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Brisbane may be Australia's third-largest city,
but for the longest time Brisbane was seen as something of a poor
cousin to Sydney and Melbourne: a sleepy country town hiding behind
a big city façade. In recent years, however, Brisbane has stirred
from its slumber and is casually emerging as one of the most
desirable places to live in Australia with an estimated 1000 people
packing their bags and moving up there every week. Of course locals
have always known that Brissie offers the perfect lifestyle and it
doesn't take visitors long to understand why. Despite the
transformation into a sleek, cosmopolitan city complete with
world-class art galleries, a booming live music scene and a
fabulous café culture, Brisbane still retains the laid-back, easy
attitude of a small community. Bars, cafes, galleries, museums,
markets, theme parks with rivers, mountains and forests at your
door step, this weekend is a must for all Rugby diehards.
Getting To and Around Brisbane - Package prices
do not include flights. As the flight schedule and prices do not
get confirmed until 360 days prior to departure, information on
flights to and from Brisbane will not be available until this time.
For domestic services, best available airfares are available online
once they are within booking range and we encourage you to book
early. Should you wish to include flights as part of the package,
inquire with our consultants and we can contact you with
information once confirmed information becomes available. Getting
to Suncorp Stadium is a breeze from our centrally located hotels as
it is only a short walk from the city's CBD. Other alternative
modes include taxis, buses and trains.
Things To Do In Brisbane - It's a positive
attitude and creative confidence that makes Brisbane a genuine
new-world city. Even though Brisbane is rapidly developing and
forward-thinking, it maintains a youthful enthusiasm and has what
is arguably the most vibrant, laid back and friendliest atmosphere
of any east-coast capital city. The CBD is where Brisbane's major
businesses are interspersed with several shopping malls, cinemas,
parks and many of Brisbane's historical tourist sites. Queen Street
Mall in the heart of the CBD is Queensland's premier shopping
destination and a must see for all visitors. The South Bank area
has ethnic restaurants, edgy cafes, riverside boardwalks and an
inner-city beach. Located at South Bank is Queensland's Cultural
Precinct, which includes the Performing Arts Centre, Queensland
Museum, the State Library, Queensland Art Gallery and the
spectacular Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA). Most inner-city suburbs,
or those close to the CBD have their own style and offer some
small, unique attractions to the city, notably cafés, restaurants,
historical sites or artistic ventures. Some of the other major
districts are Spring Hill, Indooroopilly, Manly Harbour, Toowong,
St. Lucia and South Brisbane.
Suncorp Stadium provides Brisbane and
south-east Queensland with a 52,500 plus seat capacity,
state-of-the art, world-class stadium able to accommodate a range
of uses such as rugby and soccer matches on a domestic and
international level, major concerts, and a former host venue of the
2003 Rugby World Cup. Open in 1914, the stadium has gone thru many
improvements including the last one that was completed in 2003.
Since then Suncorp Stadium has earned the reputation as one of the
best rugby stadiums in the world as rugby journalist Wynne Gray put
it, "It is so intimate you can hear the smack of bodies, the boot
on leather, you feel the power and rhythm of the games." Located
centrally in Brisbane's CBD, Suncorp Stadium is easily accessible
with a short walk or using the mass transit system that is
conveniently located underneath the stadium.
Melbourne Sophisticated and slick, edgy and
rough, Melbourne's physical and cultural landscape is shaped by a
dynamic population, ever-ravenous for a bite of global culture. The
result is Australia's most accessible multiculturalism. Ornate
Victorian-era architecture and leafy, established boulevards
reflect the city's history, and cutting-edge developments such as
Federation Square exemplify its enigmatic contemporary style. But,
Melburnians still keep their urban frenzy to a deliciously sedate
pace.
Getting To and Around Melbourne - Most of the
major airlines have direct international flights to Melbourne
Airport in Tullamarine, 22km northwest of the city centre.
Melbourne is well-connected to all capital cities in the country
and many major cities worldwide. Trams lumber back and forth on
routes radiating out like spokes from central Melbourne, and
cycling is a common way to get from A to Z.
Things To Do In Melbourne - Survey Melbourne's
gridlike streets from high atop Southbank's Eureka Skydeck 88, the
Southern Hemisphere's tallest viewing platform. See key attractions
on the free burgundy-and-gold City Circle trams. Central hub
Federation Square hosts cultural events along the Yarra River. The
city's historic laneways and arcades reveal the boho side of
Melbourne. Soak up the art at the National Gallery of Victoria --
or visit the Immigration Museum and the Chinese Museum for
different takes on the settlement of this "free" city. Find
anything and everything in Melbourne's Central Business District,
an open-air shopping mall. Art galleries and designer boutiques rub
shoulders in Flinders Lane. Fitzroy's Brunswick Street, slightly
grungier Smith Street and Gertrude Street attract the trend-setters
with retro and vintage boutiques and book stores, while Prahran is
the place for the label-conscious. Queen Victoria Market, just
north of the CBD, sells everything from weird and wonderful
bric-a-brac to food and clothes.
