Price valid until 31st March 2010
AU$2645 (Adult)
Plus pay onboard fees for Fraser Island and the Whitsundays and 1.5% administration fee
Tour Departs Cairns on selected dates 7.00am Tour Code: CS14
2009 Departures
April - 08 - 15 - 22 - 29
May - 06 - 13 - 20 - 27
June - 03 - 10 - 17 - 24
July - 01 - 08 - 15 - 22
August - 12 - 19
September - 09 - 16
October - 07 - 14
November - 04 - 11
December - 02 - 09 - 23 - 30
2010 Departures
January - 06 - 13 - 20 - 27
February - 03 - 10 - 17 - 24
March - 03 - 10 - 17 - 24
Maximum People: 24
Accommodation upgrade (10 nights): Twin/double: $320 pp based on 2 people traveling Note: Twin or double accommodation is not available at Surf Camp or while Whitsunday Sailing.
Extra Costs per person: 1.5% administration surcharge. Whitsundays sailing reef tax and stinger suit hire not included.
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. Meals as indicated.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Cairns to Magnetic Island
This morning we set out to explore the Babinda Boulders and take a hike along a rainforest trail, learn about the aboriginal legend of the boulders and the vengeful spirit that lives there. 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 and personal. We then drive on to the town of Townsville where we board the ferry to Magnetic Island for our overnight stop at your hostel located right on the beach. Take in the sunset while kicking back with an ice cold beer.
Day 2-3-4: Whitsunday Sailing
Rising early we catch the ferry back to Townsville. We travel through Townsville this morning as we make our way to the Whitsunday gateway of Airlie Beach where we join our 2 night Whitsunday sailing adventure. 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 and a half day 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. We disembark in the afternoon of Day 4 and stay overnight in Airlie Beach.
Day 2: Lunch, Dinner Day 3: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Day 4: Breakfast
Day 5: Airlie Beach to Carnarvon National Park
We start early today for our drive to Carnarvon National Park, Carnarvon National Park is an ancient 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
You will probably be roused from your sleep 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 walking trails scattered throughout this magnificent gorge. Walks are mostly of easy grade and therefore suitable for all ages and fitness levels. You will see 500 year old cycads, grass trees and eucalypts, native wildlife and learn about the indigenous 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 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 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.
Day 13: Brisbane to Surf Camp via Byron Bay
We travel south along the coast to the Gold Coast and Surfers Paradise and onward to Byron Bay where we admire the coastal views at Australia’s most easterly point; the Byron lighthouse. We then head to our secluded surf camp, located beachside to spectacular white sandy beaches on the Coffs Coast. If surfing isn’t for you perhaps sunbake on the crystal white sands or take a walk around the beautiful headland. This afternoon we relax on the beach, hang out and have dinner back at the Mojo Beach House. (Dinner)
Day 14: Surf Camp to Sydney
After a delicious breakfast, hit the beach for your morning surf lesson. Here we meet up with the crew from Mojo Surf (some of Australia's best surf instructors) whose mission is to get you standing on a board by the end of this lesson. You will start with a theory lesson on surfing and then it’s straight out to the beach to get you on a board. By now you should have the basic surf techniques sorted and some aspiring surfers in the group will be turning at the base of clean breaking waves by the end of this lesson! Everyone who participates in surf school will be given a progressive surf certificate before travelling throughout the afternoon to the stunning city of Sydney. We arrive into Sydney, where you will be able to cherish the many great experiences of Australia’s East Coast. (Breakfast)
Notes:
•These packages comprise a couple of different tours; therefore you may travel with a different guide and passengers’ enroute. The section between Sydney and Brisbane may be operated as a code-share with Oz Experience, a division of Adventure Tours Australia.
•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.
•Triple, Double/Twin upgrade accommodation is subject to availability at time of booking. Upgrade option is not available at surf camp and 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 parks fee is not included and is payable upon arrival (AUD$16). Whitsunday Sailing does not include Environmental Management Charge (Reef Tax) and other fees, payable upon arrival (AUD $39). 1.5% admin fee
•Tours must be reconfirmed by 4.00pm the day prior to travel.