Best Single Travel - 18 - 35 Year Old College Students, singles and Young Professionals travel to tour Australia on Australian Cairns Sunshine Trail vacations

Get down on the farm, enjoy the idyllic island life, smile at the crocodiles, snorkel the Whitsundays, dive the Great Barrier Reef, and then dance the night away in Cairns. This extravaganza shows you all that 'Down Under' has to offer. But don't feel you must leave when the tour ends. Why not visit New Zealand and see two more of the South Pacific's feature islands?

Itinerary

Day 1 and 2 Depart for Australia
Fly over the international date line on your way to Australia.

Day 3 Surfers Paradise
Check-in to your hotel after 2pm, then enjoy an afternoon exploring. At 6:00pm meet your crew, and head into Surfers Paradise for a great night out to meet your tour mates. Hotel

Day 4 Surfers Paradise
So much to do in the name of leisure. Here goes! Relax on 42km (26miles) of white sand beaches, or if you're feeling adventurous - why not try a tandem skydive, Tigermoth joyflight or Harley Davidson ride. All are available in Australia's biggest playground. Hotel

Day 5 Surfers Paradise to Fraser Island
First up we'll take in the sights and sounds of Brisbane, before heading to Noosa Heads with its stunning beaches and great shopping. We'll continue north along the coast meeting our launch to Fraser Island. Eco Lodge (B,D)

Day 6 Fraser Island
Now you're on the largest sand island in the world! What to do? Here are a few clues. Why not take a 4-wheel drive bus tour through the rainforests, a guided bushwalk or a swim in the fresh water lakes? With this many options there's no chance of going troppo! Eco Lodge

Day 7 Fraser Island to Country Homestead
We travel north to the heart of Australia's beef industry on the Capricorn Coast, and our unique Aussie experience at our Country Homestead. Enjoy a hearty meal and hospitality the Australian way! Country Homestead (B,D)

Day 8 Country Homestead to the Whitsundays
On our way to Airlie Beach, gateway to the Whitsundays, we'll visit Mackay - Australia's sugar capital. Boarding our launch at Shute Harbour, we make the short journey to Long Island, one of the jewels of the Whitsundays. Resort (B,D)

Day 9 and 10 Whitsundays
Time to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and great amenities of Long Island. If you're feeling energetic why not go bushwalking, play tennis or beach volleyball, or take to the water with a snorkel or a jet ski? If you prefer to relax then unwind on the palm-lined beach, have a massage, or sip cocktails at the bar as you watch another perfect sunset. Resort (B)(B)

Day 11Whitsundays to Cairns
It's north to Townsville to explore the scenic lookout of Castle Hill, overlooking Magnetic Island. This evening we'll check into our Cairns hotel, situated in a lush tropical setting. Resort (B)

Day 12 and 13 Cairns
For the adventurous, a chance to do some white water rafting on the rapids of the Tully River, or take the opportunity to visit the famous Outer Barrier Reef aboard a high-speed catamaran. Why not scuba dive amidst amazingly colourful tropical fish? Or if you prefer, maybe spend the days at leisure doing some shopping in town. In the evening we'll check out more tropical wildlife at one of Cairns' nightclubs! Resort (B)

Day 14 Cairns
Our final morning is spent with a visit to Tjapukai and Kuranda to watch traditional aboriginal dancers, learn how to throw a boomerang and to appreciate the beauty of the Atherton Tablelands. What a way to finish...see you next time! Say a final farewell as your tour ends upon our return to Cairns at midday.

Important Trip Details

Highlights

All these highlights along with city sightseeing are included in your tour price!

Included

Accommodations

Fraser Island

Whale Watching (Aug-Oct only) (A$95): Take a half-day cruise on Hervey Bay and view the southern humpback whales returning south to Antarctica after calving in the northern waters. Whale watching boats cruise amongst the huge mammals allowing you to view from close range while they rest and play. Available from August to October only.
Fraser Island 4-Wheel Drive Adventures (Full Day A$145, Half Day A$80): The best way to explore the world's largest sand island is by 4-wheel drive vehicle. You have the choice of either a half or full day 4WD bus excursion, escorted by an expert local guide who will take you to some of the best spots on the island, such as stunning Lake McKenzie, Central Station and Wanggoolba Creek. The full day tour includes lunch.

Whitsundays

Outer Barrier Reef Cruise (A$185): Cruise to the Great Barrier Reef aboard an air conditioned, high speed catamaran. On the journey to the Reef, enjoy complimentary tea and coffee while being shown the art of snorkelling and watching educational reef videos. Once on the Reef, take a tour in a glass-bottomed boat and semi-submersible, but the very best way to experience the Reef is to get amongst it by swimming and snorkelling. If you wish, try an optional scuba dive, with instruction and equipment provided and to top off a fantastic day, a sumptuous buffet lunch is provided. Includes Environmental Charge.
Whitsunday Day Sail (A$ 240): Sailing the Whitsundays is a must for all visitors. This is an outstanding opportunity to see the Whitsunday Passage in all it's glory. Sail past tropical islands on your way to the pristine water and white sand of Whitehaven Beach (weather dependent), regarded as one of the top ten beaches in the world. Enjoy lunch before returning late afternoon. Price includes an Environmental Management Charge.

Cairns

AJ Hackett Bungy Jump (A$125 (Bungy); A$69 (Minjin)): Face your fears as you jump from the famous AJ Hackett Bungy Tower! With panoramic views out to the Great Barrier Reef it's a memorable experience. Or tackle the "Minjin" swing through the rainforest at speeds up to 100kph. Note: Prices do not include the A$5 Personal Insurance Levy - paid separately. www.AJHackett.com
Tandem Sky-Diving (From A$260): Have you ever felt the need to jump out of a light aircraft? Attached to an expert parachutist, who will do all the work while you have all the fun, you'll experience the rush of a freefall before gently floating to earth while enjoying sensational views. Price includes compulsory levy.
Skyrail (From A$38): Climb aboard for the "World's most beautiful rainforest experience". Skyrail will take you on a cableway ride just above the Rainforest canopy between Cairns and Kuranda. On the way you have the chance to experience the beauty and diversity of the rainforest at floor level at the two interactive stations. Take walks, see the displays at a Rainforest Interpretive Centre or ask questions of the expert local guides.
Scuba Diving (in addition to Outer Barrier Reef Cruise) (From A$70): Take the opportunity of a lifetime to try scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef. You will be assisted with all equipment and training. Certified dives, and introductory dives for beginners, are available. Anyone is able to participate (subject to medical conditions). Diving is fun and easy - don't miss out!
Outer Barrier Reef Cruise (From A$150): A full day out to the Great Barrier Reef aboard a luxury high-speed catamaran. Included in your day is snorkelling (all equipment provided), coral viewing by semi-submersible and underwater observatory, marine biologist presentation, plus a smorgasbord lunch with seafood and morning and afternoon teas. Includes Environmental Charge.
Hot Air Ballooning (A$180): Put your alarm on for an early start! This adventure begins at dawn and with your help, the balloon is filled and made ready for lift off! The next half hour is peacefully spent in mid-air, gazing at the ancient landscape of the Atherton Tablelands, formed by extinct volcanic activity. Once you have landed, enjoy breakfast and a glass or two of cold champagne. Price includes insurance & aviation levies.
Guided Horse & Quad Bike Tours (Horse Riding: A$105; Quad Bikes: A$125): Experience the Aussie bush and rainforest as you meander on horseback or charge by All-Terrain Vehicle along nature trails. See the awesome views of the gorgeous coastline. For beginners or the more experienced. Prices include Insurance Levy.
White Water Rafting (From A$160): Enjoy over 4 hours of white water rafting on the Tully River. Excitement builds as you tackle world-famous rapids that take you through spectacular rainforest. A delicious lunch on the riverbank is followed by more first-class rafting. Includes Insurance & Park levies.
Daintree Rainforest Day Tour (A$150): A 'bush walk on wheels', not a bus ride! Enjoy a spectacular day seeing the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation. Swim in a waterhole, see the unique wildlife, and have lunch off the beaten track in this full day adventure.