Sydney to Cairns East Coast Suntanner - 14 Days

Itinerary

Day 1 - SYDNEY TO BYRON BAY

Our journey commences bright and early, when we depart Sydney via the Harbour Bridge and begin our trek northwards along the Pacific Highway. Crossing the mighty Hawkesbury River, we travel past Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, stopping for lunch along the way (own expense) as we head further north. This afternoon we continue on through the towns of Kempsey, birthplace of the “Akubra” hat, and Coffs Harbour, the Banana growing capital! With the Great Dividing Range to our west and the Pacific Ocean on our east, the highway takes us past the Northern Rivers towns of Grafton and Ballina before reaching the resort town of Byron Bay, Australia’s most easterly township. Renowned for its surfing beaches, beautiful rainforests and eclectic lifestyle, Byron Bay oozes a relaxed vibe that “hooks” many a traveller. Some have been known to visit and never leave! After checking into our cabins, we head off to explore this town.

Overnight: Glen Villa Resort (Cabins), Byron Bay
Meals: N/A

Day 2 - BYRON BAY

A full day ahead to enjoy what Byron Bay has to offer. Famous for its great beaches and counter culture, we have plenty of optional activities here to keep us busy today. Try a surfing lesson*, go diving*, sea kayaking* or just chill out on the beach. The galleries and craft shops are also sure to fascinate, as are the many cafes and alternate cuisines that are available here. Take a great scenic walk to the lighthouse at Cape Byron where the views are breathtaking. It’s even possible that you may see some dolphins or whales as they pass by. Whether you do too much or too little here, you are guaranteed to enjoy it.

Overnight: Glen Villa Resort (Cabins), Byron Bay
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 - BYRON BAY to GOLD COAST

Enjoy a relaxed start to the morning before we depart Byron Bay. Our short journey takes us inland via Murwillumbah and across the state border beside Lamington National Park. Here we enter Queensland. We will make a stop at the “Natural Arch” – a natural feature where a spectacular waterfall plummets through a stone archway into a rock pool below. The short walk here is a must. We then travel through the Numinbah Valley and Nerang, to Surfers Paradise and the “Gold Coast”. This region is one of Australia’s most popular holiday destinations with its great climate, famous surf beaches, extreme adventure activities* and well known Theme Parks*. Tonight we regroup for dinner. The restaurants and nightlife here are pumping every night of the week, and we will take you to some of the Gold Coasts’ Hot spots!! Take a short walk to Cavill and Orchid Avenues where you can try some different pubs and clubs

Overnight: Vibe Hotel Gold Coast, Surfers Paradise
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4 - GOLD COAST

A full day to take in the sights and thrills of Australia’s holiday playground. Take a scenic flight* or grab a board and hit the surf*. There are a number of theme parks* here to visit if you choose – Sea World, Movie World, Dreamworld and Wet ‘n Wild; as well as great shopping and cafes. Visit Australia Zoo* for an ultimate wildlife adventure. Cuddle a koala, hand-feed elephants, walk with a Tiger and watch a crocodile launch from the waters edge. Of course there are also the endless beaches that make this stretch of coastline so famous and, as they are only a short walk from our hotel, it makes it all so easy to enjoy.

Overnight: Vibe Hotel Gold Coast Surfers Paradise  
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 - GOLD COAST to FRASER ISLAND

A short drive this morning to Queensland’s capital city, Brisbane. We will make a stop at Kangaroo Point Cliffs Lookout for the best view of this river city, then crossing the Brisbane River via the Story Bridge we take some time out in the city centre. Hit the Queen Street Mall (last shopping fix for a few 1000 kms!!), relax in a nearby coffee shop or just take a walk around this relaxed city. Heading further north along the Bruce Highway we pass the world famous Glasshouse Mountains, the old gold mining town of Gympie and the heritage township of Maryborough before arriving at Hervey Bay. Here we board our ferry to cross the Great Sandy Straight, bound for Fraser Island. Perfectly located at Kingfisher Bay, the Wilderness Lodge accommodation is set in a eucalypt forest at Kingfisher Bay Resort, on the western side of the island.

