East Coast Island Escape

Today you will be met by our friendly and professional Tour Directors at Brisbane Airport. We then depart Brisbane and pass through the Sunshine Coast en route to River Heads, the departure point for Fraser Island. Enjoy the ferry transfer across to Fraser Island where we spend the next two nights at the Kingfisher Bay Resort. Please arrive in Brisbane by 9am. Stay: Kingfisher Bay Resort (L/D)

Today enjoy a full day 4WD tour of Fraser Island. Travel along 75 Mile Beach to the coloured sands of the Pinnacles and visit the Maheno Shipwreck. Also visit Fraser Island's most beautiful lake - Lake McKenzie. Enjoy a swim in the clear blue water surrounded by pristine white beaches. Also stop for a swim at Eli Creek and tour through the island's rainforest before returning to the resort mid-afternoon. Stay: Kingfisher Bay Resort (B/L/D)

After a leisurely start to the day we catch the mid-morning ferry back to the mainland. We then journey up the east coast along the Bruce Highway, passing through Childers en route to Gladstone. Enjoy a tour of the town including a visit to Round Hill Lookout before checking in to the 4.5-star Mercure Hotel later this afternoon. Stay: Mercure Hotel (B/L/D)

This morning we catch the ferry across to Heron Island. Departing at 9.30am, the journey takes approximately two hours.

Heron Island is a natural coral cay located in the Great Barrier Reef, 72kms off the coast near the Tropic of Capricorn. The Island is small enough to walk around in 20 minutes, yet it has everything you could wish for: a restaurant to satisfy healthy appetites, a deep resort swimming pool backing onto a bar and an abundance of wildlife that will truly amaze.

Our next two nights will be spent on this sublime Island at the Heron Island Resort Stay: Heron Island Resort (B/L/D)

During your stay on Heron Island there's a range of activities available to discover all the island and reef has to offer. These include snorkelling, fishing, sunset cruises, guided walks and a semi-submarine marine tour. There's also a tour of the Heron Island Research Centre. You can do as little or as much as you like! These activities are all included in your tour fare, and a full list will be made available to you prior to your arrival. Stay: Heron Island Resort (B/L/D)

After one last chance to experience the wonders of Heron Island, we board the ferry back to the mainland. Once we're back on the road, we journey north to Rockhampton, arriving late afternoon. Enjoy a brief town tour before checking in to the Empire Apartment Hotel, Rockhampton's newest hotel located in the heart of the CBD Riverfront Precinct. Stay: Empire Apartment Hotel (B/L/D)

This morning we depart Rockhampton and head north through Mackay and on to Proserpine. From Proserpine, we head towards the coast to Airlie Beach where we'll spend the next two nights at Peppers Airlie Beach. With the casual ambience of tropical North Queensland combined with the sophistication and style of this resort, you will certainly enjoy your time here. Stay: Peppers Airlie Beach (B/L/D)

Today we depart early for a full day Whitehaven Beach & Hamilton Island cruise, operated by Cruise Whitsundays.

The Whitehaven segment of the cruise is a leisurely half day scenic cruise to this magnificent beach. Your cruise vessel has expansive seating areas inside and out and your friendly skipper will provide an informative commentary on the history and natural wonders of the area. Once at the beach, sink your toes into the fine white silica sands of Whitehaven and enjoy the warm, crystal clear waters. This is Mother Nature at her best! Back on the vessel, sit back, breathe in the sea air and marvel at the 74 Island Wonders of the Whitsundays.

Later today at Hamilton Island, you might like to jump on a shuttle bus and tour around the island. The shuttles circuit the island all day stopping at key attractions, scenic points and resorts, so hop on and off as you please. Enjoy a wander along the waterfront of Hamilton Island's famous Front Street and Marina Village taking in the sights, visiting the galleries, doing some shopping and of course enjoying lunch at Manta Ray Cafe.

This afternoon we return to Peppers Airlie Beach for our final night in this beautiful coastal location. Stay: Peppers Airlie Beach (B/L/D)

This morning we travel back to Proserpine and further north to Townsville. Regarded as the capital of North Queensland, Townsville has a regional population of around 160,000.

After some lunch along ‘The Strand' we take the ferry across to Magnetic Island. Enjoy a tour of the island and explore the sights and beaches including Arcadia Bay. We spend the night on Magnetic Island at the luxurious Peppers Blue on Blue Resort. Stay: Peppers Blue on Blue Resort (B/L/D)

Today we catch the ferry back to the mainland and enjoy a visit to the Maritime Museum. This was established in 1986 when the Townsville Harbour Board proposed to the Seafarers Association to set up a nautical display.

Funded by a Federal grant for capital works, the Museum complex was architecturally redesigned with a footprint in the shape of a ship to include a viewing deck along with new and improved galleries, a memorial garden, model ship gallery, WW2 history, and the original bell of the steamship Yongala which disappeared off the coast in March 1911.

In 2007 HMAS Townsville, a Fremantle Class Patrol Boat, was also gifted to the Museum by the Commonwealth Department of Defence.

After some morning tea we depart Townsville and continue our journey north. Pass through Ingham and Cardwell before arriving at Mission Beach where we spend the night at Castaways Resort and Spa, located on the waterfront. Enjoy time for a stroll along this sensational beach before dinner overlooking the Coral Sea. Stay: Castaway's Resort and Spa (B/L/D)

After departing Mission Beach this morning we visit Paronella Park, home to one of Australia's earliest hydro power systems. Built in the 1930's to provide entertainment to the public, the park featured tennis courts, a cinema and even a ballroom inspired by Spanish castles. This fascinating historic site is now heritage listed and a highlight of your visit to north Queensland.

Later this morning we continue north and head up into the Atherton Tablelands for a visit to Millaa Millaa Falls. This afternoon we continue on to Mareeba, Mt Molloy, Mossman and Port Douglas. We arrive at the fully refurbished Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort late this afternoon where we'll spend the next two nights. For dinner this evening, step into the rainforest for the award winning ‘Flames of the Forest' dining experience, located a short drive out of town. Stay: Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort (B/L/D)

This morning we make our way to the Marina Mirage where we board the Quicksilver ‘Wavedancer' Catamaran. Enjoy an informative talk by a marine biologist before heading out for the blue waters of the Low Isles in the Coral Sea. Set like a jewel in a Great Barrier Reef Lagoon, Low Isles is an idyllic and unspoilt coral island. The clear and calm lagoon waters are ideal for snorkelling and swimming. Visitors are limited to protect the reef's ecology, so the whole of this beautiful, palm fringed island beach is yours to explore and enjoy!

Late this afternoon we return to Port Douglas, where we are transferred back to Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort for the final night of this amazing journey. Stay: Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort (B/L/D)

This morning we enjoy a one-hour cruise on the Daintree River. Your expert guide will share their intricate knowledge of the river ecosystem and point out the area's unique flora and fauna. We then head south to Cairns where you'll be transferred to the airport or to your accommodation if staying on. Please book flights to depart after 3pm. Bon Voyage! (B)