Adventure in Queensland

Arriving in the Tropical North, transfer to your accommodation in downtown Cairns and experience some of the regions highlights! Take a day trip out to the Great Barrier Reef, spend a day white water rafting, take an early morning hot air balloon flight, and top it all off with a scenic helicopter flight over the reef and the rainforest. Head south to Brisbane firstly for an overnight stay at the The Crocodile Hunter Lodge, a beautiful hideaway nestled into the Australian Bush near the Glass House Mountains. Enjoy unlimited Australia Zoo entry, a sneak peek entry to the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital and all the amenities at the Lodge. Finish your Queensland Adventure in the inner Brisbane suburb of Fortitude Valley. Head to Tangalooma Island for a Desert Adventure experience, climb the Story Bridge and cruise the Brisbane River.

Trip Type: Adventure, Wildlife

Day By Day

Day 1 – Depart San Francisco for Cairns, Australia

Board your flight to begin your Queensland adventure.

Day 2 – Cross the International Date Line

Cross the International Date Line, an imaginary line on the surface of the Earth that runs from the North to the South Pole - and defines one calendar day from the next. Crossing the International Date Line adds one day (24 hours) traveling west, and subtracts one day (24 hours) traveling east.

Day 3 – Arrive in Cairns, Australia

Welcome to Australia!

Upon arrival you will be transferred to your accommodation by private vehicle.

Dinner at Ochre Restaurant
On the waterfront of Cairns, Ochre is recognized internationally as one of the most innovative modern Australian restaurants specializing in fresh seafood, native game, bush foods and premium local produce creating exciting regional Australian Cuisine. Dining at Ochre Restaurant is like a virtual tour through the culinary delights of Australia offering a broad range of dining options presented by award winning chef, Craig Squire.

Starting Accommodation: Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
Meals: Dinner

Day 4 – Dreamtime Cruise

Enjoy one of Cairns’ most unique and exclusive Great Barrier Reef tours. Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel invites you to step back into the Great Barrier Reef’s Dreamtime with Indigenous sea rangers on a day tour to two spectacular outer Great Barrier Reef sites, Moore Reef & Milln or Flynn Reef. At Moore Reef, you will have the opportunity to explore the underwater world with snorkeling or a guided snorkel tour conducted by an expert Master Reef guide, Marine Biologist or Indigenous guide (optional extra cost). You may also choose to splash out with activities such as an introductory or certified dive (additional cost for dives).

Starting Accommodation: The Lakes Cairns Resort & Spa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5 – Tully Rafting

Depart from your accommodation to travel to the upper gorge of the Tully River. The Rescue 3 trained guides will offer you all the instruction needed to enjoy up to four hours of whitewater rafting on Grade 3 and 4 rapids. Break and enjoy a BBQ lunch on the banks of the river while soaking in the spectacular scenery. Then get back to the action in the foaming white water of the lower gorge. The entertainment does not stop there - return to the exclusive Feluga Hotel traditional country pub and the Tully home of Raging Thunder and watch the day's action on video before returning to Cairns.

Starting Accommodation: Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6 – Hot Air Balloon Flight and Reef & Rainforest Tour

Classic Balloon Flight
Transfer by Hot Air coach to the departure location at Mareeba. Watch the crew prepare your balloon as the sun gently rises to unveil the surrounding beauty. Then, experience the fun and unique sensation of being in a hot air balloon, flying gently over the Atherton Tablelands. During this 40-minute ride, enjoy the picturesque landscape at dawn and breathe in the wide open spaces.

Hot Air has the largest fleet of Balloons in Australia with an engaging and highly trained crew to maximize the enjoyment of your balloon flight.

Reef & Rainforest Helicopter Flight
This flight includes views of beautiful Green Island, Vlasoff Sand Cay and Upolu Sand Cay – three of the most striking sand islands on the Great Barrier Reef. Sightings of manta rays, turtles and other marine life are not uncommon on the reef scenic flight and if you’re flying with us in the winter months there is even a chance of spotting whales.

Starting Accommodation: Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 – Travel to Crocodile Hunter Lodge

This morning you will fly to Brisbane. On arrival you will be transferred to the Crocodile Hunter Lodge by private vehicle.

Crocodile Hunter Lodge
The Crocodile Hunter Lodge offers rustic cabins dotted through the bush, a place to escape and unwind while reconnecting with the natural world. A place for Wildlife Warriors to create unforgettable memories to cherish with loved ones. Your stay includes daily breakfast, unlimited Australia Zoo entry for each guest, a 'sneak peek' entry to the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital and a complimentary shuttle service to and from Australia Zoo.

