Australia Family Adventure: Sun, Beach, and Reef

Australia Family Adventure: Sun, Beach, and Reef

Australia Family Adventure: Sun, Beach, and Reef

Australia Family Adventure: Sun, Beach, and Reef

Explore the Gold Coast, Great Barrier Reef, Hamilton Island, and the Whitsundays

Days: 9 | From: $4,830/per person

  • Enjoy accommodations at best-in-class hotels.
  • Curated tours with outstanding private guides: you’ll have an instant local friend with insider access.
  • Experience the best of what Australia has to offer.

Swim, snorkel, and cruise in crystal-clear azure waters on this coastal Australian itinerary. Begin in the sun-drenched Gold Coast, getting to know this ocean-lover's paradise with day trips to a koala sanctuary and the Great Barrier Reef. Then head to Hamilton Island, where turquoise bays, white-sand beaches, colorful fish, curious sea turtles, and ample opportunities for adventure await. Conclude in laidback Brisbane before heading home.

Talk to a Vaya Travel Specialist

We tailor itineraries to your dates and interests, adjusting hotels, excursions and length as desired.

5-Star Reviews

We consistently receive 5 star reviews from our discerning clients.

At a Glance

  • Gold Coast
    3 nights: koalas, beaches, and a scenic flight to the Great Barrier Reef
  • Hamilton Island
    4 nights: cruises, snorkeling, marine life, and jaw-droppingly beautiful landscapes
  • Brisbane
    1 night: wrap up your trip in this mellow coastal city

All itineraries are fully customizable. We will send you a personalized variation that reflects your interests and travel dates at no extra cost. Call to discuss your travel plans with one of our Specialists who know this region firsthand.

5-Star Reviews

Find out why our discerning travelers consistently rate us with 5-stars.

Sample Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Brisbane and Transfer to Gold Coast

Welcome to Australia! Upon arrive at Brisbane’s airport, you’ll travel south to the Gold Coast, just an hour’s drive away. Stretching along 43 miles of golden coastline, the Gold Coast is one of Australia’s most iconic holiday destinations: known for its sunny climate, lively beach culture, funky oceanside neighborhoods, and endless array of activities.

Settle into your hotel and spend the rest of the day at your leisure. Whether you’re relaxing on Surfers Paradise Beach, exploring the local shops and cafés, or soaking up the coastal atmosphere, the Gold Coast offers the perfect introduction to Queensland.

Accommodations: Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach, 3 nights

Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach is a luxury hotel located in the heart of Broadbeach, just a short walk from the beach, shopping centers, and the Gold Coast Convention Centre. The hotel offers elegant rooms and suites with ocean or hinterland views, private balconies, and signature Sofitel bedding. Amenities include two outdoor pools, a fitness center, tennis court, and several dining options, including a fine-dining restaurant and a relaxed bistro.

*Includes: Breakfast

Alternative lodging options:
QT Gold Coast

Day 2: Gold Coast Wildlife

This morning, a private car and driver will take you to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, one of Australia’s leading wildlife conservation parks. Enjoy up-close encounters with iconic native animals including koalas, kangaroos, wombats, echidnas, and Tasmanian devils. Attend one of the daily presentations such as the wild lorikeet feeding or the free-flight bird show, and visit the on-site Wildlife Hospital to learn about the sanctuary’s vital rehabilitation and conservation efforts. Enjoy the Lost Valley, an immersive rainforest experience where you can walk among exotic species like lemurs, red pandas, and tamarins via elevated boardwalks.

The afternoon is at your leisure; hang out on the beach, explore local shops and cafes, or enjoy the facilities at your hotel.

Accommodations: Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach, 3 nights

*Includes: Breakfast

Day 3: Great Barrier Reef and Lady Elliot Island

Experience the Great Barrier Reef on a full-day adventure to Lady Elliot Island. On a scenic flight over the coastline and reef system, you’ll reach the island: a remote coral cay renowned for its pristine marine environment and exceptional snorkeling.

Join a glass-bottom boat and guided snorkel tour, where you’ll explore vibrant coral gardens teeming with tropical fish, and possibly spot turtles, dolphins, or the island’s famed manta rays. After a buffet lunch, you may choose to join a guided island walk or simply relax, play on the beach, and take in the surrounding natural beauty.

Around 2:30pm, return via scenic flight to the Gold Coast, with transfers provided back to your hotel.

