Day 1: Welcome to Cairns & the Great Barrier Reef

Welcome to Cairns! Meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers for an orientation tour of the laid back tropical city. This evening get to know each other over a drink and delicious meal featuring fresh seasonal produce at a local restaurant.

Day 2: The 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 travel through the high tropical plateau Tablelands to Kuranda for a chance to explore the village in the rainforest. 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

This morning take a cruise to spectacular Whitehaven Beach, voted the number one beach in Australia! Take a walk and feel the sand between your toes and if you’re up to it, take a walk to Hill’s Inlet for views over the Whitsunday islands and sparkling waters. This afternoon is yours to relax in paradise.

Return to the mainland and travel south through Mackay, Australia’s sugar capital, to Sarina for a guided tour through a miniature sugar mill and lunch! On your tour you’ll get a peak in to sugar cane processing and 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 cattle station. A member of the Creed family will treat you to a guided tour of the property including their original family homestead, built in 1873. Enjoy morning tea in the garden in the company of the pet kangaroo! Continue to Hervey Bay, gateway to Fraser Island.

Day 8: Hervey Bay – 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

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 hire a stand-up paddle board or even 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- it’s truly spectacular! This evening enjoy dinner at Noosa Surflifesaving Club with views over the beach.

Visit Australia Zoo, made famous by the Crocodile Hunter, the late Steve Irwin, Terri Irwin and Bindi. Enjoy a sneak peek in to 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 world famous Crocoseum and wander through the zoo’s fascinating grounds. It’s bound to be a wildlife experience you’ll never forget. Later, you travel to Brisbane for a sightseeing tour where your tour concludes. You can choose to depart in Brisbane or the Gold Coast.