East Coast Island Escape

Today you will be greeted by our friendly and professional Tour Directors, before departing Cairns and travelling along the Captain Cook Highway to Mossman and then onto the picturesque Daintree Village.

Enjoy a cruise on the Daintree River with an expert guide who will share their intricate knowledge of the local ecosystem before checking in to the fully refurbished Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort where we will spend the next two nights.

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 are transferred back to the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort and prepare for the unique ‘Flames of the Forest' rainforest dining experience, located a short drive out of town.

Departing Port Douglas this morning we travel south through Mt Molloy and Mareeba, taking in the magnificent farming regions of the Atherton Tablelands, before we head to Millaa Millaa Falls. We descend from the tablelands and head to 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.

Passing through the small township of El Arish, we make our way to Mission Beach where we spend the night at Castaways Resort and Spa which is located right on the beachfront.

Arrive in time to enjoy a stroll along this sensational beach before dinner in the resort restaurant overlooking the Coral Sea.

An early start today as we depart Mission Beach and head south to Townsville and visit 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 lunch we take the ferry across to Magnetic Island. Enjoy a tour of the island and explore the sights and beaches including Arcadia Bay. We return to the mainland and spend the night at the Ville Resort.

This morning we follow the coastline south passing through Ayr and Bowen onto Proserpine. From Proserpine, we head towards Airlie Beach where we board our Cruise Whitsundays transfer to Hamilton Island ready for our two night stay at the Reef View Hotel.

With the casual ambience of tropical North Queensland combined with the sophistication and style of this resort, you will certainly enjoy your time here.

*Please note that Hamilton Island is cashless

Today we depart for a cruise to Whitehaven Beach. 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 and doing some shopping.

This afternoon enjoy some leisure time before our final night in this beautiful island location.

An early start this morning as we head back to Airlie Beach and journey south to the coastal town of Yeppoon, before heading to Rockhampton where we enjoy a brief town tour.

We then check in to our overnight accommodation at the Empire Apartment Hotel, Rockhampton's newest and largest apartment hotel in the heart of the CBD Riverfront Precinct.

From here we travel south to Gladstone and take the ferry transfer over to Heron Island. A natural coral cay located in the Great Barrier Reef, 80kms off the coast of Queensland 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.

Your next two nights will be spent on this beautiful island at Heron Island Resort in beachside suites.

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 beach-snorkelling, sunset cruise, research station, guided walks and a semi-submarine marine tour.

* Please note: Daily activities vary and are weather dependent. Research Station is only open on a Tuesday and Saturday.

Today we'll board the ferry back to the mainland where we enjoy a tour of Gladstone including a visit to Round Hill Lookout, before checking in to the Mantra Hotel.

This morning we continue our journey south along the Bruce Highway to River Heads, where we catch the Kingfisher Bay Ferry across to K'gari (formerly Fraser Island). We are then transferred to the Kingfisher Bay Resort for our two night stay on the island.

Today enjoy a full day 4WD tour of K'gari. Travel along 75 Mile Beach to the coloured sands of the Pinnacles and visit the Maheno Shipwreck. Also visit K'gari'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.

Enjoy your return ferry transfer from K'gari to River Heads, before making our way to Brisbane, passing by the Sunshine Coast. You will then be transferred according to the details specified.