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Day 1: Arrive Cairns
On arrival in Cairns you will be transferred
to your hotel. This afternoon enjoy an orientation
tour 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: Kuranda Railway - Skyrail -
Tjapukai
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 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: 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 dinner
at the Yacht Club overlooking the Marina –
a delightful experience! Accommodation: Reef
View Hotel – Coral Sea View Rooms, Hamilton
Island, 3 nights. (B) (HD)
Day 4: 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: 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.
Tonight is free for independent dining at one
of the many restaurants available on the island.
(B)
Day 6: Hamilton Island - Rockhampton
Depart by catamaran and enjoy a short cruise
back 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: 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
where we enjoy a relaxing two-night stay. Renowned
for its beauty and unique ecology, this island
is now protected for posterity as a World Heritage
Area.
Accommodation: Kingfisher Bay Resort & Village,
Fraser Island, 2 nights. (B)
Day 8: Fraser Island
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 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: Fraser Island - Moreton Island
This morning we take a ferry ride back to the
mainland, before continuing to Brisbane. After
an orientation tour of the city, learn about
opals then enjoy time at leisure to explore
further. We board our next ferry this afternoon
and cruise to Moreton Island. Accommodation:
Tangalooma Wild Dolphin Resort, Moreton Island,
2 nights. (B)
Day 10: Moreton Island
You have a full day at leisure to explore Moreton
Island today. You may like to join an optional
4WD wilderness tour to visit Queensland’s
oldest lighthouse at Cape Moreton, the Ocean
Beach and Blue Lagoon, or enjoy a short trip
to the ‘Desert’ for the exhilarating sport
of sand tobogganing. Perhaps join one
of many activities including tennis, archery,
fishing, snorkelling, sailing or scuba diving:
the options are endless. This evening, we head
down to the beach to hand feed fresh fish to
the dolphins eagerly waiting inshore. (B)
Day 11: Moreton Island - Coffs Harbour
Today we take a ferry back to the mainland
and then follow the lush Tweed River Valley
to Cape Byron Lighthouse for superb views from
Australia's most easterly point. We stop at
colourful Byron Bay for lunch (own expense),
before continuing along the Pacific Highway
to Coffs Harbour. Accommodation: Novotel Pacific
Bay Resort, Coffs Harbour. (B)
Day 12: Coffs Harbour - Sydney
Stop at the coastal town of Port Macquarie.
Continue along the scenic coastal route, before
crossing the beautiful Hawkesbury River and
arriving in Sydney at approximately 5.00pm.
You will be transferred to Sydney Airport for
your onward flight. (B)
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