9 Days Tropical Islands and Rainforest Holiday - Brisbane to Cairns

As this Guided Holiday departs early morning, accommodation should be pre-booked for the previous night.

After a short orientation tour of Brisbane, visit Australia Zoo made famous by the Crocodile Hunter, the late Steve Irwin and his family. Enjoy a sneak peek in to the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital and see how AAT Kings works with the Wildlife Warriors to support the koala rehabilitation project at the hospital, the country's largest and busiest wildlife facility. Catch one of the many shows and wander through the zoo's fascinating grounds. Later travel to the resort town of Noosa for a relaxing stay. Join your fellow travellers for dinner at Noosa Surf lifesaving Club.

Hotel: The Sebel Resort Noosa,

Included Meals: Dinner.

Take time out to discover Noosa for yourself. Swim at Noosa Main Beach or venture a little further with an easy, spectacular walk along the headland through to Noosa National Park. If you're feeling adventurous, you may like to hire a stand-up paddle board or even take a boat ride through the incredible Noosa Everglades, one of Australia's most beautiful wilderness areas. You'll love the dark waterways and myriad of wildlife along the Noosa River- it's truly spectacular! This evening choose one of the town's eateries and dine on inspiring local delights.

Hotel: The Sebel Resort Noosa

Included Meals: Breakfast

A day of discovery lies ahead as you cross by ferry to explore the wonders of World Heritage listed Fraser Island. Your 4WD tour takes you to the coloured sands of Rainbow Beach (tidal) and beyond. Visit Lake McKenzie, ringed with magnificent white sandy beaches. Walk through the ancient rainforest at Central Station with its huge satiny, scribbly gum and kauri trees and enjoy a delicious BBQ lunch before arriving in Hervey Bay.

Hotel: Mantra Hervey Bay

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Stop at Langmorn Station, a fully operational cattle station. A member of the Creed family will treat you to a guided tour of the property including their original family homestead, built in 1873. Enjoy afternoon tea in the garden in the company of the pet kangaroo! Cross the Tropic of Capricorn as you arrive in Rockhampton, the beef capital of Australia! Your night is free so why not try some local beef at one of the town's steakhouses.

Hotel: Quality Hotel Regent, Rockhampton

Included Meals: Breakfast

Travel north to the sugar town of Sarina for a guided tour through a miniature sugar mill and lunch! On your tour you'll get a peak in to sugar cane processing and witness fully functioning sugar processing and distilling equipment in action. Afterwards you can taste some of the products made on site before sitting down for a light lunch. Continue past Mackay to Airlie Beach to catch a ferry to Hamilton Island one of 74 tropical islands that make up the Whitsundays. You'll be surrounded by pristine beaches, and a kaleidoscope of coral and marine life!

Hotel: Reef View Hotel

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

This morning take a cruise to spectacular Whitehaven Beach, voted the best in Australia! Take a walk to feel the sand between your toes and take a walk to a lookout for views over the waters of the Coral Sea. This afternoon is yours free to do as you wish in paradise.

Hotel: Reef View Hotel, 2 nights

Included Meals: Breakfast

This morning you'll board a ferry back to mainland and continue north along the Bruce Highway to Townsville for a stop at lunchtime when you'll have the opportunity to take a stroll along the Strand with views to Magnetic Island. Your destination for the night is Mission Beach where you'll stay with views over the ocean. Magic!

Hotel: Castaways Resort & Spa

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning there will be time to take a walk along the shore and feel the golden sand between your toes before you depart Mission Beach. Today you'll travel through the high tropical plateau known as the Atherton Tablelands, where lush rainforests, waterfalls and lakes abound. Visit Millaa Millaa Falls and the famous Curtain Fig Tree. Keep an eye out for the spectacular Ulysses Butterfly while you're there. Before heading to Cairns spend some time in Kuranda to explore the village in the rainforest. You may like to choose to travel to Cairns on board Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.

Hotel: Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort

Included Meals: Breakfast.

Board a high speed catamaran and cruise out to the Great Barrier Reef. The world heritage listed reef is the only living organism you can see from the moon. Imagine that! You'll have the opportunity to go snorkelling and view this natural living wonder up- close (equipment provided) and view the spectacular coral and tropical fish from the underwater observatory and the semi- submersible craft. Enjoy a delicious tropical buffet lunch before you return to Cairns in the late afternoon. This evening join your fellow travellers for a Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant where you'll taste delicious traditional bush flavours.

Hotel: Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort, 2 nights

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Farewell Dinner

Your wonderful holiday concludes after breakfast when you bid farewell to your new found friends.

Included Meals: Breakfast