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Cairns, the colourful and sophisticated capital of the Tropical North, is alive with charm  and spirit. Here warm northern hospitality and enthusiasm are the order of the day. 

The region is framed by two features of such pristine beauty and exceptional value that have been World Heritage listed and today rank in importance with America’s Grand Canyon and the Galapagos Islands. These two features are the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics rainforests. Tropical North Queensland is as diverse in natural treasures as the cosmopolitan mix of cultures and peoples that call this region home and the warmth of the tropical climate has fostered a vigorous outdoor lifestyle, reflected in the architectural styles of open veranda’s and the extensive use of the Aussie barbecue. 

Accommodation is diverse too, ranging from luxury resorts and five-star hotels to budget-style apartments and backpacker lodges. There are so many unique attractions and activities to explore when you visit this region that it's almost impossible not to want to keep returning year after year. Cruise to the reef islands, take a 4W0 safari to the outback, trek into the ancient Daintree or jump on the Skyrail rainforest cableway to Kuranda and the Atherton Tablelands if it’s adventure you’re after— the Tropical North has it all from ballooning and white water rafting to black marlin fishing and rock climbing. 

Ask a local why they love it and they’re likely to say “because it’s naturally sensational"

Valid 01 Apr 07 - 31 Mar 08.
Prices are subject to change without notice.

Like a magic carpet ride revealing ever-more beautiful scenes, The Sunlander brings you to Cairns – where the Esplanade hems a pretty city, synonymous with long, lazy weekends and mid-week breaks. Buzzing local markets teem with exotic fruit, nearby Green Island is a rainbow of reef fish, and the Kuranda Scenic Railway is a cultural icon.

Your holiday begins with a changing kaleidoscope of colour as you trace the coastline from Brisbane to Cairns aboard The Sunlander. After one night in a first class berth, arrive refreshed and ready for a banquet of tropical pleasure. Spend 5 nights at the Coral Tree Inn, with a continental breakfast each morning.

See all the colours of the rainbow just below the ocean’s surface - from a glass bottom boat or snorkelling, on a full day Green Island Reef Cruise. Ride the world-famous Kuranda railway to the village in the rainforest, coming back over the treetops on Skyrail.

Return transfers from Cairns rail station/airport leave you free to just enjoy it all.

Inclusions -
• Return coach transfers from hotel accommodation.
• Guided walk at Daintree Environmental Centre.
• Daintree River Cruise.

Twin Share per person from $951.00
Single supplement available.

An island the shade of emerald rests just off Cairns, where colour, culture and crocs are rolled into one. Waterfalls gush in the Cairns Highlands and the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation hum with adventure and excitement.

Experience Port Douglas, Cape Tribulation, Green Island and Kuranda Village on the Tropical Traveller Tour, before a romantic rail interlude takes you back down the Queensland coastline in premium style.

Spending 7 nights at The Lakes Cairns Resort & Spa, by day you’ll explore World Heritage rainforest, cruise the Daintree River in the company of tropical birds, pythons and crocodiles. Fly above the forest canopy on your way to Kuranda or go on a guided ecowalk and leave your footprints in the white coral sand beaches of Green Island. Soak up the beauty and sophistication of Port Douglas and discover the natural high of fresh mountain air, crater lakes and cascading waterfalls in the rolling Cairns Highlands. In your free time, maybe play a game of golf, visit Rusty’s Markets or just breathe in the scented tropical air. For your convenience return resort transfers are included, and some will say the best is saved until last: your overnight journey to Brisbane in premium Queenslander Class aboard The Sunlander, the quintessentially romantic rail experience to savour.Revel in the reef and rainforest with romantic railDay 1 - Celebrate the start of your holiday with a welcome drink and dinner in Cairns (D)

Day 2 - Tour the Daintree Rainforest, cruise for saltwater crocs on Hartley’s Lagoon, guided Mossman Gorge walk, Daintree River cruise, visit to Port Douglas (B,L,D) Day 3 - Ride Skyrail Rainforest Cableway to Kuranda, explore the village, return journey on board Kuranda Scenic Railway (B,L,D) Day 4 - Luxury cruiser to Green Island on the Great Barrier Reef, including glass bottom boat tour, snorkelling, guided eco-walk (B,L,D)Day 5 - At leisure – relax at your resort, or explore Cairns. Maybe visit Rusty’s Markets, the local art galleries or the Botanical Gardens (B) Day 6 - At leisure – play a round on one of Cairns’s great golf courses, a game of bowls, visit Palm Cove or other beautiful northern beaches (B) Day 7 - Scenic drive to Cairns Highlands, Devonshire Tea and a wildlife cruise at Lake Barrine, see the famous Giant Curtain Fig Tree, Millaa Millaa Falls, Paronella Park Spanish Castle ruins. Farewell dinner at your resort (B,L,D) Day 8 - Transfer to Cairns rail station, for your Queenslander Class trip to Brisbane on The Sunlander. Swap stories and enjoy sunset cocktails with travelling companions in the Lounge Car, before a superb three course dinner (B,L,D) Day 9 - Watch country scenes change into cosmopolitan cityscapes, before your arrival in Brisbane (B,L)B – breakfast, L – lunch, D – dinner

Inclusions -
• Return coach transfers from hotel accommodation.
• Kuranda Scenic Rail.
• 2 hours free time in Kuranda.
• Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.
• 4WD Tour. Afternoon Tea.

Twin share per person from $2233
Single supplement available.
High season surcharge applies for travel during 1 Jul 07 to 31 Aug 07.

Ground coffee scents the air in the Cairns Highlands where the farmlands are fertile and the brew fresh. For a full shot, board the Kuranda Scenic Railway to the highlands, home of Skybury Coffee Centre, before you soar over the treetops back to Cairns.
Snorkelling on a Frankland Islands Cruise is the cream. Sweetest of all is the ease of your journey north, on board the Tilt Train.

Unwind in the comfort of your reclining business class seat, this is rail travel at its most convenient as the Tilt Train takes you overnight from Brisbane to Cairns. The Oasis Resort, in central Cairns, welcomes you for a 3 night stay.

On your holiday menu is a full day Kuranda, Coffee and Tablelands Tour, travelling on the famous Kuranda Scenic Railway, indulging in the perfect pick-me-up at the Skybury Coffee Centre, and flying above the forest canopy back to Cairns by Skyrail. Relax on a cruise to Frankland Islands, swim, snorkel and get to know the local marine life – tropical lunch, guided tours and snorkelling equipment are provided.

Twin share per person from $859
Single supplement available.
High season surcharge applies from 1 Jul 07 to 31 Dec 07.

$25 per person Environmental Management Charge not included in the package price is payable on departure on the Frankland Island Cruise.

The world’s oldest living rainforest echoes like a didgeridoo, and perched on the edge sits an eco escape where ancient Aboriginal massage evokes the spirit of the Daintree. Rainforest villas sit like lorikeets among lush greenery at the boutique Daintree Eco Lodge and Spa, where indulgence marries with nature. Travelling home in Queenslander Class is the ultimate luxury.

Spend 3 nights in blissful seclusion, in a Rainforest Villa set high in the green forest canopy. Each day starts with a cooked  breakfast overlooking the freshwater lagoon, at Julaymba Gallery and Restaurant, where you’ll also enjoy a complimentary two course dinner during your stay. Absorb ancient lore on an interpretive rainforest walk, spend a day on 4WD rainforest safari,  take a wildlife cruise in the cool of the evening. Rejoin the outside world in the most civilised way, socialising with fellow  travellers as you travel overnight to Brisbane in premium Queenslander Class style, on board The Sunlander. Return transfers are also included.

Twin share per person from $2181
Single supplement available.

Cape York Peninsula rests on the mantelpiece of the Sunshine State, flanked by the Great Barrier Reef on its
east coast and New Guinea to the north. Unpolished, rugged and remote, Australia’s northern-most tip is a land of few people and prolific wildlife awaiting exploration in touring comfort.

Stand at the very top of Australia, the legendary last frontier, absorbing romantic folklore and historic fact. Travelling with a  small group who share your spirit of adventure, your 8 day fully guided Cape York OZ Tours Safari includes a wonderfully scenic flight between Cairns and Horn Island. Set foot on Thursday Island, Torres Strait, the Gulf of Carpentaria, Moreton Station, Weipa, Cooktown and the wildlife haven of Lakefield National Park. Over the jungle-shrouded heights of the famed Bloomfield Track, enter the World Heritage Daintree National Park. You’ll retrace the footsteps of our early explorers, staying in comfort they could never have imagined.

ITINERARY
Day 1 - Cairns, Horn Island (L,D)
Day 2 - Thursday Island, Red Island Point, Punsand Bay (B,D)
Day 3 - Cape York, Somerset (B,L,D)
Day 4 - Jardine River, Fruit Bat Falls, Moreton Station (B,L,D)
Day 5 - Weipa, Batavia Downs Station, Gulf of Carpentaria (B,L,D)
Day 6 - Archer River, Coen, Piccaninny Plains, Musgrave Telegraph Station (B,L,D)
Day 7 - Lakefield National Park, Cooktown, Battle Camp (B,L,D)
Day 8 - Bloomfield, Cape Tribulation,Daintree, Cairns (B,L)

B – breakfast, L – lunch, D – dinner

Twin share per person from $2790
Single supplement available.

