In celebration of the Qantas Airbus A380, you can hop to Australia or New Zealand from just $299* each way!

Book quickly. Limited availability on selected routes and travel dates. This offer will expire on March 20, 2009.

Fares are $299* each way from Los Angeles or San Francisco to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane or Auckland, $399* from New York to Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane and $499* from Los Angeles to Cairns and Great Barrier Reef. Note that significant restrictions apply and taxes and surcharges are additional! Fares subject to availability.

Following special land packages are also available for a limited time:

SYDNEY PACKAGE
4 days / 3 nights including Hotel, Transfers and Day Tours - LAND ONLY FROM $380*pp

Price Includes:

• 3 Nights at the 4 Star Menzies Hotel in Sydney
• Sydney Wildlife World Admission
• Roundtrip Transfers – Airport / Hotel

Visit the world famous iconic city of Australia – Sydney. Take it at your own pace; relax and unwind with a scenic stroll around Sydney Harbour and Botanical Gardens, or rejuvenate your spirits with a day filled with action-packed exploration. There are many ways to see Sydney - by ferry, charter cruise, yacht or climb to the top of the Harbor Bridge for 360° city views. Package includes 3 nights at the Menzies Hotel, conveniently located in the heart of Sydney and walking distance from the Harbor and the Opera House. Visit Sydney Wildlife World where over 6,000 animals are waiting to see you in their natural habitat and ecosystems from Rock Wallabies, Koalas to some of Australia’s Nocturnal Animals.

BRISBANE PACKAGE
4 days / 3 nights including Hotel, Transfers and Day Tours - LAND ONLY FROM $380*pp

Price Includes:

• 3 Nights at a 4 Star Brisbane Hotel
• Brisbane morning city tour
• Roundtrip Transfers – Airport / Hotel

For the ultimate Australian lifestyle atmosphere, visit Southern Queensland where the Aussies vacation! Experience beaches and wildlife that will take your breath away. Explore one of Australia’s friendliest cities Brisbane and visit Steve Irwin’s Australia Zoo. People just can't get enough of Australia Zoo! With over 500 smiling Zoo crew members, happy and healthy animals and the most beautiful exhibits in the world, it's hard to NOT have a great day here! Stay in the heart of Brisbane with easy access to the beautiful Southbank parks and al fresco dining on the waterfront. On your day tour of Brisbane take in the charm of trendy cafes, culture, historic sandstone buildings and see the sights of Kangaroo Point to Bartly's Point including China Town and Queensland Parliament House.

Melbourne package
4 days / 3 nights including Hotel, Transfers and Day Tours - LAND ONLY FROM $380*pp

Price Includes:

• 3 Nights at Mantra Hotel on Little Bourke St
• Melbourne Morning City Sights Tour see fine historical buildings and architectural splendor including St Paul Cathedral and Princess Theatres visit picturesque Fitzroy gardens, Captain Cooks Cottage and Melbourne’s Rod Laver arena where the Australian Tennis open is played
• Roundtrip Transfers – Airport / Hotel

Experience historic Melbourne where the local Aussies love to shop and dine. Enjoy Victorian architecture, fabulous theatres and dine at some of the most superb restaurants. This culturally rich city will leave you wanting to embrace more of Australia’s laid back lifestyle. Take advantage of one of the country’s most popular wine regions; the Yarra Valley. Or take a scene drive along the Great Ocean Road and see for yourself the 12 Apostles. Your Mantra Hotel is right on Little Bourke St in the heart of Melbourne’s popular boutiques and cafes. Experience the city on your morning tour seeing fine historical buildings and architectural splendor including St Paul Cathedral and Princess Theatres, as well as visiting picturesque Fitzroy gardens, Captain Cooks Cottage and Melbourne’s Rod Laver arena where the Australian Tennis open is played.

*Terms and Conditions:
Price is per person, each way based on roundtrip purchase traveling economy class from Los Angeles or San Francisco. Price is based on departures 7 March – 24 October 2009 on Qantas flights operating 747 or A380 equipment depending on itinerary chosen. Seats are limited and may not be available on every flight. No refunds or rebooking. . Ticket must be issued within 72 hours of confirmation but no later than 03/16/09. U.S./Foreign taxes of approximately $120-$150 including September 11 Security Fee are additional, depending on itinerary. Prices quoted in US dollars. Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage. Please contact your airline or refer to its website for detailed information regarding their checked baggage policies. Cancellation/change penalties and other restrictions may apply. All prices are in US dollars and correct at time of posting (03/07/09). All prices, itineraries and routings are subject to change. Please call Qantas Vacations for our current prices. For our full terms and conditions see CST# 2001136-50

Customize your own trip to Australia! Plan your dream trip to Australia with the interactive Dream Planner.Then send your ideas to Kash Patel who can help turn your dream trip into a reality.

