Gold Coast In Luxury

Itinerary

• Australia

  Australia is the world's smallest continent, and includes Tasmania and other islands. Prior to European settlement in the late 1700s and early 1800s, the Australian mainland was inhabited by around 250 individual nations of indigenous Australians for around 40,000 years. After sporadic visits by fishermen from the north and then European discovery by Dutch explorers in 1606, the eastern half of Australia was later claimed by the British in 1770 and initially settled through penal transportation to the colony of New South Wales. As the population grew and new areas were explored, another five largely self-governing Crown Colonies were established during the 19th century. On 1 January 1901, the six colonies became a federation, and the Commonwealth of Australia was formed. \There are iconic sights "down under" that find their way on most itineraries; Sydney (Opera House, Harbour Bridge), Ayers Rock, the Great Barrier Reef, Melbourne. Other gems include the wild nature of Tasmania, vineyards of Hunter Valley, surfing on the Gold Coast, Adelaide, Darwin ... and more.

• Coffs Harbour

  Coffs Harbour is a coastal city located on the north coast of New South Wales about 540 km (340 miles) north of Sydney, 385 km (240 miles) north of Newcastle, and 440 km (275 miles) south of Brisbane. The region has a population of nearly 70,000 people that swells to over 100,000 in the vacation seasons. According to the CSIRO, Coffs Harbour has the most livable climate in Australia, and it is nestled between a high mountain backdrop and dozens of "unspoiled" beaches.

• Gold Coast

  The Gold Coast is a city and local government area in the southeast corner of Queensland, Australia. It is the second most populous city in the state and the sixth most populous city in the country. Gold Coast City is renowned for its sunny subtropical climate, popular surfing beaches, and expansive waterway and canal systems, a skyline dominated by high-rise apartment buildings, active nightlife and wide variety of tourist attractions.

• Hunter Valley

  Hunter Valley is located north of Sydney and is known as "Wine Country". World class vineyards and picturesque countryside vie for attention with the awe inspiring wilderness in Barrington Tops and the spectacular lake and coast line of Lake Macquarie and Newcastle. From beautiful art galleries, gardens, bicycle tours & hot air ballooning, there are a myriad of things to do.

• Port Stephens

  Port Stephens has a narrow entrance between two striking hills of volcanic origin. The southern headland, "Tomaree" or "South" Head, rises to 120 metres (390 ft) above mean sea level (AMSL) while "Yacaba", the northern headland, is 210 m (690 ft) AMSL. The harbour is mostly shallow and sandy but contains sufficient deep water to accommodate large vessels; the RMS Queen Mary moored there during World War II. After its recovery from the wreck site in 1974 the bow of the MV Sygna, a 53,000 tonne Norwegian bulk carrier that was shipwrecked on Stockton Beach earlier that year, was moored in Port Stephens, at Salamander Bay, for almost two years.

• Sydney

  Sydney is the most populous city in Australia, with a metropolitan area population of approximately 4.28 million. It is the state capital of New South Wales, and the site of the first British colony in Australia, established in 1788 at Sydney Cove by Arthur Phillip, leader of the First Fleet from Britain. Located on Australia's south-east coast, the city is built around Port Jackson, which includes Sydney Harbour, leading to the city's nickname, "the Harbour City". It is noted for the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, and its beaches. The metropolitan area is surrounded by national parks, and contains many bays, rivers and inlets.

• • Sydney
  • Vibe Hotel Sydney

  Day 1: Sydney

  Private transfer from Sydney airport to the city/hotel, or vice versa.

  Upon check in at your hotel you will be provided with your welcome package. In the package you will receive a welcome letter, detailed itinerary, vouchers for each service, supplier contact list as well as various brochures of the destinations you will be visiting.

  Accommodation: Vibe (4*)

  A unique Sydney hotel offering chic accommodation in the heart of Sydney, Vibe Hotel Sydney (4*) exudes the style of this fantastic city. You will love the convenience of staying in this vibrant location and in the heart of all the action. The hotel is perfectly positioned for you to easily discover Sydney’s vibrant CBD fringe villages of Surry Hills, Darlinghurst, Chinatown and the Sydney entertainment precinct offering live theatre and music year round. Sydney’s premier tourist destinations like Sydney Centrepoint Tower, Darling Harbour, Hyde Park, The Rocks and Circular Quay are only minutes away so you may want to stay just a little bit longer…and enjoy the vibe!

