11 Days Cairns to Gold Coast Bus Safari

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Start
End
 

What to Bring

  • Sturdy Walking Shoes
  • Thongs/Sandals
  • Hat and Sunscreen
  • Towel and Toiletries
  • Swimming Gear/Beach Towel
  • Water Bottle
  • Torch
  • Insect Repellent
  • Camera
  • Money for non-included Meals
From
$1925
From Cairns to Gold Coast Bus Tour
CodeTD-JQL11R
Duration11 Days
Tour Price
Apr 2012 - Mar 2013
From: $1925
Frequency

Feb'12 - 9,11

Mar'12 - 10,17

Apr'12 - 7,14

May'12 - 5,12

Jun'12 - 2,9,30

Jul'12 - 7,28

Aug'12 - 4,25

Sep'12 - 1,22,29

Oct'12 - 20,27

Nov'12 - 17,24

Dec'12 - 15,22,30

Jan'13 - 12,19,27

Feb'13 - 9,16

Mar'13 - 9,16,31

StyleBus Tour
Transport4WD
SuitabilityOpen Age
Start

Gilligan's Backpackers & Resort

57-89 Grafton Street, Cairns.  QLD 4870

End

Gold coast

Travel by bus along the east coast of Australia and stop at Mission Beach, Magnetic Island, Airlie Beach, Hervey Bay, Fraser Island and Brisbane. Along the way you will also enjoy a spectacular 3 day Maxi Yacht sailing adventure around the Whitsundays. Twin share upgrades available.

 

Day 1    CAIRNS

 

 

For our first day in the tropics, we head a little further north of Cairns along the coast to the resort town of Port Douglas where we meet the local Kuku Yalanji brothers, a guide will explain the cultural significance of their country, before introducing you to traditional spear fishing. Learn about the edible plants and medicines found around you, make your way through the mangroves and view the magnificent Niau Waterfall. Then we return back into Cairns -   a great day to begin our Eastern Australia adventure together. 

Meals: B

Overnight  : Cairns (Private Facilities)

 

Day 2: CAIRNS

Where the rainforest meets the reef, that’s where we are so why not take advantage of these two spectacular natural landscapes with a day available for optional activities! Head out to the Great Barrier Reef for snorkelling or diving*, and get an insight into this beautiful part of the world. Get your heart racing with some white water rafting* along the Tully River, or tandem skydiving.* Take a day trip* into the Daintree Rainforest, or even go horse riding*, quad biking*, bungy jumping* or hot air ballooning!* As you can see, there’s a veritable cavalcade of things to do, and that’s without even mentioning the shopping options in Cairns. Tonight we can swap stories over dinner.*   (*own expense)

 

Overnight      : Cairns (Private Facilities)          

Meals:  B  

 

Day  3:   CAIRNS to THE WHITSUNDAYS (SAILING)

We're up early today, heading south from Cairns, towards the Far North’s largest City of Townsville. It's not far through the tropical towns of Sarina and Bowen (Home to the Big Mango) until we reach our gateway to the Whitsunday Islands. Step aboard our yacht and make passage through the inlets. Tonight you'll gaze upon the stars from the deck and enjoy the relaxed vibes.

 

Overnight :  Live-aboard Sailing – Whitsundays (Multi-share) 

Meals – B, D   

 

 

Day 4: THE WHITSUNDAYS (WHITEHAVEN BEACH) – SOUTH MOLLE ISLAND

 

 

 

Today get ready to chase the sun over the shimmering ocean. Wake up from the shelter of a nearby cove and get ready for a day of sailing! We'll take in beautiful beaches, snorkel through colourful reefs and get a taste of tropical living. Weather permitting; we'll visit Whitehaven Beach (the whitest sand you've ever seen) and Blue Pearl Bay. Then we plot a course for nearby South Molle Island, our home for the next two nights – take a turn on the helm if you're up for it!

 

Overnight : South Molle Island (Private Facilities)

Meals – B, L, D

    

Day 5: THE WHITSUNDAYS (SOUTH MOLLE ISLAND)

Back on dry land, explore the idyllic surrounds of South Molle: feed the Rainbow Lorikeets, go snorkelling or swimming, even a quick 9 holes of golf if you feel the urge (own expense). There's plenty of bushwalking tracks available, with scenic views of the Whitsundays and 17 (count 'em) private beaches if you want to get away. A walk up “Spion Kop” (voted as one of the best island bushwalks) is a must.  Either way, the pace is relaxed and the choice is all yours.

