Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Cairns
On arrival in Cairns you will be transferred to your hotel. This afternoon
enjoy an orientation tour of the tropical city of Cairns. In the evening,
join your Tour Director and fellow travelling companions for a welcome
drink. Accommodation: The Oasis Resort, Cairns, 2 nights.
Day 2: Kuranda
Board the Kuranda train for an historic journey taking you through the
scenic countryside behind Cairns. Arrive at the cultural rainforest village
of Kuranda with time to wander through the various stalls of the colourful
Kuranda Markets. Later, board the Skyrail Cableway that takes you above the
rainforest canopy of the Barron Gorge National Park. Visit the famous
Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park. Experience the History, Creative and
Dance theatres where the legends of the Dreamtime are brought to life. (B)
Day 3: Cairns - Hamilton Island
Today we travel to Shute Harbour via Townsville and Airlie Beach. We then
take the ferry across to the beautiful Hamilton Island, nestled in the
glorious Whitsundays. Tonight enjoy a delicious barbecue dinner at the Yacht
Club. Accommodation: Reef View Hotel - Coral Sea View Rooms, Hamilton
Island, 3 nights. (B) (HD)
Day 4: Great Barrier Reef
This morning we head off on a full day cruise to the Great Barrier Reef with
Fantasea Cruises where we indulge in a lavish buffet lunch. Enjoy a range of
activities including snorkelling, swimming or sit back, relax and watch
colourful schools of fish in the semi-submersible coral viewer and large
Underwater Observatory. (BL)
Day 5: Hamilton Island
Today enjoy a day at leisure to explore Hamilton Island. You may like to
join a morning tour of the island including the fauna park, take a cruise to
Whitehaven Beach or perhaps hire a golf cart and explore the island
yourself. Your Tour Director will be able to assist you with bookings.
Tonight is free for independent dining at one of the many restaurants
available on the island. (B)
Day 6: Hamilton Island - Rockhampton
Depart by catamaran and enjoy a short cruise back through the beautiful
Whitsundays to the mainland, before rejoining our coach at Shute Harbour.
Tour south through Mackay, Australia's sugar capital, to Rockhampton
situated on the broad Fitzroy River.
Accommodation: Leichhardt Hotel, Rockhampton. (B)
Day 7: Rockhampton - Fraser Island
Cross the Tropic of Capricorn and head further south to Hervey Bay. Travel
by launch to remarkable Fraser Island, the world's largest sand island.
Renowned for its beauty and unique ecology, this island is now protected for
posterity as a World Heritage Area. We enjoy a relaxing two-night stay on
magnificent Fraser Island.
Accommodation: Kingfisher Bay Resort & Village, Fraser Island, 2 nights. (B)
Day 8: Fraser Island 4WD Adventure
This morning there is the chance to join a ranger-escorted bird watching
tour. Join your 4WD vehicle for a half-day tour of the island. Marvel at the
tall forest at Pile Valley and the majestic rainforest at Central Station.
Stop a while at Lake McKenzie, one of the island's beautiful freshwater
lakes, surrounded by white sandy beaches. There is also time to relax and
enjoy the Resort's facilities. (B)
Day 9: Depart Brisbane
Return to the mainland and continue to Brisbane. You will be transferred to
Brisbane Airport for your onward flight. (B)
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