QUEENSLAND WINTER RETREAT

 Tour Departs: 5 August 2012    •    Tour Length: 14 Days

OVERVIEW
Queensland is home of some of the world’s most treasured natural wonders, where else would you find regions bursting with everything that makes for the perfect holiday. The itinerary is uniquely different and we feel you’ll definitely be satisfied and delighted at what you’ll find in the detailed day to day itinerary. The tour spends most of the time in the winterless north of Queensland, a region which offers a holiday experience as well as a diversity of scenery, from lush and fertile regions, the world renowned Great Barrier Reef, Island resort, exciting tropical towns and cities. Travel by way of one of Australia’s great train journeys, between Brisbane and Cairns.  Join us for a great tour – it was a “cracker” in 2011.

HIGHLIGHTS 
Brisbane – Bundaberg – Townsville – “The Sunlander” – Magnetic Island Resort – Cairns – Port Douglas – Daintree Rain Forest – Kuranda Scenic Railway – Great Barrier Reef

Take a break during the Winter and enjoy some tropical sunshine. Queensland is close to home and yet so different. We are sure you will enjoy the variety of the many places visited, the diversity of the scenery and still enjoy the same high quality of our tours you have come to expect.

TOUR COSTS:
Per person share twin room:           NZD$7,350                AUD$4,995              
Supplement for single room:            NZD$1,600                AUD$1,280

COSTS INCLUDE:
 • Economy Class air travel from Auckland, Christchurch or Wellington. Domestic flights from Australian cities available upon request at an additional cost.
 • Airport, government and security taxes as known at October 2011
 • First Class / Superior Grade accommodation throughout
 • Meals as indicated in the itinerary B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner
 • Sightseeing and entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary
 • Baggage handling of one suitcase per person
 • Tips to local guides and coach drivers
 • Fully escorted throughout

COSTS EXCLUDE:
 • Any meals and sightseeing not specifically mentioned in the itinerary
 • Travel insurance – advice and assistance offered
 • Items of a personal nature such telephone charges, laundry, drinks etc

DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY

Sunday 5 August
Home – Brisbane
Today join a flight to Brisbane.  All flights met on arrival in Brisbane with transfer provided by coach to our Hotel for a three night stay.

Monday 6 August
Brisbane (B.D)
What better way to see Brisbane than from land and water.  Our sightseeing tour takes us through the city centre, including City Hall, Parliament House, St. John’s Cathedral and Treasury Casino.  We then cruise up river, past prestigious suburbs and historic buildings including the magnificent sandstone buildings of Customs House. Cruise under the Story Bridge and past Kangaroo Point cliffs to South Bank.  There is time to explore the delights of the colourful South Bank. The afternoon is free and in the evening we get together and have a welcome dinner.

Tuesday 7 August
Brisbane (B)
This morning we take a drive to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, located on the banks of the upper Brisbane River in a beautiful parkland setting. It is Australia's largest koala sanctuary - birds, kangaroos, dingoes, wombats, reptiles, and emus. Then we visit Queensland's premier sub-tropical Botanic Gardens. Located in the historic suburb of Toowong at the base of Mt Cootha, they are a gardener's delight. There is free time in the afternoon to have a wander around Brisbane city at your leisure.

Wednesday 8 August
Brisbane – Bundaberg (B.D)
This morning, we are transferred to the Brisbane Railway Station and we bid farewell to Brisbane and begin our journey on the Tilt Train in Brisbane Class, the perfect way to travel in daylight along the spectacular coastal route of Australia’s north eastern coast. We arrive in Bundaberg late afternoon and transfer to our Hotel for an overnight stay.  Bundaberg is home to the world famous Bundaberg rum. The bustling provincial capital is located on the Banks of the Burnett River and boasts beautiful heritage buildings.

Thursday 9 August
Bundaberg – Townsville (B.D)
We have an interesting day beginning with a visit to the Hinkler Hall of Aviation, which celebrates Bert Hinkler the Australian pioneer aviator. We then take a leisurely cruise on the beautiful Burnett River as we board the “Bundy Belle”, a fully restored classic river ferry and listen to commentary on the rivers colourful history. A stop is made for lunch (own cost). Our next stop is the home of one of Australia’s most famous spirits – Bundaberg Rum.  We take a tour of the distillery including tasting the finished product and viewing historical displays. We return to our hotel to freshen up before being transferred to the train station to join the Sunlander Train, for our overnight journey to Townsville. We travel in ‘Queenslander class’, which is the exclusive section of the train, featuring first class private compartments, fine dining, excellent service, entertainment and well informed commentary.

