In 12 Days, enjoy an active Australia adventure, including the cosmopolitan cities of Brisbane & Sydney and the stunning Whitsunday Islands at the recently opened "The Sundays" on Hamilton Island. This independent daily departure trip includes flights, 4.5-star accommodations, transfers, small-group tours, and boat trips to the Great Barrier Reef & Whitehaven Beach. Experiences abound with natural and artificial wonders, wildlife encounters, and Indigenous culture delivered by Australia's best guides. Itinerary customization and Air Upgrade options are available for premium and business class.

• Round-trip international flights to Australia
• Internal Australia flights
• 2 Nights at the 4.5* Crystalbrook Vincent
• Half-Day Brisbane walking tour
• Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary admission & one way River cruise
• 3 nights at 4.5* The Sundays, Hamilton Island
• Full-day Great Barrier Reef tour
• Half-day cruise tour to Whitehaven Beach
• Unlimited entry pass to the Hamilton Island Wildlife Park
• 3 Nights at 4.5* Paradox Hotel Sydney (formerly Radisson Blu)
• Half-day small group Sydney Tour
• Sydney Harbour Lunch Cruise
• Sydney Opera House Tour & Dine
• 1 Night at Taronga Wildlife Retreat in an Animal View Room including Dinner & Breakfast
• Private car service airport transfers in Brisbane & Sydney
• Shared transfers from/to Hamilton Island Airport
• All airport taxes & fuel surcharges

Day 1 - Depart US to Brisbane
Direct flights are available from LA, San Francisco, JFK, Houston, and Dallas to Brisbane, with connections from all US airports. Ask about our upgrade options to Premium Economy and Business class.

Day 2 - Cross International Date Line

Day 3 - Arrive in Brisbane & an afternoon walking tour

Welcome to Australia! On arrival, meet your driver for transfer to your hotel.
The river city of Brisbane is a modern and diverse sub-tropical metropolis. As Queensland's capital city, Brisbane offers visitors a stimulating city experience in a warm, friendly, and relaxed environment. Brisbane is Australia's third-largest city, home to nearly two million culturally diverse people. Visitors can enjoy the temperate climate year-round at one of the city's many outdoor areas, including the South Bank River Parklands, and take advantage of exciting touring options in the nearby Scenic Rim, Moreton Bay Islands, Australia Zoo, and the Sunshine and Gold Coasts.

Accommodation - Crystalbrook Vincent features 166 suites, a rooftop pool and bar, a gymnasium, and four food and beverage outlets, all with custom contemporary furnishings and original artwork. A seamless combination of art, design, and functionality, the hotel is ideally situated near the Howard Street Wharves and the Brisbane River.

This afternoon, set off on an unforgettable adventure through the heart of Brisbane with this engaging 3-hour walking tour. Led by a local guide, you will experience the city, discovering both iconic landmarks and hidden gems. As you explore, immerse yourself in Brisbane's rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning architecture, brought to life through captivating stories and insightful commentary.

Image: Tourism Australia

Day 4 - Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary half-day tour
Today, board your boat and leave the city behind on a relaxing 1.25 hour cruise to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. Enjoy an informative commentary from your captain as you glide along Brisbane's waterfront, passing from the bustle of the city's skyscrapers to leafy suburbs with waterside mansions. Arriving at Lone Pine, where you will have time to explore the world's largest koala sanctuary, with more than 130 Koalas on site. Have a Koala Moment (no Koala Hold), take photos with the adorable marsupials (at your own expense), and catch a talk with the koala's keepers. You can also feed the kangaroos and wallabies or watch a sheepdog show where you see the hardworking dogs round up a herd of sheep, responding to their master's whistles, calls, and hand signals.

Day 5 – Brisbane to The Sundays, Hamilton Island

Transfer to Brisbane airport and fly to Hamilton Island, the heart of the Whitsundays. On arrival, meet your driver for transfer to The Sundays for a three-night stay.

Nestled amongst the Whitsunday Islands at the edge of the Great Barrier Reef, Hamilton Island is located amidst pristine surroundings and a gateway to Whitsunday gems, including Heart Reef, Hill Inlet, and Whitehaven Beach.

