Australia reopens to International Travelers on 21 February 2022

 

SmartBird World Travel was fortunate enough to maintain its original itineraries, accommodations, and pricing from 2021 and 2022 for its 2023 Trip.  Australia is expected to be a high demand destination over the next several years which will be reflected in higher pricing and limited availability.   

 SB WORLD LUXE VOYAGES: DOWN UNDER 2023

WESTERN AUSTRALIA | PERTH & SURROUNDS
JANUARY 27 – FEBRUARY 06, 2023

Optional Add-On 

MELBOURNE, ADELAIDE, SYDNEY

FEBRUARY 6 – February 15, 2023

 

 

Hosted by: Debra H Brown, President and Premier Aussie Specialist

 

Group Size Limited to 19 Travelers – Secure Your Spot Today 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Option 1.  Western Australia Only 25 January to 6 February, 2023

 

Option 2.  Western Australia and Adelaide, Melbourne & Sydney 25 January to 15 February 2023 

 

Option 3.  Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney Only  4 February to 15 February 2023

 

 

25/26 JAN2023       Depart USA   |  Crossing International Dateline On The Plane

 

 

27JAN2023               Arrive In Perth  (dinner included)                                                                    

G’Day and welcome to Australia!  We will be met by our local guide and transported to the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.  The evening’s Welcome Dinner is not to be missed at Crown Towers Epicurean restaurant. Fantastic, my favorite meals in Perth! Accommodation: Crown Towers & Casino Perth, (3 Nights)

 

28JAN2023         Perth & Fremantle     (breakfast /lunch included)

Private guided tour of Perth City and Fremantle. On this tour, you will visit the city's highlights, such as Kings Park, the largest inner-city park in the world; the Swan Bells, an architectural and musical wonder; the affluent suburbs of Peppermint Grove and Dalkeith, and various museums, galleries, and performing art venues. Fremantle Prison and a Scenic Cruise back to Perth

 

Inclusions:

Local guide and Private coach

2 course lunch at a local restaurant (Beverages not included)

Captain Cook Cruises - One-Way Cruise – Fremantle to Perth

 

 

29JAN2023         Rottnest Island Excursion (breakfast /lunch included )

Today we take a full-day journey of discovery to Rottnest, one of Western Australia's most popular islands.  

Remember to take a selfie with a Quakka, I tried …

 

Inclusions:

Full day local guide assistance

Coach transfers from Perth Hotel to Barrack Street Jetty, ferry Terminal Perth and return

Rottnest Ferry return tickets

4-hour Grand Island Tour on Rottnest Island

Light packed lunch served on-board the train component

30JAN2023         Perth To Albany                   (breakfast/ lunch included )

After checking out of hotel we travel via private to Albany, the oldest European settlement in Western Australia.

 

We have a stop at Plantagenet Wines for wine tasting and lunch before continuing to Porongurup National Park. Just 40kms north of Albany, this beautiful park rises from the landscape like an island surrounded by forests of Karri Trees. This afternoon enjoy the 1.5km walk trail that takes you through some spectacular forests to Castle Rock before a short climb to the Granite Skywalk.

Late afternoon, we check in the hotel and the balance of the day is at leisure.

 

Inclusions:

Full day private coach with commentary driver

2-course lunch with wine tasting at Plantagenet Wines

National Park fees

 

Accommodation: Quality Suites Banksia Gardens  (3 Nights)

 

31JAN2023 Explore Albany Region                          (breakfast/lunch included)

We enjoy a full day discovering Albany region. The Albany Heritage Park integrates various historical, natural, cultural and recreational assets located on Mount Clarence and Mount Adelaide.

 

Inclusions:

Full day private coach with commentary driver

Albany’s Historic Whaling Station tour

Lunch at local café/restaurant (beverages not included)

National Anzac Centre visit

01FEB2023         Quaranup Aboriginal Walking Tour & Denmark (breakfast & lunch included 

               

This morning, we enjoy a 2-hour Quaranup Aboriginal Walking Tour to hear the dreaming stories of the area and the spiritual way of traditional Aboriginal life and to discover an ancient and inspiring culture on Kinjarling Boodja. The opportunity to interact and learn from Aboriginals provides the greatest impact when visiting Australia. We travel along the coast of Kinjarling (Albany) to the Quaranup Cultural Site, and walk along the beach or dunes to ancient engravings and tool quarry sites. We can also walk out and look for shellfish amongst the rocks if the tides permit.

 

We continue by private coach to Denmark to enjoy casual lunch at a local café. 

 

After lunch, we visit William Bay National Park, home to Green Pools, famous for its turquoise green waters and pristine white sandy beach. A short walk will take you to Elephant Rocks, which look exactly like a herd of elephants, paddling in the shallow waters. These huge cracked oval boulders make a stunning sight as they gaze out upon the Great Southern Ocean.

