12 DAYS, 10 NIGHTS
Gold Coast, Great Barrier Reef Liveaboard & Sydney
FROM $4,295*
Beach it up in Gold Coast,
visit Cairns and Sydney, and
dive into the Great Barrier Reef
on a three-day Scuba Dive trip.
BOOK BY: January 3, 2025*
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
Relax in the sun, surf, and sand at the dazzling beaches of Gold Coast, where the glittering coasts blends with lush green hinterland.
Then make a splash in Cairns, your gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Embark on a three-day, all-inclusive scuba diving expedition to explore this natural wonder of the world.
Top off your vacation in Sydney, Australia’s famous harbor city brimming with superb beaches, iconic landmarks, and diverse cosmopolitan delights.
LOW DEPOSIT & PAYMENT PLAN!
– Deposit from just $750 per person
– 1 Easy Mid-Payment from just $1,100
– Final Payment Due 60 Days Before Departure
OUR PARTNERS
This deal was created in partnership with our mates in the South Pacific.
Trip Inclusions
This Australia vacation package includes all of the following:
Accommodation
- Gold Coast (3 Nights)
- Cairns (1)
- Great Barrier Reef Liveaboard (3)
- Cairns (1)
- Sydney (2)
Flights
- International: Los Angeles to Brisbane via Nadi (Fiji), Sydney to Los Angeles via Nadi (Fiji)
- Australian Domestic: Brisbane to Cairns, Cairns to Sydney
Transfers
- Shuttle: Brisbane Airport to Gold Coast Accommodation (Return), Cairns Airport to Accommodation (Return), Sydney Airport to Accommodation (Return)
Booking Details
To Book: 888-359-2877 (M-F, 8:30am-5pm CT USA)
Booking Code: ST-GCQSOF
Book by: January 3, 2025
Permitted Travel Dates: March 7, 14, 28, April 4, 25, May 2, 16, 23, September 5, 12, 2025
Lowest Price Found: March 14, May 2, 6, 23, September 5, 12, 2025
*See Terms and Conditions for details.
Trip Details
Golden Beaches, Natural Wonders, World-Class Cities...
These are just the start of the perfect Australia adventure.
Most people’s idea of traveling to Australia stops at Sydney. And it’s no wonder, with its blend of stunning beaches, world-famous landmarks, and natural coastal beauty.
But you’re not looking to travel just to Sydney.
You’re ready to see Australia beyond the cities. To dive down under and see the beauty of Australia beneath the surface. To come fin-to-fin with some of the most unreal natural wonders of the world.
And that’s what we’ve created for you with our Gold Coast, Great Barrier Reef Liveaboard & Sydney vacation package.
Go beyond Bondi Beach with the beaches of Gold Coast, where the boundless surf and endless sand create unique beaches all along the coast. See more of the Great Barrier Reef than most visitors ever do with a spectacular all-inclusive scuba diving liveaboard expedition. And of course, it wouldn’t be an Australia vacation without a stay in Sydney!
See more of Australia than most could ever dream of. We’ve made it easy for you with all flights, hotels, scuba diving liveaboard, and transfers included. All you need to do is book today!
DAY 1: FLY TO AUSTRALIA
International Flight, Los Angeles to Brisbane
This Gold Coast, Great Barrier Reef Liveaboard & Sydney Vacation begins with an included international flight to Brisbane via Nadi, Fiji. Your flight will cross the International Dateline, meaning you’ll arrive one day ahead in Australia!
DAYS 2 – 5: Gold Coast
Endless Beaches and Green Hinterland
Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast. Photo Credit: Experience Gold Coast
Nestled along Australia’s eastern coastline, this dazzling destination offers a unique blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty. Here, towering skyscrapers meet the sun-kissed beaches, while lush rainforests share whispers of their age-old mysteries.
You’ll spend 3 nights in a 4-star hotel in Gold Coast’s Surfer’s Paradise, famous for its golden beaches stretching as far as the eye can see. As the sun sets beneath the horizon, Surfer’s Paradise erupts into a vibrant nightlife scene, buzzing with chic bars, delicious restaurants, and dynamic markets that pulse with energy.
Your days in Gold coast are free to explore the city flair, soak in the beach vibes, and venture into rainforest adventures:
- Roll out your towel on the golden sands of Surfer’s Paradise beach, where the curling waves bring in pro surfers and anyone looking to bask in the sun.
