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Itinerary

Day 1 Thur. Sydney, Coffs Harbour, Welcome Dinner.

Depart Sydney and travel along the Central Coast past the picturesque Hawkesbury River and its many oyster farms to the subtropical resort town of Coffs Harbour, home to a thriving banana industry. Stop to visit a number of hinterland towns, including Kempsey, home of the iconic Australian Akubra hat. Tonight enjoy our Welcome Dinner in Coffs Harbour.

Day 2 Fri. Byron Bay, Gold Coast.

Visit bohemian Byron Bay with its artists' community and unspoilt beaches, making it a popular holiday spot with Australians. Cape Byron marks the most easterly point of the Australian mainland. Explore beautiful Gold Coast where there are no less than 35 stunning beaches. Then take a tour of Brisbane, capital of Queensland, on the banks of the Brisbane River. Brisbane's mix of old and new architecture, tropical climate and historical heritage gives it a laid-back appeal.

Day 3 Sat. Australia Zoo, Sunshine Coast, Cruise to Fraser Island.

Visit the Australia Zoo,made famous by the 'Crocodile Hunter', Steve Irwin. The zoo's biggest attraction is, of course, crocodiles. You can see these animals feeding, lazing in the sun or 'having a go' at the keepers. We pass the Sunshine Coast, well named for its almost perfect weather all year round. We then join a cruise from Hervey Bay, a great place to see migrating whales (seasonal), to Fraser Island.

Two Night Stay: World Heritage-listed Fraser Island, Kingfisher Bay Resort and Village, an ecotourism experience on this amazing sand island.

Day 4 Sun. Fraser Island, Freedom of Choice Touring, Bush Tucker Talk

Rise early this morning to join an escorted birdwatching walk through native bushland (optional). Later, choose to join the local ranger for a 4-wheel drive adventure, discovering the lakes and rainforest of the island, visiting the pristine Lake McKenzie and Wanggoolba Creek, or join a humpback whale watching or dolphin cruise (subject to season). Perhaps upgrade to a full day 4WD Beach & Rainforest tour (additional expense). Tonight, enjoy our Bush Tucker Talk with a park ranger and chef before a delicious BBQ. Sample delicacies of kangaroo, crocodile and prawns.

Day 5 Mon. Rockhampton, Botanic Gardens.

We farewell Fraser Island and cross the Great Sandy Strait. Rejoining the coach we travel through cattle country to Rockhampton, the beef capital of Australia which straddles the Tropic of Capricorn. Stroll through the Botanic Gardens, and explore Australia's longest National Trust-classified street, Rockhampton's Quay Street.

Stay: Rockhampton, Travelodge. HENDERSON PARK FARMSTAY OPTION Stay overnight at a working cattle station, enjoying a night by the campfire and barbecue dinner. Additional £35 per person (minimum 2 passengers).

Day 6 Tue. Henderson Park, Mackay, Airlie Beach, Whitsunday Cruise

Visit Henderson Park just outside of Rockhampton to learn about the operation of a working cattle station. We travel along the Hibiscus Coast to Airlie Beach, gateway to the Whitsunday Islands. From Shute Harbour we cruise the Whitsunday Passage to Hamilton Island, one of the Whitsunday's largest islands, with a wide range of activities and opportunities to visit the reef.

Two Night Stay: Hamilton Island Resort, guaranteed Coral View rooms at the Reef View Hotel. Enjoy the fabulous views of the surrounding Coral Sea.

