Highlights |
Independent Package Includes
- Flights LAX-Sydney-Melbourne-LAX
Other departure cities available. Click on date of departure for selection and prices
- Airline fuel surcharges
- 6 nights accommodations
- 3 nights Sydney
- 3 nights Melbourne
- Breakfast daily
Also Available
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Optionals |
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Book your Optional Tours before you travel and see more, save time, save money, and protect your investment. Tours purchased while traveling cost at least 10% more! Tours often sell out - avoid disappointment! Save your cash - many countries do not accept credit cards. Travel insurance only covers services purchased prior to departure.
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| Hop On/Hop Off Sydney City Tour with Opera House & Cruise (210) |
Day #4 |
01 May 2009 - 31 Mar 2010 $99
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The independent and easy way to get around Sydney & its best attractions. The hop on and off open top double decker allows you to discover vibrant Sydney at your own pace. Stay on board for a full commentary, 90 minute guided tour of the city or hop on, hop off, all day. It is up to you.
Highlights of the tour include: Sydney City tour, you will view the historic Rocks area and Mrs. Macquarie's Chair, views of the Sydney Opera House, the Harbour Bridge and the famous Bondi Beach. Tour also includes entrance to 4 major attractions, enjoy a cruise on Sydney Harbour, a tour of the world-famous Sydney Opera House, Sydney Tower and Sydney Monorail.
This tour is sold as a 1 day tour. The hop on hop off component is the only part that has an expiration - 24 hours from the time you first get on the bus. All other activities are open dated and can be used at any time during your time in Sydney.
Tour departs at 9:00 am from STAR CITY COACH TERMINAL Pirrama Road, Darling Harbour, NSW 2009 AUSTRALIA. Please report 30 minutes prior to departure.
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| Cuddle a Koala (260) |
Day #5 |
01 Jul 2009 - 30 Apr 2010 $65
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This morning enjoy an opportunity to observe Australia's most unique animals. Upon arrival at the Featherdale Wildlife Park see parrots, cockatoos, emus, and Australia's largest crocodiles. Also, enjoy a walk through the Rainforest Aviary. Other animals to see include Tasmanian devils, kangaroos, owls and possums. The highlight will be a walk through koala enclosures and viewing koalas in trees. Here you will have the chance to Cuddle a Koala.*
*Koalas cling to an object or branch. You may touch a koala, but you are not permitted to hold koalas.
Tour departs at 9:30 am from Pier 26, Aquarium Wharf, Darling Harbour, NSW 2009 AUSTRALIA. Please report 30 minutes prior to departure.
Tour returns at 1:30 pm at Clocktower Square, Corner of Argyle & Harrington Streets.
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| Half Day Melbourne City Tour (381) |
Day #7 |
01 Apr 2009 - 30 Apr 2010 $50
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Today enjoy a city tour of Melbourne, the heart of Australia's classic south. See Captain Cook's Cottage, Queen Victoria Market, Fitzroy Gardens and Albert Park, home to the Australian Grand Prix. Stroll through the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens, see the Royal Exhibition Buildings and Federation Square. Visit the Shrine of Remembrance and see the Southbank waterfront precinct. View some of the city architecture including St. Paul's Cathedral and the Princess and Regent theatres. Finally, cross the Bolte Bridge for great views of the city.
Tour departs at 8:10 am from Gray Line office at:
Melbourne Day Tour Centre
Federation Square East, corner Flinders & Russell Streets
Melbourne Vic 3000 AUSTRALIA
Please report 30 minutes prior to departure
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| Half Day Penguin Parade (374) |
Day #7 |
01 Apr 2009 - 30 Apr 2010 $85
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This afternoon, witness the natural phenomenon of the Penguins Parade on Phillip Island. Every evening at dusk, the little Fairy Penguins come from the sea to burrow in the sands of Summerland Beach, an event which draws millions of visitors each year.
