East Coast Islands & Rainforest
13 Days from $4,545 per person
From the cityscapes of Sydney, Brisbane and Cairns, to the natural splendor of Fraser and Hamilton Islands, with the Great Barrier Reef and Hunter Valley added to the Aussie mix.
Travel to Australia from the USA requires crossing the International Date Line. Please arrange for flights to arrive on or before Day 1. Ensure your flights are booked two days prior to the start date of the tour itinerary.
Overview
From the cityscapes of Sydney, Brisbane and Cairns, to the natural splendor of Fraser and Hamilton Islands, with the Great Barrier Reef and Hunter Valley added to the Aussie mix.
Travel to Australia from the USA requires crossing the International Date Line. Please arrange for flights to arrive on or before Day 1. Ensure your flights are booked two days prior to the start date of the tour itinerary.
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Day 1: Sydney - Port Macquarie
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.
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Day 2: Port Macquarie - Gold Coast (2 nights)
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.
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Day 3: Gold Coast Sightseeing
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.
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Day 4: Gold Coast - Noosa (2 nights)
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.
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Day 5: Noosa Free Time
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.
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Day 6: Noosa - Hervey Bay
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.
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Day 7: Herey Bay - Rockhampton
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.
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Day 8: Rockhampton - Hamilton Island (2 nights)
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.
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Day 9: Hamilton Island Free Time
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.
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Day 10: Hamilton Island - Mission Beach
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.
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Day 11: Mission Beach - Cairns (2 nights)
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.
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Day 12: Great Barrier Reef
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.
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Day 13: Depart Cairns
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).
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
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Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
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Great Barrier Reef
Great Adventures' modern high speed catamarans whisk guests away in comfort to the spectacular outer reaches of the reef. We ensure our guests have the opportunity to learn about and appreciate this most important World Heritage area. As part of the Quicksilver Group, Great Adventures' is committed to sustainable environmental practices and ongoing conservation for future generations to enjoy the Great Barrier Reef.
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Definite Departure
| Start Date | Return Date | Price | Discount | Availability | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23 Jun 19 | 5 Jul 19 |
|
$5,050$4,545pp | SAVE: $505Promo Code: PPLMDE598AARP members save an additional $100 | Call 1-877-622-9109 Book Now | ||
| 15 Sep 19 | 27 Sep 19 |
|
$5,050pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 10 Nov 19 | 22 Nov 19 |
|
$5,050pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 5 Jan 20 | 17 Jan 20 |
|
$5,050pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 2 Feb 20 | 14 Feb 20 |
|
$5,050pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 1 Mar 20 | 13 Mar 20 |
|
$5,050pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now |
Price is per person and is based on two people sharing a twin bedded room. Single rooms are available at a supplement.
Single Room Supplement: from $1,295. p.p.
Air: Please note that airfares are not included in the prices above
AARP Members are entitled to an exclusive Member Benefit Discount on all Grand European Travel vacations. Plus receive a free travel gift! Call Toll Free: 1-866-847-3858 for details.
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Professional Travel Director
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Expertly Selected Hotels
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Hotel Tips
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Most Meals
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WIFI on Coach and in Hotels
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Personal Flight Options
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VIP Access
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Cultural Enrichment
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Sightseeing with Local Experts
Meal Summary
12 hot buffet breakfasts, 4 lunches, 5 dinners.
Included Highlights
Connect with Locals
- Langmorn Station is a fully-operational family-run cattle station. Enjoyed a guided tour of the property followed by afternoon tea in the garden.
Make A Difference
- Your visit to Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital will support its Wildlife Warriors with their efforts to rehabilitate wild koala.
Local Specialist
- In the Hunter Valley, at Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, on Fraser Island Day, at Ohana Exotic Fruit Orchard, Sarina's miniature sugar mill and distillery.
