East Coast Islands & Rainforest

Australia's original wine country beckons this morning. Depart Sydney, bound for Hunter Valley where a Welcome Reception at a winery followed by lunch awaits before you continue north to Port Macquarie.

Connect with the laidback vibe of Byron Bay and admire view over the Pacific as you stand on Australia's easternmost point, Cape Byron. Keep a keen eye out for migrating whales that frolic close to shore (seasonal), then take a scenic coastal drive to the Gold Coast.

You choice of sightseeing: could see you take the 4WD track through the Gold Coast Hinterland and rainforest; board a boat trip to try your hand at crab fishing or tackle the 270-meter SkyPoint Climb at the iconic Q1 building.

Follow the Gold Coast, stepping in Brisbane for an orientation tour. Continue to Australia Zoo and join a Local Specialist to make a difference by supporting the Wildlife Warriors with their efforts to rehabilitate wild koala. Continue up the Sunshine Coast to Noosa, and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Set your watch to the leisurely pace of life in Noosa, with a full, free day to explore this resort town on your terms. You may consider joining an Optional Experience boat ride through the Noosa Everglades or a Noosa River Sunset Cruise. The evening is free.

An island paradise awaits today as you journey to the UNESCo-listed Fraser Island. Join a Local Specialist to explore the world's largest sand island. Enjoy lunch before continuing to Hervey Bay, where in spring thousands of humpback whales and their new calves seek sanctuary.

Savor crisp flavors of apple, strawberry and pineaple during a visit to Ohana Exotic Fruit Orchard, where you'll embark on a guided tour with a 'Local Specialist' this morning. Connect with locals during a stop at Langmorn Station, a fully operational family-run cattle station. Here, you'll enjoy a guided tour of the property and original 19th century family homestead, followed by a Be My Guest afternoon tea in the garden with the pet kangaroo. Cross the Tropic of Capricorn en route to Rockhampton, the beef capital of Australia.

Journey north to Sarina today for a guided tour of its miniature sugar mill and distillery with a Local Specialist. Later, head for Hamilton Island, one of the 74 islands in Queensland's scenic Whitsundays.

Today is yours to indulge in your own pleasures - consider a cruise to famous Whitehaven Beach, visit the island's wildlife park, home to many species of Australian animals or sit back with a good book by one of the resort's stunning pools.

Say goodbye to island-life and board your ferry back to the mainland. Continue north to Mission Beach, where the UNESCO-listed Daintree Rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef.

Today's journey takes you to the Atherton Tablelands, one of Australia's important bird areas. Visit Millaa Millaa Falls and the heritage listed 500-year-old Curtain Fig Tree, where you may be lucky enough to spot the brilliant blue flash of the Ulysses butterfly. Spend some free time in Kuranda, the village in the rainforest, before the journey to Freshwater Station via the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and then on to Cairns.

A day filled with pinch-me moments awaits, as you board a high-speed catamaran and cruise out to the Great Barrier Reef. Discover this magical underwater wonderland from the comfort of your semi-submersible observatory. Or get your feet wet and don your flippers and mask for an up-close encounter with the reef's marine-life (snorkeling equipment provided). Enjoy a tropical buffet lunch up on deck before returning to Cairns. This evening, join your Travel Director for dinner at a restaurant on Cairns Harbor.

Your scenic exploration of Australia's sun-kissed east coast at its end, say farewell to your fellow travelers and transfer to Cairns Airport for your onward flight (flights anytime).