11 Days: Island Escapes & Rainforests [ST-TQ15B]
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Highlights & Inclusions
  • Accommodation - Fraser Island (3 Nights), Orpheus (3), Port Douglas (3)
  • US Domestic & International Flights - Los Angeles to Brisbane (Return) are not included. They can be included at your request.
  • Australian Domestic Flights - Brisbane to Hervey Bay, Hervey Bay to Townsville, Townsville to Cairns, Cairns to Brisbane
  • Shuttle/Launch Transfers - Hervey Bay Airport to Fraser Island Accommodation (Return)
  • Helicopter Transfers - Townsville Airport to Orpheus Accommodation (Return)
  • Shuttle Transfers - Cairns Airport to Port Douglas Accommodation (Return)
  • Day Tours Included - Fraser Island: 4WD Tour of Fraser Island; Port Douglas: Cape Tribulation & Daintree Wilderness Safari & Wildlife Habitat
  • 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 (Not Included)

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, Hervey Bay Airport to Fraser Island Accommodation
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 Cruise

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, Fraser Island Accommodation to Hervey Bay Airport
Day 5 - Australian Domestic Flight, Hervey Bay to Brisbane

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

Day 5 - Domestic Flight, Brisbane to Townsville

Travel within Australia by domestic air from Brisbane to Townsville.

Day 5 - Helicopter Transfer, Townsville Airport to Orpheus Accommodation
Days 5 to 8 - 3 Nights Inclusive Accommodation on Orpheus

Enjoy 3 nights accommodation at your luxury Great Barrier Reef resort.

The South Wing accommodation ensures utter privacy in a laid-back luxe setting. Just a stone’s throw from the water’s edge, surrounded by lush tropical garden and offering ocean glimpses, the South Room bungalow-style accommodation exudes understated beauty.

The South Room offers natural colour schemes, crisp white linen, 32 inch LED TV, iPod docking station, outdoor and indoor shower and Li’tya guest amenities to ensure a tranquil sanctuary for you to unwind in.

Your stay is also inclusive of the following:

* All gourmet meals
* Complimentary inclusion of selected Australian wines, beers and soft drinks
* Daily Excursion – snorkelling, fishing, sunset cruise or local island tour
* Unlimited use of motorised dinghies, paddle boards, catamarans, sea kayaks, snorkelling equipment and light fishing tackle

Days 6 to 7 - Free Days to Explore Orpheus

Free time to rest, relax or explore.

Day 8 - Helicopter Transfer, Orpheus Accommodation to Townsville Airport
Day 8 - Australian Domestic Flight, Townsville to Cairns

Travel within Australia by domestic air from Townsville to Cairns.

Day 8 - Shuttle Transfer, Cairns Airport to Port Douglas Accommodation

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

Departures occur approximately 30 minutes after aircraft arrival-time for domestic flights. For international flights this will be considerably longer because of customs and other formalities.

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 8 to 11 - 3 Nights Accommodation in Port Douglas

Travel to your accommodation in Port Douglas, Australia, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 3 nights.

Your vacation luxury boutique accommodation is located within walking distance of the three icons of Port Douglas – 200 meters from 4-Mile Beach, 100 metres from Macrossan Street and 400 meters to the Marina Village, where boats depart daily to Australia’s Outer Great Barrier Reef. The apartments are equipped with air conditioning, ceiling fans, cable TV, CD & DVD players, microwave, fridge, dishwasher, laundry facilities and security basement car parking. Free Wi-Fi available. There is a Lagoon style pool, an outdoor BBQ/ entertaining area, and an 8 person spa among a luscious tropical garden. Travel to the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation or maybe to the Great Barrier Reef. Port Douglas offers a winning combination of a cosmopolitan township and friendly village. You can relax from your travel or shop, dine in award winning restaurants and visit superb galleries and craft stores. (Children under age 15 are not catered for at this property. Other properties available upon request.)

*Optional upgrade to 5 Star Accommodation is available. Pricing upon request

Day 9 - Day Tour, Cape Tribulation & Daintree Wilderness Safari - Full Day

Enjoy a day exploring the rainforest and amazing landscapes of the Cape Tribulation wilderness area with a visit to Mossman Gorge Center and Cape Tribulation.



Mossman Gorge Centre: Visit the Mossman Gorge Gateway Centre for morning tea before boarding your shuttle for the transfer into Mossman Gorge. Your driver/guide will take you for a guided walk, sharing their knowledge of this enchanting rainforest environment. Learn about the fascinating secrets of one of the world’s oldest tropical rainforests.



