Shortly after departing Los Angeles you will be served dinner and you will be given breakfast before landing in Brisbane.

Relax, watch some movies, and try to get some sleep!

Please confirm with the airline at check-in that they have all your Frequent Flyer information on record (if applicable).

Your flight with take you direct from Brisbane to Hamilton Island Airport.

Travel to your accommodation on Hamilton Island, Australia where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 2 nights.

Romantic and affordable, the Bungalows are designed for couples and families holidaying on a budget. Surrounded by tropical landscaped gardens and Hamilton Island’s lush foliage, the bungalows have everything you need for a comfortable island holiday.

The freestanding bungalows are simple yet charming, offering a “back to nature” experience. The bungalows offer seclusion in a convenient location, with the island’s main swimming pool and shops and restaurants of Marina Village just minutes away.

The Main Pool and Catseye Beach are a two-minute walk away. The reception operates 24 hours a day and are serviced daily. Guests staying here have complimentary use of non-motorised water sports equipment, including catamarans, paddle skis, snorkelling equipment and windsurfers.

On-island transport includes unlimited use of the scheduled Island Shuttle service and complimentary Hamilton Island airport to the Bungalows transfers on arrival and departure.

Experience the Wild side of Hamilton Island, with this up close and personal encounter to all kinds of Australian animals.

Conveniently located on the resort side of the island, WILD LIFE Hamilton island lets you get up close and personal encounter to all kinds of Australian animals.

Explore the park, go on one of the many guided tours with expert keepers or stroll through the park at your own pace! It’s a eye-opening and fun experience for visitors of all ages.

One of the only places in Australia where you’ll be able to cuddle a Koala! Don’t miss this opportunity to miss this Koala Encounter.

Experience the gorgeous views of the Great Barrier Reef on this heli ride over the waters.

Be lifted in body and spirit as you experience one of the most breathtaking views over Heart Reef Whitsunday Island and Hill Inlet.

Tee off beside the Whitsundays at the Hamilton Island Golf Club, one of the world’s premier golfing destinations. The course is adjacent to Hamilton Island on its own patch of paradise, Dent Island.

Designed by five-time British Open winner Peter Thomson, it is the only championship course in Australia on its own island. The par 71, 18-hole course is on par with Australia’s top golfing destinations for its design, location and facilities. Spectacularly located with panoramic Whitsundays views, the Hamilton Island course will challenge and delight weekend golfers and professionals alike.

Your About Australia destination specialist can reserve your tee time.

Take a your own self-guided your around Hamilton Island on one of the island’s iconic golf buggies.

It’s a great way to see the island at your own pace or to get between your accommodation and points of interest across the island.

Visit magnificent Whitehaven Beach with its white silica sands, explore secluded bays with crystal clear waters and enjoy swimming and snorkeling during the day.

On the eastern side of the uninhabited Whitsunday Island see nature at its unspoiled, spectacular best. Magical Whitehaven Beach is considered one of the top 10 beaches in the world and one of the must-see icons of the Whitsundays. With 7 kilometers of glistening pure white natural silica sand, enjoy beach activities, take a leisurely stroll and explore, swim in the crystal-clear waters or simply lay back under the sun shelters and enjoy a good book!

Board a high speed, air-conditioned catamaran and keep an eye out for dolphins, turtles and whales (June to September) as you cruise through the calm, turquoise waters. Your experienced crew will provide expert commentary on the geographical surroundings and history of the Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

Whitehaven Beach is in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. It’s a protected area, so please ensure you take nothing away from the beach with you except photos and memories, and please make sure you don’t leave any trash behind. Please leave it as you found it – which is picture perfect!

Operates
Daily AM Departures
Departs Daydream Island 7:45am and returns 1:50pm (approx.)
Departs Hamilton Island 8:30am and returns 12:30pm (approx.)

Includes
– Scenic cruise
– 2 hours at Whitehaven Beach
– Morning tea
– Self guided Solway Circuit walk
– Return transfers to accommodations

Need to Know
Please bring swimwear & beach towel, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, light jacket, camera, and credit/debit card for optional onboard purchases. This experience can be catered to your dietary needs. Please advise of any special dietary requirements when completing your Traveler Information Form. The itinerary is subject to change.

