Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaleditions.com/i/139099
12-DAY EAST COAST 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 DAY 1: Sydney – Coffs Harbour (D) Depart Sydney this morning and travel along the scenic coastline of New South Wales. Stop at Port Macquarie on your way to the resort town of Coffs Harbour. Enjoy a Welcome Reception and dinner with your Tour Director. Hotel: Novotel Pacific Bay Resort, Coffs Harbour. DAY 2: Coffs Harbour – Gold Coast (B) This morning, journey to the Cape Byron Lighthouse and enjoy the superb views from Australia's eastern-most point. Stop in exclusive Byron Bay for lunch (own expense) before following the lush Tweed River Valley to the famous Gold Coast. Tonight is free for you to dine at one of many restaurants and cafés on the Gold Coast. Hotel: Vibe Hotel, Gold Coast. DAY 3: Gold Coast – Noosa (B) Travel on to Brisbane for an orientation tour. Visit Australia Zoo, made famous by the Crocodile Hunter, the late Steve Irwin, and Teri Irwin and their global documentaries. Enjoy a sneak peek of the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital or catch a show in the world famous Crocoseum. The Zoo is the ultimate wildlife adventure, and its team of over 500 believes in delivering conservation through exciting education. They will ensure you have a wildlife experience you'll never forget. Your final destination is Noosa on the Sunshine Coast. Hotel: The French Quarter, Noosa. (Two nights) DAY 4: Noosa "Free Time" (B) Take time out to discover Noosa for yourself. Swim at Noosa Main Beach or venture a little farther with an easy walk along the headland through to Noosa National Park. If you're feeling adventurous, you could take a boat ride through the Noosa Everglades. Pristine beaches, lakes, wetlands, mangroves, and diverse flora and fauna are among the spectacular scenery you'll witness. DAY 5: Noosa – Hervey Bay (B, L, D) A day of discovery lies ahead as you explore the wonders of World Heritage-listed Fraser Island. Your four-wheel drive tour will visit Rainbow Beach's colored sands (tidal) before heading across by ferry or barge to Fraser Island. Walk through the ancient rainforest at Central Station, with its huge, satiny, scribbly gum and kauri trees. Visit Lake McKenzie, ringed with magnificent white sandy beaches. Enjoy a delicious barbecue lunch before you transfer by ferry to the mainland for your overnight stay at Hervey Bay. Hotel: Mantra, Hervey Bay. DAY 6: Hervey Bay – Rockhampton (B, D) Today you'll journey to the beef capital of Australia. En route, stop at Langmorn Station, a fully operational cattle station. Enjoy afternoon tea at the homestead, a restored "Queenslander" built in 1873. Cross the tropic of Capricorn and continue to Rockhampton on the Fitzroy River. Hotel: Travelodge, Rockhampton. DAY 7: Rockhampton – Daydream Island (B, D) Travel north through Mackay, Australia's sugar capital, before continuing to Airlie Beach, a gateway to the Whitsunday Islands. At Airlie Beach, you'll take a ferry across to Daydream Island in the heart of the spectacular Great Barrier Reef. Hotel: Daydream Island Resort & Spa, Ocean Balcony Rooms. (Two nights) DAY 8: Daydream Island "Free Time" (B) A day at leisure to explore Daydream Island. Perhaps explore the beautiful bays, islands, and beaches on an optional cruise to Whitehaven Beach. You have the opportunity to take a rainforest walk, play beach volleyball, tennis, water polo, or you could go snorkeling or kayaking. Just laze by one of the pools, or on a beach, or replenish your body and soul at the Daydream Rejuvenation Spa. 12-day East Coast Discovery 7