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East Coast Explorer

The East Coast Explorer is your invitation to explore Queensland. Discover a treasure trove of natural wonders on this 10 day escorted tour of Australia's East Coast. From the ancient Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef, to paradise islands and coastal cityscapes, discover the best of Australia’s sunshine state from the Gold Coast to Cairns. Operated by APT this tour includes exclusive or unique experiences that are thoughtfully curated to take you on an inspiring journey beneath the surface of local history, culture and traditions. What's more, these once-in-a-lifetime moments are unique to this trip. Your tour will include transport by deluxe air conditioned coach, comfortable hotel accommodation, as well as transfers and selected meals. Our team of experts will arrange your domestic and  international flights for you, and can can also assist you with your onwards or pre-tour arrangements or day tours. If you would like to extend your holiday we can assist you with pre and post tour accommodation, as well as assisting you with travel onto New Zealand or The South Pacific. To learn more about The East Coast Explorer or any of our other Australia & New Zealand escorted tours, get in touch with our team of North America specialists via info@awwt.co.uk or call us on 01892 779900
Highlights Include:
  • Explore stunning landscapes and join a bush tucker demonstration on K’gari (Fraser Island)
  • Enjoy an immersive experience at the famous Queensland Outback Spectacular
  • Discover the natural wonders of Magnetic Island
  • Explore Paronella Park
  • Savour local delicacies in Cairns
Itinerary

Arrive in Brisbane and check in to your accommodation. This evening, experience a special event as you journey into the Queensland Outback at the Outback Spectacular. Enjoy VIP red carpet entry, a complimentary drink on arrival, and a delicious three-course dinner while being immersed in a theatrical showcase of Australian outback life. After the show, return to your Brisbane accommodation for an overnight stay.

DAY 1 Arrive Brisbane

Arrive in Brisbane and check in to your accommodation. This evening, experience a special event as you journey into the Queensland Outback at the Outback Spectacular. Enjoy VIP red carpet entry, a complimentary drink on arrival, and a delicious three-course dinner while being immersed in a theatrical showcase of Australian outback life. After the show, return to your Brisbane accommodation for an overnight stay.

Stay: The Westin Brisbane

Daily:·  Dinner

DAY 2 Gold Coast, Noosa

Start your day with an exciting treetop walk at the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk. Located within 30 acres of private rainforest at the base of Mount Tamborine, this experience takes you along forest floor trails, modern steel bridges, and a cantilever bridge that soars 30 meters above the creek and rainforest canopy.

Back aboard your coach, your Driver-Guide continues north towards Noosa, stopping en route at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, the world’s first, and largest of its kind. Enjoy a rare close encounter with these cuddly native animals and learn about their daily care, behaviors and unique personalities.

Later, arrive in Noosa, a charming seaside town on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, known for its pristine natural beauty, relaxed luxury, and upscale dining. This evening, enjoy free time to explore at your own pace.

Stay: Peppers Noosa Resort & Villas

Daily:·  Breakfast

DAY 3 Noosa, K’gari (Fraser Island)

Your journey continues from Noosa to K’gari, formerly ‘Fraser Island’, the largest sand island in the world. K’gari –meaning ‘paradise’ in the language of the Traditional Owners of the land, the Butchulla people – is a World Heritage-listed island boasting stunning landscapes and a thrilling array of wildlife. Upon arrival to this sandy haven, take part in a bush tucker demonstration to discover how native ingredients have been traditionally used in food and medicine, followed by a tasting of a special selection of native berries, lemon myrtle, barbecued meats and more.

Continue to your resort and, after time to settle in, join your fellow travellers at Illumina, an after-dark light and sound spectacle. Hosted at Kingfisher Bay & Resort, Illumina uses the surrounding landscape as the stage to retell the story of how K’gari came to be. Dinner this evening will be hosted at one of your resort’s exceptional restaurants.

Stay: Two Nights, K’gari (Fraser Island), Kingfisher Bay Resort

Daily:·  Breakfast·  Dinner

DAY 4

Spend today on a full day 4WD adventure across the entire island, exploring all of K’gari’s must-see sights. Stop at the breathtaking Lake Mackenzie to see the bright turquoise waters and walk across the sugar-white silica sand, before continuing to the famous 75 Mile Beach, Maheno shipwreck and the popular swimming spot Eli Creek.

Tonight, savour a memorable two-course dinner at your resort’s restaurant.

