Day 1
Sydney
Explore this stunning city on a half-day sightseeing coach tour this afternoon, including the Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. Enjoy a dinner cruise on Sydney Harbour tonight.
Overnight: Parkroyal Darling Harbour (Dinner included)
Day 2-3
Gold Coast
This morning after breakfast, you’ll fly over to the Gold Coast where you will spend the next couple of days. Explore Cape Bryon before heading north along the world-famous Gold Coast. Spend time strolling along the renowned Surfers Paradise Beach and admiring the views before enjoying an evening of leisure to explore this area at your own pace.
Overnight: Mantra on View Hotel (Two breakfasts included)
Day 4
Noosa
Departing the Gold Coast this morning, you’ll head north to the Sunshine Coast. Visit the world-class Rainforest Discovery Centre at the Mary Cairncross Reserve, which provides a multi-sensory learning experience to discover the rainforest on your own and speak to friendly knowledgeable volunteers. Enjoy breath-taking views of the Glasshouse Mountains from the viewing deck, enjoy a wander along the elevated Glider Gallery Boardwalk along with environmental exhibitions, films and photography. Continue to the chic resort town of Noosa. This evening, you’ll dine with the locals this evening at the Noosa Surf Club.
Overnight: Sebel Noosa (Breakfast and dinner included)
Day 5-6
Fraser Island
With some time in Noosa, perhaps head into town or take a stroll along the stunning waterfront. Later, travel to Hervey Bay and join your cruise transfer to the world’s largest sand island, World Heritage-listed Fraser Island, on the southern tip of the Great Barrier Reef. Here, settle in to your room at Kingfisher Bay Resort. This evening, enjoy dinner in the company of your fellow travellers.
Discover this rare and beautiful island today with a half-day tour exploring the untamed wilderness providing adventure and excitement. With some time at leisure this afternoon, slip into island living and perhaps explore the hundreds of walking trails which criss-cross the island. Immerse yourself in the ancient rainforests or explore the coloured sand cliffs on Seventy-Five Mile Beach. Perhaps visit the wreck of the Maheno, a liner that was driven ashore during a cyclone in 1935 (own expense).
Overnight: two nights at the Kingfisher Bay Resort (Two breakfasts and one dinner included)
Day 7
Rockhampton
A morning ferry takes you across Hervey Bay today, travelling via sugarcane country to Rockhampton. This is one of Queensland’s oldest cities and a friendly place to visit. Later, arrive in the inland city of Rockhampton.
Overnight: Central Park Motel (Breakfast and dinner included)
Day 8
Hamilton Island
Explore the charming historical town of Rockhampton, known as the gateway to the coast and the Outback. Founded in 1853, the city is home to beautiful heritage architecture and a rich, fascinating history. Then, travel to Airlie Beach and enjoy one of the region’s most beautiful beaches. Here you will join a ferry through the sparkling Whitsundays and realise your dreams of a tropical island paradise as you arrive at picturesque Hamilton Island. Here, enjoy dinner later this evening.
Overnight: Hamilton Island Resort (Breakfast and dinner included)
Day 9
Hamilton Island
Today is a full day of leisure to immerse yourself in the tranquillity and breath-taking beauty of this island. The idyllic scenery, laid-back pace and stunning beaches are the perfect setting for a day devoted to relaxing.
Overnight: Hamilton Island Resort (Breakfast included)
Day 10
Townsville & Mission Beach
Take an early morning ferry transfer, gliding from Hamilton Island to the Port of Airlie, where you will reboard your coach and travel to Townsville. On arrival, enjoy a tour of the city. Continue to Mission Beach, the destination where two of the most stunning World Heritage-listed areas meet; the Wet Tropics Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. Arrive at your beachfront escape, Castaways Resort and Spa, where the only thing between you and the golden beach is a grassy lawn and a line of coconut palms. Complete with a secluded rainforest swimming area, it won’t be long before you discover why Mission Beach has earned its reputation as a haven for rest and relaxation.
Overnight: Castaways Resort & Spa (Breakfast and dinner included)
Day 11
Cairns
Today sees you visit Millaa Millaa Falls and the Curtain Fig Tree in the morning, before boarding the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway for astonishing views over the treetops. Later on, arrive at your hotel for the next two nights – the Pullman Cairns International – where you can take in the gorgeous mountain views from your room.
Overnight: Pullman Cairns International (Breakfast included)
Day 12
Great Barrier Reef
Cruise by fast catamaran to Reef Magic’s activity platform in the morning and spend the rest of the day enjoying the coral and marine life. In the evening, visit Tjapukai by Night to enjoy dinner and take part in a corroboree. During this Aboriginal cultural dinner and performance, you will discover the spiritual concept known as Dreamtime, witness a corroboree, then be guided along a flame-lit pathway to a dinner of local produce.
Overnight: Pullman Cairns International (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Day 13
Alice Springs
Today will be spent travelling, flying from Cairns to Alice Springs (flight not included).
Overnight: Chifley Alice Springs (Breakfast included)
Day 14
Uluru
Traverse the West MacDonnell Ranges, stopping en-route to visit a camel farm – there will be the option to ride a camel too if you wish (at own expense). Upon arrival at Uluru, take a tour of the base then check-in at your hotel before watching the sunset with a glass of wine.
Overnight: Ayers Rock Resort, Desert Gardens Hotel
Day 15
Kata Tjuta
Rise early today to watch an amazing sight as the sun rises over Uluru, casting myriad colours over this awe-inspiring attraction. Afterwards, visit the rock domes of Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) and walk to Walpa Gorge to see the astounding scenery for yourself. End the day by travelling to Kings Canyon.
Overnight: Kings Canyon Resort
Day 16
Kings Canyon
Today will be spent exploring Kings Canyon and discovering how its sheer walls rise up to 170m from Kings Creek. There will be the option of two guided walks here depending on your preference, before making your way to Alice Springs.
Overnight: Chifley Alice Springs Resort
Day 17
Alice Springs
Today is the final day of the trip – make your way to the airport for your departing flight.