The land of Australia plays a pivotal role in internationally renowned filmmaker Baz Luhrmann's captivating new movie epic, Australia. It stars Australians Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman and is made by Australians so that it is truly authentic to this country. Australia has revealed to the world Australia's romantic, transformational and adventurous personality.

Enjoy a total of (9) nights at these award-winning hotel properties, as well as round-trip domestic airfare in the 48 contiguous United States or Canada, international airfare from Los Angeles and all airfare within Australia. All hotel certificates are valid one year from event date subject to availability and include room taxes.

Sydney (New South Wales):

Soak up Sydney's gorgeous harbor, seductive outdoor lifestyle and great natural beauty. Suggested activities: Kayak under the Sydney Harbour Bridge or wave at the Opera House as you ride a ferry across the harbor to Manly's waterfront. Learn to surf at Bondi Beach or swim in the calm waters of Coogee. Lose yourself in the cobblestone cul-de-sacs of The Rocks or in the markets, boutiques, cafes and pubs of Paddington. As well as a world-famous harbor and more than 70 sparkling beaches, Sydney offers fabulous food, festivals and fun.

Park Hyatt Sydney - Enjoy a three-night stay at this 5-star property, a prestigious member of Conde Nast's 2008 Gold List. Also one of the Top 500 Hotels in the World according to Travel+Leisure Magazine's 2008 rankings. This property is uniquely situated beneath the Harbour Bridge on Sydney Cove and this property gets the award for City's Most Distinguished Boutique-Hotel. At night, guests can gaze out at the illuminated opera house. The hotel's new pared-down look is sophisticated and chic, appealing especially to those with refined contemporary tastes. This highly polished operation consistently gets rave reviews from a long list of discerning corporate and leisure travelers who will stay no place else.

Cairns (Queensland):

This city is a popular travel destination because of its tropical climate and proximity to many attractions. Suggested activities: Snorkel or dive in the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef's warm tropical water with rainbow-colored coral, sponges and fish. Head to the magical, primeval Daintree Rainforest. Cruise the Daintree River past birds, animals and crocodiles or cross it on a ferry to the four wheel drive country of Cape Tribulation. See a performance by the world-famous Aboriginal dance theatre Tjapukai, then ride the Kuranda Scenic Railway to the rainforest village of Kuranda. Fish from tranquil Mission Beach, where the rainforest meets the reef, or sip cocktails in the vibrant resort town of Port Douglas. Explore the world's longest lava tube system in Undara Volcanic National Park and a 1930s Spanish-inspired castle in Paronella Park.

The Sebel Reef House & Spa, Palm Cove - Enjoy a three-night stay at this stunning beachfront location. Palm Cove is a cosmopolitan beachside village, only 25 minutes north of Cairns, where nature abounds with centuries old majestic melaleucas, coconut palm fringed beaches and tropical gardens. Nestled among tranquil tropical gardens and vibrant flora, The Sebel Reef House & Spa was designed to capture the romance of the tropics and the colonial splendor of a bygone era. Majestic rainforest clad mountains make a stunning backdrop to the three pools, two spas and cascading waterfall.  The multi-award winning Reef House Restaurant is set on a large covered wooden deck beneath magnificent towering melaleucas (paperbark trees), enjoying unsurpassed ocean views and gentle sea breezes.

Melbourne (Victoria): 

Sitting on the Yarra River at Port Phillip Bay, this stylish, vibrant city is a maze of hidden laneways, opulent bars, exclusive restaurants and off-the-beaten-track boutiques. Suggested activities: Visit Federation Square, the city's landmark cultural space, and enjoy a sunset beer on the St. Kilda promenade. Shop till you drop on funky Brunswick Street or trendy Chapel Street. Wander Southbank's cafes, bistros and bars and get a world tour of cuisines in Carlton, Richmond and Fitzroy. Take an Aboriginal Heritage Walk through the Royal Botanic Gardens and cheer with a capacity crowd at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Enjoy a three-night stay at your choice of one of these two Hyatt properties in Melbourne:
Park Hyatt Melbourne - This 5-star impressive property is located off Parliament Place only one block from Parliament, adjacent to Fitzroy Gardens, shopping and businesses. The hotel's two buildings resemble stately 18th-century townhouses set back down a long drive. Service is no less impressive, and no request is too small to receive immediate attention. Comfortable well-upholstered furniture makes lounging in the adjacent sitting area a pleasure. In winter, gas fireplaces warm spirits and bodies.  The health center offers a full range of services and a 25-m heated indoor lap pool. Admission is free for guests. Outdoorsy types can play tennis or venture into the surrounding pockets of vegetation. The thoroughly professional but unpretentious staff renders flawless service to a potpourri of knowledgeable travelers.
OR
Grand Hyatt Melbourne - This 5-star property is located in the heart of Melbourne's business and theater district and within walking distance of many of Melbourne's main attractions, including the Yarra River promenade and casino. Options for healthy diversion are abundant in the country's largest hotel-based gym, aerobics room, sauna, solarium, pool, plunge pool, whirlpool, and pro shop, and on the tennis courts.

AIRFARE

Qantas Airways:

Enjoy coach class for (2) from Los Angeles to Sydney, Sydney to Cairns, Cairns to Melbourne, and Melbourne to Los Angeles, subject to availability.  Changes to this itinerary may incur additional charges. Upgrade pricing is available.  Flight travel must be booked at least 60 days in advance.  Valid through December 8, 2010.  The following blackout dates apply: December 9, 2009 through February 15, 2010.

American Airlines:

This package includes round-trip coach class service for (2) from any American Airlines destination in the 48 contiguous United States or Canada to anywhere American Airlines flies in the 48 contiguous United States or Canada subject to availability. Upgrade pricing is available.  The winning bidders can upgrade their coach class airfare to first class airfare by calling 325-201-0432. A minimum of 21 days advance booking is required as is a Saturday night stay. The winning bidders will be able to earn AAdvantage miles in accordance with the terms and conditions of the AAdvantage frequent flyer program. Miles cannot be utilized to upgrade these coach class certificates to a higher level of service. The certificates will have a one-year expiration date from the date issued and all reservations are subject to availability. The following blackout dates apply: 2009:  Jan 1-5, Feb 13-15, Feb 20-22, Nov 20-25, Nov 28-30, Dec 19-23, Dec 26-30.  2010: TBD

Any airport departure taxes, fees and fuel surcharges (if charged) are the responsibility of the winning bidder. Ground transportation and sightseeing tours are not included in this package.

Travel is valid 12 months from event date.  Reservations are subject to availability. Certificates cannot be replaced if lost, stolen or destroyed.  All packages have a no refund policy.  Suggested retail value is calculated using tariff air rates and rack room rates.