SAVE UP TO $1,000 PER PERSON: Book Your 2027 Expedition Cruise

This is the best of an Australia Gold Coast vacation, created especially for those dreaming of golden beaches. The finest way to experience Australia’s coast is by car, and you’ll pick your rental up in Sydney. (Consider asking your Authentic Expert about a pre-night stay in Sydney before you head north.) Your first stop is Port Stephens—you may decide to swim with dolphins or go sandboarding down the Stockton Dunes! Next, you’re in Coffs Harbor; we suggest going to the Butterfly House. In the spring, Jacaranda trees are in full bloom in this region.

Byron Bay is one of the world’s most renowned beach towns. It has eclectic charm, local art, interior rain forests, a coast made for exploring, the historic Byron Lighthouse, and sumptuous cuisine. Step into your adventurous self and try skydiving or take a surf lesson! The water is various shades of turquoise-blue, and the sunsets are stunning.

Your last two nights are pure, five-star luxury in Brisbane, capital of Queensland. This vibrant city sits prettily on the River, is surrounded by soft hills, has an idyllic climate and tropical vegetation. (The scent of frangipani fills the air.) We have arranged an evening of live, Aboriginal theater for you. Experience the culture that has been the soul of Australia for 60,000 years. Spend your free time visiting Moreton Island, the Brisbane Botanic Gardens, or Mount Coot-tha. This tour is truly the heart of Australia’s gold coast.

PLAN AND BOOK

Included Unique Activities

  • Interactive Cultural Theatre Show with Dinner and Transfer
Interactive Aboriginal Theatre Show and Dinner

Interactive Aboriginal Theatre Show and Dinner

Accommodations

1 Night

Exquisite Seaside Resort

1 Night

Beachside Spa Resort

2 Nights

Beachside Apartment

2 Nights

5-Star Luxury Boutique Hotel

Transportation and Guides

  • Automatic Compact Car Rental for 6 Nights

Points of Interest

  • Nelson Head Lighthouse
  • Port Macquarie
  • Koala Hospital, Billabong Zoo
  • Bellingen
  • The Big Banana
  • Butterfly House
  • Grafton
  • Cape Byron Walking Track
  • Byron Lighthouse
  • Lamington National Park
  • Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
  • Brisbane Botanic Gardens
  • Mount Coot-tha
  • James Street
  • Brisbane Treasury Building
  • Moreton Island

Hunter Valley Wine Region, New South Wales

Port Macquarie, New South Wales

Grafton, New South Wales

Lamington National Park, Australia

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, Australia

Brisbane Botanic Gardens, Queensland

Mount Coot-Tha, Australia

Dining Options Included (inclusions)

  • 1 Breakfasts at The Anchorage
  • 1 Dinner; Aboriginal Theatre and Dining Experience
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2026

Available Dates

Oct, Nov, Dec

From $1,707 per person

2027

Available Dates

Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec

From $1,878 per person

Your Price Includes

Tour Highlights

ACCOMMODATION

  • 4 Nights 4 Star Unique Coastal Hotels
  • 2 Nights 5 Star Hotel

TRANSPORTATION

  • Automatic Compact Car Rental for 6 Nights

DINING OPTIONS INCLUDED (Inclusions)

  • 1 Breakfasts at The Anchorage
  • 1 Dinner; Aboriginal Theatre and Dining Experience

INCLUDED UNIQUE EXPERIENCES

  • Interactive Cultural Theatre Show with Dinner and Transfer

POINTS OF INTEREST

  • Nelson Head Lighthouse
  • Port Macquarie
  • Koala Hospital, Billabong Zoo
  • Bellingen
  • The Big Banana
  • Butterfly House
  • Grafton
  • Cape Byron Walking Track
  • Byron Lighthouse
  • Lamington National Park
  • Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
  • Brisbane Botanic Gardens
  • Mount Coot-tha
  • James Street
  • Brisbane Treasury Building
  • Moreton Island
Prices Based On
  • All Taxes & Fees Included
  • Prices are Per Person based on 2 people traveling together and sharing a room.
  • Traveling Alone? No Problem. Single cost from $2298, ask us for a personal quote

"Belated Norway Honeymoon"

Brandi Moore

Georgia

This was my first experience working with Authentic Vacations and they did not disappoint! Amber was amazing!!! I was in over my head with a Norway itinerary, but she put my mind at ease. She was so patient! My clients made it very challenging. I was ready to give up after several attempts to create the itinerary they requested because each time they'd ask for another change. Amber did not waiver though. She knew just what to do and always had excellent recommendations. She listened and took the time to talk through the clients' requests with me. With the help of Amber and the local Nordics team I was finally able to give the clients the perfect itinerary. They were so pleased! This trip was on their bucket list and they had an amazing time. I really don't know what I would have done without Amber! I will definitely use Authentic again. I was so impressed with their process and the level of support. I never felt like just another email itinerary request. Working with Amber was like working with family and I knew both myself and the clients were in great hands. Thank you, Amber, for taking such good care of us and for making me look like a rockstar with these clients!

