EAST13 - East Coast Explorer
Duration: 13 Days, 12 Nights

Depart Sydney, traveling north through native bush country to Wollombi via the rugged sandstone ridges to Mangrove Mountain and the Hawkesbury River. We then travel onwards to the Hunter Valley Vineyards and the foothills of the Barrington National Park before a stop in Dungog or Gloucester for lunch.

We then drive through forest trails to Ellenborough Falls (one of Australia's tallest single drop waterfall) before heading across to the rich and very scenic ranges to we join the old convict built road linking the coast with the New England region. Then a short trip into the rugged rainforest valley of Ralfes Creek to our destination for the evening at the Mount Seaview.

Overnight: Mount Seaview Retreat, MOUNT SEAVIEW (DBB)

As we depart Mount Seaview Retreat we head to the beautiful Forbes river valley area, past Olive Groves and rainforest reserves, before leaving the headwaters of the Hastings River to climb the Ranges to World Heritage Werrikimbee National Park. Today we shall travel through some unique Flora and Fauna, and the rugged stands of untouched Antarctic Beech trees amongst the cool temperate Rainforest, reminisce of our link with the past and Gonwanna land. As we traverse the escarpment from these ranges to cross into Willi Willi National Park and down to the Macleay River Valley for a lunch break, enjoying the rich grazing fields.

We once again travel through magnificent scenery as we climb over a smaller Range to the famous "PUB WITH NO BEER" at Taylor's Arm on the Nambucca River. Then following many scenic trails and landscapes to historic Bowraville and onwards to Bellingen, were can enjoy a visit this historic town before heading to our overnight destination at Coffs Harbour.

Overnight: Nautilus Resort, COFFS HARBOUR (DBB)

Firstly today we head to Woolgoolga a coastal village of great interest. Onwards we head to Bungulung National Park and thru to the Clarence Valley and visit the states largest sugar cane farming area before an afternoon journey into Broadwater National Park and along the Golden Beaches to our next stop at Ballina. From here we enjoy some of Australia's most spectacular coastline to our most easterly point at Byron Bay, a visit to the light house and the well known town. Here we enjoy the coastline to Byron Bay, "Australia's most easterly point".

We will take a short visit to its famous lighthouse, before we head once again over the ranges past Mullumbimby to view Mt Warning, the famous extinct volcanic plug in the Tweed Valley. Continuing through magnificent scenery we climb to the Border Ranges, crossing into QLD and visit Natural Bridge Reserve before descending along the Nerang River past. Later this afternoon we head thru the Tweed valley to cross the border to Queensland and the exciting and famous Gold coast.

Overnight: The Vibe, SURFERS PARADISE (DBB)

This morning we travel thru the suburbs of Queensland capital city of Brisbane then onwards to the Glass House Mountains to the sunshine coast region to arrive at one of Australia's best seaside playgrounds at Noosa Heads.

Crossing the Noosa River by ferry, we join the coloured sands of Cooloola Beach then travel many kilometres along the beach to the "Cherry Venture" wreck. We cross top Double Island Point to the Coloured Sands, a wonderful beach and cliff area, then further along the beach to Inskip Point joining the barge to cross to Fraser Island World Heritage area.

Overnight: Eurong Beach Resort, FRASER ISLAND (DBB)

Today is a panoramic day, filled with the many beautiful sights of Fraser Island.

This is the only island in the world where rainforest grows on pure sand and it is also renowned for its fresh water lakes - Lake Boomagin, Birrabeen and McKenzie. We will take walks along rainforest trails, travel along picturesque 4WD tracks, view the golden sand beaches and visit the old Maheno wreck and Eli Creek.

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 of 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 coastal cattle country to Clairview on the Coral Sea before traveling 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 on Whitsunday Island.

During our cruise, we have plenty of time to take part in some optional activities, such as jet-skiing, windsurfing, 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 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 its 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 becomes another lifetime wonder for you to enjoy, viewing the panoramic World Heritage tropical rainforest merging with the Coral Sea. As we 4WD along the infamous Bloomfield Track we take advantage of various isolated lookouts, virgin stands of tropical rainforest, waterfalls and swim in mountain streams, returning to Cape Tribulation for another night in paradise.

Overnight: Beach House, CAPE TRIBULATION (DBB)

As we travel through the world's oldest tropical rainforest, we visit the Valley of the Palms, ferrying across the Daintree River, and visiting Port Douglas, Palm Cove and Hartley's Creek Crocodile Farm. Later in the afternoon we enjoy the Kuranda Rainforest area, where as an option, you can travel down the mountain by the famous Kuranda Train or take the Skyway across the top. Our specialist driver guide will meet you at the bottom to take you into Cairns to conclude your Australian Wilderness Tour experience.

Tour departs 7:30am Sydney 1st & 3rd Sunday of every month
Tour departs 7:30am Cairns 2nd & 4th Sunday of every month

INCLUSIONS: - 4WD air-conditioned deluxe transport - All accommodation twin share private facilities - All ferry crossings to Fraser Island and Daintree - All day cruises and island visits in the Whitsunday's - All breakfasts, dinners & morning/afternoon teas - Two lunches - All National Park entries - Experienced driver guide Prices: See our pricing guide. TOUR CODE: EAST13

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