Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Cairns
On arrival in Cairns you will be transferred to your hotel (flight to arrive before 1pm). Join your tour director for an orientation tour of Cairns. Tonight enjoy a welcome drink and dinner with your tour director and fellow travelling companions. Hotel: Rydges Esplanade, Cairns for 3 nights. (D)
Day 2: Great Barrier Reef
Join Sunlover Cruises for a full day cruise to Moore Reef. Enjoy a reef presentation to learn more about the wonders of the reef, view the spectacular coral and tropical fish on a glass bottom boat tour. There is also the opportunity to go snorkelling and view this natural living wonder up close (equipment is provided). Enjoy a tropical buffet lunch before returning to Cairns. (B/L)
Day 3: Cairns
Enjoy a day at leisure in Cairns. There are a wide range of optional excursions available from Cairns including a tour to the rainforest village of Kuranda with time to wander through the various stall of the colourful Kuranda Markets. Ride the Skyrail Cableway that takes you above the canopy of the rainforest. Or visit the famous Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park to experience the History, Creation and Dance theatres where the legends of the Dreamtime are brought to life (B).
Day 4: Cairns – Townsville
Climb the high tropical plateau known as the Atherton Tablelands where lush rainforests, waterfalls and lakes abound. Enjoy a guided cruise with full commentary on the serene crater of Lake Barrine and watch for pelicans and other wildlife. View the famous Curtain Fig Tree and Millaa Millaa Falls, before heading to Townsville. Perhaps take a stroll along The Strand this evening. Hotel: Hotel Ibis, Townsville (B/D).
Day 5: Daydream Island Resort & Spa
Enjoy breakfast with the animals and a guided tour of the wildlife park at the Billabong Sanctuary, before continuing south through to Airlie Beach. At Airlie Beach take a ferry to Daydream Island in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. Hotel: Daydream Island Resort & Spa, Garden View Rooms, 2 nights. (B/D)
Day 6: Daydream Island
Enjoy a day at leisure to explore Daydream Island, one of over 70 islands which make up the beautiful Whitsundays. There are many activities to keep you busy should you choose – take a walk through the rainforest, enjoy the many watersports on offer or head to the Spa to replenish your body and soul. (B)
Day 7: Rockhampton
Today take the ferry back to Airlie Beach and travel south through Mackay, Australia’s sugar capital to Rockhampton situated on the broad Fitzroy River. Hotel: Rockhampton Plaza. (B/D)
Day 8: Hervey Bay
Cross the Tropic of Capricorn and stop at Langmorn Station, a fully operational cattle station. Enjoy morning tea at the homestead, a restored ‘Queenslander’ built in 1873. Continue south to Hervey Bay, which is our base for the next two nights. Just offshore lies Fraser Island, waiting to be explored. Hotel: Mantra Hervey Bay, 2 nights (B/D)
Day 9: Fraser Island 4WD
Cruise to the World Heritage listed Fraser Island, the longest sand island in the world and the largest island off Australia’s East Coast. On arrival board a 4WD and traverse the sand dunes. Tour 75 mile beach, see Lake McKenzie, a beautiful freshwater lake, then stop at Eli Creek. A buffet lunch is included. (B/L)
Day 10: Hervey Bay – Gold Coast
Today we travel to Brisbane. Enjoy an orientation tour of the city and learn about Opals, before continuing to the Gold Coast, Australia’s premier holiday destination. Tonight, the evening is free for you to discover the vibrant Gold Coast and dine at one of the many local restaurants. Hotel: Australis Sovereign Hotel, Surfers Paradise. (B)
Day 11: Gold Coast – Coffs Harbour
Follow the lush Tweed River Valley to Cape Byron Lighthouse for superb views from Australia’s eastern-most point. We stop at colourful Byron Bay at lunchtime before continuing along the Pacific Highway to Coffs Harbour. Enjoy an overnight stay in this picturesque town. Hotel: Country Comfort, Coffs Harbour (B/D)
Day 12: Coffs Harbour – Sydney
Stop at the town of Port Macquarie. Continue along the scenic costal route crossing the Hawkesbury River into Sydney. You will be transferred to Sydney Airport for your onward flight (flight to depart after 7pm). (B)
Flights to Cairns and from Sydney are not included in the cost.
Your tour includes travel by air conditioned coach with an experienced tour director and tour driver, meals as detailed in the itinerary, airport transfers, hotel porterage and sightseeing as specified.
Departure dates in bold are guaranteed. All other departures are subject to minimum numbers.
Early Booking Offer: Book by 31 Mar 12 save £100 per person per tour. Valid for travel between 01 Apr '12-12 Mar '13.