Once a year magnificent humpback whales visit the coast of Queensland on their return journey to Antarctica. Join us for this very special event and see these magnificent creatures in their natural environment. Bathe in turquoise seas and crystal clear lakes, sail to coral reef islands and discover colourful underwater worlds. Explore exciting cities and learn about indigenous cultures.

• Travelling - 1 to 3
  

  Fly to Sydney, arriving on day 3. Your Tour Guide will be on hand throughout the tour. Overnight Sydney.

• Sights Of Sydney - 4
  

  Golden beaches and beautiful gardens, historic streets and iconic contemporary architecture, buzzing bars and cafés and a great outdoor lifestyle. Sydney is quite simply one of the most exciting cities in the world. See all the highlights on an included morning tour. Delve into convict history in the cobbled streets of The Rocks and admire stunning views of the world famous Harbour Bridge and Opera House from Mrs Macquarie’s Chair. Visit Bondi Beach and Darling Harbour, drive through trendy Paddington and bustling Chinatown and explore the magnificent bays that surround the city.

• Aboriginal Heritage - 4
  

  Discover the diverse history and culture of the Aboriginal people, right in the heart of Sydney, on a fascinating tour organised by the Royal Botanic Gardens. Visit an important ceremonial site for the clans and a garden display of native vegetation that would have existed around Sydney Harbour 200 years ago. Learn about bush foods, traditional fishing methods and the sourcing of vital water supplies. A sculptural ‘storyline’ tells the Aboriginal history of Sydney from ‘The Dreaming’ to the present. Overnight Sydney.

• A Day In The City - 5
  

  Explore Sydney at your own pace. Take a harbour cruise for stunning views of the city, board a ferry to a secluded beach or visit the Aquarium at Darling Harbour. Take a ‘behind the scenes’ tour of the Opera House or join the Harbour Bridge Climb, visit the Blue Mountains or sample fruity Australian wines in the Hunter Valley. Dine on delicious locally produced food, or choose a cuisine from many other corners of the world at one the excellent restaurants and cafés in the city. Ask your Tour Guide for recommendations. Overnight Sydney.

• Fraser Island - 6
  

  Fly to Brisbane and travel north to the Southern tip of the Great Barrier Reef and the untamed wilderness and rugged landscape of Fraser Island, the largest sand island in the world. Turquoise waters wash up to blinding white beaches, dugongs feed on sea grass and turtles nest on the sands. Possums, wallabies and dingoes all inhabit the island and graze in the dense green forest. Follow the trails around the hotel, native birds and other wildlife are often spotted at the many lakes and watering holes. The friendly ranger guides will be happy to answer any questions you may have on the local flora and fauna. Overnight Fraser Island.

• Humpback Whales In Hervey Bay - 7
  

  Migrating north each year from Antarctica, the humpback whales journey to warmer waters to mate and give birth. Hervey Bay provides the perfect protected environment for mothers with their new calves on the return journey. They come here to rest and socialise and can stay for up to five days. Join an experienced crew and sail out to Platypus Bay for a morning of close encounters with these majestic creatures. Special on board equipment will allow you to listen to the extraordinary sounds of the male humpback and underwater viewing cameras beam images onto screens around the boat, taking you right into the intimate world of the giants of the sea. It is an amazing experience to watch a whale leap out of the ocean. As they lift their great heads, salute with their flippers, splash powerful tails and roll over like puppies it is almost as if they are performing just for you. Make sure you have your camera ready for every spell binding moment. Spend the afternoon relaxing at your hotel. Overnight Fraser Island.

• Exploring Fraser Island - 8
  

  Jump on board a four wheel drive for a day of discovery on the island with a ranger guide. Swim in the crystal clear waters of Lake Mckenzie and relax on the dazzling white sands, a goanna lizard may join you as he takes a leisurely stroll. Walk through the shady gully of rainforest fringed Wanggoolba Creek, also known as Silent Creek because it does not babble. Take a drive along spectacular Seventy-Five Mile Beach and paddle in the cool fresh waters of Eli Creek. Visit an old shipwreck and marvel at the Pinnacles, a stunning formation of rainbow-coloured sands. See an ancient forest that nature is gradually revealing with the help of the Stonetool Sand Blow as it moves across the island. Lunch and refreshments are included today. Overnight Fraser Island.

• Brisbane, The River City - 9
  

  Travel by road to Brisbane, an orientation tour will help you get your bearings. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the city. Visit the botanical gardens or window shop in the Queen Street Mall. Admire the architecture of City Hall and Parliament House and step into the cool interior of St John’s Cathedral. To get a real flavour of the city take a stroll along the banks of the Brisbane River and enjoy an early evening cocktail at one of the many bars in the buzzing Southbank district. Overnight Brisbane.

• Travelling - 10
  

  Fly to Cairns. Spend the rest of the day relaxing at the hotel or venture out and soak up the atmosphere of this lively town, sandwiched between the deep blue ocean and lush green tropical forests. Overnight Cairns.

• A Day On The Great Barrier Reef - 11
  

  Board a luxury sailing catamaran for an unforgettable day on a Great Barrier Reef island. Let the crew pamper you as you sail out on a marine adventure. Soak up the sun on deck or enjoy the views from the comfortable air-conditioned lounge. Your destination is the Low Isles, a pair of tiny islands surrounded by acres of beautiful reef. Discover some of the many coral types; if you look closely you can actually see the feathery tentacles of soft corals collecting tiny food particles from the surrounding water. Bright blue, green and purple parrotfish create a flash of colour, just one of the many species in a breathtaking array. Sea grasses drift along the seabed providing a home and food for sea cucumbers, spidershell, rays and green turtles. Join a marine biologist and learn about the reef on a beach walk, view the coral from a glass bottom boat and join a snorkelling expedition, all equipment is provided and a supervisor is on hand to give you a few handy tips. If you don’t wish to snorkel just relax on the beach under a thatched umbrella and enjoy this wonder of the natural world. A delicious smorgasbord lunch is included on board. Overnight Cairns.

• Explore Northern Queensland - 12 to 13
  

  Two days free for you to do whatever you choose. Drift over Cairns on a sunrise balloon ride, board a train for a scenic journey on the Kuranda Railway, take a thrilling cable car ride above the tree canopy to the Atherton Tablelands or travel up to Cape Tribulation where ‘the rainforest meets the sea’. Your Tour Guide can help you with all the arrangements. Overnight Cairns.

• Travelling - 14 to 15
  

  Fly back to the UK, arriving on day 15.

Accommodation

• Vibe Hotel, Sydney (4-Star) - 3 Nights
• Kingfisher Bay Resort, Fraser Island (3.5-Star) - 3 Nights
• Grand Chancellor Hotel, Brisbane (4-Star) - 1 Night
• Cairns Colonial Club, Cairns (4-Star) - 4 Nights

• Flights are scheduled services of
• Flights depart at 12:00 am and return at 6:35 am

Includes

Not Included