DAY 1 ARRIVE SYDNEY

             Welcome to Sydney Australia. On arrival you will be met and assisted with your private transfer to your accommodation located in the heart of the historic Rocks precinct and within easy walking distance to Sydney Harbour and the Sydney Opera House.

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DAY 2 SYDNEY HARBOUR CRUISE - CITY SIGHTS TOUR

                   This morning join a harbour sightseeing cruise .  See spectacular views of the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Fort Denison, million dollar mansions and the bays and inlets that dot the harbour.  This afternoon join your city sights coach tour visiting the historical Rocks area, where the First Fleet landed in 1788 to establish Australia's first European settlement. Observe examples of early architecture and the beautiful sandstone buildings, made out of the same rocks which have this area its name. See the Sydney Opera House, described as the Eighth Wonder of the World, St Mary's Cathedral, Parliament House, Darling Harbour and Chinatown. Visit Mrs Macquarie's Chair for splendid views over this magnificent harbour and the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge. Continue on your coach tour through cosmopolitan Kings Cross, Rushcutters Bay and Double Bay. Visit Watsons Bay for spectacular views over the Pacific Ocean before stopping at the world famous Bondi Beach.

Accomm:

Stafford Quest Apartments (Executive Studio Apartment)

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DAY 3 SYDNEY TO THE HUNTER VALLEY (car)

                   This morning pick up your self drive rental car. Cross the Sydney Harbour Bridge and travel through Sydney's North Shore, then over the Hawkesbury River to Terrigal, Lake Macquarie and Newcastle - N.S.W.'s second biggest city, known for its steel production.  Continue onto the internationally acclaimed Hunter Valley which is one of Australia's finest wine regions.  Head into the valley and enjoy magnificent views overlooking Cessnock, Pokolbin and surrounding vineyards from Mt View.  The Hunter Valley is Australia's oldest wine producing area with a colourful history dating back over 150 years.  The Hunter Valley grows many varieties of grapes including Chardonnay, Semillon, Cabernet, Sauvignon , Pinot Nior and Shiraz.  Your accommodation for the next two evenings is at the luxurious Peppers Guest House nestled discreetly amongst the vineyards.

Accomm:

Peppers Guesthouse (Classic Room)

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DAY 4  HUNTER VALLEY, AT LEISURE

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DAY 5  HUNTER VALLEY TO COFFS HARBOUR (car)

                   This morning continue your journey north along the New South Wales coastline.  Pass through the beautiful coastal village of Port Stephens a natural aquatic playground where bottlenose dolphins are often seen swimming in the bay and on to the Great Lakes region which includes Myall Lakes National Park a refuge for pelicans, sea eagles, kangaroos and koalas.   Arrive at your overnight destination Coffs Harbour, located in the heart of a lush banana growing region.  

                   Your superb guesthouse accommodation is located on 10 acres of park and gardens bordered by a river on two sides and the never ending beaches of the magnificent Pacific Ocean is a leisurely stroll away.

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DAY 6 COFFS HARBOUR TO BYRON BAY (car)

(B)               Breakfast this morning, will be prepared by your host. This morning drive at leisure  through Big River country, the picturesque coastal villages of Ballina and Lennox Head before arriving at Byron Bay which features Cape Byron, Australia's most easterly point.  Byron Bay, has a special kind of magic and is fast becoming known as one of the most beautiful hideway resorts in Australia with a combination of its world renowned surfing beaches and relaxed friendly hospitality.

Accomm:

Ewingsdale Country Guesthouse (Suite)

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DAY 7 BYRON BAY TO LAMINGTON NATIONAL PARK (car)

(B/D)            Your day begins with a hearty country breakfast prepared by your hosts.  Drive at leisure through the picturesque Tweed Valley before crossing the Queensland border and arriving at the Gold Coast a region of contrasts from the well-known sun drenched beaches and towering skyline to the well kept secrets hidden in the lush sub-tropical backdrop of the Hinterland.  Your destination is Lamington National Park and the rainforest guesthouse O'Reilly's.  Lamington National Park is a reserve of 20,500 hectares, with magnificent scenery.  O'Reilly's Guesthouse is a beautiful retreat from which you can explore the rainforest, waterfalls and wildlife of the famous Lamington National Park. Dinner this evening will be served in the guesthouse.

Accomm:

O’Reilly’s Guesthouse (Bithongabel Unit)

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DAY 8 LAMINGTON NATIONAL PARK (car)

(B/D)          Breakfast in the guesthouse.  Today is free at leisure to relax and enjoy this magnificent area. Dinner this evening will be served in the guesthouse.

Accomm:

O’Reilly’s Guesthouse (Bithongabel Unit)

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DAY 9 LAMINGTON NATIONAL PARK TO NOOSA (car)

(B)               Breakfast in the guesthouse.  Today drive north through Brisbane, the River City and capital of Queensland.  Continue along the Bruce highway to the spectacular beach area of Noosa Heads. Your accommodation is located directly across the road from the beachfront and is within close proximity to the Noosa National Park and the infamous cosmopolitan Hastings street lined with boutiques, restaurants and gift shops.

Accomm:

French Quarter (1 Bedroom Suite)

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DAY 10  NOOSA (car)

                   Today is free to tour this beautiful area with your self drive car at your leisure.

