13 Days East Coast Beaches & Reef (QCS)

Welcome to Cairns & the Great Barrier Reef

Meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers for an orientation tour of the laid back tropical city. This evening get to know each other over a drink and delicious meal featuring fresh seasonal produce at a local restaurant.

The Great Barrier Reef

Cruise out to the Great Barrier Reef. The world heritage listed reef is the only living organism you can see from the moon. You’ll have the opportunity to go snorkelling and view this natural living wonder upclose (equipment provided) and view the spectacular coral and tropical fish from the underwater observatory and the semi-submersible craft. Enjoy a delicious tropical buffet lunch before you return to Cairns in the late afternoon. You have a free evening to do as you choose. Why not take a stroll along the esplanade and check out the Cairns Night Markets.

Cairns – Mission Beach

This morning travel through the high tropical plateau known as the Atherton Tablelands to Kuranda for a chance to explore ‘the village in the rainforest’. Continue to the Atherton Tablelands where lush rainforests, waterfalls and lakes abound. Visit Millaa Millaa Falls and the famous Curtain Fig Tree. Keep an eye out for the spectacular Ulysses Butterfly! There will be time to take a walk along the shore and feel the golden sand between your toes when you arrive in Mission Beach this afternoon.

Mission Beach – Hamilton Island

Travel down the coast towards tonight’s stopover in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef on spectacular Hamilton Island. You’ll visit Townsville, where there’s time for a stroll along the Strand, then travel to Airlie Beach to catch the ferry to the 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

This morning you’ll cruise to spectacular Whitehaven Beach, voted the number one beach in Australia! Take a walk and feel the sand between your toes and if you’re up to it, take a walk to Hill’s Inlet for views over the Whitsunday islands and sparkling waters. This afternoon is yours to relax in paradise.

Hamilton Island – Rockhampton

Return to the mainland and travel south through Mackay, Australia’s sugar capital, to Sarina for a guided tour through a miniature sugar mill. On your tour you’ll get a peek into sugar cane processing and witness sugar processing and distilling equipment in action. Afterwards you can taste some of the products made on site before sitting down to a light lunch. Continue to Rockhampton, Australia’s beef capital. Your night is free so why not try some local beef at one of the town’s steakhouses.

Rockhampton – Hervey Bay

Cross the Tropic of Capricorn and 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 morning tea in the garden in the company of the pet kangaroo! Continue to Hervey Bay, gateway to Fraser Island.

Hervey Bay – Fraser Island – Noosa

A day of discovery lies ahead as you cross by ferry to explore the wonders of World Heritage listed Fraser Island. 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. Enjoy lunch before your 4WD tour takes you to the coloured sands of Rainbow Beach (tidal) and beyond on to the Sunshine Coast resort town of Noosa. This evening choose one of the town’s eateries and dine on inspiring local delights.

Noosa

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 relax and enjoy dinner at Noosa Surf lifesaving Club with views over the beach.

Noosa – Gold Coast

Visit Australia Zoo, made world famous by the Crocodile Hunter, the late Steve Irwin, Terri Irwin and Bindi. 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 a show in the world famous Crocoseum and wander through the zoo’s fascinating grounds. It’s bound to be a wildlife experience you’ll never forget. Later, you travel to Brisbane for a sightseeing tour then continue to the Gold Coast. Tonight is free for you to dine at one of the many restaurants and cafés.

Gold Coast

Today is free for you to do as you please. You may like to take an optional experience to the Gold Coast Hinterland to visit Mt. Tamborine village and discover the surrounding rainforest, or simply relax and unwind with a stroll along famous Surfers Paradise Beach.

Gold Coast – Port Macquarie

Journey to Cape Byron Lighthouse and enjoy superb views from Australia’s eastern-most point over the Pacific Ocean. At the right time of year you may be lucky enough to spot migrating whales frolicking off the coast. Afterwards spend time discovering the relaxed bohemian vibe of Byron Bay. Continue to picturesque seaside Port Macquarie for the evening.

Port Macquarie – Sydney

Travel to the premier wine producing region of the Hunter Valley to enjoy exclusive tastings at McGuigan Wines, plus a farewell lunch at another local winery. Learn about the wine industry from a local expert, before continuing to Sydney where your holiday concludes in the late afternoon.