East Coast Islands and Rainforest
13 Day Guided Vacation | Sydney to Cairns
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East Coast Islands and Rainforest
13 Day Guided Vacation | Sydney to Cairns
Travel period
East Coast Islands & Rainforest
13 Day Guided Vacation
Sydney to Cairns
Explore the epic Eastern Australian coastline on a journey that takes you from spectacular Sydney to the glamorous Gold Coast. Cruise to pristine Fraser Island and the Whitsundays, and head to tropical Cairns to discover the world-renowned Great Barrier Reef. There are hinterland experiences too – you’ll taste premium wines in the Hunter Valley and tour a remote Rockhampton cattle station.
This itinerary is valid from 1 April 2019.
East Coast Islands & Rainforest (Travel Period: 01 Apr 2019 – 31 Mar 2020)
- Enjoy lunch & wine tastings in the Hunter Valley
- Visit Australia Zoo, home of the Irwin family
- See the koalas at Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital
- Free time in the resort town of Noosa
- Take an exciting 4WD tour on Fraser Island
- Taste produce at the Ohana Exotic Fruit Orchard
- Experience life on Langmorn Station
- Stop at the Sarina Sugar Shed for a guided tour and lunch at a miniature sugar mill
- Stay on Hamilton Island – everyone has a view over the Whitsundays from their balcony
- Relax in idyllic Mission Beach
- Stop at Millaa Millaa Falls & the Curtain Fig Tree
- Skirt across the treetops on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
- Snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef
- Included Choice experiences on the Gold Coast
Leave Sydney today bound for the renowned Hunter Valley, one of Australia’s major wine regions. Visit a vineyard to enjoy an exclusive wine-tasting, and get to know your fellow travellers over lunch. Continue north to the seaside town of Port Macquarie, renowned for its extensive beaches and waterways.
Hotel: Sails Port Macquarie by Rydges
Included Meals: Lunch, Dinner with wine
Experience superb views over the Pacific Ocean this morning from Cape Byron, the easternmost point in Australia. You may spot migrating whales breaching not far offshore. A scenic coastal drive this afternoon takes you to the legendary holiday destination of the Gold Coast, where you’ll settle in for your two-night stay.
Hotel: Novotel Surfers Paradise, 2 nights
Included Meals: Breakfast
Today choose one from a selection of Included Choice sightseeing experiences. Take the 4WD track through the Gold Coast Hinterland, or a boat trip to try your hand at crab fishing. The 270-metre SkyPoint Climb at the iconic Q1 building will tempt the energetic.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Head north this morning, stopping in Brisbane for a short orientation tour, then continue to the famous Australia Zoo. Enjoy a sneak peek into the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital and see how AAT Kings works with its Wildlife Warriors to support its koala rehabilitation project. Your final destination is the beachside resort town of Noosa, where you’ll join your fellow travellers for dinner at a local restaurant.
Hotel: The Sebel Resort Noosa, 2 nights
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with wine
Take time out today to discover Noosa for yourself. Swim in the clear waters of Main Beach, or venture a little further afield on an easy walk along the spectacular headland to Noosa National Park. You may like to hire a stand-up paddle-board or take a boat ride on the mysterious and tranquil waters of the Noosa Everglades. This evening, stroll along Hastings Street and dine in one of its many eateries.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Today you’ll explore the wonders of World Heritage listed Fraser Island, the world’s largest sand island. Its striking blue freshwater lakes crystalline creeks, giant dunes and lush rainforests combine to create a spectacular environment. Enjoy lunch before travelling on to Hervey Bay, where in spring around 7,000 humpback whales and their new calves rest and play in the calm, safe waters before they head back to the Antarctic.
Hotel: Mantra Hervey Bay
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Your day begins with a visit to the Ohana Exotic Fruit Orchard. Then you’ll travel to Langmorn Station for a guided tour of the 11,000-hectare cattle property and a Be My Guest afternoon tea. Later, cross the Tropic of Capricorn as you arrive in Rockhampton. A stroll along historic Quay Street tonight could provide the perfect opportunity to sample some local beef at one of the city’s steakhouses.
Hotel: Quality Hotel Regent, Rockhampton
Included Meals: Breakfast, Be My Guest afternoon tea
Travel north to Sarina today for a guided tour of its unique miniature sugar mill and distillery. At Airlie Beach you’ll catch the ferry to Hamilton Island, one of 74 tropical islands that make up the Whitsunday group in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. The spectacular island boasts pristine beaches and a kaleidoscope of coral and marine life, and is home to large populations of koalas, kangaroos, wallabies and kookaburras.