Image: Tourism Australia & Tourism and Events Queensland

Accommodation - The Sundays is nestled at the northern end of Catseye Beach and captures the essence of Hamilton Island's tropical surroundings. The pool, restaurant, and bar are all set on the prime, palm-fringed beachfront real estate. The accommodation is set slightly up the hill, offering a bird's-eye view of the beach. Every room overlooks the Coral Sea and the hotel's unique kidney-shaped pool. The contemporary interiors boast chic beach vibes with a Whitsunday color palette featuring cool aqua and green, complemented by sand-toned floor tiles and blonde timber furniture.

With over 55 different activities available, Hamilton Island has a wide variety of pursuits, including scenic flights, target sports, game fishing, bushwalking, waterskiing, parasailing, and more.

Your stay at The Sundays includes the use of catamarans, paddle skis, windsurfers, and snorkeling equipment, as well as unlimited use of the scheduled Island Shuttle service. You also have access to a gym, spa, sauna, and tennis court hire, along with an unlimited entry pass to Hamilton Island Wildlife Park.

Day 6 - Great Barrier Reef 
This incredible 8-hour experience offers an outstanding range of interactive Great Barrier Reef Adventures. There are numerous ways to explore the reef, from the underwater viewing chamber to the semi-submersible submarine or snorkeling like a fish beneath the sea. The pontoons are adjacent to coral walls, the length of which you can explore. Protected as it is, the area has its unique ecosystem, featuring magnificent corals and a diverse array of marine life found only in sheltered areas. Explore a unique world. The prolific fish life will surprise and delight you - especially the giant groper. The Great Barrier Reef is truly one of the world's great natural wonders and a must-see for any visitor to the Whitsundays.

Image: Tourism and Events Queensland & Cruise Whitsundays

Day 7 - Whitehaven Beach
This fantastic 4-hour experience takes you past some of the Whitsunday's remote areas, beautiful bays, and peaceful islands and onto dazzling Whitehaven Beach. Sit back, breathe in the sea air, and marvel at the 74 Island Wonders of the Whitsundays, starting with views of the imposing Pentecost Island while enjoying commentary on the area's history and natural wonders. The waters of Solway Passage lead to the world-famous Whitehaven Beach. The crystal clear aqua waters and pristine white silica sand stretch for over seven kilometers along Whitsunday Island, the largest of the 74 islands in the Whitsundays. It is Mother Nature at her best - the most photographed beach in Australia and named 'Queensland's Most Beautiful Beach.'

Image: Tourism and Events Queensland

Day 8 - Hamilton Island to Sydney

Image: Tourism Australia

Accommodation - Paradox Sydney is in the city center's financial district, 550 meters from Circular Quay and 1.3 kilometers from Darling Harbour. This hotel was built in the early 1900s and was once home to the Fairfax Newspaper Empire and the prestigious Bank of New South Wales. It features impressive Italianate architecture wrapped in a vintage sandstone façade and is a testament to Australia's past and progress. The elegant guest rooms and suites are stylishly decorated and feature marble bathrooms with walk-in showers.

Day 9 - Sydney – Morning Sydney Tour & Harbour lunch cruise

Begin your 6-hour experience with a morning Panoramic Sydney tour, where you will visit the historic Rocks area and hear of early convict history. Continue through the financially focused Central Business District and Macquarie Street. Marvel at 18th-century sandstone architecture and continue to Mrs Macquaries Point to enjoy magnificent views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. You will pass through areas such as Kings Cross, Double Bay, and Rose Bay before arriving at Watsons Bay, where you can take a short coastal walk with views of the South Pacific Ocean and the entrance to Sydney Harbour. Travel on to famous Bondi Beach for a 30-minute stop. Visit the beachfront promenade, put your toes in the sand, and enjoy a coffee or cool drink (at your own expense). See bronzed Aussie lifesavers and surfers riding the waves of Bondi. Continue to Tamarama and Bronte beaches before returning to the city via Centennial Park and Paddington, a trendy district with its elegant terrace houses and boutique shops along Oxford Street.

