy a scenic drive down the coast while your driver-guide narrates passing attractions. Stretch your legs with a stop at the Byron Bay Lighthouse, built atop the rocky outcropping of Cape Byron in 1899. Climb the steps to the lighthouse base and enjoy the views from the easternmost point in Australia. Continue on to the township of Byron Bay, where you’ll enjoy free time to explore the trendy, international scene on your own. Browse market stalls where vendors sell unique handmade items, pop into a beachside Aussie pub or stroll alongside the calm bay waters. If you selected the lunch option at booking, enjoy a delicious meal at the The Byron Resort where you will be served a delicious alfresco lunch at this exclusive hotel.

On the way out of town, stop at Tropical Fruit World, a family-run farm that grows the world’s largest variety of tropical fruits. Browse piles of colourful produce at the market and purchase fruit-based treats like jams, sauces and natural skincare products if you wish (entrance to the market is free; admission to the park and tour additional expense).

DAY 4: Visit Australia Zoo
Hop aboard the Croc Express and ride to the Australia Zoo – made famous by Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin. Explore the zoo at your own pace and see plenty of wildlife action and exciting wildlife shows. Start your journey from the comfort of your hotel and travel by coach directly to the zoo – home to Australia's most incredible wildlife. Experience this wildlife theme park in its entirety, with six hours to watch its many shows, demonstrations and exhibits – including crocodile feeding and snake handling. Jump on Steve's Safari Shuttle for an orientation tour and explore all the zoo has to offer. Encounter kangaroos and koalas, or hand-feed some hungry wombats. Stop by the Africa Safari Park, where giraffes and zebras roam free in open plains, and act as naturally as they would in the wild. Or see crocodiles in clear-water ponds in an action-packed show, full of discovery and adventure, at the Crocoseum. Evening coach will transfer you back to your hotel.
Overnight in Gold Coast.

DAY 5: Explore Moreton Island
Escape to the beautiful Moreton Island on a luxurious cruise and explore its natural wonders on a 4×4 vehicle. Try out sandboarding at the world's third-largest sand island, enjoy scenic views atop Cape Moreton Lighthouse and swim in the crystal-clear waters of Blue Lagoon. Make your way to the meeting point for a transfer to Port of Brisbane, where your luxury catamaran awaits. Onboard, receive a warm welcome from the friendly crew members. Then leave the mainland behind you, cruise along the Brisbane River, and if you're lucky, spot dolphins, whales, dugongs and turtles. As you get closer to Moreton Island, marvel at the picturesque views of the Tangalooma Wrecks, a famous dive and snorkel site. Upon arrival, hop aboard your 4×4 and drive along the beach of the world's third-largest sand island. 4×4 trek our way north of the island before visiting Blue Lagoon for a swim in its exquisite azure water. After a delicious picnic lunch overlooking the golden beach, admire breathtaking views of Flinders Reef atop the historic Cape Moreton Lighthouse. Then swim in the Champagne Pools and laze on the white sands of Honeymoon Bay. Enjoy sweeping views of the coastline and the famous Tangalooma Wrecks before returning by cruise.

DAY 6: Fly to Sydney
Transfer to Gold Coast Airport for your flight to Sydney. On arrival at Sydney Airport, our representative will meet and assist with your transfer to your hotel in Sydney. The evening is free to enjoy at your leisure.
Overnight in Sydney
Accommodation for 5 nights in Sydney

DAY 7 Sydney City Tour
The beautiful harbour city of Sydney, is the largest, oldest and most cosmopolitan city in Australia with an enviable reputation as one of the world's most beautiful and liveable cities. It is brimming with history, nature, culture, art, fashion, design, and cuisine. Sydney is home to two of the most iconic structures in the world, the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, along with the world's most famous beach – Bondi Beach. Who can forget the Sydney 2000 Olympics? Sydney is built around the massive harbour, is next to amazing Pacific Ocean beaches and is surrounded by national parks.

Your friendly driver will pick you up in the comfortable air-conditioned luxury coach before sharing experiences, fascinating facts and enchanting stories in the onboard full commentary throughout the morning. This guided tour is the perfect introduction to Sydney, taking you around the city's iconic points of interest, including a panoramic photo stop (Harbour Bridge behind the Opera House), before heading out through the affluent eastern suburbs to Bondi Beach. You will see spectacular Darling Harbour, Sydney Entertainment Centre, Chinatown, Sydney Aquarium, the old monorail stations, Sydney Opera House, The Rocks (Sydney's historic birthplace), Conservatorium of Music, Parliament House, Hyde Park, St James Cathedral, St Mary’s Cathedral, Art Gallery, the Domain and then stop at Mrs Macquaries Chair for superb views of the harbour and city skyline. See the Royal Australian Naval Base at Garden Island, Kings Cross (famous night spot), exclusive Double Bay and Vaucluse, The Gap (stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the Heads), visit Bondi Beach (world's most famous surf beach), historic and trendy Paddington, Sydney Tower and Sydney Town Hall.

DAY 8 Harbour Cruise & Taronga Zoo
Today is totally flexible. You have a fully guided Hop-On Hop-Off Harbour Sightseeing Cruise taking you to see all of the main sights. You also have entry to Sydney's Taronga Zoo. Taronga Zoo is home to over 2,600 animals and 340 different species across 21 hectares in the leafy suburb of Mosman. It's remarkable to see Giraffes in front of Sydney's skyline and opera house.
There's no better way to experience Sydney's awesome beauty than from the harbour, especially when you can decide how long you want to cruise and where to get off to explore. Experience Sydney Harbour at your own pace with our fantastic Hop-Op Hop-Off Cruise combining an independent but structured way to experience the best attractions. You can start and finish when you choose. You could simply stay on-board for a 90 minute guided cruise with great live informative commentary, or just hop-off at any stop and rejoin the circular cruise next time it passes (every 45 minutes). There are a number of great stops, including the key ones of – Darling Harbour (some of Sydney's best attractions including Aquarium, Madame Tussauds, Wild Life, Maritime Museum and more) – Circular Quay (iconic Sydney Opera House, the Rocks historical area, Sydney Harbour Bridge Pylon, weekend markets) – Watsons Bay (one of Sydney's most expensive suburbs, short walk to beaches, lookout points and famous waterside restaurants).

More possible stops include Luna Park (a historic amusement park located at the foot of the Sydney Harbour Bridge) – Shark Island (small island that is perfect for a picnic and swim) – Fort Denison (historic island and restaurant in the middle of the harbour). Simply disembark at any destination, stay as long as you like, then board another boat to reach your next sightseeing destination. Don't forget you have special entry into world famous Taronga Zoo and use of the amazing Sky Safari Gondola for some brilliant views across Sydney. This will be an incredible day of discovery of Sydney's famous harbour and surrounding attractions.

DAY 9 Blue Mountains
Experience the majestic Blue Mountains with distant blue haze horizons overlooking incredible canyons, spectacular waterfalls and quaint hamlets that are home to artists and those following an alternative lifestyle. This World Heritage Site really does look blue – due to the rainforests of oil bearing eucalypt that cling to the mountainous cliffs and thickly inhabit the valleys. Breathe in the crisp, clean, mountain top air as you take in amazing features like the Three Sisters. There is a rich history to discover, Europeans first reaching the Blue Mountains in 1788, while the beautiful Gundungurra Aboriginal people have lived here for millennia. This is a very special place.

Cross the Sydney Harbour Bridge as you depart the city and make your way up the mountain pass. Tour the township of Katoomba (resort capital of the Blue Mountains), see the Three Sisters rock formation, Echo Point, Jamison Valley. Enjoy free time in Katoomba to explore, enjoy some lunch, perhaps visit the Koomurri Aboriginal Centre (celebrating indigenous culture, art and dance), ride the world's steepest Scenic Railway, ride in a Scenic Cableway gondola or simply walk on the valley floor boardwalk under a canopy of tall tree ferns. We then follow scenic Cliff Drive with magnificent views over Megalong Valley (from Narrowneck). We stop at the quaint mountain village of Leura with some free time – perhaps enjoy the local speciality of traditional English Devonshire Tea of scones, jam and cream (own expense). Time to walk and browse the picturesque mountain village of Leura. We visit Featherdale Wildlife Park (learn about the conservation of local native animals, hand feed kangaroos, experience the emu encounter, walk through rainforest aviaries, walk through koala enclosures, see giant crocodiles). Heading back into Sydney pass Homebush Bay (2000 Olympic Games site), see the stadiums and facilities of the millennium Olympics, cross the famous Anzac Bridge. Free-time activities are optional and at your own expense. This fun filled day will give great memories of your Blue Mountains experience.

Day 10: Free day to explore Sydney.
Sydney, capital of New South Wales and one of Australia's largest cities, is best known for its harbour-front Sydney Opera House, with a distinctive sail-like design. Massive Darling Harbour and the smaller Circular Quay port are hubs of waterside life, with the arched Harbour Bridge and esteemed Royal Botanic Garden nearby. Sydney Tower’s outdoor platform, the Skywalk, offers 360-degree views of the city and suburbs.

DAY 11 Say Goodbye to Sydney
Time to say goodbye to beautiful Sydney your fellow travellers and friendly hotel hosts. Make your way from your hotel to the airport for your flight home.

Please note: The day by day descriptions published are intended as an indicative guide only. Travel by nature is unpredictable. Weather patterns, road conditions, public holidays, travel restrictions and a multitude of other factors may necessitate itinerary changes that ultimately are for the client’s benefit. It is essential that clients are flexible and open minded in this regard.