• • View of Sydney Opera House
  • The Rocks Market area at Night

  Day 2: Sydney

  Enjoy a half day private sightseeing tour in the company of a vehicle, driver and Expert Guide capturing the history of Sydney, stunning architecture, spectacular harbour views and the world famous Bondi Beach. Pass through the historical Rocks area and Circular Quay as you learn about the history and significance of the area. View the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge from Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, a chair specially designed for the governor’s wife to look out over the harbour. Travel through Chinatown, Darling Harbour, and the nightlife district of Kings Cross. Travel via Watson Bay and stop at “The Gap”, for fantastic views and photo opportunities before arriving at world famous Bondi Beach. Return to the city, passing the exclusive suburbs of Double Bay and Rose Bay.

  There are so many things to do in Sydney it may be hard deciding what to choose. We would recommend some of the following attractions: Sydney Aquarium, Sydney Tower + Oz Trek, and the Art Gallery of New South Wales which also houses an Aboriginal Art exhibition. You can also choose to take a half day city sights tour, a one hour Majestic Harbour Cruise (which operates daily at 10:30 or 15:00) or the Sydney Opera House Essential Tour (1 hr, operates daily between 09:00 and 17:00). All are included in the SmartVisit free pass card. Ask your Travel Consultant if you would like to purchase this card.

  Accommodation: Vibe (4*)
• • Blue Mountains

  Day 3: Sydney

  A shared luxury 4WD tour to the Blue Mountains. Meet Australia’s unique native animals at Featherdale Wildlife Park. A great photo opportunity, where you will come in close contact with Australian animals. Experience an off road Adventure as you descend a deep canyon. Enjoy a remote stop along the way in this World Heritage area, and breathe in the essence of the Australian eucalyptus while your friendly Guide explains the unique qualities of the Aussie bush. Then you visit the Mt. Tomah Botanic Gardens - home to Australia’s largest collection of cool climate plants and the ‘Dinosaur Age’ Wollemi Pine. The journey continues along the scenic Bells Line Road with views over Grose Canyon, with its towering sandstone walls. The afternoon will be spent in Glenbrook National Park with a close up experience with wild Kangaroos and the many varieties of bird that inhabit this area.

  Accommodation: Vibe (4*)
• • Hunter Valley
  • Grand Mercure Hunter Resort

  Day 4: Sydney - Hunter Valley

  Depart Sydney by private car and personal Guide to explore the beaches and waterways en route before turning inland to sample the delights of the Hunter Valley Wine Country. With more than 120 wineries, the Hunter Valley produces some terrific wines, loved at home and abroad, including the crisp Hunter Semillon and the ripe Hunter Shiraz. There are numerous boutique and well-known wineries with cellar door tastings and sales. Fresh local produce is served at several excellent winery restaurants along the way.

  Accommodation: Grand Mercure Hunter Resort (4+*)

  The Grand Mercure Hunter Valley Gardens is situated in the heart of the Hunter Valley Wine Country and is located on the most prominent corner within the Hunter Valley.

  Adjacent to Tempus Two Winery & Concert venue, which features major international acts, our 72-room property also forms part of the Hunter Valley Gardens precinct, one of the wine region’s premier tourist attractions. The property provides the perfect base to explore all the region has to offer. If location is important to you, then there is simply no better place to stay to enjoy your favourite cellar door, restaurants, golf courses and even major concerts.

• • Port Stephens
  • Oaks Lure Apartments

  Day 5: Hunter Valley - Port Stephens

  This morning return to the golden surf beaches of the Hunter Coast and continue on to Port Stephens. Port Stephens lays claim to the title ‘Dolphin Capital of Australia’. The bay is home to around 150 bottlenose dolphins, and there are several tour operators in Nelson Bay that offer dolphin-watch trips. These playful aquatic mammals often ride the bow wave just a couple of metres from the vessel. Between May and June, humpback whales cruise past the town on their northern migration, returning south between September and November and these huge animals are often encountered on the dolphin cruises. To the south of Nelson Bay, Stockton Beach has the country’s largest coastal dune system, stretching for more than 30 km to the northern outskirts of Newcastle.

  Accommodation: Oaks Lure Apartments (4*)

  The perfect place for a long or short escape, Oaks Lure Apartments at Nelson Bay is located in the charming town centre and just a short walk from the unspoiled waters of Port Stephens, the marina, restaurants and shops. Lure’s air-conditioned one and two bedroom apartment accommodation, with high ceilings and generous living spaces, invite you to relax in comfort after a day’s boating, swimming or doing whatever you please. Adjustable external louvres give you fingertip control of privacy and gentle breezes. Make the most of your holiday enjoying the hotel’s sunny decks and courtyards, heated lap pool, barbecue area and landscaped gardens.