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Visa

Anyone wanting to enter Australia must carry a valid passport or similar certificate of identification and everyone, except holders of Australian and New Zealand passports, requires a visa to enter Australia.

The Australian visitor visa can be obtained from your nearest Australian high commission, embassy or consulate. The Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) is becoming progressively available through travel agents.

Seasons to Visit

Australia is an all-year-round destination, but during the summer, December to February, it is hot in Western Australia, Northern Territory and Queensland. At the Great Barrier Reef, most rain falls in January and February. In northern Queensland and parts of the Northern Territory and Western Australia, roads may flood during the "wet" season, January-March. The ski season occurs from June to October in New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania.

Climate

Spending Christmas at the beach or skiing in August may seem strange but the fact is, Australia's seasons are the opposite of the northern hemisphere - summer starts in December, autumn in March, winter in June and spring in September.

Due to its size, geographical location and the lack of extensive high mountain ranges Australia has a wide range of climates but generally no extremes. The average temperature ranges from 23-26 degrees Celsius above the Tropic of Capricorn with the southern areas more temperate although subject to variations. This and the fact that Australia is the driest continent on earth makes our land a great all-year destination. In fact in our winter you can ski in the southern states one day and be diving at the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland the next.

Clothing

Check the temperature chart and the weather maps carefully. In the tropics lightweight clothing (natural fibres) is suitable all year round. In the southern temperate regions, summers (December February) are warm to hot and lightweight clothes are suitable for daytime, but keep a jacket or sweater handy as nights may be cool. For the southern winters (June-August), sweaters, a jacket or light coat and generally warmer clothes are advisable. Australians are informal dressers, but for special occasions, such as business meetings, theatres and dining at good restaurants, men may need a jacket and tie or suit and women a more formal dress. Most of the time just keep clothing light and comfortable. Bring a sunhat, sunglasses and suntan lotion if you expect hot weather. For foot protection in the coral pools of the Great Barrier Reef, pack your sandshoes (sneakers).

Language

English is Australia's official language - though you will hear many colourful local expressions as well as the Australian accent. Do not hesitate to ask questions; people in Australia are very helpful.

Electricity

The electrical current in Australia is 220-240 volts, AC 50Hz. The Australian three pin power outlet is different from that in some countries so you will need an adaptor. If your appliances are 110V, check if there is a 110/240V switch. If not, you will need a voltage converter. Universal outlets for 240V or 110V shavers are usually found in leading hotels.

Tipping

Tipping is not the general custom in Australia and service charges are not added to accounts by hotels and restaurants. Porters at airports, taxi drivers and hairdressers do not expect to be tipped although you may do so if you wish. Porters have set charges at railway terminals, but not at hotels. In better-class restaurants, it is usual to tip food and drink waiters up to 10 per cent of the bill for good service. At any time, tipping is your choice.

Electronic Banking/Automatic
Teller Machines

Banks have ATMs (Automated Teller Machines) located outside the branch or in the foyer, that can be accessed 24 hours a day. To access an account, cardholders are required to use their Personal Identification Number (PIN) when obtaining cash or services. Cards can be used in Australia at both ATMs and at most retail locations, as long as they have been enabled for international access. Please contact your bank for information on availability and service charges.

Credit Cards

The most commonly accepted credit cards are American Express, Bankcard, Diners Club, MasterCard, Visa, JCB and their affiliates. Use may be restricted in smaller towns and country areas and small retail shops.

Sun Protection

Enjoy outdoor activities such as sightseeing, bushwalking, boating and camping without the risk of harmful exposure to the sun by using simple skin protection. Wear a broad-brimmed hat, a shirt with a collar and sleeves, and pH 15+ broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen on exposed areas of skin. Try to avoid the sun during the middle of the day, between 10am and 2pm (11am and 3pm in daylight saving time) when the ultraviolet rays are at their strongest.