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Australia

Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, the Blue Mountains, Ayers Rock, and the Great Barrier Reef!

March 1-9, 2012
9 days from $4999

Zoom Vacations® AUSTRALIA ITINERARY

Day One ~ Sydney
3P:   Official check in at the Shangri-La Hotel Sydney

Evening: Welcome dinner with fellow Zoom guests
We meet at the hotel lobby and depart to one of Sydney's best restaurants for a sensational a la carte dinner with fine Australian Wine.

Accommodations: Shangri-La Sydney, City View Room,
Meals Included: Dinner

 

Day Two ~ Sydney
6:30A – 10:30A:  Full Australian Breakfast in the Shangri-La

Morning: Zoom Vacations® Taste of Sydney Tour. 
We’ll see traditional sights like the Sydney Opera House ($102 million dollars of magnificent architecture graciously overlooking Sydney Harbor) from the base of Sydney’s famous Harbor bridge, the Conservatorium of Music, Parliament House, the old Mint Building, beautiful Hyde Park, St Mary’s Cathedral, the Art Gallery and Domain.
1:30 P: Return to the hotel

Afternoon: Bondi Beach
This afternoon we head to Bondi Beach to soak ups some sun, make new friends, and watch the famous beach drag races.

Nighttime: Mardi Gras Festival Bar
We’ll head over to Oxford Street to partake in the Mardi Gras Festival Bar and other festivities.  Check out a fantastic mix of cabaret, live music, dance parties, exhibitions and more in Darlinghurst.

Accommodations: Shangri-La Sydney, City View Room
Meals Included:  Full Australian Breakfast

 

Day Three ~ Sydney
6:30A – 11A:  Full Australian Breakfast in the Shangri-La

Late Morning:  Sydney Opera House Essential Privately Guided Tour.
We depart the hotel for a 20 minute walk to the Sydney Opera House.  Only a handful of buildings around the world are as architecturally and culturally significant as the Sydney Opera House. But what sets it apart from, say, the Taj Mahal and the Great Pyramids of Egypt is that this is a working building.  Our guide will take you on an emotional journey, engrossing you in a story to rival any opera plot with its dramatic twists and turns.   See inside the world's most recognizable sails. Experience this miracle of architecture and engineering. A work of art that came into existence against impossible odds - to become one of the busiest performing arts centers in the world.   Duration: 1 hour.

Evening:  Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade
We depart the hotel and Zoom to the parade in our private coach, observing all the festivities along the way.  You will be one of a limited number of guests allowed into the Glamour Bar to enjoy all the color and spectacle of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade.  A star-studded line-up of performers will keep us entertained as we watch the parade, and drinks and food (included) will keep our tummies happy throughout the evening!

Accommodations: Shangri-La Sydney, City View Room
Meals Included:  Full Australian Breakfast and Food all night long at the Glamour Bar.

 

Day Four ~ Sydney
6:30A – 11A:  Full Australian Breakfast in the Shangri-La

Late Morning: Featherdale Wildlife Park and Blue Mountains Excursion 
Today we will hand-feed a kangaroo, wallaby and emu and enjoy a face-to-face encounter with friendly koalas. Featherdale is one of Australia's largest private collections of Australian native animals and bird life.  After our visit with the animals, we will proceed to the spectacular Blue Mountains. Experience fresh mountain air as you rise above Sydney and enter the spectacular Blue Mountains region. The Blue Mountains is perfect for exploring the best that nature has to offer.  We visit ancient Aboriginal sites and outstanding lookouts, and examine rock formations and the unusual plants and wildlife that abound in the area.  From the quaint little village of Leura we skirt around Cliff Drive to Katoomba where you will find yourself looking out over the magnificent Jamieson Valley and the Three Sisters (time permitting).  Duration: All day.
7P: Return to the hotel.