Friday 10 August
Townsville – Magnetic Island (B.D)
Enjoy breakfast aboard the Sunlander, sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery through panoramic windows.  On arrival in Townsville we transfer to the ferry terminal for our boat ride to Magnetic Island and onto our Hotel for a two night stay with the rest of the afternoon free. Magnetic Island is situated in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, just 8 kilometres from Townsville. This world heritage listed island including a National Park, provides a haven for abundant wildlife, such as wallabies, koalas and a wide variety of bird-life.  

Saturday 11 August
Magnetic Island (B.D)
This morning we set off for a fascinating look around this beautiful tropical paradise on our sightseeing tour which will give you an insight into the history, flora and fauna and show you some great photo stops overlooking the Coral Sea. Spot koalas in their natural habitat and view the Coral Sea and rugged rocky headlands from the roads which hug the coastline. You also have the opportunity to feed the tiny Rock Wallabies that inhabit the rugged terrain of Magnetic Island and take part in feeding the fish at the end of the old Arcadia Jetty. The afternoon is at leisure for further sightseeing or to maybe take it easy and laze under a coconut palm on the warm golden sand with a swim in the clear blue sea.

Sunday 12 August
Magnetic Island – Townsville (B.D)
This morning we take the ferry back to Townsville and continue with a sightseeing tour of the city. The tour is an entertaining and informative one including visits to the Strand, Castle Hill Lookouts, Historic Buildings and the Riverway lagoon precinct.  We stop for lunch (own cost) and then visit the world’s largest living coral reef aquarium. The underwater viewing tunnel offers astounding views of living coral and the predators that prowl the watery depths. Enjoy the antics of the hundreds of reef creatures without even getting your feet wet!  After the aquarium visit, we transfer to our Hotel for an overnight stay.

Monday 13 August
Townsville – Cairns (B.D)
After breakfast at the Hotel, we transfer to the Railway Station as we bid farewell to Townsville. We board the Sunlander for the day trip to Cairns. We travel in comfortable coach style seating with panoramic windows plus access to the club car and dining room, ensuring a relaxing and enjoyable journey. We pass through the towns of Ingham, Cardwell, Tully, Innisfall, Babinda and Gordonvale.  We arrive late afternoon and transfer to our Cairns Hotel for a five night stay.

Tuesday 14 August
Cape Tribulation & Daintree Eco Experience Tour (B.L)
This morning we travel to Port Douglas and take a guided tour through the Wildlife Habitat before a visit to Mossman Gorge with a guided rainforest walk. We then cross the Daintree River to visit Cape Tribulation National Park, a World Heritage Listed site, where we have a BBQ lunch. In the afternoon we take a cruise on the mangrove lined Daintree River, where we have the chance to spot saltwater crocodiles, tropical birds and other wildlife. We return via the resort town of Port Douglas before arriving back in Cairns early evening.

Wednesday 15 August
Cairns (B)
Today is free to relax and discover the delights of this beautiful tropical city.  Many options available, visit Cairns parks and exceptional Botanical Gardens, stroll the Esplanade, visit Marlin Marina, or the many other shopping centres for some retail therapy. The Cairns Night Markets are the perfect place to grab dinner and hunt for a bargain with over seventy retail outlets and home to a myriad of food options

Thursday 16 August
Great Barrier Reef Cruise (B.L)
A highlight of our stay in Cairns is a cruise out to the Great Barrier Reef for the day. A Marine Naturalist gives a briefing and presentation on all aspects of the Barrier Reef. A chance to enjoy some snorkelling or view the spectacular coral and tropical fish from the under water observatory and the semi submersible craft.  Enjoy a delicious lunch and afterwards time to simply relax on the deck and take in the magical reef experience before returning to Cairns early evening.

Friday 17 August
Kuranda (B.D)
This morning we board the Skyrail Cableway that takes you above the tropical rainforest of the Barron Gorge National Park and onto Kuranda. Visit the Butterfly Sanctuary before heading to Kuranda village with time to browse through the various stalls of the colourful Kuranda Markets. We then take the historic journey through the picturesque countryside on the Kuranda Scenic Train back to Cairns arriving late afternoon. This evening we enjoy a Farewell dinner together.

Saturday 18 August
Cairns – Home (B)
This morning after breakfast we transfer to the airport to join our flight home – the conclusion of a great holiday with friendly people, an excellent climate, fine food, top hotels, resorts and a diversity of culture and natural beauty.