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When it comes to dazzling natural attractions, golden beaches and pristine waterways, Australia’s East Coast has the lot.  You’ll be visiting some of these on your journey north over the next 11 days, culminating in a Whitsundays Sailing Adventure through an island paradise. With plenty of meals included, quality accommodation already sorted and heaps to keep you busy – this is the perfect travel option if you want to kick back and relax and enjoy the ride!

DAY 1:  SYDNEY TO BYRON BAY
Our journey commences bright and early, when we depart Sydney via the Harbour Bridge and begin our trek northwards along the Pacific Highway. Crossing the mighty Hawkesbury River, we travel past Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, stopping for lunch along the way (own expense) as we head further north. This afternoon we continue on through the towns of Kempsey, birthplace of the “Akubra” hat, and Coffs Harbour, the Banana growing capital!  With the Great Dividing Range to our west and the Pacific Ocean on our east, the highway takes us past the Northern Rivers towns of Grafton and Ballina before reaching the resort town of Byron Bay, Australia’s most easterly township.  Renowned for its surfing beaches, beautiful rainforests and eclectic lifestyle, Byron Bay oozes a relaxed vibe that “hooks” many a traveller. Some have been known to visit and never leave! After checking into our accommodation, we head off to explore this town.
Meals – N/A

DAY 2:  BYRON BAY
A full day ahead to enjoy what Byron Bay has to offer. Famous for its great beaches and counter culture, we have plenty of optional activities here to keep us busy today. Try a surfing lesson*, go diving* sea kayaking* or just chill out on the beach. The galleries and craft shops are also sure to fascinate, as are the many cafes and alternate cuisines that are available here. Take a great scenic walk to the lighthouse at Cape Byron where the views are breathtaking. It’s even possible that you may see some dolphins or whales as they pass by. Whether you do too much or too little here, you are guaranteed to enjoy it.
Meals – Breakfast

DAY 3:  BYRON BAY TO GOLD COAST
Enjoy a relaxed start to the morning before we depart Byron Bay. Our short journey takes us inland via Murwillumbah and across the state border beside Lamington National Park. Here we enter Queensland. We will make a stop at the “Natural Arch” – a natural feature where a spectacular waterfall plummets through a stone archway into a rock pool below. The short walk here is a must. We then travel through the Numinbah Valley and Nerang, to Surfers Paradise and the “Gold Coast”. This region is one of Australia’s most popular holiday destinations with its great climate, famous surf beaches, extreme adventure activities* and well known Theme Parks*. Tonight we regroup for dinner. The restaurants and nightlife here are pumping every night of the week, and we will take you to some of the Gold Coasts’ Hot spots!! Take a short walk to Cavill and Orchid Avenues where you can try some different pubs and clubs.
Meals – Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 4:  GOLD COAST
A full day to take in the sights and thrills of Australia’s holiday playground. Take a scenic flight* or grab a board and hit the surf*. There are a number of theme parks* here to visit if you choose – Sea World, Movie World, Dreamworld and Wet ‘n Wild; as well as great shopping and cafes. Visit Australia Zoo* for an ultimate wildlife adventure. Cuddle a koala, hand-feed elephants, walk with a Tiger and watch a crocodile launch from the waters edge. Of course there are also the endless beaches that make this stretch of coastline so famous and, as they are only a short walk from our hotel, it makes it all so easy to enjoy.
Meals - Breakfast

DAY 5:  GOLD COAST TO FRASER ISLAND
A short drive this morning to Queensland’s capital city, Brisbane. We will make a stop at Kangaroo
Point Cliffs Lookout for the best view of this river city, then crossing the Brisbane River via the Story Bridge we take some time out in the city centre. Hit the Queen Street Mall (last shopping fix for a few 1000 kms!!), relax in a nearby coffee shop or just take a walk around this relaxed city. Heading further north along the Bruce Highway we pass the world famous Glasshouse Mountains, the old gold mining town of Gympie and the heritage township of Maryborough before arriving at Hervey Bay. Here we board our ferry to cross the Great Sandy Straight, bound for Fraser Island. Perfectly located at Kingfisher Bay, the Wilderness Lodge accommodation is set in a eucalypt forest at Kingfisher Bay Resort, on the western side of the island.
Meals - Breakfast & Dinner

