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Dive Lord Howe Island Option 3 [DiveLHI3]

12 Days/10 Nights

Melbourne, Lord Howe Island, Sydney

This itinerary departs from the USA on Friday evening with arrival into Australia on Sunday.

Stay in Melbourne for three nights before you depart to explore Lord Howe Island for five nights. Next, off to Sydney for two nights. Your arrival day back into the USA will be Wednesday morning.

First stop in Australia is Melbourne, a City Full of Life. Its grand city centre, including the dynamic docklands precinct, is one of the world's great city hearts. It bustles with daytime shoppers, night time revelers, and those out to enjoy its many attractions. Melbourne is recognized as Australia's retail and fashion capital. Don't miss the Victoria markets if shopping is your thing, but if not there is plenty of beautiful architecture, art and activities to keep you busy.

Lord Howe Island is widely regarded as the most beautiful island in the Pacific. It's less than two hours flying from either Sydney or Brisbane off Australia's east coast. It is one of just four island groups to be inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage list for the global significance of its natural beauty and heritage. The crystal lagoon is bordered by the world's most southerly coral reef. Just wander in off the beach to snorkel among colourful tropical and sub-tropical fish, turtles and other marine life. Or head further off-shore to SCUBA dive on world-class sites. The water is so clean and clear, it's like swimming in an aquarium. Families love the safety and variety of kids' activities; lovers find romance in the island's secluded corners, natural beauty, luxury lodges and fine dining establishments.

Enjoy the sights of Sydney, a World Class City from your Downtown Accommodation. Experience the beauty of the Harbour, the Opera House and marvel at the expansive Sydney Harbour Bridge. Take advantage of the many tour options or just go at your own pace and enjoy the excellent restaurants and entertainment that only Sydney can offer.

Travel Package Features

• Accommodation - Melbourne (2 Night), Lord Howe Island (5 Nights), Sydney (3 Nights)
• International Flights - Los Angeles to Melbourne, Sydney to Los Angeles
• US Domestic Flights - not included (as per your own arrangements)
• Australian Domestic Flights - Melbourne to Lord Howe Island, Lord Howe Island to Sydney,
• Day Tours - Lord Howe Island: Scuba Dive Lord Howe Island (10 Dive Package) Sydney: Opera House Tour
• Shuttle Transfers - Melbourne Airport to Accommodation (return), Lord Howe Island Airport to Accommodation (return), Sydney Airport to Accommodation (return)
• 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

Fri (Day 1) - International Flight from Los Angeles to Melbourne

Shortly after departing Los Angeles you will be served dinner and you will be given breakfast before landing in Melbourne.

Relax, watch some movies, and try to get some sleep!


Please confirm with the airline at check-in that they have all your Frequent Flyer information on record (if applicable).

Sun (Day 2) - Shuttle Transfer from the Melbourne Airport to Accommodation

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

Sun - Tues (Day 2 to 4) - 2 Nights Accommodation in Melbourne

Travel to your accommodation in Melbourne, Australia, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 2 nights.

Enjoy the comforts of home in your stylish Melbourne accommodation located in the heart of Melbourne with easy access to renowned attractions! Each modern room offers spacious 4-star suites with an impeccable service and premium amenities. Relax on luxurious beds and kick back with your Smart TV and media hub, or lounge on your cozy sofa and take in the hustle and bustle of Melbourne from your sprawling windows. Every room has individually controlled heating and air conditioning. You'll also enjoy on-site reception, luggage storage, on-site restaurants and bars, and free high speed internet.

You'll be just minutes from Spence Street Outlet, Southern Cross Station, Flagstaff Gardens & Train Station, Rialto Towers, Marvel Stadium, Hardware Lane, Melbourne Aquarium, Queen Victoria Market, Royal Arcade, Bourke Street Mall, Melbourne Central Shopping, Crown Melbourne, Harbour Esplanade & Federation Square.

Mon (Day 3) - Free Day to Explore Melbourne

Today you'll have the day free to Explore Melbourne City's vast shopping centres, markets and boutiques, maybe do some souvenir shopping.

Melbourne is a Multicultural City boasting many boutique cafes, wineries and extensive shopping. You'll also find it very easy to get around on the trains and trams, especially within the inners of Melbourne.

Photo Credit: Tourism Victoria

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - Great Ocean Road Tour

Enjoy one of the world's great coastal drives, with its dramatic scenery of striking contrasts. The region boasts powerful seas, golden beaches, peaceful townships, giant cliffs and lush forests.

Travel by the city of Geelong and Corio Bay and pass world famous Bells Beach, home to World Surfing Championships. View the popular coastal townships of Torquay and Lorne - a surfer's haven and retreat. See many fern filled gullies and river inlets on your journey, and tour the length of the Great Ocean Road passing towering limestone cliffs (including the Twelve Apostles), sweeping white beaches and stunning forest scenery. Visit Port Campbell, a charming fishing village and summer holiday resort and continue to the remnants of London Bridge. Don't forget extra camera batteries as you visit natural spectacles called Razorback and Island Arch. Upon returning, see the spectacular night lights of Melbourne as you cross the West Gate Bridge after having an unforgettable day.

Departs Melbourne at 8:00 AM
Returns to Melbourne at approximately 7:30 PM

Insiders Tip: Queen Victoria Market Tip

The Queen Victoria Market is an historic Melbourne landmark and a Melbourne institution dating back to more than 120 years ago.

