East Coast Islands & Rainforest
Day 1: Depart Sydney at 7.30am. Travel along the scenic coastline of New South Wales. Stop at Port Macquarie on our way to the resort town of Coffs Harbour. Tonight enjoy a welcome drink and dinner with your Tour Director. Hotel: Opal Cove, Coffs Harbour.
Day 2: This morning journey to the Cape Byron Lighthouse and enjoy the superb views from Australia’s eastern-most point. Stop in exclusive Byron Bay for lunch (own expense) before you follow the lush Tweed River Valley to the famous Gold Coast. Tonight is free for you to dine at one of the many restaurants and cafés on the Gold Coast.
Day 3: Travel on to Brisbane for an orientation tour. Visit Australia Zoo, made famous by the Crocodile Hunter, the late Steve Irwin, and Teri Irwin and their global documentaries. Enjoy a sneak peek of the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital or catch a show in the world famous Crocoseum. The team here will ensure you have a wildlife experience you’ll never forget. Your final destination is Noosa on the Sunshine Coast.
Day 4: Take time out to discover Noosa for yourself. Swim at Noosa Main Beach or venture a little further with an easy walk along the headland through to Noosa National Park.
Day 5: A day of discovery lies ahead as you explore the wonders of World Heritage Listed Fraser Island. Your 4WD tour will visit Rainbow Beach coloured sands before heading across by ferry to Fraser Island. Visit Lake McKenzie, ringed with magnificent white sandy beaches. Enjoy a delicious barbecue lunch before you transfer by ferry to the mainland for your overnight stay at Hervey Bay.
Day 6: Today you’ll journey to the beef capital of Australia. En route, stop at Langmorn Station, a fully operational cattle station. Enjoy afternoon tea at the homestead, a restored ‘Queenslander’ built in 1873. Cross the tropic of Capricorn and continue to Rockhampton, on the Fitzroy River.
Day 7: Travel north through Mackay, Australia’s sugar capital, before continuing to Airlie Beach, a gateway to the Whitsunday Islands. At Airlie Beach take a ferry across to Hamilton Island in the heart of the spectacular Great Barrier Reef.
Day 8: A day at leisure to explore Hamilton Island, one of 74 islands that make up the beautiful Whitsundays. You can choose from a cruise to The Whitsundays, snorkelling in the Barrier Reef or visit the island’s Nature Park.
Day 9: Return to the mainland for today’s journey,which takes you further into Tropical Queensland. Stop in Townsville, overlooking Magnetic Island, where there’s time for a stroll along the Strand. You’ll spend tonight at Castaways Resort & Spa, right on the waterfront at Mission Beach.
Day 10: This morning enjoy a leisurely stroll then continue north to discover the picturesque mountain retreat, Atherton Tablelands. Explore the Millaa Millaa Falls and cruise on Lake Barrine before heading to Cairns.
Day 11: Join a high speed catamaran and cruise out to the Great Barrier Reef. View the spectacular coral and tropical fish from the underwater observatory and the semisubmersible craft. There is the opportunity to go snorkelling and view this natural living wonder up-close (equipment provided). Enjoy a delicious tropical buffet lunch before you return to Cairns in the late afternoon. Celebrate your holiday this evening at dinner with your Tour Director and new-found friends.
Day 12: Enjoy a day at leisure to experience Cairns.
Day 13: Your tour concludes today after breakfast. Make the most of your stay in this tropical city before being transferred to Cairns Airport for your onward flight.