DAY 6:  FRASER ISLAND – GREAT SANDY NATIONAL PARK
Fraser Island – Great Sandy National Park is World Heritage Listed and is the world’s largest sand island. It was home to the Badtjala Aboriginal people for some 5000 years and was known as ”K’gari”.  This special place supports an extraordinarily diverse rainforest, wildflower heath, mangroves, birds and a large population of dingos. The island has dunes that reach 240 metres in height and about 40 dune lakes – half the number in the world. A great way to see this magnificent national park is on an optional 4-wheel drive bus tour* along the unspoilt surf beaches and to pristine inland freshwater lakes that are ideal for swimming. Whale watching* is also an option usually between the months of July and November where you can see hump back whales on their annual migration.  At the end of the day, why not enjoy a cocktail at the jetty bar, while watching the sun set over the bay.
Meals – Breakfast

DAY 7:  FRASER ISLAND TO ROCKHAMPTON
This morning we say our last goodbyes to Fraser Island, board our ferry and return to the mainland. Continuing our journey northwards through sugar cane country, we make a stop for lunch then arrive into the beef capital of Queensland - Rockhampton (Rocky). This major regional town is situated on the banks of the Fitzroy River and lies on the Tropic of Capricorn. Tonight we explore the local “Rocky” nightlife – if we’re lucky we’ll check out a real life Rodeo!  Giddy up!!!  Hope you’ve packed your Akubra!
Meals – Breakfast & Dinner

DAY 8:  ROCKHAMPTON TO THE WHITSUNDAYS
It’s a big day today as we head off for the gorgeous Whitsundays where you’re in for a real treat. We travel on to Mackay - commercial centre of Queensland’s huge sugar industry.  Here we'll stop for lunch (own expense) for your first taste of North Queensland.  It’s then on to Airlie Beach, the heart of the thriving Whitsundays. The town overlooks the beautiful Whitsunday Passage and the 74 nearby tropical islands.  If there’s a heaven on earth, it’s definitely in the Whitsundays so prepare to enjoy!  And the best way to experience this gorgeous region is onboard a boat – your home for the next 2 nights!  You’ll be watching the sunset over the water tonight from the heart of paradise.
Meals – Breakfast & Dinner

NB: Landlubbers Option*
If you’re certain you can’t stay onboard for 2 nights, you do have the option to stay on the mainland and enjoy Airlie Beach, and Club Crocodile Resort.  You’ll have the chance to experience a day cruise to Whitehaven Beach onboard Camira – otherwise you can hang with locals at the gorgeous man-made lagoon and make the most of this idyllic location. (Inc. 2xB, 1xL, 1xD)

DAY 9:  THE WHITSUNDAY ISLANDS
Wake up in one of the many sheltered coves that make up the Whitsundays.  You’ll set sail for golden sandy beaches, snorkel over island coral reefs and soak up the sun in this tropical wonderland.  A visit to the famous Whitehaven Beach and Blue Pearl Bay will also hopefully be an option – depending on the weather.  For the budding sailors, help set the sails and have a turn on the helm as we explore the islands.  By night you’ll star gaze the Milky Way and forget about your life back home.  You’re in heaven!
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Liveaboard Sailing - Multi-share (bunk) accommodation
Whitsundays

DAY 10:  THE WHITSUNDAYS TO AIRLIE BEACH
This morning we set sail again for another idyllic location before returning to the mainland and the busy resort town of Airlie Beach.  Tonight we’ll get to experience a night out in “Airlie” with plenty of bars and clubs so you can dance the night away. 
Meals – Breakfast

DAY 11:  AIRLIE BEACH
This morning you bid farewell to your travel buddies and kick back and enjoy this tropical paradise.
Meals – Breakfast

**Our experienced guides will tailor all of the activities based on seasonal & cultural conditions throughout the year, to maximise your experience and enjoyment.  Any deviation from this itinerary will be made with serious consideration and your best interests and safety our priority.