East Coast Islands & Rainforest: Sydney to Cairns Tour

Day 1: Sydney - Port Macquarie

Leave Sydney for the renowned Hunter Valley. One of Australia’s major wine regions, its viticultural history dates back to the early 1800s. Visit a vineyard to enjoy an exclusive wine- tasting, and get to know your fellow travellers over lunch. Continue north to the seaside, rich in convict history town of Port Macquarie. LD (with wine)

Day 2: Port Macquarie – Gold Coast

Travel on this morning to Cape Byron Lighthouse to experience superb views over the Pacific Ocean. Standing on a rocky headland with a precipitous cliff on the east side, and a sheer hundred-metre drop to the waters below, Cape Byron Lighthouse is the easternmost point in Australia. At the right time of year you may spot migrating whales breaching not far offshore. A scenic coastal drive this afternoon takes you to the legendary holiday destination of the Gold Coast, famed for its long sandy beaches, elaborate system of inland canals and waterways, and world-class surf breaks. Settle in for your two-night stay. B

Day 3: Gold Coast Included Choice

Today choose one from a selection of Included Choice sightseeing experiences. Take a 4WD track through the Gold Coast Hinterland and rainforests to Tamborine Mountain. Or a boat trip to try your hand at crab fishing or ‘pumping yabbies’. Or you may prefer to be 270 metres in the air on the SkyPoint Climb at the iconic Q1 building. B

Day 4: Gold Coast – Noosa

Head north this morning, stopping in Brisbane for a short orientation tour of the vibrant state capital, then continue to Australia Zoo, made famous by the late Steve Irwin and his family. Enjoy a sneak peek into the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, the country’s largest and busiest wildlife facility. Your final destination today is the beachside resort town of Noosa.Join your fellow travellers for dinner this evening at a local restaurant. BD(with wine)

Day 5: Noosa Free Time

Take time out today to discover Noosa for yourself.This evening, stroll along Hastings Street and dine in one of its many eateries. B

Day 6: Noosa – Fraser Island

Today cross the Great Sandy Strait by ferry to explore the wonders of World Heritage-listed Fraser Island, the world’s largest sand island. Enjoy lunch before travelling on to Hervey Bay, where in spring around 7,000 humpback whales and their new calves choose to rest and play in the calm and safe waters before they head back to the Antarctic. BL

Day 7: Hervey Bay – Rockhampton

After breakfast, your first stop is Ohana Exotic Fruit Orchard for a guided tour and the opportunity to try some local flavours and produce. Later, leave Hervey Bay and travel to Langmorn Station, an 11,000 hectare Red Brahman cattle property located in a scenic coastal valley. A member of the Creed family, whose forebears built the heritage-listed homestead in 1873, will lead you on a guided tour of the station. Enjoy afternoon tea in the garden in the company of the family’s friendly pet kangaroo before travelling on, crossing the Tropic of Capricorn as you arrive in Rockhampton, the beef capital of Australia. B

Day 8: Rockhampton – Hamilton Island

Travel north to the sugar town of Sarina today for a guided tour of a unique miniature sugar mill and distillery. There’ll be an opportunity to taste some of the products made on site before you enjoy a light lunch. Travel though Airlie Beach then on to catch the ferry to Hamilton Island. BLD(with wine)

Day 9: Hamilton Island

Cruise to spectacular Whitehaven Beach, regarded by many as the best beach in Australia. Wander in peace along its seven kilometres of pure white sand, or if you’re feeling energetic, take a walk to Hill’s Inlet for elevated views over the Whitsunday islands and the sparkling waters of the Great Barrier Reef. Back on Hamilton Island, the afternoon is yours in this tropical paradise. B

Day 10: Hamilton Island – Mission Beach

Take the ferry back to the mainland this morning and continue north along the Bruce Highway, stopping off in the coastal town of Townsville with time for a stroll along its esplanade. Your final destination today is Mission Beach, a seaside town with World Heritage rainforest on one side and the Great Barrier Reef on the other. BD (with wine)

Day 11: Mission Beach – Cairns

Before departing, wander along the shores of Mission Beach, with glorious views to Dunk and Bedarra Islands. Then set out on today’s journey to the tropical plateau of the Atherton Tablelands, where lush rainforests, spectacular waterfalls and peaceful lakes abound. Visit Millaa Millaa Falls and the heritage-listed 500-year-old Curtain Fig Tree, and keep an eye out for the magnificent Ulysses butterfly. Spend some free time in Kuranda, the ‘Village in the Rainforest’. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the local markets, before travelling on to Cairns via the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Your six-person gondola will glide just metres above the canopy providing spectacular views of the rainforest, the Coral Sea, the Cairns Highlands and the city of Cairns itself.B

Day 12: Great Barrier Reef

Board a sleek, high-speed catamaran and cruise out to the iconic Great Barrier Reef. You can go snorkelling to view this natural living wonder, or view the coral and tropical fish from the underwater observatory and semi-submersible craft. Enjoy a tropical buffet lunch on board before you return to Cairns in the late afternoon. This evening join a local family in their home in Cairns for a Be My Guest Aussie BBQ dinner. Spend a leisurely evening enjoying an informal chat with the family and learning about life in the tropics. BLD

Day 13 Farewell from Cairns

Say farewell to your fellow travellers when your holiday comes to an end this morning after breakfast. B

23 Jun-05 Jul 2019 - $4950 per person twin

15-27 Sep 2019 - $4950 per person twin

Solo rates available on request - please freecall 1300 414 198.

This tour departs from Rydges Sydney Central at 07:30am. It is recommended accommodation is booked for the night prior as the tour departs early. Other accommodation included: Sails Port Macquarie by Rydges, Novotel Surfers Paradise, The Sebel Resort Noosa, Mantra Hervey Bay, Quality Hotel Regent Rockhampton, Reef View Hotel Hamilton Island, Castaways Resort & Spa Mission Beach and the Hilton Hotel Cairns.

What to Bring:

• Comfortable walking shoes

• Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat

• Water bottle

• Camera

• Jacket in cooler months

• Swimwear and beach towel