 Premier Escorted Touring in Australia
The East Coast of Australia is a remarkable combination of coastal towns, remote beaches, world heritage sites, idyllic island retreats and tropical rainforest. Enjoy 13 days fully escorted touring with your expert guide, premier dining and unique "Freedom of Choice" touring options. We recommend upgrading to add a night on a working Cattle Station for a unique Australian experience.
13 Days-Sydney to Cairns
11 Days-Brisbane to Cairns
8 Days-Hamilton Island to Cairns
Highlights
Gold Coast: Visit Byron Bay & Surfers Paradise Visit Henderson Park Cattle Station Fraser Island: Join a 4x4 tour or a whale watching cruise (subject to season) See the crocodiles at Australia Zoo Tour and relax on three islands-Fraser, Hamilton and Dunk Ride the Kuranda Skyrail Cableway over the rainforest Cruise the Great Barrier Reef your way, choosing between three Quicksilver cruises Farewell dinner
Price Includes
Locally-escorted tour from arrival in Sydney or Cairns, with Tour Director and Driver/Guides Luxury motorcoaches featuring large panoramic windows, reclining seats and restroom Centrally-located hotels in key locations Transfer from airport to hotels 21 meals: 12 breakfasts (B), 1 lunch (L), 8 dinners (D) (10 breakfasts and 5 dinnersoptional with meal plan)
Note: Itinerary effective 1 Apr 2009.
Tours prior follow different itinerary. Please inquire for details.
Day 1: Sydney-Coffs Harbour
13-Day passengers depart Sydney.
Take a scenic drive today along the spectacular coast of New South Wales to the banana-growing district of Coffs Harbor and its beautiful surroundings. Overnight: Coffs Harbour, Novotel Pacific Bay Resort (D)
Day 2: Coffs Harbour-Brisbane
Visit the coastal town of Byron Bay, famous for its relaxing lifestyle and perfect climate. Nearby, Cape Byron marks the most easterly point on the Australian mainland. Continue north to the famous beaches of Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast and on to Brisbane. Overnight: Brisbane, Royal on the Park (B)
Day 3: Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Australia Zoo, Fraser Island
11 day passengers join tour at 7:45am.
See the ancient jagged peaks of the Glass House Mountains on our way to Australia Zoo for a real wildlife experience. Made famous by Steve Irwin- Australia Zoo houses over 500 animals. See wildcaught crocodiles in action during the crocodile show. We continue via the Sunshine Coast to Hervey Bay where we join a cruise to Fraser Island. Overnight: Fraser Island, Kingfisher Bay Resort for 2 nights (B,D)
Day 4: Fraser Island, Freedom of Choice Touring
This morning there's the opportunity to join a guided early morning birdwatchers tour. Then explore Fraser Island with our Freedom of Choice options. Join the local ranger for 4WD adventure of the island's inlets and rainforest, visiting freshwater Lake MacKenzie and Wangoolba Creek. Alternatively, join a whale watching or catamaran cruise (subject to season). Adventure Option: upgrade to a full day 4WD rainforest and eastern beaches tour (additional cost). Tonight, relax and enjoy our Bush Tucker Talk with a park ranger and chef before savoring a delicious Bush Tucker Barbecue. (B,D)
Day 5: Fraser Island-Rockhampton
Cruise back to the mainland while watching for the Humpback whales which frequent these waters between August and October. Rejoin the coach, cross the Tropic of Capricorn to Rockhampton- where time allows for a stroll through the Botanic Gardens. Overnight: Rockhampton, Travelodge (B,D) Optional: Stay overnight at a working Australian Cattle Station from US$75 per person. Must be prebooked, ask for details.
Day 6: Rockhampton-Hamilton Island
Visit Henderson Park to learn the workings of a cattle station (ranch) in the morning. Then to Mackay, the area responsible for one third of Australia's sugar crop, continuing on to Airlie Beach, gateway to the magical Whitsunday Islands. Travel to Hamilton Island and relax during a two-night stay on this luxurious island, one of the 74 making up the Whitsunday group.
