Marine Life, Islands & Reefs Tour Itinerary
REF:
AUF2
VERSION:
4
| Duration: | 14 days - Coolangatta/Gold Coast to Cairns |
| Countries Visited: | Australia |
| Age Guide: | Child 5-11 years
Adult 12-65 years |
| Max Group Size: | 16 |
| Transport: | Private Vehicle, Ferry, Boat, Train, On Foot |
| Accommodation: | Hotels (12 Nights), Overnight Train (1 Night) |
| What's Included: | 12 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 2 Dinners - All Activities and Entrance Fees as Per Itinerary - Local Tour Guides and Driver/Guides - Fraser Island – 4 Wheel Drive Tour - Whitsundays Island Stay - Great Barrier Reef Cruise - Sunlander Train Journey - Sea World |
| Local Payment: | NO LOCAL PAYMENT |
| Highlights: | Australia - Gold Coast - Sea World - Brisbane City Tour - Fraser Island - Great Sandy National Park - 4-Wheel Drive Tour - Basin Lake - Lake McKenzie - Kingfisher Bay - Sunlander Overnight Train - Whitsundays - Long Island - Airlie Beach - Tilt Train - Cairns - Great Barrier Reef Cruise |
| Optional Highlights: | Australia - Whitsundays Yacht Cruise - Kuranda Koala Gardens - Karunda Skyrail Gondola |
| Meeting Point: | Paradise Resort Gold Coast
122 Ferny Avenue
Surfers Paradise
Gold Coast
Queensland
Australia
Tel: +61 7 5579 4444
Fax: +61 7 5579 4492 |
| Introduction: | Australia is a vast country, and its main attraction is its natural beauty, ranging from tropical rainforests to crystal blue waters, coral reefs and white sandy beaches. This family adventure allows you to explore some of the highlights of the East Coast as we travel overland from the Gold Coast, Australia’s holiday playground, to Cairns in the tropical north. We begin with a day at Sea World, full of amazing marine life. Next stop Hervey Bay, gateway to Fraser Island, the world’s largest sand island. Here we take a 4-wheel drive tour to explore the beautiful lakes and creeks and beaches, maybe even spotting a turtle. An overnight journey on the famous Sunlander train brings us to the Whitsunday Coast where we spend two nights on Long Island, with options for water sports, island cruises, snorkeling on the reef, bush walks or just relaxing on the beach. Free time in Airlie Beach gives you the chance for options such as a Crocodile Safari around the Goorganga Wetlands, scenic flights, whale spotting (in season), or a visit to the Wildlife Park to see koalas and other animals. In Cairns we cruise out to the Great Barrier Reef, and then allow time to enjoy some of the many optional excursions and activities that Cairns has to offer. |
| Day 1: | Gold Coast (Coolangatta). Today is an arrival day into the Gold Coast - Australia's playground!
The pre departure meeting will be held at 6pm in the joining hotel, giving you the chance to meet your Local Tour Guide and fellow travellers, and the opportunity to ask any questions.
If you arrive early, the day will be free for you to swim in the endless surf beaches and explore the city sights and thrills of this action packed city. |
| Day 2: | Gold Coast - Sea World. Today after breakfast, you will be picked up and transferred to one of the most popular Theme Parks in Queensland where you can spend the whole day. Sea World is where you can make contact with marine life wonders, and experience a whole world of amazing rides, shows and attractions at a Gold Coast theme park favourite! More than just a theme park, Sea World is committed to educating guests about the marine environment, and playing an active role in Australian marine research and rescue. (B) |
| Day 3: | Gold Coast. Today is a free day for you to explore at your leisure. You may like to visit one of the other theme parks such as Wet 'n Wild or Movie World. Or you may just want to relax on the white sandy beaches. (B) |
| Day 4: | Gold Coast to Hervey Bay, Ferry to Fraser Island. Today we transfer back to Brisbane, Queensland's capital city, about an hour away, enjoying a city tour en route. From Brisbane we take the shuttle coach to Hervey Bay, and from there the Ferry to Fraser Island. Fraser Island – Great Sandy National Park is World Heritage Listed and is the world’s largest sand island. Here you have access to all the resorts facilities - Tennis courts, 4 swimming pools, beach swimming & volleyball. (B) |
| Day 5: | Fraser Island - 4 wheel drive tour. Today you will be collected from your resort early for a full day 4-wheel drive tour exploring Fraser Island. You will visit the beautiful Basin Lake where you can get up close and personal with the resident freshwater turtles; Central Station, an ancient rainforest and the reminders of a former, once bustling logging camp; Wanggoolba Creek, Pile Valley and Lake McKenzie with its white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters; and picture perfect Lake McKenzie which is even prettier than the postcards. Enjoy a refreshing afternoon swim before heading back to Kingfisher Bay for your last night on the island. (B,L) |