Accommodations: Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach, 3 nights

*Includes: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4: Fly to Hamilton Island

Say goodbye to the Gold Coast and fly from Brisbane to Hamilton Island, located in the heart of the Whitsundays and on the doorstep of the Great Barrier Reef. Upon arrival, settle into island life surrounded by turquoise waters, white sand beaches, and lush tropical landscapes.

Accommodations: The Sundays, 4 nights

The Sundays Hamilton Island is a stylish, architecturally designed private residence located in the hills above Catseye Bay, offering panoramic views over the Coral Sea. This luxury holiday home features multiple bedrooms, expansive open-plan living areas, a fully equipped kitchen, private infinity-edge pool, and large outdoor entertaining spaces. Floor-to-ceiling windows and modern coastal décor create a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere. Guests enjoy access to a golf buggy for getting around the island, as well as Hamilton Island’s restaurants, beaches, and nearby reef experiences, all while enjoying the privacy and exclusivity of a premium self-contained retreat.

*Includes: Breakfast

Alternative lodging options:
Qualia Resort

Day 5: Cruise to Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Hike

Betty's Beach at Hill Inlet on Whitsunday Island

Today you’ll set out on a 4-hour cruise to Whitehaven Beach, one of Australia’s most iconic coastal destinations. Begin with a guided 20-minute bushwalk to the Hill Inlet Lookout, where you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the famous swirling white sands and turquoise waters—a must-see photo opportunity.

After taking in the views, head down to Whitehaven Beach itself. With its powdery white silica sand and crystal-clear water, you’ll have time to swim, relax, or explore at your own pace before cruising back to the mainland.

Accommodations: The Sundays, 4 nights

*Includes: Breakfast

Day 6: Free Day on Hamilton Island

Today is yours to enjoy Hamilton Island at your own pace. Whether you choose to relax by the pool or beach, explore the island’s walking trails, indulge in a spa treatment, or enjoy the island’s cafes and boutiques, the day is yours to unwind in this tropical paradise. Optional activities to speak to us about include snorkeling, paddleboarding, or sailing.

Accommodations: The Sundays, 4 nights

*Includes: Breakfast

Day 7: Snorkeling in the Whitsundays

Set out on a 4-hour snorkeling cruise to explore the multicolored fringing reefs of the Whitsundays. Your crew will select the best snorkel sites of the day, such as Luncheon Bay or Manta Ray Bay on Hook Island, based on weather and tide conditions to ensure the best underwater experience.

Spend up to two hours on location, where you’ll have the chance to snorkel among colorful coral, tropical fish, and possibly even sea turtles. After snorkeling, return to your hotel and have the rest of the day to explore on your own.

Accommodations: The Sundays, 4 nights

*Includes: Breakfast

Day 8: Hamilton Island to Brisbane

Today you’ll fly from Hamilton Island to Brisbane, the capital of Queensland and a riverside city known for its warm climate and laidback charm. As Australia’s third-largest city, Brisbane offers a dynamic mix of cultural precincts, outdoor spaces, and international cuisine, all set along the scenic Brisbane River.

Upon arrival, enjoy time at your leisure to explore highlights such as the South Bank Parklands, Queen Street Mall, or one of the many riverside trails and gardens.

Accommodations: Emporium Hotel Brisbane

Emporium Hotel South Bank is a five-star, all-suite hotel located in Brisbane’s vibrant South Bank precinct, offering contemporary luxury with sweeping views of the city skyline and river. Each suite features sophisticated design, premium furnishings, a personal bar, and smart technology. The hotel boasts a rooftop infinity pool and bar, a fine dining restaurant, a patisserie, and a full-service spa.

*Includes: Breakfast

Alternative lodging options:
Spicers Balfour Hotel

Day 9: Departure

Say goodbye to Australia as you catch your International flight home.

*Includes: Breakfast

Popular Ways to Customize This Itinerary

  • Head into the Outback to explore Australia’s famed Red Center, including iconic Uluru.

  • Fly down to Tasmania to explore some of the island’s 19 national parks.

  • Spend time in another Australian city, such as Sydney or Melbourne, and use it as a jumping off point for visits to the Blue Mountains, wildlife sanctuaries, cooking classes and funky tours, harbor cruises and bridge climbs, and more.

  • Enjoy a few days of tropical sunshine at the end of your Australia itinerary on a trip extension to Fiji.

Contact us to learn about more options for designing and customizing your trip.
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