Day 1: Welcome to Cairns

Meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers for an orientation tour of the laid back tropical city. This evening there is an opportunity to enjoy Aussie hospitality at its best – join a local family in their home in Cairns for a Be My Guest BBQ dinner. Spend a leisurely evening enjoying an informal chat with the family and learning about life in the tropics. The open, warm and friendly nature of Australians will be there in abundance.

Day 2: Great Barrier Reef

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. You have a free evening to do as you choose. Why not take a stroll along the esplanade and check out the Cairns Night Market?

This morning you will take the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway high above the canopy of the Barron Gorge National Park to Kuranda village, where there's time to explore the 'village in the rainforest' including the heritage village markets. Continue to 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! There will be time to take a walk along the shore and feel the golden sand between your toes when you arrive in Mission Beach this afternoon.

Day 4: Mission Beach – Hamilton Island

Travel down the coast towards tonight’s stopover in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef on spectacular Hamilton Island. You’ll visit Townsville where there’s time for a stroll along the Strand, then travel to Airlie Beach to catch the ferry to the 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!

Day 5: Hamilton Island & Whitehaven Beach

The famous Whitehaven Beach beckons this morning. Cruise aboard a catamaran to this slice of paradise, where you can simply relax on the beach, take a swim, or get involved in some fun beach activities. Back at Hamilton Island the afternoon is yours to indulge in your own pleasures – hire a buggy to explore the island or maybe tee off in paradise against the magnificent backdrop of an azure ocean.

Return to the mainland and travel to Australia’s sugar capital, Sarina, to visit a miniature working sugar mill. On your tour, you’ll 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 to Rockhampton, Australia’s beef capital! Your night is free so why not try some local beef at one of the town’s steakhouses.

Cross the Tropic of Capricorn and stop at Langmorn Station, a fully operational family run cattle station. Take a guided tour of the property including the original family homestead, built in 1873. Enjoy morning tea in the garden in the company of the pet kangaroo! Later you’ll stop at Ohana Exotic Fruit Orchard for a guided tour with the opportunity to try some local flavours and produce. Continue to Hervey Bay, gateway to Fraser Island.

Day 8: Fraser Island – Noosa

A day of discovery lies ahead as you cross by ferry to explore the wonders of World Heritage listed Fraser Island. 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. Enjoy lunch before your 4WD tour takes you to the coloured sands of Rainbow Beach (tidal) and beyond on to the Sunshine Coast resort town of Noosa. This evening choose one of the town’s eateries and dine on inspiring local delights.

Day 9: Noosa Free Time

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 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. This evening enjoy a Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant with your Travel Director and fellow travellers.

Visit Australia Zoo, made famous by the Crocodile Hunter, the late Steve Irwin. Enjoy a sneak peek at 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 a show in the Crocoseum and wander through the zoo’s fascinating grounds. Later, you’ll travel to Brisbane for a sightseeing tour, where your holiday concludes after a sightseeing tour.