Valid - tour departure dates available from May through to Nov 2007
High season surcharges may apply.
Please note some of the accommodation stay at remote areas with shared bathroom facilities.

Remote and rugged Cooktown sits like a trophy in tropical Queensland where the yarns grow longer as you travel north. Escape Cairns along the scenic coastal drive, through the World Heritage listed Daintree Rainforest, before four-wheel driving on the Bloomfield Track and stumbling across Aussie Bush pubs which serve cold beer and warm hospitality.

On Track to Adventure in Cooktown

Experience the magnetic attraction of travelling the outback of Far North Queensland, with locally-owned tour operator, Adventure North. In an air-conditioned 4WD, with a professional guide at the wheel, you’ll follow the scenic route from Cairns to the ancient Daintree rainforest, crossing its majestic river by cable ferry. Go off-road on the famous Bloomfield Track, past the mysterious granite sentinel of Black Mountain, before arriving in historic Cooktown.

Spend the night in this friendly town, meet the locals and see the sights - including Grassy Hill, where Captain Cook took advantage of grand 360° views to plot his passage through the reefs.

Twin share per person from $351
Single supplement available.

Ask us how you can discover Cooktown with a 1 day Cooktown Adventure Day tour from Cairns from $190 per person.

Passing through timeless terrain, the ultra-modern train whisks you towards untamed wilderness, tranquil beaches, deserted islands, coral reefs and arguably Australia’s best boating and fishing. At Port Hinchinbrook Resort, halfway between Townsville and Cairns, tropical surrounds frame individual cabins overlooking the 300 berth marina, the channel, island and wild blue beyond.

You will discover some of Queensland’s scenic beauty as the Tilt Train journeys from Cairns to Townsville, stopping in  Cardwell – the jumping-off place for your Port Hinchinbrook escape. A luxury cabin, with bluewater marina views, is your
home away from home for 3 nights at Port Hinchinbrook Resort and Marina.

Reset your body clock and relax: boating, fishing, waterside dining, soaking up the sun poolside. Discover the multiple charms of Australia’s largest island national park on a full day tour and cruise – untouched rainforest, rugged headlands, marine sanctuaries and beautiful uninhabited beaches.

Return transfers to Cardwell Station are included, leaving you free to just enjoy it all.

Twin share per person from $665
Single supplement available.
High season rates apply.

Passing through timeless terrain, the ultra-modern train whisks you towards untamed wilderness, tranquil beaches, deserted islands, coral reefs and arguably Australia’s best boating and fishing. At Port Hinchinbrook Resort, halfway between Townsville and Cairns, tropical surrounds frame individual cabins overlooking the 300 berth marina, the channel, island and wild blue beyond.

Cruise through Cook’s own colourful country.

The south seas fantasy comes to life, boarding a Captain Cook Cruise in Cairns and setting off to explore both the beauty of  the reef and its intricate ecology. On a 4 night voyage of discovery, you’ll take a rainforest walk on Green Island, visit Cooktown - where Captain Cook sought safe harbour - see the Two Isles wildlife nesting grounds, magnificent Lizard Island and the extraordinary Ribbon Reef coral gardens. Slip beneath the waves for snorkelling encounters, go on a glass bottom boat tour, guided rainforest and island walks. Back on board, succulent seafood and fresh local produce are the key ingredients of superb dining.

4 NIGHT CRUISE ITINERARY

Monday - Cruise to Green Island for Marine Naturalist-guided walk, glass bottom boat tour or relaxing at resort (D)

Tuesday - Visit remote Cooktown then sail for Two Isles, a sanctuary for rare bird species and occasional sea turtles, and perfect for snorkelling (B,L,D)

Wednesday - Off Lizard Island, jewel of the Barrier Reef, you’ll view giant clam gardens off Mrs Watson’s Bay, or hit the trail up Cooks Look like a true explorer (B,L,D)

Thursday - See Ribbon Reef No.5 unfold before your eyes, either from a glass bottom boat or as you snorkel in the bright clear waters (B,L,D)

Friday - Return to Cairns (B)

B – breakfast, L – lunch, D – dinner

Twin share per person from $1600
Single supplement available.
Price based Cabin accommodation,subject to availability.

Itineraries subject to change due to weather and other operational requirements.
Other cruise itineraries available.
Prices exclude drinks, personal purchases,optional tours such as scuba diving and Onboard Charges including EMC (approx $13.50 pp) and fuel surcharges.

Cruise departs Cairns on Mondays.

Early Book Saver – Book early and save up to 20% off your cruise price, conditions apply.

As warm winds blow over old gold fields in Charters Towers, you are carried north showcasing a kaleidoscope of changing views through your window. The Museum of Tropical Queensland captures the heritage of the north with displays such as the HMS Pandora Exhibit into 18th century maritime life, and Billabong Sanctuary is alive with wildlife. Dip below the surface of the ocean at Reef HQ, and get acquainted with “Maggie”, as Magnetic Island is affectionately known to the locals.

Relax in the comfort of your first class sleeper aboard The Sunlander, arriving in Townsville for a 4 night stay at Seagulls Resort.

Get a taste of golden glory days in historic Charters Towers, tour Magnetic Island, visit Reef HQ - the world’s largest living coral reef aquarium. See a world of wildlife on a Billabong Sanctuary Eco Tour, uncover the secrets of HMS Pandora, take a heritage and highlights tour of the city.

A full buffet breakfast will recharge your batteries each day, and return transfers will smooth your way.

Twin share per person from $893
Single supplement available.
Charters Towers tour departs Wednesday only

As warm winds blow over old gold fields in Charters Towers, you are carried north showcasing a kaleidoscope of changing views through your window. The Museum of Tropical Queensland captures the heritage of the north with displays such as the HMS Pandora Exhibit into 18th century maritime life, and Billabong Sanctuary is alive with wildlife. Dip below the surface of the ocean at Reef HQ, and get acquainted with “Maggie”, as Magnetic Island is affectionately known to the locals.

Sit back, relax, take in a movie as the Tilt Train brings you to Townsville, for 3 nights at the quality Southbank Hotel. Along with a daily continental breakfast, your trip’s hand-picked itinerary includes a fascinating Billabong Sanctuary Eco Tour, a tour round the city’s heritage and highlights, and a guided tour of Magnetic Island with return transfers included.

Twin share per person from $598
Single supplement available.

Ancient rainforests stand in stark contrast to rich outback landscapes in the Tropical North, home to Aboriginal rock art, a rollicking gold rush, pioneering and exploration feats. Cook’s adventures speak volumes in the town of the same name, on a luxury journey through 4WD country. Spend cruisy days off Lizard and Pelorus Islands, or tiptoe through the Daintree treetops. And since a little luxury is always imperative, premium Queenslander Class travel rounds off your holiday in style.

Unveil the natural wonders by land and sea.

Adventure and luxury make great travelling companions, on a pilgrimage that integrates the age-old rainforest and the outback with the splendour of the islands and the Great Barrier Reef. Your exclusive small-group tour with Wilderness Challenge 4WD Experience includes 2 nights accommodation and the ser vices of a professional guide. Fascinating Aboriginal art awaits at Split Rock, the James Cook Historical Museum tells more fascinating tales in Cooktown. Explore the Bloomfield Track, take a Stair way to Paradise interpretive walk where the Cape Tribulation rainforest meets the beach, go crocodile spotting on Cooper Creek.

Your cruise experience includes 3 nights afloat on the Coral Princess. With snorkelling equipment, masks and fins all provided, you can swim amongst brilliant corals and marine life, before discovering remote islands where white sands stretch into untroubled infinity.

There’s a memorable conclusion to your holiday, too: unwinding and socialising in premium Queenslander Class as The Sunlander conveys you overnight to Brisbane.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Cairns - Aboriginal Rock Art - Cooktown (D)
Day 2: 4WD action on the Bloomfield Track to Cape Tribulation (B,L)
Day 3: Daintree Rainforest and Mossman Gorge - Cairns (Overnight Cairns) (B,L)
Day 4: Join Coral Princess Cruise from Cairns to Townsville - Thetford Reef (B,L,D)
Day 5: Nathan Reef-Dunk Island (B,L,D)
Day 6: Exclusive Pelorus Island - Hinchinbrook Channel (B,L,D)
Day 7: Arrive into Townsville for your southbound journey on The Sunlander in Queenslander Class (B,L,D)
Day 8: Arrive into Brisbane (B,L)

B – breakfast, L – lunch, D – dinner

Twin share per person from $2842
Single supplement available.
Tour departs Cairns on Wednesdays.
Price based on cabin accommodation on Coral Princess, prices for upgrades available.