Hotel: Reef View Hotel, 2 nights
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner with wine
Today is yours to indulge in your own pleasures – consider some optional experiences. Perhaps cruise to famous Whitehaven Beach or a scenic flight over the iconic Heart Reef. You could visit the island’s wildlife park, home to many species of Australian animals or sit back with a good book by one of the resort’s stunning pools.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Take the ferry back to the mainland this morning. Stroll along its handsome esplanade before heading off to the seaside town of Mission Beach, nestled between World Heritage rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. Your accommodation offers superb views over the Coral Sea.
Hotel: Castaways Resort & Spa
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with wine
Today’s journey takes you to the Atherton Tablelands, with its lush rainforests, spectacular waterfalls and peaceful lakes. Visit Millaa Millaa Falls and the heritage listed 500-year-old Curtain Fig Tree, and keep an eye out for the magnificent Ulysses butterfly. Spend some free time in Kuranda, the ‘village in the rainforest’, before travelling on via the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Your six-person gondola will provide spectacular views of the rainforest and the Coral Sea.
Hotel: Hilton Hotel Cairns, 2 nights
Included Meals: Breakfast
Board a high-speed catamaran today and cruise out to the iconic Great Barrier Reef, the only living organism that can be seen from the moon. You’ll have the opportunity to go snorkelling (equipment provided) or view the spectacular coral and tropical fish from the underwater observatory and semi-submersible craft. Enjoy a tropical buffet lunch on board, before you return in the late afternoon, for a Farewell Dinner with your Travel Director and newfound friends.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Farewell Dinner
Say farewell to your fellow travellers when your holiday comes to an end this morning after breakfast
Included Meals: Breakfast
Your Guided Holiday includes a range of quality accommodation for your comfort.
The accommodation you will enjoy on this tour includes:
This coastal beauty has emerged from an extensive refurbishment to reveal 92 stunning guest rooms and suites providing the ultimate Port Macquarie accommodation, with a brand new restaurant & bar now open and a new entrance and waterfront event centre. The stylish and contemporary design of our Port Macquarie resort inspired by its breathtaking bay side location offers guests the chance to retreat, relax and rejuvenate with all the coastal life essentials.
- Air-conditioning
- Wi-Fi
- Flat Screen TV
- Hair Dryer
- Iron / Ironing Board
- Tea & Coffee Facilities
- Swimming Pool
Features
Nestled amidst the beautiful beaches and thriving shopping, dining and nightlife of Australia’s Gold Coast, Novotel Surfers Paradise is ideally situated, just minutes from the surf.
- Wi-Fi
- Air Conditioning
- Hair Dryer
- Ensuite
- Iron / Ironing Board
- Balcony or Terrace
- Tea & Coffee Facilities
- Heater
- Alarm Clock
- TV
- Gym facilities
- Swimming Pool
Features
Located in the heart of cosmopolitan Hastings Street, The Sebel Noosa is surrounded by world class restaurants, cafés and upmarket fashion boutiques just moments from Noosa's Main Beach and the beautiful Noosa River. Perfect for couples or families, the one and two bedroom apartments feature spacious living and dining areas, separate bedrooms, fully equipped kitchen, laundry and spa bath. Unwind on the private furnished balcony or bask on the beach and experience the best in luxury and lifestyle.
- Wi-Fi
- Swimming Pool
- Air-conditioning
- Iron / Ironing Board
- TV
- DVD players
- Kitchen Facilities
Features
Mantra Hervey Bay makes a perfect base for sightseeing. Overlooking the famous calm waters where migrating humpback whales frolic with their newborns during Hervey Bay whale watching season. Fantastic dining and shopping options just a short walk away.
- Air-conditioning
- Heater
- Flat Screen TV
- In-house movies
- ISD/STD phone
- Ensuite
- Hairdryer
- Foxtel
- CD player
- Iron / Ironing Board
- Clock Radio
- Refrigerator
- Private balcony
- Wireless Internet access
- Tea & Coffee Facilities
- Gym facilities
- Business Facilities
Features
The 1914 Historical Heritage Listed TAFE College has been converted into a 4 1/2 Star 49 room hotel with conference and licensed restaurant facilities. The Quality Regent Hotel Rockhampton is part of the Choice group of quality hotels and offers superior accommodation and professional functions facilities in a premier position in the CBD. It is situated within walking distance to shops, businesses, restaurants and waterfront. Airport and Rail - only minutes drive away. We will cater to our guests every need to ensure their stay is most enjoyable.
- Guest Laundry
- Air Conditioning
- Swimming Pool
- Wireless Internet access
- Refrigerator
- Room service
Features
With large, comfortable, modern rooms, the Reef View Hotel offers a perfect getaway for couples, families or groups of friends. Spacious, comfortable and with most rooms boasting incredible sea views, the Reef View Hotel offers stylish and family-friendly Hamilton Island accommodation.