Etihad Stadium is a well respected
multi-purpose facility designed to cater for major sporting and
entertainment events, as well as social, business and private
functions. The stadium is situated in the heart of Melbourne's
Docklands, just minutes from the CBD. Etihad Stadium is the only
football stadium in the Southern Hemisphere with a fully
retractable roof. Since opening on March 9, 2000 well over 20
million people have passed through the venue's turnstiles. The
stadium now hosts in the vicinity of 50 AFL matches a season; in
summer, A-League club Melbourne Victory becomes a regular
participant at the venue. The venue also regularly stages
international sporting events such as Rugby League World Cup
matches, Rugby Union Tests and in 2008 Etihad Stadium hosted its
first soccer World Cup qualifier. The venue has also hosted many
concert spectaculars featuring international performers such as
Andre Rieu, Robbie Williams, Barbra Streisand, Bon Jovi, Kiss, U2,
ACDC, Bruce Springsteen and many others. Located in the centre of
the Docklands and CBD, getting to Etihad Stadium is easy regardless
of whether you decide to drive, catch public transport, cycle or
walk.
Sample
Itinerary:
Friday 21
June, 2013 - Arrive Brisbane
Today is an arrival day as Rugby fans from all over the world
come together to celebrate the return of the Lions to our shores.
As passengers will be arriving from all parts of the country and
the world at different times, we have not included group transfers.
Brisbane airport train link is a quick and easy way to reach the
city centre or you can book a coach transfer with us for an
additional charge as you go through the booking process. Tonight
the city of Brisbane will be pulsing with excitement as tens of
thousands take to the bars and restaurants in expectation of
tomorrows proceedings.
Overnight: 4 Star Brisbane
Hotel
Saturday 22
June, 2013 - Exclusive Pre match Function and 1st Lions
Test
The real rugby action gets underway today as the World Champion
Wallabies take on the British & Irish lions in the eagerly
awaited first Test. Prior to the game, We Love Rugby will host a
huge pre match function at the Brisbane convention centre bringing
together up to 7,000 fans for a bite to eat, a drink and live
entertainment with an exclusive preview of the action from a panel
of former Lions & Wallabies greats. From here it is an easy
walk to Suncorp Stadium where both sets of supporters will be in
full voice in front of a capacity crowd. In the first Test match of
2001 played at the Gabba, Brian O'Driscoll gave a glimpse of his
immense talent as he burst on the scene and through the Australian
defense to set up a 29-12 Lions Victory.
Match: Lions v Qantas
Wallabies
Venue: Suncorp Stadium,
Brisbane
Overnight: 4 Star Brisbane
Hotel
Sunday 23
June, 2013 - Brisbane free day or optional tour to Australia
Zoo
Today is a free day to recover from last night's excitement and
explore more of what Brisbane has to offer. Why not head north
today and visit Morton Bay or south to the famous Surfers Paradise
and the Gold Coast, only an hour away from the CBD. Alternatively,
we have a day tour running to Australia's well known Australia Zoo.
The Sunshine Coast is home of the Crocodile Hunter and Australia
Zoo, made famous by global documentaries and antics of Steve and
Terri Irwin. The tour will take you on a scenic drive where you
will have the chance to view the majestic Glasshouse Mountains
bordered by Pine Forests and Pineapple plantations. On arrival at
Australia Zoo, you will have over 6 hours to explore and experience
the best of Australia Zoo has to offer. This ever expanding and
changing wildlife "Theme Park" has a number of shows &
demonstrations, so be sure not to rush. The handlers & local
guides walk the animals through the park throughout the day so
you'll have the opportunity to get 'up close and personal' with a
few of the locals!
Overnight: 4 Star Brisbane
Hotel
Monday 24
June, 2013 - Brisbane to Melbourne
This morning after a leisurely breakfast depart for the airport
and the 3 hour flight from Brisbane to Melbourne. Upon arrival in
Melbourne transfer to your CBD hotel and enjoy the rest of the day
at leisure.
Overnight: 4 Star Melbourne
Hotel
Tuesday 25
June, 2013 - MCG & Australian Museum of Sport
Tour
The Melbourne cricket Ground is one of the greatest sporting
venues in the world. Home to the 1956 Olympic and 2006 Commonwealth
Games, the famous annual Boxing Day Test match, the Australian
Football League (AFL) Grand Final and countless other national and
international sporting events, it is a Mecca for sports fans. Here
you will be taken on a guided tour behind the scenes of this
incredible coliseum and then through it's remarkable history as you
explore the interactive Museum. Tonight we head across the road
from the MCG to the recently constructed AAMI Park to see the final
tour match between the Lions and Super Rugby's newest franchise,
the Melbourne Rebels.