Accommodations: Shangri-La Sydney, City View Room
Meals Included:  Full Australian Breakfast and Lunch

 

Day Five ~ Sydney to Uluru (Ayers Rock)
6:30A – 10:30A:  Full Australian Breakfast in the Shangri-La

Morning: Depart Sydney for our flight to Ayers Rock 
Today we leave the beautiful city of Sydney to visit one of the world's most famous and magnificent natural icons: Ayers Rock.

Afternoon: Checkin to our hotel 

Evening: Dinner in the desert
Tonight's dinner will be unforgettable, as wine dine under a million stars with the majesty of Ayers Rock as our backdrop.

Accommodations: The Lost Camel Hotel
Meals Included:  Full Australian Breakfast and Dinner


Day Six ~ Ayers Rock to Cairns
6:30A – 10:30A:  Full Australian Breakfast

Morning: Sunrise Tour of Uluru
The best way to experience Ayers Rock (Uluru) is in the early morning, as the various colors of the mammoth rock are ignitedby the rising sun.

Afternoon: Departure to Cairns
We board our plane to Cairns, our gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

Evening: Arrival into Cairns

Meals Included:  Full Australian Breakfast

 

Day Seven ~ Cairns
6:30A – 10:30A:  Full Australian Breakfast

Morning: Great Barrier Reef Award Winning Catamaran Snorkeling and Sailing Day Cruise
Sail away to a reef pontoon at one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, surrounded by magical coral gardens teeming with an incredible diversity of marine life and seabirds.  Enjoy a day of snorkeling, sunbathing, relaxing, reading, rejuvenating, sailing and swimming.  Morning refreshments, superb hot & cold buffet (includes seafood), afternoon tea, snorkeling demonstrations, use of flotation vests, use of all snorkeling equipment, informative ecological presentations by a qualified marine biologists, informative tours on air-conditioned semi-submersible vessel.

Evening: Return to our hotel after a full day

Accommodations: The Shangri-La Hotel
Meals Included:  Full Australian Breakfast and Lunch

 

Day Eight ~ Cairns
6:30A – 10:30A:  Full Australian Breakfast

Morning: Tropical North Queensland Rainforest Rail
We depart by private coach to the Freshwater Station for the 8:45A departure of the Kuranda Rail Gold Class service to Kuranda. The romance of a journey from yesteryear will be further enhanced by your KSR Gold Class Attendant who will look after your every need. Excellent service will be complemented by their knowledge of the wonderful stories and enthralling legends of this magnificent region. A highlight is undoubtedly our stop at spectacular Barron Falls, a UNESCO World Heritae Site.
And while you immerse yourself in the spectacular scenery and the inspiring story of the construction of the railway you will enjoy refreshments served to your individual seat. Local produce tastings of Atherton Tableland produce will tantalize your taste buds. Arrive at Kuranda at 10:30 AM and spend an hour looking around the quaint village of Kuranda.

Afternoon: Experience The World's Largest Skyrail
Depart Kuranda on the Skyrail, spanning 7.5 kms over pristine rainforest, allowing you to explore the wonders of an ancient tropical rainforest and learn about one of the most botanically fascinating and diverse areas on earth.   Gliding just meters above the rainforest canopy in comfortable six-person gondola cabins, the Skyrail journey immerses you in an intimate rainforest experience where you’ll see, hear, smell and become part of the tropical rainforest environment.     

Evening: Farewell Dinner
Reminisce over the week's events at our Farewell Dinner, including a sumptuous spread of meats, gourmet salads, gourmet traditional BBQ "fare", tantalizing desserts, and fine Australian wine.

Accommodations: The Shangri-La Hotel
Meals Included:  Full Australian Breakfast and Dinner

 

Day Nine ~ Cairns
6:30A – 10:30A:  Full Australian Breakfast

Morning: Departure for Flights Back Home

Meals Included:  Full Australian Breakfast

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Luxury Gay-Friendly Accommodations

The Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney, 5 stars

With stunning views of Sydney’s spectacular Harbour, the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the world-famous Opera House, the Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney brings welcoming Shangri-La hospitality to the historic Rocks district in the heart of this dynamic city.