- Explore O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat, nestled within the stunning Lamington National Park. Treetop strolls, guided eco-tours, and wildlife encounters are just the beginning of what awaits in this lush subtropical rainforest.
- Whether you’re in the mood for a fancy seafood dinner, a casual beachside bite, or a fun evening at the night markets, Gold Coast is a food lover’s paradise bursting with unforgettable flavors.
- Meet Australia’s extraordinary wildlife at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Experience thrilling animal interactions, explore fascinating conservation displays, and stroll through stunning gardens that will take your breath away.
If you’re chasing outdoor thrills, planning a fun-filled family vacation, or looking to spark some romance, the Gold Coast promises something for everyone.
Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast. Photo Credit: Experience Gold Coast
Miami Beach, Gold Coast. Photo Credit: Experience Gold Coast
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Photo Credit: Experience Gold Coast
Cairns. Photo Credit: Tropical Tourism North Queensland
Ochre Restaurant, Cairns. Photo Credit: Tourism & Events Queensland
DAYS 5 – 6: Cairns
Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef
Cairns. Photo Credit: Tropical Tourism North Queensland
Framed by the lush rainforests of the Daintree and the blue Coral Sea, Cairns shimmers in hues of green and blue.
It’s the hotspot where adventurers from every corner of the globe gather to experience the magic of the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest.
You’ll spend 1 night in Cairns at a 4-star hotel close to all the action. With time to explore at your own pace, you’ll get to fully immerse yourself in the laid-back vibes and sun-kissed tropical climate of Cairns.
You may like to:
- Bask in the sun at the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon, or see the vibrant marine life of the Great Barrier Reef up close at the Cairns Aquarium.
- Set out on the iconic Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, taking you on a breathtaking journey above the dense rainforest canopies and thundering waterfalls of the World Heritage listed Wet Tropics rainforests.
- Join a guided walk into the Daintree Rainforest, home to the world’s oldest rainforest story, and learn about the oldest continuous First Peoples Nation culture that flourishes in this region.
And of course, no trip to Cairns is complete without seeing the Great Barrier Reef.
DAYS 6 – 9: Great Barrier Reef
Liveaboard Dive Trip
Great Barrier Reef. Photo Credit: Spirit of Freedom
Go beyond the surface level labyrinth of blue and green and discover the vibrant world of the Great Barrier Reef!
After your night in Cairns, a complimentary shuttle will take you from your hotel to Trinity Wharf, where you’ll board a purpose-built vessel for your three-night liveaboard dive trip.
Travel to the Ribbon Reefs, a rarely visited area at the Great Barrier Reef, where you’ll dive into extraordinary sites bursting with colorful corals, tropical fish, anenomes, giant clams, and pelagic fish.
Plus, this all-inclusive liveaboard dive trip includes daily cabin service and gourmet chef-prepared meals, on top of included weights, cylinders, and Nautilus Lifeline PLB.
- Enjoy up to 11 dives along the Ribbon Reefs, including the world famous Cod Hole dive site, home to huge Potato Cod fish.
- Visit Lizard Island (Jiigurru) off the Queensland coast for an overnight stay in secluded Watson’s Bay, with an evening BBQ dinner.
- Replenish your energy throughout the day with snacks and daily meals, with soft drinks and wine included with dinner.
- Relax in comfortable fully air-conditioned cabins, with spacious beds and ensuite bathrooms.
A trip to the Great Barrier Reef is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that promises adventure, spectacular underwater wonders, and unforgettable memories. And you’ll have three whole nights to explore it!
What’s Included:
- Standard Double or Twin Share Cabin
- Chef prepared meals & snacks, wine and soft drink are included with the evening meal.
- Tanks, air fills, Nautilus Lifeline and weight belt. Full equipment rental available for an additional fee.
- Daily cabin service.
- Cairns hotel or Airport transfers.
- GST and all reef levies and fees.
Great Barrier Reef. Photo Credit: Spirit of Freedom
Cod Hole. Photo Credit: Spirit of Freedom
Lighthouse Bommie, Great Barrier Reef. Photo Credit: Tourism & Events Queensland and Darren Jew
Cairns Esplanade. Photo Credit: Tourism Tropical North Queensland
Trinity Beach, Cairns. Photo Credit: Tourism Tropical North Queensland
DAYS 9 – 10: Cairns
Tropical relaxation
Cairns Esplanade. Photo Credit: Tourism Tropical North Queensland
After your Great Barrier Reef adventure, you’ll return to Cairns for one final night in Tropical North Queensland. Your afternoon is free to explore Cairns at your own pace.