Match: Lions v Melbourne
Rebels
Venue: AAMI Park,
Melbourne
Overnight: 4 Star Melbourne
Hotel
Wednesday 26
June, 2013 - Great Ocean Road day tour
Once again we will be collected early morning from our hotel as
we head south West around Port Philip Bay and pass through the
coastal town of Torquay where we will stop for Devonshire Tea,
before a visit to Bells Beach, famous for Pro surfing's Easter
Classic and big swells. As we twist and wind our way along the
spectacular Great Ocean Road, there are dozens of great coastal
photo opportunities of golden sandy bays and incredible rock
formations. Our tour heads slightly inland through the temperate
rainforest of the Otway Ranges before heading back to the coast and
the amazing sights of the Twelve Apostles, London Bridge and Loch
Ard Gorge. The quaint fishing village of Port Campbell is our
afternoon tea destination before returning back to Melbourne.
Overnight: 4 Star Melbourne
Hotel
Thursday 27
June, 2013 - Phillip Island Penguin Parade day
tour
The tour begins with an introductory city tour, allowing you to
catch a glimpse of Melbourne's famous sights including Fitzroy
Gardens, Parliament House, Queen Victoria Market, the MCG, Rod
Laver Arena, Flinders Street Station and St. Patricks Cathedral.
Stop for morning tea in the Botanic Gardens Cafe (own expense) and
visit the famous Shire of Remembrance. You will get the chance to
see koalas in their natural habitat at the Koala Conservation
Centre as you stroll along the boardwalk through our famous
gumtrees. Enjoy some time at leisure, before we depart to Phillip
Island for the Penguin Parade and witness this amazing nightly
ritual. On arrival, we enjoy Fish & Chips for dinner before
making our way to the exclusive viewing platform where you can
watch the penguins march up the sand to their nesting places
(please note, the penguins are wild animals and their arrival time
can vary at different times throughout the year). You will
also have time to browse through the educational centre and
souvenir shops before returning back to Melbourne.
Overnight: 4 Star Melbourne
Hotel
Friday 28
June, 2013 - Melbourne Free Day or Optional Yarra Valley Wine
Tour
Today is a free day to enjoy the sights of Melbourne or head out
on a full day optional Yarra Valley wine tour to taste some of the
best wines in Victoria.
Overnight: 4 Star Melbourne
Hotel
Saturday 29
June, 2013 - Exclusive Pre match Function and 2nd Lions
Test
Match: Lions v Qantas
Wallabies
Venue: Etihad Stadium,
Melbourne
Overnight: 4 Star Melbourne
Hotel
Sunday 30
June, 2013 - Depart Melbourne
Your tour ends today and we trust you have had a fantastic Lions
touring experience with us. Check out of your hotel by the
recommended time and make your way to Melbourne airport.
Domestic and International
Flights: Since our clients come from all around the world,
airfare is not included in our packages, However, Great Atlantic
Travel & Tour is a full service travel company that can provide
the lowest airfare available. We will work closely with each
traveler to secure the most cost efficient air schedule.
Custom Travel
Packages: Let us build a custom sports vacation that's
an exact fit for your corporate taste, time, and budget. Create a
signature package incorporating extra room nights, multiple cities,
sightseeing options, meet and greet services, - any number of
exciting options are available! Please go here to complete your
custom travel request.
Corporate Services:
Integrating incentive travel into your company's marketing plan is
not just a good idea to consider, but an essential strategy used
for increasing market share and improving customer service.
Incentive travel provides a distinctive opportunity for your staff
or customers to strive to increase sales revenue. It is also an
excellent way to introduce a new product line. Whether your company
is best suited to sponsor an internal, regional, national, or even
worldwide corporate event, we can assist. From concept to
completion, Great Atlantic has the experience you need to help you
boost your sales in an exciting way.
Financial Security: We
are proudly affiliated with the National Tour Association (NTA),
and with the International Association of Travel Agents (IATA),
consumer advocates of excellence in all forms of leisure travel. In
addition to adhering to a strict code of ethics, Great Atlantic
Travel and Tour, Inc. maintain the following insurance to insure
full client security: $2,000,000 coverage for general public
liability, and a consumer protection plan to protect your
investment. The thrill of traveling can come with it's own security
system. Protect your vacation investment. Make your travel plans
with an NTA tour operator. For references call NTA services at
1-800-862-8888.
For further details, to
view terms and
conditions, don't hesitate to contact us. If
you have any questions, or if you need more specific information
regarding travel services, tickets, hospitality, hotels or any
other travel services offered by Great Atlantic Travel & Tour
Company, please give our Sports Desk a call or email
us.
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