Upon arrival in Cairns be met and transferred to your hotel. Today is free for you to explore this tropical city. Tonight enjoy a powerful and unique experience, where you have the opportunity to be part of an ancient corroboree ritual at Tjapukai Cultural Park. The performance is followed by a dinner banquet of the region's best food and wine in the surrounds of this award winning cultural park.

Two Night Stay: Cairns Hilton with private balcony boasting mountain or waterfront views.

Note: choice must be requested at time of booking.

This evening is free for you to enjoy the sights and sounds of Cairns at your leisure.

Experience a spectacular rail journey aboard the famous Kuranda Train. Travel from the coastal sugar fields high into the Atherton Tablelands to the picturesque township of Kuranda. Return aboard the Skyrail gondola, the longest gondola cableway in the world. We then rejoin the coach for the journey north via the Coastal Captain Cook Highway, considered to be one of the most scenic coastal drives in Australia, to the World Heritage Listed Cape Tribulation.

Two Night Stay: Cape Tribulation National Park, Coconut Beach Rainforest Resort.

Scenic FreeChoice Inclusions Today choose from either a 4WD to explore the spectacular scenery and unique ecology; or Meet the shy night creatures of the rainforest by torchlight. With sharp eyesight and keen hearing, prepare to encounter the animals of the night.

Enjoy free time in the Aussie seaside town of Port Douglas strolling among the village shops and galleries. Continue via Atherton Tablelands, a fertile plateau encompassing World Heritage listed rainforest and national parks. Visit the amazing Curtain Fig Tree as well as the picture perfect Millaa Millaa Falls before stopping at the Australian Sugar Museum, where the story of sugar refining unfolds as a local farmer joins our group and gives first hand information on how the sugar in this area is grown and processed. Continue to Mission Beach where exquisite rainforest meets golden beachfront.

Overnight Stay: Horizon at Mission Beach.

For the early birds, enjoy a walk along the breathtaking Mission Beach with a local from the area who gives a unique insight into the activities in the area, as well as the experience of living in this famous beachside town. We then travel south, via the coastal Bruce Highway to Townsville, with its many handsome historic buildings.

Scenic FreeChoice Inclusions Today choose from either a visit to the Reef HQ, the largest living coral reef aquarium in the world; or visit the Museum of Tropical Queensland and follow the adventurous story of the Mutiny on the Bounty.

Continue to Airlie Beach and join a short cruise to Daydream Island.

Two Night Stay: Whitsunday's, Daydream Island Resort & Spa.

Scenic FreeChoice Inclusions
(1) Cruise and explore two islands in the Whitsundays: Hamilton and Whitehaven Beach; or (2) Semi-Submersible Coral Reef Explorer. Choose one - included in the tour at no extra cost.

Transfer to the mainland and travel south via Mackay, Australia's sugar capital to Rockhampton, the jewel of the Capricorn Coast and the beef capital of Australia. Enjoy an evening at one of the great Australian pubs where you may have the opportunity to experience an Rodeo event (subject to operational hours) before savouring award- winning steak.

Overnight Stay: Rockhampton, Plaza Hotel or similar.

Working Cattle Station: Opportunity to stay at a homestead Numbers are strictly limited. Must be booked before departure.

Visit historic Langmorn Station for a home- hosted morning tea and a true taste of life on a real Aussie Outback Cattle Station. Continue to Hervey Bay and join a relaxing catamaran ride to World Heritage listed Fraser Island, the largest sand island in the world. Tonight enjoy a fascinating presentation on the island's unspoiled flora and fauna.

Two Night Stay: Fraser Island, Kingfisher Bay Resort, the winner of numerous environmental tourism awards.

For the early risers, enjoy a ranger-escorted bird watching walk before a hearty breakfast, followed by a morning 4WD tour over vegetated sand dunes with your expert interpretive ranger guide. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure. Simply relax by the pool, have afternoon tea in the resort's coffee shop, or indulge in a relaxing massage.

Scenic FreeChoice Dining
(1) The casual Sandbar Bistro; or (2) The Tempting Maheno Restaurant Buffet; or (3) The stylish Sea Belle Restaurant. Choose one - included in the tour at no extra cost.

Travel south to visit Australia Zoo, home of Steve Irwin, 'The Crocodile Hunter'. See unique Australian wildlife up close!

Overnight Stay: Surfers Paradise, Watermark Hotel.

Travel to Byron Bay, the most easterly point of Australia. The town is known for its relaxed and interesting mix of residents, which is reflected in the galleries, boutiques and shops. Continue by road to Coffs Harbour, famous for its luscious banana plantations.

Overnight Stay: Coffs Harbour, Novotel Pacific Bay Resort, beachfront accommodation.

This morning, travel south via charming countryside, before stopping at a vineyard for lunch and tastings. Arrive in Sydney early evening and bid farewell to your new friends. (Please book flights 7pm onwards if departing this evening. Own expense, pre-book with Travel Agent).