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Queen Victoria Market hasn't been just a market. At different times in the past it has been a cemetery, a livestock market and a place to sell fruit and veggies (vegetables) wholesale. It is said to be the southern hemisphere's largest open-air market offering a variety of fresh farm produce and, on Sundays, a wider range of merchant items which turn the market into a modern Arabian Nights bazaar. This is the place to buy your souvenirs.

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Aside from the variety of wares offered at the Queen Victoria Market, buskers and street entertainment are a market feature, particularly on Sundays when Queen St is closed and becomes a place of cafes, carnival rides and other activities. And there's always the sound of spruikers cajoling visitors into buying their goods, and you can haggle for the best prices you're able to get.

The Queen Victoria Market trading hours are 6am to 2pm on Tuesday and Thursday; 6am to 6pm (with the general merchandise section closing at 4pm) on Friday; 6am to 3pm on Saturday; and 9am to 4pm on Sunday. The market is closed on Monday and Wednesday, and on Good Friday, Anzac Day, Melbourne Cup Day, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day. (Please double check times before you go.)

Photo Credit: Queen Victoria Market

Tues (Day 4) - Shuttle Transfer from Melbourne Accommodation to Airport

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

Tues (Day 4 cont) - Domestic Flight from Melbourne to Lord Howe Island (via Sydney)

Travel within Australia by Domestic Air from Melbourne to Lord Howe Island.

Tue - Sun (Days 4 to 9) - 5 Nights Accommodation Lord Howe Island

Travel to your Lord Howe Island accommodation where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 5 nights.

Lord Howe Island is the ideal location for visitors wanting to explore and discover the natural attractions that have made this island famous. Enjoy a leisurely stroll to popular Neds Beach where you can hand feed the fish, swim and snorkel; or wander down to the beautiful reef fringed lagoon, where you can swim in the crystal clear water and laze on the white sandy beach.

Your vacation accommodation units are nestled in subtropical palm groves alive with splashes of colour from Hawaiian hibiscus and fragrant frangipani flowers. The grounds are well planned, with tracks meandering through the palms and gardens, giving a sense of seclusion and tropical mystery.

Accommodation facilities include outdoor and undercover gas barbecues on paved, well-lit areas, small library with a selection of books and magazines, and also internet connection for laptop computers.

Pushbike is the main form of transport on the Island however, complimentary bus services are available in the evenings to transport you to and from the restaurants.

Includes courtesy bus for airport transfers.

Serviced rooms upgrade available

Wed - Sat (Day 5 to 8) - Scuba Dive the Lord Howe Island Marine Sanctuary (10 Dive Package)

Enjoy Ten Dives in the New South Wales Marine Park off the coast of one of the worlds most beautiful World Heritage listed islands. Warm tropical waters and cooler currents have created a diverse range of marine life, A unique mix of both tropical and temperate water fish...a diving paradise.

Morning double dives depart at 9am from the Boatshed and return approximately 1pm. Dive Sites are determined on the day of diving. We welcome suggestions of dive sites with particular diver's interests. With over 60 dive sites available we will not dive the same twice when possible unless requested. If diving boat diving is unavailable arrangements will be made for shore dives when possible. Dive Packages include any local dives with the exception of Ball's Pyramid which is an additional cost.

Insiders Tip: Walking and Hiking the Lord Howe Island Park Preserve

Although only 11km long and 2km wide, Lord Howe is laced with dozens of delightful, well-marked walking trails: nearly two thirds of the island is a Permanent Park Preserve. The choice ranges from easy strolls at sea level through lush Kentia palm and banyan forests, to moderate cliff-top hikes where you'll see seabirds wheeling on the thermals, to the challenging 875 metres.

The choice ranges from easy strolls at sea level through lush Kentia Palm and Banyan Forests, to moderate cliff-top hikes where you'll see seabirds wheeling on the thermals, to the challenging 875 metres MT GOWER CLIMB.

Maps and guides to the Lord Howe Island Park Preserve are available.

Sun (Day 9) - Domestic Flight Lord Howe Island to Sydney

Travel within Australia by domestic air from Lord Howe Island to Sydney.

Sun (Day 9 cont) - Shuttle Transfer from the 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.

Sun - Wed (Days 9 to 12) - 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.

Mon (Day 10) - Day Tour: Sydney Opera House Tour

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.

Tue (Day 11) - 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.

Insiders 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!

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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.

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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

Insiders Tip: Pylon Museum

See the fantastic views of the city, the harbour and the world famous icon - the Sydney Harbour Bridge! This is a wonderful alternative if you do not wish to climb the bridge.

Access is via the pedestrian pathway on the Eastern side of the Bridge from the city side (use the Bridge Stairs in Cumberland Street, The Rocks). There are 200 stairs to the Lookout, but on the way up there are 3 levels of exhibits where you will discover the history and construction of the Bridge, the men who built it, and the vision of JJC Bradfield, chief engineer

At the end of (or even before) your visit to the Museum, enjoy the scenery and walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The walk to the North side of Sydney will take approximately 15-20 minutes from the Pylon.

Costs are (AUD) $15.00 ages over 13, $8.50 ages 5-12 and under 4 Free. Open Daily 10-5 (Closed Christmas)

Wed (Day 12 cont) - Shuttle Transfer from Sydney Accommodation to Airport

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

Wed (Day 12 cont) -International Flight from Sydney to Los Angeles

Depart Sydney from the International Airport and fly to Los Angeles. 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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