| Day 6: | Fraser Island, Overnight Sunlander Train to Whitsunday Coast. Today you will have the morning on Fraser Island with full use of all the resorts facilities before being transferred back to the mainland by ferry, and on to the famous Sunlander train for your overnight journey to the Whitsunday Coast. The ‘Sunlander’ is one of Australia’s great journeys and a firm favourite with travellers to the Tropical North. (B) |
| Day 7: | Long Island. Welcome to the Whitsunday’s! On arrival, you will be transferred to Long Island where you will spend two nights on this glorious island. Enjoy the magic of nature with scenic walking tracks, palm fringed beaches and coral reefs so close to shore. Long Island Resort boasts a comprehensive range of optional water sports. Parasailing, jet skiing, catamaran sailing, glass bottom boats, water-skiing, scuba dive activities, fishing trips and Island cruises are all available. (D) |
| Day 8: | Long Island. Today on Long Island the choice is yours - either relax by the pool or go snorkelling where no Whitsunday getaway is complete without enjoying the Great Barrier Reef. Long Island boasts coral reef only 150 metres off shore. Snorkels, fins and other equipment is available. The Great Barrier Reef is a sight not to be missed! Indulge in an island picnic utilizing the 20kms of bush tracks - our water sport team will even arrange for a picnic hamper to be waiting for you on your arrival at the secluded Sandy Bay. Don’t miss out on seeing the great flight of the fruit bats as they momentarily darken the sky at dusk. (B,L,D) |
| Day 9: | Long Island - Airlie Beach, Whitsundays. Enjoy the morning on this beautiful tropical island before being transferred back to your Airlie Beach Resort. Once settled into your hotel you will have the rest of the day to explore this delightful town. Perhaps have a latte in one of the many cafes or take a stroll up to Able Point Marina. (B,L,) |
| Day 10: | Airlie Beach, Whitsundays. Today is a free day for you to explore Airlie Beach or maybe take an excursion to one of the nearby attractions such as a Crocodile Safari around the Goorganga Wetlands, scenic flights, whale spotting (in season), or a visit to the Wildlife Park to see koalas and other animals. (B) |
| Day 11: | Tilt Train from Proserpine to Cairns. Today we transfer by coach to Proserpine where we catch the new Tilt Train to Cairns. Enjoy this fabulous scenic route journey along the Whitsunday coast up to the Tropical North Queensland passing through Australia’s famous sugar cane districts of Tully and Innisfail. (B) |
| Day 12: | Cairns - Great Barrier Reef Cruise. After being picked up from your hotel, you will be transferred to the marina to board your full day cruise out on the Great Barrier Reef, exploring the marine and coral life of the Low Isles, an unforgettable day of fun, discovery and adventure. (B) |
| Day 13: | Cairns - Free Day. Cairns is the adventure playground of Australia, offering bungy jumping, white water rafting, kayaking, ballooning, or the Skyrail up to the Rainforest. You may like to go to Kuranda and visit the Koala gardens and shop in the markets. Today is a free day for you to take part in one or more of these optional activities, do last minute shopping or just relax by the pool. (B) |
| Day 14: | Cairns. The tour ends today after breakfast. (B) |
| Finishing Point: | The Lakes Cairns Resort & Spa
2 Greenslopes Street
Cairns
Queensland
Australia
Tel: +61 7 4053 9400
Fax: +61 7 4053 9401 |
| Please Note: | Please be aware that arrival times and the itinerary may change due to unforeseen delays or events such as festivals and public holidays. However, we shall endeavour to ensure all sites are visited and that your tour runs as smoothly as possible. Be flexible, you will enjoy your tour much more.
This itinerary will be followed as closely as possible. However there may be times when it is necessary to change the route according to local conditions.
You are free not to participate in any of the included excursions. However, please note that there will be no refund for any excursions not taken.
Lastly, your tour leader is always conscious of everybody's views, but sometimes he/she will have to make an unpopular decision and your understanding will be appreciated in these circumstances. |
| What's Not Included: | All optional excursions and meals unless otherwise stated in the itinerary, drinks, visas, tipping, pre-tour and post-tour accommodation. |
| | Pre Departure Information Follows |
| |
| Pre Departure Meeting: | The Pre-Departure meeting is held at 6pm THE DAY of the scheduled departure date. The pre-departure meeting is held to discuss the tour itinerary in more detail, meet your crew and fellow passengers.
In each departure city we have named a joining hotel from where the tour will leave. It is your responsibility to make your way to this hotel.
PLEASE ADVISE KUMUKA OR YOUR AGENT IF YOU WILL BE ARRIVING LATE AND ARE THEREFORE UNABLE TO ATTEND THE PRE-DEPARTURE MEETING.
