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ITINERARY:
Day
1 - Cairns
For our first day in the tropics, we head a little further
north of Cairns along the coast to the resort town of Port
Douglas. Take some time to explore, or just hit the beach.
Those of a more cultural bent can join an optional tour with
the local Kuku Yalanji people, where a guide will explain
the cultural significance of their country, before introducing
you to traditional spear fishing. Learn about the edible plants
and medicines found around you, make your way through the
mangroves and view the magnificent Niau Waterfall. The rest
of the group will relax in Port Douglas before heading to
the rainforest village of Kuranda, sampling some of their
fine arts and crafts - a great way to begin our Eastern Australia
adventure together. (B)
Day
2 - Cairns
Where the rainforest meets the reef, that's where you'll find
Cairns. Take advantage of these two spectacular natural landscapes
with a day free for optional activities (all own expense)!
Head out to the Great Barrier Reef for snorkelling or diving,
and get an insight into this beautiful part of the world.
Get your heart racing with some white water rafting along
the Tully River, or tandem skydiving. Take a day trip into
the Daintree Rainforest, or even go horse riding, quad biking,
bungy jumping or hot air ballooning! As you can see, there's
a veritable cavalcade of things to do, and that's without
even mentioning the shopping options in Cairns. Tonight we
can swap stories over dinner (own expense). (B)
Day
3 - Cairns to Whitsundays (Sailing)
We're up early today, heading south from Cairns, towards the
Far North's largest City of Townsville. It's not far through
the tropical towns of Sarina and Bowen (Home to the Big Mango)
until we reach our gateway to the Whitsunday Islands. Step
aboard our yacht and make passage through the inlets. Tonight
you'll gaze upon the stars from the deck and enjoy the relaxed
vibes. (BD)
Day
4 -Whitsundays (Whitehaven Beach)
Today get ready to chase the sun over the shimmering ocean.
Wake up from the shelter of a nearby cove and get ready for
a day of sailing! We'll take in beautiful beaches, snorkel
through colourful reefs and get a taste of tropical living.
Weather permitting; we'll visit Whitehaven Beach (the whitest
sand you've ever seen) and Blue Pearl Bay. Then we plot a
course for nearby South Molle Island, our home for the next
two nights - take a turn on the helm if you're up for it!
(BLD)
Day
5 - Whitsundays (South Molle Island)
Back on dry land, explore the idyllic surrounds of South Molle:
feed the Rainbow Lorikeets, go snorkelling or swimming, even
a quick 9 holes of golf if you feel the urge (own expense).
There's plenty of bushwalking tracks available, with scenic
views of the Whitsundays and 17 (count 'em) private beaches
if you want to get away. A walk up 'Spion Kop' (voted as one
of the best island bushwalks) is a must. Either way, the pace
is relaxed and the choice is all yours. (BD)
Day
6 - Whitsundays to Emu Park
Our short morning ferry lands us back into Shute Harbour where
we jump back on the coach, our destination Rockhampton (or
"Rocky" to its mates), Beef Capital of Queensland. It's not
far from here to our overnight pit stop, set in the relaxed
beach locales of Emu Park. You won't need any help chilling
out in a place like this! Go for a swim in the pool, take
to the beach, or just enjoy the warm sunshine. Tonight make
the most of the locals' hospitality as we tuck into a 'Reef
& Beef Dinner', right by the ocean! (BLD)
Day
7 - Emu Park to Kroombit Cattle Station
A hearty breakfast greets us today, then a chance to let it
settle before our visit to the Sandilands family, and their
10,000 acre cattle station. Breathe in the fresh air and get
a feel for the wide open spaces. Try your hand at goat mustering,
horse riding, quad bike trailing or even trap shooting this
afternoon (own expense). Spot some of the local kangaroos
and birds as you enjoy this peaceful taste of the Australian
bush. Later get ready for the world-famous 'Goat Rodeo', before
we settle in 'round the campfire for a tale or three. Don't
forget to try your skills on the Mechanical Bull, either!
