East Coast Islands and Rainforest
12 Day Guided Vacation | Sydney to Cairns
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East Coast Islands and Rainforest
12 Day Guided Vacation
| Sydney to Cairns
Travel period
East Coast Islands & Rainforest
12 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.
Why you'll love this trip:
- Soak up island life with two nights on Hamilton Island
- Gain insight into farm life at Langmorn Cattle Station
- Snorkel the world-famous Great Barrier Reef
- Relax and enjoy four two-night stays on this tour
East Coast Islands & Rainforest (Travel Period: 01 Apr 2020 – 31 Mar 2021)
Flexible Vacations
Choose your own adventure on the Gold Coast: perhaps taste a new cuisine or hike out to a waterfall!
Iconic Sites
Spend two nights on incredible Fraser Island, then enjoy a day out further north, on the Great Barrier Reef.
Time For You
Live it up on Hamilton Island as you please: take a ferry to Whitehaven Beach or enjoy an indulgent dinner.
Sustainable Travel
Take a sneak peek at Australia Zoo’s Wildlife Hospital and koala rehabilitation project, supported by AAT Kings.
Start discovering the landscapes of Australia’s east coast as you travel northward to the coastal town of Coffs Harbour. From your accommodation nestled amongst sprawling tropical gardens, you’ll have the opportunity to wander down to Little Diggers Beach and Diggers Head. Enjoy the early evening sea breeze just like the locals do. Tonight enjoy a Welcome Reception and dinner with your Travel Director.
Please note: Sydney Central, accommodation will need to be pre-booked for the previous night.
Hotel: BreakFree Aanuka Beach Resort
Included Meals: Dinner
Journey to Cape Byron Lighthouse for superb views from Australia’s eastern-most point over the Pacific Ocean. Afterwards spend time discovering the relaxed bohemian vibe of Byron Bay. For lunch we recommend fresh fish and chips on the beach, there’s nothing more Australian. Continue to the famous holiday destination, the Gold Coast.
Hotel: Novotel Surfers Paradise, 2 nights
Included Meals: Breakfast
Today you have the freedom to enjoy the Gold Coast in your own style. Nature lovers may head to Mt. Tamborine, foodies explore the growing culinary culture or those needing relaxation just stroll down to the sand and salt of Surfers Paradise Beach.
Included Meals: Breakfast
This morning visit Australia Zoo made famous by the Crocodile Hunter, the late Steve Irwin and his family. Enjoy a sneak peek into 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. This afternoon the ferry will take you across to the World Heritage listed K’gari, also known as Fraser Island.
Hotel: Kingfisher Bay Resort, 2 nights
Included Meals: Breakfast
A day of discovery lies ahead as your 4WD tour takes you for a ride around the island’s must-see sites. Visit Lake McKenzie, ringed with magnificent white sandy beaches. Walk through the ancient rainforest at Central Station and Wanggoolba Creek with its huge satiny, scribbly gum and kauri trees. Across the island to 75 Mile Beach, the sand highway will take you up the eastern coast to the Pinnacles Coloured Sands; cooling, calm waters of Eli Creek and the famous sinking Maheno Shipwreck.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Visit Langmorn Station, a fully operational family run cattle station. Meet the Creed family and take a guided tour of the property including the 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 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.
Hotel: Reef View Hotel, 2 nights
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Today is yours to indulge in your own pleasures – consider an optional experience. Perhaps cruise to famous Whitehaven Beach, take a scenic flight over the iconic Heart Reef 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, from where you'll head north 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
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-yearold 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 the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Your six-person gondola will provide spectacular views of the rainforest and the Coral Sea.
Hotel: Pacific 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 glass bottom boat. Enjoy a tropical buffet lunch on board, before you return in the late afternoon for a Farewell Dinner with your Travel Director and new-found 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
Please note: This itinerary may be subject to change.
Your Guided Holiday includes a range of quality accommodation for your comfort.
The accommodation you will enjoy on this tour includes:
Discover the best of Coffs Harbour accommodation at BreakFree Aanuka Beach Resort - a relaxed, tropical style beachfront resort which is ideal for families and couples looking for their next seaside adventure. There's accommodation to suit everyone at BreakFree Aanuka Beach Resort, making your beach holiday extra special with a fantastic range of facilities and great choice of room types.
- Microwave and toaster
- Air-conditioning
- In-room internet access
- Cable TV
- DVD player
- CD player
- Hairdryer
- Iron and ironing board
- Tea and coffee making facilities
Features
Kingfisher Bay Resort is the gateway to World Heritage-listed Fraser Island and is internationally renowned following the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's royal visit, during their official Australian tour .