Day 7 Wed. Hamilton Island, Freedom of Choice Touring, Sunset Drinks,

Awaken to the Whitsundays' azure waters and sandy beaches from your room overlooking Hamilton Island's beach. Today's Freedom of Choice options offer relaxation and adventure. Choose a half day Whitehaven Beach cruise. Alternatively, choose from an island bus tour and visit the fauna park to encounter a wide range of Australia's fascinating native animals. Perhaps hire a golf buggy for a tour of the island or feed the schools of colourful fish at Catseye Beach, joining a Beach Sports attendant for this fantastic informative snorkelling adventure. Perhaps you can also play Aquatic golf, with automatic tee-off machines and a 'Hole in One' Water challenge or take the Banjo Paterson Twilight Cruise around Hamilton Island, soaking up the peaceful atmosphere (in lieu of sunset drinks). Adventure Option - choose to upgrade to a full day Outer Reef cruise (additional expense). Sip a drink as the sun sets over the Whitsunday Islands, then you are spoilt for choice at ou

Day 8 Thur. Dine Around Dinners™ Townsville, Mission Beach, Cruise to Dunk Island, Dine Around Dinner

Great experiences continue as we cruise through the Whitsunday Passage back to the mainland. We drive north past mango plantations and stop in tropical Townsville, Australia's largest tropical city and the centre for marine research for the Great Barrier Reef. From Mission Beach, which is fringed by coconut palms and World Heritage-listed wet tropical rainforest, we cruise to Dunk Island. Tonight you can choose from four different restaurants on the island.

Two Night Stay: APT EXCLUSIVE! Dunk Island Resort, Garden Units. Stay on Australia's most beautiful rainforest island.

Day 9 Fri. Relaxation on Dunk Island.

Today is yours to relax on Dunk Island, regarded as one of Australia's most serene islands. Three quarters of Dunk Island has been designated as a national park. Explore the walking trails, birdlife and native flowers of the rainforest or discover the highlights of the resort. Visit the Artists' Colony, or perhaps be adventurous and try parasailing, go on a guided jet ski tour or do a spot of water skiing. Then there is the magnificent Great Barrier Reef at Beaver Cay off Dunk Island. Or indulge at the Spa of Peace and Plenty, including holistic spa therapies and aromatherapy products, surrounded by the lush foliage of the tropical rainforest (all own expense).

Day 10 Sat. Millaa Millaa Falls, Curtain Fig Tree, Port Douglas.

Return to the mainland and tour the lush Atherton Tablelands, visiting beautiful Millaa Millaa Falls and the unique Curtain Fig Tree, a strangler fig that has consumed its host tree, sending down a curtain of roots. Later, join the Skyrail Cableway for a journey above the rainforest. As we head to Port Douglas, take in views of the magnificent coastline. Meet for pre-dinner drinks before joining your fellow travellers at the Outback Restaurant. .

Day 11 Sun. Port Douglas, Freedom of Choice Touring.

Today explore the Great Barrier Reef your way, at no extra cost. Choose from three exciting Quicksilver cruises, all including a delicious lunch on board and offering bar facilities. Cruise to the Outer Reef on the 'Wavepiercer'. Snorkel the clear waters of Agincourt Reef or view the marine life beneath the waters from the semi-submersible. Alternatively, go sailing on the 'Wavedancer' luxury catamaran, before mooring at the Low Isles for a host of reef activities. Or, board the 'Silversonic' for a day of snorkelling and discovery on the remote Outer Reef. Alternatively, enjoy an early morning balloon flight including breakfast.

Two Night Stay: Cairns, Tradewinds Hotel, right on the waterfront with guaranteed Ocean View Rooms.

Day 12 Cairns, Freedom of Choice Touring, Farewell Dinner.

Choose from five Freedom of Choice options today. Visit the Rainforestation to watch a traditional performance by the Pamagirri Aboriginal Dancers, see koalas and ride aboard the Army Duck. Later travel aboard the Kuranda Scenic Railway. Or choose to join an adventure tour to the wilderness of Cape Tribulation, including a barbecue lunch and a swim. Perhaps, go whitewater rafting on the Barron River with a guide or join a relaxing cruise of Trinity Inlet. Alternatively indulge in a ½ hour spa treatment. This evening, farewell your new-found friends at our poolside barbecue Farewell Dinner.

Day 13 Tue. Morning to Relax in Cairns.

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