In addition the crew will check that all passengers have the necessary travel documents, insurance and immunization certificates for the tour. It is IMPORTANT that you attend this meeting. Please advise KUMUKA or your AGENT if you CANNOT attend this meeting.
All passengers MUST bring:
1. Passport.
2. Vaccination Certificate.
3. Travel Voucher.
4. Travel Insurance Policy. |
| Insurance: | Travel insurance is compulsory for all tours. All clients MUST be insured to cover personal accident, medical expenses, cancellation, curtailment, repatriation, etc. Also, be aware that many activities such as trekking, bungy jumping or white water rafting may not be covered on your insurance policy. If you plan on doing any of these activities please purchase additional insurance. We recommend that you have a photocopy of this document, which you keep separate from the original. If you have not already arranged your own travel insurance then Kumuka can do this for you. Please visit http://www.kumuka.com/Travel-Insurance.aspx for more details or contact your nearest Kumuka office.
Please Note: You will not be permitted to join a Kumuka Tour without travel insurance. |
| Passport: | Your passport is a valuable document and you should exercise extreme care in keeping it safe. We recommend that you keep your passport on you at all times, preferably in a money belt that is worn under your clothing. We advise that you take copies of relevant pages in your passport and any visas that you may purchase in case of loss or damage. Your tour leader will require your passport details at the pre-departure meeting. Again, we recommend that you have a photocopy of all passport details, kept separate. Your passport must be valid for six months after the END of your tour, and must have one blank page for each country to be visited. |
| Visa Requirements: | It is important that you obtain the appropriate visas before you embark on your Kumuka trip. Country entry regulations change daily, www.kumuka.com provides you with visa information. Please consult your relevant embassy for all details such as opening hours or costs.
EACH CLIENT IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR OBTAINING ALL NECESSARY VISAS BEFORE JOINING A TOUR.
Kumuka does not accept responsibility for changes in regulations or requirements for visas. The information provided is given in good faith. |
| Medical Information & Vaccinations: | Vaccinations:
No vaccinations are compulsory in Australia, however you may need additional inoculations so please contact your G.P or a travel medical centre for further information.
We also recommend:
A dental check-up prior to travelling.
That you know your blood group in case of emergency.
That if you have any pre-existing medical conditions which might affect you on tour, you make these known to your tour leader and your agent/Kumuka at the time of your booking.
You can also visit www.kumuka.com for further details.
Medical Supplies:
We advise that all passengers bring along their own personal first aid kit.
Below is a list of some recommended items:
Band Aids/Bandages, Laxatives, Upset stomach remedy, Anti-diarrhoea remedy, Panadol/Aspirin, Rehydration remedy, Antiseptic cream/powder, Sterile dressing, any relevant course of medication such as contraceptive pills.
A complete Travellers Medical Pack can be purchased for approximately US$25 at most Vaccination Centres, Chemists and outdoor travel shops. |
| Climate: | For detailed climate information see www.kumuka.com.
Travel Tip: Always bring a lightweight, waterproof jacket and/or an umbrella even during the height of summer - this should prepare you for anything! |
| Time: | For detailed information see www.timezoneconverter.com or www.timeanddate.com |
| Books and Reading Material: | You might like to read up on the destinations that you are about to visit as these cities all have interesting sites and histories. We recommend a variety of guidebooks such as Lonely Planet, The Rough Guide and Insight Guides. All these publications have good general information as well as more specific country information that will help orientate you in the countries you visit. |
| Security: | - Do not take unnecessary valuables with you.
- A money belt, or something similar, worn close to your body is the best way to carry passports, airline tickets and money.
- DO NOT leave any valuables in ANY hotel room, please use SAFETY DEPOSIT BOXES. Items are left at the individuals’ risk.
- Pickpockets operate worldwide, you must always exercise care.
- Be aware that anything left lying around could also be liable to theft. |
| Money: | We recommend an average of AU$50-75 per day. This of course depends on your own spending habits, the number of optional excursions you wish to take and the amount of additional snacks, souvenirs and drinks you wish to buy along the way. Be aware that some towns and cities are more expensive than others. Similarly there will be some days when you may spend nothing at all and others when you exceed your budget.
We advise that you carry a mixture of cash, credit/debit cards and travellers cheques with you on your trip. We suggest that you record your travellers cheque numbers and keep these records separate from your cheques. American Express and Thomas Cook Travellers Cheques are most widely accepted.
Credit cards are accepted virtually everywhere in Australia. They can also be used to obtain money from ATMs. You should make sure you know your PIN number. ATM cards can be used widely in Australia. Again, you will need your PIN. Your bank will provide you with more details. |
| Luggage and Personal Equipment: | How much should I take?
- Please bring lightweight walking shoes or sandals, and a day sac.
