Queensland Island Hopping

Day 1

Brisbane - Gympie - Hervey Bay
Today we depart Brisbane, making our way to Gympie for lunch. Continue on via Maryborough before arriving in Hervey Bay where we will settle in for the next two nights.

Day 2

Kgari Explorer Tour
A bucket list adventure for many is to visit K'gari Fraser Island. Don't forget to pack your swimmers! Led by an experienced local guide, you'll see the island's iconic sights on a curated itinerary of highlights such as Lake McKenzie, World Heritage-listed rainforest, 75 Mile Beach, and the iconic Maheno Shipwreck. Enjoy lunch, before rejoining your airconditioned 4WD. Learn about the Pinnacle Coloured Sands and see the sheer beauty before returning to our motel. Please note: our 4WD tour is conducted on a specialised vehicle and at times can be quite rough. A high level of fitness is required to be able to access this vehicle.

Day 3

Hervey Bay - Bundaberg
Begin the day with a visit to the Urangan Pier, one of the longest in Australia stretching for almost 1 kilometre into the ocean. We then farewell Hervey Bay and travel to Howard for a cuppa and perhaps a peek at Van Cootens Howard Drapery, set up how Draperies used to be in days gone by. Browse the large range of haberdashery, curtain fabrics, manchester, men's and women's clothing, shoes, bags and giftware. Continue on to Bundaberg for lunch and this afternoon take a scenic drive around Bundaberg and the beachfront communities of Elliott Heads and Bargara

Day 4

Lady Musgrave Island
Today we venture out for our Lady Musgrave Experience. Cruise from Bundaberg Port Marina to Lady Musgrave Island, enjoying morning tea as we make our way to the new world-class pontoon. Lady Musgrave HQ is nestled in the calm and sheltered waters of the lagoon and is perfect for snorkelling, glass bottom boat tours and guided island walks, which are all included as part of our visit. Enjoy a gourmet buffet lunch using the freshest local produce the region has to offer. Late afternoon we will make our way back to Bundaberg Port Marina with time to freshen up before dinner.

Day 5

Bundaberg - Rockhampton
Farewell Bundaberg and travel to the picturesque seaside township of Agnes Water and 1770. We will join a LARC tour with its informative and entertaining commentary on the local history, culture, flora and Fauna. Our journey will venture across two water ways as it edges along Eurimbula National Park, to be greeted by a golden stretch of beachfront, where the only footprints will be yours and your fellow travelling companions. Enjoy lunch before strolling along the shoreline. This afternoon, make our way to Rockhampton. settling in for the next two nights.

Day 6

Great Keppel Island
After breakfast, head to the picturesque town of Yeppoon. Pristine beaches and the clear blue waters will whet your appetite for the beauty you will experience today as we set sail for Great Keppel Island. Cruise on the glass-bottomed boat and enjoy the wonders of the reef and spectacular marine life. For the more adventurous, immerse yourself in the underwater world with a snorkel tour and maybe even try boomnetting! Return late afternoon to your motel.

Day 7

Rockhampton - Airlie Beach
As we head north along the Queensland coastline, the highway travels a little further inland as our journey takes us via Marlborough to Clairview on the coast. Continue on through Carmila, Ilbilbie, and Koumala before arriving into Sarina. Enjoy some free time to purchase your own lunch and see Sarina's something big - Buffy the Cane Toad, located in the centre of the main street, in recognition of Sarina's cane farming history. Continue on via Mackay and Proserpine before arriving into Airlie Beach.

Day 8

Cruise Whitsundays
The Great Barrier Reef is truly one of the great wonders of the natural world and a 'must see' for any visitor to the region. Today visit two of Australia's best-loved destinations on a scenic Whitsundays cruise - Hamilton Island and Whitehaven Beach. Hamilton Island is a sophisticated, family-friendly resort, with excellent eating, drinking and shopping opportunities. Not far away on Whitsunday Island, glorious Whitehaven Beach is one Australia's most beautiful stretches of sand. From Port of Airlie, cruise across the Whitsunday Passage and into the Whitsunday Islands. On Hamilton Island, hop-on/hop-off shuttle buses take you past key attractions, scenic lookouts and holiday accommodation. Cool-off in the main pool with its swim-up bar, visit iconic Catseye Beach, or browse the waterfront shops and galleries before lunch at Marina Tavern. You'll also have the chance to explore Whitehaven Beach, where you can wander along the 7km shoreline - beachcombing, bushwalking and wading in the warm, crystal-clear water. Return to Airlie Marina and your motel for a late dinner.

Day 9

Airlie Beach - Townsville
Heading north along the Bruce Highway, the scenery begins to transform, taking you through an agricultural paradise. The fertile soils of the Burdekin region produce some of the region's best fruits and vegetables. Capture the 360 degree views over Townsville's city centre and across to Magnetic Island from Castle Hill, which towers over Townsville at 286m. Spend some time exploring Townsville's 2.5km beachfront area and the strand with its extensive parklands, cafes and waterparks before settling into your accommodation for the next two nights.

Day 10

Magnetic Island - Townsville
This morning we venture across the pristine waters to Magnetic Island. Enjoy a tour of this tropical island which is located within the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Purchase your own lunch before returning to Townsville. This afternoon, enjoy some free time to relax before dinner.

Day 11

Townsville - Cairns
After breakfast, we farewell Townsville, travelling north through the Hinchinbrook and Cassowary Coast areas of the Wet Tropics. Stop in Ingham and spend a while in the rehabilitated Wetlands area, which is home to unique flora and fauna. Continue on to Tully where you will have free time to explore the town. This afternoon we continue on to Cairns where we spend the next two nights.

Day 12

Cairns - Green Island
This morning pack you swimwear, sunscreen, hat and water bottle as we are bound for Green Island. Enjoy a scenic cruise and spend hours exploring the beautiful coral cay with a full day cruise on board the 'Big Cat', a luxury 35-metre catamaran. There will be opportunity to snorkel (equipment provided), ride in the glass bottom boat and travel on the semi-submarine which will provide you with an awe inspiring view of the living garden of the Great Barrier Reef. Return to Cairns late afternoon with time to freshen up before dinner.

Day 13

Cairns - Brisbane
This morning we will visit the Cairns Aquarium where you can get up close to the species and eco systems of Tropical North Queensland. Take time to purchase your own morning tea before making our way to Cairns Airport where your Hostess will assist with your check in ready for your flight home.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner