itinerary
DAY 1. FLIGHTS TO CAIRNS (D)
Our carbon neutral flights arrive into Cairns, where we board our opulent ‘Diamond Class’ coach, ensuring responsible travel with 100% offset coach emissions. We take a short drive to Cairns Marina, then take some free time to explore the waterfront. 1 Night Stay: Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns. **Lunch is at your own expense today.
DAY 2. CAIRNS – UNDARA (B,MT,L,D)
Departing Cairns, sit back and watch landscapes change from the World Heritage-listed rainforest to the untamed reaches of the outback. We break for morning tea at Lake Barrine followed by an informative relaxing rainforest and wildlife cruise around the volcanic crater brim. From here we make our way to Ravenshoe to break for lunch before our afternoon travels take us to Mount Surprise, checking in to beautifully restored turn-of-the-century railway carriages. 2 Night Stay: Discovery Resorts – Undara
DAY 3. UNDARA (B,L,D)
Join a local Savannah guide for a tour of the Undara Lava Tubes. Immerse yourself in the unique landscapes as you take a guided walk through the lava tubes; learn how the geological wonder was created by volcanic activity millions of years ago; and discover the unusual ecosystem of the sunken rainforest that has sprung up around the caves. The afternoon is free to explore on your own.
DAY 4. UNDARA – TOWNSVILLE (B,L,D)
On the road today we head southwest, stopping for morning tea at The Lynd Oasis Roadhouse at the tiny township of Conjuboy. Back on the road we travel to Charters Towers in time for lunch. After some local touring we make our way to Townsville. 2 Night Stay: Mercure Townsville
DAY 5. MAGNETIC ISLAND – TOWNSVILLE (B,D)
Discover all Magnetic Island has to offer with a friendly expert guide who will provide local knowledge as well as stories on Maggie’s history and native wildlife and flora. Enjoy free time in Horseshoe Bay to shop, swim, and get a bite to eat. **Lunch is at your own expense today.
DAY 6. TOWNSVILLE – HAMILTON ISLAND (B,L,D)
Departing Townsville we head for the coast, breaking at Ayr. From here we continue south, arriving in Airlie Beach for lunch and free time. We then board Cruise Whitsundays’ vessel for transfers to Hamilton Island, one of 74 tropical islands that make up the Whitsundays. 2 Night Stay: Reef View Hotel, Hamilton Island
DAY 7. HAMILTON ISLAND (B,L,D)
Ride, beach, snorkel, and bushwalk—all in one day as we head out on an adventurous jet boat tour! Enjoy the tropical waters of the Whitsundays on an all-inclusive tour, exploring the amazing corals of the fringing reefs, as well as a huge range of colourful fish, turtles, and clams. Wetsuits are provided. **Please note: The jet boat tour is not suitable for passengers with back or neck injuries, as the semi-rigid inflatable vessels are superfast, offering a fun, adventurous ride.
DAY 8. HAMILTON ISLAND – PARKHURST (B,L,D)
We catch the morning boat transfer back to the mainland, where we re-join our ‘Diamond Class’ coach and begin our journey south, stopping at The Leap for lunch. We make our way to Parkhurst for our overnight stop. 1 Night Stay: Quality Resort Parkhurst
DAY 9. CAPRICORN CAVES – GLADSTON (B,MT,L,D)
This morning we explore the unique Capricorn Caves for a 1-hour underground tour of the Cathedral Cave. Follow your experienced guide into the brightly lit limestone cavern that contains rare ferns, massive tree roots, and some small bats. We then make our way to the coastal town of Gladstone for our overnight stay. 1 Night Stay: Mantra Gladstone
DAY 10/11. GLADSTONE – HERON ISLAND (B,L,D)
We are transferred to Gladstone Marina to board the Heron Island fast cat. Located in the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef, Heron Island is a haven for nature lovers and is surrounded by pristine beaches and brilliant blue waters. Enjoy two nights at Heron Island Resort, where we join naturalist eco guides for daily activities discovering the birdlife, reef walking the coral cay formations, and exploring native flora and fauna. **Fast cat transfers take 2 hours and are in open waters. For those who suffer motion sickness, we strongly advise you take the necessary precautions.
2 Night Stay: Heron Island Resort
DAY 12. HERON ISLAND – AGNES WATER (B,L,D)
Take advantage of the morning and one last lunch on the island before we bid beautiful Heron Island goodbye and depart on the fast cat back to the mainland. From Gladstone we travel south, arriving at the lovely coastal town of Agnes Water. 1 Night Stay: 1770 Lagoons Central Apartment Resort, Agnes Water
DAY 13. ARRIVE BRISBANE (B,MT,L)
Homeward bound this morning, we break at historic Childers for a cuppa and time to visit the Palace Backpackers Memorial. After lunch in Gympie, we arrive back at the Brisbane Coach Terminal late afternoon.
B = Full Breakfast; MT = M/Tea; L = Lunch; AT = A/Tea; D = Two Course Dinner
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