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Tropical Islands and Rainforest

9 Day Guided Vacation | Gold Coast to Cairns

Queensland is the only place in the world where two World Heritage Sites meet. And you get to see their convergence on this east coast Australia trip, which tours from the Gold Coast all the way to Cairns. From a Great Barrier Reef tour and the Wet Tropics rainforest to K’gari (Fraser) Island tour, get set for a parade of postcard-worthy attractions.  

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Prices From CODE: QGC

Was $4320

Was $5680

$3456

Adult Twin i A person 16 years and over (note a person 16–17 years must be accompanied by a person 18 years and over). All prices are per person, land only unless otherwise indicated.
Above lowest price is based on 2023-09-14 departure

$4816

Single i A person, who must be 18 years and over, travelling alone, must pay the single room price. All prices are per person, land only unless otherwise indicated.
Above lowest price is based on 2023-09-14 departure
Prices above are per person in USD
Child prices are available on request

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Trip Details

trip-details-whats-includedWhat's included

  • • Specialist team of two highly experienced Travel Director and Driver
  • • 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites – K’gari (Fraser Island), Great Barrier Reef & Wet Tropics of Queensland (Barron Gorge National Park, Skyrail)
  • • Centrally located premium hotels

trip-details-diningDining

  • • 8 Full Breakfasts
  • • 3 Lunches
  • • 1 Farewell Dinner

trip-details-flight-infoFlight Information

  • • Day prior – flights to arrive anytime into Gold Coast Airport
  • • Day 9 – flights to depart anytime from Cairns Airport
  • • Airline schedules may change at short notice. Please consider possible flight disruption when booking your flights.​

trip-details-what-to-bringWhat to Bring

  • • Camera
  • • Comfortable walking shoes
  • • Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat
  • • Water bottle
  • • Warm layers in cooler months

trip-details-fitness-level-requirementsFitness Requirements

  • • Low level of fitness required

Itinerary

image map

We hope you love sinking your toes into the sand, because there’s a lot to come. Bid adieu to the Gold Coast’s 70-kilometre coastline and venture north to Hervey Bay for the ferry ride to the world’s largest sand island, and the only place on the planet where rainforest grows from the sand. Welcome to World Heritage listed K’gari. Disconnect from tech, and reconnect with nature. 

  Hotel: Kingfisher Bay Resort, 2 Nights

The other thing sandy is K’gari’s highway­, which you’ll get to zip along on a 4WD tour across 75 Mile Beach, all the way up the east coast to the Pinnacles Coloured Sands, calm Eli Creek and the Maheno shipwreck. Bring your camera, because between the wreck and Lake McKenzie – a dazzling patch of blue formed only with rainwater – you’ll accumulate dozens of happy snaps. It’s a hard act to follow, but the ancient rainforest at Central Station and Wanggoolba Creek lives up to the challenge with its huge satiny, scribbly gum and kauri trees. 

  Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In a whiplash, you leave the coast behind and reunite with Queensland’s cattle country. First stop: Langmorn Station, where the Creed family welcome you to their immense (and historic) cattle property with open arms and afternoon tea. And just a few stories about life on the land… The theme continues as you cross the Tropic of Capricorn to arrive in Rockhampton, the beef capital of Australia. See if it deserves its title sampling some of the town’s restaurants. Ask us for tips.   

  Hotel: Quality Hotel Regent, Rockhampton

  Included Meals: Breakfast

From Australia’s beef capital to its sugar capital – today you’re en route to Sarina. If you’ve ever wanted to know how sugar cane is processed and distilled, you’ll find the guided tour at the Sarina Sugar Shed a sweet addition to the itinerary. And yes, you get to sample the wares. Continue, on a high, to Airlie Beach, the gateway to the Whitsundays. Life moves at a leisurely pace here. Fall into step and take things slow tonight.   

  Hotel: Mantra Club Croc, 2 Nights

  Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

The Whitsunday Islands are the stuff of postcards, a dreamy collection of 74 tropical islands that are all white sandy beaches and dense rainforest, surrounded by the Great Barrier Reef. You have to decide how to take it in. Perhaps on a scenic flight over the legendary Heart Reef, or on a cruise to Whitehaven Beach, where high amounts of silica in the sand means that it squeaks under your feet. Bring your sunglasses – the colours are blinding. 

