1st February 09 – 31st March 2010
AU$2495.00 plus park entry fees + 1.5% admin fee
Tour Departs Brisbane, Gold Coast or Byron Bay on the dates below Tour Code: BC12
2009 Departures
April - 07
May - No Departures
June - No Departures
July - 14 - 21 - 28
August - 04 - 25
September - 01 - 22 - 29
October - 20 - 27
November - 10 - 17 - 24
December - 15 - 29
2010 Departures
January - 05 12
February - 09
March - 09
Note: Passengers can start this tour from Brisbane, the Gold Coast or Byron Bay
Accommodation upgrade (9 nights): Twin/double: $270 pp Note: Twin or double accommodation is not available while Whitsunday Sailing. Upgrade is based on 2 people traveling
Extra Costs per person. 1.5% administration surcharge
What to Bring
Sturdy walking shoes, thongs/sandals, hat & sunscreen, towel & toiletries, swimming gear/beach towel, water bottle, torch, insect repellent, camera & film, money for meals not included, optional activities and listed fees
15kg luggage limit
What's Included
Experienced guides, meals as indicated, four-share accommodation (or upgrade to triple or twin/double), 2 day/2 night Whitsunday sailing*, 2 day 4WD Fraser Island* tour and many other activities as indicated.
Tour Highlights
Brisbane, Rainbow Beach, Fraser Island, Kroombit Cattle Station, Carnavon Gorge, Whitsunday Sailing, Mission Beach, Crocodile farm.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Brisbane to Rainbow Beach
This morning we take a short break at the spectacular lookout at Wild Horse Mountain. Enjoy panoramic views of the Sunshine Coast overlooking Noosa and Mooloolaba, before arriving at Rainbow Beach; a vibrant young coastal town, with glistening coloured sands and a relaxed atmosphere. In the afternoon we participate in a sea kayak trip to paddle amongst wild dolphins at Double Island Point. If you are lucky you may also see turtles and thousands of soldier crabs. This evening relax in our accommodation, located just 100 metres from the beach. (Dinner)
Days 2 - 3: 2 Day Fraser Island Tour
Spend the next two days exploring Fraser Island on a ranger guided 4WD safari with Fraser Explorer, staying at Eurong Resort. You will drive along Seventy-Five Mile Beach, visit Lakes’ Wabby and Mackenzie, Eli Creek, the Maheno Wreck and climb Indian Head. Return to Rainbow Beach for an overnight stay. (Day 5: Lunch, Dinner Day 6: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 4: Rainbow Beach to Kroombit Cattle Station
This morning take part in a cultural demonstration from your guide, learning about the didgeridoo, boomerang and spear throwing, and the Rainbow Serpent. After a few hours at Rainbow Beach we head inland through cattle country to Kroombit Cattle Station. Here we experience genuine outback living with the chance to ride a mechanical bull and take a walk of the property. Tonight you will taste a traditional camp oven dinner, cooked in the open fire. (Dinner)
Day 5: Kroombit Cattle Station
Today is jam-packed with wonderful activities also included in the price of your tour. Learn first-hand about Queensland farming life as you participate in a “muster” on horseback, try your skill at trap-shooting and witness a mini-rodeo as animals are herded into the ring. This evening enjoy another hearty camp-oven dinner and re-live your days experiences around the campfire with a beer from the bush bar. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 6: Kroombit to Carnarvon Gorge
This morning, start the day with a hearty bush breakfast, before heading further inland through Central Queensland’s remote outback to the little known jewel of Carnarvon National Park. Carnarvon Gorge, central to this park is a remarkable natural attraction with 30kms of walking trails, 200 species of birds, ancient plants and Aboriginal rock-art dating back 3,500 years. This afternoon we will get a taste of the gorge with a short walk amongst the numerous kangaroos and wallabies that inhabit the area. Camp overnight adjacent to Carnarvon National Park.
(Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 7: Carnarvon Gorge
Your sleep will be broken this morning by the many birds that live amongst the trees surrounding the camp. After breakfast you will spend the full day hiking through the many trails scattered throughout this ancient gorge. Walks are mostly of easy grade and therefore suitable for all ages and fitness levels. You will see cycads that are hundreds of years old, grass trees and eucalypt trees, native wildlife and learn about the aboriginal ancestors that inhabited this region for more than 3500 years. See the best examples of aboriginal rock-art in Queensland, made from the ochre taken from the region. After a days exercise, you will return to your camp for a good nights sleep within this extraordinary wilderness region.
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 8: Carnarvon Gorge to Airlie Beach
We start early today for our big drive from Carnarvon Gorge to the town of Airlie Beach the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands. This is the first time we’ve hit the coast in four days and we now follow the coast to arrive at Airlie Beach. Overnight in Airlie Beach.
(Breakfast)
Days 9-10-11: Whitsunday Sailing
You will have the opportunity to sun-bathe, snorkel and swim whilst exploring the idyllic Whitsunday Islands on a yacht worth millions of dollars. Visit the many beaches, coves and islands on this two night sailing trip, with the opportunity to hoist the sails and even take the wheel. Note that you will sleep on the boat, moored in quiet coves. Cabins are share only; no twin and doubles for these two nights. In the morning of day 11 you will return to the mainland. We then drive on to the town of Townsville where we board the ferry to Magnetic Island for our overnight stop at the only backpacker hostel in Australia that is right on the beach. Enjoy an ice cold beer while taking in the sunset.
(Day 9: Lunch, Dinner Day 10: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Day 11: Breakfast)
Day 12: Magnetic Island to Cairns
Departing Magnetic Island on the early morning ferry we head for the Johnstone River Crocodile Farm to learn more about the most feared animal in Northern Australia; the estuarine or saltwater crocodile. Spend a couple of hours learning how this prehistoric animal has survived and flourished in Australia’s harsh north and see large crocodiles up close and personal. From here we set out to explore the Babinda Boulders. Learn about the Aboriginal Legend that is part of the Boulders and enjoy a hike along a rainforest trail. As we arrive into Cairns, you will be able to cherish the many great experiences of Australia’s East Coast.
Notes:
•Package is not suitable for children under 8 years of age.
•Itinerary may vary and/or attractions be substituted due to seasonal conditions and National Park requirements.
Carnarvon Gorge is known for flooding at random times throughout the year and during these times it is inaccessible by road due to high river crossings. Carnarvon Gorge may be substituted with activities in the Rockhampton and Whitsunday region.
•Double/Twin upgrade accommodation is subject to availability at time of booking.
•Upgrade option is not available during sailing. Double/twin rooms do not feature ensuite facilities at Kroombit or Carnarvon Gorge. Upgrade accommodation is only available when passengers are booking and travelling together.
•Advertised accommodation may be substituted with alternative accommodation of a similar or superior standard at any time due to lack of availability. •*Fraser Island fee is not included and payable upon arrival (AUD$16). Whitsunday Sailing does not include Environmental Management Charge (Reef Tax) and other fees, which are payable upon arrival (AUD $39). 1.5% administration fee applies.
•Tours must be reconfirmed by 4.00pm the day prior to travel