Sydney- Hervey Bay- Fraser Island
Our adventure begins with an early morning departure from Sydney along the New South Wales coast passing Coffs Harbour and Coolangatta and over both Stradbroke islands, finally landing at Hervey Bay. From here we transfer across to Fraser Island.
Our island tour begins with a journey into the lush central rainforest, crossing to the coast where we take time to view and swim in the pure waters of the many fresh water lakes that abound on this island paradise. The day ends at Kondari Resort for a well-earned rest in preparation for the journey tomorrow.
Hervey Bay- Hughenden- Porcupine Gorge
Once again airborne we head for the small central Queensland town of Hughenden, from here we drive into the Porcupine Gorge National Park. The gorge is one of the hidden treasures of Australia as yet undiscovered by tourists. It'' spectacular vibrantly coloured sheer walls give rise to it being known locally as Australia's little "Grand Canyon"
Hughenden- Charters Towers
Before departure we visit the Dinosaur centre where "Hughie", a life-size replica of a Muttaburrasaurus is the star attraction. After reboarding the aircraft we fly northwards skirting the Great Dividing Range to Charters Towers. Founded with the discovery of gold, the town retains its original 1800's character with such buildings as the Stock Exchange. The day is spent exploring the history of the district.
Charters Towers- Undara- Chillagoe
After a leisurely breakfast we head north crossing the Lumholtz National Park, flying over the Savannah country to Undara, home of one of the natural wonders of the world. It is here that the largest volcanic lava tube system is located.
After lunch we explore the lava tube system with a member of the Savannah Guide Association who conducts us on an ecological and geologic tour of the area. Of special interest is the giant cavern that forms part of the main lava tube.
In the late afternoon we reboard the aircraft for the flight to the Atherton Tableland town of Chillagoe, our overnight accommodation is at the Chillagoe Eco Lodge.
Chillagoe- Cairns
This morning we go underground as we explore the famous Limestone Caves especially the Royal Arch Cave with its network of etched passages and huge caverns.
We conclude the day with a short flight across the Atherton Tablelands- our destination is Cairns, capital of far North Queensland.
Cairns- Kurunda- Skyrail- Cairns
After breakfast we join the Kurunda Scenic Railway for the 34km run from Cairns up into the Atherton Tablelands. Built in 1891, the line is an accurate representation of the period and is classified by the National Trust. The journey takes us from the coastal plain through the rainforest and Barron Gorge to Kurunda.
After lunch in one of the many restaurants we walk across the Skyrail terminus for the journey back down the mountains to Cairns. Below us we see the panoramic view of the rainforest, with the Great Barrier Reef stretching beyond the land fringe.
Cairns- Cooktown (via road)
Today we use a special 4WD vehicle to travel overland along the coast to Cooktown. Our morning tea break is at Port Douglas where we see the development that has taken place in the boom-time of the 1980's. The road travels past Cape Tribulation, which borders the eastern edge of the Daintree Rainforest across the Bloomfield River where we visit the Bloomfield Falls. We take time to see this wilderness and attempt to understand why so many protested against the construction of the road we are travelling along.
A major attraction along the way is a cruise on the Daintree River where we see crocodiles sunning themselves on the riverbank.
The journey concludes in Cooktown, where in 1770 Captain James Cook nearly came to grief when his ship, the Endeavour, ran aground and subsequently was beached for repairs. We have a brief tour of Cooktown itself and drive up to Grassy Hill Lookout from where the 360-degree view is spectacular.
Cooktown- Bamaga- Cape York
This morning you are free to explore Cooktown before a midday departure for the Torres Strait. The flight today is probably the highlight of the tour as we fly along the coast. From an altitude of a mere 1500ft we see the ever-changing colour of the water as coral reefs replace deeper water. Of particular interest is Lizard Island below us and Cook's Passage.
Our destination today is the Pajinka Wilderness Lodge at Bamaga. Pajinka is owned by the local Native Australian community and is truly an oasis in the wilderness. From here we may walk to the tip of the Australian continent, view the tropical vegetation that so typifies this region and perhaps take a stroll along Frangipani Beach. After an early dinner you may elect to take the optional nocturnal tour into the "bush" with a qualified naturalist guide.
Bamaga- Horn Island- Thursday Island- Kurumba
Today we board the aircraft for the short flight across to Horn Island. The aerial view as we depart Bamaga gives a clear picture of the many reefs and islands that make this region one of the most hazardous to shipping.
Upon landing at Horn Island we transfer by launch across to Thursday Island, where we tour around the island; up to Fort Victoria on Green Hill to the Japanese memorial and to visit the many old churches and buildings typical of Torres Strait.
After lunch we head South down the Western side of Cape York, stopping at Weipa for fuel, continuing Southwards to the small town of Karumba. Made famous as a WWII flying boat base, today it is headquarters to a large prawn fishing fleet. We overnight here at the Karumba Lodge, which was once part of the RAAF base.
Karumba- Normanton- Lark Quarry- Winton
This morning our first flight is the short distance across to Normanton, where we have chartered the Gulflander Train (shown above) for a rail journey back in time. After an early lunch in the Normanton Pub we fly Southwards across the myriad of rivers that drain into the Gulf of Carpentaria.
Our destination is Lark Quarry where we observe "footprints of the past". Around 100 million years ago a herd of dinosaurs stampeded leaving their tracks forever etched in the ground. The day concludes with a drive back into Winton, our overnight stopping point.
Winton- Gilgandra
After a leisurely breakfast we tour the town which includes a visit to the Qantilda Pioneer Museum, where the first board meeting of Qantas was held. This museum, although not as well known as others, arguably houses some of the finest pioneering mementos in Australia.
After lunch the aircraft heads SouthEast over the sparse backcountry of Western Queensland. En route we stop at Cunnamulla to refuel before continuing on to our overnight stop of Gilgandra.
Gilgandra- Warrumbungle Mountains- Sydney
This morning we head off to some of the most spectacular mountains in New South Wales- the Warrumbungle Ranges. Here we view this rugged area and take the opportunity to visit the Siding Springs Observatory. We reboard the aircraft mid-afternoon for the flight into Sydney.
Cost: $4 599 (off peak) $5 499 (peak)
Single supplement: $399
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