Sydney, Australia – Reported by Emily Misencik for Elite Traveler, the private jet lifestyle magazine
Zicasso’s new Australian vacation package combines pristine beauty with a rare, natural phenomenon, making for a once in a lifetime luxury getaway. The 14-day customizable trip to Sydney, Melbourne, Port Douglas and The Great Barrier Reef includes a viewing of the 2012 total solar eclipse, which occurs when the moon fully blocks the sun, from either a hot air balloon or sea cruise.
The Australian adventure begins in Sydney with a four night stay at the luxury Four Season Hotel, which overlooks Sydney Harbor. During their stay in Sydney, guests have the option to explore the city’s major shopping center and UNESCO Sydney Opera House, climb to the top of the Sydney Harbor Bridge, cruise the harbor waters, or take a day tour of the Blue Mountains.
The next three nights will be spent at The Grand Hotel Melbourne on the shores of Philip Bay. Melbourne is known as Australia’s cultural capital and is home to numerous art galleries, museums, parks and gardens. Guests can also take advantage of Yarra Valley’s wine offerings, the coastal scenery and spend some time penguin watching on the beaches of Philip Island.
Guests will then head up north to Port Douglas and spend four nights at the five-star Shantara Resort & Spa, just a short distance from Four Mile Beach and the famed Macrossan Street. While in Port Douglas, guests can explore The Great Barrier Reef by catamaran, visit the Kuranda Scenic Rail, or get a quick history lesson from the aboriginal Kubirri Warra brothers.
The total eclipse, which will not occur again until March 2020, will serve as a highlight of the trip. Guests opting for the hot air balloon ride will enjoy a pre-departure breakfast before soaring above the Atherton Tablelands. The large balloons will allow guests to have a premier view of the eclipse occurring at 6:38 a.m. Those opting to view the eclipse via sea cruise will depart off the coast of Port Douglas at 5:30 a.m. Guests will cruise along the Four Mile Beach and have the added bonus of seeing the eclipse and its mirror image in the Coral Sea.
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