Tour departs at 3:15 pm from June 1 - Oct 3 and 5:00 pm Oct 4 - Apr 3 from Gray Line office at:
Melbourne Day Tour Centre
Federation Square East, corner Flinders & Russell Streets
Melbourne Vic 3000 AUSTRALIA
Please report 30 minutes prior to departure
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| Healesville with Blue Dandenongs & lunch (377) 10:00 AM |
Day #8 |
01 Oct 2009 - 31 Mar 2010 $126
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Depart Melbourne this morning for a journey to the Blue Dandenong Ranges. Enjoy Ferntree Gully at the foot of the ranges, the mountain ash forests, and the beautiful traditional gardens. Next, walk through the Yarra Valley which is known for the farms and vineyards producing robust wine grapes. Experience a wine tasting at Fergusson's Winery, and a spit roast lunch as honored guests of Peter and Louise Fergusson. After lunch, you will visit the Healesville Sanctuary. This truly is an Australian experience, where you can view various species of Australian birds, mammals and reptiles in their natural habitat. Come face to face with kangaroos, koalas, wombats, lyrebirds, dingoes and even Tasmainan Devils. The Healesville Sanctuary is in the foothills of the Great Divide and will be one of the most memorable experiences in Melbourne. Return to Melbourne in the early evening.
Tour departs at 10:00 am from Gray Line office at:
Melbourne Day Tour Centre
Federation Square East, corner Flinders & Russell Streets
Melbourne Vic 3000 AUSTRALIA
Please report 30 minutes prior to departure
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Book your Optional Tours before you travel and see more, save time, save money, and protect your investment. Tours purchased while traveling cost at least 10% more! Tours often sell out - avoid disappointment! Save your cash - many countries do not accept credit cards. Travel insurance only covers services purchased prior to departure.
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Rates & Hotels |
Step 1: Select Your Choice of Hotel Plans Step 2: Click a Date to Book Online
OR: Click here to create your own flexible vacation
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*Not Included:
Airport taxes & fees, transfers, optional tours, and gratuities.
Entry Requirements:
US citizens require a passport valid for six months beyond travel dates.
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| Although most of the planning and preparation is taken care of for you, there are still a few things you should know and some details you should take care of to ensure your comfort, safety and peace of mind. Please review the following information before your departure to ensure that any surprises along the way will only be pleasant ones. | |
| Passports and Visas | It is each traveler's responsibility to have a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of departure and a visa if required. Please check the information at www.gate1travel.com/visas.aspx for the specific country/region you are visiting for more details. Passengers who are not U.S. citizens must check with the respective consulate or a visa agency to determine what personal identification is required. Passport applications are available at most U.S. Post Offices, as well as at regional Passport Agencies.
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Entry Requirements:
US citizens require a passport valid for six months beyond travel dates.
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| Trip Preparation | A little pre-planning can make your trip go a lot smoother. Several weeks before your trip, make a list of what you’ll need to take with you. Make sure your personal documents (passports, visas) are in order and that you have enough prescription medications to last through the trip.
| | Health Information | Check with your personal physician for the latest overseas travel health information, or contact the Center for Disease Control’s travelers’ hotline at 404-332-4559, web site www.cdc.gov.
| | Climate & Clothing | Australia - In Australia the seasons are reversed compared to the United States. Spring: September – November; Summer: December – February; Fall: March – May; Winter: June – August
Bring comfortable walking shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer and an all-weather coat. Sunscreen and a hat or sunglasses are also recommended.
