All tours are fully customizable to your requirements

Explore the Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef should be everybody’s must-do list. No visit to Australia would be complete without visiting this beautiful place.

At the southern end, the stunning Whitsunday Islands are a picture-perfect tropical paradise of dazzling white sand beaches, strikingly beautiful seas of every shade of blue imaginable and a perfect, year-round tropical climate. Hamilton Island is the main base for your stay here. Of the 74 Whitsunday Islands, Hamilton is the largest inhabited island, and is the only one offering convenient non-stop commercial flights to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Cairns. Further north, near the city of Cairns, Queensland’s ‘Tropical North’ offers spectacular scenery along the coast and the oldest rainforest in the world - 400 million years old! There’s also great Aboriginal history here and many fascinating cultural experiences.

Inland, the Atherton Tablelands area is a fertile plateau and an easy day-trip from the coast, where you’ll experience a mix of rainforest, savanna and wetlands that are home to a wide variety of wildlife including tree kangaroos and wallabies. There are also great local markets to shop for unique Aboriginal arts and crafts.

ITINERARY

Day 1 - Arrive Hamilton Island (4 nights)

Day 2 - Your Day, Your Way in Paradise

Day 3 - Helicopter or Seaplane sightseeing flight and beach picnic

Day 4 - Your Day, Your Way in Paradise

Day 5 - Fly to Cairns (4 nights)

Day 6 - Daintree Aboriginal Dreaming Rainforest Experience

Day 7 - Great Barrier Reef

Day 8 - Kuranda Scenic Railway

Day 9 - Fly Home or Extend Your Trip

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive Hamilton Island

Hamilton Island offers convenient, non-stop flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Cairns so getting here couldn’t be easier. Upon arrival, you’ll be met by your driver and escorted by private vehicle to your luxurious beach hotel. Enjoy the rest of your day at your leisure, perhaps sampling one of the many restaurants in the town.

Day 2 - Your Day, Your Way in Paradise

It’s not every day that you get to wake up to a spectacular beach view from your room. Have breakfast in bed or in your hotel’s restaurant before setting out to explore the island. There’s plenty to do here, from walking one of the many easy trails around the island, to golfing, visiting the island’s wildlife park, go-karting, to a huge selection of water sports. Alternatively, simply take it easy and relax by your hotel’s beautiful pool or swim in the warm, tropical waters at the beach.

Day 3 - Helicopter or Seaplane sightseeing flight and beach picnic

Today you’re in for a real treat - the ultimate beach picnic as you visit the world famous, spectacular Whitehaven Beach in style, by either seaplane or helicopter. You’ll enjoy an unforgettable scenic sightseeing flight over the islands and the Whitsunday Passage, where you’ll see the amazing, swirling sands of Hill Inlet as well as the striking white sand and impossibly turquoise water of Whitehaven Beach, before landing on a part of the beach where there will be few or no other visitors. You’ll have plenty of time to sunbathe, relax, swim and explore this pure silica sand beach before enjoying a picnic on the sand with sparkling wine, fruit juice and a selection of snacks.

Another unforgettable flight over the stunning natural beauty of this area will return you to Hamilton Island.

Day 4 - Your Day, Your Way in Paradise

Enjoy another day in paradise at your leisure.

Day 5 - Fly to Cairns

This morning you will be escorted to Hamilton Island’s airport by private vehicle to catch your flight to Cairns. Welcome to Australia’s tropical north! Arguably the most beautiful part of the country, and home to the world-famous Great Barrier Reef, you will find this region to be very warm, welcoming and laid-back. You will be met at the airport by your driver and escorted to your nearby hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day relaxing on the tropical beach here.

Day 6 - Daintree Aboriginal Dreaming Rainforest Experience

Today will be another unforgettable day. Your Aboriginal Cultural Experience starts on a traditional fishing ground of the local Kuku Yalanji people near Port Douglas, a 45-minute drive from Cairns. Here you’ll be met by one of the Kubirri Warra brothers who will guide you on a beach, mudflat and mangrove walk. He’ll explain the traditional bush tucker gathering techniques, followed by a traditional ‘smoking’ ceremony. This is a traditional ceremony of the local people, conducted by tribal elders to protect you while visiting their land.

After a bush tucker lunch, you’ll walk through Mossman Gorge in the Daintree National Park, the oldest rainforest in the world where you guide will teach you about the rich flora, fauna and forest ecosystem. Enjoy a refreshing swim in a beautiful private swimming hole in the forest before bidding farewell to your guides and returning to your hotel.

Day 7 - Fly/Cruise to the Barrier Reef

After a leisurely breakfast you will depart late morning for the heliport in the center of town from where you will be whisked away on a spectacular scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef. Landing on a floating platform on the outer reef you will have a couple of unforgettable hours to snorkel in the otherworldly beauty of the reef, surrounded by huge schools of brightly colored fish and pristine coral. After refreshments you will return to Cairns by boat.

Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure, relaxing at your hotel’s pool or sampling some of the fine cuisine in the many nearby restaurants.

