Australia, East Coast Beaches & Reef

Arrive in Cairns and join an orientation tour of this tropical city. This evening there will be a welcome dinner hosted by the tour director. Stay 2 nights at Hilton Hotel Cairns. (D)

 

Join a high-speed catamaran for a full-day cruise over the Great Barrier Reef. Equipment is provided to snorkel over the reef, or view the underwater world from the observatory or semisubmersible craft. The evening is free to explore Cairns. (B, L)

 

This morning travel through the high tropical plateau to Kuranda and explore this village in the rainforest. Continue to traverse the Atherton Tablelands, an area of rainforest, waterfalls and plateau, with stops at Millaa Millaa Falls and the Curtain Fig Tree, one of the largest trees in Tropical North Queensland. Arrive at Mission Beach in the afternoon with time to walk on the golden sands. Stay overnight at Castaways Resort & Spa. (B, D)

 

Travel along the coast to Airlie beach, with a stop in Townsville en route. Take the ferry to Hamilton Island, one of the 74 islands that make up the Whitsundays and located in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. Stay 2 nights at Reef View Hotel. (B)

 

This morning join a cruise to spectacular Whitehaven beach and take a walk to Hill’s Inlet for views over the Whitsunday Islands. This afternoon is at leisure. (B)

 

Return to the mainland by ferry and journey south to Mackay for a guided tour of a miniature sugar mill in Australia’s sugar capital. After watching sugar cane production, sample some of the products on offer followed by a light lunch. Continue to Rockhampton for a 1-night stay at Quality Hotel Regent Rockhampton. Evening at leisure. (B, L)

 

Cross the Tropic of Capricorn en route to Langmorn Station, a fully operational cattle station where you can take morning tea at the homestead. Afterwards travel to Hervey Bay, the gateway to Fraser Island, and stay overnight at Mantra Hervey Bay. (B, D)

 

Take the ferry to Fraser Island, then explore on a 4x4 tour visiting Lake McKenzie and the rainforest near Central Station. Enjoy a barbecue lunch then return to the mainland for a 2-night stay at the Sebel Noosa. (B, L)

 

Day at leisure in Noosa, with optional boat ride in the Noosa Everglades. This evening enjoy dinner at a local restaurant overlooking the beach. (B, D)

 

This morning visit Australia Zoo, an organisation founded by the late Steve Irwin with an emphasis on the conservation of native animals. Continue on to Brisbane for a city tour and finish the day at Gold coast for a 2-night stay at the Novotel Surfers Paradise. (B)

 

Today is at leisure with an optional excursion to the Gold Coast Hinterland to visit the town of Mount Tamborine and discover the surrounding rainforest (at own expense). (B)

 

Journey to Cape Byron lighthouse for views over the Pacific Ocean from Australia’s eastern-most point. There may be the opportunity to spot whales before spending time discovering the Bohemian vibe of Byron Bay. Continue on to Port Macquarie and overnight at the Waters Edge (B)

 

Travel to the well-known wine region of Hunter Valley for wine tasting and a delicious lunch at a local winery. Continue on to Sydney in the late afternoon and transfer to the airport for your flight home or continue your holiday. (B, L)