Australia Average Temperatures: http://www.gate1travel.com/weather/asia-pacific/default.aspx#nz-australia-weather
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| E-tickets | Most airlines now require that we provide e-tickets in place of paper tickets. At check-in, you should be ready to provide your e-ticket itinerary and ticket numbers, as well as identification (valid passport) to the agent. In a few cases where e-tickets cannot be issued, you will receive your tickets in a paper form.
| | Airline Flights | Please check in at least three hours prior to the scheduled departure time to allow for security steps. Passengers connecting from another point within the USA may check their luggage through to their final destination, and although problems with lost luggage have been minimal, it is a possibility. Certain carriers do not allow baggage “interlining,” and luggage must be checked separately for each flight. If you are connecting from a domestic flight which is delayed for any reason, causing you to miss your international flight, you must ask the airline for assistance in getting you to your destination. Since all airline tickets are issued on special fares which carry restrictions and penalties if changed, you must have the airlines responsible make alternate arrangements on your behalf as Gate 1 has no authority or control over airline activities and policies. Do not leave the airline check-in desk until an alternative itinerary has been confirmed for you.
Flight schedule changes are common and may occur anytime until departure. Therefore it is the responsibility of each passenger to reconfirm their flights 72 hours prior to departure for all flights.
| | Airline Luggage Restrictions | Most international airlines are consistent with regard to the number and weight of the pieces you may check and bring onboard. Domestic carriers however, typically on small aircraft, differ. Therefore, we suggest that you check in advance if you are concerned about size or weight restrictions. Many airlines have begun to apply charges for checked bags. Please contact your airline or refer to its website for detailed information regarding your airline's checked baggage policies. Airline policies vary and may change at any time. Gate 1 Travel is not responsible for any excess luggage/ weight charges levied by an airline.
| | Airline Seats | Airline seats are confirmed whenever possible. Some airlines and/or fare types do not allow for pre-seating and require this be done at airport check-in only. Even when seats are pre-assigned however, we recommend that you contact the carrier one to two weeks prior to departure to reconfirm your seats. In many cases there are equipment changes after your initial booking which can cause airplane seating reconfiguration.
| | Airline Tickets | Most airline tickets are issued using special fares which cannot be changed or canceled without incurring additional cost. Should you lose or misplace your tickets while traveling, you should immediately notify the airline. In most cases they will have you complete a Lost Ticket Indemnity Form, and for a fee, issue replacement tickets.
| | Code-share Flights | Many airlines participate in alliances and special agreements with other airlines which permit passengers to travel from one point to another using more than one carrier. While your ticket may indicate that you are flying with one carrier (eg: Delta), you may find that you are actually seated in a plane belonging to another carrier (eg: Alitalia). Please review your airline itinerary carefully to determine which airline you should go to for check-in; if your flight is operated by a carrier other than the primary airline indicated on the itinerary, your itinerary will state "Flight Operated by (Airline)." If you have any concerns regarding which airline to check-in with, you may contact the airline directly or Gate 1 Travel for clarification.
| | Luggage | All Gate 1 tour packages allow one piece of luggage per person, plus carry-on bag. Additional baggage will be subject to airline handling charges of up to $100 per piece. As Gate 1 will not be responsible for loss or damage to luggage and personal belongings, you MUST report any loss or damage immediately at the time of the incident and obtain a written report from the local authority for submission to your insurance provider. If your luggage is lost or damaged by the airlines, a baggage claim form MUST be filed with the carrier before leaving the airport. See www.gate1travel.com/luggage.aspx for Important Baggage Information for U.S. Travelers.
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| Arrival Procedures | Upon arrival, please complete immigration formalities and claim your luggage. If your program includes airport arrival transfers, check your voucher for specific instructions, as they vary with every destination. In most cases, you will be met after passing through Customs by the local representative who will be holding a Gate 1 Travel sign and/or a sign with your name on it. In some instances you will be instructed to walk a short distance to a transportation counter. The company's name and location will be printed on your voucher. If for any reason you do not connect with the Gate 1 transfer personnel, go to the Tourist Information Desk and ask them to page the Gate 1 Travel representative or phone the number on your voucher.
