Sunshine Coast & Fraser Island

Day 1 – Tuesday 1^st November ’22           MELBOURNE               (D)

Today we make our way down to the Melbourne where we stay at the Best Western Airport Motel and get a good night’s sleep before our flight the following morning.­

Day 2 – Wednesday 2^nd Nov    MELBOURNE – SUNSHINE COAST      (B, D)

This morning after breakfast we take a shuttle bus to the Tullamarine Airport for our flight to the Sunshine Coast. On arrival you will be met by our Coach Captain whole will take you into town for lunch at your own leisure. Following lunch, and  a look around, you will be taken to your accommodation for the next three nights at Oaks Oasis Resort, Caloundra where you will have time to rest and freshen up for dinner.

Day 3 – Thursday 3^rd Nov        SEA LIFE – SEAFOOD CRUISE         (B, L, D)

After breakfast this morning we depart and travel to Sea Life. Sea Life Sunshine Coast is Queensland’s best aquarium! You will discover tropical fish, rays and other amazing creatures as you surround yourself in the beauty of thousands of marine and freshwater creatures. No trip to the Sunshine Coast is complete without visiting Sea Life Sunshine Coast! Walk underwater through the glass viewing tunnel and see Australia’s marine life like never before! Come within inches of huge sharks, rays and turtles and see some of the remarkable marine and freshwater animals that Australia is famous for. Then it’s time for a wonderful Seafood Cruise.  All meals are collected from direct from the waterfront seafood market at the Mooloolaba Spit. Sit back, relax and enjoy the multimillion dollars views while enjoying the freshest seafood the Sunshine Coast has to offer. Cruise effortlessly through the Mooloolaba Harbour, river & canals viewing our famous “Fishing Fleet”, Pilot Boats & Recreational Vessels. Head out to the river mouth to enjoy picturesque views of the bay of Mooloolaba. Glide into the main river and canals to enjoy the sights of the Minyama mansions along Millionaires row. We then depart the cruise for the Queensland Air Museum. Queensland Air Museum acquires, restores and maintains a collection of 75+ historically significant aircraft and related aviation displays at a 2 hectare site opposite the Caloundra Airport. The display has gown from just one aircraft in 1973, a Canberra Bomber to now more than 75 aircraft including a F-111, Mirage Jet, Australia's oldest DC-3. We then delight in afternoon tea in the Botanical Gardens before heading back to our accommodation.

Day 4   -  Friday 4^th Nov               AUSTRALIA ZOO                  (B,D)

This morning we enjoy a hearty breakfast before setting off to our day at the Australia Zoo – Home of the Crocodile Hunter. Located on Queensland's Sunshine Coast, Australia Zoo is a team of passionate conservationists working around-the-clock to deliver an animal experience like no other. Steve and Terri Irwin's vision has always been to make Australia Zoo the biggest and best wildlife conservation facility in the entire world, and there is no other zoo like Australia Zoo!

Day 5   -  Saturday 5^th Nov               HINTERLAND                         (B,D)

This morning we head to the Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve where we delight in a Devonshire Morning Tea. Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve comprises 55 hectares of subtropical rainforest overlooking the Glass House Mountains landscape. A remnant of the rainforests that once covered the Blackall Range, the reserve is a living museum of diverse plant and animal life which will delight with its tranquility and beauty. Continuing on the theme of the beauty of nature we visit the Maleny Botanic Gardens and Birdworld -  Lush property featuring walkways past exotic plants & waterfalls, plus bird & animal enclosures. After lunch we head to The Big Pineapple. The Big Pineapple is an iconic food-tourism destination, with a history of showcasing and celebrating Queensland's world-class produce. In the Big Pineapple's heyday, it was the nation's most popular tourism attraction, and is now making a come-back, with food again at the heart of our tourism. Then it’s on to Nutworks - a proud supplier of macadamia nut in shell, kernel, flavoured nut products and confectionery. Have you ever wondered how their delicious nuts are produced? Come and see! We leave the Macadamia nuts behind and venture into the world of Ginger at the famous Ginger Factory. Here, you will discover the worlds largest operating ginger factory selling a vast range of the finest ginger products as well as fun rides, tranquil gardens as well as some fantastic shopping opportunities. Then it’s time to return to our accommodation and put our feet up.

