Day prior to tour: Flights anytime into Sydney

Day 1 Fri: Sydney - Coffs Harbour
Depart Sydney at 7.30am. Cross the beautiful Hawkesbury River and travel the scenic coastline of New South Wales, stopping for lunch in the coastal town of Port Macquarie. Continue through to Coffs Harbour. Tonight enjoy a welcome drink and dinner with your Tour Director and fellow travelling companions. Overnight at the OPAL COVE RESORT.

Day 2 Sat: Coffs Harbour - Gold Coast
This morning travel along the Pacific Highway and stop in exclusive Byron Bay. Enjoy superb views from Australia's eastern most point at the Cape Byron Lighthouse. Follow the lush Tweed River Valley before arriving on the Gold Coast. Tonight is free for you to discover the vibrant Gold Coast and dine at leisure. Overnight at the AUSTRALIS SOVEREIGN HOTEL. B

Day 3 Sun: Gold Coast - Hervey Bay
Today we travel to Brisbane. Enjoy an orientation tour of the city and learn about opals, before continuing to the bustling coastal town of Hervey Bay, which is our base for the next 2 nights. Just offshore lies remarkable Fraser Island, with its long uninterrupted white beaches flanked by strikingly coloured sand cliffs. Overnight at the MANTRA HERVEY BAY. B

Day 4 Mon: Fraser Island 4WD
Cruise to World Heritage listed Fraser Island, the longest sand island in the world and the largest island off Australia's East Coast. On arrival, board a 4WD and traverse the sand dunes. Tour 75 Mile Beach, see The Cathedrals, cliff faces of coloured sands and stop at Eli Creek to enjoy a delicious buffet lunch. Enjoy a leisurely cruise back to Hervey Bay.  BL

Day 5 Tue: Hervey Bay - Rockhampton
This morning we leave Hervey Bay and travel to Langmorn Station, a fully operational cattle station. Enjoy afternoon tea at the homestead, a restored 'Queenslander' built in 1873. Cross the Tropic of Capricorn and continue to Rockhampton, situated on the expansive Fitzroy River. See the historic buildings including Customs House and Quay Street. Overnight at the ROCKHAMPTON PLAZA. B

Day 6 Wed: Daydream Island
Today we travel through Mackay, Australia's sugar capital, before continuing north to Airlie Beach. At Airlie Beach we take a ferry across to Daydream Island, our base for the next 2 nights. Overnight at the DAYDREAM ISLAND RESORT. B

Day 7 Thu: Daydream Island at leisure
Enjoy a day at leisure to explore Daydream Island, one of over 70 islands which make up the beautiful Whitsundays. Opportunity to take a rainforest walk or enjoy the many water activities on offer including catamarans, aqua aerobics and water polo. This evening is free for independent dining. B

Day 8 Fri: Daydream Island - Townsville
This morning we take the ferry from Long Island back to Airlie Beach and travel north along the coast. Enjoy a guided tour of the wildlife at Billabong Sanctuary before our journey to the tropical city of Townsville. This evening you may like to take a stroll along the Strand. Overnight at the HOTEL IBIS. B

Day 9 Sat: Townsville - Cairns
Journey north from Townsville, then climb the high tropical plateau known as the Atherton Tablelands, where lush rainforests, waterfalls and lakes abound. Visit the famous Millaa Millaa Falls and view Curtain Fig Tree. Enjoy a guided cruise with full commentary on the serene crater of Lake Barrine and watch for pelicans and other wildlife, before making our way to Cairns. Overnight at the RYDGES ESPLANADE. B

Day 10 Sun: Cairns at leisure
Enjoy a day at leisure in Cairns. There is an opportunity to take an optional tour to the rainforest village of Kuranda with time to wander through the various stalls of the colourful Kuranda Markets. You may like to visit the famous Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park and experience the History, Creation and Dance Theatres. Or perhaps visit beautiful Cape Tribulation and the Daintree National Park. B

Day 11 Mon: Great Barrier Reef
Join Sunlover Cruises for a full day cruise to Moore Reef. Enjoy a reef presentation to learn more about the wonders of the reef, view the spectacular coral and tropical fish on a glass-bottom boat tour. There is opportunity to go snorkelling and view this natural living wonder up close (equipment provided). Enjoy an included buffet lunch. B L

Day 12 Tue: Depart Cairns
Your tour concludes today after breakfast. You will be transferred to Cairns Airport for your onward flight. B (Flights anytime from Cairns)