| | What To Do When Your Flight Is Delayed | Airlines do not share flight manifest information. Therefore, the only way we may learn of a delay or schedule change while you are traveling is from you, the traveler. The sooner you are able to contact one of our offices, overseas or in the USA, the better we can respond. Gate 1 Travel is only able to guarantee pre-reserved arrival transfers for up to one hour from the scheduled time, no matter the cause. In case you are delayed for any reason, and are unable to follow the instructions on your voucher, please make independent transfer arrangements and retain your receipts. Unused tour services, including transfers and hotel nights are not refundable. Upon your return home you will need to contact your airline and/or insurance carrier to investigate the possibility of reimbursement for any unused tour services.
| | Departure Procedures | If your program includes departure transfers, instructions will be stated on your voucher or provided locally.
| | Transfers | Due to local traffic and other extenuating circumstances, we ask that you allow 30 minutes from your scheduled transfer time for our representative to arrive. This includes hotel, airport and cruise transfers. Such possible delays are taken into consideration in scheduling transfers and you should therefore have no concerns about arriving late for your tour, flight or cruise. For transfers from a hotel, let the hotel reception desk or concierge know that you are waiting for a transfer. In the case of a missed transfer, reimbursement for your out-of-pocket expenses will be considered provided you obtain a written statement from the hotel's front desk verifying the length of time you waited, and the time you left the hotel, and a receipt for your transportation with time and date.
Escorted tour programs include transfers, providing you have purchased airfare from Gate 1 to arrive and depart on the scheduled tour dates. If you are traveling independently, you may purchase the transfers from Gate 1 or contract your own method of transportation to the hotel or cruise ship. The cost of a transfer will generally be more expensive than hiring a taxi as the pre-arranged transfer necessarily includes round trip service, or a 'dead-leg'. Additionally the driver may have to wait at the collection point for up to an hour.
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| Hotels | | Gate 1 Travel has carefully selected each hotel based on overall quality, location, price, food, service, and cleanliness. All rooms are standard rooms with two single beds and private facilities, unless you have specifically requested and paid for an upgrade. Room selection is strictly at the discretion of the hotel management. We reserve the right to make hotel substitutions with those of equal standard. | | Hotel Check-in/ Check-out | | Check-in time is usually 4pm or later. Check-out time is 12 noon. If you will be arriving early in the day or departing in the evening, hotels will usually allow you to store your luggage in their luggage room. Ask at the front desk if the hotel can check you in earlier, or let you stay later. |
| Eco & Sustainable Tourism | We support global efforts to create a more eco-friendly world, intolerant of any forms of cruelty, abuse and intentional environmental destruction. To that end we ask that our clients maintain a watchful eye as they travel, and report any abuses they may encounter. One of the many benefits of tourism is the shared cultural knowledge and ultimate elimination of negative behavior through education. We rely on your good feedback to enable this element of symbiosis. As you travel to and learn about foreign cultures, we ask first and foremost that you practice tolerance and respect for local customs.
| | Land Only Passengers (Escorted Tours) | Your tour manager will contact you after your arrival at your hotel. Passengers who have not purchased arrival transfers from Gate 1 Travel should proceed directly to the hotel for checkin. The details of the hotel can be found in your documents.
| | Shopping | Shopping in a foreign country can be a wonderful experience. We do include a few stops at recommended popular shops on every escorted tour, intended to enhance your cultural experience. As you explore the country independently, you may find fantastic, one-of-a-kind merchandise. You may get terrific bargains. However, we advise you to exercise care and common sense when making any purchase. Always get a formal receipt. And remember that, just like in this country, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is!
| Australia - Travelers will find many familiar amenities in Australia. Stores are open all week and during the weekend. Shops throughout Australia offer aboriginal arts and crafts, fine wool garments and high-quality opal gemstones.
| | Currency | We suggest getting a small amount of currency for the first country you're visiting before you leave the U.S. It is a good idea to carry a chart with you to help you convert U.S. dollars to the local currency. It's also a good idea not to carry too much money. Many countries have ATM machines that accept most U.S. ATM cards, but be sure you know your ATM password in numbers-the keypads on foreign ATMs don't always have letters. ATM machines will only dispense cash in local currency. Check with respective consulates to learn current currency allowances and requirements. Use your credit card whenever possible. Should you decide to carry cash or travelers checks, exchange them at banks where the rate is more favorable than at hotels or exchange bureaus.
| Australia - The Australian Dollar is the currency of Australia.
| | Purchasing Tours Locally |
On escorted tours, the guides will generally sell optional tours to passengers who have not pre-purchased them.
Payment can be made by cash or credit card, unless otherwise noted below.
This does not apply to Independent packages. Please see Gate 1 Terms & Conditions for more information.
http://www.gate1travel.com/terms.aspx#optional
| Australia - Payment can be made by cash AU$ or credit card.
| | Credit Cards | While credit cards are accepted in most destinations, it is advisable to carry local currency. Inform your credit card company that you are traveling to avoid your card being blocked for security reasons.
| | Gratuities | This is a matter of personal discretion. You may use the following as a guideline:
- Tour escort (Coordinator; may or may not act as a guide):
$6 or $7 per person per day - *Driver (Provides chauffeur services and limited assistance with luggage):
$3 per person per day - *Local Guide (Offers in-depth information at specific locations. There may be one or many guides along a tour program):
$2 per person per half day of sightseeing (2-3 hours) - *River Cruises:
$6 or $7 per person per day as indicated by each cruise line (see details regarding European River Cruises) - *Private car tours(small groups of 2-14 passengers):
$12 to $16 per person per day for each day of sightseeing - *Hotel Porter:
$1 per bag per person - *Wait staff:
$1.50 per person (lunch or dinner) - *Chamber maid:
$1 per person per day
Tipping is considered by many locals to be a part of their normal remuneration and some may approach you for additional "compensation." There is no need to be intimidated by the request, nor should you feel pressured to pay more than recommended. If you become uncomfortable by any behavior you encounter, please advise your tour escort or phone our local office. Numbers have been provided in your documents for your convenience.
| Australia - Gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists.
| | Your Safety is Very Important | Every effort has been taken by Gate 1 Travel to ensure your safety. However, it is important that you do not allow your common sense to take a vacation while you're on your trip. Be aware of potentially dangerous places and situations as you would at home. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry and carry your valuables concealed in inside pockets or hidden pouches. Don't put all your valuables (money, credit cards, passports, etc.) in the same place. (In case that one wallet is stolen, you should have other valuables and identification in another safe place.) Don't leave valuables laying loose in your room-use the hotel safe. Keep copies of your passports, credit card numbers and travelers checks numbers in the hotel safe. If you've purchased an escorted tour program, your travel documents will include telephone numbers of local Gate 1 Travel representatives who will do their utmost to assist you in the event of an emergency. The numbers are printed on your Gate 1 Travel vouchers. Please copy the numbers. Once you relinquish the voucher, you will not have this information. Passengers traveling independently should employ the services of hotel concierges and local authorities.
| | Local Emergency Phone Numbers | Australia
| | Languages | Australia - English is the local language.
| | Electricity | Please note: The U.S. uses 120 volts and you can purchase a converter and transformer at most hardware stores for your 120V appliances.
| Australia - The voltage used is 220 volts.
| | Code of Conduct | Australia - Australia is among the most egalitarian societies in the world. As such, honorifics such as “sir” and “ma'am” are often replaced by the more inclusive term “mate.” This familiarity is meant to demonstrate a sense of equality and is in no way considered disrespectful. Otherwise, standard courtesies should be observed just as in the United States.
| | Holidays - Australia |
| Holidays 2009 |
| Jan 1 |
New Year's Day |
| Jan 26 |
Australia Day |
Apr 10 |
Good Friday |
Apr 11 |
Easter Saturday |
Apr 12 |
Easter |
Apr 13 |
Easter Monday |
Apr 25 |
ANZAC Day |
Jun 8 |
Queen's Birthday |
Dec 25 |
Christmas Day |
Dec 26 |
Boxing Day |
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