- 4 World Heritage Listed Regions
- Australian Animal interaction
- Great Barrier Reef Snorkelling and diving
- Coastal diving
- Turtle Watching
- Rainforest hiking and touring
- Australian Surf School
- Kayaking with dolphins
- Coastal hiking
- Aboriginal Didgeridoo playing
- Aboriginal bush tucker and medicine experience
- Outback cattle and sheep farm stay
- Blue Mountains Aboriginal Dreamtime Walkabout
- Sydney, Australia’s most loved city
Aim:
To offer genuine Australian experiences combining as many natural and cultural features based in an educational environment, whilst maximizing a sense of fun and adventure. To provide a range of quality accommodations whilst traveling in comfort with only the most experienced guides and interpreters.
Day 1
Arrive Brisbane – Hervey Bay
On arrival, our comfortable tour vehicle will meet and greet you at the Brisbane Airport.
Departing Brisbane we head north for the first exciting destination, the Australia Zoo located on the Beautiful Sunshine Coast near the Glasshouse Mountains. This is home to some of Australia's most unique and amazing wildlife, as well as some interesting animals from overseas. Your visit to the home of "T.V.'s CROCODILE HUNTER" will definitely thrill and amaze you! Should you be feeling in need of light refreshments, the park has a Kiosk where snacks and drinks can be purchased.
On the drive, your guide will spend time on an Orientation Overview, providing you with an insight into what you can expect over the next 2 weeks and the habitats and species you are likely to encounter.
Departing from the Australia Zoo, we travel via the Highway to our overnight destination, Hervey Bay. This picturesque location is a favorite for Australians and is the jump off point for visiting some of the islands as is the case for us.
This evening, enjoy a welcome Australian BBQ Dinner.
Day 2
Hervey Bay – Lady Elliot Island
An early breakfast before transferring to the airport to connect with our flight to the beautiful Lady Elliot Island.
Lady Elliot Island is a coral cay located on the World Heritage Great Barrier Reef and is one of the world's top diving and snorkeling sites. Just 80 kilometres north-east of Bundaberg off the Queensland coast, this rich marine eco-system includes a multitude of birdlife, reef fish and, at certain times of the year, whales and turtles. Lady Elliot offers simple yet comfortable accommodation in an idyllic reef location.
Lady Elliot Island Reef Resort is unique. The island is actually part of the Great Barrier Reef. There are no expensive and time-consuming cruises to an outer reef destination - here guests can walk from their bedroom straight onto the reef. Once there you are at one with nature and, to preserve the balance of wildlife and the environment, no more than 140 people can stay on the island at any one time. No matter what time of the year you visit, nature's calendar has something to offer - From November to February, rare Green and Loggerhead turtles lumber up the same beach they were born on many years before to nest.
Snorkelling on Lady Elliot is safe and rewarding with turtles, dolphins, rays, eels and large fish common sights. There are also a number of guided walks including History Walks, Nature Walks, Turtle Walks and the famous Ghost Walk. Naturally, this is a scuba diver's dream come true and the Lady Elliot Island Resort Dive Shop (PADI) offers all hire equipment, 19 dive locations, daily escorted dives (both shore and boat) and visibility ranging from 15 to 30 metres. In keeping with the natural, eco-friendly lifestyle there are no telephones, television or radios and all rooms are fan-cooled.
On arrival this morning, our day is planned around a range of activities, including scuba diving, snorkeling and guided walks. Enjoy lunch and dinner this evening. After dinner, the opportunity to settle in on the beach to try and spot nesting turtles.
Overnight; Lady Elliot Island
Day 3
Lady Elliot Island
Today is a full day at leisure – devoted to snorkeling, and scuba diving for those certified.
Overnight; Lady Elliot Island
Day 4
Lady Elliot Island – Hervey Bay – Fraser Island
Today is at leisure to enjoy the beauty of Lady Elliot Island Resort. In the afternoon it is time to depart this gorgeous Coral Cay Island and connect with our flight to Hervey Bay.
On arrival, we transfer to Urangan Boat Harbour and connect with our 4.00Pm Catamaran transfer to Fraser Island and our overnight accommodation at the beautiful Kingfisher Bay Village and Resort.
Overnight; Kingfisher Bay Village and Resort
Day 5
Fraser Island
After breakfast this morning, we head off on our 4WD adventure. Today we will experience some of Fraser Island’s diverse ecosystems. Head across Fraser Island and drive along the world’s most amazing highway, Seventy-Five Mile Beach. See fast flowing, freshwater streams, coloured sands and shipwrecks. Climb to the top of Indian Head and look out for sharks, huge rays and humpback whales (July to November). Keep an eye out for dingoes, Australia’s native dog.