Day 8 - Cairns, Kuranda Scenic Railway

This morning you’ll ride the Kuranda Scenic Railway, one of the country’s most stunning and unique rail journeys. You’ll marvel at the beautiful views as the train passes through rainforest that is millions of years old. Upon arrival at Kuranda, you will have the opportunity to wander its famous markets, in a beautiful rainforest setting. Here is your chance to pick up some authentic Aboriginal artwork, locally crafted jewelry and other local goods.

Day 9 - Depart for Home / Extend Your Trip

This morning you will be met by your driver and escorted to Cairns’ airport for your flight home, or to continue to another exciting part of Australia.

Hotels listed below are given as suggestions only to illustrate the standard of hotels used.

Hamilton Island / Whitsundays - Beach Club - 4-star Luxury

With a spectacular beachfront location, the recently refurbished Beach Club is a perfect romantic island vacation experience. With landscaped tropical gardens, all 57 contemporary, intimate rooms face directly onto Catseye Beach, each offering a private courtyard or balcony.

VIP return chauffeur service airport / marina transfers are offered, as well as complimentary non-motorized water sports and use of the hotel’s gym, spa, sauna and tennis courts. The Beach Club lounge and infinity edge pool is reserved exclusively for hotel guests.

Hamilton Island / Whitsundays - qualia - 5 star - Deluxe

Located on the northern tip of Hamilton Island, qualia is a unique Australian expression of luxury. The 60 exquisitely appointed guest rooms sit in perfect harmony with the spectacular natural beauty of the island, and exclusive facilities for guests include 2 infinity-edge pools, 2 restaurants, the luxurious Spa qualia and a private beach. Offering VIP chauffeur service, use of a golf cart during your stay and VIP return transfers to Hamilton Island airport or marina, getting to and from the resort couldn’t be easier. All non-motorized water sports are included in your stay here.

Cairns/Great Barrier Reef - QT Port Douglas - 4.5 Star - Luxury

This vibrant resort boasts quirky design and two hip new food and bar experiences – an interactive marketplace kitchen and a cool cocktail bar. Set in lush tropical gardens just minutes from the town of Port Douglas and Four Mile Beach, the hotel offers a range of stylish hotel rooms. Guests can enjoy the beautiful lagoon-style pool, designer spa and enjoy watching movies in the exclusive outdoor cinema during the cooler the winter months.

Cairns/Great Barrier Reef - Thala Beach Nature Reserve - 5 Star - Deluxe

Thala is a beautiful, luxury hotel set in a spectacular beach and rainforest setting close to the natural attractions of Cairns, Port Douglas and offering easy access by boat or aircraft to the Great Barrier Reef. Located an easy 45-minute drive north of Cairns airport and just south of the town of Port Douglas, the hotel offers eco-friendly accommodation options throughout a 145 acre property. All rooms are luxuriously furnished and offer either lush jungle or tropical ocean views. The hotel’s restaurant offers modern Australian cuisine and spectacular uninterrupted Coral Sea views.

Optional Extensions

Sydney (3 nights)

Australia’s premier city, and one of the most beautiful cities in the world, spending a few days in Sydney is a must. Full of culture and natural beauty, there’s plenty to do here. Enjoy a cruise on Sydney Harbour, stroll through the lush Royal Botanic Gardens, catch a show at the Sydney Opera House, or take one of our fascinating alternative guided tours of the city by foot, bicycle or kayak. The beautiful Blue Mountains are a short drive from the city and make a great day trip, and great restaurants, bars and nightlife are always close by.

Uluru / Ayers Rock (2-3 nights)

A visit to this iconic destination is a must. In addition to seeing this awe-inspiring monolith up close, you can connect with the world’s oldest culture on a guided Aboriginal cultural tour. Your Aboriginal guide will give you a fascinating insight into the history and culture of Australia’s first people sharing with you stories of dreamtime legends. Dine under the stars with the backdrop of Uluru in the peaceful surroundings of the desert or take an unforgettable hot air balloon or helicopter ride over the area for a truly unforgettable view.

Tasmania (3-4 nights)

Located in far south-east Australia the island of Tasmania could practically qualify as a separate continent in itself due to its unparalleled diversity. The pristine serenity, spectacular beauty and clean air of its rugged coastlines and mountains make it a destination like no other. There’s amazing wildlife here, great food and wine and a rich history, as well as beautiful beaches, stunning scenery everywhere you look and some of the best walks in the world.

Fully guided, private tours are priced from:

Luxury - US$5795 per person (4 star hotels)

Deluxe - US$7595 per person (5 star hotels)

Ultra-Luxe - US$10950 per person

Prices are per person, based on two people sharing a double room in low season.

Hotels listed on the Hotels Tab are given as suggestions only to illustrate the standard of hotels used.

Price Includes:

All hotels as described in the itinerary
Services of our representatives while in Australia
All transportation and tours as described in the itinerary in air-conditioned vehicles
Sightseeing and entrance fees
Meals as described in the itinerary

Price Excludes:

International flights
Travel insurance
Meals other than those listed in the itinerary
Gratuities for guides and drivers
Sightseeing other than described in the itinerary
Additional room charges of a personal nature in hotels (eg: room service, laundry, phone calls, etc.)