sydney Tours East Coast Islands & Rainforest

Itinerary:

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 hinterland, board a boat and learn of the local tradition of crab fishing or enjoy fantastic views from the top of the Q1 building.  

Day 4  Gold Coast to Fraser Island  
Continue up the coast to Australia Zoo, made famous by the late Steve Irwin and his family. Enjoy a tour of the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital which provides treatment for injured wildlife. Later, board a ferry across to the world’s largest sand island, Fraser Island, which is your home for the next two nights.

Day 5  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 75 Mile Beach, the sand highway that leads to the Pinnacles Coloured Sands, the calm waters of EliCreek and the famous Maheno Shipwreck.    

Day 6  Fraser Island to Rockhampton  
Head back to the mainland to explore Queensland’s farming heritage. Tour a fruit orchard and try the produce before visiting 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 Hamilton Island  
Travel through Sarina and its sugar cane fields before reaching Airlie Beach. Board a ferry to Hamilton Island, one of 74 tropical islands that make up the Whitsundays at the heart of the spectacular Great Barrier Reef.    

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

Day 9  Hamilton Island to Mission Beach  
Take a ferry back to the mainland and continue north along Bruce Highway, before finishing your day at Mission Beach.  

Day 10  Mission Beach to Cairns
Spend the morning at leisure with a walk along the beach before driving to the Atherton Tablelands. Visit beautiful Millaa Millaa Falls and the famous Curtain Fig Tree. From Kuranda, take the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway 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  
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your onward flight.

Departs: