1st February 08 – 31st March 09
AU$2345 (Adult)
AU$1875 (Child 8-11yrs)
Tour Departs Cairns on Wednesdays at 6.40am
Tour Code: CB12
2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th April 2008 - 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th May 2008
4th, 11th, 18th, 25th June 2008 - 2nd July 2008 - 13th, 20th August 2008 - 17th September 2008 - 8th, 15th October 2008 - 5th, 12th November 2008 - 3rd, 10th, 31st December 2008 - 21st, 28th January 2009 - 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th February 2009 - 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th March 2009
(reverse itinerary) Tour Code: BC12
29th July 2008 - 5th August 2008 - 2nd, 23rd, 30th September 2008
21st, 28th October 2008 - 18th, 25th November 2008 - 16th December 2008 - 6th, 13th January 2009
Accommodation upgrade (9 nights): Twin/double: $230 pp Note: twin or double accommodation is not available while Whitsunday Sailing. Rate based on 2 people traveling
Extra Costs per person: $15.00 fuel levy. 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), national park fees*, 2 day/2 night Whitsunday sailing*, 2 day 4WD Fraser Island* tour and many other activities as indicated.
Tour Highlights
Crocodile farm, Mission Beach, Whitsunday sailing, Mackay region, Kroombit Cattle Station, Rainbow Beach, Fraser Island, Brisbane.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Cairns to Magnetic Island
This morning we set out for a morning hike to Babinda Boulders to learn about the Aboriginal Legend and to enjoy this fantastic rainforest location. We then visit 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. 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 2-3-4: Whitsunday Sailing
We rise early this morning to take the ferry back to Townsiville where we head south for your date with a Whitsundays sailing yacht worth millions of dollars. You will spend the next couple of days exploring the Whisunday Islands with time to snorkel, visit beach locations and do some bushwalking while staying aboard a real racing yacht. YOu get hands on and help sail the yacht or just take it easy and soak up the scenery.
(Day 2: Dinner Day 3: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Day 4: Breakfast)
Day 5: Airlie Beach to Carnarvon National Park
We start early today for our big drive to Carnarvon National Park, Carnarvon National Park is a little known jewel located in the remote Queensland outback and home to Carnarvon Gorge. This remarkable natural attraction features 30kms of walking trails, 200 species of birds, ancient plants and Aboriginal rock-art dating back 3,500 years. Camp overnight adjacent to Carnarvon National Park. (Dinner)
Day 6: 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 7: Carnarvon National Park to Kroombit Cattle Station
After breakfast we take a short walk amongst the numerous kangaroos and wallabies before we travel 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. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 8: 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 (optional extra) 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 9: Kroombit to Rainbow Beach
After a hearty bush breakfast we head eastwards to Rainbow Beach where we hit the coast for the first time in four days! Rainbow Beach is a vibrant young coastal town, with glistening coloured sands and a relaxed atmosphere. In the afternoon, take part in a cultural demonstration from your guide, learning about the didgeridoo, boomerang and spear throwing and the Rainbow Serpent. This evening relax in our accommodation, located just 100 metres from the beach.
(Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 10-11: 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 10: Lunch, Dinner Day 11: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 12: Rainbow Beach to Brisbane
This morning 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. We then travel south and take a short break at the spectacular lookout at Wild Horse Mountain to enjoy panoramic views of the Sunshine Coast overlooking Noosa and Mooloolaba before continuing on to Brisbane.
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). AUD$15 fuel levy applies.
•Tours must be reconfirmed by 4.00pm the day prior to travel