The Hotel offers Sydney’s most spacious and luxurious guest rooms and suites in the city. All rooms have breathtaking views of the harbour and are the largest in their class. Exquisitely appointed with contemporary furnishings, rooms feature triple-glazed soundproofed windows, plush duvets and signature bed linens.

Incredible location! The Shangri-La is within walking distance of: Sydney Opera House, Sydney Botanical Gardens, Sydney Harbor Bridge, Darling Harbor, Pitt Street Mall, The Rocks, Queen Victoria Building, Cockle Bay, Circular Quay, Sydney Harbor, Sydney Aquarium, and more.

For health-conscious travellers, the Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney offers a Health Club with a fully-equipped gymnasium, indoor swimming pool, jacuzzi and sundeck.

Luxurious yet unpretentious, Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney is honoured to offer CHI, The Spa at Shangri-La. Inspired by traditional Asian healing philosophies, Chi treatments are based upon the principles of restoring balance and harmony to mind and body. CHI, The Spa boasts the most luxurious private spa suites in Sydney, the personal space and carefully considered environment create a sense of timelessness where you can indulge your senses, soothe your body and revitalise your spirit.

Shangri-La Marina Cairns Hotel, 5 stars.

The best hotel in Cairns!

Ideally located in the heart of Cairns, the Shangri-La Hotel overlooks Marlin Marina, Trinity Bay and the green mountains that frame this jewel of a city, famous as a jumping-off point for the Great Barrier Reef.

The hotel—which recently completed a comprehensive AU$35 million redevelopment—is a 10-minute drive to Cairns International Airport, and a short stroll to the Esplanade Lagoon, Pier Shopping, Pier Dining Promenade and Great Barrier Reef Departure Terminal.

The stylish hotel offers airy, modern Accommodations with elegant furniture and spectacular views of the Marina. And with the renowned Horizon Club, Shangri-La is the only hotel in the area to offer a true five-star club floor facility.

The Lost Camel Hotel, Ayers Rock, boutique

Furnished in a mix of Aboriginal and urban themes, the Lost Camel brings a modern and exciting feel to your stay.

At the heart of the hotel is a pool and deck, where guests soak up the sun and relax in between tours.

 

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Air: International and domestic airfare not included. Zoom Vacations® has negotiated a 5% discount off your fare with American Airlines on this trip.  To receive this discount, call AA's Meeting Services Department and provide Promotion Code: A8422AQ.

*Land only Introductory rate, based on double occupancy. Prices are subject to change. Need a roommate? Zoom Vacations® is happy to match you with someone, at no additional charge. Or, you may pay a single supplement and go as a single.

Please read Terms and Conditions prior to booking.

Zoom Vacations® is a certified Australia specialist!

 

Testimonials From Past Zoom Sydney Mardi Gras Vacations

It was great meeting you, Joel, and the rest of the group. I truly had a wonderful time, and was very impressed by everything y'all did. I look forward to seeing you again in the near future.

Take care,

Mark, Atlanta: Zoom Sydney Mardi Gras Vacation

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It made a huge difference to me to have the Zoom concierge service with us on the trip. For example, when the weather did not cooperate with our scheduled activities in Cairns, Zoom was quick to respond and create an alternate itinerary within a few hours. They really took care of us.

John, Phoenix: Zoom Sydney Mardi Gras Vacation

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I had a wonderful time in AUS. It was great meeting old and new friends, and I’m still living large on this holiday.

Tom, New Jersey: Zoom Sydney Mardi Gras Vacation

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I had a blast on the Australia trip. You guys worked your proverbial asses off, and produced another winning Zoom Vacation. I thank you once again for a terrific trip. Here are my ten most memorable Zoom Australia moments:

1. "Viva La France"! 30 or so gay guys (and one gal) in outrageous wigs shocking the heck out of the Japanese and other visitors at Sydney's Opera House. The attention we grabbed made us feel like French rock stars! I can't wait to see the picture we took at the fountain there. And the drag queen's performance of Opera in the men's room was hysterical.

