GCTCY19 Special - Gold Coast to Tropical Cape York Special
Duration: 19 Days, 18 Nights

After a 7:30am departure from Port Macquarie, we travel north picking up along the Mid North Coast to arrive at the Gold Coast at approximately 4:30 in the afternoon.

Overnight: Mermaid Waters Quality Inn, MERMAID WATERS (DBB)

Today we start our exploration of Fraser Island by heading northwards along the great eastern shoreline known as Seventy Five Mile Beach. We visit the famous Maheno Wreck, Eli Creek, Champagne Pools, the Pinnacles and Waddy Point, which are all of great historical and picturesque interest. We arrive late afternoon at our resort for relaxation time.

Overnight Eurong Beach Resort, FRASER ISLAND (DBB)

Today we continue our adventure on Fraser Island by touring to Lake Birrabeen and Lake Boomanjin - which is the world's largest Perch lake. From here we travel to Central Station, that's surrounded by an abundance of rainforest, wildlife and many freshwater streams, making this our stop for lunch. After lunch we travel to the crystal clear Lake McKenzie. We have time now to enjoy a relaxing swim and sit on the brilliant white sands surrounding the lake.

Overnight Eurong Beach Resort, FRASER ISLAND (DBB)

Starting the day traveling across from east to west on Fraser Island, we notice an incredible contrast in nature's past on the surrounding environment. Joining the barge to cross to Hervey Bay, we often view whales during the months of August to October, and then travel onwards to Bundaberg. During the afternoon, we take many backtracks through farming areas to Gladstone, arriving in Rockhampton, a major rural city on the Fitzroy River on the central coast of Queensland.

Overnight: Archer Park Motel, ROCKHAMPTON (DBB)

The first part of our journey today takes us through the heart of Queensland's coastal cattle country to Clairview on the Coral Sea, before travelling into the rich sugar cane region of Sarina. We then travel through the scenic countryside around Mt. Charleton and Eungella National Park, visiting Prosperine, Airlie Beach and Shute Harbour.

Overnight: Colonial Palms Motel, AIRLIE BEACH (DBB)

Today we enjoy the many wonders of the beautiful Whitsunday Islands, taking a Fantasea cruise to enjoy Daydream Island, Hamilton Island and spectacular Whitehaven Beach in the Whitsunday Islands. During our cruise, we have plenty of time to take part in some optional activities, such as jet-skiing, windsurfing and snorkeling etc, returning to Shute Harbour by late afternoon.

Overnight: Colonial Palms Motel, AIRLIE BEACH (DBB)

Leaving the tropical rainforests and islands of the Whitsundays, we head inland to a historic gold mining village of Ravenswood. Here we can enjoy lunch in the fabulous old Imperial Hotel and then try fossicking in the past and present diggings of the area. Onwards to Mt. Elliot National Park and Townsville for sightseeing, before proceeding to Crystal Creek National Park where a swim in a pool of this cascading creek will make the day a cooler experience. Paluma is the next destination and stop for the night.

Overnight: Hidden Valley Cabins, PALUMA (DBB)

We take a short drive alongside the Running River to explore the many wilderness trails, then on to Mt. Fox and to view the spectacular Stone River Valley from the Ingham Range. We travel past Hinchinbrook Island National Park and onto Cardwell, taking a lunch break at Mission Beach overlooking Dunk Island.

Traveling through Palmerstone National Park, we view the rugged Johnstone River Valley from Crawfords Lookout and then move onto the spectacular Mungalli Falls, Elinjoa Fall and Zillie Falls. Experiencing the Atherton Tablelands, we visit many highlights including the Curtin Fig, Lakes Eacham and Barrine before arriving at our overnight destination of Atherton.

Overnight: Atherton Motel, ATHERTON (DBB)

We see more of the Atherton Tablelands with it's panoramic views this morning, driving along the Baron River to Mossman before entering another spectacular world heritage area: the Daintree Rainforest. Once again in our 4WD vehicles we take you into many hidden corners of this amazing, tranquil area, before ferrying across the Daintree River and along the mountainous coastline to Cape Tribulation.

Overnight: Beach House, CAPE TRIBULATION (DBB)

Today we 4WD along the Bloomfield Track enjoying many scenic spots including Bloomfield Falls and Cedar Bay National Park. We stop at the Lions Den Pub, another classic Aussie icon, and then continue our journey to mysterious Black Mountain. In Cooktown we enjoy lunch before we spend the afternoon visiting Grassy Hill Lookout, the historic cemetery and the Captain Cook Museum - this is truly an amazing place - and the Cooktown Historical Gardens.