Daintree River Cruise: Reach an understanding of this wildlife environment for one hour, habitat of birds, tree snakes, unique plants and of course the estuarine crocodile.

Tropical Lunch: With special access at a private rainforest property, enjoy a short walk along a delightful rainforest creek before a delicious tropical lunch. Choice of quality steak, fish or vegetarian meal with fresh salads and fruit platter, followed by coffee or Daintree Tea.

Cape Tribulation: Walk on this world-renowned rainforest beach and admire the coastline and fringing coral reef from the Kulki Lookout.

Daintree Ice Cream Company: Enjoy an afternoon refreshment at the Daintree Ice Cream Company. Included is a delicious cup of exotic fruit ice cream, made from fruit grown on their on-site orchard. Gluten / Dairy free options are available.

Alexandra Lookout: After winding through the rainforest of the Alexandra Range, enjoy this spectacular lookout over the Daintree River estuary, Snapper Island and beyond to the Coral Sea.

Operates: Daily (Does not operate on Christmas Day); Departs around 6:45am & Returns around 7:00pm

Includes:
– Return Hotel Transfers
– Professional driver/guide
– Mossman Gorge Centre with Morning Tea
– Driver Guided Walk in Mossman Gorge
– Daintree River Cruise
– Lunch at Noah Valley in rainforest setting
– Cape Tribulation Beach & boardwalk
– Daintree Ice Cream Company
– Alexandra Lookout

Need to Know: Tour not recommended for children under 4yrs due to the length of the tour & time spent in the vehicle.

Day 10 - Day Tour, Port Douglas Wildlife Habitat

Visit four environments and experience a cacophony of wildlife all at once at the Wildlife Habitat Animal Sanctuary located at the entrance of Port Douglas.

Situated on eight acres of land, the park recreates four very unique environments that allow you to see various and numerous species through meandering boardwalks.

Enter through the Savannah, a new habitat offering an opportunity to wander amongst the beautifully rich colored birds of northern Australian open woodlands. Check out the Wetlands where you can view wading birds as they forage for fish beneath the boardwalks, along with marsupials, fruit bats and other bird species.

Come hungry and have the original “Breakfast with the Birds” (extra cost) which will tempt you with a delicious breakfast buffet, juices, exotic tropical fruit selection and bottomless tea and coffee. Watch the clock and make sure to be on time for the Koala Photos (extra cost).

Stop off at the Presentation Hut where you can meet up close with various reptiles, including pythons and crocodiles (check times). If you get hungry stop off at the Cafe where meals and snacks are available or have “Lunch with the Lorikeets” (extra cost).

View the native species of the Wet Tropics at the Rainforest with such animals as the endangered Southern Cassowary, Boyd’s Forest Dragon and colorful Eclectus parrots. Interact and hand feed Queensland’s largest range of kangaroos and wallabies at the Grasslands. Double check the lagoons where the crocodiles are lurking beneath the murky waters or basking on the sunlit banks.

Don’t forget to check out the gift shop, ask about guided tours or inquire about 3 day entry passes.

Daily Tour Schedule:
9:00am Wetlands Stork Keeper Talk
9:15am Feature Creature photos
9:30am Rainforest & Cassowary Feeding Tour
10:10am Wetlands Feeding Tour
10:45am Koala Presentation/ Koala Souvenir Photos
11:00am Feature Creature photos
11:30am Reptile Keeper Talk
11:45am North Queensland Reptile Experience
12:30pm Lunch with the Lorikeets Interactive Experience
1:00pm Feature Creature photos
2:00pm Rainforest & Birds Feeding Presentation
3:00pm Kangaroo & Pelican Keeper Talk
4:00pm Park Closure

Kangaroo food can be purchased (own expense) at the Wildlife Habitat.

Operates
Daily. Closed on Christmas Day (December 25).

Need to Know
Child pricing and family rates are available on request.

Times
Opening hours are from 8:00am to 4:00pm.

Inclusions
– Entry into Port Douglas Wildlife Habitat
– Animal presentations
– Re-entry for the next five days

Upgrades
– 2 hr Private Guided Wildlife Habitat Tour
– Breakfast with the Birds
– CrocArena “Swim with the Salties” experience

Optional Morning Tour (Not Included) - Hot Air Balloon Ride over the Rainforest

If you’ve ever wanted to ride in a hot air balloon, picturesque Atherton Tablelands is the perfect place! Treat yourself with this tour from Port Douglas for a sunrise fly!

