Island Escape

Highlights

SPECTACULAR SIGHTSEEING EXPERIENCES

Transportation

• Tour by luxury air-conditioned coach with 2-door access, restroom, reclining seats, seat belts and large panoramic windows

Professionally Escorted

• Tour with an experienced, professional Tour Director and Tour Driver

Dining Inclusions

• Full Buffet Breakfasts (8) (B)
• Lunch (1) (L)
• Exciting Highlight Dinner (1) (HD)
• Hotel Dinners (3)

Accommodation

• Twin share rooms with private facilities in centrally located hotels

Plus

• Welcome drink
• All purpose travel bag and map
• Airport transfers
  (Day 1 from Cairns Airport – flights to arrive prior to 1.00pm;
  Day 9 to Brisbane Airport – flights to depart after 2.00pm)
• Hotel porterage included

Itinerary

Day 1 Tue: Arrive Cairns

On arrival in Cairns you will be transferred to your hotel. This afternoon enjoy an orientation tour of the tropical city of Cairns. In the evening, join your Tour Director and fellow travelling companions for a welcome drink.

Accommodation: The Oasis Resort, Cairns, 2 nights.

Day 2 Wed: Kuranda

Board the Kuranda train for an historic journey taking you through the scenic countryside behind Cairns. Arrive at the cultural rainforest village of Kuranda with time to wander through the various stalls of the colourful Kuranda Markets. Later, board the Skyrail Cableway that takes you above the rainforest canopy of the Barron Gorge National Park.
Visit the famous Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park. Experience the History, Creative and Dance theatres where the legends of the Dreamtime are brought to life. (B)

Day 3 Thu: Cairns – Hamilton Island

Today we travel to Shute Harbour via Townsville and Airlie Beach. We then take the ferry across to the beautiful Hamilton Island, nestled in the glorious Whitsundays. Tonight enjoy a delicious barbecue dinner at the Yacht Club. Accommodation: Reef View Hotel - Coral Sea View Rooms, Hamilton Island, 3 nights. (B) (HD)

Day 4 Fri: Great Barrier Reef

This morning we head off on a full day cruise to the Great Barrier Reef with Fantasea Cruises where we indulge in a lavish buffet lunch. Enjoy a range of activities including snorkelling, swimming or sit back, relax and watch colourful schools of fish in the semi-submersible coral viewer and large Underwater Observatory. (BL)

Day 5 Sat: Hamilton Island

Today enjoy a day at leisure to explore Hamilton Island. You may like to join a morning tour of the island including the fauna park, take a cruise to Whitehaven Beach or perhaps hire a golf cart and explore the island yourself. Your Tour Director will be able to assist you with bookings. Tonight is free for independent dining at one of the many restaurants available on the island. (B)

Day 6 Sun: Hamilton Island - Rockhampton

Depart by catamaran and enjoy a short cruise back through the beautiful Whitsundays to the mainland, before rejoining our coach at Shute Harbour. Tour south through Mackay, Australia's sugar capital, to Rockhampton situated on the broad Fitzroy River.

Accommodation: Leichhardt Hotel, Rockhampton. (B)

Day 7 Mon: Rockhampton – Fraser Island

Cross the Tropic of Capricorn and head further south to Hervey Bay. Travel by launch to remarkable Fraser Island, the world's largest sand island. Renowned for its beauty and unique ecology, this island is now protected for posterity as a World Heritage Area. We enjoy a relaxing two-night stay on magnificent Fraser Island.

Accommodation: Kingfisher Bay Resort & Village, Fraser Island, 2 nights. (B)

Day 8 Tue: Fraser Island 4WD Adventure

This morning there is the chance to join a ranger-escorted bird watching tour. Join your 4WD vehicle for a half-day tour of the island. Marvel at the tall forest at Pile Valley and the majestic rainforest at Central Station. Stop a while at Lake McKenzie, one of the island's beautiful freshwater lakes, surrounded by white sandy beaches. There is also time to relax and enjoy the Resort's facilities. (B)

Day 9 Wed: Depart Brisbane

Return to the mainland and stop in Noosa, before continuing to Brisbane. You will be transferred to Brisbane Airport for your onward flight. (B)

Aboriginal Cultural Experience

Symbol denotes INCLUDED

CAPE TRIBULATION

Extend your time in Cairns and spend a couple of days in Cape Tribulation. Situated between two World Heritage Areas: The Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree National Park, one of the world's oldest rainforests. This is independent touring with a local guide. Please enquire for details.

Prices & Dates