18 day Sydney, Gold Coast & Reef Explorer

• Start this amazing east coast tour with 4 nights in fabulous Sydney
• Small group tour and overnight stay in the picturesque Blue Mountains National Park
• Soak up the fun on the Gold Coast with time to explore the theme parks in the lively resort of Surfers Paradise
• Explore the rainforests of Lamington National Park
• 3 nights on fantastic Hamilton Island in the Whitsundays with a cruise to spectacular Whitehaven Beach
• 4 nights in the laid-back resort of Port Douglas, your base for exploring Tropical North Queensland
• Cruise to the spectacular Great Barrier Reef
• Visit the remote Cape Tribulation, where the rainforest meets the reef

Day 1: Arrive Sydney Begin your epic journey of Australia’s popular east coast in fabulous Sydney. On arrival, transfer from the airport to your chosen hotel. Standard: Mercure Sydney; Superior: Novotel Sydney on Darling Harbour; Deluxe: InterContinental Sydney (2 nights)

Day 2: Sydney Enjoy a day tour of spectacular Sydney’s famous sites today including scenic Manly Beach, a lunch cruise on the iconic Sydney Harbour, free-time to explore the Rocks and Darling Harbour and time people-watching at Bondi Beach. Your evening is free to enjoy the nightlife. (L)

Day 3: Sydney – Blue Mountains Your journey to the Blue Mountains starts with a stop at Calmsley Hill farm where you can meet a range of native animals including kangaroos and koala bears. Visit a stunning viewpoint over the Jamison Valley before taking in the Eaglehawk Lookout for views of the famous Three Sisters. Then transfer to your hotel and enjoy an evening at leisure. Standard: Leisure Inn Spires; Superior: Fairmont Resort & Spa Blue Mountains; Deluxe: Lilianfels Resort & Spa Blue Mountains

Day 4: Blue Mountains – Sydney After a leisurely morning, rejoin you tour group and travel around the mountains to Blackheath for delicious lunch at a picturesque golf club. Enjoy world-class views at Govett’s Leap before enjoying a brief visit to Blue Mountains Botanic Gardens. Then return to your Sydney hotel around 5pm. (L) Hotels: As per Day 1 (2 nights)

Day 5: Sydney your way Today, choose from a range of pre-bookable sightseeing experiences to make the most of your free time in Sydney. The Darling Harbour Experience pass offers entry to a range of popular attractions and eating establishments including Sydney Aquarium and the Sydney Tower Eye. Alternatively, feel the thrill of climbing the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge or take an informative backstage tour at the Sydney Opera House. Please call for full details of the options available.

Day 6: Sydney – Brisbane Transfer to the airport for your flight to Brisbane. The rest of the day is yours to explore Queenland’s capital city at leisure – don’t miss the many walks and parks that skirt the Brisbane River. Standard: Ibis Brisbane; Superior: Novotel Brisbane; Deluxe: Sofitel Brisbane Central

Day 7: Brisbane – Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast Transfer today to Brisbane’s premier beach resort, Surfers Paradise on the beautiful Gold Coast. You have two nights here to top up your tan or enjoy one of the many attractions right on your doorstep. Standard: Mantra Sun City (inc. full breakfast); Superior: Mantra Legends; Deluxe: Peppers Broadbeach (2 nights)

Day 8: Gold Coast your way Today you have a full day at leisure in Queensland’s Gold Coast, so why not pre-book some optional experiences? Enjoy an exciting jet boat ride along the coastline, or visit the late Steve Irwin’s Australia Zoo for some spectacular wildlife encounters. For families and adrenaline junkies, a whole host of theme parks await, and for those looking to get back to nature, the rainforests of the nearby Hinterland offer unparalleled beauty. Please call for full details of the experiences on offer.

Day 9: Gold Coast – Lamington National Park Venture inland to the tranquil Gold Coast Hinterland for a relaxing stay at the historic O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat. Standard: Mountain View Room; Superior & Deluxe: One Bedroom Canopy Suite (2 nights)

Day 10: Lamington National Park Guests at O’Reilly’s can enjoy complimentary activities, such as early morning bird watching walks, rainforest discovery walks and audio-visual presentations.

Day 11: Lamington National Park – Hamilton Island Transfer back to Brisbane Airport for your flight to Hamilton Island. Located in the heart of the idyllic Whitsunday Islands on the Great Barrier Reef, Hamilton Island is a vibrant and popular holiday destination with plenty of exciting sightseeing and activity options. (B*) Standard: Palm Bungalows; Superior: Reef View Hotel; Deluxe: Beach Club (3 nights) *Deluxe only TOUR HIGHLIGHTS • Start this amazing east coast tour with 4 nights in fabulous Sydney • Small group tour and overnight stay in the picturesque Blue Mountains National Park • Soak up the fun on the Gold Coast with time to explore the theme parks in the lively resort of Surfers Paradise • Explore the rainforests of Lamington National Park • 3 nights on fantastic Hamilton Island in the Whitsundays with a cruise to spectacular Whitehaven Beach • 4 nights in the laid-back resort of Port Douglas, your base for exploring Tropical North Queensland • Cruise to the spectacular Great Barrier Reef • Visit the remote Cape Tribulation, where the rainforest meets the reef

Days 12 & 13: Whitehaven Beach & Hamilton Island After a morning at leisure, board your catamaran from Hamilton Island marina for a cruise to Cid Harbour, one of the most idyllic areas of the Whitsundays with calm waters, beautiful coastline and soaring peaks. After circumnavigating Whitsunday Island, cruise to the southern end of Whitehaven Beach where there’s time to explore, swim in the crystal-clear waters and laze on the pure white silica sands. The next day is free for you to relax.

Day 14: Hamilton Island – Port Douglas From Hamilton Island’s airport you’ll fly directly to Cairns, where you’ll be transferred to your chosen accommodation in Port Douglas. With its relaxed ambience and sophisticated boutiques and eateries, Port Douglas makes an ideal base, both for exploring the region and simply relaxing. Standard: Oaks Lagoons; Superior: Meridian Port Douglas; Deluxe: Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort & Spa (4 nights)

Day 15: Great Barrier Reef Transfer to the marina to board Quicksilver’s catamaran cruise to Agincourt Reef on the outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef. Your day includes activities such as snorkelling and marine viewing from the underwater observatory as well as a lunch on the pontoon. (L)

Days 16 & 17: Port Douglas your way With 2 free days to explore everything the area has to offer, why not choose to prebook some optional excursions? A full-day trip to Kuranda Village offers spectacular views on the Scenic Railway and Skyrail Cableway to the cultural encounters on offer at Tjapukai Aboriginal Park. For early-risers, a sunrise hot-air balloon trip is not to be missed. Please call for full details of the excursions on offer.

Day 18: Port Douglas – Depart Cairns Your tour ends with a transfer to Cairns Airport. Your tour ends with a transfer to Cairns Airport.