13 Days: Island Escapes & Diving [LL-TQ15A]
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Highlights & Inclusions
  • Accommodation - Fraser Island (3 Nights), Cairns (1), Liveaboard (3), Lizard Island (3), Cairns (1)
  • US Domestic Flights and International Flights are not included, but can be booked at your request
  • Australian Domestic Flights - Brisbane to Harvey Bay (Return), Brisbane to Cairns, Lizard Island to Cairns, Cairns to Brisbane
  • Shuttle Transfers - Harvey Bay Airport to Fraser Island Accommodation (Return), Cairns Airport to Accommodation (Return)
  • Day Tours Included - Fraser Island: 4WD Tour of Fraser Island
  • Overnight Tours Included - Cairns: 3 Nights on a Liveaboard Diving Expedition
  • Liveaboard Diving Expedition includes: Transfers to/from city or accommodation, Opportunity for dives, En-suite cabin with daily service, Chef prepared meals, Australian wine & soft drinks with evening meals.
  • All other Day Tours listed are Optional (Not Included)
  • Visa Issuance for entry into Australia (additional US$15.00 per person)
  • F.I.T. (Free & Independent Travel, i.e. this is not an Organized Group Tour)
  • All Taxes and Fuel Levies (Except where noted)
  • Itinerary is flexible and can be tailored to suit your needs.
Itinerary Details
(Day 1) - International Flight, Los Angeles to Brisbane (Own Arrangements)

Shortly after departing Los Angeles you will be served dinner and you will be given breakfast before landing in Brisbane.

Relax, watch some movies, and try to get some sleep!

Please confirm with the airline at check-in that they have all your Frequent Flyer information on record (if applicable).

(Day 2) - Domestic Flight, Brisbane to Hervey Bay

Travel within Australia by domestic air from Brisbane to Hervey Bay.

(Day 2) - Shuttle/Launch Transfer, Harvey Bay to Fraser Island
(Days 2 to 5) - 3 Nights Accommodation on Fraser Island

Travel to your 4 star accommodation on Fraser Island, Australia, via Catamaran, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 3 nights.

Fraser island is a place of exceptional beauty, with its long uninterrupted white beaches flanked by strikingly coloured sand cliffs, and over 100 freshwater lakes, some tea-coloured and others clear and blue all ringed by white sandy beaches. Ancient rainforests grow in sand along the banks of fast-flowing, crystal-clear creeks. It is the is the only place in the world where tall rainforests are found growing on sand dunes at elevations of over 200 metres. The low wallum heaths on the island are of particular evolutionary and ecological significance, and provide magnificent wildflower displays in spring and summer.

Beauty Spots Eco-Tour with stops at gorgeous Lake McKenzie, Central Station and Wanggoolba Creek, Pile Valley’s awe-inspiring Satinay and Brush Box forests, 75 Mile Beach’s famous highway, the Maheno shipwreck and the coloured sands of the Pinnacles and the relaxing fresh waters of Eli Creek. This tour includes a sumptuous buffet lunch and refreshments, so all you need to pack is your sunscreen, swimwear, and sense of adventure!

Return shuttle/ferry transfers from River Heads and/or Hervey Bay Airport to your Fraser Island accommodation.

(Day 3) - Day Tour, 4WD Tour of Fraser Island

Full day 4WD tour of Fraser Island including morning or afternoon tea and buffet lunch.

On this tour you will learn about the natural and cultural history of Fraser Island. Enjoy a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear blue waters of Lake McKenzie, which is the island’s most beautiful, perched lake. You will walk along the banks of Wanggoolba Creek as it flows silently through the rainforest, look up and marvel at the tall, majestic satinay trees of Pile Valley, and drive along the spectacular Seventy-Five Mile Beach. You will then stop to swim in the cool, fresh Eli Creek. This swift-flowing creek, which is the largest on the eastern beach, spills 80 mega litres (over 21 million gallons!) of water into the ocean every day. The tour will visit the historical Maheno shipwreck and you will also be able to admire the colored sands of the pinnacles. The tour includes lunch and refreshments, so all you need to pack is your sunscreen, swimwear, and sense of adventure!

