East Coast Tropical Explorer

On arrival in Cairns you will be transferred to your hotel. Make the most of your first day in Cairns by joining on our optional tours. You could ride on Kuranda Railway taking you through the scenic countryside behind Cairns to the village of Kuranda with time to stroll through the market. Then return to the lowlands by the Skyrail Cableway above the Barron Gorge National Park, a beautiful experience. Visit the award-winning Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park to experience the History, Creation and Dance Theatres, where the legends of the Dreamtime are brought to life. Or perhaps take a day trip to Cape Tribulation and the Daintree National Park. Ask your travel agent or AAT Kings about all the optional tours on offer in Cairns as well as additional nights’ accommodation. After meeting your Tour Director and fellow travellers late this afternoon, explore the Cairns Botanic Gardens before a short stroll to historic Whitfeld House. You are invited by Joy and Henry Glennie to an exclusive evening at their restored Federation-style mansion located in a magnificent tropical garden setting.
Hotel: Novotel Oasis Cairns, Cairns, 2 nights. D
 

Join a high speed catamaran and cruise out to the Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy a reef education presentation and view the spectacular coral and tropical fish from the underwater observatory and the semi-submersible 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 we return to Cairns in the late afternoon. B L
 

Climb the high tropical plateau known as the Atherton Tablelands, where lush rainforests, waterfalls and lakes abound. You’ll visit Millaa Millaa Falls and the famous Curtain Fig Tree. Stop at the Mamu Rainforest Canopy Walkway. Elevated walkways, a cantilever and observations tower offers you the exhilarating experience of being high in the rainforest canopy and provides spectacular panoramic views of World Heritage rainforest landscapes. There will be time to feel the golden sand between your toes when you arrive in Mission Beach in the early afternoon.
Hotel: Castaways Resort & Spa, Mission Beach. B D
 

Today’s journey takes you to Townsville, where you’ll have time for a stroll along the Strand and then it’s on to Airlie Beach for your ferry transfer to Daydream Island in the heart of the spectacular Great Barrier Reef.
Hotel: Daydream Island Resort & Spa, Ocean Balcony Rooms, 2 nights. B D
 

A day at leisure to explore Daydream Island. You have the opportunity to take a rainforest walk, play beach volleyball, tennis, water polo or you could go snorkelling or kayaking. Why not just laze by one of the pools or on a beach or replenish your body and soul at the Daydream Rejuvenation Spa. B
 

Return to the mainland and travel south through Mackay, Australia’s sugar capital, before continuing to Rockhampton, on the Fitzroy River.
Hotel: Travelodge, Rockhampton. B D
 

Cross the Tropic of Capricorn and make our first stop at Langmorn Station, a fully operational cattle station. Enjoy morning tea at the homestead, a restored ‘Queenslander’ built in 1873. Continue to Hervey Bay, gateway to beautiful Fraser Island.
Hotel: Mantra, Hervey Bay. B D
 

A day of discovery lies ahead as you cross by ferry to explore the wonders of World Heritage listed Fraser Island. Visit Lake McKenzie, ringed with magnificent white sandy beaches. Walk through the ancient rainforest at Central Station with its huge satinay, scribbly gum and kauri trees. Enjoy a delicious barbecue lunch before your 4WD tour takes you to the coloured sands of Rainbow Beach and beyond on to the Sunshine Coast resort town of Noosa.
Hotel: The French Quarter, Noosa, 2 nights. B L
 

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. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could take a boat ride through the Noosa Everglades. Pristine beaches, lakes, wetlands, mangroves and diverse flora and fauna are among the spectacular scenery you’ll witness. B
 

 

This morning we travel to Brisbane for a city orientation tour. Later, enjoy afternoon tea at the Redlands IndigiScapes Centre, were you’ll encounter Australian native flora and fauna and wildlife. Meet the passionate staff who will take you on a guided tour through the bushland walk tracks or botanical gardens. Tonight is free for you to dine at one of the many restaurants and cafés in Surfers Paradise.
Hotel: Vibe hotel, Gold coast. B
 

Visit the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. With hundreds of animals and birds, the Sanctuary, established nearly 60 years ago, is home to one of the largest collections of Australian native wildlife in the world. Journey to the Cape Byron Lighthouse and enjoy superb views from Australia’s eastern-most point. En route to the coastal resort town of Coffs Harbour, stop in exclusive Byron Bay for lunch (own expense).
Hotel: Novotel Pacific Bay Resort, Coffs Harbour. B D
 

You’ll visit Port Macquarie this morning on your way to your final destination of Sydney, where your tour concludes. B