Sydney To The Great Barrier Reef

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Detailed Trip Description

Enjoy 13 Days Sydney to the Great Barrier Reef Escorted tour featuring sightseeing and many activities in Cairns, Coffs Harbour, Gold Coast, Hamilton, Port Douglas and Sydney.

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Trip Itinerary

Day 1 - Coffs Harbour

 
Sydney, Australia - Coffs Harbour.
Bus

Depart Sydney at 7.30 a.m.

Sightseeing

Travel the scenic coastline of New South Wales, stopping at the coastal town of Port Macquarie. Continue to Coffs Harbour.

Coffs Harbour Sightseeing picture
Food and Dining

Tonight enjoy a Welcome Dinner with your traveling companions. (D)

Hotel

Stay at Novotel Pacific Bay Resort (F).


Day 2 - Gold Coast

 
Coffs Harbour - Byron Bay - Gold Coast.
Sightseeing

This morning journey to the Cape Byron Lighthouse and enjoy the superb views from Australia's most easterly point. Stop in exclusive Byron Bay before following the lush Tweed River Valley to the famous Gold Coast. (B)

Hotel

Stay at Hotel Watermark (SF).


Day 3 - Gold Coast

 
Gold Coast - Fraser Island.
Sightseeing

Travel along the Gold Coast to Brisbane for an orientation tour of the city and to learn about opals.

Continue on to Hervey Bay for the ferry crossing to spectacular Fraser Island, protected as a World Heritage Area. (B,D)

Hotel

Stay at Kingfisher Bay Resort & Village (F).


Day 4 - Australia

 
Fraser Island.
All-Terrain Vehicles

Board a 4WD vehicle for a half-day tour of the island.

Beach

Marvel at the majestic rain­forest at Central Station, and visit Lake McKenzie, a beautiful fresh­water lake, surrounded by white sandy ­beaches. (B)


Day 5 - Rockhampton

 
Fraser Island - Rockhampton.
Sightseeing

Return to the main­land this morning, cross the Tropic of Capricorn and stop at Langmorn Station, a fully operational cattle station.

Bus

Enjoy afternoon tea at the homestead, a restored “Queens­lander” built in 1873. Continue to Rockhampton, set on the broad Fitzroy River.

Food and Dining

This evening, dine at the Dreamtime Cultural Centre. Learn about Aboriginal culture and traditions, and enjoy their colorful dances. (B,D)

Hotel

Stay at Leichhardt Hotel (ST).


Day 6 - Hamilton Island

 
Rockhampton - Hamilton Island.
Ocean Cruise

Travel north via Mackay, to Shute Harbour. Board a ­catamaran for a short cruise through the Whitsundays to Hamilton Island.

Food and Dining

Tonight savor dinner on the pool terrace. (B,D)

Hotel

Stay at Reef View Hotel – Coral Sea View Rooms (F).


Day 7 - Hamilton Island

 
Sightseeing

A day at leisure to explore Hamilton Island. Optional tours include a morning tour of the island and the fauna park, or a cruise to Whitehaven Beach.

Sightseeing

You may want to rent a golf cart and explore the island yourself. (B)


Day 8 - Townsville

 
Hamilton Island - Townsville.
Safari

Head north to the ­tropical city of Townsville. See koalas and other native animals on a guided tour of Billabong Sanctuary.

Relaxation

This afternoon is free to relax or perhaps take a stroll along The Strand. (B,D)

Hotel

Hotel : Stay at Jupiters Townsville Hotel & Casino (SF).


Day 9 - Port Douglas

 
Townsville - Atherton Tablelands - Port Douglas.
Sightseeing

Journey north, then climb the high tropical plateau known as the Atherton Tablelands. Visit Millaa Millaa Falls and the famous Curtain Fig Tree.

Small Ship or Yacht Cruise

Then enjoy a guided cruise on Lake Barrine, before traveling to Port Douglas. (B,D)

Hotel

Stay at Mantra Treetops Resort & Spa (SF).


Day 10 - Port Douglas

 
River or Barge Cruise

A day at leisure in Port Douglas. Perhaps explore the World Heritage rainforest, join a guided cruise on the Daintree River to spot the fearless saltwater crocodile.

Beach

Enjoy a walk along Four Mile Beach, or just sit back and relax by the pool. (B)


Day 11 - Cairns

 
Port Douglas - Great Barrier Reef - Cairns.
Ocean Cruise

Board a catamaran and cruise out to the Great Barrier Reef. View the spectacular coral and tropical fish from the Under­water Observatory and the semi-submersible craft.

Snorkeling

You might want to go snorkeling and view this natural living wonder up close.

Food and Dining

Enjoy a tropical buffet lunch before traveling to Cairns this afternoon. (B,L)

Hotel

Stay at The Oasis Resort (SF).


Day 12 - Cairns

 
Train

Board the Kuranda train for a journey through the scenic countryside.

Shopping

Arrive at the village of Kuranda with time to wander through the stalls of the colorful markets.

National Parks

Later, board the Skyrail Cableway and ride above the canopy of the tropical rainforest of the Barron Gorge National Park.

Arts, Crafts and Antiques

Finally, visit the famous Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park where the legends of the Dreamtime are brought to life. (B,D)


Day 13 - Cairns

 
Depart Cairns.

Transfer for your onward flight. (B)


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