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Heron Island Dive and Sydney [DiveHI13]

12 Days / 10 Nights Sydney, Great Barrier Reef, Brisbane
Sydney, Heron Island and Brisbane

This package affords a fantastic opportunity to dive one of the most sought after dive opportunities in the world as well as experience the magnificent city of Sydney.

You will travel to Australia to Dive one of the Seven Wonders of the World, The Great Barrier Reef. This trip is perfect for the serious scuba diver offering a generous combination of day & night dives across a wide range of different dive sites. Dive either right off of the shore or by short boat ride to specific dive sites.

Island facilities will also offer a splendid vacation to the accompanying non diver with sensational snorkeling, relaxation and Marine Park educational activities - bring a book and soak up the Australian sunshine.

Travel Package Features

• Accommodation - Sydney (3 Nights), Heron Island (6 Nights), Brisbane (1 Night)
• International Flights - Los Angeles to Sydney, Brisbane to Los Angeles
• Australian Domestic Flights - Sydney to Gladstone, Gladstone to Brisbane
• Heron Island Dive Package - 5 standard day dives, scuba tanks, weights, belts and boat trip
• Heron Island - Breakfast included
• Day Tours: Sydney Opera House (1 Hour)
• Shuttle Transfers - Sydney Airport to Accommodation (return), Brisbane Airport to Accommodation (return)
• Ferry - Gladstone Airport to Heron Island (return)
• Optional Heron Island Activities (Not Included) - Snorkeling excursions to the reef edge, Semi-submersible coral viewing cruises - commentary by reef interpreter and fishing charters. Scenic helicopter flights, Beach picnic hampers, Guided reef walks (operate daily subject to tides), Wildlife presentations, Nightly movie and marine documentary.
• All Other Day Tours are Optional and not included
• Visa Issuance for entry into Australia (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.

Travel Package Detailed Itinerary

(Day 1) - 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 3) - Day Tour - Sydney Opera House (1Hr)

On your vacation, participate in an inspiring tour of the Sydney Opera House.

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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 Theatre 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.

<b>Operates</b>
Daily, Hourly 9am to 5pm
Does not operate Good Friday, Christmas, New Year's Eve or Valentine's Day

<b>Includes</b>
One hour guided experience.

<b>Need to Know</b>
- 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.

<b>Upgrades</b>
-Add a lunch, dinner or performance to your tour.
-Upgrade your experience with a private, backstage, or architectural tour.

(Day 4) - 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) - Harbour Cruise Express Pass (hop on hop off)

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.

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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) - Downtown Sydney, Bondi & Kings Cross

On your vacation explore and capture downtown Sydney, Bondi and Kings Cross.

Discover the birthplace of Modern Australia on a short guided Rocks Walking Tour. Hear stories of Sydney's colonial past as you take a step back in time on your way to The Rocks District. Wander the cobbled laneways and learn how this area transformed from a British colony of convicts and sailors into a thriving entertainment precinct. Get your camera ready to take photos of Sydney's most popular local sights and travel to La Perouse the historical headland suburb and see heritage-listed Bare Island. Then head over to Botany Bay and see where Captain Arthur Phillip and the First Fleet arrived on these shores Historical Buildings and see these and learn how the Aboriginal people were impacted.

For an additional cost, you can add on a luncheon cruise of Sydney Harbour. From the harbour enjoy views of Sydney's renowned sights - including the Harbour Bridge and Opera House.

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - Wildlife World & Aquarium Pass

On your vacation, discover WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo and SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium - two of the most fun things to do in Sydney right next door to each other.

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At WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, with three levels, over 65 exhibits representing several different habitats and more than 130 different species of Australian animals, there's a lot to explore!

Marvel at one of Australia's most renowned creatures in the Koala Sanctuary - why not have your photo taken with this iconic marsupial at Koala Rooftop. Discover Red Kangaroos in our Red Centre habitat and Yellow-Footed Rock Wallabies, as well as Hairy-Nosed Wombats, in our Rocky Cliffs habitat. Explore the Rainforest, home to the world's most dangerous bird, the Cassowary. Take a trip into the dark, nocturnal world of Bilbies, Quolls and Sugar-Gliders. Wonder at the weird and wonderful reptile world, including Australia's largest snake, the Scrub Python. Learn about the creepy crawly set in the invertebrate displays and become immersed in the colourful, beautiful world of butterflies. We're sure you'll enjoy your journey into Australia's wonderful landscapes and animals.
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Then, travel next door to SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium.

At SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium you will see the habitat exhibits that make up the experience, together with some of the amazing and bizarre animals that inhabit them. As you'll discover, Australia has an enormous diversity of aquatic environments, some so harsh it is amazing life can survive at all! As the world's largest island, Australia has tropical seas to the north and icy currents to the south of the continent. Australia is also renowned as the world's driest inhabited continent, where inland rivers in drought conditions may simply consist of a chain of billabongs, or temporary pools of quiet water. SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium is dedicated to presenting the unique aquatic life of some of these habitats to highlight their ecological importance and the necessity of conserving them for the future. So, dive in and enjoy your time at the SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium!

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - Sydney Harbour Bridgeclimb

Reach new heights and climb the famous Harbour Bridge in Sydney!

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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.

<b>Operates:</b>
Daily, in all weather conditions (except in cases of extreme weather conditions like electrical storms or high winds).

<b>Need to Know:</b>
- 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.

<b>Times:</b>
The climb lasts approximately 3.5 hours. Climbs are available at dawn (limited departures), day, twilight or night.

<b>Inclusions:</b>
BridgeClimb cap;
Certificate of Achievement;
A complimentary Climb Group photo.

Photo Credit: BridgeClimb Sydney.

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - Hunter Valley Wine Taster

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).

<b>Operates</b>

Daily

<b>Times</b>

Sydney CBD hotel Pick-up 7:45 - 8:00am & Return 6:30pm (approximate times)
 
<b>Inclusions</b>

- 3 Wine Tastings
- Lunch
- Experienced Driver Guide
- Comprehensive commentary
- Travel in an air-conditioned coach

<b>Upgrades</b>

Upgrade to a Small Group Luxury Tour

(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 11) - 6 Nights Accommodation on Heron Island

Travel to your accommodation on a Great Barrier Reef Island, Australia, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 6 nights.

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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 included. Upgrades available (pricing upon request).

Diving the Great Barrier Reef

On your vacation explore Australia's natural wonders, the Great Barrier Reef, by participating in this unique diving adventure.

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The Great Barrier Reef Island dive package include 5 standard day dives, scuba tanks, weights, belts and the boat trip. PLUS BCD, reg, wetsuit, mask, fins, boots and hood. Night dives are available also and conducted on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays - weather permitting. Divers must have completed minimum of 20 dives, or logged a previous night dive, or take part in the night dive as part of an advanced course. This highlight of your Australia vacation will leave you speechless.

(Day 11) - Australian Domestic Flight - Gladstone to Brisbane

Travel within Australia by domestic air from Gladstone to Brisbane.

(Day 11) - Shuttle Transfer - 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.

(Days 11 to 12) - 1 Night Accommodation in Brisbane

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

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Your 4 1/2 Star vacation accommodation is within walking distance to the city centre and shopping precinct. All rooms are spacious offering a view across Brisbane and are equipped with free coffee/tea making facilities, hair dryer in room, mini bar, and air conditioning. The hotel has a restaurant, bar, cafe, pool, gym, and sauna.

Brisbane, Australia, is a vibrant city offering many vacation activities and sights to enjoy all within walking distance. Enjoy the shops and festivities at Southbank Parklands (World Expo 1988 was held here). See Kodak Beach, one of Australia's large man-made inland beach/pool, surrounded by real beach sand, ferns and palm trees. Explore and experience a living rainforest complete with wildlife in the Southbank Wildlife Sanctuary. Wander the board-walks that follow the river through the city, walk past Kangaroo Point cliffs (watch people rock climb). Ride on a ferry (River Cat) and tour the city from the river (day or night). Cross the river to Brisbane Mall and shop till you drop. Or perhaps rest from your travel through the city and enjoy a coffee in a sidewalk cafe as you watch the world go by.

(Day 12) - Shuttle Transfer - Brisbane 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 12 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.

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