 

We return to Albany and enjoy the balance of the day at leisure.

 

02FEB2023         Albany – Pemberton – Margaret River (breakfast, lunch & dinner included)             

We check out of the hotel and depart by private coach to Margaret River.

 

Our first stop is Valley of the Giants – Tree Top Walk,  We continue to Pemberton, an old timber town that now enjoys a new lifestyle showing off its natural beauty of old growth Karri forests. After enjoying 2-course lunch at one of the nearby wineries, we continue to Margaret River and check-in at the hotel and the remainder of the day is at leisure until this evening enjoy 2- course dinner at hotel restaurant. 

Inclusions:

Full day private coach with commentary driver

Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk

2-course lunch and wine tasting at a local winery

 

Accommodation: Pullman Resort Bunker Bay (3 Nights). I really enjoyed my stay at this resort in October 2019. The restaurant and wine list were exceptional. Beautiful property on the beach. 

Pullman Resort Bunker Bay is a 5 star beach Resort nestled on the secluded north facing beach of Bunker Bay in the world renowned Margaret River Wine Region offering luxury Villa apartment accommodation Discover the South-West with distinct natural beauty and immerse yourself in pure luxury. Accommodation in the Margaret River Wine Region won't come any more luxurious and relaxing than at the stunning Pullman Resort Bunker Bay.

 

03FEB2023         Full Day Margaret River Winery Tour    (breakfast & lunch included)                            

Today we will discover the wineries of Australia’s famous Margaret River. Producing only 1 percent of Australia’s total wines, the Margaret River region produces 20 percent of Australia’s premium wine. 

 

Private coach and tour guide starting with a visit to  Yahava Koffee Works. They travel worldwide looking for the best coffee beans, which are roasted in-house. Join coffee tasting and roasting demonstration. Then visit two wineries in the morning and enjoy a 2-course lunch at one of the wineries. 

 

After a delicious lunch, experience some sensational local produce. Taste beer at one of the local breweries, cheese at the Margaret River Dairy Company and olive oil and condiments at Pukara Estate. 

 

Inclusions: 

Full day private coach with commentary driver

Yahava Koffee Works – tasting and roasting demonstration

Wine tasting at 3 local wineries

2-course lunch (beverages other than wine tasting are not included)

Cheese or olive tasting

 

04FEB2023         Cape To Cape Guided Walk ( My close 2^nd  favorite WA activity next to the Margaret River Wineries    (Breakfast/Lunch & Dinner Included )

Today enjoy a moderate trekking experience with a local guide along the Cape to Cape Track to immerse into the natural beauty of Margaret River region.

Options:

Skippy Rock Walk (19km)

This favourite Edgewalkers hike starts on the coast just north of Leeuwin lighthouse, follows coastal heath inland through to Karri and Marri forest, and back onto a superb section of Cape to Cape track along the Naturaliste-Leeuwin Ridge

OR

Redgate Beach to Boranup Forest (16km)   I completed this walk. We started at the Pullman Resort after breakfast. most beautiful walk-ever.  The Naturalist shared many of the secrets of the fauna used for medicinal purposes over the last 20,000+ years. Amazing. 

Enjoy iconic Margaret River views from the Naturaliste-Leeuwin Ridge over Conto's beach. We follow the Cape to Cape to deep inside sacred Borenup forest - coastal heath, Karri & Marri forest, birds and wildflowers as well as breathtaking ocean and beach scenery. You will want your camera!

 

This evening enjoy 2-course dinner at hotel restaurant (Beverages are not included.)

 

Inclusions:

Full day guided walk

Lunch & Snacks

2-course dinner

 

05FEB2023         Margaret River – Perth        (breakfast & dinner included)

After breakfast, we head back to Perth via Busselton, with a stop at the Jetty, home to one of only five underwater observatories in the world. 

 

The Underwater Observatory Tour starts with a relaxing train ride on the Stocker Preston Express along the length of the Jetty with 360-degree views across the Indian Ocean. 

 

After the tour, we continue transferring to Perth. 

After check in the hotel and the rest of the day is at leisure.

 

This evening, enjoy 3 course dinner at hotel’s Bistro Guillaume restaurant 

 

Inclusions:

Full day private coach with commentary driver

Busselton Jetty Guided tour of Underwater Observatory and Return Train Ride

 

Accommodation: Crown Towers & Casino  Perth  (1 Night)

 

06FEB2023         Depart Perth      (breakfast included)                                                               

Private Transportation to the airport to Return to the USA or continue your journey to Adelaide and Melbourne.

                   

         ADELAIDE, MELBOURNE & SYDNEY 

FEBRUARY 6 – February 15, 2023

 

 

We will be met at the Adelaide Airport by private tour guide, taken on a brief City Tour and transported to hotel.  The rest of the day is at leisure. 