Upgrades
Full day tour

Tonight you have the amazing opportunity to spend a night sleeping under the stars at the Great Barrier Reef!

There can be few more unique experiences offered in the world than the chance to sleep under the stars, 40 nautical miles from shore on the Great Barrier Reef! You’ll spend the night on a permanently moored pontoon located on Hardy Reef – one of the most spectacular stretches of the Great Barrier Reef.

By day, take part in amazing Great Barrier Reef Adventures activities – diving, snorkeling, and swimming with thousands of fish. As the sun sets, a soft hush settles over the reef… just the sound of the water, maybe a few sea birds. As dusk approaches watch for turtles surfacing or coming to nibble the seaweed around the pontoon. Watch as the sun sets over the reef while you sip your sundowner and then see the reef really come to life in the darkness of the night. You might even opt for a night dive if you’re certified! Gaze up at a gazillion stars from your comfy swag set up on the top deck of the pontoon before the tranquility of being in the middle of the ocean lulls you to sleep.

In the morning, enjoy more private time with the reef before the day guests join you. Optional guided snorkeling and diving trips during this exclusive time at the pontoon with your small group will see you visit very special spots – giant Maori Wrasse, spectacular coral formations, a myriad of tropical fish, turtles and reef sharks all might make an appearance. If you’re not a keen swimmer then have the underwater viewing chamber to yourself and watch your fellow guests swim around, or look at the coral from the comfort of our semi-submersible vessel. You’ll head home with the day guests onboard the reef vessel in the afternoon, taking home plenty of memories and stories to tell.

Highlights & Inclusions: 2 day / 1 night experience; Large, modern, vessel transfers; Overnight in swags under stars or a private double room; Breakfast, 2 morning & afternoon teas, 2 buffet lunches and barbecue dinner; Activities as specified; All the stars you can see!

Travel to your accommodation on Hamilton Island, Australia where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 1 night.

Romantic and affordable, the Bungalows are designed for couples and families holidaying on a budget. Surrounded by tropical landscaped gardens and Hamilton Island’s lush foliage, the bungalows have everything you need for a comfortable island holiday.

The freestanding bungalows are simple yet charming, offering a “back to nature” experience. The bungalows offer seclusion in a convenient location, with the island’s main swimming pool and shops and restaurants of Marina Village just minutes away.

The Main Pool and Catseye Beach are a two-minute walk away. The reception operates 24 hours a day and are serviced daily. Guests staying here have complimentary use of non-motorised water sports equipment, including catamarans, paddle skis, snorkelling equipment and windsurfers.

On-island transport includes unlimited use of the scheduled Island Shuttle service and complimentary Hamilton Island airport to the Bungalows transfers on arrival and departure.

During your time at Hamilton Island, stop by Spa Wumurdaylin.

The word ‘wumurdaylin’ – meaning ‘dragonfly’, symbolises renewal, freedom and beauty. It’s this natural essence and beauty that’s embodied by Spa wumurdaylin – which offers a selection of authentic, rejuvenating and soothing treatments.

Why you’ll love Spa wumurdaylin:

Pure, natural products. Carefully selected spa products from Waterlily and LI’TYA have been chosen to provide a unique indigenous experience that reflects the beauty of this magnificent setting. Spa wumurdaylin uses pure botanicals, organic Australian native plants, pure essential oils and no artificial fragrances.

Waterlily aromatherapy. All Waterlily treatments and products are infused with cold pressed plant oils, anti-ageing vitamins with fresh flowers, fruits and herbal concentrates to create a sensory experience for the body, mind and soul.

LI’TYA products. Meaning ‘of the earth’ – this unique range of products integrate indigenous traditions, utilizing precious extracts from the Australian earth, its native plants and its spirit.

Warm, relaxed approach. Spa wumurdaylin invites you to indulge in a sensory experience themed to our beautiful natural surrounds.

Range of treatments. There are several treatments to choose from, including body cocoon wraps, exfoliations, facials, massage and body treatments.

Pre-book your treatment with your About Australia Destination Specialist.

Travel within Australia by domestic air from Hamilton Island to Cairns.

Travel by shuttle from the Cairns Airport to your vacation accommodation in Port Douglas, Australia.

Departures occur approximately 30 minutes after aircraft arrival-time for domestic flights. For international flights this will be considerably longer because of customs and other formalities.

