March 3-8, 2011
6 days from $2699
Optional add-on available to the Great Barrier Reef
ZOOM VACATIONS SYDNEY GAY AND LESBIAN MARDI GRAS ITINERARY
Thursday, Day 1, 2011 3P:Official check into the Four Seasons Hotel Sydney
Evening: Cocktails and canapés with fellow Zoom guests
All meet in the Four Seasons Executive Club, Level 32 for evening cocktails, canapés and some great Australian wines for which Australia is famous. You will also get to know your fellow Zoomers and your Zoom Concierge, Joel Cabrera.
N.B. The Four Seasons Executive Club opens at 5P. So you are welcome to arrive early and enjoy.
Evening:Zoom Welcome Dinner
ACCOMMODATIONS: Four Seasons Sydney, City View Room, with Executive Club access MEALS INCLUDED: Dinner and Evening Cocktails and Canapés
Friday, Day 2, 2011 6:30A – 10:30A: Full Australian Breakfast in the Four Seasons Executive Club, Level 32.
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. 5P: Return to the hotel.
Evening: Cocktails and canapés with fellow Zoom guests
Come up to the Four Seasons Club Room Lounge on Level 32 to enjoy canapés and have a cocktail.
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: Four Seasons Sydney, City View Room, with Executive Club access MEALS INCLUDED: Full Australian Breakfast as well as Evening Cocktails and Canapés
Saturday, Day 3, 2011 6:30A – 11A: Full Australian Breakfast in the Four Seasons Executive Club, Level 32.
Morning: Zoom Vacations Taste of Sydney Tour.
Pick up this afternoon by private coach for a 3-hour 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. We will also visit the Imperial Hotel, home of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, and take in the views from Bondi Beach. 1:30 P: Return to the hotel
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: Four Seasons Sydney, City View Room, with Executive Club access MEALS INCLUDED: Full Australian Breakfast as well as Evening Cocktails and Canapés
Sunday, Day 4, 2011 6:30A – 11A: Full Australian Breakfast in the Four Seasons Executive Club, Level 32.
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.
Optional Event: Harbour’10 Party
Sunset dance party in Sydney's most beautiful location, Harbour '10 offers up the hottest DJs to the hottest crowd. With the iconic Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge as its backdrop, Harbour'10 is the dance event with the view! Set in the tropical surrounds of the Royal Botanic Gardens, with two beautiful garden dance floors, Harbour '10 is the perfect recovery after the Parade the night before.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Four Seasons Sydney, City View Room, with Executive Club access MEALS INCLUDED: Full Australian Breakfast as well as Evening Cocktails and Canapés
Monday, Day 5, 2011
6:30A – 10:30A: Full Australian Breakfast in the Four Seasons Executive Club, Level 32.
Late Morning Optional Event: Sydney Bridge Climb
Afternoon Evening Optional Event: Mardi Gras Pool Party
Hang out by the pool, soaking up the sun and checking out the talent, while our DJs keep the party going well into the night. Featuring live performances from some of Sydney’s best acts, and attracting the hottest party-goers the city has to offer, the Ivy Pool Bar is the place to see and be seen.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Four Seasons Sydney, City View Room, with Executive Club access MEALS INCLUDED: Full Australian Breakfast as well as Evening Cocktails and Canapés
Tuesday, Day 6, 2011 6:30A – 10:30A: Full Australian Breakfast in the Four Seasons Executive Club, Level 32.
Departure day for Cairns Extension or for flights back to the States (departure times very)
Luxury Accommodations:
The Four Seasons Hotel, Sydney, 5 stars
Stunningly situated overlooking Sydney Harbour in the historic Rocks district, a short walk from the city's shopping centers,Four Seasons is vibrant and elegant, with dramatic harbourfront views and a luxurious day spa featuring exclusive skincare and aromatherapy treatments.
The Hotel offers Sydney’s largest heated outdoor hotel pool. Triangular in shape, the 20-metre (66-foot) pool also has a separate whirlpool. The adjacent Cabana restaurant is open during the summer months.
Incredible location! The Four Seasons 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.
Readers of American Airline's Celebrated Living magazine, 2009 named the Four Season Hotel Sydney the BEST hotel in Australia/New Zealand/South Pacific!
T+L 500 World's Best Hotels, Travel + Leisure magazine, January 2009
Air: International and domestic airfare not included. Zoom Vacations has negotiated a 5% off your fare with American Airlines on this trip. Go to aa.com/rainbow, type in your departure city and arrival city and don’t forget to enter the Promotion Code: 5320AQ. Click " Get Fare".
*Land onlyIntroductory 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!
Great Barrier Reef Add-on Trip
March 8-11, 2011
3 Nights from $1499
Sail away to one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Explore a picturesque reef sand island surrounded by magical coral gardens teeming with an incredible diversity of marine life and seabirds. Enjoy a day on this island paradise and experience snorkeling, sunbathing, relaxing, reading, rejuvenating, sailing, and swimming.
Plus, join us on the world famous Kuranda Scenic Railway journey comprising unsurpassed views of Barron Gorge National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Travel through steep ravines, picturesque waterfalls, the oldest rainforest in the world, while sipping sparkling wine or a cold beer and savoring delicious finger foods.
At the end of the rail journey, the rain forest adventure begins when we board the Skyrail Experience and continue through the mountains before gliding over the mighty Barron River. For those who want to take the adventure a step further, enjoy an exhilarating whitewater journey through the Australian Rain Forest before returning to Cairns.
Package Highlights:
• 3 nights accommodations at the Five Star Shangri-La Marina Cairns Hotel in sensational Horizon Club Level Rooms
• Services of a professional Zoom Concierge™ throughout the trip
• Lavish Buffet Breakfast Daily
• Complimentary Espresso Bar all day long
• Complimentary Internet
• Evening cocktails every night, including an open bar of fine Australian wine, champagne, beer, sushi, and other appetizers--all complimentary!
• Welcome BBQ Dinner, including a sumptuous spread of meats, gourmet salads, gourmet traditional BBQ "fare" and tantalizing desserts.
• Kuranda Scenic Railway trip including First Class service onboard with cocktails and appetizers of local delicacies
• Skyrail journey through the worlds oldest rainforest including a visit to stunning, roaring BarronRiverFalls.
• Great Barrier Reef Five-Star Catamaran Snorkeling and Sailing Cruise and all meals onboard
• Hotel Porterage (maximum 2 bags per person)
• 10% Government Service Tax
• Roundtrip airport and tour transfers in an air-conditioned coach
• Tropical North Queensland Riverforest and optional Whitewater Adventure, a Signature Zoom Event™
• Admissions where applicable.
Luxury Accommodations:
Shangri-La Marina Cairns Hotel, 5 stars. The best hotel in Cairns! You'll enjoy upgraded Horizon Club rooms!
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 upgraded 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.
Horizon Club rooms:
With significantly more space than Superior or Deluxe rooms, plus exclusive Horizon Club privileges, these rooms are an excellent choice for the traveler who desires added attention and services.
Located on the hotel’s Mezzanine level, the room offers eye-level views of Marlin Marina from both the bedroom, sitting room and oversized balcony.
Rooms feature an executive writing desk and broadband Internet access.
All Horizon Club rooms feature comfortable contemporary sofas and furniture from which to enjoy the flat-panel television and stereo entertainment.
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.
