East Coast Adventure - an AAT Kings Australia Escorted Tour

Day 1 - Depart London Heathrow

Flights can be arranged from regional airports (there may be a supplement). Contact us for details

Day 2 - Arrive Sydney

Be met on arrival in Sydney this evening and transferred to your hotel.

Day 3 - Sydney

INSIDER EXPERIENCE Enjoy a dinner cruise on Sydney Harbour tonight.

Explore this stunning city on a half-day sightseeing coach tour this afternoon, including the Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Includes: Breakfast

Day 4 - Sydney - Gold Coast

Transfer to the airport for your flight to the Gold Coast, famous for its uninterrupted coastline fringed by vibrant communities and lush wilderness areas. After settling in, perhaps stroll along the famous soft golden sands of Surfers Paradise Beach, before enjoying the evening at leisure.

Stay: voco Gold Coast

Includes: Breakfast

Day 5 - Gold Coast - Sunshine Coast

INSIDER EXPERIENCE Visit the world-renowned Australia Zoo, made famous by the late Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin.

Departing the Gold Coast this morning, you’ll head north to the Sunshine Coast. Here you will be given the opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of conservation and see many native Australian species up close. Continue to the Sunshine Coast and check in to your resort.

Stay: Sunshine Coast, Novotel Twin Waters Resort

Includes : Breakfast,  Dinner

Day 6 - Sunshine Coast to Fraser Island

INSIDER EXPERIENCE Enjoy a two-night stay at Kingfisher Bay Resort on Fraser Island.

With some time at leisure this morning, perhaps enjoy the resort or take a stroll along the stunning beachfront. Later, travel to Hervey Bay and join your cruise transfer to the world’s largest sand island, World Heritage-listed Fraser Island. Here, settle in to your room at Kingfisher Bay Resort. This evening, enjoy dinner in the company of your fellow travellers.

Includes: Breakfast,  Dinner

Day 7 - Fraser Island

Located at the southern tip of the Great Barrier Reef, Fraser Island is a rare and inviting paradise. The untamed wilderness will entice you from the moment you arrive. Discover the island today with a half-day tour then enjoy time at leisure this afternoon. Slip into island living and perhaps explore the hundreds of walking trails which criss-cross the island. Immerse yourself in the ancient rainforests or explore the coloured sand cliffs on Seventy-Five Mile Beach. Perhaps visit the wreck of the Maheno, a liner that was driven ashore during a cyclone in 1935 (own expense).

Includes: Breakfast

Day 8 - Fraser Island - Hervey Bay - Rockhampton

A morning ferry takes you across Hervey Bay, where you will discover why this special place is often referred to as the jewel in Queensland’s crown. The journey concludes back on the mainland where you will rejoin your coach to continue heading north. Travel through sugarcane country, crossing some of the many narrow-gauge railway lines that transport sugarcane from the field to processing plants in town, an iconic sight of rural Queensland. Later, arrive in the inland city of Rockhampton.

Stay: Central Park Motel Rockhampton

Includes: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 9 - Rockhampton - Hamilton Island

INSIDER EXPERIENCE Realise your dreams of a tropical island paradise as you arrive at picturesque Hamilton Island.

Explore the charming historical town of Rockhampton, known as the gateway to the coast and the Outback. Founded in 1853, the city is home to historic heritage architecture and a rich, fascinating history. Then, travel to Airlie Beach, the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands. Here you will join a ferry through the sparkling Whitsundays to Hamilton Island. Here, enjoy dinner later this evening.

Includes: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 10 - Hamilton Island

You have the entire day at leisure to do as little or as much as you like. Perhaps snorkel off the beach; enjoy a round of golf or hire a buggy to explore this island paradise (all at own expense).

Includes: Breakfast

Day 11 - Hamilton Island - Townsville - Mission Beach

Take an early morning ferry transfer, gliding from Hamilton Island to the Port of Airlie, where you will reboard your coach and travel to Townsville. On arrival, enjoy a tour of the city. Continue to Mission Beach, the destination where two of the most stunning World Heritage-listed areas meet; the Wet Tropics Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. Arrive at your beachfront escape, Castaways Resort and Spa and settle in before dinner.

Stay: Castaways Resort and Spa Mission Beach

Includes: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 12 - Mission Beach - Atherton Tablelands - Cairns

INSIDER EXPERIENCE Board the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway in Kuranda and ride above the treetops to Caravonica Lakes.

As you continue your journey north, you will discover the lush Atherton Tablelands. This region is part of the Waterfalls Circuit, including magnificent Millaa Millaa Falls, known to be some of the most photographed falls in Australia. As you journey towards Cairns, you will visit the Curtain Fig Tree, a natural Australian icon. Arriving in Cairns this afternoon, enjoy city views from your room at Bailey, a Crystalbrook Collection Hotel. Enjoy a free evening to explore at your own pace.

Includes: Breakfast

Day 13 - Cairns - Great Barrier Reef

INSIDER EXPERIENCE Cruise from Cairns by fast catamaran to Reef Magic’s exclusive activity platform on the Great Barrier Reef and enjoy five hours amid the coral and marine life.

INSIDER EXPERIENCE During an Indigenous cultural dinner and performance, you will discover the spiritual concept known as Dreamtime, witness a corroboree, then be guided along a flame-lit pathway to a dinner of local produce.

After a day at the Great Barrier Reef, enjoy a special Farewell Dinner at Tjapukai By Night.

Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 14 - Port Douglas

Drive to the pretty coastal township of Port Douglas for a guided tour. Along the way, take in spectacular views as the coastal road winds its way from Cairns to Port Douglas. Later, spend some time in this magical destination, relax and enjoy the tranquil surrounds. Perhaps wander along Four Mile Beach or pick up a souvenir in one of the local shops. Afterwards, be transferred to the airport for your return flight to the UK.

Includes: Breakfast