Enjoy the beauty of Whitsunday Island, Australia

Best of Australia’s Eastern Coast: Whitsunday Islands to the Great Barrier Reef Tour

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Customizable Itinerary

This is a sample itinerary to inspire a personalized trip designed with your travel specialist

Countries Visited

Australia

Places Visited

Hervey Bay, Airlie Beach, Whitsundays Islands, Cairns...

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Suggested Duration

10 Days

From the welcoming powdery-white sand of secluded islands to the iridescent hues of anemones waving in the ocean current, you deserve only the best during your journey through the majesty of Australia’s east coast. The stories of Dreamtime offer insight into the distinctive mountains, rainforest, and beaches of the northeast. Passing boats raise their sails and glide across the indigo waters. The cascades spill down smooth precipices, embellishing hints of tropical paradise. Your customizable...

Customizable Itinerary

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Trip Highlights

  • Relish the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean and the vibrant colors cast by the coral and aquatic life of the Great Barrier Reef
  • Bask in the unequaled kaleidoscope of colors emanating from Hill Inlet on Whitehaven Beach, where silica sand and indigo waters combine at low tide
  • Traverse mangrove forest and the banks of the Proserpine River in search of crocodiles and active wildlife
  • Listen to the vibrant tales of Dreamtime for insight into the beliefs and traditions of the Kuku Yalanji, a first nation tribe near Cairns
  • Stroll along a rainforest trail to find the local treasure of the Crystal Cascades; a hidden waterhole adorned with a gorgeous waterfall
  • Indulge in the powdery sand of Fraser Island to view the remarkable scene of a shipwreck washed up on shore and framed by the sea
  • Enjoy the relaxed pace of the beachside cafes, restaurants, and culture in Cairns

Detailed Description

When imagining the best of Australia, you can’t help but think of exotic beaches and the breathtaking beauty of the Great Barrier Reef. Waves curl against the shoreline and elegant restaurants offer views to the open water reaching out to the horizon. Your 10-day tour embodies the best of the East Coast of Australia, taking you along secluded shorelines and unforgettable island life, journeying into colorful underwater getaways and dense rainforest hiding thousands of years of culture. Your vacation begins upon your arrival at Hervey Bay Airport. Your private transfer meets you at baggage claim and escorts you to a luxury hotel in view of the gorgeous colors of the sea.

The next morning, you board a sailboat for an incredible exploration of the waters around Fraser Island. View the pristine fresh waters on the sand island and witness the unique frame of a shipwreck washed ashore more than a half-century ago. You return to Hervey Bay to catch your flight to Airlie Beach, where you settle into the comforts of your beachside accommodation for the night. Spend a day at your leisure to indulge in the beauty of Airlie Beach. Linger on the surrounding sands or visit the local boutique markets. For a more adventurous excursion, you can head into the rainforest to follow the trails leading to panoramic views and hidden natural pools.

Next, you board a sailboat to visit the unique shores of Whitehaven Island, which is a part of the Whitsundays archipelago. The silica sand and gorgeous colors emanate from Hill Inlet and the bordering rainforest before you return to Airlie Beach for the evening. You board a riverboat for a half-day crocodile safari, scanning the riverbanks and mangrove forest to find the iconic saltwater crocodile of Australia’s eastern seaboard. Your private transfer leads you from the hotel to Airlie Beach Airport with plenty of time to check into your flight. You arrive in Cairns with a private transfer to your luxury hotel offering enchanting views of the water, marina, and esplanade.

Afterward, venture forth to the dense rainforest at Mossman Gorge, following your guide along the trails and through the tales of Dreamtime. Visit Cape Tribulation and the town of Kuranda before returning to Cairns. Board a catamaran bound for various sites along the Great Barrier Reef, allowing you to view the biodiversity and captivating life along the world’s largest collection of coral. Then spend a day at your leisure to indulge in the charms of Cairns and the far northeast of Queensland.

Spend time on Four Mile Beach near Port Douglas or traverse the trails of the rainforest leading to hidden waterholes adorned with gorgeous waterfalls. You could also visit the Tropical Zoo for insight into the local wildlife. On your final day, your private transfer meets you at the hotel and escorts you to Cairns Airport for your flight home. You could extend your time in Australia to visit the shimmering sands of the Red Centre or the artistic arcades and lanes of Melbourne.

Starting Price

$4,100 per person (excluding international flights)

Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.

What's Included

  • Accommodations
  • In-country transportation
  • Some or all activities and tours
  • Expert trip planning
  • 24x7 support during your trip

Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.

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