Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Cairns
On arrival in Cairns you will be transferred to your hotel. This afternoon
enjoy an orientation tour 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 Railway - Skyrail - Tjapukai
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
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 dinner at the Yacht Club overlooking the
Marina - a delightful experience! 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. 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 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 where
we enjoy a relaxing two-night stay. Renowned for its beauty and unique
ecology, this island is now protected for posterity as a World Heritage
Area.
Accommodation: Kingfisher Bay Resort & Village, Fraser Island, 2 nights. (B)
Day 8: Fraser Island
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 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: Fraser Island - Moreton Island
This morning we take a ferry ride back to the mainland, before continuing to
Brisbane. After an orientation tour of the city, learn about opals then
enjoy time at leisure to explore further. We board our next ferry this
afternoon and cruise to Moreton Island. Accommodation: Tangalooma Wild
Dolphin Resort, Moreton Island, 2 nights. (B)
Day 10: Moreton Island
You have a full day at leisure to explore Moreton Island today. You may like
to join an optional 4WD wilderness tour to visit Queensland's oldest
lighthouse at Cape Moreton, the Ocean Beach and Blue Lagoon, or enjoy a
short trip to the 'Desert' for the exhilarating sport of sand tobogganing.
Perhaps join one of many activities including tennis, archery, fishing,
snorkelling, sailing or scuba diving: the options are endless. This evening,
we head down to the beach to hand feed fresh fish to the dolphins eagerly
waiting inshore. (B)
Day 11: Moreton Island - Coffs Harbour
Today we take a ferry back to the mainland and then follow the lush Tweed
River Valley to Cape Byron Lighthouse for superb views from Australia's most
easterly point. We stop at colourful Byron Bay for lunch (own expense),
before continuing along the Pacific Highway to Coffs Harbour. Accommodation:
Novotel Pacific Bay Resort, Coffs Harbour. (B)
Day 12: Coffs Harbour - Sydney
Stop at the coastal town of Port Macquarie. Continue along the scenic
coastal route, before crossing the beautiful Hawkesbury River and arriving
in Sydney at approximately 5.00pm. You will be transferred to Sydney Airport
for your onward flight. (B)
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