East Coast Islands & Rainforest

Day 1  Sydney to Coffs Harbour    
Begin in Sydney and travel to the coastal town of Coffs Harbour. Spend the afternoon at leisure to perhaps explore Little Diggers Beach, before joining your fellow travellers and tour director for a welcome dinner this evening.    

Day 2  Coffs Harbour to Gold Coast    
Journey to Cape Byron Lighthouse, Australia’s most easterly point, for spectacular views over the Pacific Ocean. At the right time of year (approx May - Nov), you may even see migrating humpback whales off the coast. Spend the afternoon discovering the relaxed bohemian atmosphere of Byron Bay, before continuing to the Gold Coast.    

Day 3  Gold Coast    
Today, choose from a selection of optional sightseeing experiences. Explore the stunning Mount Tamborine hinterland, board a boat and drift along the canals or relax on one of the many golden beaches.    

Day 4  Gold Coast to K’gari  (Fraser Island)    
Continue up to Hervey Bay, the gateway to World Heritage listed K’gari (Fraser Island). Later, board a ferry across to the world’s largest sand island, K’gari (Fraser Island), which is your home for the next two nights.      

Day 5  K’gari (Fraser Island)
Discover the wondrous sights of the island on a 4WD tour. Visit Lake McKenzie, ringed with magnificent white sand beaches and walk through ancient rainforests filled with gum and kauri trees. Travel along 75 Mile Beach, the sand highway that leads to the Pinnacles Coloured Sands, the calm waters of Eli Creek and the famous Maheno Shipwreck.      

Day 6  K’gari (Fraser Island) to Rockhampton    
Head back to the mainland to explore Queensland’s farming heritage. Visit Langmorn Station, a fully operational cattle station and enjoy afternoon tea in the gardens of the historic homestead. Later, cross the Tropic of Capricorn en route to Rockhampton.    

Day 7  Rockhampton to Airlie Beach    
Travel through Sarina and its sugar cane fields and learn about how sugar cane is processed and distilled. Continue to Airlie Beach, perfectly located in the heart of the Whitsundays region.  

Day 8  Airlie Beach    
Spend your day exploring the beautiful Whitsundays. Perhaps cruise to Whitehaven Beach, voted Australia’s best, to enjoy its crystal-clear waters and pristine white sands.    

Day 9  Airlie Beach to Cairns    
Today stretch your legs and relax en route to Cairns while enjoying the beautiful scenery of the ocean and rainforest-clad mountains.      

Day 10  Cairns    
Spend the morning at leisure with a walk along the beach before visiting the Atherton Tablelands. Visit the famous Curtain Fig Tree and take a tranquil cruise along Lake Barrine. From Kuranda, take the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway to soar high above the canopy.    

Day 11  Great Barrier Reef    
Today is a real highlight as you board a high speed catamaran and cruise to the Great Barrier Reef. View the reef from a semi-submersible and don a pair of flippers for a spot of snorkelling and the chance to see an array of tropical fish.

Day 12  Cairns    
Your tour finishes after breakfast.

Please note: this tour is no longer operating from Apr 25 onwards.