2.) Up Periscope! Touring the world's largest coral reef in a glass enclosed semi-submersible. How many times in your life do you have the opportunity to be that close for that long to what has to be one of the most amazing natural wonders I've ever seen--The Great Barrier Reef. And to do it in that cool semi-submersible was incredible. I probably said, "Oh my god...look at that!" about 100 times!

3. Was there a parade? While I remember seeing some pretty fun floats passing by the Glam Stands, I have to admit that the real memories of the parade for me were actually in the Glam Stands themselves. I think I had more fun talking with locals in the crowd, drinking, eating, watching the crowd antics, and drinking some more. I think I even got groped a few times. Yippee!

4. The Wildlife Photographer of the Year Competition displayed at the Australia Museum. If you missed it, you missed one of the most beautiful and profoundly moving exhibits I have ever seen in any museum! The exhibit, on loan from London's Natural History Museum and the BBC Wildlife Magazine, portrayed nature and animal photographs taken by professionals and amateurs from ages 7 to 65. To call some of the photographs "awe inspiring" seems too trivial. I have to admit I found myself in tears a few times. It was an experience I'll likely never forget.

5.) Look Out Indiana Jones! A tour of the oldest rainforest in the world in that World War II amphibious boat/jeep was thrilling. It sloshed through the muddy roads while we heard about the stinging plants and other flora, and next it glided easily into the rainforest river where we spied huge butterflies. Simply cool. But, stopping in front of that huge palm fern, and hearing how they were from the Jurassic period simply floored me. I could truly sense a huge brontosaurus munching on them millions of years ago.

6. Koalas. As you know I'm a big animal fan, I won't ever forget the thrill of petting the koalas and the kangaroos in the Featherdale Park. Some people think, "yeah, they're cute", but for me, it was the culmination of years and years of wanting to see some of Australia's indigenous wildlife.

7. The Blue Mountains. Wow! 'Nuff said. Snap up, snap down!!! I could have spent a whole day there just gazing and hiking. Perhaps you could consider that as an option on a future trip. It was just too beautiful to rush through.

8. "Get me a schooner mate, I'm as dry as a dead dingo's donger!" Mark the Bus Driver to Featherdale and the Blue Mountains was a treasure. You might wonder how a bus driver makes my top 10 list. Well I have been on 100's of bus tours in my 50 years of life. Some of them were excruciating ("will someone let me shove that microphone up that person's ass!?"), and some of them have been downright condescending. Mark was truly brilliant. Few, if any, bus driver/tour guides have the perfect mix of humor, intelligence, professionalism, and local interest he does. Teaching us all the Australian idioms and local jokes was a real treat. I'd recommend you get him again on any future trips to Australia. In fact, if you could import him to the Black Sea I'd like to get to know him a little better.

9. "The halls are alive with the sound of music". Did we really get a private concert of our own in the Sydney Opera House?!! The chance for our group to hear Bartok being played in a practice session during the Opera House tour was FAN-FREAKIN-TASTIC! The walls were shaking with some amazing music. I had goose bumps for hours! This was something not EVERY group tour gets. Thank you Zoom.

10. The Harbor Cruise. It went by too fast. I wanted to turn that boat around and say "ONE MORE TIME!". Great food. Great atmosphere. Great people. There is a vision I remember on this harbor cruise of the approaching dusk slipping slowly into darkness. At just the perfect time a flotilla of sail boats passed by our own boat. With Luna Park in the far distance on one side of the harbor, and the sea on the other, the shadowed image of sail boats was etched into my mind. It was something magical, surreal, and calming all at the same time. Does life get any better than that?

Wayne, Palm Springs: Zoom Sydney Mardi Gras Vacation

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We have been thinking about an Australia trip for several years and decided to do Mardi Gras this years. We chose Zoom Vacations® because we like the idea of traveling with a group, liked the upscale choices, and liked that you were on hand to personally lead the tour. You hit the balance of group and optional activities just right.

John, Seattle : Zoom Sydney Mardi Gras Vacation

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