- Private balcony
- Air-conditioning
- Ceiling fan
- Clock Radio
- Ensuite
- Bathtub and shower
- In-room safe
- Iron / Ironing Board
- Phone
- Refrigerator
- In-room Movies (fee applies)
- Wireless Internet access
- Mini-bar (surcharge)
- Room service
- Tea & Coffee Facilities
- TV
- iPod connectivity
Features
Castaways Resort & Spa is your ultimate beachfront escape in the tropics. Idyllically bound by the Great Barrier Reef and World Heritage Wet Tropics Rainforest, Castaways resort is the perfect destination for couples, families or groups of friends. Positioned absolute beachfront with direct access to the 14 km long beautiful, white sandy beach you have found your own tropical little paradise right here!
- Free wireless internet access
- Flat Screen TV
- Foxtel
- Clock radio
- Direct Dial Telephone
- Air-conditioning
- Refrigerator
- Hairdryer
- Tea & Coffee Facilities
- Iron / Ironing Board
Features
The Hilton Cairns hotel boasts a unique tropical setting, enjoying spectacular scenery surrounded by lush gardens. The hotel offers bright accommodation with spacious bathrooms and private balconies with stunning waterfront views of Trinity Inlet, the Cairns Esplanade and blue-green mountains beyond
- Air Conditioning
- Radio
- Phone
- Private balcony
- Bathrobe
- Bathroom Amenities
- Hair Dryer
- Internet Access
- Mini Bar
- Iron / Ironing Board
Features
Need accommodation before or after your tour?
Our special discounted rates make booking accommodation with us during your holiday both easy and affordable at selected AAT Kings hotels and resorts. Find out more
- Quality accommodation
- Travel by luxury coach
- Experienced Travel Director & Driver Guide
- Airport transfers (see flight information below)
To ensure your holiday is filled with memorable experiences, we have included a range of quality Optional Excursions for you to choose from and partake in, if you wish, during your holiday. The excursions can be booked on tour through your Travel Director.
Adult Price: AUD 220.00
Child Price: AUD 141.00
After arriving at Mossman Gorge, you will be treated to a guided rainforest walk along private, easy graded tracks, visiting special places and culturally significant sites, past traditional bark shelters and over cool rainforest streams. Your experienced interpretive Indigenous guides demonstrate traditional plant use, identify bush tucker sources, share their dreamtime legends, explain the history of cave paintings and provide an enchanting narrative of the rainforest and their special relationships within this unique tropical environment. After your 1.5hr walk, enjoy tea, damper and question time with guide. Later enjoy a fascinating hour cruising through this wildlife environment, which is home to birds, tree snakes, unique plants and the estuarine crocodile – a great photo opportunity. Enjoy afternoon tea after your cruise. Lunch included. (Operates Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday)
* If your tour ends in Cairns, you must have post tour accommodation or a late departing flight. Ask us for details
FIND OUT MOREAdult Price: AUD 59.00
Child Price: AUD 29.50
Dep 1.30pm from Reef Fleet Terminal
With waterways winding through a 300 square kilometre maze of mangroves, expect rich diverse wildlife, stunning scenery and a relaxing cruise with informative commentary from the crew. This is the saltwater crocodile’s natural habitat – with a chance to spot them basking on the muddy banks particularly in the cooler months.
* If your tour ends in Cairns, you must have post tour accommodation or a late departing flight. Ask us for details
Adult Price: AUD 218.00
Child Price: AUD 142.00
Travel in air-conditioned comfort in your luxury purpose-built vehicle to Cape Tribulation, through some of the oldest rainforest in the world. Included is a driver/guided tour & morning tea at the Mossman Gorge Centre, delicious tropical lunch set amongst the rainforest, and a walk on famous Cape Tribulation Beach.
* If your tour ends in Cairns, you must have post tour accommodation or a late departing flight. Ask us for details
FIND OUT MOREAdult Price: AUD 167.00
Child Price: AUD 88.00
Join your luxury Down Under Tours coach for the journey to Caravonica Lakes. Here you join Skyrail and marvel at the technology that has created the World's Most Beautiful Rainforest Experience. Stop at Barron Falls Station and learn more about this amazing Eco-system at the CSIRO Interpretive Centre. View the Barron Falls or enjoy a leisurely stroll along the rainforest boardwalk. On arrival in Kuranda, the Village is yours to explore. The vibrant and colourful Heritage markets take place daily. Your return to Cairns is aboard the famous Kuranda Scenic Rail. Winding around curves, across bridges and through hand-hewn tunnels this amazing engineering feat is a tribute to our pioneers. Spectacular scenery is the order of the day before arriving at historic Freshwater Station, where you will board your coach back to your accommodation.
* If your tour ends in Cairns, you must have post tour accommodation or a late departing flight. Ask us for details
FIND OUT MOREAdult Price: AUD 218.00
Child Price: AUD 117.00
Visit the award-winning Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park. Experience the history, creation and dance theatres where the legends of the dreamtime are brought to life. Ride the Skyrail Cableway above the Barron Gorge National Park to the village of Kuranda, where there is time to stroll through the markets.
