Issue link: http://viewer.e-digitaleditions.com/i/541568
DAY 1: Arrival – Sydney & New South Wales (D) begin your exciting tour of Australia's east coast right from your hotel's doorstep, where an AAt kings coach bus will be waiting to pick you up. leave sydney behind to drive down the scenic coastline of New south wales, stopping at Port Macquarie on the way to the resort town of coffs harbour. enjoy a welcome reception dinner with your tour director and new companions tonight, and spend the night in town at opal cove resort. DAY 2: Byron Bay & Gold Coast (B) this morning, journey to cape byron lighthouse to take in the views from Australia's easternmost point. A stop in exclusive byron bay gives you the opportunity to sit down to lunch if you choose, before following the lush tweed river Valley to the famous gold coast. dinner is also at your leisure; you'll have more than enough options near your accommodations at the Vibe hotel right on the gold coast. DAY 3-4: Brisbane, the Australia Zoo & Noosa (B, B) A scenic city tour of brisbane provides a fresh start to your day, with free time for lunch on your own. the Australian Zoo, made famous by steve irwin—the crocodile hunter—and his family, is your next stop. here, you'll be privy to a peek at the wildlife hospital and its patients of various species, and learn about conservation efforts through exciting education. wind down with a drive to Noosa on the sunshine coast, where you'll overnight at the Mantra french Quarter for two nights. in the morning, a full free day in Noosa lends itself to walks along the headland through Noosa National Park; swimming at the beach; or a boat ride through the Noosa everglades. DAY 5: Fraser Island (B, L, D) see for yourself why this destination is world heritage-listed, starting with a four-wheel drive vehicle across rainbow beach's colored sands before heading across the island by ferry or barge. walk through the ancient rainforest at central station, among huge satinay, scribbly gum, and kauri trees, then visit lake Mckenzie and its magnificently white sandy beaches. lunch "on the barbie" awaits you before your transfer by ferry to your mainland hotel, Mantra hervey bay. DAY 6: Australian Beef Tour (B) Journey to the beef capital of Australia, stopping at langmorn station, a fully operational cattle station, along the way. enjoy afternoon tea upon arrival at the restored Queenslander homestead, built in 1873. cross the tropic of capricorn to historic rockhampton, where travelodge rockhampton provides a comfortable base for the night. DAY 7 – 8: Daydream Island (B, D, B) Mackay, the country's sugar capital, is a sweet stop to make before reaching Airlie beach, a gateway to the famous whitsunday islands. from here, take the ferry to daydream island in the heart of the spectacular great barrier reef. sleep well at daydream island resort and spa, where you'll also stay the following night. A day on your own gives you a chance to explore the island at your own pace with a rainforest walk, on a kayak, snorkeling, or on an optional cruise to whitehaven beach. At the resort, beach volleyball, tennis, water polo, or just lounging by the pool or beach are all choices. 12-dAy eAst coAst troPicAl discoVery Discover the highlights of Australia's eastern coastline, traveling from Sydney to Cairns via Coffs Harbour, the Gold Coast, Noosa, Hervey Bay, Rockhampton, Daydream Island, and Mission Beach. Meals included: (b) breakfast, (l) lunch, (d) dinner 6 12-Day East Coast Tropical Discovery