Tropical Discovery Tour

13 days - Sydney to Cairns

Premium Escorted Tour - Tour code QSC

Discover Australia’s eastern coast on the Tropical Discovery tour. Enjoy a 4WD tour on Fraser Island, Byron Bay, Hamilton Island, Atherton Tablelands & Cairns

Daily itinerary

Day 1 Thurs: Sydney - Coffs Harbour

Depart Sydney at 7.30am. Travel the scenic coastline of New South Wales, stopping at the coastal town of Port Macquarie. Continue to Coffs Harbour. Tonight enjoy a welcome drink and dinner with your Tour Director and fellow travelling companions.

Hotel: Novotel Pacific Bay Resort, Coffs Harbour. D

Day 2 Fri: Byron Bay – Gold Coast

This morning journey to the Cape Byron Lighthouse and enjoy the superb views from Australia's eastern most point. Stop in exclusive Byron Bay for lunch (own expense), before following the lush Tweed River Valley to the famous Gold Coast. Tonight is free to dine at one of the many restaurants and cafés.

Hotel: Watermark Hotel, Gold Coast. B

Day 3 Sat: Gold Coast – Fraser Island

Travel along the Gold Coast to Brisbane for an orientation tour of the city and learn about opals. Continue on to Hervey Bay for the ferry crossing to Fraser Island. Renowned for its beauty and unique ecology, the island is now protected for posterity as a World Heritage Area.

Hotel: Kingfisher Bay Resort & Village, Fraser Island, 2 nights. BD

Day 4 Sun: Fraser Island

Today join your 4WD vehicle for a half-day tour of the island. Marvel at the majestic rainforest at Central Station. Visit Lake McKenzie, a beautiful freshwater lake, surrounded by white sandy beaches. B

Day 5 Mon: Rockhampton

Return to the mainland and stop at Langmorn Station, a fully operational cattle station. Enjoy afternoon tea at the homestead, a restored 'Queenslander' built in 1873. Cross the Tropic of Capricorn and continue to Rockhampton, situated on the broad Fitzroy River. Dine out this evening at the Dreamtime Cultural Centre. Learn about Aboriginal culture and traditions and be entertained.

Hotel: Leichhardt Hotel, Rockhampton. B HD

Day 6 Tue: Hamilton Island

Travel north via Mackay, to Shute Harbour where you join a catamaran for your short cruise through the Whitsundays to Hamilton Island. Tonight enjoy a delicious dinner on the terrace of the Reef View Hotel overlooking the main swimming pool.

Hotel: Reef View Hotel – Coral Sea View Rooms, Hamilton Island, 2 nights. BD

Day 7 Wed: Hamilton Island

Enjoy a day at leisure to explore Hamilton Island. Opportunity to join a morning tour of the island including the fauna park, or take a cruise to Whitehaven Beach. Perhaps hire a golf cart and explore the island yourself. Tonight is free for independent dining at one of the many restaurants available on the island. B

Day 8 Thu: Townsville

Head north to the tropical city of Townsville. Enjoy a guided tour of Billabong Sanctuary. This afternoon is free to relax or perhaps take a stroll along The Strand.

Hotel: Jupiters Townsville Hotel & Casino, Townsville. BD

Day 9 Fri: Atherton Tablelands

Journey north then climb the high tropical plateau known as the Atherton Tablelands. Visit Millaa Millaa Falls and the famous Curtain Fig Tree. Enjoy a guided cruise on Lake Barrine, before making our way to Port Douglas.

Hotel: Mantra Treetops Resort & Spa, Port Douglas, 2 nights. BD

Day 10 Sat: Port Douglas 'Free Time'

Free day in Port Douglas today. There is an opportunity to explore the World Heritage rainforest, join a guided cruise on the Daintree River to perhaps spot the fearless saltwater crocodile, enjoy a walk along spectactular Four Mile Beach, or just sit back and relax by the pool. Your Tour Director will be able to assist you with bookings. B

Day 11 Sun: Great Barrier Reef

Join the Reef Magic catamaran and cruise out to the Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy a reef education presentation and view the spectacular corals and tropical fish from the underwater observatory and the semi-submersible craft. There is the opportunity to go snorkelling and view this natural living wonder up close (equipment provided). Enjoy a delicious tropical buffet lunch, before we return to Cairns this afternoon.

Hotel: Novotel Oasis Cairns, Cairns,2 nights. BL

Day 12 Mon: 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 canopy of the tropical rainforest of the Barron Gorge National Park. Visit the award-winning Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park and learn about this ancient culture through theatre, stage shows and demonstrations, before your transfer back to the hotel. BD

Day 13 Tue: Depart Cairns

Your tour concludes today after breakfast. You will be transferred to Cairns Airport for your onward flight. B

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