Depart Sydney to travel north where the stunning Queensland Islands of Fraser and Daydream awaits you. Cruise, swim and snorkel the Great Barrier Reef aboard a catamaran then finish your holiday in the tropical city of Cairns.
Insider Experiences
Other Holiday Highlights
Dining
18 meals - enjoy 11 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 4 Dinners and 2 Feature Dinners
Day 1. Arrive Sydney
Bet met on arrival in Sydney and transferred to your hotel. Explore this stunning city on a memorable half-day sightseeing coach tour this afternoon, soaking up the famous historic landmarks, including the Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. A Taste of Sydney - enjoy uninterrupted 360° city views and delicious cuisine as you head to Sydney Tower for a Welcome Dinner, soaring well above the central business district of Sydney. This iconic venue is the tallest free-standing structure in New South Wales and has been an integral part of the famous Sydney skyline for over 30 years.
Stay: Sydney, Parkroyal Darling Harbour FD
Day 2. Sydney, Port Macquarie
After a sumptuous breakfast, your day begins this morning with a drive north across the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge, offering you magnificent views of the stunning harbour. Continuing along, arrive at the beautiful seaside town of Port Macquarie, located on the mid north coast of New South Wales, renowned for its wonderful
beaches, scenic hinterland and beautiful waterways. On arrival, enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure to explore your surrounds independently.
Stay: Rydges Port Macquarie B
Day 3. Port Macquarie, Byron Bay, Gold Coast
Your journey continues today as you travel north along the New South Wales coast. Stop at Byron Bay en route, a pretty seaside holiday town renowned for its numerous surf beaches, unspoilt native bush areas and relaxed lifestyle that attracts both wealthy city dwellers and bohemian lifestylers. Pass by Cape Byron, Australia’s most easterly point, before continuing to the Gold Coast, famous for its uninterrupted coastline fringed by vibrant communities and lush wilderness areas. After settling in to your hotel located within the heart of the city, perhaps stroll along the famous soft golden sands of the popular Surfers Paradise Beach, before enjoying the evening at leisure
Stay: Gold Coast, Mantra Legends Hotel Surfers Paradise B
Day 4. Gold Coast, Brisbane, Australia Zoo, Fraser Island
Departing the Gold Coast this morning, travel through Queensland’s capital city, Brisbane, before heading north to the Sunshine Coast. Like a Local - visit the world-renowned Australia Zoo. Made famous by the late Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin, Australia Zoo features a plethora of wild animals from all corners of the globe. From the smallest of reptiles to the largest of mammals, Australia Zoo is home to over 100 different species. Here, you will be given the opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of conservation and see many native species up close. Special Stay - afterwards, travel north to the largest sand island in the world, World Heritage-listed Fraser Island, and settle in to your room at Kingfisher Bay Resort. Enjoy some time to take in the stunning surrounds before dinner with your fellow travellers this evening.
Two Night Stay: Fraser Island, Kingfisher Bay Resort BD
Day 5. Fraser Island
Located at the southern tip of the Great Barrier Reef, Fraser Island offers a rare and beautiful paradise. The rugged untamed wilderness will entice you from the moment you arrive, providing adventure and excitement, but also a relaxing atmosphere from your base here at the eco-friendly Kingfisher Bay Resort. Discover this beautiful island today with a half-day tour and some time at leisure this afternoon. Slip into island living and perhaps explore the hundreds of walking trails which criss-cross the island. Immerse yourself in the ancient rainforests or explore the coloured sand cliffs on Seventy-Five Mile Beach. Fraser island is a popular location for spotting various marine life, including Humpback whales as they make their journey north for the winter, between June and November. Perhaps visit the wreck of the Maheno, a trans-Tasman liner that was driven ashore during a cyclone in 1935. Or, you may simply wish to relax on a stretch of powdery white sand with a good book, before donning snorkelling gear to discover one of the island’s many pristine freshwater lakes. B
Day 6. Fraser Island, Hervey Bay, Rockhampton
A morning cruise takes you across Hervey Bay, where you’ll discover why this special place is often referred to as the jewel in Queensland’s crown. The journey concludes back on the mainland where you’ll rejoin your coach to continue north. Travel through sugarcane country, crossing some of the many narrow gauge railway lines that transport sugarcane from the field to processing plants in town, an iconic sight of rural Queensland. Later, arrive in the inland city of Rockhampton, known as the beef capital of Australia.