Overnight: Seaview Motel, COOKTOWN (DBB)

An early start from Cooktown as we head west to Battle Camp and onwards into Lakefield National Park. After visiting "Old Laura" homestead we travel through many fascinating river valleys and numerous giant termite mounds before arriving at Musgrave Station for an afternoon break. We continue our journey atop Coen for our overnight stay in guesthouse accommodation.

Overnight: Mrs Taylors Guesthouse, COEN (DBB)

Traveling along part of the southern leg of the old Telegraph Track we come to the Archer River; one of the Cape's well known obstacles. Then continuing our adventure to one of Australia's most remote area's we head east, exploring the Sir William Thompson Range and then crossing the Pascoe River, we head to Iron Range National Park.

As we 6enter the National Park we see the spectacular Mount Tozer at the peak of the table range, before descending down to Lockhart River; a unique community situated on the ocean at Lloyd Bay. Onwards further north, exploring the many wonders of the Iron Range National Park whilst enjoying the dense tropical rainforest, being the largest remaining area of lowland rainforest in Australia.

We arrive at Portland Road at Cape Weymouth on the beautiful Coral Sea for our overnight stay. Enjoy a pleasant evening at Portland House Cottages.

Overnight: Portland House, PORTLAND ROAD (DBB)

Leaving the ocean, we head inland through the National Park and onwards to more savannah land, country of the Cape, to Batavia Downs and heading north on the Telegraph Track to the Wenlock River and continue further along the old Telegraph Track to arrive at Bramwell Station property for our overnight stay.

Overnight: Bramwell Station, BRAMWELL STATION (DBB)

Heading north along the old Telegraph line track we visit Elliot Falls and after crossing many creeks we arrive at the Cape's most famous river, the Jardine. Here we can enjoy another tranquil lunch site before crossing the Crocodile infested stream by ferry. We stay in air-conditioned cabins or tent cabins by the sea, in the most exotic setting you can imagine.

Overnight: Seisa Resort, SEISA (DBB)

The most northerly tip of the Australian continent, Cape York, is our destination. We celebrate with champagne before visiting the remains of Somerset, which was established by the Jardines as the government outpost for the Torres Strait. We spend some time at some secluded beaches, where we have previously sighted dugongs and sea turtles. This is a particularly scenic part of the Cape, with lots to see and do.

Later in the afternoon we return to our accommodation in Seisa.

Overnight: Seisa Resort, SEISA (DBB)

A change today from 4WD travelling as we take a boat cruise across the Torres Strait to Thursday Island and enjoy a tour around this small island. The island is situated between Cape York and Papua New Guinea. After lunch we enjoy more touring on Thursday Island before returning to Seisa Resort for our evening stay.

Overnight: Seisa Resort, SEISA (DBB)

We depart Seisa to head south once again across the Jardine River and along the Cape York Developmental Road and head to Weipa, a Bauxite mining town on the western side of the Cape where we stay for the night.

Overnight: Heritage Resort, WEIPA (DBB)

Today we travel south from Weipa through Mungkan Kandju National Park to Archer River and then onwards to historic Musgrave Station and past Hann River Roadhouse on our way to historic Laura.

Overnight: Laura Hotel, LAURA (DBB)

We visit the Palm River goldfields today and then crossing the Great Dividing Range we head down to Port Douglas for our lunch break before enjoying an afternoon drive along the coastline, past Ellis Beach to Cairns where we conclude our memorable journey.

Tour departs at 7:30am from Port Macquarie on Sunday 3rd June 2012 with a minimum of 4 passengers.

As an option, this tour can be started from Cairns on day 9 (11 days).
$4,985.00 Adult (twin share)
$1,200.00 Single Supplement

INCLUSIONS: - 4WD air-conditioned deluxe transport - All accommodation twin share (where possible, private facilities) - All breakfasts and dinners - Morning and afternoon teas - All National Park entries - Experienced driver guide Tour Cost: AUD $7,950.00 Adult (twin share) $1,850.00 Single Supplement TOUR CODE: GCTCY19 Special Note: Accommodations are subject to availabilities and may be changed without notice.

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