Best of Brisbane & the Great Barrier Reef

Depart North America for your flight to Australia.

A day will be lost to travel as you approach Australia.

Upon arrival in Brisbane you will bet by a Goway Representative and transferred to your accommodation. The once sleepy town of Brisbane has emerged in recent decades as one of Australia's fastest-growing capital cities. With a year-round sub-tropical climate, it is also the gateway to Queensland’s Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, two Australian vacation spots with top-notch beaches and facilities.

The Brisbane River flows through the city's hilly topography, making a river cruise a great way to see the city. Top this off with riverside dining on Brisbane’s South Bank, then roam the trendy bars and cafes of West End, or for serious nightlife, cab it to Fortitude Valley. Culture lovers will want to dive into the city's riverside museum district next to South Bank, while shoppers should head to the city centre's Queen Street Mall.

The Koala and River Cruise is a memorable journey on the Brisbane River to the oldest and largest Koala Sanctuary in the world. The cruise travels through the city's most historic landscapes, iconic attractions, historical home sites and interesting wildlife habitats as you listen to an entertaining and informative commentary.

Enjoy an amazing day at Tangalooma Island Resort, just a 75-minute cruise from Brisbane. Go further than land can take you and enjoy a cruise along the Moreton Bay Regions protected marine park. As you motor along the bay in a Glass Bottom Boat you are able to see the marine life beneath the surface. Knowledgeable guides will tell you all about the island and its surrounds. Later, join the local Eco Rangers at dusk to hand feed a member of the wild dolphin family. This experience is undoubtedly the highlight of any visit to Tangalooma. You'll also enjoy lunch and full access to the resort facilities including land-based activities, pool tables, swimming pools, restaurants, bars, and more.

Enjoy your day at leisure in Brisbane, the capital of Queensland and the fastest growing city in the country.  Perhaps get to know the River City on a city tour that introduces you to its history and café club culture. Visit the Story Bridge, Treasury Casino, and then cruise the Brisbane River, the longest river in the region, while you sip Devonshire tea and learn about the city’s convict history (touring not included but can be added)

You will be transferred to the airport this morning for your flight to Cairns. On arrival you will transferred to Port Douglas. With its choice of resorts and amazing dining options, Port Douglas is the ideal base for exploring pristine rainforests and the Great Barrier Reef.

The laidback tropical town of Port Douglas is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and the expanses of the Daintree Rainforest. It’s also a popular resort destination in its own right, with the tree-fringed sands of Four Mile Beach stretching down the bay and a leafy, compact town centre lined with hip cafés and bars. Tour boats depart daily for sightseeing cruises to nearby coral cays and expeditions to spectacular diving spots on the outer reefs.

Enjoy a full day reef and island cruise to Low Isles. Sail to and explore this protected coral cay, with white sandy beaches and coconut palms, surrounded by coral gardens and the Coral Sea. Sailaway moors in the sheltered blue lagoon for five hours. Just relax on the island, join the guided snorkel tour, take a trip on the glass bottom boat or laze on the deck after a buffet lunch. Later, enjoy sailing back to the mainland.

Enjoy a day at leisure.   Located on beautiful Four Mile Beach, Port Douglas offers a “village by the sea” atmosphere.  You can take advantage of any optional activities available or simply relax.

Your tour begins with being met by your friendly accredited guide at your accommodation. After introductions, drive north along the magnificent scenic coastal route learning about the history of the area and admiring spectacular views of the coastline and the Azure waters of the Coral Sea. The first stop is at the Majestic Daintree River for morning tea (tea, coffee & biscuits) before enjoying an informative River Cruise. Relax and enjoy the splendour only the Daintree Rainforest can offer as you learn of Estuarine Crocodiles, mangrove forests and endemic wildlife. Next, make your way up over the Alexandra Range and pause for a panoramic view of World Heritage, Wet Tropics, and Tropical Rainforest merging with the azure colours of the Coral Sea. Your guide will take you on a journey through ancient Daintree Rainforest, whilst giving you an interpretation of flora and fauna. You will have ample time for photographs and questions as you search for the elusive, rare and totally unique Southern Cassowary and other wildlife species. Enjoy lunch at a local cafe. After lunch, continue along the 4WD Bloomfield Track through to pristine Emmagen Creek. Now it is time for a refreshing rainforest stream swim. Then make your way to Cape Tribulation Beach and stroll along the beach and boardwalk to the photographers' platform overlooking the mountains and coast where the 'Rainforest meets the Reef'. Head back with a stop at the Daintree Ice-cream Company (ice cream at own expense).

Your Queensland adventure ends today with a transfer to Cairns airport to connect with your next flight back to North America, of course if you have time – why not stay longer?