Accomm:

French Quarter (1 Bedroom Suite)

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DAY 11 NOOSA TO HERVEY BAY (car) TO FRASER ISLAND WORLD HERITAGE LISTED ISLAND

                   Joining the Bruce Highway again drive through Gympie and Maryborough before arriving at Hervey Bay.  This is a well known area for whale watching.  At Hervey Bay leave your car on the mainland and transfer by catamaran to Fraser Island.  Fraser Island is the largest Sand Island in the World with rich diverse rainforest vegetation and unique Australian animal life.  Wind and sea have carried its sands from Australia's east coast and formed a touch of paradise.  There are freshwater lakes and the sandy shores of Fraser Island have become a graveyard for many ships over the centuries. 

Accomm:

Kingfisher Bay Resort

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DAY 12  FRASER ISLAND HALF DAY 4WD TOUR

                   This morning join your guide / ranger on a tour of the island.  Experience the natural and cultural heritage of this the world's largest sand island.  This afternoon is free to enjoy at your leisure.

Accomm:

Kingfisher Bay Resort

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DAY 13  FRASER ISLAND TO AGNES WATER AND THE TOWN OF SEVENTEEN SEVENTY (car)

                   This morning return to the mainland by catamaran where you will pick-up your car and continue driving north through Childers, Gin Gin to the picturesque town of Seventeen Seventy.  This evening your bed and breakfast homestay is the popular Hoban's Hideaway.  Nestled on 40 acres in amongst Australian gums, tropical palm trees and  flowering shrubs.  See the abundant birdlife and kangaroos.

Accomm:

Hoban’s Hideaway (bed & breakfast homestay)

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DAY 14  AGNES WATER / SEVENTEEN SEVENTY TO AIRLIE BEACH (car)

(B)               This morning breakfast will be prepared by your host.

                   Today drive north through Gladstone, Rockhampton, Mackay and Proserpine to Airline Beach.

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DAY 15  FULL DAY THREE ISLAND CRUISE

(B)               Breakfast this morning, will be prepared by your host. This morning board your catamaran for your full day cruise on the magnificent Whitsunday waterways.  Visit Daydream Island, South Molle Island  and Hamilton Island. 

Accomm:

Airlie Beach Waterfront Guesthouse

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DAY 16  AIRLIE BEACH TO MISSION BEACH (car)

(B)               Breakfast this morning, will be prepared by your host. Your drive today will take your along the Bruce Highway through Bowen, Ayr, Townsville, Ingham and Tully to Mission Beach.  Your private overnight federation style accommodation is located in a 2.5 acre rainforest. 

Accomm:

Liculala Lodge (Bed and Breakfast)

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DAY 17 MISSION BEACH TO PALM COVE VIA CAIRNS (car)

(B)               Breakfast this morning will be prepared by your hosts. The final stage of your drive north today will take your through spectacular rainforest area of Innisfail, Babinda and Gordonvale to the capital of the north Queensland, Cairns.  Continue north along the Marlin Coast to the cosmopolitan coastal village of Palm Cove and your accommodation, the Reef House. Set in its own beautiful tropical gardens with giant melaleuca trees fringing three swimming pools, Reef House is a small boutique property with  understated elegance.

Accomm:

Reef House (Garden Room)

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DAY 18  GREAT BARRIER REEF WORLD HERITAGE PARK

(L)               This morning board the Quicksilver, a high speed catamaran.  Your destination is the unique wilderness of the Outer Great Barrier Reef.  This is  your opportunity to explore the magic of the reef.  A Marine Biologist will conduct informative lectures on marine life during the day.  It is an area of extraordinary beauty, an amazing underwater world filled with colour and variety.  View the exotic reef, abounding with myriads of tropical fish for you to discover, and be amazed by the magnificent coral formations.  After lunch you may swim, snorkel, or ride in a submersible coral viewer.

Accomm:

Reef House (Garden Room)

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DAY 19  PALM COVE (car)

                   Today is free to tour this unique area with your car at leisure.

Accomm:

Reef House (Garden Room)

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DAY 20  PALM COVE (car)

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DAY 21 DEPARTURE

                  This morning drop-off your rental car at the airport in time for your departure flight.

END OF SERVICES

Prices Are Valid Till 31 March 2002
2 Paying Passengers Twin Share - AUD3828.00 per person
* Single rates upon application.
Cost includes: Accommodation as per the itinerary in a 4 star apartments, boutique hotels, guesthouses & bed and breakfast homestays with private facilities Sydney arrival transfer to hotel by private vehicle Touring by scheduled day tours 18 days mid size sedan car hire with unlimited kms (kilometres), Vehicle Damage Insurance and Government Stamp Duty Meals only as indicated by (B) Breakfast and (L) Lunch (D) Dinner Entrance fees to attractions listed Met on arrival in Sydney by an Aussie Travel Reservations representative Welcome Kit and Travel documentation on arrival Australian Goods and Services Tax (GST)	Cost does not include:   International and Australian Domestic Airfares (CNS-SYD) Meals not indicated by (B) Breakfast (L) Lunch (D) Dinner Items of a personal nature Pre-registration of accommodation if early arrival in Sydney Use of hotel / resort / bed & breakfast / guesthouse rooms before / after normal check in / out times Optional Touring Fuel Any other services not mentioned in the itinerary. Airport Recovery Concession

Note:

• Costs quoted are subject to availability and confirmation of accommodation as specified.
• Costs are subject to increase should any federal or state government levies or taxes be introduced.
• Airport Concession Recovery Fee for rental vehicles which must be paid direct by the client.
• Payment by credit card is available (we accept Amex, Visa or Mastercard only). Please note that if paying by this means there is a 3.5% merchant fees surcharge for Visa and/or Mastercard and a 3.95% merchant fees surcharge for American Express.