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Overview

Down Under Discovery

Crikey! If you’ve always wanted a complete tour of Down Under, with no red stone left uncovered, this is it. Doubling the fun with sightseeing in Australia and New Zealand, this exciting vacation covers New Zealand’s North and South Islands as well as Australia’s vibrant cities, golden beaches, and mystical Red Center. From Rotorua’s boiling mud pools to Waitomo’s Glowworm Caves, you’ll kick off your tour with the hottest--and coolest--sights of New Zealand. Aptly named “The Remarkables,” the South Island’s mountain range sets the tone for the incredible sights you’ll see throughout the land of the kiwi--and the home of the kangaroo. As you hop from Melbourne to Uluru (Ayers Rock) to Cairns to Sydney, you’ll marvel at the architectural masterpieces of Australia’s renowned cities, the natural wonders of the Great Barrier Reef, and a special highlight of this encompassing journey--a boomerang-throwing barbecue under the starlit Outback sky.

Highlights of Down Under Discovery

SEO Keywords

globus, globus guided tours, globus tour, globus tours, south pacific tour

Related Option Title

Down Under Discovery

Small Group

Globus offers Small-Group Discoveries on select South Pacific dates. A Small-Group Discovery is limited to an average of just 20 guests per departure. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Globus escorted tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery trip is the perfectly sized tour—without the crowds.

Product Group

Down Under Discovery

UNESCO Sites

Great Barrier Reef|Sydney Opera House|Te Wahipounamu|Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park|Wet Tropics of Queensland

Notes

Inclusions

We’ve packed everything you need for the perfect vacation—from hand-selected hotels and dining to the friendly expertise of Globus Tour Directors and Local Guides (with complimentary headsets to hear every word); to seamless transportation between destinations and VIP access to the world’s most iconic sites! Touring by private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi (where available).

Travelers Notes

We’ve packed everything you need for the perfect tour—from hand-selected hotels and dining to the friendly expertise of Globus Tour Directors and Local Guides with headsets to hear every word; to seamless transportation between destinations and VIP access to the world’s most iconic sites! Touring by private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi (where available). Enhance your free time with your GlobusGO mobile app!

Special departure feature New Year's Eve in Sydney.

Meals

Breakfast daily, 4 lunches, 6 dinners

Itineraries

Day 1

ARRIVE IN AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND A Māori Welcome Welcome to Aotearoa, Māori for “land of the long white cloud.” Your room is available for immediate check-in. A pre-night is not required for early check-in. Please schedule your flights to arrive by 4:30pm in order to attend this evening’s welcome briefing and dinner. (D)

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Day 2

AUCKLAND The City of Sails Start your day with a visit to the All Blacks Experience followed by a sightseeing tour of Auckland. See bustling Queen Street, the city’s oldest park, Auckland Domain, and historic Parnell Village. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. Your Tour Director will have suggestions for additional sightseeing, shopping, and dining. (B)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
LEGENDS OF THE GAME Emerge yourself into the legacy, culture and people who have made the All Blacks rugby team an important part of the history of New Zealand. You’ll experience first-hand the excitement and emotion of game day and be inspired by the full force of the haka. Hear about past and present legends of the game and enjoy hands-on interactions. You’ll quickly understand how deeply this team and sport are intertwined with the heart and heritage of the country.


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Day 3

AUCKLAND–WAITOMO–ROTORUA New Zealand Treasures Depart Auckland and travel through the green pastoral region of Waikato to the Famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Continue over the Mamaku Ranges to Rotorua. Enjoy a [LF] Hangi dinner this evening. (B,D)

LOCAL FAVORITE
CULTURE & TRADITION Journey back to a time of proud warriors and ancient Māori traditions. Tour the village and learn about Māori traditions and customs followed by a delicious Hangi dinner (roasted meats and vegetables cooked underground with hot stones). You’ll be entertained by master storytellers and singers, and you might even be asked to join in a Haka, the traditional war dance.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
NATURAL WONDERS Your visit to Waitomo Glowworm Caves starts with a guided tour through the limestone chambers, delicate formations, and passages of the cavern. Next, discover an ancient world of 30 million years in the making and marvel at Mother Nature’s light display as you glide silently through the starry wonderland of the Glowworm Grotto. See the lights of thousands of these tiny creatures as they radiate their light in a subterranean world. The glowworm (Arachnocampa Luminosa) is unique to New Zealand making the Waitomo Glowworm Caves an absolute must-do.


