Day : 1
Sydney - Port Macquarie
Number of Days : 1
Australia's original wine country beckons this morning. Depart Sydney, bound for Hunter Valley where you'll sample delectable flavours and award-winning wines with a Local Specialist as you get to know your fellow travellers over lunch. Continue north, to the seaside town of Port Macquarie, renowned for its extensive beaches and waterways.
Day : 2
Port Macquarie - Gold Coast (2 Nights)
Number of Days : 1
Experience superb views over the Pacific Ocean this morning from Cape Byron, the easternmost point in Australia. You may spot migrating whales breaching not far offshore (seasonal). A scenic coastal drive this afternoon takes you to the legendary holiday destination of the Gold Coast, where you'll settle in for your two-night stay.
Day : 3
Gold Coast Sightseeing
Number of Days : 1
Buckle in for a day of adventure. Your choice of sightseeing: take the 4WD track through the Gold Coast Hinterland and rainforest; board a boat trip to try your hand at crab fishing; or tackle the 270-metre SkyPoint Climb at the iconic Q1 building.
Day : 4
Gold Coast - Noosa (2 Nights)
Number of Days : 1
Follow the Gold Coast north this morning, stopping in sophisticated Brisbane for an orientation tour. Continue to the Australia Zoo and join a 'Local Specialist' for a sneak peek into the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital. Here you will 'Make a Difference' during your visit by supporting the Wildlife Warriors with their efforts to rehabilitate wild koala. Continue up the Sunshine Coast to Noosa, the self-proclaimed relaxation capital of Australia. End your day of sightseeing off with dinner at a local restaurant.
Day : 5
Noosa Free Time
Number of Days : 1
Set your watch to the leisurely pace of life in Noosa, with a full, free day to explore this resort town on your terms. Paddle in the clear waters of Main Beach or venture a little further afield, strolling along the headland to Noosa National Park. You may consider joining an Optional Experience boat ride through the Noosa Everglades or a Noosa River Sunset Cruise. The evening is yours to sample local Aussie fare at one of the many eateries along fashionable Hastings Street.
Day : 6
Noosa - Hervey Bay
Number of Days : 1
An island paradise awaits today as you journey to the UNESCO-listed Fraser Island. Join a 'Local Specialist' to explore the towering rainforests, freshwater lakes, huge sand blows and colourful cliffs on the world's largest sand island. Enjoy lunch before continuing to Hervey Bay, where in spring thousands of humpback whales and their new calves seek sanctuary in calm, safe waters during spring, before their return to the Antarctic.
Day : 7
Hervey Bay - Rockhampton
Number of Days : 1
Savour crisp flavours of apple, strawberry and pineapple during a visit to Ohana Exotic Fruit Orchard, where you'll embark on a guided tour with a 'Local Specialist' this morning. 'Connect with Locals' during a stop at Langmorn Station, a fully operational family-run cattle station. Here, you'll enjoy a guided tour of the property and original 19th century family homestead, followed by a Be My Guest afternoon tea in the garden with the pet kangaroo. Cross the Tropic of Capricorn en route to Rockhampton, the beef capital of Australia. What better way to immerse yourself in the town's brawny heritage than dinner at one of its steakhouses?
Day : 8
Rockhampton - Hamilton Island (2 Nights)
Number of Days : 1
Journey north to Sarina today for a guided tour of its miniature sugar mill and distillery with a 'Local Specialist'. Later, head for Hamilton Island, one of the 74 islands in Queensland's scenic Whitsundays. Embrace your inner sloth, kick back and relax with a book on a lounger at the crystal-clear pool, take a leisurely stroll along the water's edge or indulge in a beautiful tropical sunset from your private balcony.
Day : 9
Hamilton Island Free Time
Number of Days : 1
Today is yours to indulge in your own pleasures - consider a cruise to famous Whitehaven Beach, visit the island's wildlife park, home to many species of Australian animals or sit back with a good book by one of the resort's stunning pools.
Day : 10
Hamilton Island - Mission Beach
Number of Days : 1
Say goodbye to island-life and board your ferry back to the mainland. Continue north heading to Mission Beach, where the UNESCO-listed Daintree Rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef. Connect with your exquisite natural surrounds and settle into your resort overlooking the Coral Sea.
Day : 11
Mission Beach - Cairns (2 Nights)
Number of Days : 1
Today's journey takes you to the Atherton Tablelands, one of Australia's important bird areas. Visit Millaa Millaa Falls and the heritage listed 500-year-old Curtain Fig Tree, where you may be lucky enough to spot the brilliant blue flash of the Ulysses butterfly. Spend some free time in Kuranda, the 'village in the rainforest', before the journey to Freshwater Station via the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Your six-person gondola will provide spectacular views of the rainforest and the Coral Sea. Continue to Cairns.
Day : 12
Great Barrier Reef
Number of Days : 1
A day filled with pinch-me moments awaits, as you board a high-speed catamaran and cruise out to the Great Barrier Reef. Discover this magical underwater wonderland from the comfort of your semi-submersible observatory. Or get your feet wet and don your flippers and mask for an up-close encounter with the reef's marine-life (snorkelling equipment provided). Enjoy a tropical buffet lunch up on deck before returning to Cairns. This evening, join your Travel Director for a Farewell Dinner at a restaurant on Cairns Harbour.
Day : 13
Depart Cairns
Number of Days : 1
Your scenic exploration of Australia's sun-kissed east coast at its end, say farewell to your fellow travellers and transfer to Cairns Airport for your onward flight (flights anytime).
