Reef and Rainforest tour

Itinerary

DAY 1 SYDNEY TO BYRON BAY

We cross Sydney’s magnificent Harbour Bridge and begin our trek northwards. Travel through the townships of Kempsey, Port Macquarie and Grafton before arriving at Byron Bay, Australia’s most easterly point, for dinner tonight. (L) Overnight: Lodge

DAY 2 BYRON BAY

The perfect place to relax – Byron Bay is renowned for its great surf beaches and alternative culture. Take a scenic walk to the lighthouse, try a surfing lesson, go diving, or perhaps even kayaking. Otherwise, just enjoy the worldwide cuisine from over a hundred different cafes and restaurants. The galleries and craft shops are also sure to be of interest. (B, D) Overnight: Lodge

DAY 3 BYRON BAY TO GOLD COAST

13 Day passengers join our adventure at the Visitor Information Centre, Jonson Street, Byron Bay at 8.30am. We then cross the state border and enter Queensland via the Numinbah Valley, home of the Natural Arch – a spectacular waterfall that plummets through a stone archway into a rock pool below – then to the Gold Coast, Australia’s holiday playground. The restaurants here are great, as we’ll find out tonight. (B, L) Overnight: Resort

DAY 4 GOLD COAST

A full day in this adventure playground to do exactly as you choose. Stroll on the esplanade, hire a jet ski or maybe take in a theme park. The surfing is great too! Tonight we’ll sample the nightlife a little more. (B, D) Overnight: Resort

DAY 5 GOLD COAST TO FRASER ISLAND

A short drive to Queensland’s capital, Brisbane. Time here to explore this beautiful city situated on the Brisbane River. Then to Forest Glen Wildlife Park before reaching Hervey Bay where we board our ferry, bound for Fraser Island. To reach our surfside accommodation, we undertake a 4WD tour that includes a visit to Central Station where subtropical rainforest grows in sand and towers above a pristine stream. (B, D) Overnight: Hotel

DAY 6 FRASER ISLAND

The world’s largest sand island awaits for you to explore today. Go bushwalking, relax by the pool or perhaps embark on an optional 4WD tour, which will take you along unspoilt beaches to pristine inland freshwater lakes. Fraser Island is World Heritage listed and sure to be a highlight of your Queensland holiday. (B, L, D) Overnight: Hotel

DAY 7 FRASER ISLAND TO CAPRICORN CAVES

As we traverse Fraser Island for the last time we will visit Lake Birrabeen, another beautiful inland lake, before we return to the mainland and the continuation of our journey northwards. Next stop is Rockhampton (Rocky). Then to the geologically unique Capricorn Limestone Caves which we can access for an optional candlelit exploration. Wildlife abounds including kangaroos, echidnas, possums and of course the insectivorous bats. (B, D) Overnight: Lodge

DAY 8 CAPRICORN CAVES TO THE WHITSUNDAYS

This morning we drive to Mackay, commercial centre of Queensland’s huge sugar industry, then to Airlie Beach gateway to the Whitsunday Passage. We board our ferry at Shute Harbour for our short cruise to Long Island, one of the many beautiful islands that make up this very special waterway. (B, D) Overnight: Resort

DAY 9 & DAY 10 THE WHITSUNDAYS

Two days to relax on Long Island and enjoy the facilities of the Club Crocodile Resort. Experience one of the great bushwalks, try some of the many aquatic activities including jet skiing, perhaps a game of beach volleyball or just relax and chill-out with a cocktail by the pool. (Bx2, Dx2) Overnight: Resort

DAY 11 THE WHITSUNDAYS TO CAIRNS

Returning to the mainland we continue up to Townsville, North Queensland’s largest city and headquarters for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. Time for a quick stroll along the Strand and take in the sights of Cleveland Bay and across to Magnetic Island. This evening we’ll arrive in Cairns in time for a visit to the night markets. (B, D) Overnight: Resort

DAY 12 & Day 13 CAIRNS and GREAT BARRIER REEF OPTION

Let yourself go on a huge range of optional activities available in Cairns. For the adventurous, white water rafting on the Tully River is a must. Or perhaps a day trip to the World Heritage listed Daintree Region. For those that want to experience an unforgettable trip to the Great Barrier Reef, you will have a full day to embark on an optional adventure aboard a magnificent cruising yacht with Passions of Paradise. (Bx2, Dx1) Overnight: Resort

DAY 14 CAIRNS

Awaiting us today is the village of Kuranda, nestled in the rainforest ranges behind Cairns. If you wish you can travel above the rainforest canopy via the well known “Skyrail” cableway journey. Time to browse the local markets at Kuranda before we head back to Cairns. For those wishing to visit the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Centre, time is available this afternoon. (B, L) Overnight: Resort

DAY 15 DAINTREE WORLD HERITAGE AREA

Scenic coastal drive up the Cook Highway is a great start to our last day. We pass Mossman before reaching the Daintree River. Here a river cruise awaits and the chance to spot an estuarine crocodile. Next, a drive up the Alexandra Range for great views of the World Heritage Tropical Rainforest. Our lunch time stop beside a tranquil stream is unreal! A swim here is a must. Then to Cape Tribulation where the rainforest meets the tropical waters of the Coral Sea and the chance for another swim. Sadly, it’s back to Cairns and the end of your rainforest adventure. (B, L)