Unwind with a stroll along the Cairns Esplanade, where the salty breeze dances through the palm trees and beyond into the sea horizon. Visit the Cairns Night Markets and find authentic Aussie souvenirs amid the endless colorful stalls and local shops. Or if you’re up for one more adventure, join a nocturnal wildlife tour in the Atherton Tablelands, where you’ll spot rare Australian animals in the Wet Tropics rainforests within easy reach from Cairns.
Every minute in Cairns bursts with excitement and tranquility, creating the perfect playground for adventure seekers! Just one night here can spark incredible memories that will keep you smiling long after the sun rises.
DAYS 10 – 12: Sydney
Jewel of Australia’s East Coast
Sydney Opera House
You’ll stay two nights in a 4-Star accommodation right in the heart of the city, with easy access to must-see attractions.
Take a day for yourself if you wish to just explore the city and let serendipity take over. You may like to:
- Take a tour of the Sydney Opera House and learn the surprising secrets behind this stunning architectural masterpiece.
- Explore the lush, sprawling trails of the Royal Botanic Gardens, wrapping around the harbor with incredible view of the Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge.
- Get your hands on a Sydney Harbour Cruise Express pass to catch all the splendid harbor sights such as Circular Quay, Darling Harbour, Taronga Zoo, and Shark Island.
- Visit the museums galleries for a deeper dive into local art and Australian natural history. You could spend a whole day exploring the expansive zoological and anthropoligcal collections of Australian Museum, or while the day away at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, home to modern and indigenous art.
With each corner in Sydney revealing something new, the question isn’t what to do in Sydney, but rather, where to begin your adventure in this captivating Australian gem?
Sydney Opera House
Sydney Harbour. Photo Credit: Rudy Balasko
At the end of your stay in Sydney, a shuttle transfer will take you to the airport for your flight to the USA via Nadi. The memories you’ve made of your Gold Coast, Great Barrier Reef & Sydney vacation will make for incredible stories everyone will want to hear – and it all went without a hitch!
Ready to dive into the trip of a lifetime? It’s as simple as the click of a button. We’ll take care of the rest. From flight bookings to accommodation, activities, transfers and more—you can simply enjoy your vacation.
As experts in Australian travel, we put trips like these together all day. From the moment you speak to our Travel Advisors to your plane touching down back home, we’ll make sure every aspect of your trip goes exactly as it should.
Click the button below to book this Australia vacation deal today!
*Terms and Conditions:
Terms and Conditions for those purchasing this package from About Australia (USA) PTY Limited Inc, doing business as:
• About Australia – www.aboutaustralia.com
• About New Zealand – www.aboutnewzealand.com
• About Fiji www.aboutfijitravel.com
All prices are in US dollars and correct as of December 16, 2024. Subject to availability.
Pricing is from “per person” based on Double Occupancy (2 Adults) in hotels in USD.
Single Supplements apply.
Upgrades available on request (upgrade supplements apply).
Changes are permitted (fees may apply).
Other restrictions may apply.
Not combinable with any other offer or discounted vacation package.
All taxes, GST & Fuel Levies are included in the Price unless specified otherwise.
Prices may vary when you book your travel package due to seasonality and availability. Request a quote for your preferred dates of travel.
Your quote is not guaranteed until payment in full is received. Airlines, hotels and tour operators frequently change their prices as a result of rate increases, fuel surcharges, government imposed taxes or fees. Prices may increase prior to your deposit for those and/or other reasons.
After full payment, prices are guaranteed except only due to an increase in government imposed taxes/fees or in the case of extreme exchange rate fluctuation. By paying your deposit, you understand and agree to the possibility of such increases.
All itineraries and routings are subject to change. In particular, adding Sydney and departing on a Monday or Wednesday will result in the order of your itinerary changing from that published here. Your quote will reflect your trip’s routing.
Your About Australia travel advisor will find you the best price on Flights with the best possible routing according to their expertise. Flights, where included, will be operated by Fiji Airways, Jet Star, Qantas or their code-share partners; flight Taxes & Fuel levy included; Economy Flight Class of Service. To get the best price, the long-haul sectors may not be direct. Upgrades available for an additional cost.
Flights maybe based on Fares which cannot be held in advance of purchase, same day payment and ticketing may be required.
About Australia strongly recommends that you purchase Travel Insurance for your trip oversees. If you choose not to purchase Travel Insurance, you will be traveling at your own risk.
