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11-Nights New Years Eve Adventure from $13,820
Swain Destinations
OFFER ID 1544801
New Year's Eve Adventure
Experience New Year's Eve in style at one of the most iconic locations on Earth: Sydney Harbour. Begin your trip in Brisbane and experience the sights of downtown and the Springbook Rainforest. Relax at the InterContinental Hayman Island Resort in the pristine Whitsundays. Take in the sights of the majestic Blue Mountains. Experience one of the most magical New Year's Eve fireworks displays aboard a luxury cruise on Sydney Harbour.
Your Itinerary Includes:
- Round trip airport transfers
- 3 nights at Emporium Hotel Southbank
- Brisbane walking tour
- Brisbane City River Cruise
- Springbrook Rainforests and Waterfalls tour
- 4 nights at InterContinental Hayman Island Resort
- 5 nights at Capella Sydney
- Half Day Sydney City Tour
- Sydney Harbour Lunch Cruise
- New Years Eve Luxury Cruise
- Blue Mountains tour
- 11 breakfasts. 3 lunches, 1 dinner
11 nights from $13,820 per person
Itinerary Details
Swain Destinations: New Year's Eve Adventure
Day 1 Welcome to Australia and Best of Brisbane Walking Tour
Welcome to Australia!
After clearing all arrival checks you will be met by a driver who will take you to your hotel in Brisbane.
Emporium Hotel Southbank
Centrally located on Grey Street in South Bank, Queensland's premier lifestyle and cultural precinct, the Emporium Hotel South Bank is a half mile to Brisbane's CBD and is surrounded by some of the city's best bars, dining and lifestyle options. The 143 room boutique hotel is minutes walk to the Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Gallery of Modern Art, Queensland Museum and Queensland State Library. From your initial entrance right up to the iconic rooftop and at every turn in between, each curated detail and handcrafted touch creates a sensory symphony that is bound to leave you with a lasting impression.
Best of Brisbane Walking Tour
Discover the vibrant city of Brisbane on foot with an expertly crafted walking tour. Immerse yourself in the beauty and culture of this stunning Australian destination as you explore its iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and city landscapes. A walking tour will take you on a journey through the heart of the city, from the lively streets of the central business district to the tranquil gardens and picturesque riverfront. Be guided through the bustling Queen Street Mall, the majestic City Hall, and the serene Botanic Gardens. With a carefully curated route, you'll experience the best of Brisbane, uncover its rich history, and create unforgettable memories.
Emporium Hotel South Bank
Day 2 Brisbane City Sights Cruise
Enjoy a cruise down the Brisbane River to take in the sights of the city. First up is Powerhouse Museum, where there is time for a walkthrough and an optional stop for a coffee or drink. Re-board the vessel and cruise to Newstead House where you disembark to view Brisbane’s oldest residence and the American-Australian Memorial. Continue cruising to Story Bridge beach and disembark for photo opportunities and commentary about the Bridge. Nearing the end of your excursion, cruise to Brisbane's west end with city sights commentary and a high-speed maneuver on the river.
Emporium Hotel South Bank
Meals: B
Day 3 Springbrook Rainforests and Waterfalls
This is an amazing tour of World-Heritage-listed rain-forests in Australia's 'Green Cauldron.' Take a walk through the subtropical, ancient rain-forests to the stunning lookouts over the lush valleys and Gold Coast. You walk behind waterfalls and have lunch by a rock pool in Springbrook National Park. There, you'll spot native wildlife and drive through the enchanting Numinbah Valley to the famous Natural Bridge - an amazing rock and waterfall formation.
Emporium Hotel South Bank
Meals: B, L
Day 4 Travel to InterContinental Hayman Island Resort
Ahead of your flight you will be transferred to Brisbane Airport by private vehicle. Upon arrival into Hamilton Island you will be transferred to InterContinental Hayman Island Resort by boat.