8-Day passengers join tour on Hamilton Island.
Overnight: Hamilton Island, Reef View Hotel for 2 nights (B)
Day 7: Hamilton Island, Pre-Dinner Drinks & Dine Around Dinner
Awaken to views of the Whitsundays and spend your day at leisure, choosing from over 40 different activities offered on the island. This evening, enjoy pre-dinner drinks, then experience one of the island's restaurants with our Dine Around Dinner and we'll include it. (B,D)
Day 8: Townsville, Luxury at Dunk Island Resort
Today, cruise through the Whitsunday Passage back to the mainland. Stop in Townsville, the center for marine research for the Great Barrier Reef. At Mission Beach, transfer to Dunk Island, one of the most beautiful Barrier Reef islands. Unwind with two nights on this idyllic resort. Overnight: Dunk Island Resort, Garden Rooms for 2 nights (B,D)
Day 9: Dunk Island at Leisure
Today is yours to relax and discover all that Dunk has to offer. Join a guided walk to view the array of orchids and native flowers, take a stroll through the rainforest in search of the blue Ulysses butterfly, or simply relax on the palm-fringed beaches. A range of optional activities are available, including golf, tennis and a number of cruises (own expense). Ask the Tour Director for assistance with any arrangements. (B)
Day 10: Millaa Millaa Falls, Curtain Fig Tree, Port Douglas, Dine Around Dinner
Return to the mainland and tour the lush Atherton Tablelands. Join a wildlife cruise at Lake Barrine and visit beautiful Millaa Millaa Falls and the Curtain Fig Tree, a strangler fig that has consumed its host tree, sending down a curtain of roots. Travel to the resort town of Port Douglas where tonight, you can choose to dine at a selected local restaurant along the renowned Macrossan Street or enjoy dinner and a quiet evening at the resort. Overnight: Port Douglas, Rydges Sabaya Resort (B,D)
Day 11: Port Douglas-Freedom of Choice Reef Touring
Today explore the Great Barrier Reef your way, with three exciting cruises to choose from. All cruises include a delicious lunch on board. Cruise to the Outer Reef on the "Wavepiercer." At Agincourt Reef or magnificent Ribbon Reef, go snorkeling with the tropical fish or view the coral from the semi-sub. Alternatively, go sailing on the "Wavedancer" luxury catamaran. Soak up the sun as you cruise the Coral Sea before mooring in the picturesque Low Isles. Here, first-time snorkelers can wade in from the beach. Your third option is for the adventurous. Join the "Silversonic" and travel further out to sea for snorkeling in remote Outer Reef locations. Whichever tour you choose, it is all included in your fare. Overnight: Cairns, Shangri-La, The Marina for 2 nights (B,L)
Day 12: Cairns, Kuranda, Farewell Dinner
Today, journey aboard the Kuranda Scenic Railway up to Rainforestation and watch a traditional performance by the Pamagirri Aboriginal Dancers. Ride aboard the Army Duck for a journey on land and through water. Later, traverse the Kuranda Skyrail, and glide over the rainforest canopy, passing the lush Cairns Highlands and waterfalls as you journey down the range. This evening enjoy our special Farewell Dinner with your newly found friends. (B,D)
Day 13: Depart Cairns
Free time before your transfer to Cairns airport and your onward flight. (B)
Departure Dates
2009: Apr 23; May 5*; Jun 23*; Aug 6; Sep 17, 22*, 29*; Oct 1, 8, 13*, 20*,29;
Nov 5, 10*, 17*; Dec 17, 29*
2010: Jan 21; Feb 2*, 18, 25; Mar 2*, 9*, 11, 23*
*Operates in reverse, Cairns to Sydney (CS13), to Brisbane (CS11) or to Hamilton Island (CS08).
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