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Day 4

ROTORUA Earthly Wonders This morning, enjoy a guided tour and a special visit to the [LF] National Kiwi Hatchery. Then, visit the Agrodome to learn more about one of the country’s major industries–sheep! Continue to Te Puia, Rotorua’s most prominent thermal area. The remainder of the day is at leisure. (B)

LOCAL FAVORITE
CONSERVATION HEROES Only about 5% of all Kiwi birds hatched in the wild survive to adulthood making them endangered. At The National Kiwi Hatchery, you’ll see conservation in action. Known as the national leader in hatching techniques and kiwi chick rearing, you’ll see each stage a kiwi chick goes through before being released into the national parks. 100% of your entry goes straight back to the Kiwi hatching program.


ENHANCED FREE TIME
EXPLORE MORE in Rotorua with an optional floatplane for flightseeing of this beautiful region, join a New Zealand family for dinner in their home, or indulge yourself in the relaxing hot springs, sumptuous spa treatments, and massage therapies at the Polynesian Spa. These and more options are available throughout your tour at MyGlobus. Your Tour Director and your GlobusGO mobile app have all the tips and guidance to enjoy your free time.


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Day 5

ROTORUA–CHRISTCHURCH–MOUNT COOK AREA Night Lights Fly to Christchurch, the largest city on New Zealand’s South Island, then travel south to magnificent Mount Cook region, named after New Zealand’s highest peak. The Mount Cook region offers some of the darkest skies in the world – perfect for viewing the southern night sky. (B,D)


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Day 6

MOUNT COOK AREA–QUEENSTOWN Alpine Adventures Start the day with a visit to the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre for unique insight into the history and culture of this region. Then, time to explore on your own. Continue to Queenstown, the “Adventure Capital of the World. (B)

ENHANCED FREE TIME
EXPLORE MORE with one of the many spectacular scenic walks or perhaps an optional scenic flight that lands on nearby Tasman Glacier.


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Day 7

QUEENSTOWN. EXCURSION TO MILFORD SOUND Fjords, Forest & Falls Today, travel into scenic Fiordland National Park. Boasting some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world, this region of New Zealand has been named as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was famously described by author, Rudyard Kipling, as the “eighth wonder of the world.” Late evening return to Queenstown. (B,L)

NOTE: The excursion to Milford Sound may happen on Day 8 depending on weather and road conditions today.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
PICTURE PERFECT Cruise on the fiord with sheer rock walls rising thousands of feet from the water’s great depths. Experience dense rainforest, towering mountains, glaciers, and waterfalls. Have your cameras ready for marine life such as playful dolphins, seals, and penguins. It will be a day to remember as you experience New Zealand’s wild side at its absolute best!


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Day 8

QUEENSTOWN Vineyards & Views A full day at leisure for your own discoveries. (B,D)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
AN ELEVATED EXPERIENCE This evening, take a scenic gondola ride to the top of Bob’s Peak where you’ll enjoy a delicious dinner and breathtaking views of Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu, and the Remarkable Mountains. Make sure to have your camera ready for fantastic photo opportunities.

ENHANCED FREE TIME
EXPLORE MORE with an optional visit to a local vineyard, or maybe take a thrilling jet boat ride on the Dart River. These and more options are available throughout your tour at MyGlobus. Your Tour Director and your GlobusGO mobile app have all the tips and guidance to enjoy your free time.


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Day 9

QUEENSTOWN–MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA On to Australia Board your flight across the Tasman Sea to Melbourne. Enjoy three nights in the city often referred to as Australia’s cultural capital. Melbourne is a blend of world-class restaurants, museums, shopping, and interesting hidden laneways. (B)

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Day 10

MELBOURNE G’day Melbourne! Today’s sightseeing tour includes landmarks such as Parliament House and the Shrine of Remembrance, a tribute to Australia’s war heroes. Visit beautiful Fitzroy Gardens, then drive past the Royal Botanic Gardens. You’ll soon discover the different architectural influences of this city as you see the Victorian Arts Centre and other buildings of significance. Following lunch at a local restaurant, travel to the top of the Melbourne Skydeck. Enjoy free time the remainder of the day. (B,L)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
REACH NEW HEIGHTS Be ready to be wowed when you travel to the top of the Melbourne Skydeck, the southern hemisphere’s highest observation deck. The city comes to you when you take it all in from nearly 1,000 feet/300 metres high. Enjoy awe inspiring views of Melbourne from the observation deck. The Skydeck will change the way you look at Melbourne and maybe the world.

