13 Days East Coast Islands and Rainforest 2019/2020

itinerary

Day 1 Sydney – Sydney to Port Macquarie

Leave Sydney today bound for the renowned Hunter Valley, one of Australia’s major wine regions. Visit a vineyard to enjoy an exclusive wine-tasting, and get to know your fellow travellers over lunch. Continue north to the seaside town of Port Macquarie, renowned for its extensive beaches and waterways. Hotel: Sails Port Macquarie by Rydges. Included Meals: Lunch, Dinner with wine

Day 2 Port Macquarie – Gold Coast

Experience superb views over the Pacific Ocean this morning from Cape Byron, the easternmost point in Australia. You may spot migrating whales breaching not far offshore. A scenic coastal drive this afternoon takes you to the legendary holiday destination of the Gold Coast, where you’ll settle in for your two-night stay. Hotel: Novotel Surfers Paradise, 2 nights. Included Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 Gold Coast Included Choice

Today choose one from a selection of Included Choice sightseeing experiences. Take the 4WD track through the Gold Coast Hinterland, or a boat trip to try your hand at crab fishing. The 270-metre SkyPoint Climb at the iconic Q1 building will tempt the energetic. Included Meals: Breakfast

Day 4 Gold Coast, Australia Zoo, Noosa

Head north this morning, stopping in Brisbane for a short orientation tour, then continue to the famous Australia Zoo. Enjoy a sneak peek into the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital and see how AAT Kings works with its Wildlife Warriors to support its koala rehabilitation project. Your final destination is the beachside resort town of Noosa, where you’ll join your fellow travellers for dinner at a local restaurant. Hotel: The Sebel Resort Noosa, 2 nights. Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with wine

Day 5 Noosa

Take time out today to discover Noosa for yourself. Swim in the clear waters of Main Beach, or venture a little further afield on an easy walk along the spectacular headland to Noosa National Park. You may like to hire a stand-up paddle-board or take a boat ride on the mysterious and tranquil waters of the Noosa Everglades. This evening, stroll along Hastings Street and dine in one of its many eateries. Included Meals: Breakfast

Day 6 Noosa, Fraser Island & Hervey Bay

Today you’ll explore the wonders of World Heritage listed Fraser Island, the world’s largest sand island. Its striking blue freshwater lakes crystalline creeks, giant dunes and lush rainforests combine to create a spectacular environment. Enjoy lunch before travelling on to Hervey Bay, where in spring around 7,000 humpback whales and their new calves rest and play in the calm, safe waters before they head back to the Antarctic. Hotel: Mantra Hervey Bay. Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 7 Hervey Bay – Rockhampton

Your day begins with a visit to the Ohana Exotic Fruit Orchard. Then you’ll travel to Langmorn Station for a guided tour of the 11,000-hectare cattle property and a Be My Guest afternoon tea. Later, cross the Tropic of Capricorn as you arrive in Rockhampton. A stroll along historic Quay Street tonight could provide the perfect opportunity to sample some local beef at one of the city’s steakhouses. Hotel: Quality Hotel Regent, Rockhampton. Included Meals: Breakfast, Be My Guest afternoon tea

Day 8 Rockhampton – Hamilton Island

Travel north to Sarina today for a guided tour of its unique miniature sugar mill and distillery. At Airlie Beach you’ll catch the ferry to Hamilton Island, one of 74 tropical islands that make up the Whitsunday group in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. The spectacular island boasts pristine beaches and a kaleidoscope of coral and marine life, and is home to large populations of koalas, kangaroos, wallabies and kookaburras. Hotel: Reef View Hotel, 2 nights. Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner with wine

Day 9 Hamilton Island

Today is yours to indulge in your own pleasures – consider some optional experiences. Perhaps cruise to famous Whitehaven Beach or a scenic flight over the iconic Heart Reef. You could visit the island’s wildlife park, home to many species of Australian animals or sit back with a good book by one of the resort’s stunning pools. Included Meals: Breakfast

Day 10 Hamilton Island – Mission Beach

Take the ferry back to the mainland this morning. Stroll along its handsome esplanade before heading off to the seaside town of Mission Beach, nestled between World Heritage rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. Your accommodation offers superb views over the Coral Sea. Hotel: Castaways Resort & Spa. Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with wine

Day 11 Mission Beach – Cairns

Today’s journey takes you to the Atherton Tablelands, with its lush rainforests, spectacular waterfalls and peaceful lakes. Visit Millaa Millaa Falls and the heritage listed 500-year-old Curtain Fig Tree, and keep an eye out for the magnificent Ulysses butterfly. Spend some free time in Kuranda, the ‘village in the rainforest’, before travelling on via the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Your six-person gondola will provide spectacular views of the rainforest and the Coral Sea. Hotel: Hilton Hotel Cairns, 2 nights. Included Meals: Breakfast

Day 12 Great Barrier Reef

Board a high-speed catamaran today and cruise out to the iconic Great Barrier Reef, the only living organism that can be seen from the moon. You’ll have the opportunity to go snorkelling (equipment provided) or view the spectacular coral and tropical fish from the underwater observatory and semi-submersible craft. Enjoy a tropical buffet lunch on board, before you return in the late afternoon, for a Farewell Dinner with your Travel Director and newfound friends. Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Farewell Dinner

Day 13 Farewell from Cairns

Say farewell to your fellow travellers when your holiday comes to an end this morning after breakfast. Included Meals: Breakfast

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