12 Day Cairns < > Brisbane, Gold Coast or Byron Bay

This 13 day packaged tour from Sydney to Alice Springs will give you the chance to experience the ever changing landscapes, from the Snowy River high country, via the Great Ocean Road, and through the centre of Australia's desert landscapes.

CAIRNS < > BRISBANE / GOLD COAST / BYRON BAY

TOUR CODE: CB12 / CG12 / CBB12

HIGHLIGHTS
:: CROCODILE FARM
:: MAGNETIC ISLAND
:: AIRLIE BEACH
:: WHITSUNDAY SAILING
:: CARNARVON GORGE
:: KROOMBIT CATTLE STATION
:: FRASER ISLAND
:: RAINBOW BEACH

ITINERARY

DAY 1 :: CAIRNS TO MAGNETIC ISLAND
Leaving Cairns, we set out to visit the Johnstone River Crocodile Farm to learn more about the most feared animal in Northern Australia; the estuarine or saltwater crocodile. Spend time 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 to Townsville where we take a ferry to Magnetic Island, so named by Captain Cook because his compass went crazy when he sailed past in 1770. This afternoon we take you back in time on the historical forts walk, keeping an eye out for koalas in their natural habitat and taking in stunning panoramic views of the Coral Sea. As the sun goes down this evening, kick back and relax with a cold beer at the beachside bar.

DAYS 2-4 :: WHITSUNDAY SAILING
We jump aboard the ferry first thing this morning to head back to the mainland. We soon reach Airlie Beach where the next adventure awaits – Whitsunday sailing! You will have the opportunity to sunbathe, snorkel and swim whilst exploring the idyllic Whitsunday Islands on a crewed 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. We disembark in the afternoon of Day 4 and stay overnight in Airlie Beach. (Day 2: D Day 3: BLD Day 4:B)

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. Overnight in large permanent tents amid the wilderness. (D)

DAY 6 :: CARNARVON GORGE
Chances are that 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 walking trails scattered throughout this magnificent gorge. Walks are mostly of easy grade and therefore suitable for all ages and fitness levels, however the options are varied. 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 rock-art in Queensland, made from the ochre taken from the region. After a day’s exercise, you will return to your camp for a good night’s sleep within this wilderness region. (BLD)

DAY 7 :: CARNARVON GORGE TO KROOMBIT CATTLE STATION
Today 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. (BD)

DAY 8 :: KROOMBIT CATTLE STATION
Today is jam-packed with wonderful activities all 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 join in the fun of a minirodeo as animals are herded into the ring. This evening enjoy another hearty campoven dinner and re-live your day’s experiences around the campfire with a beer from the bush bar. (BLD)

DAY 9 :: KROOMBIT TO RAINBOW BEACH
After 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 with your guide. Learn about the didgeridoo, boomerang and spear throwing and the Rainbow Serpent. This evening relax in our accommodation, located just 100 metres from the beach. (BD)

DAYS 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: LD Day 11: BLD)

DAY 12 :: RAINBOW BEACH TO BYRON BAY
This morning we 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 (farewell to travellers departing Brisbane). We travel south along the coast to the Gold Coast where you can go zorbing (at own expense) – roll down a hill in a 3.5 metre plastic ball filled with warm water for a huge amount of fun! After a central stop in the Gold Coast to farewell departing passengers we continue along to Byron Bay where we admire the coastal views at Australia’s most easterly point: the Byron lighthouse.

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 & listed fees.

INCLUDED
Experienced guides, meals as indicated, multi-share accommodation (or upgrade to triple or twin/doubleº), national park fees†, 2 night Whitsunday sailing†, 2 day 4WD Fraser Island† tour and other activities as indicated.

NOTE
The group size, maximum 24 people, relates to our vehicles. Partner companies operate the Whitsunday Sailing and Fraser Island touring and group sizes may vary according to passenger numbers and available equipment. Upgrade accommodation is subject to availability, must be requested at time of booking and is not available whilst sailing. Upgrade accommodation is not available in advance at Carnarvon Gorge (however may be available on a standby basis to upgrade passengers on arrival at no additional cost). Double/twin rooms do not feature ensuite facilities at Kroombit or Carnarvon Gorge. Upgrade accommodation is budget style, may be located on different premises to multi-share accommodation and is only available to passengers who book and travel together. Single upgrade is not available. †Local payments: Fraser Island fee (AUD$16pp) and the Environment Management Charge (reef tax while sailing AUD$32pp) are payable whilst on tour. Safaris must be reconfirmed by 4.00pm the day before travel. Itineraries may vary and/or attractions be substituted due to seasonal & extreme weather conditions, Traditional Owner and national park requirements. Luggage limit of 15 kg applies - backpack or soft bag. Please refer to our terms and conditions on the back of the brochure.

12 DAYS
Adult $2345 ($AUD) Child $1875 ($AUD) Valid between 01/04/08 - 31/03/09 Adult $2495 ($AUD) Child $1995 ($AUD) Valid between 01/04/09 - 31/03/10 + park entry fee + fuel levy ACCOMMODATION UPGRADE Twin/Double $270 DEPARTS Cairns 7.00am from select accommodation 4, 11, 18 + 25 FEBRUARY 2009 4, 11, 18 + 25 MARCH 2009 8, 15, 22 + 29 APRIL 2009 6, 13, 20 + 27 MAY 2009 3, 10, 17 + 24 JUNE 2009 1, 8, 15 + 22 JULY 2009 12 + 19 AUGUST 2009 9 + 16 SEPTEMBER 2009 7 + 14 OCTOBER 2009 4 + 11 NOVEMBER 2009 2, 9, 23 + 30 DECEMBER 2009 6, 13, 20 + 27 JANUARY 2010 3, 10, 17 + 24 FEBRUARY 2010 3, 10, 17 + 24 MARCH 2010 TOUR OPERATES IN REVERSE Click here to visit the page Click here to visit the page FINISHES Brisbane early afternoon Day 12 Gold Coast mid afternoon Day 12 Byron Bay late afternoon Day 12 MAX PEOPLE - 24 *Tour finishes at central locations in Brisbane & Gold Coast and Byron Bay accommodation. Valid till 31 March 2010.
		Hikes up to 6-8kms per day.

		Maximum 24 front facing seats, air-conditioned vehicle

	or	Permanently erected tents (multi-share), permanent cooking facilities and purpose-built fire pits, screened eating areas, share showers and toilets. Dorm or Twin/Double rooms with shared facilities Generally 2-3 star standard with private facilities
Safaris must be reconfirmed by 4.00pm the day before travel. Itineraries may vary and/or attractions be substituted due to seasonal & extreme weather conditions, Traditional Owner and national park requirements. Luggage limit of 15 kg applies - backpack or soft bag.