ENHANCED FREE TIME
EXPLORE MORE Tonight’s optional excursion is a visit to see the world-famous Penguin Parade on Phillip Island. Experience the magic of little penguins returning home at sunset to one of the largest penguin colonies in Australia. Watch as these beloved fairy penguins waddle from the ocean to their burrows in the sand around you. You’ll get up close and personal from the special Penguins Plus grandstand. This and more options are available throughout your tour at MyGlobus. Your Tour Director and your GlobusGO mobile app have all the tips and guidance to enjoy your free time.


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Day 11

MELBOURNE Cosmopolitan Cool Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore this multicultural and cosmopolitan city. (B)

ENHANCED FREE TIME
EXPLORE MORE in Melbourne by dining at a local restaurant to immerse yourself in Melbourne’s passionate food and wine scene, or walk along Chapel and Brunswick Streets, famous for great shopping. Take a trip out of town to sample award-winning wines in the Yarra Valley or drive along the spectacular Great Ocean Road to see the “Twelve Apostles.”


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Day 12

MELBOURNE–ALICE SPRINGS Into the Outback Today, fly to the Outback where sightseeing includes a visit to the Royal Flying Doctor Service and the Old Telegraph Station. Tonight, a unique [LF] Outback Barbecue features typical campfire fare and awe-inspiring Outback ambiance. (B,D)

NOTE: Due to the remote location and limited flights, you may be booked on a connecting flight from Melbourne to Alice Springs.

LOCAL FAVORITE
LOCAL TASTES A fun filled evening of entertainment and outback cuisine is in store for you this evening. Huddle around a cozy campfire, learn about bush damper cooking, enjoy music, local storytelling, and a boomerang demonstration. Sink your teeth into a mouth-watering meal of prime Australian beef and wet your whistle with a cold drink. There’s even time for some star gazing to finish off this memorable evening.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
FLIGHT FOR LIFE The Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) was established in 1928 to bring much needed medical care to the residents of the remote Outback. Learn the history of Reverend John Flynn, the founder, and hear the heroic tales of the birth and growth of the RFDS. Through the interactive displays you can experience what it’s like to fly with an RFDS pilot and the issues they have faced from dirt runways, inadequate maps, and more.


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Day 13

ALICE SPRINGS–ULURU (AYERS ROCK) Rock Stars Travel by coach to Uluru. Upon arrival, visit a popular lookout to enjoy views of the magnificent Kata Tjuta (the Olgas), a geological spectacle of some 36 brilliant domes. There is time to take photos before visiting the “Sunset Strip” for a drink and to witness the changing hues of light painting the rock. (B)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
NATURAL WONDERS Experience a spectacular way to end the day at Uluru. This fascinating icon stands 1,141 feet (348 meters) high, however, most of its mass is below ground level. You’ll be overwhelmed by its incredible size, presence, and inherent spirituality. As the sun sinks over the horizon and the evening sky brings out the many shades of color for which Uluru is famous, you’ll enjoy sparkling wine and nibbles and say goodbye to another wonderful day.


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Day 14

ULURU–CAIRNS Sunrise & Wheels Up Your Outback adventure continues with free time this morning. Later, fly to Cairns, “Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef,” one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. (B)

NOTE:
Due to this remote location and limited flights, you may be booked on a connecting flight from Uluru to Cairns. Arrival in Cairns may be late in the evening. Luggage restrictions may apply to this flight. Please speak to your Tour Director for full details.

ENHANCED FREE TIME
EXPLORE MORE with the extraordinary experience of an optional camel ride to watch the sunrise at Uluru. For an even more amazing view of Uluru, perhaps take an optional aircraft ride to see this scenic region.


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Day 15

CAIRNS. EXCURSION TO THE OUTER GREAT BARRIER REEF Below the Surface Prepare for the experience of a lifetime when you board a catamaran and cruise to the Outer Great Barrier Reef, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Explore this underwater world that is a brilliant kaleidoscope of coral and sea life. Return to Cairns late this afternoon. Your evening is at leisure. (B,L)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
BUCKET LIST. CHECK! The only living structure on Earth that can be seen from space, the Great Barrier Reef is a masterpiece of Mother Nature. Comprising of over 3,000 individual reefs and spanning over 135,135 miles (350,000 square kilometres), your day at the Reef will be one to remember. After your scenic catamaran cruise, the day is yours to explore the Reef how you like. Choose to snorkel amid a dazzling array of fish and coral, take a semi-submersible watercraft tour, attend an informative presentation by a marine biologist, or just relax and enjoy the serenity of your surroundings.


