13 Days East Coast Islands & Rainforest (QSC)

Sydney – Port Macquarie

Welcome to Sydney! Travel to the Hunter Valley for an exclusive wine tasting and get to know your fellow travellers over a delicious lunch at a local winery. Continue north to picturesque seaside Port Macquarie. This evening join your Travel Director for a welcome reception.

As this guided holiday departs at 7.30am, accommodation will need to be pre-booked for the previous night.

Port Macquarie – Gold Coast

Journey to Cape Byron Lighthouse and enjoy superb views over the Pacific Ocean from Australia's eastern-most point. At the right time of year you may be lucky enough to spot migrating whales frolicking off the coast. For lunch we recommend fresh fish and chips on the beach at Byron Bay – there's nothing more Australian! Continue to the famous holiday destination, the Gold Coast, where you'll stay for the next two nights.

Gold Coast ‘Free Time’

Today is yours to do as you choose. You may like to take an optional experience to the stunning Gold Coast Hinterland to discover the rainforest and the picturesque village of Mt. Tamborine or just take the opportunity to relax and unwind with a stroll along famous Surfers Paradise beach.

Gold Coast – Noosa

After a short tour of buzzing Brisbane, visit Australia Zoo made famous by the Crocodile Hunter, the late Steve Irwin and his family. Enjoy a sneak peek into the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital and see how AAT Kings works with the Wildlife Warriors to support the koala rehabilitation project at the hospital, the country's largest and busiest wildlife facility. Catch one of the many shows and wander through the zoo's fascinating grounds. Later travel to the resort town of Noosa for a relaxing stay. This evening join your fellow travellers for dinner at a restaurant with views over the beach.

Noosa ‘Free Time’

Take time out to discover Noosa for yourself. Swim at Noosa Main Beach or venture a little further with an easy, spectacular walk along the headland through Noosa National Park. If you're feeling adventurous, you may like to hire a stand-up paddle board or even take a boat ride through the incredible Noosa Everglades, one of Australia's most beautiful wilderness areas. You'll love the dark waterways and myriad of wildlife along the Noosa River – it's truly spectacular! This evening choose one of the town's eateries and dine on inspiring local delights.

Noosa – Hervey Bay

A day of discovery lies ahead as you cross by ferry to explore World Heritage listed Fraser Island. Your 4WD tour takes you to the coloured sands of Rainbow Beach (tidal) and beyond. Visit Lake McKenzie, ringed with magnificent white sandy beaches. Walk through the ancient rainforest at Central Station with its huge satiny, scribbly gum and kauri trees and enjoy a delicious lunch before arriving in Hervey Bay.

Hervey Bay – Rockhampton

Stop at Langmorn Station, a fully operational cattle station. A member of the Creed family will treat you to a guided tour of the property including their original family homestead, built in 1873. Enjoy afternoon tea in the garden in the company of the pet kangaroo! Cross the Tropic of Capricorn as you arrive in Rockhampton, the beef capital of Australia. Your night is free so why not try some local beef at one of the town's steakhouses.

Rockhampton – Hamilton Island

Travel north to the sugar town of Sarina for a guided tour through a miniature sugar mill. Discover the growing, harvesting and crushing processes of sugar cane. See how it's turned into a tantalising array of handmade and sugar-inspired boutique products. Afterwards you can taste some of the products made on site before sitting down to a light lunch. Continue past Mackay to Airlie Beach to catch a ferry to Hamilton Island, one of 74 tropical islands that make up the Whitsundays. You'll be surrounded by pristine beaches, and a kaleidoscope of coral and marine life.

Hamilton Island

Take a cruise to explore famous Whitehaven Beach, voted Australia's best! Feel the sand between your toes and if you’re up to it, take a walk to a lookout for views over the beautiful waters and islands of the Coral Sea. This afternoon you’re free to enjoy paradise.

Hamilton Island – Mission Beach

This morning you'll board a ferry back to the mainland and continue north along the Bruce Highway for a stop at lunchtime in Townsville, when you'll have the opportunity to take a stroll along the Strand with views to Magnetic Island. Your destination for the night is Mission Beach where you'll stay with views over the ocean. Magic.

Mission Beach – Cairns

This morning there will be time to take a walk along the shore and feel the golden sand between your toes before you depart Mission Beach. Today you'll travel through the high tropical plateau known as the Atherton Tablelands, where lush rainforests, waterfalls and lakes abound. Visit Millaa Millaa Falls and see the famous Curtain Fig Tree. Keep an eye out for the spectacular Ulysses Butterfly while you're there. Continue to Kuranda where you’ll stop around lunch time. Enjoy some free time to explore 'the village in the rainforest'. You may choose to journey to Cairns on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.

Great Barrier Reef

Board a high speed catamaran and cruise out to the Great Barrier Reef. The world heritage listed reef is the only living organism you can see from the moon. Imagine that! You'll have the opportunity to go snorkelling and view this natural living wonder up-close (equipment provided) and view the spectacular coral and tropical fish from the underwater observatory and the semi-submersible craft. Enjoy a tropical buffet lunch before you return to Cairns in the late afternoon. This evening join your fellow travellers for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant, where you'll get the opportunity to taste traditional Australian bush flavours.

Farewell from Cairns

Your wonderful holiday concludes after breakfast when you bid farewell to your new-found friends.