• • Coff's Harbour
  • Port Macquarie
  • BreakFree Aanuka Beach Resort

  Day 6: Port Stephens - Coffs Harbour

  Depart Port Stephens by private car and personal Guide and pass through the Port Macquarie region on your way to Coffs Harbour. This region is proud of its coastal towns, national parks, surf beaches and heritage areas. Port Macquarie has a stirring history that began almost with the earliest days of European settlement in Australia. Thanks to its idyllic climate and setting, the area attracts artists who contribute to a thriving arts scene. Kempsey is the birthplace of both the Akubra hat and country music star Slim Dusty, who’s commemorated in the Slim Dusty Way. The Great Dividing Range meets the sea on the Coffs Coast, forming a stunning backdrop to the area’s white beaches. The hillsides around the town of Coffs Harbour are smothered with banana palms and the icon for the city is the Big Banana, one of the most photographed backdrops in the country.

  Accommodation: Breakfree Aanuka Coffs Harbour (4*)

  Positioned on absolute beachfront with magnificent ocean views and surrounded by acres of wide open parklands, BreakFree Aanuka Beach Resort at Coffs Harbour on the NSW North Coast is one resort you'll never want to leave. BreakFree Aanuka Beach Resort offers a tasteful blend of health, recreation and relaxation with superb accommodation. The resorts combination of endless recreation facilities, health and beauty retreat, stylish accommodation from hotel rooms and beach bures to villas and apartments, and array of dining choices with a signature restaurant and alfresco café onsite, offers something for everyone. While children frolic at the kids club or in one of the pools or cave spas, you can relax under the shady palms and enjoy a soothing spa. Beach lovers can enjoy the seclusion of picturesque Diggers Beach which is literally at the resort's doorstep or sit back on the terrace with a long drink and admire postcard views of the sweeping lawns stretching down to the beach. This

• • Gold Coast
  • Vibe Hotel Gold Coast

  Day 7: Coffs Harbour - Gold Coast

  Travel via the Tweed Coast to trendy Byron Bay in the comfort of your vehicle, with a driver and private Guide and enjoy the town’s lifestyle and café and restaurant scene. From the lush hinterland to the sparkling beaches on the coast, the region is full of natural wonders. Byron Bay’s natural credentials are impeccable – humpback whales cruise past the headland, storms create rainbows on the mountains across the bay, hang-gliders ride the thermals above the lighthouse. Australia's most easterly point casts a spell over everyone who goes there. Drive along the Tweed Valley where Mount Warning, due to its height and proximity to the coast, catches the first ray’s of sunlight on the Australian mainland every day. The valley is also home to three world heritage listed National Parks. Leaving this peaceful region behind, you will soon find yourself in the bustling entertainment Mecca of the Gold Coast, one of Australia’s premier holiday destinations.

  Accommodation: Vibe Hotel Gold Coast (4.5*)

  The Vibe Gold Coast hotel (4*) is centrally located in the midst of Gold Coast lifestyle, opposite the Chevron Renaissance Village, and just a block from Cavill Avenue (the heart of the Gold Coast shopping district). It overlooks the picturesque Nerang River is ideally placed for a leisurely stroll to Surfers Paradise beach, world-class shopping, fantastic nightlife, restaurants galore and lots of fun attractions…or you can just relax in comfort. In any event, you are sure to love the convenience of staying right in the very heart of Surfers Paradise.

• Day 8: Gold Coast

  Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.

  Accommodation: Vibe Hotel Gold Coast (4.5*)

• Day 9: Gold Coast

  Enjoy a private airport transfer with your own vehicle and driver between the Gold Coast airport and your hotel.

  Accommodation: Depart (Int`l Airport)

Accommodation

• Collectibles

  Australia is famous for its marsupial species that include kangaroos, wombats, wallabies, Tasmanian devils and of course the cuddly koalas. These bear-like animals are found in South Eastern Australia and were given the name "koala" by Aboriginals, a word that means "no drink". The Koala obtains enough moisture from the eucalyptus leaves that it feeds on, a plant that would be indigestible to most other life forms.

• Culinary Delights

  There is much more to Australian barbeques than shrimp. Northern Territory barbeques feature indigenous fare like barramundi, kangaroo, emu, ostrich as well as chicken and lamb grilled on the barbecue with oil and seasoning. Of course an outback barbeque is never complete without billy tea at the end. This is simply tea boiled in a tin container known as a "billy".

• Historic Moment

  The Australian "Slouch" hat, or "Digger" hat, is nearly as old as the Australian fighting man. Originating in the army, it traditionally has a leather chin strap made from rabbit-fur felt or wool felt, and is turned up on the side (originally perhaps to keep out of the way of a lance or rifle). It also helps stay clear of that scorching outback sun!

• • Vibe Hotel Sydney

  Vibe (4*)

  A unique Sydney hotel offering chic accommodation in the heart of Sydney, Vibe Hotel Sydney (4*) exudes the style of this fantastic city. You will love the convenience of staying in this vibrant location and in the heart of all the action. The hotel is perfectly positioned for you to easily discover Sydney’s vibrant CBD fringe villages of Surry Hills, Darlinghurst, Chinatown and the Sydney entertainment precinct offering live theatre and music year round. Sydney’s premier tourist destinations like Sydney Centrepoint Tower, Darling Harbour, Hyde Park, The Rocks and Circular Quay are only minutes away so you may want to stay just a little bit longer…and enjoy the vibe!

  • More information
• • Grand Mercure Hunter Resort

  Grand Mercure Hunter Resort (4+*)

  The Grand Mercure Hunter Valley Gardens is situated in the heart of the Hunter Valley Wine Country and is located on the most prominent corner within the Hunter Valley.

  Adjacent to Tempus Two Winery & Concert venue, which features major international acts, our 72-room property also forms part of the Hunter Valley Gardens precinct, one of the wine region’s premier tourist attractions. The property provides the perfect base to explore all the region has to offer. If location is important to you, then there is simply no better place to stay to enjoy your favourite cellar door, restaurants, golf courses and even major concerts.

  • More information
• • Oaks Lure Apartments

  Oaks Lure Apartments (4*)

  The perfect place for a long or short escape, Oaks Lure Apartments at Nelson Bay is located in the charming town centre and just a short walk from the unspoiled waters of Port Stephens, the marina, restaurants and shops. Lure’s air-conditioned one and two bedroom apartment accommodation, with high ceilings and generous living spaces, invite you to relax in comfort after a day’s boating, swimming or doing whatever you please. Adjustable external louvres give you fingertip control of privacy and gentle breezes. Make the most of your holiday enjoying the hotel’s sunny decks and courtyards, heated lap pool, barbecue area and landscaped gardens.

  • More information
• • BreakFree Aanuka Beach Resort
  • BreakFree Hotel Room

  Breakfree Aanuka Coffs Harbour (4*)

  Positioned on absolute beachfront with magnificent ocean views and surrounded by acres of wide open parklands, BreakFree Aanuka Beach Resort at Coffs Harbour on the NSW North Coast is one resort you'll never want to leave. BreakFree Aanuka Beach Resort offers a tasteful blend of health, recreation and relaxation with superb accommodation. The resorts combination of endless recreation facilities, health and beauty retreat, stylish accommodation from hotel rooms and beach bures to villas and apartments, and array of dining choices with a signature restaurant and alfresco café onsite, offers something for everyone. While children frolic at the kids club or in one of the pools or cave spas, you can relax under the shady palms and enjoy a soothing spa. Beach lovers can enjoy the seclusion of picturesque Diggers Beach which is literally at the resort's doorstep or sit back on the terrace with a long drink and admire postcard views of the sweeping lawns stretching down to the beach. This

  • More information
• • Vibe Hotel Gold Coast

  Vibe Hotel Gold Coast (4.5*)

  The Vibe Gold Coast hotel (4*) is centrally located in the midst of Gold Coast lifestyle, opposite the Chevron Renaissance Village, and just a block from Cavill Avenue (the heart of the Gold Coast shopping district). It overlooks the picturesque Nerang River is ideally placed for a leisurely stroll to Surfers Paradise beach, world-class shopping, fantastic nightlife, restaurants galore and lots of fun attractions…or you can just relax in comfort. In any event, you are sure to love the convenience of staying right in the very heart of Surfers Paradise.

  • More information

The Fine Print

• Trip Operator

  Horizon & Co. (founded in 1963), is a privately-owned leading boutique travel company. Horizon designs and stages authentic and deeply personal travel experiences that are carefully choreographed to induce a life-long memory. In addition to offering published trips on seven continents, Horizon builds private custom trips for discerning individuals and small groups.

• Contact Information

  Horizon & Co.
  Tel: 1-800-387-2977
  Email: admin@horizon-co.com
  Web: www.horizon-co.com

• What's Included:

  • Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services

• What's not Included:

  • International and Internal Flights - Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance

• Trip Terms & Conditions

  • Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
  • Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
  • Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
  • Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
  • Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
  • Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.horizon-co.com/terms-and-conditions
  • Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.

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