Day 1
Arrive Sydney
INSIDER EXPERIENCE
Enjoy a dinner cruise on Sydney Harbour tonight.
Be met on arrival in Sydney. Explore this stunning city on a half-day sightseeing coach tour this afternoon, including the Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Stay: Sydney, PARKROYAL Darling Harbour
Dinner
Day 2
Sydney, Gold Coast
Transfer to the airport for your flight to the Gold Coast, famous for its uninterrupted coastline fringed by vibrant communities and lush wilderness areas. After settling in, perhaps stroll along the famous soft golden sands of Surfers Paradise Beach, before enjoying the evening at leisure.
Stay: Two Nights, Gold Coast, Mantra on View Hotel
Breakfast
Day 3
Gold Coast
Today you have a full day to explore at your leisure. With 52 kilometres of golden beaches at your doorstep, you won’t have trouble finding a patch of sand. Perhaps learn to surf, see what’s on the menu at one of the restaurants along the waterfront or head into the lush hinterland for a day amidst the subtropical wilderness.
Breakfast
Day 4
Gold Coast, Noosa
INSIDER EXPERIENCE
Visit the world-renowned Australia Zoo, made famous by the late Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin. Here you will be given the opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of conservation and see many native Australian species up close.
INSIDER EXPERIENCE
Dine with the locals this evening at the Noosa Surf Club.
Departing the Gold Coast this morning, you’ll head north to the Sunshine Coast. Continue to the chic resort town of Noosa.
Stay: Sebel Noosa
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5
Noosa, Fraser Island
INSIDER EXPERIENCE
At World Heritage-listed Fraser Island, settle in to your room at Kingfisher Bay Resort.
With some time in Noosa, perhaps head into town or take a stroll along the stunning waterfront. Later, travel to Hervey Bay and join your cruise transfer to the world’s largest sand island, World Heritage-listed Fraser Island. This evening, enjoy dinner in the company of your fellow travellers.
Stay: Two Nights, Fraser Island, Kingfisher Bay Resort
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6
Fraser Island
Located at the southern tip of the Great Barrier Reef, Fraser Island is a rare and inviting paradise. The untamed wilderness will entice you from the moment you arrive, providing adventure and excitement, but also a relaxing atmosphere from your base here at the eco-friendly Kingfisher Bay Resort. Discover the island today with a half-day tour. With some time at leisure this afternoon, slip into island living and perhaps explore the hundreds of walking trails which criss-cross the island. Immerse yourself in the ancient rainforests or explore the coloured sand cliffs on Seventy-Five Mile Beach. Perhaps visit the wreck of the Maheno, a liner that was driven ashore during a cyclone in 1935 (own expense).
Breakfast
Day 7
Fraser Island, Hervey Bay, Rockhampton
A morning ferry takes you across Hervey Bay, where you will discover why this special place is often referred to as the jewel in Queensland’s crown. The journey concludes back on the mainland where you will rejoin your coach to continue heading north. Travel through sugarcane country, crossing some of the many narrow-gauge railway lines that transport sugarcane from the field to processing plants in town, an iconic sight of rural Queensland. Later, arrive in the inland city of Rockhampton.
Stay: Central Park Motel Rockhampton
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8
Rockhampton, Hamilton Island
INSIDER EXPERIENCE
Realise your dreams of a tropical island paradise as you arrive at picturesque Hamilton Island.
Explore the charming historical town of Rockhampton, known as the gateway to the coast and the Outback. Founded in 1853, the city is home to historic heritage architecture and a rich, fascinating history. Then, travel to Airlie Beach and enjoy one of the region’s most immaculate beaches. Here you will join a ferry through the sparkling Whitsundays towards Hamilton Island. Here, enjoy dinner later this evening.
Stay: Two Nights, Hamilton Island, Reef View Hotel
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9
Hamilton Island
You have the entire day at leisure to do as little or as much as you like. Perhaps snorkel off the beach; enjoy a round of golf or hire a buggy to explore this island paradise (all at own expense).
Breakfast
Day 10
Hamilton Island, Townsville, Mission Beach
Take an early morning ferry transfer, gliding from Hamilton Island to the Port of Airlie, where you will reboard your coach and travel to Townsville. On arrival, enjoy a tour of the city. Continue to Mission Beach, the destination where two of the most stunning World Heritage-listed areas meet; the Wet Tropics Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. Arrive at your beachfront escape, Castaways Resort and Spa, where the only thing between you and the golden beach is a grassy lawn and a line of coconut palms. Complete with a secluded rainforest swimming area, it won’t be long before you discover why Mission Beach has earned its reputation as a haven for rest and relaxation.
Stay: Castaways Resort and Spa Mission Beach
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 11
Mission Beach, Atherton Tablelands, Cairns
INSIDER EXPERIENCE
Enjoy lush mountain views from your spacious room at the Pullman Cairns International.
INSIDER EXPERIENCE
Board the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway in Kuranda and ride above the treetops to Caravonica Lakes.
As you continue your journey north, you will discover the lush Atherton Tablelands. This region is part of the Waterfalls Circuit, including magnificent Millaa Millaa Falls, known to be some of the most photographed falls in Australia. As you journey towards Cairns, you will visit the Curtain Fig Tree, a natural Australian icon. Arrive in Cairns this afternoon. Enjoy a free evening to explore at your own pace.
Stay: Three Nights, Pullman Cairns International
Breakfast
Day 12
Great Barrier Reef
INSIDER EXPERIENCE
Cruise from Cairns by fast catamaran to Reef Magic’s exclusive activity platform on the Great Barrier Reef and enjoy five hours amid the coral and marine life.
INSIDER EXPERIENCE
Enjoy a special Farewell Dinner at Tjapukai By Night.
During an Aboriginal cultural dinner and performance, you will discover the spiritual concept known as Dreamtime, witness a corroboree, then be guided along a flame-lit pathway to a dinner of local produce.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13
Port Douglas, Cairns
Drive to the pretty coastal township of Port Douglas for a guided tour. This patch of tropical paradise is the meeting point of the World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. The Daintree boasts the highest variety of flora and fauna in any rainforest on Earth. At approximately 180 million years old, it remains the world’s oldest living rainforest. Meanwhile, the Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef system; it is even visible from space. Spend some time in this magical destination, relax and enjoy the tranquil surrounds then return to Cairns, where the tour concludes with a transfer to the airport.
Breakfast