Starting Accommodation: The Crocodile Hunter Lodge
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 – Australia Zoo and Travel to Brisbane

Australia Zoo is located on the beautiful Sunshine Coast near the Glasshouse Mountains. Just 45 minutes north of Brisbane on Steve Irwin Way, it is the home of some of Australia's most unique and amazing wildlife as well as some remarkable animals from overseas. Your visit to the Home of The Crocodile Hunter will definitely thrill and amaze you! The 'Hire a Caddie for a Day' is the ultimate way for you to experience all the excitement at Australia Zoo. This provides you with your very own caddie guide to take you on a journey around Australia Zoo that you will never forget. You can choose your very own caddie to suit the experience that you are looking for - whether it is an educational tour you are after or a crazy adventure . it is up to you! 'Hire a caddie for a day' will give you inside knowledge on all there is to know about Australia Zoo, and it includes five-star service, such as being chauffeured around Australia Zoo in your very own private buggy with an experienced guide, exclusive reserved seating in the Crocoseum Stadium for the Wildlife Warriors Show, refreshments and flexibility to create a tour just for you so you can experience the zoo at your own pace. The duration is five hours.

At the conclusion of your experience you will be transferred to Brisbane by private vehicle.

Starting Accommodation: Hotel X Brisbane, Fortitude Valley
Meals: Breakfast

Day 9 – Desert Safari Tour

Cruise over from Brisbane to Tangalooma and take a journey to the Tangalooma Desert as part of this thrilling and bumping 4WD bus tour where getting there is half the fun! As Tangalooma Island Resort buses have exclusive drive-on access to the desert, guests will receive a unique look into the heart of Moreton Island and then participate in the exhilarating sport of Moreton Island sand tobogganing, reaching speeds of up to 25 miles (40km) per hour!

Starting Accommodation: Hotel X Brisbane, Fortitude Valley
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 10 – Story Bridge Climb and Brisbane River Cruise

Story Bridge Adventure Climb
Brisbane's must do experience, the Story Bridge Adventure Climb is a truly unique and memorable adventure for all levels of fitness. It is a soft adventure experience with a difference, and the most spectacular way to discover Brisbane. Whether you're a local or a visitor, you'll be exhilarated by a once in a lifetime experience that offers you the most breathtaking panorama of Brisbane and its surrounding natural beauty.

Brisbane River Cruise
River City Cruises is great for those who want to see all the major iconic sights of the Brisbane River with unique views from the water. This tour is central to the CBD, so it is the most convenient and cost-effective way to see all the sights of the Brisbane River. The tour is enjoyed by both tourists and locals and is on every must-do list if visiting Brisbane. On a 90-minute cruise, you will get the opportunity to snap a selfie with some of the most iconic landmarks on Brisbane River and take in the sights and stories of the distinctive river with the entertainment of guided commentary that will shine a light on Brisbane's colorful history and famous (or infamous) local legends. The commentary will appeal to those who want to uncover the secrets of Brisbane - both past and present.

Starting Accommodation: Hotel X Brisbane, Fortitude Valley
Meals: Breakfast

Day 11 – Depart Brisbane, Australia

Ahead of your flight you will be transferred to Brisbane Airport by private vehicle.

Fly from Brisbane, Australia to San Francisco.

Meals: Breakfast

Pricing

Package Level: Deluxe
Please note all prices listed are approximations and subject to current rate of exchange adjustments. Each itinerary can be fully customized to your interests and needs.
Twin Share
12/1/2024 - 1/31/2025	$9,145
2/1/2025 - 3/31/2025	$8,270
Single Traveler
12/1/2024 - 1/31/2025	$11,825
2/1/2025 - 3/31/2025	$10,950

Terms and Conditions

Prices are per person, twin/double share in USD. All highlighted savings are reflected in the price. Price does not include airfare unless otherwise stated. Travel may be limited to certain days of the week. Hotels and tours remain subject to availability. Cancellation penalties and other booking or alteration restrictions may exist. Please note blackout dates may apply to Christmas, New Year and local special event periods. Pricing may increase over Holiday and special event periods and may not be reflected in price grid. Prices indicated remain subject to change without notice. Prices are not guaranteed until full payment is received and processed. CST #2012413-20 See our full Terms and Conditions: www.swaindestinations.com/terms