Sightseeing Highlights
- Cruise to Hamilton Island, Great Barrier Reef
- Orientation of Brisbane
- View whales off Byron Bay, koalas at Australia Zoo, rainforest and lakes on Fraser
- Visit Byron Bay, Australia Zoo, Fraser Island, a cattle station, Kuranda
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
-
Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
-
Great Barrier Reef
Great Adventures' modern high speed catamarans whisk guests away in comfort to the spectacular outer reaches of the reef. We ensure our guests have the opportunity to learn about and appreciate this most important World Heritage area. As part of the Quicksilver Group, Great Adventures' is committed to sustainable environmental practices and ongoing conservation for future generations to enjoy the Great Barrier Reef.
Reviews
Request a Quote
-
30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
-
Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
-
Great Barrier Reef
Great Adventures' modern high speed catamarans whisk guests away in comfort to the spectacular outer reaches of the reef. We ensure our guests have the opportunity to learn about and appreciate this most important World Heritage area. As part of the Quicksilver Group, Great Adventures' is committed to sustainable environmental practices and ongoing conservation for future generations to enjoy the Great Barrier Reef.
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Passports and Visas
U.S. citizens traveling to Australia must have a current passport that is valid for six months beyond the conclusion of their trip. You can find information on how to apply for a passport here, and how to renew a passport here. Australia also requires an electronic visa which is obtained at the time of your airline ticket purchase.
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Currency
You will be using the Australian dollar on your trip. You can use your debit or credit card for purchases. The most convenient way to obtain cash is to use your ATM card at local banks. We recommend you also bring a valid credit card for purchases while you are traveling. It is important that you inform your financial institutions of your travel plans before you leave home so they don’t flag your purchases as potentially fraudulent charges.
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Cuisine
Food in Australia is innovative and diverse. As an island nation with strong agricultural traditions, culinary traditions here are guided by local ingredients and seasonal variations, as well as international influences. You’ll find a variety of seafood including fresh oysters and crab, grilled steaks and lamb chops, meat pies, and fish and chips.
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Tipping
It is not customary to tip at restaurants in Australia. If you would like to reward good service when dining out it’s appropriate to leave 10 percent gratuity for your waiter.
At the end of your guided vacation, it’s customary to offer your motor coach driver and Travel Director a gratuity. We recommend the equivalent of $4 per person/per day for your driver and $6 per person/per day for your Travel Director. Recommended gratuity for a Local Host and Local Specialist is the equivalent of 1-2 dollars per person, paid at the conclusion of each guided visit. A convenient option is to prepay your tips before your departure.
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Packing
We suggest bringing a variety of comfortable, lightweight clothing that can be layered to save space in your suitcase and give you more options for how to dress. Sturdy walking shoes are important. Insect repellant and sunscreen may come in handy, as well as a light jacket and reusable water bottle. For more helpful information please refer to our Packing Tips & Packing List.
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Baggage
Baggage on our trips is restricted to one large suitcase per person with dimensions not exceeding 30x19x10 inches and a maximum weight of 50 pounds. You are also permitted one piece of hand luggage, which should be small enough to fit under your coach seat or on the small overhead shelf compartment. Please note that luggage with an adjustable handle and wheels will not fit in the overhead compartment of the coach. Hotel porterage is included in your vacation.
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Health and Fitness
You will need to be comfortable on your feet, walking and standing for up to three hours in various weather conditions. All of our vacations involve walking, often on cobblestone and uneven surfaces in historic city centers. In order to get the most out of your vacation you need to be able to comfortably walk 1-3 miles unassisted in one day, be in good condition and be able to keep pace with the group.
If you need any medications, it is important that you bring enough to last you the whole trip and keep them in your carry-on bag while you travel.
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Insurance
We highly recommend our optional Travel Protection Plan, which allows you to cancel for any reason up to 24 hours before departure. The plan also includes trip interruption, baggage loss or delay, and medical and emergency assistance. Click here for a summary of coverage details, terms and conditions.
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
-
Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
-
Great Barrier Reef
Great Adventures' modern high speed catamarans whisk guests away in comfort to the spectacular outer reaches of the reef. We ensure our guests have the opportunity to learn about and appreciate this most important World Heritage area. As part of the Quicksilver Group, Great Adventures' is committed to sustainable environmental practices and ongoing conservation for future generations to enjoy the Great Barrier Reef.