Operates
Daily, Christmas, New Year’s, and Easter may affect certain days of booking
Departs 7:45am, Returns 4:30pm (approx.)

Includes
– Full day ranger-guided 4WD coach.
– Morning or afternoon tea
– Lunch
– National Park fee
– Foreign Language App. Guests can download the free App from the Apple Store or Google Play. Search for “Fraser Explorer Tours”

Need to Know
Must be booked with a room/package at Kingfisher Bay Resort. All Passengers must be suitably restrained. Guests must request or supply their own child/booster seat. Children under 1 year of age are not permitted. This tour is off-road, so it is recommended that pregnant travelers, or people with certain medical conditions seek medical advice before booking. Please bring sunscreen, a hat, and a swimsuit. Wear comfortable clothing and footwear that you do not mind getting wet or dirty. This experience can be catered to your dietary needs. Please advise of any special dietary requirements when completing your Traveler Information Form.

Upgrades
Private 4WD Tour – allows you to decide which attractions you want to see in a Landcruiser Prado (or similar) with your private guide.

(Day 4) - Free Day to Explore Fraser Island

Spend the day to relax or explore Fraser Island

Just off the coast from Queensland’s Hervey Bay, is World Heritage Listed Fraser Island – the largest sand island in the world and the only place on the planet where rainforest grows on sand! Over 120 kilometres long and over 30 kilometres across at its widest point, the Island has developed over 800,000 years and is a unique natural environment.

Fraser Island boasts a wealth of natural attractions: pristine fresh water lakes such as McKenzie, Boomanjin, Allom and the spectacular Lake Wabby; crystal clear creeks – Eli Creek being the most well-known; Champagne Pools – wonderful swimming rock-pools; the amazing coloured sand formations known as The Cathedrals and the Central Station camping area and ranger station. On the eastern beach, near Happy Valley you will discover Fraser Island’s own shipwreck – The Maheno.

Photo Credit: Tourism Queensland

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - Whale Watching

Wake up to an enchanting morning filled with a magical cruise and humpback whale watching.

Just like us, humpback whales vacation too! They book their holidays in Hervey Bay from early August to the end of October. During this time, about a thousand humpbacks spend anywhere from a day to two weeks relaxing and nurturing their calves in the sheltered lee of Fraser Island. Since the whales are taking time out from their migration, they provide some of the best whale watching in the world. As they come in close to the boat, they are easily seen in the clear waters of the bay. Marine rangers and skippers provide commentary and a multimedia presentation for a morning tea time you will not forget!

Operates
Daily, August 1st – October 15th
Departs 7:20am (approx.), Returns 12:00pm (approx.)

Includes
– Commentary and multimedia presentation from the marine rangers and skippers
– Morning tea
– National Park fee
– Foreign Language App. Guests can download the free App from the Apple Store or Google Play. Search for “Fraser Explorer Tours”

Need to Know
– Must be booked with a room/package at Kingfisher Bay Resort
– Children under 1 year of age are not permitted
– Please bring sunscreen, a hat, and a swimsuit (if swimming with the whales, additional cost applies). Wear comfortable clothing and footwear that you do not mind getting wet.
– Tours are subject to change or be cancelled due to weather or whale activity

Upgrades
Swim with the whales experience

(Day 5) - Shuttle/Launch Transfer, Fraser Island to Harvey Bay Airport
(Day 5) - Australian Domestic Flight, Hervey Bay to Brisbane

Travel within Australia by domestic air from Hervey Bay to Brisbane.

(Day 5) - Australian Domestic Flight, Brisbane to Cairns

Travel within Australia by domestic air from Brisbane to Cairns.

(Day 5) - Shuttle Transfer, Cairns Airport to Accommodation

Travel by shuttle from the Cairns Airport to your vacation accommodation in Cairns, Australia.

Need to Know
Luggage Restrictions: 1 checked bag and 1 hand luggage is free of charge per person in the shuttle. Additional luggage is 10$ each. Strollers are free. Bikes need to be in a bike bag. Fishing rods need to be broken down and in a container.

