13 DAY EAST COAST AUSTRALIA TROPICAL DISCOVERY This 13-day escorted group tour visits the highlights of Australia’s East Coast. Luckily for us, Australia has world quailty scenic oceans and coastal beauty. Ranked #1 for aquatic wildlife, remote beaches, but for developed coastal locations as well. Australia travel companies offer a specialized tour of the East Coast of Australia - the Whitsundays, Fraser Island, from Sydney to Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef. Beginning in Sydney, travel north on the coastal highway visiting charming coastal towns, then take a full-day excursion on the wild and beautiful Fraser Island. Take a ferry to the exquisite white sand beaches of the Whitsunday Islands, then travel to tropical Cairns and board a cruise to the Great Barrier Reef.

As this guided tour departs early morning, accommodation should be pre-booked for the previous night.

Day 1: Sydney – Coffs Harbour Depart Sydney this morning and travel along the scenic coastline of New South Wales. Stop at Port Macquarie. After lunch continue north to picturesque seaside Port Macquarie. Hotel: Waters Edge, Port Macquarie

Day 2: Coffs Harbour – Gold Coast This morning journey to Cape Byron Lighthouse and enjoy the superb views from Australia’s most eastern point. Stop in exclusive Byron Bay for lunch and free time before following the lush Tweed River Valley to the famous Gold Coast. Hotel: Novotel Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast, 2 nights.

Day 3:  – Gold Coast 'Free Time'Today choose one from a range of Included Choice experiences. Take the 4WD track through rainforest to Tamborine Mountain, a boat trip to try your hand at ‘pumping yabbies’ or you may wish to be 270 meters up on the SkyPoint Climb. B

Day 4 - Gold Coast – Noosa Travel on to Brisbane for a scenic city tour and free time for lunch before you visit Australia Zoo, made famous by the Crocodile Hunter, the late Steve Irwin and his family. Enjoy a sneak peek of the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital and discover the menagerie of animals great and small. The zoo is the ultimate wildlife adventure and its team of more than 500 believes in delivering conservation through exciting education. They will ensure you have a wildlife experience you’ll never forget. Your final destination is Noosa on the Sunshine Coast. Hotel: The Sebel Noosa, 2 nights. B

Day 5: Noosa ‘Free Time’ Take time out to discover Noosa for yourself. Swim at Noosa Main Beach or venture a little further with an easy, breathtaking walk along the headland through to Noosa National Park. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could take a boat ride through the Noosa Everglades. Pristine beaches, lakes, wetlands, mangroves and diverse flora and fauna are among the spectacular scenery you’ll witness. B

Day 6: Noosa – Fraser Island – Hervey Bay A day of discovery lies ahead as you explore the wonders of World Heritage listed Fraser Island. Your 4WD tour will visit Rainbow Beach coloured sands (tidal) before heading across by ferry or barge to Fraser Island. Walk through the ancient rainforest at Central Station with its huge satinay, scribbly gum and kauri trees. Visit Lake McKenzie, ringed with magnificent white sandy beaches. Enjoy a barbecue lunch before you transfer by ferry to the mainland for your overnight stay at Hervey Bay. Hotel: Mantra, Hervey Bay. B L D

Day 7: Hervey Bay – Rockhampton Today you’ll journey to the beef capital of Australia. En route, stop at Langmorn Station, a fully operational cattle station. Enjoy afternoon tea at the homestead, a restored ‘Queenslander’ built in 1873. Cross the tropic of Capricorn and continue to historic Rockhampton, on the Fitzroy River. Hotel: Travelodge, Rockhampton. B

Day 8: Rockhampton – Daydream Island Travel north through Mackay, Australia’s sugar capital, before continuing to Airlie Beach, a gateway to the Whitsunday Islands. At Airlie Beach you’ll take a ferry across to Daydream Island in the heart of the spectacular Great Barrier Reef. Hotel: Daydream Island Resort & Spa - Ocean Balcony Rooms, 2 nights. B D

Day 9: Daydream Island ‘Free Time’ A day at leisure to explore Daydream Island. Perhaps explore beautiful bays, islands and beaches on an optional cruise to Whitehaven Beach. If you’re feeling active, you have the opportunity to take a rainforest walk, play beach volleyball, tennis, water polo, go snorkelling or kayaking. Otherwise just laze by one of the pools, on the beach, or replenish your body and soul at the Daydream Rejuvenation Spa. B

Day 10: Daydream Island – Mission Beach Return to the mainland for today’s journey, which takes you further into Tropical Queensland. Stop in Townsville, overlooking Magnetic Island, where there’s time for a stroll along the Strand. You’ll spend tonight in a resort right on the waterfront at Mission Beach. Hotel: Castaways Resort & Spa, Mission Beach. B D

Day 11: Mission Beach – Cairns This morning enjoy a leisurely stroll to feel the sand between your toes then continue north to discover the picturesque mountain retreat, Kuranda. Explore the Heritage Markets and art galleries before you choose your mode of transport to your destination. You may choose to travel by coach or take an optional journey above the rainforest over Barron Gorge National Park on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Hotel: Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort, Cairns, 2 nights. B

Day 12: Great Barrier Reef Board a high speed catamaran and cruise out to the Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy a reef education presentation and view the spectacular coral and tropical fish from the underwater observatory and the semi-submersible craft. There is the opportunity to go snorkelling and view this natural living wonder up-close (equipment provided). Enjoy a tropical buffet lunch before you return to Cairns. Celebrate your vacation this evening at dinner with your Tour Director and new-found friends. B L D

Day 13: Farewell from Cairns Your holiday concludes today after breakfast. You’ll be transferred to Cairns Airport for your onward flight. B

Tour Includes: An experienced, professional Tour Director and Driver Tour by luxury air-conditioned coach with 2-door access, restroom, reclining seats & panoramic windows 11 nights accommodation with private bathrooms 11 breakfasts, 2 lunches & 5 dinners Round trip airport transfers (see flight information below) Welcome reception