* If your tour ends in Cairns, you must have post tour accommodation or a late departing flight. Ask us for details
FIND OUT MOREAdult Price: AUD 170.00
For an underwater adventure to remember, experience an introductory dive! It’s fun and no experience is necessary to take a fully supervised introductory dive. Professional and experienced instructors will guide you through every aspect of your dive, allowing you to have a relaxed, enjoyable experience.
Adult Price: AUD 122.00 - 1 Certified Scuba Dive
If you already have a dive certification, we will provide an experienced dive guide to ensure maximum enjoyment and safety and guide you to the best sites. Proof of certification is required C-card / log book. (Certified diving is subject to availability on day of travel)
Adult Price: AUD 175.00
Take a scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef - spectacular!
Adult Price: AUD 260.00 + flight levy
Child Price: AUD 219.00 + flight levy
Enjoy a spectacular balloon flight over the Atherton Tablelands the hot air ballooning capital of the southern hemisphere.
*Additional $30.00 insurance levy to be paid direct to Hot Air Cairns applies.
** If your tour ends in Cairns, you must have post tour accommodation or a late departing flight. Ask us for details
Adult Price: From AUD 95.00
Child Price: From AUD 50.00
A Cairns Dinner Cruise is the perfect way to end a perfect day in paradise. Step aboard the luxury catamaran Spirit of Cairns for a 2.5 hour cruise of dining, entertainment, and panoramic mountain and city views. Throughout the evening you cruise the calm water inlet and waterfront precinct of Cairns, whilst enjoying fabulous dining, live music, and (optional!) dancing after dinner. (Operates Wednesday to Saturday)
* If your tour ends in Cairns, you must have post tour accommodation or a late departing flight. Ask us for details
Adult Price: AUD 90.00
Child Price: AUD 59.50
Watch Indigenous performers bring the world’s oldest living culture to life through traditional dance, art and interactive demonstrations.
* If your tour ends in Cairns, you must have post tour accommodation or a late departing flight. Ask us for details
Adult Price: AUD 151.00
Child Price: AUD 92.50
More than just a dinner and show; Tjapukai by Night takes you on a magical adventure into the legends of Australia’s dreamtime. Here you will enter another world as Australia’s Aboriginal culture is brought to life through a series of award winning performances as you feast on modern cuisine from the Far North.
* If your tour ends in Cairns, you must have post tour accommodation or a late departing flight. Ask us for details
Adult Price: AUD 55.00
Child Price: AUD 55.00
Ochre Restaurant has created a whole new Australian Cuisine utilising the abundant and, until recently, untapped traditional native fruits, berries, game meats and seafood, as well as the best of Australian wines and beers.
* If your tour ends in Cairns, you must have post tour accommodation or a late departing flight. Ask us for details
Adult Price: AUD 28.00
Child Price: AUD 18.00
What a way to end the day! Sit back, relax and experience Noosa coming alive at sunset. Revel in the amazing sights and sounds of nature as you cruise the river and the beautiful hidden waterways of the Noosa Sound Canals. The photo opportunities can be breath taking and you're welcome to bring your own beverages and snacks on board with glassware and ice buckets provided! (Operates Wednesday to Saturday)
Adult Price: AUD 135.00
Child Price: AUD 95.00
Experience one of Australia’s most magnificent wilderness areas with its intriguing waterways and myriad of wildlife on a Noosa Everglades Discovery River Cruise. After a delicious morning tea you'll paddle upstream in your classic Canadian style canoe through ancient landscapes, mirrored waterways and sub-tropical rainforest to rejoin your tour group for a BBQ lunch of delicious Sirloin Steak, Barramundi or Vegetable Frittata. Enjoy a leisurely river cruise with your tour group back to Noosa
Adult Price: AUD 115.00
Child Price: AUD 45.00
The whitest sand in the Whitsundays is found on the magical Whitehaven Beach. This half day tour has you boarding a high speed catamaran directly to Whitehaven Beach where you will have time to explore, swim and relax.
Optional Experiences indicated are Australian or New Zealand dollars. Please note that occasionally weather or seasonal conditions may not permit their operation. Some also depend on a minimum number of participants and suitable time being available. Please see your Travel Director for a full list of experiences.
What to Bring
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat
- Water bottle
- Warm layers in cooler months
Fitness Requirements
- Low level fitness required
Dining
- 12 Full buffet breakfasts
- 4 Lunches
- 1 Be My Guest afternoon tea
- 4 Dinners with wine
- 1 Farewell Dinner
Flight Information
- Day Prior – flights to arrive anytime into Sydney Airport
- Day 13 – flights to depart anytime from Cairns Airport
Reviews
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