Overnight; Kingfisher Bay Village and Resort
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Day 6
Fraser Island – Hervey Bay
After breakfast this morning, we cross the island to Lake Wabby for a swim before trekking over Hammerstone Sandblow. Swim in clear blue Lake Birrabeen before returning to the resort. We transfer to the marina late afternoon and connect with our 5.00pm catamaran transfer back to Hervey Bay and then transfer to our hotel.
Arrive back on the mainland early evening.
Overnight; Hervey Bay
Day 7
Hervey Bay – Binna Burra Mountain Lodge
This morning after breakfast, we depart Hervey Bay and commence our journey southwards, stopping enroute for lunch
Our destination today is Lamington National Park, a World Heritage-listed wilderness situated in the Border Ranges of southeast Queensland, a short distance from the Gold Coast. This vast forested region contains Australia's largest preserve of pristine sub-tropical rainforest. The dramatic landscape of radiating ridges and cliff-lined valleys results from 20 million years of erosion to a huge volcanic mountain, the remnant core of which is known as Mount Warning. During climatic fluctuations and sea-level changes over the millennia, the mountain has remained a refuge for the various populations of Australia's Gondwana derived flora and fauna.
Because the central core of sub-tropical rainforest is bordered by a variety of other typical Australian vegetation types, the diversity of plants and animals is remarkable. The National Park boasts over 900 species of vascular plants and over 120 bird species. A system of well formed and gently graded trails allows the visitor easy access to the majority of the parks features - ranging from palm filled valleys with waterfalls and crystal clear rivers to mist covered tops (1100 metres) clothed in cool-temperate rainforests dominated by Antarctic Beech trees. In between you can visit the spectacular eroded cliffs, enjoy wonderful vistas from prominent points or stroll through the wildflowers in shrubby heartlands.
Back in the 1930s, the founders of Binna Burra Mountain Lodge dreamed of creating a place where people could learn more about the rainforest through guided activities, discussions and first-hand encounters with the varied wildlife.
That tradition is still very much a part of the Binna Burra experience. Every day, guests can take part in a full program of guided bushwalks, evening spotlighting, lectures and discussions on the history of the Lodge and the rainforest environment.
Our Accommodation for the next two nights is the Binna Burra Campsite, located at the entrance to Lamington National Park and the facilities are suitable for both experienced and novice campers. For those who like to camp in style, we have 17 on-site safari-style tents that accommodate 2-4 people and are comfortably furnished with pine beds and mattresses, table settings, sealed floors, screened opening windows and your own private verandah looking out across the valley.
Overnight; Binna Burra Lodge.
Day 8 Binna Burra Mountain Lodge
We enjoy breakfast then depart for a guided walk to Lower Ballanjui Falls, taking in the scenery and stopping off for morning tea and lunch. Walk takes approximately 4 hours.
Tonight we enjoy a guided walk through the rainforest in search of Nocturnal Animals.
Overnight; Binna Burra Lodge
Day 9
Binna Burra Mountain Lodge – Byron Bay
This morning an early start has our departure from the National Park at 7.00am and making our way down the highway to the beautiful coastal town of Byron Bay to arrive at approximately 9.00AM.
Byron Bay is a global destination, a town of beautiful beaches and countryside and a famous lighthouse, but fairly ordinary streets, though with some extraordinary shops. Forty years ago it was a whaling station, today the tourists arrive to watch the whales swim happily past. The original inhabitants, the Arakwal people (part of the Bundjalung group) had a comfortable lifestyle in this lush area when Captain Cook sailed past in 1770, and named the Cape after a vice-admiral, not the poet Lord Byron, who was the vice-admiral's grandson and not yet thought of, let alone famous. However this anachronistic idea was perpetuated in the late 19th century when the streets were laid out and named after famous poets. However the fast-living and flamboyant Lord Byron would surely feel right at home here today!
LEARN TO SURF
Byron Bay Surf School has only the finest instructors working on the beaches each day. Qualified in all aspects of surf teaching, surf rescue and first aid they are also carefully selected for their love of surfing and the energy and enthusiasm with which they provide their students. This morning you are going to experience the magic of surfing in the most beautiful surfing location in Australia. Glide along majestic green waves set against the glorious backdrop of the distant hinterland. Nowhere in Australia is there such a diverse range of perfect learner waves ("baby food"). From the endless peeling waves of the Pass to the pristine beach breaks, you'll get warm water perfection all year round. The next 4 hours are spent enjoying the surf
On completion of the Surf School we enjoy lunch, followed by a drive and walk to the Lighthouse to enjoy the Views. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure to relax and explore the town or enjoy the beach.