Day 6   -  Sunday 6^th Nov                 FRASER ISLAND                  (B,D)

This morning, following breakfast, we head to Hervey Bay, stopping enroute for morning tea. On arrival in Hervey Bay we enjoy a spot of lunch before catching the Ferry to Kingfisher Bay Resort. We settle into our accommodation for the next three nights, before taking a wonderful Sunset Cruise with nibbles. Tonight’s dinner is at the Sand & Wood Restaurant.

Day 7   -  Monday 7^th Nov              FRASER ISLAND               (B,L,D)

This morning we head out to explore Fraser Island on the Beauty Sports Tour. Visit stunning scenic sights such as Lake McKenzie, Central Station and Woongoolba Creek, Pile Valley, The Maheno shipwreck, Seventy-five Mile Beach, Eli Creek, Coloured Sands and Stonetool Sandblow and more. We enjoy lunch at Eurong Beach Resort. Late afternoon we enjoy Sunset Drinks at the Sunset Bar. Tonight’s dinner is a the Sand & Wood Restaurant.

Day 8   -  Tuesday 8^th Nov                  FRASER ISLAND                (B,D)

Following an early breakfast we head out on a West Coast Explorer Cruise. Cruise along the western coast of Fraser Island and explore the remarkable sights of the UNESCO awarded Great Sandy Biosphere. Our expert ranger crew will help you spot marine life along the way, including turtles, dugongs and dolphins, plus a range of coastal and migratory birds. We enjoy lunch at the Sand & Wood Restaurant with time to explore the K’Gari World Heritage Centre, a visual space where visitors can learn, appreciate and form a greater understanding for the natural wonder that is Fraser Island! The Discovery Centre features a series of informative panels and striking photographs that give an insight into the unique and complex ecology of the world's largest sand island. It is these natural values that led to the island's World Heritage listing back in 1992. Visitors can learn about the vegetation, such as rainforests growing from sand and pristine freshwater lakes, paired with the unique wildlife that inhabit this diverse landscape. This afternoon we take part in a Ranger Guided Walk – Bush tucker talk & Bush Medicine. We enjoy a bush tucker talk and taste experience. Explore the Tastes of Australia program and experience the delights of our native bush tucker ingredients. Nibble on native berries bursting with flavour, and relish in the refreshing citrus of lemon myrtle, as our Chef and Resort Ranger explain how these ingredients can be utilised in cooking. With an endless list of native ingredients on our doorstep, our Chef will present a selection in their natural, and raw state, detailing their origin, and pairing them with freshly cooked kangaroo, crocodile and emu. With many of the ingredients grown on Fraser Island, watch on as Chef demonstrates how to use them, presents the cooked dishes for you to taste, and shares some recipe secrets. As Australia develops its own modern cuisine, and bush tucker become increasingly popular, you'll be fascinated to hear how these foods can enhance various dishes. The Bush tucker talk and taste is a fantastic introduction to your Australian culinary journey, before indulging in a fine dining experience at Seabelle Restaurant.

Day 9   -  Wednesday 9^th Nov          FRASER ISLAND - HOME                 (B,D)

After breakfast it’s time to say goodbye to Fraser Island as we board the Ferry back to Hervey Bay. We travel to the Sunshine Coast Airport where we board our flight back to Melbourne. On arrival in Melbourne you will be met by a Cardwell’s Representative who will transport you back to your home, after a memorable Sunshine Coast and Fraser Island holiday.

PRICE  $4336 per person, based on Twin Share

(Single Supplement $1990)