Day 1 – On arrival in Brisbane today you can pick up your car for your self-drive tour of Queensland’s magnificent coastline.  From beaches to rainforests, today will be the start of a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Your early morning arrival into Brisbane will ensure that you have enough time to pick up your vehicle and head to the Sunshine Coast to see the award-winning Australia Zoo (approximately 1 hour). The entire day is yours to discover what makes this world-famous tourist attraction so unique.

There is no other zoo like Australia Zoo. They pack in stacks of wildlife action every day and move at a great rate of knots – there are always plenty of exciting wildlife shows to see, friendly and knowledgeable zoo keepers to chat with and heaps of drop-dead gorgeous animals that can’t wait to get up close and personal with YOU!

If you’ve ever wanted to cuddle a koala, hand-feed an Asian Elephant, walk alongside a Bengal Tiger, take a Tasmanian Devil for a stroll, wrap a snake around your shoulders or watch a massive Saltwater Crocodile launch a strike from the water’s edge, then Australia Zoo is your ultimate destination.

Encounters start from only $20.00 per person and can be prebooked prior to arrival.

There is so much to see and do at Australia Zoo, so for more information log onto their website, www.australiazoo.com.au.

Continue onto Mooloolaba (approximately 25 mins) this afternoon where you will find your base at the Outrigger Resort Mooloolaba for the next two (2) nights.

Day 2 - Today is yours to explore the beautiful Sunshine Coast. You may want to head into the hinterland towns of Montville and Maleny, where you will discover these quaint little townships full of arts, crafts and specialty shops.  Local delicacies are almost on every corner in this area, from wines and cheeses to locally made ice cream. While visiting this area don’t miss the national parks, rainforests and waterfalls which make the Blackall Ranges a tranquil and attractive retreat for people of all ages.

For those looking for a little more action or prefer the coastal charm, why not head up to Noosa to enjoy the many beachfront restaurants and shopping that Noosa is known for. Noosa is approximately 30 mins from Mooloolaba and the coastal drive will be one of the highlights of your day.

Day 3 – Enjoy a leisurely start this morning as you head to Hervey Bay. Known as the whale-watching capital of the world, you will be able to see these marvellous animals between the months of August and November.  The drive will take approximately three (3) hours, passing through the historic towns of Gympie and Maryborough.

Your accommodation for the next two (2)nights will be at the Outrigger Hervey Bay.

Day 4 - It will be 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'll love cruising 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, or admire the flora and fauna as you walk along the scenic boardwalk beside the sea. You'll be amazed by the coloured sands of the Pinnacles as you head to Eurong for a buffet lunch.

After lunch you can 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 fresh water 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 three (3) hours).  Known at the Beef Capital of Australia, Rockhampton is the capital of the Capricorn Region and a great overnight rest point on your way to the Great Barrier Reef. Tonight's accommodation will be at the Leichardt Hotel.

Day 6 – Today will be your longest distance drive to the coastal Whitsunday town of Airlie Beach (approx five (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 the perfect gateway to the magical Great Barrier Reef, and your stopover for the next three (3) nights at the Coral Sea Resort.

Day 8 – 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, snorkelling, diving (extra charge) and much more. Your tour will include morning and afternoon teas and a full buffet lunch along with expert commentary on the marine creatures.

Day 9 – 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 unbelievable.

Day 10 – 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 four (4) hours).  Just another brief overnight stopover as we head north to our final destination of Cairns.

Townsville is known as the unofficial capital of north Queensland. It 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 manmade headlands, rockpools, numerous eateries and waterslides. Tonight's accommodation will be at the Holiday Inn, Townsville.

Day 11 – Head off to your final destination - Cairns! Cairns is where the rainforest meets the reef.  Your drive today from Townsville will take approximately four (4) hours.

Drop your car off on arrival into Cairns at the local downtown depot and make your own way to your accommodation for the next three (3) nights at the Oasis Resort Cairns. Spend the remainder of the day getting to know the local area.

Day 12 – This morning you will be picked up from your accommodation by Down Under Tours 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. A stop at Barron Gorge will give you the opportunity 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 13 – 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 rest and relaxation.

Day 14 – This morning will bring the conclusion of your self-drive tour.

Double/twin share from: $1812.00AUD
$ 1368.00USD