East Coast Beaches & Reef

Days 1-2

Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef

Arrive in Cairns and meet your Travel Director for an orientation tour of the city. Enjoy an evening with a local family at a Be My Guest BBQ dinner and get your first taste of life in the Tropics, soaking up the warm and friendly atmosphere.

On day two you’ll cruise to the Great Barrier Reef on a high-speed catamaran. Snorkel the World Heritage listed reefs and get a close-up view of this natural living wonder, with its wonderful coral and tropical fish, from an underwater observatory and semi-submersible craft. A tropical buffet lunch will be served before you return to Cairns in the late afternoon. Enjoy a free evening to stroll the esplanade and explore the Cairns night markets.

Overnight: Hilton Hotel Cairns, 2 nights. (One breakfast, one lunch and one dinner included).  

Day 3

Cairns – Mission Beach

Take the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway to Kuranda to explore ‘the village in the rainforest’. You’ll carry on to the Atherton Tablelands to see rainforests, waterfalls and lakes and stop off at Millaa Millaa Falls and the famous Curtain Fig Tree. Stroll the tranquil shores with the sand beneath your feet on Mission Beach before dinner.

Overnight: Castaways Resort & Spa. (Breakfast and dinner with wine included).

Days 4-5

Mission Beach – Hamilton Island

Your coastal journey will take you to Hamilton Island today. Stop off in Townsville, for a walk along the Strand, then onwards to Airlie Beach to hop on to ferry for Hamilton, one of 74 tropical islands in the Whitsundays. Here in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef you’ll see the pristine beaches and coral splendours you’ve dreamed of.

On day five you’ll cruise to Australia’s number one beach - spectacular Whitehaven Beach.  Take a leisurely walk on pure white sands or walk to Hill’s Inlet for sublime Whitsunday islands views. Make the most of your free afternoon in paradise to do as you choose.

Overnight: Reef View Hotel, 2 nights. (Two breakfasts and one dinner included).                

Day 6

Hamilton Island – Rockhampton

Heading back to the mainland, you’ll venture south through Mackay, Australia’s sugar capital, for a guided tour through a sugar mill and distillery in the town of Sarina. Taste the produce and before a light lunch and continuing on to Rockhampton. Try one of the town’s steakhouses on your free night in Australia’s beef capital.

Overnight: Quality Hotel Regent, Rockhampton. (Breakfast and lunch included).

Day 7

Rockhampton – Hervey Bay

Stop at Langmorn Station as you cross the Tropic of Capricorn. You’ll be treated to a tour by The Creed family at this fully operational cattle station and enjoy morning tea in the gardens at the family homestead, built in 1873.  Look out for their pet kangaroo! Hervey Bay is next, the gateway to Fraser Island.

Overnight: Mantra Hervey Bay. (Breakfast included).

Days 8 - 9

Hervey Bay – Noosa

A fantastic day of discovery awaits you after you cross the Great Sandy Strait by ferry to witness the wonders of World Heritage listed Fraser Island. Visit the freshwater lake of Lake McKenzie, encircled by white sandy beaches and traverse through rainforest at Central Station. Lunch is followed by a 4WD tour though coloured sands at Rainbow Beach (dependant on tide) and then it’s on to the resort town of Noosa on the Sunshine Coast to try tasty local cuisine.

On your next day in Noosa you’ll have time to explore Noosa at leisure. Why not swim in the crystal waters at Noosa Main Beach or walk the spectacular headland trails though Noosa National Park? Have a go at stand-up paddle boarding or go boating through the Noosa Everglades, a stunning wilderness area of shady waterways and abundant wildlife.  Relax this evening relax, enjoying beach views, while dining at Noosa Surf Lifesaving.

Overnight: The Sebel Resort Noosa, 2 nights. (Two breakfasts, one lunch and one dinner with wine included).

Days 10 – 11

Noosa – Gold Coast

Today you’ll visit Australia Zoo, made famous by Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin and his family. You’ll learn from the Wildlife Warriors about their koala rehabilitation project, with many other treats in store. Continue on to Brisbane for some capital city sightseeing and then on to the Gold Coast where your time is your own.

On day eleven, you can take your pick from a choice of included experiences. Choose a 4WD tour through the rainforest to Mount Tamborine village or a boat trip to learn the art of ‘pumping yabbies’.  Tonight, join locals and fellow travellers at Surfers Paradise Beach and the nightlife on Cavill Avenue.

Overnight: Novotel Surfers Paradise, 2 nights. (Two breakfasts included).

Day 12

Gold Coast – Port Macquarie

With the glamour of the Gold Coast behind you, head next to Cape Byron Lighthouse for superb Pacific Ocean views. During migration you might be lucky enough to spot some whales. Soak up the bohemian atmosphere of Byron Bay before continuing on to picturesque Port Macquarie for an evening by the sea.

Overnight: Waters Edge, Port Macquarie. (Breakfast and dinner included).

Day 13

Port Macquarie – Sydney

Your coastal adventure draws to a close in the wine producing region of the Hunter Valley where you can enjoy exclusive wine tastings, a farewell lunch and learn a little about the wine. Your final stop and the end to your holiday is in Sydney in the late afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast and farewell lunch included.