12 Day Gold Coast or Brisbane to Cairns
Starting in the Gold Coast you will explore the hidden treasures and hot spots of the Australian East Coast. Experience to Whitsunday Sailing, Fraser Island 4WD tour, horse riding at Kroombit Cattle Station, overnight on Magnetic Island and visits one of the best kept secrets Carnavon Gorge and much more.
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| GOLD COAST or BRISBANE < > CAIRNS | |
| TOUR CODE: BBC12 / GC12
/ BC12 HIGHLIGHTS :: RAINBOW BEACH :: FRASER ISLAND :: KROOMBIT CATTLE STATION :: CARNARVON GORGE :: WHITSUNDAY SAILING :: AIRLIE BEACH :: MAGNETIC ISLAND :: CROCODILE FARM ITINERARY DAY 1 :: GOLD COAST TO RAINBOW BEACH Leaving the Gold Coast we stop off to try one of the craziest adventure activities ever developed by the kiwis – zorbing (optional extra). Roll down a hill in a 3.5metre plastic ball filled with warm water for a huge amount of fun, and then continue on to Brisbane. We take a short break at the spectacular lookout at Wild Horse Mountain for 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. (D) DAYS 2-3 :: FRASER ISLAND TOUR Spend the next two days exploring Fraser Island on 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 2: LD Day 3: BLD) DAY 4 :: RAINBOW BEACH TO KROOMBIT CATTLE STATION This morning take part in a cultural demonstration with your guide. Learn 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. (D) DAY 5 :: 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 6 :: KROOMBIT TO CARNARVON GORGE After breakfast we head 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. Overnight in large permanent tents amid the wilderness. (BD) DAY 7 :: CARNARVON GORGE Chances are that you’re sleep will be broken this morning by the many birds that live amongst 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 our tented cabins for a good nights sleep within this wilderness region.
(BLD) DAY 8 :: CARNARVON GORGE TO AIRLIE BEACH We start early today for our big drive from Carnarvon Gorge to the Mackay region. For the first time in four days we hit the coast and soon arrive at Airlie Beach – gateway to the Whitsunday Islands. (B) DAYS 9-11 :: WHITSUNDAY SAILING This morning your 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. Back on land, we leave Airlie Beach and head to Townsville. From here we take the ferry to Magnetic Island, so named by Captain Cook because his compass went crazy when he sailed past in 1770. As the sun goes down this evening, kick back and relax with a cold beer at the beachside bar. (Day 9: D Day 10: BLD Day 11: B) DAY 12 :: MAGNETIC ISLAND TO CAIRNS We’re up early for a morning hike before taking the ferry back to the mainland. Today includes a visit to the Johnstone River Crocodile Farm to learn more about the most feared animal in Northern Australia; the estuarine or saltwater crocodile. Learn how this prehistoric animal has survived and flourished in Australia’s harsh north and see large crocodiles up close and personal. From here, we stop at Babinda Boulders for a refreshing rainforest walk. As we arrive into Cairns, you will be able to cherish the many great experiences of Australia’s East Coast. 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. |
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| 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 Gold Coast 9.30am Brisbane 12.30am 7 APRIL 14, 21 + 28 JULY 2009 4 + 25 AUGUST 2009 1, 22 + 29 SEPTEMBER 2009 20 + 27 OCTOBER 2009 10, 17 + 24 NOVEMBER 2009 15 + 29 DECEMBER 2009 5 + 12 JANUARY 2010 9 FEBRUARY 2010 9 MARCH 2010 TOUR OPERATES IN REVERSE Click here to visit the page FINISHES Cairns at selected drop off points early evening Day 12. MAX PEOPLE - 24 Valid till 31 March 2010. |
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| 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 |
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| 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. | ||
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