(BD)
Day
8 - Kroombit Cattle Station to Noosa
Leaving the farm behind, we journey back to the coast to Noosa,
a popular resort town on the Sunshine Coast! Enjoy the endless
beaches of the area, or just mosey around town. Tonight we'll
share a drink or two with the friendly locals. (B)
Day
9 - Fraser Island
Today we're taking a guided tour around the world's largest
sand island, Fraser Island! Join our local guides in a 4WD
trip that drinks in the awesome beauty of this UNESCO World
Heritage-listed site. We'll traverse the stunning Seventy
Five Mile Beach, before entering the tropical part of the
isle for a guided rainforest walk. After a "fair dinkum" (read:
authentic) Aussie BBQ on the banks of Lake McKenzie, we'll
take to the waters for a cooling swim. There's still time
to stop off at Central Station, as well as witnessing the
multi-coloured sands of Rainbow Beach before returning to
Noosa. (BL)
Day
10 - Noosa to Gold Coast
Continuing along the famous Irwin Way, passing the Glasshouse
Mountain range and hitting the Australia Zoo, made famous
by Steve Irwin, time is available for those who wish to visit
the zoo today (own expense). For the rest of us, we will make
our way to Queensland's Capitol City Brisbane. We arrive in
Brisbane, boarding one of the famed CityCats for a cruise
along the river and a chance to gaze up at the city skyline.
Cruising through the outer suburbs, we'll get a feel for one
of Australia's most popular holiday spots Surfers Paradise!
Expect warm beaches and even warmer locals (Google "Meter
Maids" if you don't believe us). Tonight we regroup for a
frame or two of bowling and some dinner, before getting a
taste of the nightlife on offer - it's gonna be a big one!
(BD)
Day
11 - Gold Coast to Byron Bay
Today you have a chance to go 'Crazy on the Goldy!' Explore
the surrounds on your own time - perhaps visit the nearby
theme parks for some thrills and excitement, or just indulge
in a spot of shopping, or catch some rays down on the beach.
It's only a short hop later this afternoon, as we cross over
the Tweed River, into New South Wales. We check in at Byron
Bay, a relaxed beach destination that melds fertile rainforest
with endless beaches and an alternative culture vibe. So dump
your bags at the accommodation and let's go check it out!
(BL)
Day
12 - Byron Bay
You've got a free day to explore Byron to your heart's content.
There's plenty of activities on hand - adrenalin junkies can
skydive, scuba or sea kayak their way across the landscape
(all own expense), while others might like to catch some rays
and relax beachside. Cultivate your artistic bent with a visit
to the local galleries and craft shops, or just unwind at
a cafe and people watch for a while. For those after healthier
pursuits, take the scenic walk up to the lighthouse at Cape
Byron and indulge in some potential dolphin spotting (seasonal)
along the way. The choice is yours... (B)
Day
13 - Byron Bay to Central Coast (Surfing)
Another short drive passing through Coffs Harbour (look for
the Big Banana), Grafton and Ballina, is an extremely scenic
journey and lands us here on to the Central NSW Coast. This
will be the final instalment in our love-affair with heavenly
Australian beaches. The pristine sands will hold your first
surf lesson, before we take to the waves. If you're not up
for surfing, take some time to explore the lush landscape
and meet some of the friendly wildlife. We'll all meet up
around the campfire tonight. (D)
Day
14 - Byron Bay to Central Coast (Surfing)
Today we'll start the day how locals do, with an early morning
surf to get the blood pumping. All good surfers need a great
lunch after the morning waves. Time to relax, and reflect
back on the past days achievements on our afternoon journey
to the big smoke of Sydney. Entering the city via the famous
Sydney Harbour Bridge with spectacular views, we are sure
that you will love this city as much as we do. Our East Coast
trip draws to a close in the heart of the CBD where travellers
will bid their farewells and continue on their own paths.
B
= Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
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