InterContinental Hayman Island Resort
Hayman Island is a private island resort in the heart of the Whitsundays. The nearest island to the Great Barrier Reef, Hayman Island is ideal for nature based activities and exceptional guest experiences. Featuring 160 guest rooms, suites, villas and penthouses across three main accommodation wings, Hayman Island provides guests the ultimate in barefoot luxury. Restaurants and bars offer an array of local and international cuisine, while the spa and water-sports facilities complete the island experience. Perfect for families, couples and honeymooners, the resort also provides an idyllic setting for a wide range of celebrations and events. Please note that restaurants are subject to seasonal and rotational openings. Breakfast is included.
Intercontinental Hayman Island Resort
Meals: B
Day 5 Hayman Island at Leisure
Hayman Island offers a range of activities and excursions for you to do as much, or as little, as you want during your stay. Activities incur a charge, which is to be paid direct to Hayman at time of stay. We recommend pre-booking activities and spa requirements to avoid disappointment, as some options do fill up during peak times.
Intercontinental Hayman Island Resort
Meals: B
Day 6 Hayman Island at Leisure
The Hayman Island Activities Centre has 6 championship-size tennis courts comprising of 5 Artificial Grass and 1 Hardcourt. The tennis facility is adjacent to the golf range and Hayman Fitness Centre which has a wide variety of Technogym Cardio equipment, cable machines, free weights and other holistic equipment. The Activities Center has qualified instructors to provide Yoga, Personal Training and Tennis tuition in either group or individual format.
Intercontinental Hayman Island Resort
Meals: B
Day 7 Hayman Island at Leisure
Or, enjoy a relaxing day at Spa Hayman with a comprehensive selection of health and spa programs presented by professional therapists. Featuring 13 individual treatment rooms, including a romantic couple's room, beachfront ocean view massage pavilions, two separate relaxation lounges, a relaxing hydrotherapy area, Vichy, sauna, steam rooms and change rooms, a spa orientation program, a state-of-the-art hair salon incorporating special occasion make-up and Pevonia Botanica product.
Intercontinental Hayman Island Resort
Meals: B
Day 8 Travel to Sydney
Ahead of your flight you will be transferred to Hamilton Island airport by boat. On arrival into Sydney you will be transferred to your accommodation by private vehicle.
Capella Sydney
The heritage-listed Department of Education building has been reawakened as Capella Sydney, welcoming guests inside for the very first time, setting a global benchmark for luxury accommodation, cuisine and cultural immersion. Balancing storied architectural features with a contemporary design aesthetic, Capella Sydney celebrates the Australian panorama through its interiors, location and experiences. The unparalleled spaces within Capella Sydney showcase curated artwork, sophisticated furnishings and intriguing objet d’art. The guestrooms and suites span eight levels, and are anchored by three ground-level food and beverage offerings.
Capella Sydney
Meals: B
Day 9 Sydney City Tour and Sydney Harbour Lunch Safari
Sydney Half Day Tour
ou will travel through the business district and shopping areas, see Darling Harbour and the vibrant China Town and drive along Oxford Street with its trendy terrace houses and boutique fashion shops. See Centennial Park, a 220-hectare urban parkland in Eastern Sydney. Reaching the coastline, see Bronte and Tamarama, then go on to explore the famous Bondi Beach. Spend 30 minutes walking the promenade or enjoying a coffee overlooking the beach.
From here, continue along the coastal drive past Macquarie Lighthouse to the Southern Headland of Sydney Harbour. Visit Watsons Bay before following the harbor foreshore towards Sydney City. You pass some of Australia's most exclusive waterfront suburbs where harbor mansions may be seen. Drive through Vaucluse, Double Bay before reaching the colorful Kings Cross. Head through Woolloomooloo and see the famous Harry's Cafe De Wheels. Visit Sydney's Botanical Gardens and enjoy some spectacular Harbour Bridge and Opera House views. Return to Sydney's CBD via Saint Mary's Cathedral, historic convict buildings, State Parliament House and the historical quarter of the 'Rocks.' Visit Sydney's Observatory Hill for amazing views over Sydney Harbour to the Blue Mountains.
Sydney Harbour Lunch Safari
The ultimate Sydney experience! An afternoon exploring the largest and most beautiful natural harbor in the world with your own captain and luxury sports cruiser. After seeing Sydney’s classic landmarks and millionaire waterside suburbs sit back and explore the serene backwaters and national parks of Middle Harbour, buzzing with wildlife and indigenous history. Enjoy a sumptuous gourmet lunch on board, while bay-hopping and soaking up the scenery or taking a dip.
