Tropical Islands & Rainforest

Cairns
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Queensland is the only place in the world where two World Heritage Sites meet. And you get to see their convergence on this east coast Australia trip, which tours from the Gold Coast all the way to Cairns. From a Great Barrier Reef tour and the Wet Tropics rainforest to K’gari (Fraser) Island tour, get set for a parade of postcard-worthy attractions.

Departure dates

From 07/11/2024 to 14/03/2025

What's included

Highlights.
Hike through rainforest, stroll Whitehaven’s sand, cruise the Coral Sea or chopper above it.
Choose your own Whitsundays adventure.
Get up close with the only natural wonder you can see from space on the Great Barrier Reef.
Dive in or cruise in a glass-bottom boat.
Some of the world’s oldest tropical rainforest envelops Cairns, this verdant tangle of ferns and palms a natural magnet for native wildlife.
Our Take 3 for the Sea program helps conserve our oceans through small collective efforts of rubbish collection.
Specialist team of two highly experienced Travel Director and Driver 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites – K’gari (Fraser Island), Great Barrier Reef & Wet Tropics of Queensland (Barron Gorge National Park, Skyrail) Comfortable accommodation with easy access to city centres Crater Lake National Park entrance fees (Millaa Millaa Falls)Comfortable walking shoes Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat Water bottle Warm layers in cooler months CameraFlights to and from the start/end of your trip are not included in the trip price.
Day prior – flights to arrive anytime into Gold Coast AirportDay 9 – flights to depart anytime from Cairns AirportLow level of fitness required.
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• Specialist team of two highly experienced Travel Director and Driver • 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites – K’gari (Fraser Island), Great Barrier Reef & Wet Tropics of Queensland (Barron Gorge National Park, Skyrail) • Comfortable accommodation with easy access to city centres • Crater Lake National Park entrance fees (Millaa Millaa Falls).
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Itinerary / more information

  • Day 1 Follow the waves north to World Heritage-Listed K'gari (Fraser Island). The ferry ride across the strait is a highlight, particularly during whale migration when these gentle giants come to the calm, protected waters to calve. Landing on K'gari, expect to see a lot of sand. This is, after all, the world's largest sand island, and the only place in the world where rainforest grows from the sand.
  • Day 2 The other thing sandy is K'gari's highway-, which you'll get to zip along on a 4WD tour across 75 Mile Beach, all the way up the east coast to the Pinnacles Coloured Sands, calm Eli Creek and the Maheno shipwreck. Bring your camera, because between the wreck and Lake McKenzie - a dazzling patch of blue formed only with rainwater - you'll accumulate dozens of happy snaps. It's a hard act to follow, but the ancient rainforest at Central Station and Wanggoolba Creek lives up to the challenge with its huge satiny, scribbly gum and kauri trees.
  • Day 3 In a whiplash, you leave the coast behind and reunite with Queensland's cattle country. First stop: Langmorn Station, where the Creed family welcome you to their immense (and historic) cattle property with open arms and afternoon tea. And just a few stories about life on the land?? The theme continues as you cross the Tropic of Capricorn to arrive in Rockhampton, the beef capital of Australia. See if it deserves its title sampling some of the town's restaurants. Ask us for tips.
  • Day 4 From Australia's beef capital to its sugar capital - today you're en route to Sarina. If you've ever wanted to know how sugar cane is processed and distilled, you'll find the guided tour at the Sarina Sugar Shed a sweet addition to the itinerary. And yes, you get to sample the wares. Continue, on a high, to Airlie Beach, the gateway to the Whitsundays. Life moves at a leisurely pace here. Fall into step and take things slow tonight.
  • Day 5 The Whitsunday Islands are the stuff of postcards, a dreamy collection of 74 tropical islands that are all white sandy beaches and dense rainforest, surrounded by the Great Barrier Reef. You have to decide how to take it in. Perhaps on a scenic flight over the legendary Heart Reef, or on a cruise to Whitehaven Beach, where high amounts of silica in the sand means that it squeaks under your feet. Bring your sunglasses - the colours are blinding.
  • Day 6 Relax - today is all about soaking up the scenery. Think sugar cane fields and rolling green paddocks, all framed by the ocean and rainforest-clad mountains on one side, and the Coral Sea on the other. Stretch your legs en route to Cairns and soak up this steamy part of the state.
  • Day 7 Early morning is the ideal time to explore Cairns, before things get too steamy. Join locals on a heart-starting stroll along the Esplanade. The temperature dips as you climb into the Atherton Tablelands, a high tropical plateau of rainforest, including the heritage listed Curtain Tree. And waterfalls, like Millaa Millaa, where enormous iridescent Ulysses butterflies like to dance. Explore Kuranda before getting some perspective on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, high above and through the canopy of the Barron Gorge National Park.
  • Day 8 Just when you thought your outlook couldn't get any better, you're zipping over the Great Barrier Reef on a high-speed catamaran. Snorkel with six of the world's sea turtles bobbing over fans of coral, as well as so many fish you won't know where to look. If you prefer to keep your head above water, the marine world can also be glimpsed from an underwater observatory and glass-bottom boat.
  • Day 9 From underwater love to overwater love - bid adieu to your new crew of travel buddies.
  • Prices quoted valid for sale until 22 September 2024 unless otherwise stated or sold out prior.
  • Price is per person and subject to availability. Accommodation (if included) is based on twin share unless otherwise stated.
  • Airfare (including internal flights) is not included unless otherwise stated and, if included, is economy class unless otherwise stated.
  • Local payments, "trip kittys" or food funds may apply and may be payable direct to the supplier on arrival or to your travel agent prior to your departure. Where applicable, these payments are included in the total price quoted.
  • Gratuities are not included unless otherwise stated.
  • Additional conditions and travel restrictions may apply. Please enquire for further details.
  • Prices shown are fully inclusive of taxes, levies and government charges current at time of publication.
  • Additional levies, government charges and other applicable fees may apply and are beyond our control.
  • Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply depending on date of travel.
  • Payments made by credit card will incur a surcharge.
  • Prices shown are for payments made by cash in store or Bpay.
  • These prices are a guide to the best price. Prices are correct as at 17 September 2024 and are subject to change without notice, due to matters outside our control, such as adverse currency fluctuations, fuel surcharges, taxes and airfare increases. Please enquire for further details.

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