Itinerary
Day 1: Sydney - Coffs Harbour
Depart Sydney at 7.30am. Travel the scenic coastline of New South Wales,
stopping at the coastal town of Port Macquarie. Continue to Coffs Harbour.
Tonight enjoy a welcome drink with your Tour Director and fellow travelling
companions. Accommodation: Novotel Pacific Bay Resort, Coffs Harbour.
Day 2: Byron Bay - Gold Coast
This morning journey to the Cape Byron Lighthouse and enjoy the superb views
from Australia's most easterly point. Stop in exclusive Byron Bay for lunch
(own expense), before following the lush Tweed River Valley to the famous
Gold Coast. Tonight is free to dine at one of the many restaurants and
cafés. Accommodation: Watermark Hotel, Gold Coast. (B)
Day 3: Gold Coast - Fraser Island
Travel along the Gold Coast to Brisbane for an orientation tour of the city
and learn about opals. Continue on to Hervey Bay for the ferry crossing to
remarkable Fraser Island. Accommodation: Kingfisher Bay Resort & Village,
Fraser Island, 2 nights. (B)
Day 4: Fraser Island
Today join your 4WD vehicle for a half-day tour of the island. Marvel at the
majestic rainforest at Central Station. Visit 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 5: Rockhampton
Return to the mainland this morning, cross the Tropic of Capricorn and
continue to Rockhampton situated on the broad Fitzroy River. Dine out this
evening at the Dreamtime Cultural Centre. Learn about Aboriginal culture and
traditions and be entertained by their colourful dances. Accommodation:
Leichhardt Hotel, Rockhampton. (B) (HD)
Day 6: Hamilton Island
Travel north to Mackay, before continuing to Shute Harbour where you join a
catamaran for your short cruise through the Whitsundays to Hamilton Island.
Tonight, enjoy dinner at the Yacht Club overlooking the marina - a
delightful experience. Accommodation: Reef View Hotel - Coral Sea View
Rooms, Hamilton Island, 2 nights. (B) (HD)
Day 7: Hamilton Island
Enjoy a day at leisure to explore Hamilton Island. Opportunity to join a
morning tour of the island including the fauna park, or take a cruise to
Whitehaven Beach. 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 8: Townsville
Head north to the tropical city of Townsville. Enjoy a guided tour of
Billabong Sanctuary. This afternoon is free to relax or perhaps take a
stroll along The Strand.
Accommodation: Jupiters Townsville Hotel & Casino, Townsville. (B)
Day 9: Atherton Tablelands
Journey north from Townsville, then climb the high tropical plateau known as
the Atherton Tablelands. Visit Millaa Millaa Falls and the famous Curtain
Fig Tree. Enjoy a guided cruise on Lake Barrine, before making our way to
Port Douglas. Accommodation: Radisson Treetops Resort, Port Douglas, 2
nights. (B)
Day 10: Port Douglas
A full free day in Port Douglas awaits you today. There is an opportunity to
explore the World Heritage Rainforest, enjoy a walk along Four Mile Beach,
or just sit back and relax by the pool. Your Tour Director will be able to
assist you with bookings. (B)
Day 11: Great Barrier Reef
Join the Great Adventures catamaran and cruise out to the Great Barrier
Reef. Enjoy a reef education presentation and view the spectacular corals
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 an included delicious
tropical buffet lunch, before we return to Cairns this afternoon.
Accommodation: The Oasis Resort, Cairns, 2 nights. (BL)
Day 12: 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
canopy of the tropical rainforest of the Barron Gorge National Park. Visit
the famous Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park where the legends of the
Dreamtime are brought to life. (B)
Day 13: Depart Cairns
Your tour concludes today after breakfast. You will be transferred to Cairns
Airport for your onward flight. (B)
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