Need to Know
Luggage Restrictions: 1 checked bag and 1 hand luggage is free of charge per person in the shuttle. Additional luggage is 10$ each. Strollers are free. Bikes need to be in a bike bag. Fishing rods need to be broken down and in a container.

Travel to your accommodation in Port Douglas, Australia, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 5 nights.

Your vacation luxury boutique accommodation is located within walking distance of the three icons of Port Douglas – 200 meters from 4-Mile Beach, 100 metres from Macrossan Street and 400 meters to the Marina Village, where boats depart daily to Australia’s Outer Great Barrier Reef. The apartments are equipped with air conditioning, ceiling fans, cable TV, CD & DVD players, microwave, fridge, dishwasher, laundry facilities and security basement car parking. Free Wi-Fi available. There is a Lagoon style pool, an outdoor BBQ/ entertaining area, and an 8 person spa among a luscious tropical garden. Travel to the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation or maybe to the Great Barrier Reef. Port Douglas offers a winning combination of a cosmopolitan township and friendly village. You can relax from your travel or shop, dine in award winning restaurants and visit superb galleries and craft stores. (Children under age 15 are not catered for at this property. Other properties available upon request.)

*Optional upgrade to 5 Star Accommodation is available. Pricing upon request

This fun, exclusive tour allows you to join in a real Aboriginal cultural experience, combining
pristine natural beauty of the World Heritage Listed Daintree National Park. A day you will
never forget!

Kuku Yalanji Cultural Habitat Tours: Travel to Cooya Beach north of Port Douglas and meet with the Kubirri Warra brothers who follow the traditions of their ancestors. This special place is a traditional fishing ground of the Kuku Yalanji. This unique coastal place has three diverse ecosystems – beach, mangroves and coastal reef – that are connected to each other by the ever changing mud-flats and tidal lagoons. The brothers teach their guests how to throw a spear and demonstrate how to search and hunt for fish, mud crabs and mussels. Learn about bush tucker and medicines before enjoying homemade damper on the balcony of the family home and taste your catch of the day.

Welcome to Country at Mossman Gorge: You are welcomed with a traditional ‘smoking’ ceremony. This ceremony is conducted by Aboriginal people with specialised cultural knowledge and will protect you whilst visiting Kuku Yalanji country.

Mossman Gorge Centre: Enjoy a delicious lunch infused with local flavours.

Mossman Gorge: Wander into the lush rainforest of the World Heritage Listed Daintree National Park – Mossman Gorge, home of the Kuku Yalanji people and experience one of the world’s oldest and most beautiful rainforest. An easy going walk is across boardwalks, tracks & bridges protecting the delicate eco system that adorns spectacular waterfalls and mountain ranges. Your guide will explain the rich flora, fauna and eco system of this amazing rainforest. Ensure you bring your swimming bathers so you can make the most of the beautiful private swimming hole that is encased in the rainforest.

What to bring: Hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, towel, swimmers and bottle of water.

Please note: Itinerary can operate in reverse subject to tides.

Tour Operates on:
Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun

Enjoy a day to remember with a sail out to the protected Low Isles, an unspoiled coral cay in the Great Barrier Reef on this high-end small group tour.

Set sail to the Great Barrier Reef on a 5-star Luxury Lagoon 500 Catamaran, Sailaway. Your destination, a protected island situated on a large coral platform consisting of a small coral cay, a large mangrove island, mudflats, seagrass beds, and coral reefs. Surrounded by 55 acres of coral reef, comprised of 150 species of hard corals and dominated by 15 species of soft corals, this is an ideal place for snorkeling.

Living in the blue lagoon are a large variety of reef fish including angelfish, damselfish, anemones, giant trevally, sweetlip, fusiliers and many green turtles are sighted daily. Be sure not to miss out on the Heritage Walk where you can learn about the islands history and environment and visit the lighthouse built in 1878. There are also a number of bird species including pelicans, honeyeaters, white breasted wood swallows, mangrove kingfishers, reef egrets with sea eagles and ospreys wheeling overhead.