Daily:·  Breakfast·  Lunch·  Dinner

DAY 5 K’gari (Fraser Island), Bundaberg, Rockhampton, Yeppoon

Following breakfast, bid farewell to the sandy paradise of K’gari and return to the mainland. Stop in Bundaberg, a town located at the southern point of the Great Barrier Reef. Bundaberg is renowned for its world-class rum distillery and sea turtle population. Travelers from far and wide flock here to catch a glimpse of nesting and hatching turtles during turtle season.

Continue to Rockhampton, coined ‘Beef City’ thanks to its thriving beef industry. Stretch your legs with a wander along the Fitzroy River which runs through the centre of town, admiring the colonial architecture of the main streets. Further northeast of Rockhampton, arrive at Yeppoon, a coastal enclave on the Capricorn Coast and your home for the night.

This evening, feast on locally inspired dishes with a two-course dinner at the celebrated VUE Wine Bar & Restaurant.

Stay: Salt Yeppoon

Daily:·  Breakfast·  Dinner

DAY 6 Yeppoon, Mackay, Airlie Beach

Following breakfast, board your luxury coach for the journey to Airlie Beach, stopping en route to explore Mackay, a town home to Australia’s longest stretch of subtropical rainforest.

Continue to Airlie Beach and join a guided tour upon arrival. The gateway to the iconic Whitsunday Islands, Airlie Beach is a favorite destination for sun-seekers and snorkelers. While it’s the perfect launchpad for exploring the Great Barrier Reef’s dazzling islands and coral gardens, Airlie Beach itself offers palm-lined beaches, vibrant nightlife, and alfresco dining.

Cap off your day with a two-course dinner at your hotel.

Stay: Mantra Club Croc Airlie Beach

Daily:·  Breakfast·  Dinner

DAY 7 Airlie Beach, Magnetic Island

This morning, travel 275 kilometres north of Airlie Beach to Magnetic Island, a slice of paradise located just off the coast of Townsville. Following a brief ferry ride, arrive at the stunning natural wonderland which boasts pristine beaches framed by swaying palm trees, large granite boulders and fringing coral reefs.

With an afternoon to spend at your leisure, perhaps look out for snoozing koalas on a self-guided walk along one of the many hiking trails, don a snorkel and explore the flourishing coral gardens, or visit the island’s nano brewery for a handcrafted brew and a bite to eat (own expense).

Return to your hotel this evening and indulge in island-style dining at the Boardwalk Restaurant & Bar.

Stay: Two Nights, Peppers Blue on Blue Resort Magnetic Island

Daily:·  Breakfast·  Dinner

DAY 8 Magnetic Island

Embrace laid-back island living with a leisurely start to you morning before setting off on Magnetic Island’s most beloved walking track, Forts Walk. The trail presents an opportune chance to take in the island’s highlights, from postcard-perfect panoramas and World War II relics to wild koalas munching on leaves.

Enjoy an afternoon at leisure.

Daily:·  Breakfast·  Dinner

DAY 9 Magnetic Island, Cairns

Farewell Magnetic Island and return to the mainland via ferry for the journey by coach to Cairns. This tropical city in Far North Queensland is a true reflection of the region: relaxed, outdoorsy and plenty of things to do. Just 1.5 hours outside the city, visit the famed Paronella Park, an idyllic garden oasis featuring a castle, picnic area, waterfall, tennis court, bridges and over 7,500 tropical plants and trees. Savor a light lunch in this leafy haven before taking time to explore your surrounds.

In the evening, a special farewell dinner awaits at Dundee’s Waterfront Dining. Feast on fresh local seafood, succulent grilled beef or unique Australian fare including kangaroo and crocodile as you reflect on your journey with your fellow travelers and new-found friends.

Stay: Cairns, Shangri-La The Marina

Daily:·  Breakfast·  Lunch·  Dinner

DAY 10 Depart Cairns

Your exciting Queensland journey comes to an end today after breakfast.

Daily:·  Breakfast

What's included?
Nine nights in hand picked accomodation
The services of an expert APT Driver and Tour Director
A total of 19 meals
Experiences in seven destinations including the Outback Spectacular show, Magnetic Island
How to book

Prices start from £4195 pp based on two sharing.

Please note that the cost of flights is not included but we can arrange these for you

Various departure dates from October to May

Please call us on (01892) 779900 or email info@awwt.co.uk stating your preferred travel dates, and number of passengers for a detailed & competitively priced quotation.