(Days 5 to 6) - 1 Night Accommodation in Cairns

Travel to your accommodation Cairns, Australia, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 1 night.

Your 4.5 star accommodation combines contemporary decor with a tropical ambience. The magnificent location of this 176 room hotel is perfect for exploring the Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree Rainforest or Kuranda and the Atherton Tablelands. Other nearby highlights include: Cairns Casino, Marlin Jetty, the Esplanade and the Night Markets. Unwind with a cocktail by the pool or bar followed by a sumptuous meal at the award winning Bushfire Flame Grill.

All rooms and suites have individual balconies, individually controlled air conditioning, refrigerator, television, broadband internet access, hair dryer, iron and ironing board, along with tea and coffee making facilities. Facilities include: 24 hr reception, tour desk, free wireless internet, Bushfire Flame Grill, bar, pool, business services on request, coin operated laundry on four floors, room service, laundry & dry cleaning.

(Days 6 to 9) - 3 Nights on a Live Aboard Diving Expedition

For Live-Aboard diving enthusiasts this live aboard dive trip represents the ultimate dive vacation. Dives include Osprey Reef, on the Coral Sea with other sites such as Cod Hole, Dynamite Pass, North Horn, Bougainville Reef, Steve’s Bommie, Temple of Doom and Flare Point. With Gourmet Meals and the Outstanding Level of Service you will feel like you are aboard your own private yacht.

Departing: Cairns 12:00 noon Monday

Trip Includes:
Transfers to/from Cairns city accommodation
Low level reef flight – Lizard Island to Cairns
Opportunity for up to 11 dives
Cabin with private bathroom and daily service
Chef prepared meals
Australian wines & soft drinks with evening meals

Not-included (payable on board): Fuel & Marine Park Levies

Day 1: Boarding Spirit of Freedom at 11:15am at Trinity Wharf (complimentary transfers from Cairns city hotels are available) for a 12 noon departure. Lunch will be served on board while we cruise to the Great Barrier Reef to the north of Cairns, for an afternoon orientation dive and a twilight or night dive.

Days 2 & 3: These two days are spent diving at the most northern of the Ribbon Reefs, Number 9 & 10 Ribbon Reefs, 120 miles to the north of Cairns. You will dive at the Cod Hole, where you encounter a family of massive and very friendly Potato Cod. Other sites may include Wonder-wall, Pixie Pinnacle, Challenger Bay, Two Towers, Lighthouse Bommie, and the Snake Pit, just to name a few. 4 to 5 dives will be available each day, including a night dive on Day 2. On Day 3 you will overnight at beautiful Watson’s Bay, Lizard Island, and enjoy a sunset BBQ dinner on the top deck.

Day 4: This morning, after a leisurely breakfast, you have the opportunity to go ashore and explore Lizard Island.

(Days 9 to 12) - 3 Nights Accommodation on Lizard Island

Travel to your accommodation on a Great Barrier Reef Island, Australia, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 3 nights.

Your 5 Star luxury vacation resort is located in Northern Queensland, Australia. It features powdery white beaches so pristine so untouched that yours are the only footsteps in the sand. If you are looking for something out of the ordinary, then this Great Barrier Reef island should be top of the list. Here you can snorkel off a secluded beach to discover a garden of giant clams, many a metre long and some reputed to be over 120 years old. Additionally, this vacation island is renowned for its diving. A spectacular vacation experience! Includes gourmet meals, fine Australian wines, cocktails and Champagne at Lizard Island’s Restaurant and Bar, as well as deluxe picnic hampers for the adventurous. Additional charges apply for Cellar Master list, degustation menus and room service.

(Day 11) - Free Day to Explore Lizard Island

Spend some time relaxing or explore Lizard Island.

Lizard Island offers an extensive range of Great Barrier Reef activities and a unique range of products to ensure you make the most of your Great Barrier Reef vacation.

