Day 1 (L,D) HOME, CAIRNS

Following Melbourne metropolitan home/hotel pickup we fly direct to Cairns (lunch in flight). Passengers from other states may fly direct to Cairns from their home ports. We explore the city on route to our home for three nights, the Cairns Harbour Lights Hotel. Our waterfront accommodation is conveniently located in the heart of Cairns with easy access to the major shopping areas, restaurants and attractions.

Day 2 (B,L,D) CAIRNS, KURANDA SCENIC RAILWAY

Today we ride the Kuranda Scenic Railway on a spectacular journey into the hinterland, passing through World Heritage-protected tropical rainforest, past beautiful waterfalls and into the breathtaking Barron Gorge on our way up to the “village in the rainforest”. Construction of the Cairns-Kuranda Railway was (and still is) an engineering feat of tremendous magnitude. Upon our arrival in Kuranda we have free time to explore and enjoy a light luncheon before commencing our journey back to Cairns on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. The Skyrail, spanning 7.5 kilometres over pristine rainforest, allows us to view the wonders of an ancient tropical rainforest and learn about one of the most botanically fascinating and diverse areas on earth. Glide just metres above the rainforest canopy in a comfortable six-person gondola cabin. Later enjoy the tranquil Flecker Botanic Gardens, the only wet tropic botanic gardens in Australia and a delight to visit.

Day 3 (B,L,D) PORT DOUGLAS, PALM COVE

A leisurely start to our day as we journey north to Port Douglas. We have free time here to explore Macrossan St, the main shopping area of Port Douglas, before lunch at the Mirage Marina. After lunch we explore Port Douglas and visit the pristine Four Mile Beach before taking a guided tour of the Rainforest Habitat Wildlife Sanctuary. Here we wander through three different and unique environments that are home to numerous species from the surrounding rainforest, wetlands, and grasslands. We return via Palm Cove.

Day 4 (B,L,D) CAIRNS, TOWNSVILLE

Today we travel south via Innisfail to Townsville, founded in 1864 when a wharf was built to handle the infant cattle industry. We arrive later in the afternoon and transfer to our home for two nights, Mercure Inn, Townsville.

Day 5 (B,L,D) MAGNETIC ISLAND

This morning we take a short ferry ride to beautiful Magnetic Island. A local coach tour operator takes us on a tour of the island, including bays, beaches, lookouts and island attractions. We return to the mainland with lunch at the Reef HQ Café. Following lunch we enjoy the world’s largest coral reef aquarium, home to 130 species of coral, 120 species of fish and the size of 50 home swimming pools. The predator display, which has the bow of an actual shipwreck as an artificial reef, is also not to be missed. Leopard and black lip sharks, sawfish and shovelnose rays abound. Later we visit the Museum of Tropical Queensland, with various galleries including Discover Tropical Queensland. Take in the views from Castle Hill as we return to our hotel.

Day 6 (B,L,D) TOWNSVILLE, AIRLIE BEACH

Prior to departing Townsville we visit Queens Gardens, with morning cuppa on the Strand. Then we commence our journey south, with lunch at Ayr. During the afternoon we continue to Bowen, Proserpine and the glorious Whitsundays. Home for two nights is the Airlie Beach Hotel, Airlie Beach. Relax, maybe enjoy a stroll before dinner together.

Day 7 (B,L,D) HAMILTON ISLAND

Today we travel to Shute Harbour, the second busiest passenger terminal in Australia, boarding Fantasea Cruises for a trip to Hamilton Island, where we enjoy a guided coach tour of the island. Lunch today prior to our return to Shute Harbour. Later in the afternoon visit the local sights around Airlie Beach and take in the views from Lions Lookout.

Day 8 (B,L,D) AIRLIE BEACH, MACKAY, ROCKHAMPTON

Today we travel through the sugar cane area surrounding Proserpine to Mackay. One quarter of Australia’s sugar is produced here. Following lunch we continue south along the coast to Marlborough, arriving in Rockhampton later in the afternoon. Our home for three nights is the Travelodge Rockhampton.

Day 9 (B,L,D) ROCKHAMPTON

This morning enjoy a walk along Quay Street, the longest National Trust heritage-listed street in Queensland, a reminder of the prosperous gold and copper era. Morning cuppa prior to the short journey to Yeppoon, a coastal resort town on the shores of Keppel Bay. Picnic lunch today at Cooberrie Park Wildlife Sanctuary. Follow the coast to Emu Park, where (subject to sufficient wind) we hear the flute-like sounds of the organ pipes in the Singing Ship, a replica of the Endeavour located at Churchill Lookout.

Day 10 (B,L,D) ROCKHAMPTON

Today we visit more of the sights of Rockhampton beginning with Mount Archer National Park with stunning views across the Capricorn Coast. Then step back in time at the Rockhampton Heritage Village showcasing district life from 1850 to 1950. In the afternoon enjoy a stroll around the Art Gallery and the Botanical Gardens with its huge fernery and bird aviary. We finish the day viewing the impressive St Joseph Cathedral.

Day 11 (B,L,D) ROCKHAMPTON, HOME

Sadly we must depart Rockhampton this morning. We visit Archer Park Rail Museum. The museum tells the story of Archer Park Station (built in 1899) and the unique Purrey Steam Tram. Enjoy morning tea here, prior to transferring to Rockhampton Airport for our late morning flight to Melbourne via Brisbane. Interstate passengers may fly direct or via other ports to their home cities. On arrival in Melbourne, metropolitan home/hotel and interstate transfers complete our most enjoyable Queensland Coastal Delights holiday.