Capella Sydney
Meals: B, L
Day 10 New Year's Eve Luxury Cruise
Tonight, experience one of the most incredible sights in the world, New Year's Eve on Sydney Harbour. Celebrate New Year's Eve aboard Australian built motor yacht, John Oxley. Experience what it is like to cruise like a local on one of the most spectacular harbors in the world, with your local, friendly hosts.
A casual stand-up dinner is included. Seafood platters to start, with tiger prawns, Sydney rock or Pacific oysters and Australian salmon sashimi. The main course is a premium barbecue buffet with eye fillet steaks, king prawn skewers, marinated chicken breasts and premium sausages, accompanied by four sides - baby potato salad with truffles, coleslaw, Caeser salad and Waldorf salad, and bread rolls. Come 9pm, the Family Fireworks show begins over the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, lighting up the harbor - it is truly incredible. Beautifully choreographed, the fireworks fire from barges around Sydney Harbour coupled with plenty of special pyrotechnic effects.
After the family fireworks show, continue to enjoy the sights and sounds of Sydney Harbour. The Harbour of Light Parade puts on an exciting visual as a lead up to the world's most famous fireworks' display. With champagne in hand the countdown begins for the Sydney Harbour Firework show at midnight, to welcome the New Year! Return to Sydney is 1:15am (approximately), with drop off at Circular Quay. This truly is a once in a lifetime experience.
Capella Sydney
Meals: B, D
Day 11 Sydney at Leisure
Today you are at your leisure to enjoy Sydney.
Capella Sydney
Meals: B
Day 12 Blue Mountains Tour
A day like no other - you’re off to experience the World Heritage listed Blue Mountains, in private. Beyond the big picture, this is a scenic widescreen epic. Marvel at deep canyons, sheer cliff walls, sandstone escarpments and tall waterfalls almost every time you step out. Explore historic villages, enjoy tea and scones in a quaint cafe, see Echo Point, home to The Three Sisters.
You are collected from your city hotel for an enjoyable drive through Sydney’s West into the World Heritage listed Blue Mountains. The first look at the spectacular panorama of the Blue Mountains National Park is made from Wentworth Falls. Then, head to the quaint Leura village and stop at BYGONE Beauties for morning tea and scones, and a chance to explore the Teapot Museum. From here, head to Echo Point at Katoomba and the Three Sisters – part of Aboriginal folklore. A stop is made at Scenic World, where you have he opportunity to ride the Scenic Railway (the worlds steepest) to Dinosaur Valley, or experience the epic valley views from the Scenic Cableway (Scenic World is an optional extra to be paid direct on the day). Enjoy lunch and superb views at The Boiler House Restaurant at Medlow Bath, then on to Blackheath and spectacular Govetts Leap lookout. Marvel at deep canyons, sheer cliff walls, sandstone escarpments and tall waterfalls of the Grose Valley. At Mt Tomah, wander through The Blue Mountains Botanic Garden…. OR…. a little further onto Bilpin for Cider tasting.
Capella Sydney
Meals: B, L
Day 13 Depart Australia
Ahead of your flight you will be transferred to Sydney Airport by private vehicle. We hope you enjoyed your stay in Australia!
Meals: B
Brisbane
Laze in the lush riverside gardens of South Bank, then browse the markets and swim in its lagoon. Bike ride in the City Botanic Gardens and abseil the cliffs of Kangaroo Point. Glide down the river on a majestic paddle steamer or take a high-speed ferry to vibrant inner-city villages like Bulimba and New Farm. When culture cravings hit, wander the art galleries and museums, watch a performance by the Queensland Ballet, Opera or Orchestra perform or see cutting-edge theatre in the Powerhouse. In the boating hub of nearby Moreton Bay and Islands, you can swim, sea kayak, snorkel coral reefs, toboggan down the world's tallest sand dune, hire a sail boat or tussle with a marlin.