"Small Group Private Trip to Ireland/Scotland"

TJ Hayes

Florida

Amber and Authentic Vacations saved my group and my reputation with these clients when another "'reputable" supplier severely dropped the ball and botched the booking experience. Not only did they come in under budget BUT they added so many other experiences for clients. I knew nothing about Scotland and only a little about Ireland and she took that weight entirely off my hands. Clients are back and had a great adventure! Highly recommend Amber and the Authentic Vacations team. They made me look like a rockstar and clients loved their entire experience.

"Friend Vacation"

Melanie Carpenter

Ireland

Jennifer made me look like a rock star in my clients' eyes! 2 couples did an 8 day adventure in Ireland. They gave me their list of must see and dos and Jennifer filled in all the gaps and planned the best route. Her call with me prior to the clients' departure was super informative. She gave me times where they should plan on heading to their next stop on their busy days. All the extra little advice she gives is absolutely invaluable! So glad I have another set of clients heading to Ireland next year and that I get to work with her again!

"Anniversary"

Christopher Castelo

Philippines

It is lived up my expectation

"2026 Family vacation to Italy"

Richard Sasson

Oakland

Amber at Authentic Vacations was absolutely wonderful. She helped put together a great trip for the family. The feedback from the family is below:


From Marta: With the exception of a tour that was delayed, everything scheduled commenced on time. Our drivers and tour guides were outstanding! Hotel Corallo was heavenly and couldn’t have been better located. Hotel Quirinale needs to provide more storage space! Though the rooms were spacious, the furniture was not suitable for storing our clothes!


From Joseph: Richard was excellent. So thorough in every possible way, even stuff I didn't think of when I typically travel, and he was responsive to a few things that came up during our trip. Will be using him for our next trip.

"Italy Trip"

John Ambrose

Colorado

Jen set up everything and the trip was amazing. The hotels and places we visited were all awesome. Jen did a great job of selecting and creating our daily venues.

"Holiday break in Ireland"

Rodney Bates

Chum Creek, Vic. Australia

The trip to Ireland met every expectation and more. Everything happened as planned, fabulous hotels and locations, seamless arrangements for airport transfers and car hire, and made good use of the inclusions and itinerary suggestions. Our second trip with these guys, thoroughly recommend them for your next journey

"Birthday"

Karen Sanchez

NY

The clients had an amazing time. They even texted in destination to tell me how wonderful everything was. Adina was super knowledgeable and her planning was flawless.

1. Click the “GET QUOTE” Button Above.

Complete our inquiry form by selecting your departure date, and all other relevant fields. Be sure to let us know if you're traveling for a special occasion! We can adjust most of our vacation packages to suit your needs, based on the details you provide.

2. Online Account & Quote Created

Your request will be forwarded to our team of Destination Experts, and a price quote will be prepared, based on your submitted preferences and criteria. A free Authentic Vacations online account will also be created, allowing you to view and request changes to your quote at any time. Log into your account via “LOGIN” at the top of any of our webpages.

3. Fine-Tune Your Tour Quote

Work with your assigned Destination Expert to tweak your quote in any way you wish. Our customers continually tell us that our flexibility in this regard is exceptional – your Destination Expert’s sole brief is to create the perfect tour for you!

4. Reserve & Pay Online

Once your quote is 100% to your liking, you can pay for your package with your credit card via your Authentic Vacations online account. We also accept payment by personal check and wire transfer. We only require a 20% deposit to secure your vacation, and our Risk-Free Cancellation Policy provides you with complete peace of mind.

5. Print Your Travel Documents & Go!

Once your vacation has been paid in full, you will be able to print your travel documents directly from your online account. You’re ready to embark on your ideal, authentic vacation!!

Questions?

If you would prefer to discuss your perfect vacation on the phone, we would be delighted to hear from you! Our Destination Experts are standing-by and looking forward to speaking with you at any time during our business hours listed below. We also operate a very responsive and efficient Live Chat service on our website…instant gratification awaits!

Toll-free from the US and Canada: 1-888-443-5259 Rest of World: +1-707-687-0191

Hours of Business:

Monday – Thursday: 7:00am – 5:00pm PST

Friday: 7:00am – 4:00pm PST

Saturday: 6:00am – 3:00pm PST

Sunday: 6:00am – 3:00pm PST

With offices in Scottsdale, San Francisco, London, Dublin, Copenhagen and Edinburgh, we can offer you unrivaled support while you are abroad. We truly believe all our clients deserve an extraordinary, authentic experience!