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Day 16

CAIRNS Ticket to Paradise A full day at leisure. (B)

ENHANCED FREE TIME
EXPLORE MORE For a truly amazing experience consider an optional trip to Kuranda via the old scenic rail route. See magnificent scenery from the comfort of a restored, historic mountain train. For the return journey, you may choose to take the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway; or maybe spend the day in the magical Daintree Rainforest thought to be the planet’s oldest surviving tropical rainforest. Your Tour Director will have recommendations for shopping, dining, and additional sightseeing.


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Day 17

CAIRNS–SYDNEY Koalas, Crocs & Roos, Oh My! This morning, enjoy a special visit to the Koala Gardens. Later, fly to Sydney, Australia’s largest city. Sydney is home to first-class restaurants, grand shopping arcades, and top tourist attractions such as the Sydney Opera House and the Taronga Zoo. (B)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
WILD & WONDERFUL See Australia’s famous animals this morning with a visit to the Koala Gardens. See kangaroos, wombats, quokkas, wallabies, gliders and of course the famous salt-water crocodiles. You’ll also have a chance to see koalas doing what they do best – eating, sleeping, and looking adorable. Before your visit ends, you’ll have a photo taken with a koala – the perfect souvenir!


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Day 18

SYDNEY Sights & Bites Explore one of the world’s most beautiful cities. Visit the Sydney Opera House and travel to Mrs Macquarie’s Chair in the city’s botanic gardens for a great photo opportunity and sweeping views of the harbor, Opera House, and Harbour Bridge. Next, visit world-famous Bondi beach for an insider’s tour of [LF] Bondi Surf Bathers’ Life Saving Club with one of the lifesavers. Afterward, a cruise on Sydney Harbour Highlights some of the city’s best views (B,L)

LOCAL FAVORITE
HISTORIC SPOT Enjoy lunch at the historic North Bondi Returned Servicemen’s Leagues Club. Learn about the history of this place and the courageous “Rats of Tobruk” that stopped the Nazis in North Africa during WWII. You’ll enjoy delicious food while looking out at amazing waterfront views.


TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURAL GEM The Sydney Opera House is one of the most well-known buildings in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The building was designed by Jorn Utzon, a Danish architect, and was finally completed in 1973, after sixteen years of construction, at a cost of over $100 million dollars. You’ll enjoy a private guided tour of the Opera House and see its interiors and theaters. Hear untold stories, be awed by the acoustics, and learn the history and future of this amazing hall beneath the sails.


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Day 19

SYDNEY Spectacular Sydney Enjoy a full day at leisure for your own discoveries. This evening, your Tour Director hosts a special farewell dinner at a restaurant overlooking Sydney Harbour. (B,D)

ENHANCED FREE TIME
EXPLORE MORE You may choose to take an optional excursion to the Blue Mountains for a wilderness experience or to the Hunter Valley, one of Australia’s leading wine-growing regions. You can even climb to the top of Sydney’s Harbour Bridge. Your Tour Director will have suggestions to help you make the most of this exciting city.


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Day 20

SYDNEY Until We Meet Again! Your tour ends with breakfast this morning. You may also choose to extend your time in Sydney and explore more on your own. Extra nights are available for purchase. (B)

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Departures

# Air Start Date Land Start Date Land End Date Land Only Price Discount Final Departure Code Status
1 2024-10-30 2024-11-01 2024-11-20 $7379 $0 $8979 PS41101 Not Available
2 2025-01-08 2025-01-10 2025-01-29 $7809 $0 $10097 PS50110 Available
3 2025-01-22 2025-01-24 2025-02-12 $7699 $0 $9987 PS50124 Available
4 2025-01-29 2025-01-31 2025-02-19 $7699 $0 $9987 PS50131 Not Available
5 2025-02-12 2025-02-14 2025-03-05 $7699 $0 $9987 PS50214 Available
6 2025-02-19 2025-02-21 2025-03-12 $8459 $0 $10747 PS50221K Not Available
7 2025-02-26 2025-02-28 2025-03-19 $7699 $0 $9987 PS50228 Available
8 2025-03-05 2025-03-07 2025-03-26 $7699 $0 $9987 PS50307 Not Available
9 2025-03-12 2025-03-14 2025-04-02 $8849 $0 $11137 PS50314K Not Available
10 2025-03-19 2025-03-21 2025-04-09 $7749 $0 $10037 PS50321 Available
11 2025-03-26 2025-03-28 2025-04-16 $7749 $0 $10037 PS50328 Not Available
12 2025-04-02 2025-04-04 2025-04-23 $7749 $0 $10037 PS50404 Available
13 2025-04-09 2025-04-11 2025-04-30 $8529 $0 $10817 PS50411K Not Available
14 2025-04-30 2025-05-02 2025-05-21 $7699 $0 $9987 PS50502 Available
15 2025-09-03 2025-09-05 2025-09-24 $7779 $0 $10067 PS50905 Available
16 2025-09-10 2025-09-12 2025-10-01 $7779 $0 $10067 PS50912 Available
17 2025-09-17 2025-09-19 2025-10-08 $7809 $0 $10097 PS50919 Available
18 2025-09-24 2025-09-26 2025-10-15 $7809 $0 $10097 PS50926 Not Available
19 2025-10-08 2025-10-10 2025-10-29 $8699 $0 $10987 PS51010K Not Available
20 2025-10-22 2025-10-24 2025-11-12 $7979 $0 $10267 PS51024 Available
21 2025-10-29 2025-10-31 2025-11-19 $7979 $0 $10267 PS51031 Available

