Indulge while in near seclusion to find beaches gilded with rainforest and iridescent waters that hide coral jungles during your custom tailored tour of the islands on the Great Barrier Reef. Opulent white sand decorates the beaches and kangaroos bounce across the plains as clownfish hide in vibrant anemones and monitor lizards lounge on granite rocks to soak up the sun. Your journey will celebrate the picturesque scenery and unforgettable luxury found on the remote islands that dot Australia’s...
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1 - 2
Cairns – Arrive in Stunning Cairns, Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef
Cairns is a peaceful city nestled between the shimmering waters of the Coral Sea and the rustling jade canopy of the rainforest that blankets the Great Dividing Range. Locals linger along the grass that lines the esplanade and bask in the tropical sunlight. Large sculptures of exotic fish fly above the swimming lagoon that overlooks the idyllic shores as the scent of coconut sweeps across the coastline and sailboats glide over the sapphire hues of the water.
Your flight will land at Cairns Airport, and your private transfer will greet you upon your arrival and escort you to a luxurious hotel that offers pristine views to the graceful coast. The air fills with the fragrance of lush rainforest, hyacinth, and ocean and the remainder of the day is yours to explore the pleasures of the city. Flying foxes dangle in the trees that line the walkways, nibble on mangoes or rest in the shade. In the mountains, the Barron Falls thunder down the rugged precipice between the magnificent greenery as the hidden edges of the city reveal wondrous wetlands in which kingfishers perch and egrets graze. Mangrove trees abound around the serene boardwalk over the calm, reflective tributary.
What's Included:
Day 3 - 4
Cairns – Explore the Soft Sands and Gorgeous Waters of Green Island
Day 5
Cairns – Visit the Secluded Landscape of Fitzroy Island on a Half-Day Tour
Day 6
Lizard Island – Enjoy a Scenic Flight to Lizard Island for a Leisurely Day
Day 7
Lizard Island – Relish Island Charm and Beauty at your Preferred Pace
Day 8
Lizard Island – Discover the Great Barrier Reef with a Full Day Tour and Depart Home
Trip Highlights
- Relax in the unparalleled natural beauty, and contemporary luxury of the secluded islands found along the Great Barrier Reef’s Inner Reef
- Discover the wonders of iridescent fish, shimmering rainbow coral, and remarkable aquatic life while snorkeling or scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef
- Traverse the tropical landscape of Lizard Island and Hayman Island to enjoy eucalyptus forest, verdant woodlands, and breathtaking panoramas
- Sail the Whitsundays Archipelago to visit Whitehaven Beach, known for its soft silica sand and kaleidoscopic blend of sand and sea at Hill Inlet
- Search for dolphins, whales, kangaroos, and monitor lizards on the secluded island shores off of Queensland’s eastern seaboard
- Visit with a variety of sea turtles at the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre on Fitzroy Island
- Meet local scientists who investigate the Lizard Island Research Station for insight into the formation and constant evolution of the island and reef system
Detailed Description
Queensland is filled with lush tropical rainforest with islands shaped by the movement of the Great Barrier Reef. Your 10-day tour will feature a variety of islands that dot the seaside to offer you a unique and luxurious exploration of tropical island life along Australia’s east coast. Your flight will land at Cairns Airport where your private transfer will greet you upon arrival. Make your way to your fabulous hotel on the shores of Cairns which will bring you your first glimpse of the idyllic scenery of framing rainforest and ubiquitous glistening ocean. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy the seaside ambiance of Cairns, from the esplanade to the Flecker Botanic Gardens.
Wake the next morning to board your catamaran at the marina and venture to the beautiful soft sands and rainforest-clad interior of Green Island for your introduction to the islands of the Great Barrier Reef. Stroll along the boardwalk through the trees or lounge on the soft white sand for views of the pockets of reef bodies that fringe the shallow seafloor before returning to Cairns for the evening. The next day, return to the marina and make your way to the Fitzroy Island, home to granite boulders, colorful reefs, and a summit with a magnificent lookout. The day is yours on the island to snorkel or trek the trails, or you could also see the sea turtles at the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre.
The following day your private transfer will meet you at your hotel to escort you to the Cairns Airport for your scenic flight to Lizard Island. Upon landing at the airstrip, make your way to your gorgeous resort and settle into the comforts of your seaside view and your private deck. Linger on the island trails to discover the 24 separate white sand beaches at your leisure. The next day is yours to enjoy the island as you desire, from paddleboarding to kayaking, indulging in the renowned spa or partaking in bird watching. You could also visit Lizard Island Research Station to learn about the surrounding ecosystem from scientists on location.
Venture next out another catamaran straight out to the open water to reach the Great Barrier Reef’s Outer Reef. Snorkel or scuba dive to experience the true wonders of the hidden underwater world before returning to Lizard Island. After breakfast the next morning, fly back to Cairns for your transfer flight to Airlie Beach. Your private transfer will then escort you to the Port of Airlie to board a luxury catamaran bound for Hayman Island. Sip a glass of complimentary champagne during the short, scenic ride to the secluded shoreline where you will easily settle into the comforts of your resort.
Begin the next day as you traverse the various trails of Hayman Island in search of stunning views, secluded bays, and marvelous wildlife. Take to the sea once more the following day with a sailing tour around the Whitsundays Archipelago. Weight anchor at Whitehaven Beach to linger on the silica sand and find a breathtaking panorama of Hill Inlet, where white sand and azure water swirl together. Conclude as your luxury catamaran will bring you back to Airlie Beach where you will continue to Whitsunday Airport for your flight home.
Starting Price
$1,995 per person (excluding international flights)
Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
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