Grand Australian Discovery

Itinerary

• Day 1 Thur. Sydney, Port Macquarie, Welcome Dinner & Drinks

  The adventure begins in Sydney this morning. Drive across the Sydney Harbour Bridge to the Central Coast, making your way to Port Macquarie. Tonight enjoy a Welcome Dinner & Drinks, where you can meet your fellow travellers.

• Day 2 Fri. Port Macquarie, Byron Bay

  Drive to Byron Bay, a bohemian town world-renowned for its surf beaches. Take in the views from Cape Byron, the Australian mainland's most easterly point. Watch the surfers and maybe see dolphins off the point, and view the Cape Byron Lighthouse. Stroll along the beach at the doorstep of your hotel tonight.

• Day 3 Sat. Gold Coast, Brisbane, Moreton Island

  A short drive takes you to Brisbane, where you will enjoy some time at leisure to discover Queensland's capital. Later, cruise across Moreton Bay to Moreton Island National Park, home to Queensland's wild dolphins, and your home for the next two nights.

• Day 4 Sun. Moreton Island, Tangalooma, Day at Leisure, Wild Dolphins

  Enjoy a full day to explore the island. Perhaps snorkel around the shipwrecks, try sand tobogganing, quad bike riding or take a 4WD tour of the island (all activities at own expense). Tonight is a highlight - you'll have the opportunity to interact with the friendly dolphins that swim close to shore of the island.

• Day 5 Mon. Moreton Island, Australia Zoo, Sunshine Coast, Hervey Bay

  Return to the mainland and visit Australia Zoo, made famous by the Crocodile Hunter, the late Steve Irwin. You will then travel through the Sunshine Coast to Hervey Bay, a popular tourist destination, especially in whale watching season (Aug-Oct) when Humpback whales can be seen offshore.

• Day 6 Tue. World Heritage-listed Fraser Island

  Cruise to Fraser Island this morning, offering exceptional beauty in the form of uninterrupted white beaches and striking coloured sand cliffs. Explore the world's largest sand island in 4WD vehicles and discover unspoilt surf beaches, inland lakes and lush rainforest. Recross the Great Sandy Strait. As you cruise to Hervey Bay, watch for humpback whales migrating to their breeding grounds (Aug-Oct).

• Day 7 Wed. Tropic of Capricorn, Rockhampton

  Journey to Rockhampton, located on the Tropic of Capricorn, this morning. On arrival, take a leisurely stroll around the Botanic Gardens, one of the best in regional Australia. Admire the excellent specimens of palms, cycads and ferns which can be found throughout the grounds.

• Day 8 Thur. Mackay, Airlie Beach, Cruise to Daydream Island

  Head for the town of Mackay, the sugar capital of Australia. Continue to Airlie Beach and cruise to Daydream Island, part of the Great Barrier Reef. The island is described as the jewel of the Whitsundays.

• Day 9 Fri. Great Barrier Reef Experience

  Voyage to the heart of the Great Barrier Reef aboard a catamaran. Arrive at Reefworld, one of the largest reef pontoons in Australia. Enjoy a reef education presentation and view the tropical fish from the Underwater Observatory and the semi-submersible. For the more adventurous, follow a snorkelling trail and view the coral and sea life. Lunch on board is included.

• Day 10 Sat. Daydream Island, Whitsundays, Townsville, Cairns

  Return to the mainland and head to Townsville. Continue along the coastline, travelling between lush mountains with tropical vegetation and sandy beaches. Your destination is Cairns, a cosmopolitan city where its residents enjoy an enviable tropical lifestyle.

• Day 11 Sun. Port Douglas, Kuranda, Farewell Dinner

  Drive along the coast to Port Douglas. On arrival, head to Kuranda, a village in the rainforest where you can wander the local markets. Travel aboard the Kuranda Scenic Railway (own expense) or by coach back to Cairns. Tonight enjoy a Farewell Dinner with your Tour Director at Tjapukai by Night.

• Day 12 Mon. Cairns, Base Tour, Uluru Sunset

  Fly to Central Australia and arrive before 1pm and transfer to your hotel (airfare not included). Your Central Australian tour is guided by a driver/guide only. Visit the Cultural Centre and join the guided Mutitjulu and Mala walks. Enjoy a complimentary glass of wine as you view an Uluru sunset.

• Day 13. Uluru Sunrise, Kata Tjuta (Olgas)

  Rise early to view Uluru in the first light of day. Travel to Kata Tjuta, walk into Walpa (Olga) Gorge. Depart for Kings Canyon.

• Day 14. Kings Canyon, Alice Springs

  Choose between two guided walks at Kings Canyon before travelling to Alice Springs.

• Day 15 Depart Alice Springs

  Enjoy a free morning in Alice Springs before your transfer to the airport.