 

Overnight : South Molle Island (Private Facilities)    

Meals – B. L, D 

 

Day 6: WHITSUNDAYS to EMU PARK

Our short morning ferry lands us back into Shute Harbour where we jump back on the coach, our destination Rockhampton (or “Rocky” to its mates), Beef Capital of Queensland. It’s not far from here to our overnight pit stop, set in the relaxed beach locales of Emu Park. You won’t need any help chilling out in a place like this! Go for a swim in the pool, take to the beach, or just enjoy the warm sunshine. Tonight make the most of the locals’ hospitality as we tuck into a ‘Reef & Beef Dinner’, right by the ocean!

 

Overnight : Emu’s Beach Resort – Emu Park (Private Facilities)   

Meals – B,L,D

 

Day 7: EMU PARK to KROOMBIT

 

A hearty breakfast greets us today, then a chance to let it settle before our visit to the Sandilands family, and their 10,000 acre cattle station. Breathe in the fresh air and get a feel for the wide open spaces. Try your hand at goat mustering, horse riding, quad bike trailing or even trap shooting this afternoon (own expense). Spot some of the local kangaroos and birds as you enjoy this peaceful taste of the Australian bush. Later get ready for the world-famous “Goat Rodeo”, before we settle in ‘round the campfire for a tale or three. Don’t forget to try your skills on the Mechanical Bull, either!

 

Overnight : Kroombit Cattle Station – Via Biloela (Share Facilities) 

Meals – B, D  

 

Day 8: KROOMBIT to NOOSA

Leaving the farm behind, we journey back to the coast to Noosa, a popular resort town on the Sunshine Coast! Enjoy the endless beaches of the area, or just mosey around town. Tonight we’ll share a drink or two with the friendly locals.

 

Overnight: Nomads, Noosa – Backpackers (Private Facilities)  

 Meals – B

 

Day 9: FRASER ISLAND

 

Today we’re taking a guided tour around the world’s largest sand island, Fraser Island! Join our local guides in a 4WD trip that drinks in the awesome beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage-listed site. We’ll traverse the stunning Seventy Five Mile Beach, before entering the tropical part of the isle for a guided rainforest walk. After a “fair dinkum” (read: authentic) Aussie BBQ on the banks of Lake McKenzie, we’ll take to the waters for a cooling swim. There’s still time to stop off at Central Station, as well as witnessing the multi-coloured sands of Rainbow Beach before returning to Noosa.

 

Overnight : Nomads, Noosa – Backpackers (Private Facilities)   

Meals – B,L    

 

Day 10: NOOSA to GOLD COAST

Continuing along the famous Irwin Way, passing the  Glasshouse Mountain range and hitting the Australia Zoo, made famous by Steve Irwin, time is available for those who wish to visit the zoo today (own expense). For the rest of us, we will make our way to Queensland’s Capitol City Brisbane. We arrive in Brisbane, boarding one of the famed City Cats for a cruise along the river and a chance to gaze up at the city skyline. Cruising through the outer suburbs, we’ll get a feel for one of Australia’s most popular holiday spots Surfers Paradise! Expect warm beaches and even warmer locals (Google “Meter Maids” if you don’t believe us). Tonight we regroup for a frame or two of bowling and some dinner, before getting a taste of the nightlife on offer – it’s gonna be a big one!

 

Overnight:   Vibe Hotel, Surfers Paradise (Private Facilities) 

Meals – Breakfast & Dinner

 

Day 11:  GOLD COAST 

Today you have a chance to go “Crazy on the Goldy”! Explore the surrounds on your own time – perhaps visit the nearby theme parks for some thrills and excitement, or just indulge in a spot of shopping, or catch some rays down on the beach. Our trip down the Queensland East Coast sadly draws to a close this afternoon as travellers will bid their farewells and continue on their own paths.

 

Meals – B

 

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:

·         Brisbane City River Cruise

·         Full day 4WD Experience on Fraser Island

·         Authentic “Goat Rodeo” at Kroombit Park Outback Cattle Station

·         Overnight sailing in the Whitsundays

·         Aboriginal cultural experience in the Daintree Region

 

WHAT'S INCLUDED:

·         10 breakfasts (B), 3 lunches (L), 6 dinners (D)

·         3 nights in hotels, 6 nights in lodges/cabins, 1 night ‘Liveaboard’ sailing

·         Modern air-conditioned midi coach

·         Escorted services of a fully trained