Itinerary

Day 1 : Byron Bay/Brisbane to Rainbow Beach

Be the first to see the new day in Australia! An option this morning is to go with your guide to the lighthouse for sunrise. You may even see whales or dolphins. After breakfast we head north to Rainbow Beach via Surfers Paradise. We continue on to Brisbane (where other passengers may join) then 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; a vibrant young coastal town, with glistening coloured sands and a relaxed atmosphere. This evening relax in our accommodation, located just 100 metres from the beach. (D)

Days 2-3 : Fraser Island Tour

Spend the next two days exploring Fraser Island on a ranger guided 4WD safari with Fraser Explorer, staying at Eurong Resort. You will drive along Seventy Five Mile Beach, visit Lake Wabby and Lake McKenzie, Eli Creek, the Maheno Wreck and climb Indian Head. Return to Rainbow Beach for an overnight stay. (Day 4: LD; Day 5: BLD)

Day 4 : 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 we head inland through cattle country to Kroombit Cattle Station. Here we experience genuine outback living with the chance to ride a mechanical bull and take a walk of the property. Tonight you will taste a traditional camp oven dinner, cooked in the open fire. (D)

Day 5 : Kroombit Cattle Station

Today is jam-packed with wonderful activities all included in the price of your tour. Learn first-hand about Queensland farming life as you participate in a 'muster' on horseback, try your skill at trapshooting and join in the fun of a mini-rodeo as animals are herded into the ring. This evening enjoy another hearty camp-oven dinner and re-live your day's experiences around the campfire with a beer from the bush bar. (BLD)

Day 6 : Kroombit to Carnarvon Gorge

After breakfast we 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. This afternoon we will get a taste of the gorge with a short walk amongst the numerous kangaroos and wallabies that inhabit the area. Stay tonight in large permanent tents amongst the wilderness. (BD)

Day 7 : Carnarvon Gorge

You will spend the full day hiking through the many walking trails scattered throughout this magnificent gorge. Walks are mostly of easy grade and therefore suitable for all ages and fitness levels, however the options are varied. 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 3,500 years. See the best examples of rock-art in Queensland, made from the ochre taken from the region. After a day's exercise, you will return to our tented cabins for a good night's sleep within this wilderness region. (BLD)

Day 8 : Carnarvon Gorge to Airlie Beach

We start early today for our big drive from Carnarvon Gorge to the Mackay region. This is the first time we've hit the coast in four days and we now follow the coast to arrive at the Airlie Beach. Tomorrow you'll be sailing in some of finest sailing waters in the world - the Whitsunday Islands. (B)

Days 9-11 : Whitsunday Sailing

This morning your next adventure awaits - 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. Note that you will sleep on the boat, moored in quiet coves. Cabins are share only; no twin and doubles for these two nights. Back on land, we leave Airlie Beach and head to Townsville. From here we take the ferry to Magnetic Island, so named by Captain Cook because his compass went crazy when he sailed past in 1770. This evening, relax with a cold beer and watch the sunset from the beach bar of the only backpackers resort in Australia located right on the beach. (Day 11: D; Day 12: BLD; Day 13: B)

Day 12 : Magnetic Island to Cairns

After the short ferry trip back to the mainland, we drive to the Johnstone River Crocodile Farm to learn more about the most feared animal in Northern Australia: the estuarine or saltwater crocodile. As we arrive into Cairns, you will be able to cherish the many great experiences of Australia's East Coast.