Complimentary Activities

Explore Anchor and Watson’s bay on a catamaran or glass bottom paddle ski
Motorised dinghies
Snorkelling equipment and lessons
Tennis – day and night with all equipment supplied
Picnic hampers for romantic and secluded beachside lunches
Paddle ski tours
Nature slide presentations
Gymnasium
Self Guided nature walks

Other Activities (charges apply – ask us about pre-booking)

Diving and snorkelling trips to the inner or outer Reef
Diving courses
Night Diving
Interpretive glass bottom boat tours
Full or half day private game fishing, Black Marlin season is from September to December
Essentia Day Spa treatments
Research station tours
Lizard Island dive and fishing charters on MV Fascination
Champagne sunset cruises
Sunset Beachside Dining on Anchor Bay

Travel Tip - Snorkel Off Lizard Island

While on the island, you can relax on the beach, take in the sun and even grab snorkel gear from the office and experience the marine life right off the beach.

Lizard Island is a national park with 24 beaches and lagoons waiting to be discovered! These gorgeous beaches are a relaxing getaway for visitors from every walk of life. If you have a few days on the beach, why not grab some snorkel gear from the resort office and see the marine life just off the shore.

If you’ve never snorkelled before, there are complimentary lessons! So, there’s no reason to not enjoy this complimentary activiy off the breathtaking shore.

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - Diving Excursion

Set right on the Great Barrier Reef and boasting its own beautiful fringing reefs, Lizard Island has the advantage of being able to offer diving enthusiasts both half and full day reef experiences with only short boat rides to some of the world’s best diving sites.

Lizard’s purpose-built dive boat, the MV Serranidae (the latin name for “Grouper” – the Potato Cod is part of the Grouper family) operates half and full day excursions to stunning inner and outer reef diving sites, including the world famous Cod Hole, renowned for its huge, but friendly, Potato Cod. Naturally, the Cod Hole is subject to weather and tidal conditions.

(Day 12) - Australian Domestic Flight, Lizard Island to Cairns

Travel within Australia by domestic air from Lizard Island to Cairns.

(Day 12) - Shuttle Transfer, Cairns Airport to Accommodation

Travel by shuttle from the Cairns Airport to your vacation accommodation in Cairns, Australia.

Need to Know
Luggage Restrictions: 1 checked bag and 1 hand luggage is free of charge per person in the shuttle. Additional luggage is 10$ each. Strollers are free. Bikes need to be in a bike bag. Fishing rods need to be broken down and in a container.

(Days 12 to 13) - 1 Night Accommodation in Cairns

Travel to your accommodation Cairns, Australia, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 1 night.

Your 4.5 star accommodation combines contemporary decor with a tropical ambience. The magnificent location of this 176 room hotel is perfect for exploring the Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree Rainforest or Kuranda and the Atherton Tablelands. Other nearby highlights include: Cairns Casino, Marlin Jetty, the Esplanade and the Night Markets. Unwind with a cocktail by the pool or bar followed by a sumptuous meal at the award winning Bushfire Flame Grill.

All rooms and suites have individual balconies, individually controlled air conditioning, refrigerator, television, broadband internet access, hair dryer, iron and ironing board, along with tea and coffee making facilities. Facilities include: 24 hr reception, tour desk, free wireless internet, Bushfire Flame Grill, bar, pool, business services on request, coin operated laundry on four floors, room service, laundry & dry cleaning.

(Day 13) - Shuttle Transfer, Cairns Accommodation to Airport

Travel by shuttle from your Cairns vacation accommodation to the Airport in Cairns, Australia.

Need to Know
Luggage Restrictions: 1 checked bag and 1 hand luggage is free of charge per person in the shuttle. Additional luggage is 10$ each. Strollers are free. Bikes need to be in a bike bag. Fishing rods need to be broken down and in a container.

(Day 13) - Australian Domestic Flight, Cairns to Brisbane

Travel within Australia by domestic air from Cairns to Brisbane.

(Day 13) - International Flight, Brisbane to Los Angeles (Own Arrangements)

Mid-day Departure from Brisbane, In-flight Dinner and Movie with arrival in the USA. Note: You will be traveling back across the International Date line so you will gain a day. You actually arrive in the USA on the same day you leave Australia.

Packages by About Australia, a fully bonded and ARC Accredited travel company.