Overnight: Kingfisher Bay Resort – Wilderness Lodge, Fraser Island  
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 6 - FRASER ISLAND – GREAT SANDY NATIONAL PARK

Fraser Island – Great Sandy National Park is World Heritage Listed and is the world’s largest sand island. It was home to the Badtjala Aboriginal people for some 5000 years and was known as ”K’gari”. This special place supports an extraordinarily diverse rainforest, wildflower heath, mangroves, birds and a large population of dingos. The island has dunes that reach 240 metres in height and about 40 dune lakes – half the number in the world. A great way to see this magnificent national park is on an optional 4-wheel drive bus tour* along the unspoilt surf beaches and to pristine inland freshwater lakes that are ideal for swimming. Whale watching* is also an option usually between the months of July and November where you can see hump back whales on their annual migration. At the end of the day, why not enjoy a cocktail at the jetty bar, while watching the sun set over the bay.

Overnight: Kingfisher Bay Resort – Fraser Island  (Share Facilities)   
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 - FRASER ISLAND to ROCKHAMPTON

This morning we say our last goodbyes to Fraser Island, board our ferry and return to the mainland.  Continuing our journey northwards through sugar cane country, we make a stop for lunch then arrive into the beef capital of Queensland - Rockhampton (Rocky). This major regional town is situated on the banks of the Fitzroy River and lies on the Tropic of Capricorn. Tonight we explore the local “Rocky” nightlife – if we’re lucky we’ll check out a real life Rodeo! Giddy up!!! Hope you’ve packed your Akubra!

Overnight: Travelodge Hotel, Rockhampton
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 8 - ROCKHAMPTON to THE WHITSUNDAYS

It’s a big day today as we head off for the gorgeous Whitsundays where you’re in for a real treat. We travel on to Mackay - commercial centre of Queensland’s huge sugar industry. Here we'll stop for lunch (own expense) for your first taste of North Queensland. It’s then on to Airlie Beach, the heart of the thriving Whitsundays. The town overlooks the beautiful Whitsunday Passage and the 74 nearby tropical islands. If there’s a heaven on earth, it’s definitely in the Whitsundays so prepare to enjoy! And the best way to experience this gorgeous region is onboard a boat – your home for the next 2 nights! You’ll be watching the sunset over the water tonight from the heart of paradise.

Overnight: Liveaboard Sailing - Multi-share (bunk), Whitsundays
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

NB: Landlubbers Option*
If you’re certain you can’t stay onboard for 2 nights, you do have the option to stay on the mainland and enjoy Airlie Beach, and Club Crocodile Resort. You’ll have the chance to experience a day cruise to Whitehaven Beach onboard Camira – otherwise you can hang with locals at the gorgeous man-made lagoon and make the most of this idyllic location. (Inc. 2xB, 1xL, 1xD)

Day 9 - THE WHITSUNDAY ISLANDS

Wake up in one of the many sheltered coves that make up the Whitsundays. You’ll set sail for golden sandy beaches, snorkel over island coral reefs and soak up the sun in this tropical wonderland. A visit to the famous Whitehaven Beach and Blue Pearl Bay will also hopefully be an option – depending on the weather. For the budding sailors, help set the sails and have a turn on the helm as we explore
the islands. By night you’ll star gaze the Milky Way and forget about your life back home. You’re in heaven!

Overnight: Liveaboard Sailing - Multi-share (bunk) Whitsundays
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 10 - THE WHITSUNDAYS to AIRLIE BEACH

This morning we set sail again for another idyllic location before returning to the mainland and the busy resort town of Airlie Beach. Tonight we’ll get to experience a night out in “Airlie” with plenty of bars and clubs so you can dance the night away.