Stay:Central Park Motel Rockhampton. BD
Day 7. Rockhampton, Daydream Island
After a delicious breakfast explore the gateway to the coast and the Outback, Rockhampton, which also boasts some of the best provincial gardens in Australia. Enjoy a tour of these beautiful gardens before travelling to Airlie Beach, where you’ll join a cruise through the sparkling Whitsundays. Special Stay - arriving at the picturesque Daydream Island Resort and Spa, realise your dreams of an island paradise as you indulge in a feast for the senses
surrounded by natural beauty, dotted with secluded, palm-lined beaches and a vast array of marine life.
Two Night Stay: Daydream Island Resort and Spa BD
Day 8. Daydream Island
Enjoy breakfast overlooking your resort’s Living Reef Lagoon this morning. The entire day is then at leisure to do as little or as much as you like. Perhaps discover the many species of tropical fish when snorkelling off the beach; take a stroll through the tropical jungle to the highest point of the island; relax by one of the many inviting swimming pools; enjoy some of the available water sports or indulge in some pampering with a soothing signature spa treatment at the relaxing Rejuvenation Spa (own expense). Alternatively, enjoy a half-day Whitehaven Beach excursion, exploring the crystal-clear aqua waters and the never-ending pristine sands of Whitehaven, providing the greatest sense of relaxation and escape (own expense). B
Day 9. Daydream Island, Townsville, Mission Beach
After breakfast, your adventure northward continues today with an early morning ferry transfer, gliding from Daydream Island to Shute Harbour, where you’ll re-board your luxurious coach and travel to Townsville. On arrival, enjoy a tour of this tropical city, surrounded by lush tropical rainforest hinterland and the magnificent Great Barrier Reef. Departing Townsville, continue to Mission Beach, the destination where two of the most stunning World Heritage-listed areas meet, the Wet Tropics Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. Arrive at your beachfront escape, Castaways Resort and Spa, where the only thing between you and the golden beach is a grassy lawn and a line of coconut palms. Complete with its own secluded rainforest swimming area, it won’t be long before you discover why Mission Beach has earned its reputation as a haven for rest and relaxation.
Stay: Castaways Resort and Spa Mission Beach BD
Day 10. Mission Beach, Atherton Tablelands, Cairns
Continuing your journey north, you’ll encounter rolling green hills, open farmlands and tropical rainforests, which ultimately define the Atherton Tablelands. The region is part of the Waterfalls Circuit, defined by the magnificent Millaa Millaa Falls, which are some of the most photographed falls in Australia. As you journey towards Cairns, you’ll visit the Curtain Fig Tree, an iconic natural Australian icon. Like a Local - later, board the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway in the picturesque village of Kuranda and ride above the treetops to Caravonica Lakes. This experience will take you over Australia’s World heritage-listed Tropical Rainforest canopy and deep into the forest, whilst providing the ideal opportunity to learn about one Australia’s most botanically fascinating and diverse areas. Special Stay - enjoy mountain views from your room at the Pullman Cairns International.
Two Night Stay: Pullman Cairns International B
Day 11. Great Barrier Reef
Like a Local - cruise from Cairns by fast catamaran to Reef Magic’s exclusive reef activity platform and enjoy five hours amidst the colourful coral and marine life. Snorkel in the sheltered coral lagoon, walk through the underwater observatory, join a tour on the semi-submersible or glass bottom boat, or relax on the sundeck. This is one of the best destinations on the Great Barrier Reef for viewing the unique species of coral and fish that call the reef home. A Taste of Cairns - enjoy a special Farewell Dinner at Tjapukai By Night this evening. Discover the Dreamtime, take an interactive part in a corroboree, then be guided along a flame-lit pathway to a dinner of local produce. BL, FD
Day 12. Depart Cairns
Drive to the pretty township of Port Douglas for a tour. This patch of paradise is the meeting point of the World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. After some time here, return to Cairns and transfer to the airport for your onward flight. B