 

Adelaide is noted for its food, wine and culture and its long beach fronts. Discover superb architecture, cultural boulevards and surrounding park lands. You will see Adelaide’s Cultural Boulevard of North Terrace and pass by the University, Library, Art Gallery & Museum. Drive through Historic North Adelaide, have a sight of St Peters Cathedral and Adelaide Oval. 

 

Mayfair Hotel for 3 Nights

 

 

07FEB2023         Adelaide Best Barossa Food And Wine Experience (Breakfast/Lunch included)

You travel through the scenic Torrens Gorge to the Barossa Valley, one of the most famous wine producing areas in the world, known for producing shiraz. It is home to some of the larger wineries but also small, iconic wineries. 

 

We will visit icons, such as Two Hands, Torbreck, visit Menglers Hill look out for an unsurpassed view over the Valley, and the local cheese maker.

 

After having lunch at al fresco or at Vintners just out of Angaston, we will take a tour in Yalumba, the biggest family owned winery or similar to enjoy wine tastings whilst sampling local seasonal produce from gourmet platters.

The next stop is a visit to Maggie Beer's Farm Shop, an absolute must whilst visiting the Barossa for the food lovers. 

 

Inclusions:

Experienced Wine Tour Guide/Driver

Wine tastings

Gourmet Lunch

 

 

08FEB2023         Adelaide Kangaroo Island Wildlife Discovery Tour (Breakfast/Lunch included)

You will be collected from your hotel by a representative of Kangaroo Island Odysseys for your Full Day Kangaroo Island Wildlife Discovery tour. Please note this tour is approximate 16 hours.

 

Kangaroo Island is a haven for Australian wildlife, which exists in its natural habitat without the threat of introduced predators. Listen to the distinct sounds of the native birdlife as they chorus from the tall eucalyptus trees. This island is home to some 250 species of birds, many of which, through isolation from the mainland, have developed their own subspecies and are therefore unique to Kangaroo Island. As you travel the island, keep an eye out for echidnas, wallabies, reptiles and wildflowers.

 

Inclusions:

Pick-up and drop off at Adelaide hotels

Return ferry from Adelaide to Kangaroo Island

Small group 4 wheel drive sightseeing tour of Kangaroo Island

Entry fees and special access permits

Morning or Afternoon tea

Lunch

 

09FEB2023         Adelaide - Melbourne                            (Breakfast Included)

Private coach transfer to the airport for your flight to Melbourne 

 

This afternoon is free at leisure and why not have do some shopping at Queen Victoria Market. Hop On, Hop Off Tour Recommended.

Accommodation: The Langham Melbourne

 

10FEB2023         Melbourne City Sightseeing And Phillip Island Tour (Breakfast /Lunch & Dinner Included)

This morning you will be picked up by private  guide and taken on a Half-Day City Sights Tour. Enjoy a gourmet lunch at a local restaurant before heading to Phillip Island.

 

We drive around Westernport Bay to Phillip Island with enough time to visit a few local sites and attractions before a private farm dinner, with various charming, seaside options to choose from. 

 

After watching the sunset over the Southern Ocean it is time to make our way to see the penguins. The experience is extremely popular and often very busy. Enjoy the fantastic ‘Guided Ranger Experience’. Join the ranger guide for an informative journey through the penguin colony, enjoy their commentary via your personal headset, and witness the nightly ritual of the fairy Penguin Parade.

 

 

Inclusions:

Full day private luxury vehicle touring with expert guide, bottled water and Wi-Fi

Gourmet lunch

Private farm dinner

Guided ranger penguin experience

Tastings

 

11FEB2023         Melbourne Great Ocean Road Tour     (Breakfast /Lunch included)

            The highlight or the trip is  enjoying a Full Day Great Ocean Road Tour.

            This tour is some of the most spectacular and breath-taking coastal scenery found in Australia, a rewarding experience for the camera enthusiasts.

 

            At 8:00am, meet your local expert host at your hotel and board on your private luxury vehicle equipped with Wi-Fi, water and a selection of Victorian treats to start your uniquely tailored Great Ocean Road experience.

            Your host will have you back in Melbourne around 7 pm. (start and finish times can be varied to suit our needs)

 

Inclusions:

Full day luxury vehicle transportation with experienced guide, bottled water and Wi-Fi

Morning and afternoon tea

Casual seaside fish & chips lunch – an authentic Aussie experience

 

*Recommended options  Option 1: Lunch upgrade to a fine-dining seafood restaurant Option 2: 15-minute scenic helicopter ride over the 12 Apostles Option 3: Heli home (drive one way, helicopter back. Reduces the day by 2-3 hours)

 

12FEB2023         Melbourne - Sydney                       (Breakfast and Dinner included)

            Transfer by private coach to airport to fly to our final destination: Sydney. 

