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Quicksilver Outer Barrier Reef Quicksilver's high-speed catamaran (with facilities for swimmers and non-swimmers) takes passengers in air-conditioned comfort to the edge of the Great Barrier Reef. Explore the reef from the comfort of a semi-submersible, the underwater observatory, or by snorkeling. Guided snorkeling tours, diving, and helicopter flights are also available at an additional expense. (Full-day, including lunch and morning and afternoon tea) Kuranda Classic Tour with Train, Skyrail & Rainforestation Travel via railway to the village of Kuranda with the option to visit a butterfly sanctuary. Continue to Rainforestation Nature Park for lunch, and enjoy a performance by the Pamagirri Aboriginal Dance Troupe. Tour through the rainforest in an Army Duck and visit the Tropical Fruit Orchard, then visit the Koala and Wildlife Park. (Full-day, including lunch) Cape Tribulation & Daintree Eco Experience Expore the Wildlife Habitat in Port Douglas before crossing the Daintree River by ferry. Enjoy a tropical lunch before continuing to Cape Tribulation Beach for a stroll. Cruise on the Daintree River, home to a variety of wildlife, and enjoy afternoon tea before returning. (Full-day, including lunch) Croc Express, Including Australia Zoo Entry Visit the home of the famous "Crocodile Hunter", Steve Irwin. The Zoo remains a living legacy to Steve and his conservation efforts. It also has a collection of some of Australia's most dangerous reptiles. Get up-close and personal with some of Australia's unique wildlife, such as kangaroos, emus, and snakes. (Full-day) Silverswift Outer Barrier Reef Depart for the Outer Barrier Reef on board the comfortable Silverswift catamaran. You'll visit three sites at the Outer Barrier Reef, where snorkelers can explore spectacular coral formations and underwater gardens. After the water activities, enjoy a tropical lunch. (Full-day snorkeling cruise including lunch and morning and afternoon tea) Consult your travel agent for more details on these and other tours. Queensland 21 SOFITEL GOLD COAST BROADBEACH ✯ ✯ ✯ ✯ The Sofitel Gold Coast exudes luxury and sophistication combined with decadent comfort and state-of-the-art technology. It is located in prestigious Broadbeach, with the center of Surfers Paradise in close proximity. All hotel rooms and suites feature contemporary furnishings and fittings in modern earthy tones, designed for maximum comfort and style. A range of room styles will accommodate any traveler's needs. VIBE HOTEL GOLD COAST ✯ ✯ ✯ ½ Enjoy the convenience of staying right in the very heart of Surfers Paradise. The Vibe Hotel Gold Coast is centrally located in the midst of Gold Coast lifestyle, overlooking the picturesque Nerang River. It is perfectly placed to enjoy Surfers Paradise beach, world-class shopping, upbeat nightlife, fantastic restaurants, and fun attractions. Fresh, dynamic, and individual, the Vibe offers memorable, art deco style. 16 17 18 SHERATON MIRAGE RESORT & SPA GOLD COAST ✯ ✯ ✯ ✯ ½ An oasis of rare beauty, this Gold Coast hotel is located right on the beach. Enjoy views of the abundant gardens, the surrounding lagoons, or the rolling surf from your beautiful guestroom or private villa. Suites offer unmistakable style, and the self-contained Pacific Mirage Villas provide enough room for the whole family to spend that long awaited holiday together. 15 PALAZZO VERSACE ✯ ✯ ✯ ✯ ✯ The world's first Versace hotel incorporates 205 classically elegant guestrooms, three award-winning restaurants, and a private marina on a historic site on the edge of the Gold Coast Broadwater. The Salus Per Aquum Spa provides a tranquil environment with a variety of health and beauty treatments. World-class golf and tennis, white-sand beaches, deep sea fishing, surf schools, and Outback adventures are all within easy reach. INTERCONTINENTAL SANCTUARY COVE RESORT ✯ ✯ ✯ ✯ ½ Located in Sanctuary Cove, Australia's first fully integrated golf and boating residential resort is only a five-minute walk to Marine Village and the Marina. The main lobby building, the Guest House, is styled as a traditional 1940s grand Queensland homestead and set amid lush, tropical gardens. There is an onsite restaurant and café, as well as a large beach lagoon and terrace swimming pool. 13 14 GOLD COAST 19 GREEN ISLAND — GREAT BARRIER REEF CROWNE PLAZA SURFERS PARADISE ✯ ✯ ✯ ✯ This non-smoking hotel is a 15 minute walk from the shopping heart of Surfers Paradise, and 10 minutes from bustling Broadbeach, Jupiters Hotel & Casino and the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre. The hotel is separated into two stunning high rise towers, which are readily recognizable landmarks on the Surfers Paradise skyline. It is the only hotel in Queensland to feature a revolving restaurant, sitting on the 26th floor of the hotel, offering views over the glittering Gold Coast. QUALIA ✯ ✯ ✯ ✯ ✯ Qualia is situated on the secluded northernmost tip of Hamilton Island, set among native eucalyptus trees. Both artwork and interiors are inspired by nature. Whether you choose a one bedroom freestanding pavilion or the privacy of a secluded retreat, the resort offers accommodations to suit your individual taste. Relax at Spa qualia or seek adventure on the Great Barrier Reef—the choice is yours. 20 HAMILTON ISLAND — GREAT BARRIER REEF GREEN ISLAND RESORT ✯ ✯ ✯ ✯ An ideal destination for families, Green Island Resort is one of the most ecologically sensitive resorts on the Great Barrier Reef and is the only coral cay in the Great Barrier Reef with a rainforest. Situated on Australia's beautiful Great Barrier Reef just 45 minutes off-shore from Cairns, Green Island is a small coral cay of 15 hectares surrounded by a magnificent coral reef, and one of Australia's premier environmental heritage sites.