itinerary
Day 1. Fri: Tilt Train from Brisbane to 1770
Depart from Roma Street Station, Brisbane on the Tilt Train at 11am, bound for the Discovery Coast. Upon your arrival at Miriam Vale, join the `Gold Class’ coach for transfers to Sandcastles 1770 Resort for an overnight stay. (L,D)
Day 2. Sat: 1770, Gladstone
This morning we visit the Town of 1770 for the ideal getaway on The LARC. The Paradise Tour takes us along the coastline of Eurimbula National Park, where we are given commentary on wildlife and the history of Bustard Bay. We cross four tidal creeks and 4WD drive up the steep climb to the historic Bustard Head Light Station. On our return we board the coach and travel north to the Harbour City of Gladstone for an overnight stay at Rydges Hotel. (B,MT,L,D)
Day 3. Sun: Heron Island
This morning we board the Reef Voyager to beautiful Heron Island. Seek refuge on a coral cay that is part of the Great Barrier Reef and home to an array of marine and bird life. From Green and Loggerhead turtles to Noddy Terns, Humpback whales, and 72% of all coral species, nature is at your fingertips here. Enjoy 2 nights and fine dining at Heron Island Resort. (B,L,D)
Day 4. Mon: Heron Island
Join naturalist guides for daily activities discovering the birdlife, coral cay formations, native flora and fauna, and at low tide we take the Reef Walk that will expose some of the most fascinating creatures found on the coral reef. (B,L,D)
Day 5. Tue: Gladstone, The Sunlander
Enjoy naturalist morning activities followed by lunch before boarding the Reef Voyager for your return to the mainland. Upon arrival we are taken on a city tour of Gladstone, followed by dinner at the Gladstone Yacht Club. Tonight board the `Sunlander’ at 7pm and check-in to 1st class sleepers for an overnight rail journey to Cairns. (B,L,D)
Day 6. Wed: Cairns
Enjoy daylight travel from Townsville to Cairns, and experience some of Queensland’s most stunning scenery. See the picturesque coastline unfold as you relish the comfort and social atmosphere of this train service. Arrive into Cairns at 4.15pm for transfers to Rydges Tradewinds Resort, on The Esplanade, for a 4 night stay. (B,L,D)
Day 7. Thu: Kuranda, Cairns
This morning discover Kuranda Markets, then take a trip on the Amphibious Army Duck with an experienced driver/guide. Learn about ancient ferns and trees and spot the local fauna and flora under the rainforest canopy. Enjoy an Outback Aussie Grill before catching the Scenic Skyrail over the rainforest canopy back into Cairns. (B,L,D)
Day 8. Fri: Port Douglas, Daintree Station, Cairns
This morning we discover the hidden secrets of Port Douglas before visiting Daintree Station. Explore the rambling Station building and stockyards framed by the majestic Daintree Rainforest. The whip cracking Stockman’s Lunch Muster Show transports you to another time where bush legends were made. (B,L,D)
Day 9. Sat: Free Day in Cairns
Breakfast is at your leisure this morning. Enjoy a free day to take time for yourself, relax at the Resort or indulge in some retail therapy. Optional day tours to Green Island are available from the Hotel reception. (B,D)
Day 10. Sun: Tilt Train to Airlie Beach
Board the Tilt Train in Business Class for daylight travel in comfort and style to the Whitsunday Coast. Arriving into Bowen we are transferred to Airlie Beach to check-in at The Colonial Palms for a 2 night stay. (B,L,D)
Day 11. Mon: Daydream Island and Long Island
Today we join Cruise Whitsunday for the Twin Island Discovery Tour visiting Daydream Island Resort and Long Island in one day. At Daydream Village explore the lovely swimming pools and ‘Living Reef’ coral lagoon filled with colourful coral and fish life. Long Island offers a wonderful relaxed atmosphere at our buffet style lunch at Palms Restaurant. (B,L,D)
Day 12. Tue: Proserpine River Cruise, The Sunlander
This morning we depart for the Whitsunday Crocodile Safari discovering crocodiles living and breeding in the estuaries and migratory birdlife in the wetlands fringing the coastline. Cruise the Proserpine River, followed by a BBQ lunch and open air wagon train tour through the wetlands. Dinner at the Castle Motor Inn before we check-in to 1st class sleepers on 'The Sunlander' at 7.30pm for an overnight journey bound for the Fraser Coast. (B,L,D)
Day 13. Wed: Maryborough
Arrive into Maryborough at 10.20am to a warm welcome from 'Mary Heritage', board the 'Gold Class' coach and take a guided tour discovering the city’s colourful past and rich heritage buildings and sites. Lunch is provided before we check-in at the Carriers Arms Hotel Motel for a 2 night stay. (B,L,D)
Day 14. Thu: Fraser Island, Maryborough
Take in the beauty of precious eco-systems and unique wildlife with an experienced guide on our Fraser Island 4WD coach tour. Explore Central Station, and walk along the banks of Wanggoolba Creek. Dinner tonight is our 'Buck Outback' dinner and show finale night. Enjoy good food and fabulous entertainment! Tonight really is a magical finish to a grand holiday. (B,L,D)
Day 15. Fri: Tilt Train to Brisbane
We head back to Brisbane on the Tilt Train scheduled to arrive at Roma Street Station, Brisbane at 2.40pm. (B,L)
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