            

            Upon your arrival, you will be met by our guide and taken by private coach for a Sightseeing Tour of Sydney.   

 

            In the afternoon, meet your guide who will escort you to Circular Quay where you board the Yellow Taxi Ferry to admire sights from the water while cruising to Watson’s Bay where you will enjoy 3-course Dinner at Doyle’s Restaurant in Watson’s Bay. 

 

Inclusions:

Local guide assistance

Private coach 

            

Accommodation: Shangri-la Hotel Sydney for 3 Nights

 

 

 

13FEB2023         Sydney Opera House Tour & Tasting  (Breakfast & Lunch included)

Today is one of your highlights during this trip to visit Sydney Opera House & Tasting Plate. Begin your journey by exploring underneath the sails with a spectacular Sydney Opera House Tour, taking you inside one of the world’s greatest buildings of all time. You will see inside the theatres, discover the stories, history and magic of the House and learn of how architect Jorn Utzon’s heritage-listed masterpiece came to life. After the tour, enjoy Opera Kitchen gourmet tasting plate. There is nothing more to do than sit back at Sydney’s newest dining spot and indulge in our famous tasting plates and soak in the Sydney Harbour views. Opera Kitchen is home to Sydney’s best chefs, food artisans and producers that will tantalise your taste buds and leave you spoilt for choice. The perfect way to experience one of the world’s most stunning icons and Sydney’s newest dining destination.

Inclusions:

Sydney Opera House tour

Tasting Plate

                   

Optional Bridge Climb  Day Climb: details to be advised Twilight Climb: details to be advised

 

14FEB2022         Blue Mountains Luxury Diamond Day  (Breakfast/Lunch & Dinner included)

Full day Private  Blue Mountain Luxury Diamond Tour.Our first stop of the day is at Calmsley Hill, a working farm also home to Kangaroo, Emu, Wombat and Koala. Enjoy a personal Koala Experience, Morning tea refreshments and time to wander at leisure visiting with a great range of Australian Native Animals. Our lunch destination is Echoes Restaurant, perched at the absolute edge of the World Heritage listed Blue Mountains National Park, with views of mountains, cliff edges and lush rainforest valleys right through the Jamison Valley to Mittagong, 80 kilometres away. With this stunning backdrop, we enjoy a 2-course lunch 

 

After lunch, we visit Govetts Leap, one of the most famous lookouts in Australia. The magnificent waterfall drops a whopping 180m to the base of the cliff. Here we enjoy a glass of Sparkling Wine as we enjoy the views. Our last stop at the Blue Mountains Botanic Gardens

 

Inclusions:

Private vehicle with experienced driver/guide

Calmsley Hill Admission & Morning tea

2-course Echoes lunch food only

National park fee and bottled water on board

Glass of sparkling wine or orange juice

 

This evening, enjoy 3-course Farewell Dinner at hotel’s Altitude Restaurant. 

13FEB2022         Depart Sydney                      (Breakfast Included)

            Private coach to the airport for your flight back to the USA. You will cross the International Dateline again on this flight to gain a day and so arrive back in the US on the same day you left Australia.  

 

Optional Add-ons to Fiji or New Zealand can be customized. 

 

 

 

Inclusions in above land only prices:

• Luxe class hotel (5 Star) accommodation as per itinerary based on double occupancy. 
• All ground transportation is by private coach (Any individuals travelling outside the group arrangement must organize own transportation)
• Local English-speaking guide in each city
• Arrival Meet & Greet guide assistance, Departure guide assistance.
• Sightseeing and admissions as per the itinerary
• Meals as indicated as included on the itinerary (B-full breakfast, L-Lunch, D - Dinner)
• Western Australia package: Local guide to meet the group on arrival in Perth and assist with transfer and hotel check-in. Local guide is included for full day Perth and Fremantle tour as well as for Rottnest Island tour. Overland touring will be operated by commentary driver.
• Private coach with commentary driver for all transfers and overland touring
• Four-5* accommodation with full breakfast daily and Porterage

*** Please see the note regarding bedding configuration for Pullman Bunker Bay Resort Margaret River

 

Exclusions in above land only prices:

• All airfares, departure taxes & fuel surcharges, seat selection
• Personal items
• Optional Tours
• Meals unless listed in itinerary
• Tips & Gratuities
• Early check-in & late check out of rooms (standard check-in time is 2pm and check out 10am) 
• Travel Insurance
• Visa/passport handling fees (if applicable)

 

 

Deposits and Payments: 

 

First Deposit: $500             Due Immediately to Secure Your Space.  Nonrefundable  (Travel Insurance is Available and Highly Recommended) 

Second Deposit: $750         Due September 1, 2022    Required by Hotels/Non-Refundable 

Final Payment:$ Balance    Due October 15, 2022