Our carbon neutral flights arrive into Cairns, where we board our opulent ‘Diamond Class’ coach, ensuring responsible travel with 100% offset coach emissions. We take a short drive to Cairns Marina, then take some free time to explore the waterfront.

Departing Cairns, sit back and watch landscapes change from the World Heritage-listed rainforest to the untamed reaches of the outback. We break for morning tea at Lake Barrine followed by an informative, relaxing rainforest and wildlife cruise around the volcanic crater brim. From here we make our way to Ravenshoe to break for lunch before our afternoon travels take us to Mount Surprise, checking in to beautifully restored turn-of-the-century railway carriages.

Join a local Savannah guide for a tour of the Undara Lava Tubes. Immerse yourself in the unique landscapes as you take a guided walk through the lava tubes; learn how the geological wonder was created by volcanic activity millions of years ago; and discover the unusual ecosystem of the sunken rainforest that has sprung up around the caves. The afternoon is free to explore on your own.

On the road today we head southwest, stopping for morning tea at The Lynd Oasis Roadhouse at the tiny township of Conjuboy. Back on the road, we travel to Charters Towers in time for lunch. After some local touring, we make our way to Townsville.

Discover all Magnetic Island has to offer with a friendly expert guide that will provide local knowledge as well as stories on Maggie’s history and native wildlife and flora. Enjoy free time in Horseshoe Bay to shop, swim and get a bite to eat.

Lunch is at your own expense today.

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Departing Townsville, we head for the coast, breaking at Ayr. From here we continue south, arriving in Airlie Beach for lunch and free time. We then board Cruise Whitsunday’s vessel for transfers to Hamilton Island, one of 74 tropical islands that make up the Whitsundays.

Ride, beach, snorkel and bushwalk… all in one day as we head out on an adventurous jet boat tour! Enjoy the tropical waters of the Whitsundays on an all-inclusive tour, discovering the amazing corals of the fringing reefs, as well as a huge range of colourful fish, turtles, and clams — wetsuits are provided.

Please note: Jet Boat tour is not suitable for passengers with back or neck injury, as the semi-rigid inflatable vessels are super-fast, offering a fun, adventurous ride.

We catch the morning boat transfer back to the mainland where we re-join our ‘Diamond Class’ coach and begin our journey south, stopping at The Leap for lunch. We make our way to Parkhurst for our overnight stop.

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This morning we explore the unique Capricorn Caves for a 1-hour underground tour of the Cathedral Cave. Follow your experienced guide into the brightly lit limestone cavern that contains rare ferns, massive tree roots, and some small bats. We then make our way to the coastal town of Gladstone for our overnight stay.

Day 10 & 11

We are transferred to Gladstone Marina to board the Heron Island fast cat. Located in the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef, Heron Island is a haven for nature lovers and is surrounded by pristine beaches and brilliant blue waters. Enjoy two nights at Heron Island Resort, where we join naturalist eco guides for daily activities discovering the birdlife, reef walk the coral cay formations, and discover native flora and fauna.

Fast cat transfers take 2 hours and are in open waters. For those who suffer motion sickness, we strongly advise you take the necessary precautions.

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Take advantage of the morning and one last lunch on the island before we bid beautiful Heron Island goodbye and depart on the fast cat back to the mainland. From Gladstone we travel south, arriving at the lovely coastal town of Agnes Water.

Homeward bound this morning, we break at historic Childers for a cuppa and time to visit the Palace Backpackers Memorial. After lunch in Gympie, we arrive back to the Brisbane Coach Terminal late afternoon.