Operates
Daily; Pick-up 7:30am & Drop-off 4:30pm

Highlights & Inclusions
Courtesy coach transfers in Port Douglas area; Morning tea & coffee upon boarding (Local produce) with muffins and pastries; Afternoon tea and coffee, additional cut fresh fruit platter and home-made cakes; Superb tropical buffet lunch (including prawns); Snorkeling equipment, optical masks, seasonal Lycra snorkeling suits, wet suits & flotation devices; Snorkeling instruction and in-water assistance; Guided snorkel tour with a marine guide; Glass bottom boat viewing and reef interpretation; Eco Shamba Environmental Initiative $20 local forestation; Low Isles Heritage Walk; 4.5 hours at Tropical Low Isles; The experience of sailing on board the luxury sailing catamaran Sailaway VI.

Need to Know
If intending to snorkel, passengers are required to complete a Medical Declaration for Snorkelers form (available upon booking) which will assist the tour crew to identify passengers who are either AT RISK and require additional supervision or passengers who are HIGH RISK and not suitable to participate in the activity of snorkeling due to a combination of factors i.e. Age, Physical health, swimming ability, mobility. If guests are unsure if they may be HIGH RISK and not suitable to snorkel, then we suggest a recent medical certificate would be acceptable if they are a capable swimmer.

If a passenger is identified as a HIGH RISK snorkeler they will not be permitted to snorkel.

Identifying a High Risk Snorkeler

To identify a HIGH RISK SNORKELER the passenger would have a COMBINATION of the following risks:

– Age – any person over 70 years old
– Medical history – any person with health issues identified particularly heart issues, epilepsy, overweight, limited mobility (i.e. unable to put on fins and safely use the ladders)
– Swimming ability – any person with the above who has not swum in the ocean recently
– Communication difficulty – Passenger not understanding safety briefings
– Non-Swimmer / Poor swimmer

Crew reserves the right to decline any passenger from participating in snorkeling if there is a concern about the health condition and/or swimming ability of a passenger for the safety and well-being of all guests onboard.

Experience the distinctive laid back atmosphere and low-rise tropical old world charm of Port Douglas!

Experience a range of attractions from one of the many galleries to the great shopping districts. Stop for a bite to eat at the Marina Mirage and take a walk on the boardwalk while you’re there. Take a visit to Port Douglas’ first church, Saint Mary’s by the Sea and see fantastic views of the Coral Sea and distant mountains. Don’t forget to soak up the sun at Four Mile Beach or even take in a game of golf.

What ever your tastes happen to be, Port Douglas is a great place to relax and simply enjoy the many great features of this town.

Photo credit: Tourism and Events Queensland

Travel from Port Douglas to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef for a day of fun reef experiences! Perfect for swimmers, snorkelers, divers and non-swimmers alike!

Cruise by luxury catamaran to reef activity platforms moored at Agincourt Reef, a magnificent ribbon reef on the outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef.

Here, special reefs known as ‘ribbons’ run parallel to the Continental Shelf. Adjacent to the Coral Sea trench, these ribbon reefs are recognized as the most pristine eco-systems in the reef’s environment. Clear water provides the best possible underwater visibility, encourages rich coral growth and supports spectacular marine life.

Entering the dramatic beauty of the Great Barrier Reef is an extraordinary experience. It’s a day that engages all your senses, lifts your spirit and takes you into another realm. Sharing the wonder of the world’s largest living entity, realizing its breathtaking color and majesty, seeing nature at its most perfect is an awakening and, quite simply, the memory of a lifetime.

Choose how you experience the reef:

– Visit the underwater observatory;
– View coral in the semi-submersible;
– Enjoy a talk by a marine biologist; Snorkel

Operates

Daily.

Need to Know:
– Please bring with you: towel (available from your hotel room), a change of clothes, hat, sunscreen & underwater disposable camera (optional).
– Camera’s available from any local chemist or convenience store.
– Due to fluctuation in world oil prices, it may be necessary to apply a fuel surcharge to your ticket price. In such cases, any charge will be collected upon departure. Please verify before your tour.

Times

Approximately 9:15am – 4:30pm

Inclusions

– Morning and afternoon teas on board.
– Reef presentation by marine biologist.
– Hot and cold tropical smorgasbord lunch.
– All snorkeling equipment provided.
– Stinger/Lycra Suits & Buoyancy Aids provided.
– Return Wavepiercer cruise from Port Douglas.
– Qualified lifeguard supervision.
– Underwater observatory fish & coral viewing.
– Coral viewing by semi-submersible vessels.
– Fish feeding [conducted by crew]

Upgrades

– Certified Scuba Diving (1 or 2 40-minute dives)
– Introductory Dive; Ocean Walker Helmet Diving (great for non-swimmers)
– 10 minute Scenic Flight
– Introductory or Advanced Adventure Snorkel Tour

Spend the day in Tropical Queensland’s World Heritage Daintree Rainforest. Includes the best of Cape Tribulation and the Daintree, with Jungle Surfing, lunch, and guaranteed wildlife spotting.

Begin the day by visiting the Wildlife Habitat. See the endangered cassowary, along with other wildlife, as well as the opportunity to hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies. Have your picture taken with a koala, snake, or crocodile (extra cost). Morning Tea included. Arrive at Cape Tribulation and enjoy lunch before embarking on a fantastic adventure of Jungle Surfing.

Set in the pristine Daintree rainforest at Cape Tribulation, Jungle Surfing takes you on a unique rainforest tour where your feet don’t touch the ground. Fly through the trees on flying fox ziplines, stopping at tree platforms to take in spectacular bird’s eye views over the treetops. Highly trained abseiling masters and scientist guides will make sure your adventure is exciting, educational, and safe.

Cross the Daintree River on the Daintree River Cruise spotting Crocodiles, birds and other animals in the wild as you journey through the mangroves. Finally, venture to Alexandra Lookout for magnificent views of the Daintree River and Coral Sea – where the Great Barrier Reef meets the Rainforest.

After an exciting day, relax and enjoy some afternoon tea before heading back to your hotel.

Operates: Daily: Does not operate on Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and the day of the annual Ironman event held in June. Approximately 8:15am – 6:00pm

Includes: Hotel pick-up/drop-off; Scenic Coastal Drive; Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas; Morning Tea; Daintree River Cable Ferry; Tropical Lunch; Jungle Surfing Canopy Tour; Alexandra Lookout; Daintree River Cruise

Need to Know: Please advise at the time of reservation any disability requiring special attention while on tour. Your tour guides will make reasonable attempts to accommodate the special needs of disabled customers, however we or the tour operators are not responsible in the event they are unable to accommodate your needs. Harnesses available to fit children aged 4, up to adults weighing 120kg/260lbs. No prior experience or specific fitness require. Children under the age of 4 are not permitted to travel on this tour. It is suggested you bring a water bottle, towel (for the beach), sunscreen, hat, insect repellent, a camera and some cash. Please advise of dietary requirements at time of booking.

Stop in for a bite to eat at Zinc, where the Great Barrier Reef is at its doorstep and the tropical spirit is embraced. Come and taste what locals and visitors alike have been raving about!

Zinc is contemporary dining with a relaxed coastal feel. Experience modern Australian cuisine made with fresh ingredients, such as local seafood, on either the outdoor terrace with views of Four Mile Beach or in the modern decor indoor dining area. Zinc is home to the largest privately owned aquarium on the east coast of Australia.



Zinc’s relaxed lounge bar features a large range of wines by the glass, over 70 cocktails, as well as over 110 spirits, liqueurs and a selection of cold beers on tap…perfect for that pre-dinner drink or after-dinner nightcap.

Zinc, a unique combination of restaurant, cafe and lounge, is located in the Portico Building on the corner of Macrossan & Davidson Streets. Lunch is served from 12 noon, Dinner from 5:30pm and Tapas are available all day from midday. Lounge closing time varies by day. Reservations are highly recommended; make yours by calling (07) 4099 6260. (Children’s menu available until 6:30pm)

Photo Credit: Zinc Port Douglas

Travel by shuttle from your Port Douglas vacation accommodation to the Airport in Cairns, Australia.

Need to Know
Luggage Restrictions: 1 checked bag and 1 hand luggage is free of charge per person in the shuttle. Additional luggage is 10$ each. Strollers are free. Bikes need to be in a bike bag. Fishing rods need to be broken down and in a container.

Travel within Australia by domestic air from Cairns to Brisbane.

Mid-day Departure from Brisbane, In-flight Dinner and Movie with arrival in the USA. Note: You will be traveling back across the International Date line so you will gain a day. You actually arrive in the USA on the same day you leave Australia.