Five things you should do in Brisbane:
1. Glide down the river and relax in the gardens
Bike ride beneath macadamia trees and mangroves in the City Botanic Gardens or roller blade over a floating walkway. Then cruise down the river in a wooden paddle steamer, spotting pelicans and eastern water dragons. Laze or picnic under the palms on South Bank's 17 hectares of riverside gardens. Here you can swim from the lagoon and pools of Paul Breka Beach, browse the markets, visit a summer open-air cinema and dine alfresco in the sun. Follow an Aboriginal art trail through the bushland in Mount Coot-Tha Reserve, also the place to spot native wildlife and take in panoramic city views. At the foot of the mountain you can wander the tropical zone, rainforests and Japanese gardens of the Brisbane Botanic Gardens. Cuddle up to koalas and meet possums, kangaroos, wombats, emus and lyrebirds in the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, just a short bus drive from the city centre.
2. Soak up culture and architecture
See the skeleton of a Queensland dinosaur in the Queensland Museum and the work of famous Australian artists in the Queensland Art Gallery. Both sit in the sprawling Queensland Cultural Centre on South Bank. At night, visit the dress circle of the Queensland Performing Arts Centre or catch a show by the Queensland Ballet, Opera or Orchestra. Watch plays, browse art galleries and dine out in the transformed industrial space of the Powerhouse, which towers over the wide, brown river like a post-apocalyptic vision. Brisbane also houses many cultural institutions in fine old civic buildings, such as Customs House, the Treasury Building, Brisbane City Hall, the Commissariat Store and the Old Mill. In Brisbane, sandstone cathedrals and classic Queenslander houses on stilts blend seamlessly with steel and glass skyscrapers.
3. Hit the water and islands of Moreton Bay
Sea kayak from North Stradboke Island or Moreton Island or go deep-sea fishing from Scarborough, Bribie Island, Manly or Raby Bay. Jet ski and windsurf on the Redcliffe Peninsula or kite-surf on Wellington Point. Slide down the world's tallest sand dunes on a toboggan or sand buggy on Moreton Island. Scuba dive with colourful fish, crustaceans, corals and turtles at Cowan's Artificial Reef, Flinders Reef and in the Tangalooma shipwrecks. Watch out for humpback whales between July and October and dolphins and dugongs all year round. Meet colonies of koalas in Victoria Point and hundreds of wading birds in the Egret Colony and Boondall Wetlands. Aqua-bike from Coochiemudlo Island then mountain bike the BMX tracks at Cleveland and Deception Bay. Four wheel drive Moreton, North Stradbroke and Bribie Islands. See Queensland's oldest banyan tree in Cleveland Point, Aboriginal scar trees and middens in the Redlands and Myora Springs and a notorious old convict settlement on St Helena Island.
4. Eat, drink and enjoy in the urban villages
Listen to live music, shop along the lively outdoor mall and feast on Chinatown dumplings in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane's cultural core. Next door in New Farm, you can people watch from trendy cafes, buy gourmet delights from the famous deli and picnic in the riverside parklands. Dine in warehouse converted restaurants and explore the transformed industrial space of the Powerhouse, now a buzzing centre for the live arts. Take the citycat to Bulimba on the river. Then visit pretty Paddington and hop between the popular bars, cafes and restaurants of Latrobe and Given Terraces. Then take in the traditional Queenslander homes which dot the hills and wide-lined streets. Cross the river for the funky restaurants and art house theatres of the West End, the shops of Stones Corner and the brewery of Queensland's most famous beer.
5. Embrace adventure
Abseil or rock climb the Kangaroo Point Cliffs at sunrise or at night when the city is dancing with lights. Climb the Story Bridge for spectacular 360 degree views. Free fall on a tandem sky dive or float over the city in a hot air balloon. You can even glide like a bird over the Sunshine Coast on a motor glider. Travel down the Brisbane River on a golden gondola, historic paddle steamer or wildlife cruise. Or take a luxury whale watching cruise from the Redcliffe Peninsula, just 30 minutes north of Brisbane. Do an eco cruise past Bribie Island and the Glasshouse Mountains to Pumicestone Passage Marine Park. Bushwalk, swim, four wheel drive, spot wildlife and explore glow worm caves on an eco-tour to Springbrook and Lamington National Parks. See the city sights on the back of a Harley Davidson or go horseriding in the sprawling bush on the edge of the city.
