 13 days - Sydney/Cairns
12 days - Gold Coast/Cairns
8 days - Hamilton Island/Cairns
Escorted
Your Travel Value Includes
All transfers throughout the tour
Accommodation in first class hotels as listed or similar
12 breakfasts (B), 1 lunch (L), and 9 dinners (D) on 13 day tour; 11 breakfasts (B), 1 lunch (L), and 8 dinners (D) on 12 day tour; 7 breakfasts (B), 1 lunch (L), and 5 dinners (D) on 8 day tour; with freedom of choice dining as well as "Dine Around" dinners on Hamilton Island and in Port Douglas, and a Farewell Barbecue Dinner in Cairns
Services of a professional Tour Director
Luxury motorcoach featuring panoramic windows and extra leg room
Sightseeing program including: Glass House Mountains; crocodile show at the Australia Zoo; Fraser Island; Hamilton Island; Dunk Island; Skyrail Cableway; Great Barrier Reef
All local taxes
Brendan flight bag and portfolio of travel documents
Itinerary
Day 1 SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA / COFFS HARBOUR.
Leave the Sofitel Wentworth Hotel in Sydney at 8:00 a.m. A scenic drive takes you over the Hawkesbury River, through the timber country and on to Coffs Harbour. (D)
Day 2 COFFS HARBOUR / BYRON BAY / SURFERS PARADISE.
Travel through the picturesque countryside of northern New South Wales to Byron Bay, famous for its relaxing lifestyle and unspoiled beaches. Nearby, Cape Byron marks the most easterly point on the Australian mainland. Cross over the Queensland border to the Gold Coast. (B)
Note: 12 day itinerary passengers join on Day 2 at 6 p.m.
Day 3 SURFERS PARADISE / FRASER ISLAND.
See the ancient jagged peaks of the Glass House Mountains on your way to the Australia Zoo. Made famous by its owner, "Crocodile Hunter" Steve Irwin, the Australia Zoo houses over 500 animals. Continue via the Sunshine Coast to Hervey Bay to board a cruise to Fraser Island. (B,D)
Day 4 FRASER ISLAND.
Today, choose your own included tour. You can join the local Ranger for a 4WD drive tour, traveling along Seventy-Five Mile Beach to the Coloured Sands. Alternatively, explore the inlets and rainforest, visiting Lake McKenzie, Pile Valley and Wanggoolba Creek, or, join a cruise watching for humpback whales (August to October). The rest of the day is free. This evening, enjoy a bushtucker talk, sampling natural bush foods. This is followed by a Native Feast, offering delicacies of kangaroo, crocodile and prawns. (B,D)
Day 5 FRASER ISLAND / ROCKHAMPTON.
Return to the mainland, crossing the Great Sandy Strait to Hervey Bay. Head north to the Tropic of Capricorn and the cattle town of Rockhampton. There is free time to stroll past the heritage buildings and see the Botanic Gardens, rated as the best in tropical Australia. (B,D)
Day 6 ROCKHAMPTON / MACKAY / HAMILTON ISLAND.
Visit Henderson Park, a working cattle ranch, for a tour before traveling to Mackay, Australia's main sugar producing center. Continue through Airlie Beach to Shute Harbour for a cruise through the idyllic Whitsunday Passage. Arrive at beautiful Hamilton Island. (B)
Note: Eight day itinerary passengers join on Day 6 at 6 p.m.
Day 7 HAMILTON ISLAND.
Today is at leisure. Swim, stroll on the beach or explore the harbor. Choose from a selection of included tours. Cruise to beautiful Whitehaven Beach or join the Island Discovery cruise visiting Daydream and Long Islands. Or join a local island bus tour including a visit to the Fauna Park. Later, as the sun sets, enjoy drinks at the Yacht Club, then choose from four of the island's top restaurants for dinner. (B,D)
Day 8 HAMILTON ISLAND / DUNK ISLAND.
Bid farewell to Hamilton Island. Cruise through the Whitsunday Passage to Shute Harbour, then journey north through the mango plantations surrounding Bowen. Continue to Mission Beach for your transfer to Dunk Island, one of the most beautiful Barrier Reef islands. Relax and unwind with two nights on this idyllic island resort. (B,D)
Day 9 DUNK ISLAND.
A full day at leisure for you to relax at the resort or explore the reef and rainforest. (B,D)
Day 10 DUNK ISLAND / PORT DOUGLAS.
Travel to the Atherton Tablelands with stops to view Millaa Millaa Falls and the Curtain Fig Tree. This afternoon, board the Skyrail Cableway and travel above the canopy of the rainforest. Then, journey along the coastline, taking in views of the Coral Sea, to Port Douglas. Tonight relax with drinks and hors d'oeuvres in one of the Tree Houses at the resort before a "Dine Around" dinner - choose between the Outback Bar and Grill or a select menu at the seafood restaurant, The Wharf. (B,D)
Day 11 PORT DOUGLAS / GREAT BARRIER REEF / CAIRNS.
Today explore the Great Barrier Reef your way, with three exciting Quicksilver cruises to choose from. All cruises include a delicious lunch on board. Cruise to the Outer Reef on the Wavepiercer. At Agincourt Reef, a magnificent ribbon reef, snorkel in the clear waters or view the marine life from the semi-submersible craft. Alternatively, sail on the Wavedancer luxury catamaran. Sunbathe as you cruise the Coral Sea, then moor in the Low Isles for reef activities. Your third option is to board the Quicksmart for a day of snorkeling and underwater discovery on the reef. Whichever cruise you choose, your Quicksilver guides will show you the reef's wonders in comfort and safety. (B,L)
Day 12 CAIRNS.
Choose how you would like to spend the day from an included selection. Visit the Rainforestation; enjoy a performance by the Pamagirri Aboriginal Dancers and see native flora and fauna including koalas; ride aboard the scenic Kuranda Railway, passing waterfalls as you journey down the range. Alternatively, discover the beauty of Cape Tribulation, exploring the oldest rainforest on earth. Travel through the national park and see some of the most remote coastline in Australia. Enjoy a walk in the rainforest and a swim in a secluded waterhole. Another adventurous option is to go white water rafting on the Barron River. Tonight, relish a Farewell Barbecue Dinner. (B,D)
Day 13 DEPART CAIRNS.
A free morning before an afternoon transfer to the airport. (B)
Brendan Hotels
Coffs Harbour - Novotel Pacific Bay Resort (F)
Surfers Paradise - ANA Hotel Gold Coast (DLX)
Fraser Island - Kingfisher Bay Resort and Village (F)
Rockhampton - Country Comfort Rockhampton (F)
Hamilton Island - Hamilton Island Resort, Reef View (F)
Dunk Island - Dunk Island Resort (F)
Port Douglas - Radisson Treetops Resort (F)
Cairns - Tradewinds Esplanade (F)
Hamilton Island Beach Club Option
Stay two nights at the exclusive 5-star Beach Club. Enjoy a beach front room, swimming pool and a superb dinner at the Beach House restaurant or Romano's. Replaces accommodation on days 6 and 7, and dinner on day 7.
Additional PRICE per person:
Twin $235, Single $445.
(Guests must be 18 or older)
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