Overnight: Club Crocodile Resort , Shute Harbour Road, Airlie Beach
Meals: Breakfast

Day 11 - AIRLIE BEACH to CAIRNS

It’s a big day today as we bid farewell to this beach paradise and head north to Townsville. We break our journey for some lunch (own expense) before checking out The Strand – made up of 2.5km of beaches, parks, and cafes. If time permits, we will take a drive up Castle Hill for breathtaking views overlooking the city and Magnetic Island. Then the final stretch of the Bruce Highway unfolds before us on our way to Cairns. We will stop in at Cardwell taking in the views of Hinchinbrook Island National Park. With Cairns not far away, we pass the highest mountains in Queensland, Mt Bartle Frere (1622m) and Mt Bellenden Kr (1580m) as the Great Dividing Range joins the coast. Upon arrival into colourful Cairns, we’ll check in to our resort and enjoy some dinner (own expense). This evening you're free to visit the night markets, or if you prefer, kick back, relax and enjoy tropical North Queensland in one of the many nearby restaurants, bars or cafes!

Overnight: Hides Resort, Cairns
Meals: Breakfast

Day 12 - CAIRNS

Cairns is located on the edge of two extraordinary natural environments, the reef and the rainforest, and is the perfect base for a load of activities to suit everyone. Explore all that tropical North Queensland has to offer – the world is your oyster! Go wild with optional activities ranging from adventurous white water rafting* on the Tully River or Tandem Skydiving*, to a day trip* to the World Heritage listed Daintree Region. There’s Horse Riding*, Quad Biking*, Bungy Jumping*, Hot Air Ballooning* – the list goes on and on! If you want some time out, the centre of Cairns has some great cafes and shopping. The swimming lagoon is close by and is a great place to cool off. At the day’s end, we can exchange our adventure stories over dinner (own expense).

Overnight: Hides Resort, Cairns
Meals: Breakfast

Day 13 - CAIRNS – OPTIONAL GREAT BARRIER REEF

Today you have the option to discover the world’s largest coral reef, the Great Barrier Reef, aboard a maxi-catamaran*. The day includes lunch, all snorkelling equipment, optional introductory* and certified Scuba Diving* plus the thrill of sailing on a thoroughbred machine. Once anchored at the reef, slip over the side and explore this underwater paradise at your own pace. You’ll be amazed by wonders of the reef that’s brimming with life! Tonight after your day touring, you'll meet the local Tjapukai people and see how they showcase their culture, in an evening tailor-made tour. You will be joined by a member of the Tjapukai dance troupe as they engage you in a discussion on the evening’s highlight event – Tjapukai by Night where fire explosions, spectacular special effects, music, dance and giant spirits come to life to take you on a dreamtime journey. The evening finishes with a sumptuous buffet dinner and performance by the world famous Tjapukai dancers.

Overnight: Hides Resort, Cairns
Meals: Breakfast

Day 14 - CAIRNS

Today we head off to explore the tropical rainforest and Kuranda via the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. The Skyrail Experience, spanning 7.5kms travels over heritage listed, pristine rainforest, allows you to explore the wonders of an ancient tropical rainforest and learn about one of the most botanically fascinating and diverse areas on earth. Gliding just metres above the rainforest canopy in comfortable six-person gondola cabins, the Skyrail journey immerses you in an intimate rainforest
experience where you’ll see, hear, smell and become part of the tropical rainforest environment. You’ll then arrive in Kuranda where you can explore the local arts and crafts of this rainforest village. This is a pretty spectacular way to end your adventure with us.

Meals: Breakfast

Further Information

What's Included

• 13 Breakfasts (B), 1 Lunch (L), 6 Dinners (D)
• 7 Nights Hotel, 4 Nights Cabins,
• 2 Nights Liveaboard Sailing ship in the Whitsundays.
• Return Ferry to Fraser Island
• Modern Air-Conditioned Coach
• Springbrook National Park
• Guided tour of Brisbane
• Skyrail Forest Cableway Experience
• Tjuapukai by night Dinner & Show
• Escorted services of a fully trained Tour Leader and Driver