Sydney
Soak up Sydney’s gorgeous harbour, seductive outdoor lifestyle and great natural beauty. Kayak under the Sydney Harbour Bridge or wave at the Opera House as you ride a ferry across the harbour to Manly. Learn to surf at Bondi Beach or swim in the calm waters of Coogee. Lose yourself in the cobblestone cul-de-sacs of The Rocks or in the markets, boutiques, cafes and pubs of Paddington. As well as a world-famous harbour and more than 70 sparkling beaches, Sydney offers fabulous food, festivals and 24-7 fun.
Five Sydney Experiences Not to Miss:
1. Explore the historic Rocks
Discover Sydney’s colorful convict history in the harbourside quarter where it all began. Just five minutes from Circular Quay, you can hear stories of hangings and hauntings on a ghost tour, wander the weekend markets or climb the span of the Harbour Bridge. In amongst the maze of sandstone lanes and courtyards, you’ll find historic workman’s cottages and elegant terraces, art galleries, hotels with harbour views and Sydney’s oldest pubs. See people spill out of them onto a party on the cobblestone streets when The Rocks celebrates Australia Day on January 26th, Anzac Day on April 25th and New Years Eve.
2. Hit the world-famous harbour
Sail past the Opera House on a chartered yacht or paddle from Rose Bay in a kayak. Take a scenic cruise from Circular Quay or Darling Harbour, past waterfront mansions, national parks and Shark, Clark, Rodd and Goat islands. Tour historic Fort Denison or learn about the life of Sydney’s first inhabitants, the Gadigal people, on an Aboriginal cultural cruise. Watch the harbour glitter from the green parklands of the Royal Botanic Gardens, which curves around its edge. Or take in the view from a waterfront restaurant in Mosman, on the northern side of the bridge, or Watsons Bay at South Head. Walk from Rose Bay to Vaucluse or Cremorne Point to Mosman Bay, on just some of the 16 spectacular routes hugging the harbour foreshore.
3. Visit Manly on the ferry
Travel across Sydney Harbour on a ferry to Manly, which sits between beaches of ocean surf and tranquil inner harbour. Wander through native bushland on the scenic Manly to Spit Bridge walk, learn to scuba-dive at Cabbage Tree Bay or ride a bike to Fairy Bower. Picnic at Shelly Beach on the ocean and sail or kayak from Manly Wharf round the harbour. Hire a scooter and do a round trip of northern beaches such as Narrabeen and Palm Beach. Explore the shops, bars and cafes along the bustling pine tree-lined Corso and dine at world-class restaurants with water views.
4. Enjoy café culture and top shopping in Paddington
Meander through the Saturday markets, browse fashion boutiques on bustling Oxford Street or discover the antique shops and art galleries in upmarket Woollahra. Visit the 1840s Victoria Barracks Army base, open to the public once a week, and see restored Victorian terraces on wide, leafy streets. Ride or roller-blade in huge Centennial Park, then stop for coffee and lunch on Oxford St or in the mini-village of Five Ways. Catch a movie at an art-house cinema or leaf through a novel at midnight in one of the huge bookstores. Crawl between the lively, historic pubs. They hum even more after a game at the nearby stadium or a race day, when girls and guys arrive in their crumpled trackside finery.
5. Walk from Bondi to Coogee
Take in breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean as you walk the winding, sea-sculpted sandstone cliffs between Bondi and Coogee. Swim in the famous Bondi Icebergs rock pool or just watch the swimmers with a sunset cocktail from the restaurant above. See wild waves in Tamarama, nicknamed Glamarama for the beautiful people who lie on its golden sand. From mid-October to November, the stretch from here to Bondi is transformed into an outdoor gallery for the Sculptures by the Sea exhibition. You can surf, picnic on the grass or stop for a coffee at family-friendly Bronte. Or swim, snorkel or scuba dive in Clovelly and tranquil Gordon’s Bay. See the graves of poets Henry Lawson, Dorothea Mackellar and aviator Lawrence Hargrave in Waverley Cemetery, on the edge of the cliffs. Finish your tour in the scenic, backpacker haven of Coogee.
Vacation Details
* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.
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