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Australia

19 Day Bush and Beach

DAY 1 SYDNEY TO MYALL LAKES(L,D)
This morning we depart Sydney and head into the well know Hunter Valley wine region for a picnic lunch and some wine tasting before traveling further north to Myall Lakes. Here our eco-resort is situated on the lake front, in a pristine natural environment. On arrival we make the most of this location and hit the water in kayaks before returning to watch the sunset and enjoy a BBQ dinner (L,D) (overnight eco-cabins)

DAYS 2 & 3 BYRON BAY (B & D)
A day to enjoy the sights of Byron Bay, renowned for its great surf beaches and counter culture. We can take a scenic walk to the lighthouse, try a surfing lesson, go diving even hang gliding. Or just enjoy the worldwide cuisine from over a hundred different cafes and restaurants. The galleries and craft shops are also sure to fascinate. (Overnight Lodges)

DAY 4 BYRON BAY TO GOLD COAST (B&L)
Time to cross the State border and enter Queensland via the Numinbah Valley, home of the Natural Arch - a spectacular waterfall that plummets through a stone archway into a rock pool below - then to the Gold Coast, Australia’s holiday playground. The nightlife here is great, as we’ll find out tonight. Tonight’s meal is at your own expense. (Overnight Resort)

DAY 5 GOLD COAST (B & D)
A free day to choose your own activity. Try roller blading on the esplanade, hire a jet ski or maybe take in a theme park. The surfing is great too! Tonight we’ll sample the nightlife. (Overnight Resort).

DAY 6 GOLD COAST TO FRASER ISLAND (B & D)
A short drive to Queensland’s Capital, Brisbane. Time here to explore the inner city complex followed by a visit to the Forest Glen Wildlife Park. Onto Hervey Bay where we board our ferry to Fraser Island (Overnight Lodges).

DAY 7 FRASER ISLAND (B,L & D)
Today is special. Our optional chance to explore the world’s largest sand island in our specially equipped 4 wheel drive vehicle. See unspoilt ocean beaches, explore tropical rainforests, swim in pristine inland lakes – Fraser Island is stunning. (Overnight Lodges)

DAY 8 FRASER ISLAND TO CAPRICORN CAVES (B & D)
Onto Rockhampton (Rocky) situated on the Tropic of Capricorn and known as the “Beef Capital of Oz”. Then to the geologically unique Capricorn limestone caves which we can access for an optional candlelit exploration. Wildlife also abounds including kangaroo’s, echidnas, possums and of course the insectivorous bats. (Overnight Lodges)

DAY 9 CAPRICORN CAVES TO THE WHITSUNDAYS (B & D)
Morning drive to Mackay, commercial centre of Queensland’s huge sugar industry. Then to Airlie Beach, gateway to The Whitsundays and where we board our ferry for Long Island, one of the many beautiful islands that make up this very special waterway. (Overnight Resort)

DAYS 10 & 11THE WHITSUNDAYS (B & D)
Two days to relax on Long Island and enjoy the facilities of the Club Crocodile Resort. Experience one of the great bushwalks, try one of the many aquatic activities including jet skiing, perhaps a game of beach volleyball or just enjoy a cocktail around the pool. (Overnight Resort)

NB: Optional Whitsunday Sailing Cruise
Here is your opportunity to sail the beautiful waters of The Whitsunday Passage on a 3 night live aboard sailing cruise under the guidance of our professional skipper. You will visit secluded coves and see one of Australia’s most pristine beaches, aboard our fully equipped yacht. Great sailing, swimming and coral viewing opportunities ensure an awesome experience. Add $215USD to the tour price. Couples supplement not available. (D), (B,L&D), (B,L&D), (B)

DAY 12 THE WHITSUNDAYS TO CAIRNS (B & D)
We make tracks towards tropical Cairns via Townsville, North Queensland's largest City. Tonight, perhaps a visit to the night markets. (Overnight Resort)

DAY 13 OPTIONAL GREAT BARRIER REEF (B & L)
A special option, at extra expense, discover the world's largest coral reef aboard our cruising yacht. Once anchored at the reef, slip over the side and explore this underwater paradise at your own pace. Facemasks and snorkels supplied. Back to Cairns to freshen up for our last night and a meal out - the memorable Tjabukai by Night Dinner and Aboriginal Show. (Overnight Resort)

DAY 14 CAIRNS (B)
Visit the village of Kuranda via the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, which will immerse you in an intimate rainforest experience. This is followed by the chance for some last minute souvenir hunting among the local arts and crafts shops before returning to Cairns. Overnight at hotel.

DAY 15 CAIRNS TO ALICE SPRINGS (B)
Today we depart Queensland and head for the Outback as we boarda plane to Alice Springs. The day is yours free to enjoy. Overnight lodge. internal flights not included in tour price

DAY 16 ALICE SPRINGS TO AYERS ROCK RESORT
Our outback journey begins in Alice Springs as we cross some of the oldest river systems in the world on our way to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park home of mighty Uluru (Ayers Rock). After meeting those passengers joining the tour at Ayers Rock Airport, we make tracks to the Cultural Centre. Next a short drive to the Sunset viewing area to see the fascinating change of colours as an outback sun sets on Australia’s largest sandstone monolith.
Overnight: lodge with shared facilities
Meals Included: Lunch & Dinner

DAY 17 ULURU – KATA TJUTA NATIONAL PARK
An early morning start as we head to Uluru, (Ayers Rock) to experience the dawn, before we undertake a walking tour of the base of the Rock to learn the importance of the area to the Aboriginal people. Time is available for those who choose to climb to the summit of Uluru. From here we journey to Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) and then to Watarrka National Park and King's Canyon. Tonight settle into our private campsite at Kings Creek Station to sleep under the stars.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 18 KINGS CANYON
We take a walk through soaring sandstone cliffs which surround the Garden of Eden and the Lost City which provide some amazing examples of nature’s handy work. Then we climb the track that takes us to the top of the cliffs. Tonight we stay at nearby Kings Creek Station, with time to experience an optional quad bike ride, helicopter flight or an outback camel ride.
Overnight: bush camping
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 19 KINGS CANYON TO ALICE SPRINGS
On our return to Alice Springs we’ll visit Anzac Hill and check out the Royal Flying Doctor Base for a fascinating insight into the provision of medical services in the Outback. Tonight you have the option to go out for an evening meal and the chance to learn about and meet at close quarters, some Australian reptiles!! (Meal at own expense).
End of tour at 5pm.
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch

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Dates: 2007 - April 7,9*,16*,28, May 5,7*14*,26, June 2,4*,11*,23,30, July 2*,9*,21,,28,30*, Aug. 6*,18,,25,27*, Sept. 3*15,2224*, Oct. 1*1322*,29*, Nov. ,10,17,19*,26*, Dec. 8,15,17*,24*
2008 - Jan. ,5,12,14*,21*, Feb. 2,911*18*, March 1,8,10*17*,29, April 5,7*,14*,26, May 3,5*,12*,24,31, June 2*,9*,28,30*, July 7*19,26,28*, Aug. 4*,16,23,25*, Sept. 1*,13,20,22*,29*

departure dates marked with an asterisk operate in reverse.

Prices:
till Dec. 31, 2007 - US$1860
Jan 1 2008 - March 31, 2008 - US$1845
Twin supplement - US$415

Optional tours at extra cost