A fascinating 1500 mile journey of discovery along Australia’s Pacific coastline, including a 2-night island stay and plenty of land activities.
UNFORGETTABLE SIGHTSEEING EXPERIENCES
• Great Barrier Reef cruise
• Atherton Tablelands tour
• Cruise on Lake Barrine
• 2 night stay on Daydream Island
• Fraser Island 4WD tour
• Cape Byron Lighthouse
• Vibrant Surfers Paradise
Day 1: Arrive Cairns
On arrival in Cairns you will be transferred to your hotel. Meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers for an orientation tour of this tropical city. This evening get to know your companions at a Welcome Reception and dinner.
Hotel: Novotel Oasis Cairns, Cairns, 2 nights. D
Day 2: Great Barrier Reef
Board 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 you return to Cairns in the late afternoon. B L
Day 3: Cairns - Mission Beach
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
Day 4: Mission Beach - Daydream Island
Travel down the coast towards tonight’s stopover in the heart of the spectacular Great Barrier Reef. You are invited by the Flemming family to Billabong Sanctuary. Dine on a gourmet lunch at the edge of the billabong and interact with the native animals. Learn how this former cattle property has been brought back to a living eco system thriving with life, making a home for saltwater crocodiles, koalas, wombats, cassowaries and all animals native to Australia. Travel to Airlie Beach to catch the ferry to Daydream Island, one of 74 tropical islands that make up the Whitsundays
Hotel: Daydream Island Resort & Spa, Ocean Balcony Rooms, 2 nights. B L D
Day 5: Daydream Island ‘Free Time’
A day at leisure to explore Daydream Island. Perhaps explore the beautiful bays, islands and beaches on an optional cruise to Whitehaven Beach. You have the opportunity to take a rainforest walk, play beach volleyball, tennis, water polo or you could go snorkelling or kayaking. Just laze by one of the pools or on a beach or replenish your body and soul at the Daydream Rejuvenation Spa. B
Day 6: Daydream Island - Rockhampton
Return to the mainland and travel south through Mackay, Australia’s sugar capital, before continuing to Rockhampton. B D
Day 7: Rockhampton - Hervey Bay
Cross the Tropic of Capricorn and stop at Langmorn Station, a fully operational cattle station. A member of the Creed family will treat you to a guided tour of the property including their original family homestead, built in 1873. Enjoy morning tea in the garden in the company of the pet kangaroo! Continue to Hervey Bay, gateway to Fraser Island. B D
Day 8: Fraser Island – Noosa
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 satiny, scribbly gum and kauri trees. Enjoy a barbecue lunch before your 4WD tour takes you to the coloured sands of Rainbow Beach (tidal) and beyond on to the Sunshine Coast resort town of Noosa.
Hotel: The French Quarter, Noosa, 2 nights. B L
Day 9: Noosa ‘Free Time’
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
Day 10: Noosa - Gold Coast
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 Zoo is the ultimate wildlife adventure and its team of over 500 believes in delivering conservation through exciting education. They will ensure you have a wildlife experience you’ll never forget. Later, you travel to Brisbane for an orientation tour. Tonight is free for you to dine at one of the many restaurants and cafés on the Gold Coast. B
Day 11: Byron Bay – Coffs Harbour
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). Celebrate your holiday this evening with your travel companions at a Farewell Dinner. B D
Day 12: Depart Sydney
You’ll visit Port Macquarie this morning on your way to your final destination of Sydney, where your tour concludes. B
12 day premium tour from Cairns to Sydney - from £2895
or 10 day Cairns to Brisbane only - from £2395
Tours available in opposite direction
Prices include accommodation, touring and meals where shown – (B) breakfast (L) lunch (D) dinner. Ask your consultant for flight details.
Accommodation specified is subject to availability and may be substituted to a similar or higher standard if necessary.