Arrive at Circular Quay for your Sydney Harbour lunch cruise. Departing at noon, you will spend two relaxing hours discovering the secrets of one of the world's most famous and spectacular natural harbors, including icons such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Opera House, the Sydney Botanical Gardens, and more.

Day 10 - Sydney Opera House Tour & Dine

The Sydney Opera House is one of the world's most recognizable landmarks, and this is your chance to get up close truly on this one hour guided tour. Run your hands over the world-famous shell tiles, sit in the elegant custom-made white birch timber chairs, and marvel at the vaulted ceilings. Next, visit areas off-limits to the public and capture photographs from rare vantage points. Finally, explore theatres and foyers where more than 1600 concerts, operas, dramas, and ballets occur yearly.

Finish at Opera Bar, House Canteen, or Midden by Mark Olive to indulge like a local Sydneysider with a choice of an Australian, pan-Asian, or Indigenous Australian-inspired main course. The choice is yours as you savor one of the world's most beautiful harbor views.

Day 11 - Taronga Zoo Sydney Wildlife Retreat

Today at your leisure take a taxi/Uber to the Taronga Zoo Wildlife Retreat to enjoy your last night in Australia in surrounded by Australia's iconic wildlife!

Nestled amongst the natural landscape of Taronga Zoo Sydney, this elegant Australian eco-retreat overlooks the magnificent Sydney Harbour. Its thoughtfully curated designer rooms allow you to overlook bushland, animals, or harbor views. It's a peaceful, relaxing experience that connects guests with native Australian Wildlife. Your stay includes two adjoining rooms for two adults and two children. Where else can you sleep with a Koala or Kangaroo outside your window and enjoy spectacular Sydney Harbour views from the Retreat lounge and restaurant? After checking in to the Retreat, you can access the Zoo throughout your stay.

Sanctuary Tour: Join your guide and keeper to share their detailed knowledge of the animals and the extensive conservation work carried out by Taronga to preserve precious wildlife. Get up close to unique Australian animals and hear fascinating stories, all whilst deepening your connection to Cammeraigal country. The Sanctuary is a thoughtfully designed habitat that is home to native Australian species, including Koalas, Tammar Wallabies, Bettongs, Potoroos, and Pademelons.

Enjoy dinner at Me-Gal Restaurant - With sweeping views of Sydney Harbour, Me-Gal is named after the Cammeraigal word for 'tears,' which evokes the saltwater surrounding the restaurant's beautiful location.

Image: Trade Resources | Taronga Conservation Society Australia

Day 12 - Depart Sydney
Transfer by car service to Sydney International Airport. Bid farewell to Australia as you depart Sydney for your flight to the US, arriving the same day.

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$5,699 per person

Note: Daily departures; this package is an independent itinerary with flexible departures (not a group tour)

Entering Australia is a breeze. All you need is a valid passport and an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA).

Read More about the Australian entry requirements

Fly direct from New York JFK for an additional $400 or non-stop from Dallas Fort Worth for an extra $600 to the package price.

Add-on airfares are available from most major airports; ask an Aspire consultant for a quote.

• Upgrade to premium economy from $1,100 per person each way*
• Upgrade to business class from $3,000 per person each way*
Can take the upgrade one way or round trip and combine premium/business classes on same ticket

* Upgrade from pricing based on Sunday through Wednesday departures from Los Angeles/San Francisco - ask an Aspire consultant for the upgrade fee from other departure points and travel Thursday through Saturday.

Terms & Conditions:

The package from pricing is based on double occupancy (2 people sharing a room) for low-season stays for travel Sundays through Wednesdays from Los Angeles/San Francisco. A $50 air supplement applies each way for international travel from Thursday to Saturday. Add-on fares are available from other cities. Specific blackout dates apply to the accommodation and tour value offers. Seats are limited and may only be available on some flights. Hotels are subject to availability. All prices reflect discounts for purchases made by check/wire/Zelle; please see the terms and conditions for credit card payments. Cancellation penalties and other restrictions apply.

Full payment is due at the time of booking to guarantee the package price and purchase the airline tickets. Travel Insurance is highly recommended for travel to Australia.