Overnight; Byron Bay
Day 10 Byron Bay
Pacific Ocean Scuba Diving:
Named by Captain Cook in 1776, Julian Rocks in Byron Bay consists of ancient sedimentary rock, remains of a volcanic eruption more than 20 million years ago. It is an extension of Cape Byron separated by water and forms a most unique habitat, providing shelter and food for more than 500 tropical and temperate fish species alone! Among the regulars that are seen all year around are three different turtle species, both the spotted and ornamented wobbegong shark, eagle rays, cuttlefish and anemones and their clown fish. Four different species of moray eels are common as are the bannerfish and an amazing number of bulls-eyes. Schools of pelagics such as jewfish, king fish, tuna and trevally hang in the currents. Not to mention all sessile animals like tunicates, colourful sponges, both hard and soft corals, giving you the feeling you are floating through some beautifully landscaped underwater garden. The interaction of tropical and temperate species makes every dive an exhilarating adventure.
On completion of our dive, enjoy lunch before departing Byron Bay. Continuing South, we travel down the Pacific Highway to the township of Bellingen – 270kms.
Overnight; Bellingen
Day 11 Bellingen
This morning after breakfast, we visit the Heartland Didgeridoo Factory at 09.00am. Here you will enjoy a guided tour through the process of making a didgeridoo, from the crafting through to the painting – there’s time to learn to play one! This is a highly entertaining and informative morning and you will also have the opportunity to purchase your own Didj!
We depart from the factory and travel a short distance to our afternoon’s highlight. Our guide this afternoon is Wirruunngga Dunggiir- an acclaimed Aboriginal Artist, Dancer and Storyteller. First we enjoy a bush lunch prepared by Wirruunngga and his wifefollowed by the afternoon spent learning further the Aboriginal History of this region. This afternoon you will visit the Promised Land and the Never Never. Hear the story of Old Man Dreaming and experience ochre painting. The tour will include local history and stories, and you will have an opportunity to learn a traditional dance. This truly is an afternoon’s experience that you will never forget.
We return to town for dinner.
8.00PM
We are collected this evening for our moonlight Canoe excursion. High on the Dorrigo Plateau, the Bellingen River meanders its way down through some of the most spectacular and picturesque areas on the NSW Mid North Coast. The shores along this pristine and majestic river are virtually inaccessible by recreational vehicles. This is a unique experience and an opportunity to spot the nightlife!
Overnight; Bellingen.
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Day 12
Bellingen – Outback Property Stay
After breakfast, it’s an early start from Bellingen to reach our Outback Property Station. If there's one aspect of the outback that fascinates people worldwide it's the size and remoteness of cattle and sheep stations spread over the vast interior of the continent. Often hundreds of kilometres from their nearest neighbour, these stations are industries in their own right - running tens of thousands of livestock and transporting immense quantities of produce all over the world. The men and women of the Outback define the very best in the Australian character - resourceful, resilient, colorful and friendly. Our day is spent reaching our property, Hickman’s Run which is exceeded by none in natural beauty and an abundance of wildlife surrounding the camp on the banks of the Mulla Creek. On arrival we are welcomed by our hosts and head off to set up camp. The remainder of the day is spent bushwalking, spotting wild life and enjoying a swim in the mountain stream. You will also enjoy a demonstration of whip cracking and lassoing and perhaps a chance to try your own hand at these. This evening we enjoy a campfire dinner (weather conditions suiting) and learn more about our hosts and their property.
Overnight; Outback Cattle Station
Day 13
Outback Property Stay
An early breakfast followed by a full day of fun and Australian Experiences!! We will show you what it is like to step back 100 years where time moved as fast as a drovers mob of cattle and the news was a chat around the campfire at night.
