East Coast Explorer - Cairns to Sydney

Day 1: Arrive Cairns
On arrival in Cairns you will be transferred to your hotel. Join your Tour Director for an orientation tour of Cairns. Tonight enjoy a welcome drink and dinner with your Tour Director and fellow travelling companions.(D)
Hotel: Rydges Esplanade, Cairns, 3 nights

Day 2: Great Barrier Reef
Join Sunlover Cruises for a full day cruise to Moore Reef. Enjoy a reef presentation to learn more about the wonders of the reef, view the spectacular coral and tropical fish on a glass bottom boat tour. There is also the opportunity to go snorkelling and view this natural living wonder up close (equipment provided). Enjoy a tropical buffet lunch, before returning to Cairns. (B,L)

Day 3: Cairns 'Free Time'
Enjoy a day at leisure in Cairns. There is an opportunity to take an optional tour to the rainforest village of Kuranda with time to wander through the various stalls of the colourful Kuranda Markets. Ride the Skyrail Cableway that takes you above the canopy of the rainforest.  You may like to visit the famous Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park to experience the History, Creation and Dance Theatres where the legends of the Dreamtime are brought to life. Why not try hot air ballooning over the Atherton Tablelands. There is the opportunity to visit Port Douglas, explore the World Heritage listed Cape Tribulation rainforest or join a guided cruise on the Daintree River. (B)

Day 4: Cairns - Townsville
Climb the high tropical plateau known as the Atherton Tablelands, where lush rainforests, waterfalls and lakes abound. Enjoy a guided cruise with full commentary on the serene crater of Lake Barrine and watch for pelicans and other wildlife. View the famous Curtain Fig Tree and Millaa Millaa Falls, before your journey to Townsville. Perhaps take a stroll along The Strand this evening.(B,D)
Hotel: Hotel Ibis, Townsville

Day 5: Daydream Island Resort & Spa
Enjoy breakfast with the animals and a guided tour of the wildlife park at the Billabong Sanctuary. Set in 11 hectares of tropical bush, it is home to all kinds of native mammals, birds and reptiles. Cuddle a koala, hold a wombat and if you're brave enough there's snake and crocodile handling too. At Airlie Beach take a ferry to Daydream Island, in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. (B,D)
Hotel: Daydream Island Resort & Spa, Garden View Rooms, 2 nights

Day 6: Daydream Island 'Free Time'
Enjoy a day at leisure on Daydream Island, one of 74 islands which make up the beautiful Whitsundays. You have the opportunity to take a rainforest walk or to enjoy some of the many water activities on offer including catamarans, aqua aerobics and waterpolo. Or perhaps replenish your body and soul at the Daydream Island Rejuvenation Spa. (B)

Day 7: Rockhampton
Take a ferry back to Airlie Beach. Travel south through Mackay, Australia's sugar cane capital, to Rockhampton situated on the broad Fitzroy River just above the Tropic of Capricorn. (B,D)
Hotel: Rockhampton Plaza, Rockhampton

Day 8: Hervey Bay
Cross the Tropic of Capricorn and stop at Langmorn Station, a fully operational cattle station. Enjoy morning tea at the homestead, a restored 'Queenslander' built in 1873. Continue south to Hervey Bay, which is your base for the next two nights. Just offshore lies remarkable Fraser Island waiting to be explored. (B,D)
Hotel: Mantra Hervey Bay, 2 nights

Day 9: Fraser Island 4WD
Cruise to World Heritage listed Fraser Island, the longest sand island in the world and the largest island off Australia's east coast. On arrival board a 4WD and traverse the sand dunes. Tour 75 Mile Beach, see Lake McKenzie, a beautiful freshwater lake, then stop at Eli Creek. A buffet lunch is included. (B,L)

Day 10: Hervey Bay - Gold Coast
Today travel to Brisbane. Enjoy an orientation tour of the city and learn about opals, before continuing to the exciting Gold Coast, Australia's premier holiday destination. Tonight, the evening is free for you to discover the vibrant Gold Coast and dine at one of the many local restaurants. (B)
Hotel: Australis Sovereign Hotel, Surfers Paradise

Day 11: Gold Coast - Coffs Harbour
Today you will follow the lush Tweed River Valley to Cape Byron Lighthouse for superb views from Australia's eastern-most point. stop at colourful Byron Bay at lunchtime before continuing along the Pacific Highway to Coffs Harbour. Enjoy an overnight stay in this picturesque town. (B,D)
Hotel: Opal Cove Resort, Coffs Harbour

Day 12: Coffs Harbour - Sydney
Stop at the town of Port Macquarie. Continue along the scenic coastal route crossing the Hawkesbury River into Sydney. You will be transferred to Sydney Airport for your onward flight. (B)