  Included Meals: Breakfast

Relax – today is all about soaking up the scenery. Think sugar cane fields and rolling green paddocks, all framed by the ocean and rainforest-clad mountains on one side, and the Coral Sea on the other. Stretch your legs en route to Cairns and soak up this steamy part of the state. 

  Hotel: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns, 3 Nights

  Included Meals: Breakfast

Early morning is the ideal time to explore Cairns, before things get too steamy. Join locals on a heart-starting stroll along the Esplanade. The temperature dips as you climb into the Atherton Tablelands, a high tropical plateau of rainforest, including the heritage listed Curtain Tree. And waterfalls, like Millaa Millaa Falls, where enormous iridescent Ulysses butterflies like to dance. Explore Kuranda before getting some perspective on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, high above and through the canopy of the Barron Gorge National Park.  

  Included Meals: Breakfast

Just when you thought your outlook couldn’t get any better, you’re zipping over the Great Barrier Reef on a high-speed catamaran. Snorkel with six of the world’s sea turtles bobbing over fans of coral, as well as so many fish you won’t know where to look. If you prefer to keep your head above water, the marine world can also be glimpsed from an underwater observatory and glass-bottom boat. 

  Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Farewell Dinner

From underwater love to overwater love – bid adieu to your new crew of travel buddies

  Included Meals: Breakfast

Please note: This itinerary may be subject to change.


Tropical Islands and Rainforest

Best Buys

9 Day Guided Vacation

Gold Coast to Cairns

Queensland is the only place in the world where two World Heritage Sites meet. And you get to see their convergence on this east coast Australia trip, which tours from the Gold Coast all the way to Cairns. From a Great Barrier Reef tour and the Wet Tropics rainforest to K’gari (Fraser) Island tour, get set for a parade of postcard-worthy attractions.  

Highlights

Flexible Vacations

Hike through rainforest, stroll Whitehaven’s sand, cruise the Coral Sea or chopper above it. Choose your own Whitsundays adventure.

Iconic Sites

Get up close with the only natural wonder you can see from space on the Great Barrier Reef. Dive in or cruise in a glass-bottom boat.

Time For You

Where the rainforest meets the reef, Cairns is the tropics to a tee. Stroll the Esplanade or take a dip in the lagoon. This is your time.

Natural Wonders

Some of the world’s oldest tropical rainforest envelops Cairns, this verdant tangle of ferns and palms a natural magnet for native wildlife.

Accommodation

Your Guided Holiday includes a range of quality accommodation for your comfort.
The accommodation you will enjoy on this tour includes:

 Accommodation Hotel
 Accommodation Hotel

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 .

    Features

  • Air Conditioning
  • Bath/Shower
  • Colour TV
  • STD/ISD Phone
  • Tea & Coffee Making Facilities
  • Hair Dryer
  • Iron
 Accommodation Hotel
 Accommodation Hotel

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.

    Features

  • Guest Laundry
  • Air Conditioning
  • Swimming Pool
  • Wireless Internet access
  • Refrigerator
  • Room service
 Accommodation Hotel
 Accommodation Hotel

Families, couples and groups will find Mantra Club Croc ideally positioned in the coastal town of Airlie Beach, within a five-minute drive of its lively hub. Centrally located on Shute Harbour Road, you’ll be set to experience the best of Queensland’s most popular tourist destinations. Providing a glimpse into the region’s past, Mantra Club Croc’s traditional Queenslander exterior complements its modern interior and boasts a tropical carefree atmosphere throughout. Hotel rooms are refurbished with natural tones reflect the nearby coastline, coupled with modern features to ensure you are relaxed while on vacation.

