Day 1: Arrive Brisbane
Arrive into Brisbane and transfer to the Marriott Brisbane Hotel, a centrally located stunning mixture of 5-star serenity and cutting-edge urban luxury alongside the Brisbane River. This afternoon we enjoy a city tour and discover what makes Australia’s third largest capital the welcoming, spirited and energised subtropical city that it is. Meet your Journey Director and fellow travellers at a welcome dinner this evening.
Day 2: Brisbane - Bundaberg
After breakfast we board our private aircraft for our flight to Bundaberg. We will see, smell and taste our way through the process of making Australia’s most famous spirit at the Bundaberg Rum Distillery. At the Bundaberg Barrel, we will discover another iconic local product, ginger beer and its other brewed drinks. Go behind-the-scenes and learn about the local food production industry in Bundaberg before transferring to the Manta Bargara Resort, a first class property overlooking Bargara Beach offering panoramic oceanfront views and resort facilities.
Day 3: Bundaberg - 1770
Today we board the aircraft for our flight to 1770. On the way, we enjoy exceptional sightseeing of the stunning Lady Musgrave Island, set on 3,000 acres of living reef with an azure protected lagoon. A truly unspoilt uninhabited Southern Barrier Reef island, it is nature’s aquarium, aviary and rookery all in one. Upon arrival, we learn the history of 1770, a coastal town in the Gladstone region which was built on the site of the second landing in Australia by James Cook and the crew of HM Bark Endeavour in May 1770. We visit the Captain Cook Monument and walk along the 1770 Butterfly Walk to view the thousands of magnificent blue tiger butterflies as they flock to the town during their migration.
Day 4: 1770 - Rockhampton
We reboard our aircraft and fly on to the central Queensland town of Rockhampton. A historically rich city, most famous for being the beef capital of Australia, Rockhampton is a modern throwback to the heydays of Queensland’s colonial past boasting heritage-listed streets and colonial buildings. Tour the limestone Capricorn Caves, which originated in an ancient 380-million-year-old coral reef and today are a maze of small tunnels and larger chambers. Visit Mt Archer National Park for outstanding views of the area and stand at the iconic Tropic of Capricorn.
Day 5: Rockhampton - Mackay
We fly on to Mackay today and tour this historic town that is set in the Pioneer Valley, home to lush coastal ranges and fertile plains. Tour the city centre’s heritage and art deco buildings which are unique for a Queensland city and reflect Mackay’s turbulent past. We transfer to the cool tranquillity of Broken River in Eungella National Park, one of the best locations in the world to see the platypus in the wild.
Day 6: Mackay - Charters Towers - Townsville
We travel to the outback town of Charters Towers where the heritage streetscapes hark back to the gold rush days of the late 19th century. We tour this historical town learning about life in the late 1800’s which is reflected in its colonial architecture, including the world’s first stock exchange. Fly on to Townsville, gateway to Queensland’s far north. A coastal city, Townsville is a vibrant mix of modern architecture and Federation-style buildings, bustling outdoor cafés, restaurants, boutiques and quirky galleries, all linked by a shady park-lined beach promenade.
Day 7: Magnetic Island
Today we take a day trip to the ruggedly stunning Magnetic Island. Although Magnetic Island sits within the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, the landscape here is different to the usual tropical rainforest found on many nearby islands. About 275 million years ago, nature’s forces created an extraordinary landscape of rocky terrain and giant boulders. Magnetic Island has less rainfall than other Queensland islands so it has a dry tropical climate and is covered with eucalypt woodlands. Possessing the natural beauty and serenity of an untouched paradise, cameras at the ready as we tour today. Keep an eye out for koalas and rock wallabies, WWII military base ruins, secluded bays and magnificent national park beaches including Arthur, Radical and Florence Bay.
Day 8: Townsville - Hayman Island
Reboard our private aircraft this morning for another scenically breathtaking flight over the Whitsundays, an archipelago of 74 tropical islands famed for its idyllic white beaches and crystal clear teal and azure waters. We cruise from Hamilton Island to our exceptional accommodation for 2 nights on Hayman Island.
Day 9: Hayman Island
A day at leisure to enjoy this world renowned island paradise.
Day 10: Depart Hamilton Island
After breakfast this morning we enjoy a launch transfer from Hayman Island back to Hamilton Island, where we will board our flight home. Say a fond farewell to new friends and take away memories of an unforgettable Barrier Reef adventure.
