Queensland Coast
Sunshine Coast, Hervey Bay, Rockhampton, Airlie Beach, Townsville, Cairns, Australia
Day 1 - On arrival in Brisbane today you will pick up your car for your self-drive tour of Queensland's magnificent coastline.
You will visit the multi award-winning Australia Zoo (approximately one hour's drive).The entire day is yours to discover at your leisure the awesome wildlife action that makes Australia Zoo so unique.
Continue onto Mooloolaba (approximately 25 minutes) this afternoon where you will find your base at the Outrigger Resort Mooloolaba for the next 2 nights.
Day 2 - Today is yours to explore the beautiful Sunshine Coast. You may want to head into the hinterland of Montville and Maleny, where you will discover quaint townships full of art, crafts and specialty stores.
Day 3 - A leisurely start this morning as you head to Hervey Bay. Known as the whale capital of the world., this is the place to see these marvelous marine animals between the months of August and November. The drive will take you approximately three hours, passing through the historic towns of Gympie and Maryborough. Accommodation for the next 2 nights will be at the Outrigger Hervey Bay.
Day 4 - An early start this morning as you are picked up for your full-day Fraser Island tour. The tour departs at 6:45am from Urangan Boat Harbour on the Kingfisher Bay Resort catamaran. You will cruise across the Great Sandy Straits to Kingfisher Bay Resort, where you will join a guided nature walk around the beautiful lakes in the resort grounds.
Your island tour will be taken at a leisurely pace in a modern, air-conditioned vehicle. Drive along the famous Seventy-Five Mile Beach as the surf crashes around you. Stop for a swim in the cool, fresh waters of Eli Creek as it flows swiftly into the ocean or admire the flora and fauna as you walk along the scenic boardwalk beside the sea. View the coloured sands of the Pinnacles as you head to Eurong for a buffet lunch.
After lunch, experience the peaceful beauty of Central Station as you stroll through the rainforest along the banks of Wanggoolba Creek. Relax at Lake McKenzie, Fraser Island's most spectacular freshwater lake. Swim in the crystal clear waters or just relax and enjoy the amazing view.
Your tour today will end at approximately 6:00pm with a transfer back to your hotel.
Day 5 - This morning you will continue on your northward journey to the Capricorn region and the City of Rockhampton (approximately 3 hours). Known as the Beef Capital of Australia, Rockhampton is also the capital of the Capricorn Region and a great overnight stopping point on your way to the Great Barrier Reef. Tonight will be just a short 1 night stopover at the Leichardt Hotel.
Day 6 - Today will be your longest distance drive to the coastal Whitsunday town of Airlie Beach (approximately 5 hours). The Whitsundays are in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef and one of Australia's most desirable holiday destinations. As one of the world's most spectacular aquatic playgrounds, the Whitsundays encompass over 70 tropical islands. Airlie Beach is just your perfect gateway to the magical Great Barrier Reef and your stopover for the next 3 nights at the Coral Sea Resort.
Day 7 - A visit to the Whitsundays is not complete without an outer Barrier Reef cruise. Today you will cruise to the outer reef via a number of Whitsunday Islands to a permanent pontoon know as Reefworld.
From Reefworld you will be able to explore this magical underwater paradise. Activities include coral viewing from a semi-submersible submarine, use of the underwater viewing chamber, snorkeling, diving (extra charge) and much more. Your tour will also include morning and afternoon tea and a full buffet lunch, along with expert commentary on the marine creatures.
Day 8 - A leisurely day for you to explore the endless attractions that are available. You may choose to take another cruise to one of the Whitsunday Islands and spend the day around one of the island resorts. You may also wish to visit the famous Whitehaven Beach, where the sand is so white and soft it is is unbelievable.
Day 9 - The time has come to leave this exotic paradise and head northward bound once again. Today you will head to the north Queensland town of Townsville (approximately 4 hours). Just another short overnight stopover as we head north to our final destination of Cairns.
Townsville combines the lure of the tropics with the attractions of a major city. Take a walk down to 'The Strand', which is known as the favorite leisure place for locals and visitors, with four man-made headlands, rockpools, numerous eateries and waterslides.
Tonight's accommodation will be at the Holiday Inn Townsville.
Day 10 - Head off to your final destination, Cairns. Cairns is where the reef meets the rainforest. Your drive today from Townsville will take approximately 4 hours.
Your accommodation for the next 3 nights is at the Oasis Resort Cairns. Spend the remainder of the day getting to know the local area.
Day 11 - You will be picked up from your accommodation and taken on your Kuranda Scenic Railway and Skyrail tour. Your tour will begin with a transfer to the railway station to board the Kuranda Scenic Rail. Stop at Barron Gorge to view the falls before arriving into Kuranda station. The remainder of the day is free to explore the village in the rainforest. Kuranda is well known for its vibrant and colourful markets which take place daily.
Your return to Cairns will be via the Kuranda Skyrail. Glide over the rainforest canopy and stop to enjoy a walk through the rainforest. Your tour will also include a stop at the Tjapukai Cultural Centre.
Day 12 - Your final day of leisure on this wonderful once in a lifetime journey. You may choose to visit the Great Barrier Reef again before your departure, or you may catch up on some well deserved R and R.
Day 13 - This morning will bring the end of your self drive tour.