    Features

  • Tea & Coffee Facilities
  • Air-conditioning
  • LCD TV
  • Hair Dryer
  • Iron / Ironing Board
  • Wi-Fi (additional cost)
 Accommodation Hotel
 Accommodation Hotel

Boasting uninterrupted views of the Coral Sea, and a stunning natural setting amidst landscaped tropical gardens, the oceanfront DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns is just a short walk from the city center, and Cairn’s business, retail and entertainment districts. The hotel overlooks the picturesque Cairns Esplanade, and is just moments from Cairns Lagoon and Cairns Casino. The Great Barrier Reef departures terminal is 100m away, and Cairns International Airport is only 10 minutes’ drive from our Cairns hotel. Our onsite tour desk will help you explore the wonders of this unique region.

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. Ask our friendly reservations at the time of booking.

Optional Experiences

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

Take to the sky on a 10-minute scenic flight. You will have the best seat to witness the iconic Great Barrier Reef from above.

Adult Price: AUD $52.00 Child Price: AUD$39.00

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

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 $263.00 Child Price: AUD $152.00

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 day's 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.

Adult: $120.00 (AUD)

Child: $47.00 (AUD)

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: $50.00
Child: $40.00

Be amazed as the Aquaduck starts to say quack quack like a duck and instantly transforms into a boat and your Gold Coast river cruise begins. The Aquaduck has a unique seating layout offering you more room to stand and move around once we are on the water, along with great views. The Gold Coast is a beautiful part of Australia, and your tour aboard the Aquaduck allows you to see more than you would on even the longest boat cruises. Cruise past the glitzy waterfront mansions of the rich and famous and take in the spectacular views of the Gold Coast canals and Broadwater with its famous sights and natural wildlife.

Dinner and Harbour Cruise on Spirit of Cairns

Adult Price: From AUD 119.00
Child Price: From AUD 69.00

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 silhouettes as your backdrop.

Adult: $149.00 AUD
Child: $79.00 AUD

Travel in a small group fully hosted by Traditional Owners on their traditional Country discovering a stunning wetland environment just 10 minutes cruise from the Cairns City. In the distance, rainforest clad mountains soar – today’s destination. Turn up Hills Creek, where salty sea and mountain freshwaters meet, arriving to a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony. Visit a working Indigenous Ranger base from where the Mayi Bugan Rainforest Trail begins. Join your Indigenous Guides to discover native foods and bush medicines, as well as ancient Aboriginal traditions, customs, and artefacts. Enjoy light refreshments surrounded by the sounds of nature before returning to the Cairns Harbour arriving at the Marina close to the CBD, shops, restaurants and cafes.

Adult: $99.00 AUD
Child: $59.00 AUD

As the sun begins to get low over the Great Dividing Range to the west of Cairns, met your Mandingalbay Yidjinji guide and push off from Cairns Marina in our new, covered River Cruise vessel, bound for wetlands and mangrove forests of East Trinity Reserve. Discover an Indigenous Protected Area where ancient knowledge meets latest science to deliver world-first conservation programs. Cruise along an avenue of ancient mangrove forests. Upon arrival at the Stingray Shelter, enjoy the ancient Mandingalbay custom of a Welcoming to Country and Smoke Cleansing Ceremony. Listen to our Mandingalbay Yidinji rangers speak of ancient language, practices and traditional implements that are still made and used.
Hot Air Cairns - 40 Minute Flight

Adult Price: AUD 440.00 + flight levy (Weekday), $495.00 + flight levy (Weekend)

Experience the fun & unique sensation of being in a Hot Air Balloon, flying gently high above the Atherton Tablelands, Australia. The balloon takes off from Mareeba on the Atherton Tablelands. Enjoy the picturesque landscape at dawn, floating in your Hot Air Balloon, time to really breathe in the wide-open spaces! We have Australia's largest fleet of Hot Air Balloons and a fun and highly trained crew to maximise the enjoyment of your balloon flight. It's just like a balloon festival, every day!

*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: $149.00 (AUD)

 

For an amazing underwater walking experience, let Seawalker’s expert guides show you wonders of the reef as you stroll along Green Island lagoon’s sea floor. There’s no equipment to operate, non-swimmers welcome and you don’t even have to get your hair wet! It’s a great opportunity for those who don’t scuba dive or snorkel to see the reef from a different perspective.

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