East Coast Explorer 2013

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Daydream Island, QueenslandFraser Island, QueenslandGold Coast, QueenslandKoalas in Queensland
Daydream Island, Queensland
Fraser Island, Queensland
Gold Coast, Queensland
Koalas in Queensland
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Guest Experiences

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Trip Itinerary

  • Day 1 to Day 2

    DEPART USA

    You will fly over the international date line on your way to Cairns, Australia.

  • Day 3

    ARRIVE CAIRNS (2 NIGHTS)

    On arrival in Cairns you will be transferred to your hotel (flights to arrive prior to 2pm). Spend free time to relax or discover Cairns for yourself until you meet your Travel Director and fellow travelers late this afternoon. You’ll explore the Cairns Botanic Gardens before a short stroll to historic Whitfield House. You are invited into the home of Joy and Henry Glennie for a Welcome Reception and exclusive Be My Guest barbecue dinner at their restored Federation-style mansion, located in a magnificent tropical garden setting.


    Meal(s): (Welcome Reception / Be My Guest)

    Hotel: Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort (SF)

    M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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  • Day 4

    GREAT BARRIER REEF

    Board a high speed catamaran for an unforgettable day on the Great Barrier Reef. Snorkel in the underwater paradise with its colorful coral and tropical fish and view this natural living wonder up close (equipment provided). Visit the underwater observatory and watch the marine life glide by plus take a ride in the semi-submersible vessel. Enjoy an informative reef education presentation by a Local Expert. A tropical buffet Highlight Lunch is included before returning to Cairns late afternoon.


    Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Highlight Lunch / Dinner)

  • Day 5

    CAIRNS - MISSION BEACH

    Climb the high tropical plateau known as the Atherton Tablelands, where lush rainforests, waterfalls and lakes abound. You’ll visit Millaa Millaa Falls and the famous Curtain Fig Tree. Stop at the Mamu Rainforest Canopy Walkway. Elevated walkways, a cantilever and observations tower offers you the exhilarating experience of being high in the rainforest canopy and provides spectacular panoramic views of World Heritage rainforest landscapes. There will be time to feel the golden sand between your toes when you arrive in Mission Beach in the early afternoon.


    Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

    Hotel: Castaways Resort & Spa (F)

    M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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  • Day 6

    MISSION BEACH - DAYDREAM ISLAND (2 NIGHTS)

    Today’s journey takes you to Townsville, where you’ll have time for a stroll along the Strand and then it’s on to Airlie Beach for your ferry transfer to Daydream Island in the heart of the spectacular Great Barrier Reef.


    Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

    Hotel: Daydream Island Resort & Spa, Ocean Balcony Rooms (MF)

    M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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  • Day 7

    DAYDREAM ISLAND FREE TIME

    A free day on Daydream Island. Explore the beautiful bays, islands and beaches on an optional cruise to Whitehaven Beach. You have the opportunity to take a rainforest walk, play beach volleyball, tennis, water polo or you could go snorkelling or kayaking. Why not just laze by one of the pools or on a beach or replenish your body and soul at the Daydream Rejuvenation Spa.


    Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast)

  • Day 8

    DAYDREAM ISLAND - ROCKHAMPTON

    Return to the mainland and travel south through Mackay, Australia’s sugar capital, before continuing to Rockhampton, on the Fitzroy River.


    Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

    Hotel: Travelodge Rockhampton (ST)

    M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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  • Day 9

    ROCKHAMPTON - HERVEY BAY

    Cross the Tropic of Capricorn and visit Langmorn Station and discover why we call it a Local Specialty. A member of the Creed family will treat you to a guided tour of the property including their original family homestead, built in 1873. Enjoy morning tea in the garden in the company of the pet kangaroo! Continue to Hervey Bay, gateway to beautiful Fraser Island.


    Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

    Hotel: Mantra Hervey Bay (F)

    M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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  • Day 10

    HERVEY BAY - FRASER ISLAND - NOOSA (2 NIGHTS)

    A day of discovery lies ahead as you cross by ferry to explore the wonders of World Heritage listed Fraser Island with a Local Guide. Visit Lake McKenzie, ringed with magnificent white sandy beaches. Walk through the ancient rainforest at Central Station with its huge satinay, scribbly gum and kauri trees. Enjoy a delicious barbecue lunch before your 4WD tour takes you to the colored sands of Rainbow Beach and beyond on to the Sunshine Coast resort town of Noosa.


    Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Lunch)

    Hotel: The French Quarter Noosa (MF)

    M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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  • Day 11

    NOOSA FREE TIME

    Take time out to discover Noosa for yourself. Swim at Noosa Main Beach or venture a little further with an easy walk along the headland through to Noosa National Park. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could take a boat ride through the Noosa Everglades. Pristine beaches, lakes, wetlands, mangroves and diverse flora and fauna are among the spectacular scenery you’ll witness.


    Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast)

  • Day 12

    NOOSA - GOLD COAST

    This morning you’ll travel to Brisbane for a city orientation tour. Later, enjoy afternoon tea at the Redlands IndigiScapes Centre, where you’ll encounter Australian native flora and fauna and wildlife. Meet the passionate Local Guides who will take you on a tour through the bushland walk tracks or botanical gardens. Tonight is free for you to dine at one of the many restaurants and cafés in Surfers Paradise.


    Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast)

    Hotel: Vibe Hotel (ST)

    M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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  • Day 13

    GOLD COAST - BYRON BAY - COFFS HARBOUR

    Visit the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. With hundreds of animals and birds, the Sanctuary, established nearly 60 years ago, is home to one of the largest collections of Australian native wildlife in the world. Journey to the Cape Byron Lighthouse and enjoy superb views from Australia’s eastern-most point. En route to the coastal resort town of Coffs Harbour, stop in exclusive Byron Bay for lunch (own expense). Celebrate your trip with your traveling companions at a Farewell Dinner.


    Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Farewell Dinner)

    Hotel: Novotel Pacific Bay Resort (SF)

    M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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  • Day 14

    COFFS HARBOUR - SYDNEY

    Stop at Port Macquarie on your way to Sydney, where your evening is free.


    Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast)

    Hotel: Four Points by Sheraton Darling Harbour (MD)

    M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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  • Day 15

    SYDNEY - USA

    Say farewell to your fellow travelers as you are transferred to Sydney Airport for your onward flight (flights anytime).


    Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast)

What's Included

Insider Experiences

  • Be My Guest Enjoy an exclusive barbecue dinner with your hosts, Joy and Henry Glennie, in the spectacular tropical setting of their home, Whitfield House Cairns.
  • Hidden Treasure Enjoy at least one surprise Hidden Treasure experience, unique to your itinerary, courtesy of your expert Travel Director.
  • Local Specialty You’ll see how the locals live and learn about all aspects of operation on a working cattle station.
  • Local Guide A qualified Local Guide at Redlands IndigiScapes Centre and on Fraser Island.
  • Local Expert Discover the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef with a Local Expert.

Sightseeing Highlights

  • Great Barrier ReefGet up close to the colorful coral and tropical fish.
  • Mission BeachStay in a tropical beachfront resort.
  • Daydream IslandRelax in the Whitsundays.
  • Fraser IslandDiscover the world’s largest sand island on a 4WD adventure.
  • NoosaEnjoy free time in this resort town.
  • Redlands IndigiScapes CentreExperience native flora, fauna and wildlife.
  • Currumbin Wildlife SanctuarySee the native animals and birds.
  • Byron BayViews from Australia’s eastern-most point.

Dining

  • 12 hot buffet breakfasts

  • 2 lunches including:

  • Barbecue lunch
  • Highlight Lunch on the Great Barrier Reef.

  • 7 evening meals including:
  • Welcome Reception with your Travel Director in Cairns.
  • 5 two or three-course dinners.
  • Be My Guest dinner in Cairns.
  • Farewell Dinner in Coffs Harbour.

Travel Highlights

  • Airport transfers are provided as indicated in the itinerary.
  • First Class hotel accommodation, which includes twin-bedded rooms with private facilities.
  • All hotel service charges and tips, baggage handling fees and local taxes included.
  • Travel by luxury air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and a restroom onboard.
  • Escorted by one of Trafalgar’s top professional Travel Directors.
  • A stylish wallet, travel documents, keepsake booklet and map.

Airport Transfers

  • For full details on transfers, please click here.
Disclaimer
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Hotel Class Key
  • SF= Superior First Class, F = First Class, MF = Moderate First Class, ST = Superior Tourist, D = Deluxe and MD = Moderate Deluxe.
  • Hotels are subject to change.
Notes
  • * For single travellers purchasing the twin-share option, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms.
  • ^Twin-share option not available for trips to South America., Costa Rica, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii or for any holiday & cruise combination, or in Asia and Eastern Mediterranean except Highlights of Turkey (without cruise) & Best of Turkey.

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