Payments and Documents Requests from you will be supplied in a timely manner. We are unable to honor Special Pricing if payment or requested document is received after a Special has expired. We reserve the right to cancel all arrangements if payments and/or Documents are not received on time.
Any itinerary changes requested by the client after bookings are in place will result in a minimum $100 change fee from About Australia. This fee is in-addition to any other fees issued by other providers (e.g. Airlines, Hotels & Tour Operators).
Deposit Payments made to About Australia are non-refundable. Subsequent payments made to About Australia may also not be refundable depending on the providers booked. To protect your investment in your travel package, we strongly recommend you purchase Travel Insurance. Please visit the following URL for About Australia’s Cancellation Policy: https://www.aboutaustralia.com/cancellation-policy-fees/
Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) or Visa is required to enter Australia. About Australia is not responsible for loss associated with Visas for entry into your travel destination. Note: In most cases Visa’s can be issued immediately for USA Passport holders. For non-USA Passport holders Visa Issuance may take up to 12 weeks. Felony criminal convictions can affect your admittance into Australia.
The information provided by About Australia is in good faith and represents the best knowledge of the authors at the time.
About Australia, its directors, employees, shareholders, agents and other representatives, under any circumstances, liable for any injury, loss or damage arising out of or related to your overseas trip. This limitation of liability includes, but is not limited to, compensatory, direct, indirect or consequential damages, loss of information, income or profit, loss of or damage to property and third party claims.
If for any reason you cancel or miss a flight, accommodation, shuttle transfer, day tour or any other booking made by About Australia, we request you contact the applicable vendor as per the details contained on the relevant voucher. Please record all details of any changes made including, but not limited to, cancellation confirmation numbers, date, time and person with whom the cancellation was made. About Australia cannot guarantee a refund for any missed or cancelled portions of your trip. For this reason, we strongly recommend travel insurance.
All bookings are subject to availability. If a product, tour or accommodation is not available an equivalent product, tour or accommodation will be substituted. A tour may be moved to another day if required.
Accommodation, where included, intended to be use for these travel deals are as follows:
Gold Coast: VOCO GOLD COAST, Standard Ocean View Room
Cairns: PACIFIC HOTEL CAIRNS, Executive King Room
Liveaboard: SPIRIT OF FREEDOM, Standard Double or Twin Share
Sydney: HOLIDAY INN SYDNEY POTTS POINT, Standard Room
Travel may require additional requirements set forth by the country and states of Australia. Some of these requirements may require additional costs. These costs are not included in your itinerary. Travel Requirements are subject to change. About Australia has documented travel requirements on your itinerary with your quote. We will keep these as updated as possible, but your best source will always be official government websites. Please review, understand and be willing to comply with Australia’s travel requirements before making a deposit.
This agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of Texas applicable to agreements made and to be performed entirely within such state and without regards to the conflicts of law principles of such state. The parties hereby agree that venue of any action under this agreement shall be exclusively in the state courts of Bexar County, Texas.
Travel Dates
Permitted Travel Dates: March 7, 14, 28, April 4, 25, May 2, 16, 23, September 5, 12, 2025
Lowest Price Found: March 14, May 2, 6, 23, September 5, 12, 2025
Note: This itinerary can depart San Francisco or Dallas on Select Dates, price subject to change.
Request a firm quote for your preferred dates.
Subject to availability. Blackout dates and seasonal supplements will apply; these vary by travel vendor and are subject to change.
Travel may be permitted outside the dates listed, but may attract seasonality or special event surcharges.
You must be a Certified Diver. You are required to complete a Medical Statement at least 30 days prior to your departure date. The Medical Statement is included within the Diver Information Form. A link with instructions will be sent to you. All divers over the age of 65 must supply a valid dive medical certificate.
We strongly recommend a wait of 24 hours before flying after diving.
To participate in scuba diving you are required to agree to, and sign, our Discharge of Liability. A copy of the Discharge of Liability is included within the Diver Information Form supplied when your booking is confirmed.
Diving Equipment Rental is not included, ask your Travel Advisor about pre-booking your equipment rental.
Additional Terms and Conditions apply. You will be required to review and agree to the Terms and Conditions of travel before making your deposit.
Contact About Australia directly to get a firm quote based on current prices for your preferred travel dates.
Book by: Janaury 3, 2025
About Australia is proud to be an ARC Accredited Agency, part of the most select group of dedicated professionals in the U.S. travel industry recognized as having met stringent financial, personnel, and security requirements.