Hotels

# Name Description City Address Rating
1 SKYCITY Hotel This spacious hotel allows you to relax in style while enjoying more than 20 restaurants, cafes and bars, a theatre, free live entertainment on selected nights and the iconic Sky Tower - all right on your doorstep! Complimentary wireless Internet access is available in public areas. Additional amenities include a casino, spa services, and a fitness facility. This is a smoke-free property. Auckland Corner Victoria & Federal St. First-Class
2 Distinction Hotel Rotorua Situated adjacent to the Whakarewarewa Forest, Distinction Hotel Rotorua is located minutes away from the city center of Rotorua. The hotel features a heated outdoor pool and spa, underground private grotto spas, on-site restaurant and bar, laundry facilities and dry cleaning, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Rotorua 390 Fenton St. PO Box 983 First-Class
3 Distinction MacKenzie Country Hotel The Mackenzie Basin's best kept secret with stunning mountain views from a relaxed setting. Featuring natural stone, roaring fires and expansive lawns, Distinction Mackenzie Country Hotel is the ultimate place to chill out after a day experiencing the activities and sights the region has to offer. Twizel Corner Ostler and Wairepo Roads Moderate First-Class
4 Ramada Queenstown Central The Ramada Queenstown Central is ideally positioned in the heart of Queenstown with spectacular views of Lake Wakatipu, The Remarkables Mountain Range, and Walter Peak. The hotel features a fitness center, on-site restaurant and bar, laundry services, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Queenstown Corner Stanley Street & Frankton Road First-Class
5 The Savoy Hotel on Little Collins Situated in the heart of downtown Melbourne, The Savoy Hotel on Little Collins is ideally located for exploring the city. The hotel features an on-site restaurant, bar, gym, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Melbourne 630 Little Collins Street First-Class
6 Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters The modern Crowne Plaza Alice Springs is located at the foot of the MacDonnell Ranges, in Australia's red center. The hotel features complimentary Wi-Fi, outdoor pool, spa, fitness center, on-site restaurant and bar, and in-room dining. Alice Springs 93 Barrett Drive Superior First-Class
7 Desert Gardens Hotel Centrally located to all resort facilities, the hotel offers a range of accommodation, outdoor pool, coin-operated self-service laundry, and the popular Bunya bar. It's only a short stroll to the Resorts' numerous lookouts, where you can view what is arguably Australia's best sunset, with the spectacular play of colors across the face of Uluru and the surrounding desert. Uluru Yulara Drive First-Class
8 Bailey, a Crystalbrook Collection Resort Modern and innovative with an appreciation for the arts, Bailey, a Crystalbrook Collection Hotel, celebrates originality and individuality. Positioned in the heart of the Cairns Central Business District, the Bailey is just a short stroll from the Cairns Esplanade boardwalk, lagoon, and the Great Barrier Reef departure terminal. At the hotel, you'll find artists-in-residence and artwork from across Australia displayed in and around the hotel with a different artist featured on each level. The hotel features a swimming pool, on-site restaurant and bar, fitness center, gift shop, and complimentary Wi-Fi. A laundry service is available for a fee. Cairns 163 Abbott Street Superior First-Class
9 Swissotel Sydney The Swissotel Sydney is surrounded by Sydney's most exclusive shopping centres, such as the beautiful Queen Victoria Building and iconic Westfield Sydney and is within walking distance to all of Sydney's famous landmarks and cultural attractions. Enjoy a seasonally inspired dinner menu at JPB or delight in a unique buffet high tea at Crossroads Bar. The hotel offers a wide choice of treatments at the Day Spa as well as a gym, heated outdoor pool and Jacuzzi. Sydney 68 Market Street Deluxe
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Dove Travel & Cruises International, Travel Agency, Nashville, TN