Explore Sydney, Cairns and Melbourne

After a flight on Virgin Australia gazing out over the Pacific, you’ll arrive in Australia to immerse yourself in its exotic landscape, indigenous culture, and burgeoning arts scene. This vacation takes you to the harbor city of Sydney, the coastal city of Cairns and the artsy city of Melbourne. The vacation includes:

• Round-trip flights on Virgin Australia from Los Angeles to Australia
• Domestic flights on Virgin Australia between Sydney, Cairns, and Melbourne
• 4 nights in Sydney at Cambridge Hotel Sydney
• 4 nights in Cairns at Rydges Esplanade Resort
• 4 nights in Melbourne at Travelodge Southbank Melbourne
• Applicable fuel surcharge
• US/foreign taxes & fees including Sept. 11 Security Fee

Optional tour package: Available at booking from $299 per person, based on double occupancy, which includes a Captain Cook Cocktail Cruise in Sydney, snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef, the Phillip Island Penguin Parade and Eco Tour in Melbourne, and a Merlin Entertainment Attraction Pass, which provides entry to 3 of the top attractions in Sydney.

Days 1–6: Arrival, Sydney 

Board a Virgin Australia flight that takes you across the Pacific Ocean en route to Australia. Along the way, you’ll lose a day when you cross the International Date Line (don’t worry, you’ll get it back on your return trip).

On day three, the plane touches down in Australia’s vibrant city, Sydney. You’ll set up shop at an award-winning hotel in Surrey Hills, which Travel + Leisure named “Syndey’s Next Great Neighborhood” for its high-end boutiques and quirky, foodie-centric restaurants.You’ll have three more days to take in Sydney’s better-known attractions along Sydney Harbour or in the historical Rocks neighborhood–home to 18th-century taverns and outdoor markets that pop up on cobblestone paths from the colonial area.

• Sydney Opera House: This odd structure on the harbor resembles a boat with billowing sails; the best place to snap a picture of it is across the water from Mrs Macquaries Chair. Inside the opera house, you can catch live music and dance performances at one of the half dozen theatres.
• Rare roses and wild fruit bats thrive in the nearly 200-year-old Royal Botanic Gardens, a massive green space in the heart of the city. Opt for an informative, guided tour or roam on your own to see native plants and rainforest vegetation housed in balmy greenhouses.
• Hang ten in the azure waters off Bondi Beach, whose breaking waves are popular with surfers; families grab gelato from ice cream shops here, too.

Days 7–10: Cairns

Take a brief flight to Cairns on day 7, when you’ll stay near the Oceanfront Esplanade and Lagoon, known for its stunning sunsets and boardwalk. You can spend the next few days lounging near the lagoon, snorkeling or scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef, which extends for thousands of miles just off the coast of Cairns.

• Mangrove Boardwalk: Creaky wooden bridges snake their way through a very dense—and very balmy—mangrove forest overflowing with wildlife.
• Watch traditional Aboriginal dances performed around a fire at Tjapukai Cultural Park. Other onsite activities include boomerang-throwing demonstrations and didgeridoo lessons.
• Spot crocodiles on a jet ski ride through the waters of Trinity Inlet. Outfitters here also offer parasailing tours.

Days 11–15: Melbourne, Departure

The vacation’s final stop is Melbourne, which sits along Port Phillip on the southern tip of the continent. Once a gritty gold-mining town, the city has emerged as a top Down Under destination thanks to its high-end shopping, world-famous street art, and foodie scene.

• The National Gallery of Victoria houses an impressive collection of Aboriginal art and artifacts in addition to funky displays of fashion-as-art.
• Scenic drive: The Great Ocean Road takes you past a series of freestanding limestone stacks collectively known as the Twelve Apostles.
• Take a day trip to Phillip Island to watch a parade of penguins come ashore after a long day of fishing.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much would it cost to fly from an airport not listed as part of this deal? Departures from additional airports may be available for a supplemental cost. Contact Down Under Answers at (866) 908-1242 for availability and pricing.

2. Can we extend our trip before or after the promotional dates for the deal? Yes, you may extend your trip for a supplemental fee at the time of booking. Extensions are subject to availability.

3. How do I find out if the dates I want to travel are available? Please call Down Under Answers at (866) 908-1242 to check availability.

4. Does my child need a Groupon, and can they stay in my room? Please call Down Under Answers at (866) 908-1242 to check availability.

5. What happens if I buy the Groupon and my travel dates are not available? We suggest calling to redeem your vouchers as soon as possible so that you do not run into this problem. If Down Under Answers is unable to book the stay you want during the available dates and before the book-by date, Groupon will refund your purchase.

6. Is the price advertised available on every date? Airfare and hotels subject to availability. Additional fees may apply for some departure dates. Contact Down Under Answers for details.

Love to travel? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for travel tips, inspiration, and photos from around the world.