Queensland Coast
Sunshine Coast, Hervey Bay, Rockhampton, Airlie Beach, Townsville, Cairns, Australia
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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 Mantra Mooloolaba Beach 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, you can 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 Mantra 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 drive). 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 Leichhardt Hotel.
Day 6 - Today will be your longest distance drive to the coastal Whitsunday town of Airlie Beach (approximately 5 hours drive). 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 Agincourt Ribbon Reef at the very edge of the Great Barrier Reef. 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.
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, over 7 kilometres of some of the whitest, purest and softest silica sand in the world.
Day 9 - The time has come to leave this exotic paradise and head north once again. Today you will head to the north Queensland town of Townsville (approximately 4 hours drive). Just another short overnight stopover at the Holiday Inn Townsville as you head north to your 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.
Day 10 - Head off to your final destination, Cairns, 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 Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort. Spend the remainder of the day getting to know the local area.
Day 11 - Today you will join your Ultimate Kuranda Experience tour from your Cairns accommodation. You will be picked up at 8:00AM and transferred by coach to Caravonica Lakes where you will join the Skyrail to take you through the untouched beauty of North Queensland's rainforests. Stop at the Barron Falls station and learn more about the eco-system at the CSIRO Interpretative Centre. View the Barron Falls or take a leisurely walk along the rainforest boardwalk.
Shortly you will arrive into Kuranda, where the village is yours to explore. Kuranda is well known for its vibrant and colorful markets which take place daily.
Along the way, you can explore the award winning Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park, which provides a passionate and theatrical insight into an ancient culture.
Your return to Cairns will be via the Scenic Railway, winding around curves, across bridges and through hand made tunnels. Spectacular Scenery is the order of the day, before arriving into Freshwater Station where you will board your coach back to your accommodation, arriving at approximately 5:30PM.
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.
