Cairns serves as the gateway to both Tropical North Queensland and the magnificent Great Barrier Reef, a vast expanse of World Heritage-listed coral that stretches along the Queensland coast. Take it easy today, as the upcoming days will be filled with exciting adventures. This evening, join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Dinner.

Get ready for an exhilarating ride over to the Great Barrier Reef on a high-speed catamaran. Take a break to snorkel among vast coral fans, home to six species of sea turtles and an abundance of fish that will leave you awestruck. If you prefer to stay dry, you can still marvel at the marine life from an underwater observatory or a glass-bottom boat.

From the reef to the rainforest... Enjoy some perspective of the Wet Tropics on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, lifting you above the canopy of the Barron Gorge National Park to Kuranda. The Atherton Tablelands awaits, this high tropical plateau a tangle of dense forest – look out for the heritage-listed Curtain Fig Tree. And waterfalls, like Millaa Millaa, where enormous iridescent Ulysses butterflies like to dance.

There are days when the journey is just as important as the destination. Relax and take in the sights as you travel south, passing through sugar cane fields and lush green paddocks, all set against the backdrop of the ocean and rainforest-covered mountains. Make a stop along the way to Airlie Beach to stretch your legs and immerse yourself in this tropical part of the state.

Powdery beaches and rainforest unite in the Whitsundays, 74 tropical drops of land all ringed by the Coral Sea. There are endless ways to explore this part of the Great Barrier Reef – today, we’re letting you choose. Perhaps rise early for an optional helicopter ride over Heart Reef. Or catch a catamaran to Whitehaven Beach, with sand so high in silica it squeaks underfoot.

Discover the sweet side of Sarina, Australia’s sugar capital, with a behind-the-scenes tour at the Sarina Sugar Shed. Experience the fascinating process of sugar cane production and distillation, and indulge in delicious samples. Your journey continues to Rockhampton, renowned as the nation's beef capital. Explore its culinary scene and decide if it lives up to its title by dining at the numerous restaurants lining the streets. Need dining recommendations? Just ask us!

More beef awaits once you cross the Tropic of Capricorn and head towards Langmorn Station. Here, the Creed family will warmly welcome you with afternoon tea and a tour of their vast and historic cattle property, where the original homestead, built in 1873, still stands. The Creeds are passionate storytellers, eager to share tales of life on the land.

Your journey then takes you to a watery wonderland. The ferry ride to World Heritage-listed K’gari (Fraser Island) is unforgettable, especially during whale migration season when these majestic creatures gather in the calm, protected waters to give birth. Disembark on the world's largest sand island, unique for being the only place where rainforest thrives on sand.

The island features an extensive sand highway. Hop into a 4WD and speed along 75 Mile Beach, stretching up the east coast to the Pinnacles Coloured Sands, the serene Eli Creek, and the photogenic Maheno shipwreck. Just when you think the island's beauty has peaked, Lake McKenzie emerges, a stunning blue oasis formed solely by rainwater. Yet, the ancient rainforest at Central Station and Wanggoolba Creek matches this splendour with its towering satiny, scribbly gum, and kauri trees.

Back on the mainland, journey south from Hervey Bay to the Gold Coast, where you can surf the waves one moment and be immersed in lush rainforests the next. This afternoon, blend in with the locals as you discover the city's vibrant food and wine scene. We have a few restaurant recommendations for you...

Today’s challenge is choosing your next adventure. Will you stick close to your Surfers Paradise base, enjoying the endless sandy beaches and trendy cafés? Perhaps you'll explore the city's impressive canal network on a relaxed cruise. Alternatively, venture out to the Mt. Tamborine hinterland, a vibrant area known for its creative and culinary delights, offering a different perspective on the ‘Goldie’.

Australia’s easternmost point offers postcard-perfect views, which you’ll experience at the Cape Byron Lighthouse, majestically overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Year-round, you can spot dolphins, and during migration, whales join the spectacle. Keep an eye out for these magnificent creatures all the way to Coffs Harbour on New South Wales’ mid-North Coast. This slice of paradise boasts some of the state's most stunning beaches. Follow the locals to the shore for a breathtaking sunset to cap off your day.

Your final leg along East Coast Australia leads you to the stunning 'Harbour City', which we believe is one of the most beautiful cities worldwide. If you’re not ready to end your adventure, speak with your Travel Director about extending your trip to explore Sydney's iconic attractions.