Day 1 CAIRNS
Welcome to the Tropical North! We meet and greet over lunch before we head off to explore the nearby tropical Rainforest and Kuranda via the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. The Skyrail Experience, spanning 7.5 km travels over heritage listed, pristine rainforest, allows you to explore the wonders of an ancient tropical rainforest and learn about one of the most botanically fascinating and diverse areas on earth.

Gliding just metres above the rainforest canopy in comfortable six-person gondola cabins, the Skyrail journey immerses you in an intimate rainforest experience where you'll see, hear, smell and become part of the tropical rainforest environment. This is a pretty spectacular way to spend an afternoon and the perfect way to kick off your trip. Tonight, dinner is Connections Style, followed by a visit to the night markets in the centre of town, or if you prefer, kick back, relax and enjoy tropical North Queensland, poolside!

Day 2 Cairns - Optional Great Barrier Reef
Cairns is the perfect base to explore North Queensland, with a load of activities to suit everyone. With both the reef and the rainforest at your doorstep, you can go wild and crazy with optional activities ranging from adventurous white water rafting* on the Tully River or Tandem Skydiving*, to a day trip* to the World Heritage listed Daintree Region. There's Horse Riding*, Quad Biking*, Bungy Jumping*, Hot Air Ballooning* - the list goes on and on!!

Today you also have the option to discover the world's largest coral reef aboard a maxi-catamaran*. The day includes lunch, all snorkeling equipment, optional introductory* and certified Scuba Diving* plus the thrill of sailing on a thoroughbred machine. The Great Barrier Reef is a fascinating maze of coral reefs and cays extending over 2000 kilometres along the Queensland Coast.

Once anchored at the reef, slip over the side and explore this underwater paradise at your own pace. You'll be amazed by the wonders of the reef that is brimming with life - the brilliant colours of the coral and varieties of fish makes this experience unforgettable! On the return journey, stop at a natural coral cay - a fragile and unique ecosystem of brilliant white sand and warm shallow water for some more snorkeling, swimming or diving*, or just chill out - where else would you rather be!! This evening we freshen up for dinner and a night out on the town. !

Day 3 Cairns
Another fabulous day to explore all that tropical North Queensland has to offer - the world is your oyster! If you want some time out, the centre of Cairns has some great cafe's and shopping. The swimming lagoon is close by and is a great place to cool off. This evening we freshen up for dinner and a night out on the town.! At the day's end, we can exchange our adventure stories over dinner.

Day 4 Cairns to the Whitsundays
Leaving Cairns behind after an early start, we make tracks south along the Bruce Highway to the Whitsundays. We pass through the small community, farming towns of Ingham and Innisfail and the coastal village of Cardwell, overlooking the largest island National Park, Hinchinbrook Island.

With Townsville not far away, we pass the highest mountains in Queensland, Mt Bartle Frere (1622 m) and Mt Bellenden Ker (1580 m) as the Great Dividing Range looms closer to the coast. Situated on Cleveland Bay, Townsville is North Queensland's largest city and the headquarters for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, James Cook University and Australian Institute of Marine Science. Here we break our journey for some lunch and check out The Strand which is made up of 2.5 km of beaches, parks, picnic areas and cafes!

Then it's back onto the Highway as we travel on to Airlie Beach - gateway to the Whitsundays! Those who are participating in the 2 night, 2 day Whitsunday sailing option* (see below) will join their yacht here at Airlie Beach's Abel Point Marina. Those staying at Club Crocodile Resort Long Island will transfer from nearby Shute Harbour by boat to Long Island - one of the many beautiful islands that make up this very special waterway and our home for the next three nights.

NB: Optional 2 Night Whitsunday Sailing Cruise* Here is your opportunity to sail the beautiful waters of the Whitsunday Passage on a 2 day/2 night live aboard sailing cruise under the guidance of a professional skipper and crew. You will visit secluded coves and see one of Australia's most pristine beaches, aboard a fully equipped sailing yacht.

Great sailing, swimming and coral viewing opportunities add up to an awesome experience. You join the yacht at 4.00pm at Abel Point Marina, Airlie Beach on Day 4 of our 11 Day Itinerary and re-join the tour group at approximately 2.30pm on Day 6 at the Club Crocodile Long Island Resort.

Day 5-6 Whitsundays
Two complete days to relax on Long Island to enjoy some of the countless island activities and the facilities of Club Crocodile Resort. National Parks and sparkling blue waters surround this tropical island getaway. Lie back under a palm tree or explore the 20 kilometres of bush walks considered to be the prettiest in the Whitsunday Islands group.

Try one of the many water activities including sailing*, snorkeling, perhaps a game of beach volleyball or tennis, learn to scuba dive* or just enjoy a cocktail around the pool. A magnificent day trip option* is aboard Camira - one of the world's fastest, most futuristic sailing catamarans that visits spectacular Whitehaven Beach for a day of swimming, snorkeling and high speed sailing. On the afternoon of Day 6, those who took the 2 Night Sailing Option return to Long Island where they rejoin the group.

Day 7 Whitsundays to Capricorn Caves
We board our ferry for a short cruise to Shute Harbour where we rejoin our coach for a morning drive to Mackay - commercial centre of Queensland's huge sugar industry. After a short break it's on to Capricorn Caves, just north of Rockhampton (beef capital of Australia and "Rocky" to the locals).

These geologically unique, above ground limestone caves can be accessed for an optional candlelit exploration*. Wildlife abounds including kangaroos, echidnas, possums and of course the insectivorous bats. Tonight kick back and relax and enjoy good local Beef from the local area - Australia's Beef Capital.

Day 8 Capricorn Caves to Fraser Island
Wake up to a very special breakfast with the local native kangaroos, before reuniting with the Bruce Highway and traveling south through Rockhampton, over the Tropic of Capricorn and continuing on through more beef and sugar cane country towards the Fraser Coast.

We make a short stop for lunch and back on the road again to Hervey Bay - beachside resort town and stepping off point for the largest sand island in the world, Fraser Island. Here we board our ferry to cross the Great Sandy Straight, bound for Fraser Island. Perfectly located at Kingfisher Bay, the Wilderness Lodge accommodation is set in a eucalypt forest at Kingfisher Bay Resort, on the western side of the island.

Day 9 Fraser Island - Great Sandy National Park

Fraser Island - Great Sandy National Park is World Heritage Listed and is the world's largest sand island. It was home to the Badtjala Aboriginal people for some 5000 years and was known as "K'gari." This special place supports an extraordinarily diverse rainforest, wildflower heath, mangroves, birds and a large population of dingoes.

The island has dunes that reach 240 metres in height and about 40 dune lakes - half the number in the world. A great way to see this magnificent national park is on an optional 4-wheel drive tour*, along the unspoiled surf beaches and to pristine inland freshwater lakes that are ideal for swimming. Whale watching* is also an option usually between the months of July and November where you can see hump back whales on their annual migration. At the end of the day, enjoy a cocktail at the bar, while watching the sun set over the bay.

Day 10 Fraser Island to the Gold Coast
This morning we say our last good-byes to Fraser Island, board our ferry and return to the mainland, where we continue our journey south and it's not long before we head into Queensland's capital city, Brisbane.

Hit the Queen Street Mall, stroll along the Brisbane River or kick back in a coffee shop and watch the world go by at a relaxed pace. Heading further south it's only a short trip down the freeway to Australia's holiday playground - The Gold Coast, Queensland's second largest city. This region is one of Australia's most popular holiday destinations with its great climate and famous surf beaches.

The restaurants and nightlife here are pumping every night of the week, and you are free to explore them this evening!! Take a short walk to Cavill and Orchid Avenue where you can try some different pubs and clubs.

Day 11 Gold Coast
A full day to take in the sights and thrills of Australia's Holiday Playground. Take a scenic flight*, hire a jet ski* or surfing equipment* - there's heaps of options to choose from! There are a number of theme parks* here to visit if you choose - Sea World, Movie World, Dreamworld and Wet 'n Wild; as well as great shopping and cafes. If your legs would like a stretch, head for the World Heritage Listed Lamington National park on an organized bush walk* were you will experience rich plant and animal life in a wonderland of rainforest and volcanic ridges criss-crossed by many walking tracks.

Of course there are also the endless beaches that make this stretch of coastline so famous and, as they are only a short walk from our resort, it makes it all so easy to enjoy. Then it's time to say farewell and leave you in this cosmopolitan city. **Our experienced guides will tailor all of the activities based on seasonal & cultural conditions throughout the year, to maximize your experience and enjoyment.