Shoeing demonstrations, Mustering cattle out of the mountains, Sorting them in the yards, Wildlife ride spotting Kangaroos Koalas wild pigs wild goats etc., Checking the fantastic views from the highest peaks, Mustering sheep, crutching Demonstration, Sheep dog demonstrations, Riding the bush trails, swimming with the horses, Riding with the chuck wagon – these are all part of life in the Outback – today we will experience a selection of these activities, designed to provide you with a taste of Real Australian Outback Living. This evening, another night is spent by the campfire reliving our day’s events! (beverages of soft drink/water included)
Overnight; Outback Cattle Station – Camping
Day 14
Farm Stay – Blue Mountains
This morning after breakfast, it is time to farewell our hosts and continue our journey south. Today is spent on the road enroute to the Blue Mountains. It’s a good distance between these 2 regions, but that’s Australia! We will see a lot of farming areas as we travel through New England and Hunter districts. Late afternoon we arrive at our overnight accommodation in the Blue Mountains.
Overnight; Blue Mountains
Day 15
Blue Mountains / Aboriginal Day
This morning after breakfast, we transfer to Falconbridge where we meet our Aboriginal Guide, Evan for our day’s adventure.
Awaiting you, is an ancient quest we now call walkabout. This is an initiation of the Aboriginal culture and the wild Australian bush. Traditionally this was a holistic journey of self fulfillment while travelling to distant lands to gain understanding and respect for other tribes. To accept this journey required courage. To complete this journey required bravery. Today this standard has been retained so you will not only have an authentic experience but you can also gain an achievement of which you can be very proud. Explore a lost world of stunning Aboriginal landscape. Gain a special understanding of the local Darug culture by actually experiencing what life used to be like. Find secret places, hidden wonders that you will not see on any other walk or tour. Discover the real Blue Mountains, not from a busy lookout but from the inside out!
There are no buses, no tourists and we venture off track to cherish the endless wilderness. The walkabout will stimulate your senses, enrich your spirit and give you a timeless connection to our land. Highlights of today include Full 8 hrs in the bush, 4 hrs of challenging off track bushwalking intertwined with 4 hrs of blissful relaxation time! Dreaming stories carved in stone, Bush tucker tasting, Ancient art, relics tools, Wildlife, Lush rainforest, Swim in a crystal clear billabong, Rainbow waterfall, Song line of the emu-man, Ochre bark and body painting, Native tea and Caves of sandstone.
Tour concludes at 5.30pm at Springwood where your guide will meet you and transfer you back to your accommodation.
Overnight; Blue Mountains
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Day 16
Blue Mountains - Sydney
This morning after breakfast we spend further time visiting and exploring the gorgeous regions of the Blue Mountains. Departing the Blue Mountains mid afternoon we commence our return journey to Sydney.
Overnight; Sydney
Day 17 Sydney
9.00AM
This morning we depart for your Sydney City Sights Tour. Here you visit The Rocks, Sydney’s birthplace, view the Sydney Opera House from the base of our famous bridge. Tour past the Conservatorium of Music, Parliament House, the old Mint Building, Hyde Park, St Mary’s Cathedral, the Art Gallery and Domain. Visit Mrs Macquarie’s Chair for superb views of the harbour. Explore downtown Sydney and Darling Harbour, tour the cosmopolitan Kings Cross. Travel through Rushcutters Bay and the exclusive suburbs of Double Bay, Rose Bay and Vaucluse. Stretch your legs at the Gap at Watson’s Bay for spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and the entrance to Sydney Harbour. Return to your hotel at 12 noon.
This afternoon we will spend in Ku-ring-gai National Park located on the northern outskirts of Sydney.
The views from the West Head lookout vantage point are simply breathtaking across Pittwater to Barrenjoey Headland, the Hawkesbury River and beyond to the Pacific Ocean. After enjoying these views, we embark on an interpretive walk through the park - we discuss “bush tucker”, see Aboriginal rock shelters, hear the forest with fabulous birdlife and a chance to see wallabies and goanna's and wildflowers (seasonal). We drive a short distance to explore areas with vivid Aboriginal Rock Engravings that are believed to be 1,000's of years old. Ku-Ring-Gai National Park has one of the highest concentrations of art sites found in Australia. Primarily these are engravings in the sandstone and relate to hunting and initiation stories from the Guringai people who lived in this area at the time of European settlement in 1788. An explanation of their significance, meaning and how the art was created is given.
Tonight enjoy a fabulous Harbour Dinner Cruise.
Overnight; Sydney
Day 18
Sydney – Depart
Sadly, today is departure day. After a continental Breakfast at the hotel, time free at leisure.
You will be transferred to the airport to connect with your departure flight home after an unforgettable Australian Holiday Experience.
PLEASE NOTE: This itinerary can be changed or modified in any way you wish to suit your requirements. Please contact us to make this Your Dream Australian Experience
