Queensland Islands and Rainforest

Australia's enchanting Whitsundays and the holiday hotspot of Hamilton Island is your launch pad to an east coast Australian adventure (flights to arrive prior to 2pm). The island boasts pristine beaches and a kaleidoscope of coral and marine life. Embrace your inner sloth, kick back and relax with a book on a lounger at one of the crystal-clear pools, take a leisurely stroll along the water's edge or indulge in a beautiful tropical sunset from your private balcony. Tonight, meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers at a Welcome Reception and dinner.

Today is yours to indulge in your own pleasures - consider a cruise to famous Whitehaven Beach, visit the island's wildlife park, home to many species of Australian animals, hire a buggy and ramble along the island's winding roads or sit back with a good book at one of the resort's stunning pools. In Hamilton Island, you can be as energetic and relaxed as you wish, but if it's the former, lace up your walking shoes and embark on a challenging hike up to Passage Peak for unforgettable views of the Whitsundays from the highest point on Hamilton Island.

Say goodbye to idyllic island-life and board your ferry back to the mainland. Continue north heading to Mission Beach, where the UNESCO-listed Daintree Rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef. With its quirky village-style atmosphere, golden palm-fringed beach that stretches for miles and a vibrant arts and culture scene, Mission Beach is the perfect seaside sojourn for a night spent with new friends. Connect with your exquisite natural surrounds and settle into your resort overlooking the Coral Sea.

Today's journey takes you to the Atherton Tablelands, where ancient rainforests, spectacular waterfalls and peaceful lakes abound. This is one of Australia's most important birdlife areas, with over 320 unique species recorded. Visit Millaa Millaa Falls, which plunge 18 metres into the depths of a refreshing rock pool, and the heritage-listed 500-year-old Curtain Fig Tree, where you may be lucky enough to spot the brilliant blue flash of the Ulysses butterfly. Spend some free time in Kuranda, the 'village in the rainforest', and browse the village shops for hand-crafted silk and cotton clothing, jewellery, locally made Aboriginal artwork and gifts, before the journey to Freshwater Station via the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. You'll glide just metres above the canopy providing views of the tropical rainforest, Coral Sea, the Cairns Highlands and the city of Cairns itself.

A day filled with pinch-me moments awaits, as you board a high-speed catamaran and cruise out to the Great Barrier Reef. The world's largest coral reef system, the Great Barrier Reef sustains over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands stretching some 2,300km. Discover this UNESCO-listed underwater wonderland from the comfort of your semi-submersible observatory, keeping a keen eye out for turtles, sharks and giant starfish, amongst the myriad of species that find sanctuary in these tropical waters. Or get your feet wet and don your flippers and mask for an up-close encounter with the reef and its residents (snorkelling equipment provided). Enjoy a tropical buffet lunch up on deck before returning to Cairns. This evening, join your Travel Director for a Farewell Dinner at a restaurant on Cairns Harbour.

Your scenic exploration of Australia's sun-kissed east coast at its end, say farewell to newfound friends and the epic beauty of one of the most pristine corners of Australia. Take your transfer to Cairns Airport for your onward flight (flights anytime).