12 Day Byron Bay to Cairns

Notes

• These packages comprise a number of different tours; therefore you may travel with a different guide and passengers’ enroute.  Tour may be operated as a code-share with Oz Experience, a division of Adventure Tours Australia.
• Itinerary may vary and/or attractions substituted due to seasonal conditions, Traditional Owner and National Park requirements
  Double/twin ensuite accommodation upgrade is subject to availability.  Double/twin accommodation is not available at Barrington Tops & Kroombit Cattle Station and is therefore not included in the upgrade price.
• Safaris must be reconfirmed by 4.00pm the day prior to travel
• Hikes up to 6-8kms per day.
  

ITINERARY

Day 1: Byron Bay to Brisbane
Discover the unique town of Nimbin where hemp and hippy communes are a part of everyday life.  Take the time to explore the town including Candle Factory, Hemp Embassy, Nimbin Museum and other points of interest.  In the afternoon travel through to the 40km of golden sands known as the Gold Coast, cruising through Surfers Paradise for a swim and on to Brisbane. (Meals and accommodation at own expense).

Day 2: Brisbane to Hervey Bay
This morning we travel through Mooloolaba, take a short break in the resort township of Noosa Heads before arriving at Rainbow Beach; a vibrant young town, with a relaxed atmosphere. Here we take part in a didgeridoo demonstration, view boomerang and spear throwing and paint your own boomerang.  Afterwards, we take a walk to explore the beautiful coloured sands before travelling on to Hervey Bay.  Overnight Hervey Bay (B)

Days 3 & 4: 2 day tour to Fraser Island
Spend the next two days exploring Fraser Island on a ranger guided 4WD safari, staying at Kingfisher Bay’s Wilderness Lodge.  You will drive along Seventy-Five Mile Beach, climb Indian Head and swim in the Champagne Pools and Lake McKenzie.  Return to Hervey Bay for overnight stay. (Day 7: LD Day 8: BL)

Day 5: Hervey Bay to Kroombit Cattle Station
We travel through ‘sugar cane’ country this morning, passing through Bundaberg and on to the tiny coastal township of ‘1770’ (the year of Captain Cook’s first arrival).  We learn more of the history of the region on a town tour and then it’s on to Kroombit Cattle Station.  Here we experience genuine outback living with a whip cracking demonstration, the chance to ride a mechanical bull and participate in farm activities.  Tonight you will taste a traditional camp oven dinner. (D)

Day 6:  Kroombit Cattle Station to Airlie Beach
After a bush style breakfast, we travel through ‘beef country’ as we head to the small sugar township of Sarina where we try our hand at ‘barefoot bowling’; lawn bowls Aussie style. Following the coast we arrive at the “Gateway to the Whitsunday’s”, beautiful Airlie Beach. Overnight Airlie Beach (B)

Days 7 - 9: Sailing the Whitsunday’s - 3 days on a Maxi Yacht
A Maxi yacht is 75 feet of ‘racing machine’, worth millions of dollars, is very powerful and offers an experience of a lifetime that is only available in the Whitsunday’s! You will have the opportunity to take the wheel, hoist the sails and grind the winches whilst exploring the most idyllic Whitsunday Islands.  Maxis are fitted with bathrooms, bunks and galley. Return to Airlie Beach for overnight accommodation (Day 11: LD Day 12: BLD Day 13: BL)

Day 10: Airlie Beach to Magnetic Island
We make our way to Townsville for the 45 minute, 8km ferry ride to Magnetic Island.  More than two thirds of the Island is protected National Park with an abundance of wildlife.  This afternoon we check out amazing views of the island from the top of an old WWII fort while spotting koalas in their natural habitat during a guided interpretive walk.  Later, relax with a cold drink and watch the sun set over the ocean. Overnight Magnetic Island.

Day 11: Magnetic Island to Mission Beach
We’re up early to take part in a guided sea kayak tour in the stunning Marine Park waters (all equipment provided, including ‘stinger’ suits in summer) before heading to Mission Beach.  Learn about the unique flightless Cassowary bird (up to 2 metres tall) on an hour long interpretive walk through local bush track. Overnight Mission Beach (B)

Day 12: Mission Beach to Cairns via the ‘Tablelands’
Departing Mission Beach we set out to explore the Atherton Tablelands.  You will see spectacular Millaa Millaa Falls and the giant Curtain Fig Tree, then head to the Crater Lakes where you can ‘cool off’ in Lake Eacham.  As we arrive into Cairns, our final stop is the AJ Hackett Bungy site, where you can experience a bungy jump or minjin swing (at own expense) finishing the tour on a high!