As a valued agent www.australia4tours.com offer tours from Adventure Tours Australia an award winning company specialising in active, small group safaris for the adventurous traveller. We offer an extensive range of tours here exploring the highlights and hidden delights of Australia. Our tours are nature-based with the emphasis on the unique scenery, wildlife and Aboriginal culture of each area and they cater for everyone from the fit and adventurous who want to get off the beaten track to those who prefer the sound of ‘soft adventure’ and more comfortable facilities!

1st April 2008 - 31st March 2009

Hostel multi-shared dorm:
Adult: AUD$2395
Child: AUD$1875 (8-11yrs)

Ensuite accommodation upgrade to 9 nights (per person):
Twin/Double: AUD$230

• Note: Twin/Double or Triple accommodation is not included at Whitsunday Sailing.
For further details on upgrade accommodation, please email us

• Note: Double/Twin upgrade accommodation is subject to availability at time of booking. Upgrade option is not available at during sailing. Double/twin rooms do not feature ensuite facilities at Kroombit or Carnarvon Gorge. Upgrade accommodation is only available when passengers are booking and travelling together.

:: Itinerary - Season 1st April 2008 - 31st March 2009

Day 1: Byron Bay to Rainbow Beach

From Byron Bay you will travel via the Gold Coast to Brisbane, stopping off to try one of the craziest adventure activities ever developed by the kiwis – zorbing (optional extra). Roll down a hill in a 3.5metre plastic ball filled with warm water for a huge amount of fun, and then continue on to Brisbane. We take a short break at the spectacular lookout at Wild Horse Mountain for panoramic views of the Sunshine Coast overlooking Noosa and Mooloolaba, before arriving at Rainbow Beach; a vibrant young coastal town, with glistening coloured sands and a relaxed atmosphere. (D)

Days 2 - 3 : 2 Day Fraser Island Tour

Spend the next two days exploring Fraser Island on a ranger guided 4WD safari with Fraser Explorer, staying at Eurong Resort. You will drive along Seventy-Five Mile Beach, visit Lakes’ Wabby and Mackenzie, Eli Creek, the Maheno Wreck and climb Indian Head. Return to Rainbow Beach for an overnight stay. (Day 4: LD Day 5: BLD)

Day 4: Rainbow Beach to Kroombit Cattle Station

This morning take part in a cultural demonstration from your guide, learning about the didgeridoo, boomerang and spear throwing, and the Rainbow Serpent. After a few hours at Rainbow Beach we head inland through cattle country to Kroombit Cattle Station. Here we experience genuine outback living with the chance to ride a mechanical bull and take a walk of the property. Tonight you will taste a traditional camp oven dinner, cooked in the open fire. (D)

Day 5: Kroombit Cattle Station

Today is jam-packed with wonderful activities also included in the price of your tour. Learn first-hand about Queensland farming life as you participate in a “muster” on horseback, try your skill at trap-shooting and witness a mini-rodeo as animals are herded into the ring. This evening enjoy another hearty camp-oven dinner and re-live your days experiences around the campfire with a beer from the bush bar. (BLD)

Day 6: Kroombit to Carnarvon Gorge

This morning, start the day with a hearty bush breakfast, before heading further inland through Central Queensland’s remote outback to the little known jewel of Carnarvon National Park. Carnarvon Gorge, central to this park is a remarkable natural attraction with 30kms of walking trails, 200 species of birds, ancient plants and Aboriginal rock-art dating back 3,500 years. This afternoon we will get a taste of the gorge with a short walk amongst the numerous kangaroos and wallabies that inhabit the area. Overnight in large permanent tents among the wilderness. (BD)

Day 7: Carnarvon Gorge

Chances are that your sleep will be broken this morning by the many birds that live amongst trees surrounding the camp. After breakfast you will spend the full day hiking through the many walking trails scattered throughout this magnificent gorge. Walks are mostly of easy grade and therefore suitable for all ages and fitness levels, however the options are varied. You will see 500 year old cycads, grass trees and eucalypts, native wildlife and learn about the indigenous ancestors that inhabited this region for more than 3500 years. See the best examples of rock-art in Queensland, made from the ochre taken from the region. After a days exercise, you will return to your camp for a good nights sleep within this wilderness region. (B L D)

