2011 Prices: From $2,685*
2011 Dates: Departs Sydney, Jan 9, 16, 23; Feb 13, 20, 27; Mar: Every Sunday
The best Australia has to offer for the active traveler; go surfing, hiking, relax on beautiful beaches, experience a 4-wheel drive safari, sail around the Whitsundays, feed crocs and learn about the ancient Aboriginal culture.
Day 1: Sydney to Surf Camp
Today you head to a secluded surf camp, located beachside north of Sydney. You may wish to sun bake on the crystal white sands or take a walk around the beautiful headland. Spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach and in the evening hang out and have dinner at the Mojo Beach House. (D)
Day 2: Surf Camp to Byron Bay
After a delicious breakfast, hit the beach for your morning surf lesson. Your professional surf instructors are on a mission to get you standing on a board by the end of this lesson! After surfing you will head north to Byron Bay, Australia’s most easterly point. You will visit the Byron Bay lighthouse for amazing views of the East Coast and inland national parks. (B)
Day 3: Byron Bay to Rainbow Beach
Be the first to see the new day in Australia! This morning you’ll go with your guide to the lighthouse for sunrise. You may even see whales or dolphins. After breakfast you will head north to Rainbow Beach via Surfers Paradise. Further north you’ll take a short break at the spectacular lookout at Wild Horse Mountain. Enjoy panoramic views of the Sunshine Coast overlooking Noosa and Mooloolaba, before arriving at Rainbow Beach. (D)
Days 4 - 5: 2 Day Fraser Island Tour
Spend the next two days exploring Fraser Island on a ranger guided 4WD safari. You will drive along Seventy-Five Mile Beach, visit Lakes’ Wabby and Mackenzie, Eli Creek, the Maheno Wreck and climb Indian Head. Return to Rainbow Beach for an overnight stay. (Day 4: L, D; Day 5: B, L, D)
Day 6: Rainbow Beach to Kroombit Cattle Station
There’s an option today to feed wild dolphins at Tin Can Bay. You can take the bus or catch the ferry (ferry is your own expense). After dolphin feeding you will head inland through cattle country to Kroombit Cattle Station. Here you’ll experience genuine outback living with the chance to ride a mechanical bull and take a walk of the property. (D)
Day 7: Kroombit Cattle Station
Today is jam-packed with wonderful activities. Learn first-hand about Queensland farming life as you participate in a “goat muster” on horseback, try your skill at trap-shooting and be part of a mini-rodeo as animals are herded into the ring. (B, L, D)
Day 8: Kroombit to Carnarvon Gorge
Today you will head further inland through Central Queensland’s remote outback to the little known jewel of Carnarvon National Park. Carnarvon Gorge, central to this park is a remarkable natural attraction with 30kms of walking trails, 200 species of birds, ancient plants and Aboriginal rock-art dating back 3,500 years. (B, D)
Day 9: Carnarvon Gorge
After breakfast you will spend the full day hiking through the many walking trails scattered throughout this magnificent gorge. You will see 500 year old cycads, grass trees and eucalypts, native wildlife and learn about the indigenous ancestors that inhabited this region for more than 3500 years. (B, L, D)
Day 10: Carnarvon Gorge to Airlie Beach
Today is an early start for a big drive from Carnarvon Gorge to the Mackay region. This is the first time you will hit the coast in four days and you’ll now follow the coast to arrive at Airlie Beach. (B)
Days 11-13: Whitsunday Sailing
You will have the opportunity to sun-bathe, snorkel and swim whilst exploring the idyllic Whitsunday Islands on a million dollar yacht. Visit the many beaches, coves and islands on this two night sailing trip, with the opportunity to hoist the sails and even take the wheel. Back on land, you’ll leave Airlie Beach and head to Townsville. From here you’ll take the ferry to Magnetic Island. (Day 11: D Day 12: B, L, D Day 13: B)
Day 14: Magnetic Island to Cairns
After the short ferry trip back to the mainland, you’ll drive to the Johnstone River Crocodile Farm to learn more about the most feared animal in Northern Australia: the estuarine or saltwater crocodile. From here, you will stop at Babinda Boulders for a refreshing rainforest walk. As you arrive into Cairns, you will be able to cherish the many great experiences of Australia’s East Coast.
Included:
- Experienced local guides
- Meals as listed in itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
- Private vehicle transportation
- Half day learn to surf lesson
- Byron Bay overnight and sightseeing
- Guided walks on the Noosa and North Queensland coasts
- Aboriginal cultural appreciation at Rainbow Beach
- 2 day fully guided 4-wheel drive safari of Fraser Island
- A full day of activities (including a live ‘muster’) on a working cattle station
- 2 day / 2 night live-aboard Whitsunday sailing adventure
- Return ferry and overnight stay on beautiful Magnetic Island
- Live “croc” feed at Johnstone River Crocodile Farm
- 13 Nights at Unique, Budget Level Accommodations
Not Included:
- Flights to/from Australia
- Accommodation, sightseeing and meals other than those expressly mentioned as included
- Items of personal nature such as telephone calls, internet access, laundry, etc.
- Local park fees about $58
*Note: Price is per person, based on double occupancy. Please contact us for single rates.
*Price subject to change based on exchange rate at time of booking.