- Air Conditioning
- Bath/Shower
- Colour TV
- STD/ISD Phone
- Tea & Coffee Making Facilities
- Hair Dryer
- Iron
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
Pacific Hotel Cairns is centrally located on the picturesque Cairns Esplanade overlooking Trinity Harbour and the Reef Fleet Terminal, the main departure point to the Great Barrier Reef in Cairns. Opposite the main shopping precinct, casino and the new restaurant area, the Pacific is also a short walk to the Esplanade Lagoon with waterside boardwalks and parklands.
- Balcony or Terrace
- Wi-Fi
- Iron / Ironing Board
- Laundry facilities (Self-Service)
- Swimming Pool
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 and 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 199.80
Child Price: AUD 107.10
Your tour today offers the wonders of the rainforest, as well as our unique indigenous culture. 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. Glide over and through the World Heritage rainforest with Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, before free time in Kuranda. Wander through the colourful Heritage Markets and find some intersting arts and crafts. You then take a spectacular journey along the Scenic Railway through the curves and waves of the rainforest to Freshwater Station. Your coach awaits for your transfer back to your accommodation.
FIND OUT MOREAdult Price: From AUD 99.00
Child Price: From AUD 45.00
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 evening cruise through the calm water inlet and waterfront precinct of Cairn. Enjoy fabulous dining and live music with the lights of Cairns City and mountain sillhouettes as your backdrop.
Adult Price: AUD 93.00
Child Price: AUD 60.50
Watch Indigenous performers bring the world’s oldest living culture to life through traditional dance, art and interactive demonstrations.
Adult Price: AUD 154.00
Child Price: AUD 93.50
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.
Adult Price: AUD 120.00
Child Price: AUD 47.00
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. Morning departure, including morning tea.
Adult Price: AUD $235.80 Child Price: AUD $217.80
A cultural journey taking you from coast to rainforest experiencing natural beauty and ancient culture.
Learn traditional hunting and gathering skills as you search for bush tucker of mud crabs, fish and mussels before tasting and sharing what you have caught and gathered. A short drive away is the lush rainforest of Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre. Here you will experience the splendour of the World Heritage listed Daintree Rainforest. Enjoy a guided interpretive walk through the ancient rainforest and along the banks of the pristine waters of the Mossman Gorge. Lunch & damper included.
Adult Price: AUD $198.90 Child Price: AUD $104.40
Enjoy this historical rail journey to Kuranda, with breathtaking views across the cane fields of Cairns, to the tropical rainforest of Kuranda. Upon arrival you will have around one hour to explore this fascinating village of colourful and interesting arts and crafts. At 11.30am, make your way directly to the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway to experience this iconic rainforest. After arriving at the Smithfield Skyrail Terminal, the coach will transfer you to Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures. Explore the park, including the unique eco experience of the Wetlands cruise through the ecologically significant Melaleuca wetlands; the domain of the saltwater crocodile. (Operates Daily)
Adult Price: AUD $201.60 Child Price: AUD $135.00
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 morning tea and a driver guided walk at Mossman Gorge, a cruise on the Daintree River, delicious tropical BBQ lunch set amongst the rainforest, and a walk on famous Cape Tribulation Beach.
Adult Price: AUD $153.90 Child Price: AUD $81.00
Join your Down Under Tours coach transfer to Smithfield Station. Here you join Skyrail and marvel at the World's Most Beautiful Rainforest Experience, including time at both Red Peak and Barron Falls stations, both with spectacular lookouts. 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. Upon arrival at historic Freshwater Station, you will board your coach back to your accommodation.
Adult Price: AUD $199
Take a scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef - spectacular! Prices from
Adult Price: AUD $55.00 Child Price: AUD$37.00
Have marine experts guide you on a personal 35 minute tour exploring areas of the reef not accessible by others, highlighting brilliant corals and fascinating marine life. Our marine naturalist has a large rubber ring that you can hold on to, making it great for non-swimmers and those who aren't confident to snorkel alone, as well as those who want an in-depth experience of the outer reef.
Adult Price: AUD $149.00
Adult Price: AUD $235.00 Child Price: AUD $122.00
Spend the whole day experiencing the wonders of the magnificent Whitehaven Beach. Following the cruise over, your day on the whitest of sands commences on the southern end of the beach. The crew will advise of the days activities available including a trip to Hill Inlet at the northern end of the beach, walking tours and paddle-boarding. Your trip includes morning and afternoon tea plus a gourmet burger with side salads served on the beach.
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 of fitness required
Dining
- 11 Full buffet breakfasts
- 3 Lunches
- 2 Dinners
- 1 Farewell Dinner
Flight Information
- Day prior – Flights to arrive anytime into Sydney Airport
- Day 12 – Flights to depart anytime from Cairns Airport
Reviews
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