Your day starts early, with a big payoff! An air conditioned coach will pick you up at your Port Douglas hotel and drive an hour west to the Atherton Tablelands. Experience the fun & unique sensation of a hot air balloon ride over the Atherton Tablelands, Australia. Enjoy the picturesque landscape at sunrise with 30 minutes minimum flying time. Breathe in the wide-open spaces! This is a great experience with Australia’s largest fleet of balloons and a fun and highly trained crew to maximize the fun of your morning.

Your balloon will return and the group enjoys hot air balloon pack-up games and lots of laughs. You’ll then have some time to enjoy the Australian bush at a historic country homestead.

Operates

Daily

Need to Know

– Payable on Board (Not Included) – 30.00AUD* Civil Aviation Insurance Levy
– Child Age Restriction: 3 Years and Under Not Allowed to Fly

Times

Pick-up around 5:00am and Drop-Off around 9:30am.

Inclusions

– Free door to door air conditioned coach transfers to most Port Douglas accommodations
– Spectacular 30 minute Hot Air balloon ride
– Expert interpretive commentary
– Cross Country Hot Air Balloon Chase
– Hot Air Balloon Ride Commemorative Certificate

Upgrades

Extended Fly (60 minutes):
– Luxury Fly with Extra Sleep In
– Personal Chauffeur & Private Transfers
– Extended Hot Air Balloon ride
– 5 star gourmet beachside breakfast at Palm Cove
– A bottle of Champagne to take home
– Complimentary photo set – delivered digitally

Optional Evening Tour (Not Included) - Sunset Sail

Great Barrier Reef Cruises. This is a MUST DO for visitors to Port Douglas! The Sunset Sail is the ultimate way to relax and unwind whilst enjoying the fantastic views of the coral sea and Daintree Rainforest. Pure luxury sailing, great music and ambiance, first class service.


Enjoy the thrill of pure sailing! Relax with an exhilarating afternoon onboard the new luxury ‘Lagoon’ sailed from France. Soak up the peace and tranquility of a Tropical Sunset over the Coral Sea with spectacular mountain views while enjoying a welcome drink and canapés.

Operates: Daily. 2 Hour Tour from 4:30pm – 6:30pm from Port Douglas Marina



Need to Know Bring along a camera, light jacket in cooler months, cash for bar. You will make your own way to the Marina from your Port Douglas Accommodation. Minimum Ages for the tour is 12 years old.

Inclusions Approximately 1.5 hours sailing on the Coral Sea off the coast of Port Douglas; A welcome drink of wine, sparkling wine, beer, cider or soft drink; Fully licensed premises, additional drinks available for purchase on board; A selection of delicious Hot/Cold canapés including, Vegetarian California Rolls, Coconut Prawns, Selection of Greek Dips with antipasto/cheese/olives, Assorted Thai Spring Rolls & Beef Salad Cucumber cups. First class service; Environmental Management Charge (subject to change)

Insider's Tip: Zinc Restaurant

Stop in for a bite to eat at Zinc, where the Great Barrier Reef is at its doorstep and the tropical spirit is embraced. Come and taste what locals and visitors alike have been raving about!



Zinc is contemporary dining with a relaxed coastal feel. Experience modern Australian cuisine made with fresh ingredients, such as local seafood, on either the outdoor terrace with views of Four Mile Beach or in the modern decor indoor dining area. Zinc is home to the largest privately owned aquarium on the east coast of Australia.



Zinc’s relaxed lounge bar features a large range of wines by the glass, over 70 cocktails, as well as over 110 spirits, liqueurs and a selection of cold beers on tap…perfect for that pre-dinner drink or after-dinner nightcap.

Zinc, a unique combination of restaurant, cafe and lounge, is located in the Portico Building on the corner of Macrossan & Davidson Streets. Lunch is served from 12 noon, Dinner from 5:30pm and Tapas are available all day from midday. Lounge closing time varies by day. Reservations are highly recommended; make yours by calling (07) 4099 6260. (Children’s menu available until 6:30pm)

Photo Credit: Zinc Port Douglas

Day 11 - Shuttle Transfer, Port Douglas Accommodation to Cairns Airport

Travel by shuttle from your Port Douglas 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 11 - Australian Domestic Flight, Cairns to Brisbane

Travel within Australia by domestic air from Cairns to Brisbane.

Day 11 - International Flight, Brisbane to Los Angeles (Not Included)

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.