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8 12-Day East Coast Discovery DAY 9: Daydream Island – Mission Beach (B, L, D) Return to the mainland for today's journey, which takes you farther into Tropical North Queensland. You are invited by the Flemming family to Billabong Sanctuary. Dine on a gourmet lunch at the edge of the billabong and interact with the native animals. Learn how this former cattle property has been brought back to a living eco system thriving with life, making a home for saltwater crocodiles, koalas, wombats, cassowaries, and all animals native to Australia. You'll spend tonight in a resort right on the waterfront at Mission Beach. Hotel: Castaways Resort & Spa, Mission Beach. DAY 10: Mission Beach – Cairns (B) Climb the high tropical plateau known as the Atherton Tablelands, where lush rainforests, waterfalls and lakes abound. Your first stop is the Mamu Rainforest Canopy Walkway. Elevated walkways, a cantilever, and observation tower offers you the exhilarating experience of being high in the rainforest canopy, and provides spectacular panoramic views of World Heritage rainforest landscapes. Later, visit Millaa Millaa Falls and the famous Curtain Fig Tree. Your final destination today is tropical Cairns. Hotel: Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort, Cairns. (two nights) DAY 11: Great Barrier Reef (B, L, D) Board a high speed catamaran and cruise out to the Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy a reef education presentation and view the spectacular coral and tropical fish from the underwater observatory and the semi-submersible craft. There is the opportunity to go snorkeling and view this natural living wonder up-close (equipment provided). Enjoy a tropical buffet lunch before you return to Cairns. Celebrate your vacation this evening at a Farewell Dinner with your Tour Director and new-found friends. DAY 12: Depart Cairns (B) Your tour concludes today after breakfast. Make the most of this tropical city before being transferred to Cairns Airport for your onward flight. You could visit the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your Indigenous Guide, who will escort you through the park as you discover this ancient culture through theatres, stage shows, and demonstrations. Later, travel on the Skyrail Cableway above the canopy of the Barron Gorge National Park. On arrival in Kuranda, there is free time to explore the "village in the rainforest", including the Heritage Markets. Then, board the Kuranda train for a historic journey through some of the world's oldest rainforests. Or, take a day trip to Cape Tribulation and the Daintree National Park. Ask your travel agent about all the optional tours available in Cairns, as well as additional nights' accommodations. Consult your travel agent for more details on this and other escorted tours. 12-DAY EAST COAST DISCOVERY (continued) Meals included: (B) Breakfast, (L) Lunch, (D) Dinner