- Because of limited luggage space on transport, we must limit each passenger to ONE main suitcase or frameless backpack and one day bag. Your main bag must not weigh more than 20 kg’s. A frameless or internally framed backpack is the best way to carry your belongings since it is easy to lift on and off vehicles.
- A small daypack is practical for keeping general items (e.g. camera, books, wallets etc.) at hand when your main pack is out of reach. It is also handy for day trips and excursions.
- We also recommend that you keep your passport, credit cards travellers checks etc. on you at all times, preferably in a money belt worn under your clothes.
TRAVEL TIP: You might be tempted to buy a few souvenirs here and there, so leave a little room for those extra purchases!! |
| Personal Effects: | We suggest that you take into account the time of year you will be travelling, and pack accordingly to the season. Quick drying clothes are recommended, and at many hotels and campsites there are laundry facilities. Your tour leader will advise where this is possible.
Personal Effects:
Camera & film, Spare passport photos, Water bottle, Money belt, Torch, Sewing kit, Sunhat/ Sunglasses, Music cassettes/CDs, Books, Wet Ones, Soap to wash clothes, Writing materials, Swiss Army knife, Calculator, Personal toiletries, including tampons, Contraceptives, Insect Repellent, Sunscreen
For the children: A notebook to record the trip is a great idea - younger children can use it to stick postcards in and draw pictures of what they have seen, while older children will enjoy keeping a diary of everything they have got up to. A cheap digital camera will pay dividends, and you may want to invest in a portable DVD player. Travel games are a good idea for any longer journeys, or free time. |
| Acommodation: | We have put a lot of thought and effort into locating the most appropriate type of accommodation for each tour. It will always be clean, comfortable and of a very high standard. Depending on the tour, it will range from hotels and motels, to farm stays as well as camping and even swag bushcamps. |
| Drug Policy: | Under no circumstances are any illegal drugs allowed on any part of the trip. Anyone discovered in possession of any such drugs, will be asked to leave the tour immediately without question or refund. |
| Optionals: | Kumuka endeavors to advertise a compliment of optional activities available locally during tours with selected ground handlers to make your tour more enjoyable. These ground handlers and activity partners are selected for their standards in quality, professional ability and reputation. Although Kumuka has developed a travel insurance policy to cover all activities offered during your journey, Kumuka cannot be held responsible for injuries or claims arising from adventurous activities by a third party.
Details and prices of optional activities will be advised by your tour leader. |
| Staying in Touch: | Whilst on tour you will probably want to stay in touch with family and friends. There are several ways of doing this:
Mobile Phone – Before departing your home country check with your phone supplier to see if it compatible with the mobile phone networks in the countries that you are traveling to, and how much will it cost to use abroad.
Email – Internet Cafes are very cheap and popular, and you are sure to come across several during your tour. If you haven’t done so already, set up a free Google Mail, Hotmail, or Yahoo email account which you can then access from any computer. Internet Cafes will charge a nominal fee for using their computers. Within Europe some hotels charge a wifi connection fee and we cannot guarantee a wifi connection at all hotels we use.
Twitter – A method of communication that is rapidly gaining in popularity on the Internet especially amongst travelers. Twitter allows you to send short messages and update your friends and family with where you are on tour and what you are doing. Create your free account at http://twitter.com. Visit Kumuka’s page on Twitter at http://twitter.com/kumuka
Facebook – Very popular website that allows you to upload stories, get in touch with fellow travellers before and after your Kumuka tour, upload photos and videos to share with other travellers, your family and friends. To create a free account, go to www.facebook.com and then become a fan of Kumuka’s Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/Kumuka-Worldwide/26617121087?ref=ts
Postcards – The good ol’ fashioned postcard. But you will probably get home before the postcard does! |
| Tour Feedback: | Tour Questionnaire - We would like to hear about your experiences on tour. One week after your tour ends you will automatically receive a feedback questionnaire via email. If we do not have your email address you can still complete a questionnaire by visiting www.kumuka.com/feedback
Email - If you have any specific comments about your tour then please write to us by email to operations@kumuka.com |
| Contact Details: | KUMUKA WORLDWIDE
UK OFFICE
Hillswood Business Park 3000
Hillswood Drive Chertsey KT16 0RS
Tel: +4420 7937 8855 Fax: +442075043782
Email: sales@kumuka.com
www.kumuka.com
AUSTRALIAN OFFICE
Level 5, 387 George Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Tel: 02 9279 0491 Fax: 02 9279 0492
Email: sales@kumuka.com.au
www.kumuka.com.au |
| Map: |  |
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This tour is operated by Kumuka Worldwide. Information given in all brochures, leaflets
and dossiers is given in good faith by the company, and is based on the latest information
available at the date of publication. The company reserves the right to change any
of the facilities or vehicles described in the brochure without becoming liable
for compensation or refund. |
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