Day 1. Arrive Sydney, Welcome Dinner
Arrive into Sydney by midday and enjoy a half-day sightseeing coach tour this afternoon. Tonight, enjoy uninterrupted city views and delicious cuisine as we head to Sydney Tower for our Welcome Dinner.
- Daily Meals Included:
- • Dinner
Day 2. Sydney, Port Macquarie
Our day begins this morning with a drive north across the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge to the beautiful seaside town of Port Macquarie.
- Daily Meals Included:
- • Breakfast
Day 3. Byron Bay, Gold Coast
Renowned for its surf beaches, Byron Bay is a pretty seaside holiday town that attracts both wealthy city dwellers and bohemian lifestylers. Pass by Cape Byron, before continuing the journey north to the Gold Coast. Perhaps stroll along the famous golden sands of Surfers Paradise Beach as the sun sets before enjoying this evening’s dinner at leisure (own expense).
- Daily Meals Included:
- • Breakfast
Day 4. Brisbane, Australia Zoo, Fraser Island
Depart Brisbane and continue to the Sunshine Coast to visit the world-renowned Australia Zoo. Made famous by the late Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin, Australia Zoo features a plethora of wild animals from all corners of the globe. From the smallest of reptiles to the largest of mammals, Australia Zoo is home to over 100 different species. Gain an understanding of conservation here. Later, travel north to Fraser Island.
- Daily Meals Included:
- • Breakfast
- • Dinner
Day 5. Fraser Island
The largest sand island in the world, Fraser Island is a popular location for spotting Humpback whales as they make their journey north for the winter, between June and November. We discover this beautiful island today with a half-day tour and some time at leisure this afternoon. Perhaps visit the wreck of the Maheno, a Trans-Tasman liner that was driven ashore during a cyclone in 1935. Or, you may prefer to relax on a stretch of white sand with a good book, before donning snorkelling gear to discover one of the islands many freshwater lakes.
- Daily Meals Included:
- • Breakfast
Day 6. Hervey Bay, Rockhampton
A morning cruise takes us across Hervey Bay, back to the mainland, where we rejoin our coach for the journey north. We travel through sugar cane country, crossing some of the many narrow gauge railway lines that transport sugar cane from the field to processing plants in town, an iconic sight of rural Queensland. Later, we arrive in the inland city of Rockhampton, known as the beef capital of Australia.
- Daily Meals Included:
- • Breakfast
- • Dinner
Day 7. Rockhampton, Daydream Island
The gateway to the coast and the Outback, Rockhampton, also boasts some of the best provincial gardens in Australia. Enjoy a tour of these beautiful gardens before travelling to Airlie Beach, where we join a cruise through the sparkling Whitsundays to the picturesque resort of Daydream Island.
- Daily Meals Included:
- • Breakfast
- • Dinner
Day 8. Daydream Island
The whole day is at leisure on Daydream Island today to do as little or as much as you like. Discover the many species of tropical fish by snorkelling off the beach, take a stroll through the tropical jungle to the highest point of the island, relax by one of the many inviting swimming pools or even enjoy some of the available water sports and spa treatments (own expense). Alternatively, enjoy a half-day Whitehaven Beach excursion (own expense, enquire for details).
- Daily Meals Included:
- • Breakfast
Day 9. Townsville, Mission Beach
Our journey north continues today with an early morning ferry transfer from Daydream Island to Shute Harbour where we re-board our coach and travel to Townsville. On arrival, enjoy a tour of this tropical city, surrounded by rainforest hinterland and the Great Barrier Reef. Departing Townsville, continue to Mission Beach.
- Daily Meals Included:
- • Breakfast
- • Dinner
Day 10. Atherton Tablelands, Cairns
Rolling green hills, open farmlands and tropical rainforests define the Atherton Tablelands. The region is part of the Waterfalls Circuit, defined by the magnificent Millaa Millaa Falls, which are some of the most photographed falls in Australia. As you journey towards Cairns, you’ll visit the Curtain Fig tree. Later, board the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway in the picturesque village of Kuranda and ride above the treetops to Caravonica Lakes.
- Daily Meals Included:
- • Breakfast
Day 11. Green Island, Farewell Dinner
Tropical and enchanting, Green Island is one of the best destinations on the Great Barrier Reef for viewing the unique species of coral and fish that call the reef home. Whether you’re snorkelling, scuba diving or riding in the comfort of a glass–bottom boat, your morning cruise to Green Island provides plenty of opportunities to make the most of your visit to the reef. This evening, enjoy a special Farewell Dinner at Tjapukai by Night. Discover the Dreamtime, take an interactive part in an ancient corroboree then be led along a flame–lit pathway to a dinner showcasing regional food.
- Daily Meals Included:
- • Breakfast
- • Dinner
Day 12. Depart Cairns
Drive to Port Douglas for a tour. This patch of paradise is the meeting point of two World Heritage–listed areas, the Daintree Rainforest and Great Barrier Reef. Then, return to Cairns, and transfer to the airport.
- Daily Meals Included:
- • Breakfast