Day 8: Carnarvon Gorge to Airlie Beach

We start early today for our big drive from Carnarvon Gorge to the Mackay region. This is the first time we’ve hit the coast in four days and we now follow the coast to arrive at the Whitsunday gateway of Airlie Beach where we stay overnight. (B)

Days 9-11: Whitsunday Sailing

You will have the opportunity to sun-bathe, snorkel and swim whilst exploring the idyllic Whitsunday Islands on a yacht worth millions of dollars. Visit the many beaches, coves and islands on this two night sailing trip, with the opportunity to hoist the sails and even take the wheel. Note that you will sleep on the boat, moored in quiet coves. Cabins are share only; no twin and doubles for these two nights. Back on land, we leave Airlie Beach and head to Townsville. From here we take the ferry to Magnetic Island, so named by Captain Cook because his compass went crazy when he sailed past in 1771. This evening, relax with a cold beer and watch the sunset from the beach bar of the only backpackers resort in Australia located right on the beach. (Day 11: D Day 12: BLD Day 13: B)

Day 12: Magnetic Island to Cairns

We head out early for the historical forts walk, keeping an eye out for the koalas in their natural habitat and taking in stunning panoramic views of the Coral Sea. After the short ferry trip back to the mainland, we drive to the Johnstone River Crocodile Farm to learn more about the most feared animal in Northern Australia: the estuarine or saltwater crocodile. Learn how this prehistoric animal has survived and flourished in Australia’s harsh north and see large crocodiles up close and personal. From here, we stop at Babinda Boulders for a refreshing rainforest walk. As we ve into Cairns, you will be able to cherish the many great experiences of Australia’s East Coast.

Notes:

•The group size of maximum 24 people relates to our buses, but the Whitsunday Sailing and Fraser Island 4WD touring is operated by partner companies, whose group size will vary based on demand and boats available.

• Itinerary may vary and/or attractions be substituted due to seasonal conditions and National Park requirements. Carnarvon Gorge is known for flooding at random times throughout the year and during these times it is inaccessible by road due to high river crossings. Carnarvon Gorge may be substituted with other activities Carnarvon Gorge may be substituted with activities in the Rockhampton and Whitsunday region and accommodations.

•Double/Twin upgrade accommodation is subject to availability at time of booking.

• Upgrade accommodation is subject to availability, must be requested at time of booking and is not available at Carnarvon Gorge or whilst sailing. Double/Twin rooms do not feature Ensuite facilities at Kroombit. Upgrade accommodation is budget style, may be located on different premises to multi-share accommodation and may only be booked by passengers who book and travel together. Single upgrade is not available.

• These packages comprise a couple of different tours; therefore you may travel with a different guide and passengers’ enroute.
• Package is not suitable for children under 8 years of age.

• Advertised accommodation may be substituted with alternative accommodation of a similar or superior standard at any time due to lack of availability.

• Fees
..Fraser Island fee is not included and payable upon arrival (AUD$16).
.. Whitsunday Sailing does not include Environmental Management Charge (Reef Tax) and other fees, payable upon arrival (AUD $32).
.. Fuel levy AUD$15 applies.
.. AUD $10-$15 stinger suit hire (Oct-May).
.. Optional Activities: Zorbing from $20.00pp

• Safaris must be reconfirmed by 4pm the day before travel with the tour operator only.

The following activities, supplied by our adventure partners, are valued at appr. *$800 and are all INCLUDED:

• 2 day (fully guided) 4WD Fraser Island Safari
• Cultural demonstration: didgeridoo, boomerang throwing
• 2 night stay on an “outback cattle station”
  .. Participate in a goat muster on horseback
  .. Trap-shoot with a shot gun
  .. Be a cowboy in action at the mini-rodeo
  .. Dinner is traditional camp-oven style
  .. Ride the mechanical bull!
• Hike and explore remote (& wildlife abundant) Carnarvon Gorge (2 night stay)
• Seen the movie “Crackerjack”? We teach you how to play lawn bowls!
• LIVE ABOARD 2 night sailing – the Whitsunday Islands - what dreams are made from!
• Ferry across to and stay overnight on Magnetic Island
• See massive salt-water ‘crocs’ up close and personal at a crocodile farm
• 9 nights accommodation (including 2 nights aboard a yacht and 2 nights tented
• Selected meals as per itinerary!
• 12 days of touring, activities, hikes
• Our guide – a wealth of information – fun – and a pretty good cook!