Day 1 (L,D) MELBOURNE & OTHER HOME PORTS, CALOUNDRA
Melbourne and interstate passengers fly to the Gold Coast, arriving early afternoon. Our Seniors Coach Tours coach captain or hostess will meet your flight. We board our coach and travel north to Caloundra. Our home for the night is the Rydges Oasis Resort, Caloundra.

Day 2 (B,D) CALOUNDRA, MARYBOROUGH, CHILDERS, ROCKHAMPTON
An earlier start today as we continue north. A morning cuppa at Gympie on route to Maryborough. Here we are joined by “Mary Heritage”, a local guide who will share with us fascinating insights into this historical town founded in 1847. On to Childers, another charming historic town, classified by the National Trust. An afternoon cuppa at Gladstone, Queensland’s busiest port. Enjoy views of the deep water harbour from the lookout. We arrive in Rockhampton and our home for the next two nights, the Comfort Inn, Rockhampton.

Day 3 (B,D) ROCKHAMPTON
An easy day as we explore this city and its nearby coast. This morning we take in the views from Mt Archer Lookout, enjoy a stroll in the Botanic Gardens where, in 1982, a Japanese Garden was added as a sister city project with Ibusuki in Japan. Also enjoy a heritage walk covering the historical buildings and stylish early architecture (or, if you wish, browse in the city centre). This afternoon we enjoy a scenic drive with stunning views of the Capricorn Coast as we travel to Yeppoon and Rosslyn Bay. At Emu Park we visit the Singing Ship. Its design incorporates fluted organ pipes which catch the wind and create musical sounds. The ship was built for the Captain James Cook bicentenary celebrations.

Day 4 (B,L,D) ROCKHAMPTON, MARLBOROUGH, MACKAY, AIRLIE BEACH
Today we journey to Marlborough and Clairview, a local guide tells us about “Colonial Street” and we enjoy lunch at the Community Centre. We cross the Pioneer River at Mackay, which boasts the largest bulk sugar facilities in the world. Afternoon cuppa here. We continue to Proserpine and Airlie Beach, gateway to the Whitsunday Islands. Home tonight, Best Western Colonial Palms Motor Inn.

Day 5 (B,L,D) AIRLIE BEACH, BOWEN, AYR, TOWNSVILLE
We continue north today as we travel to Bowen, Home Hill and Ayr. After lunch we visit the Billabong Wildlife Sanctuary before arriving in tropical Townsville and our home for two nights, the Hotel Ibis.

Day 6 (B,L,D) TOWNSVILLE
This morning we take a walk in Queens Gardens, the original botanic gardens. Later we visit Reef HQ, the world’s largest living coral reef aquarium. Lunch at the aquarium. Following lunch visit the IMAX theatre, spectacular movie viewing. Later take a stroll in Anzac Park, overlooking Breakwater Marina, to view some of the features of the park. The rest of the day is free to relax.

Day 7 (B,D) TOWNSVILLE, INNISFAIL, PORT DOUGLAS SUNSET CRUISE
Our journey north continues today as we travel to Ingham and Innisfail. During the afternoon we continue to Port Douglas and enjoy a sunset cruise on the Lady Douglas. Home for two nights is the Mercure Tree Tops Resort.

Day 8 (B,D) PORT DOUGLAS, DAINTREE RIVER (Great Barrier Reef Cruise Option)
A relaxing day as we explore Port Douglas. This morning visit the Daintree World Heritage Area and enjoy a ride on the world heritage-listed Daintree River on board the Crocodile Express. Lunch in the village of Daintree. Return to Port Douglas with time to stroll along Four Mile Beach or browse in the many shops in the main street. For passengers wishing to visit the coral reef, an optional full day reef tour is available – own expense, approximately $200 – book when you make your holiday booking.

Day 9 (B,L,D) PORT DOUGLAS, COOKTOWN
Northbound on the Mulligan Highway we travel to Lakeland, enjoy lunch here and, during the afternoon, continue to Cooktown, located on the Endeavour River. Home for two nights is the River of Gold Motel.

Day 10 (B,L,D) COOKTOWN
A day to explore and relax. A guided tour includes Grassy Hill Lookout, overlooking the Endeavour River, the Chinese cemetery and the WWII airport. We also visit the James Cook Historical Museum and the Cooktown Botanical Gardens.

Day 11 (B,L,D) COOKTOWN, PORT DOUGLAS, CAIRNS
From Cooktown we return south, travelling through Palmer River and Mt Molley as we travel to Port Douglas. Lunch in this holiday destination. During the afternoon visit Rainforest Habitat Wildlife Sanctuary and then continue south, enjoying again the coastal highway views on route to Cairns. Home for two nights is the All Seasons Cairns.

Day 12 (B,D) CAIRNS
Enjoy the array of tropical shrubs, fernery and orchids at Flecker Botanic Gardens before travelling to Kuranda. Time to stroll through the market stalls followed by lunch before we catch the Scenic Railway from Kuranda to Freshwater. Afternoon stop at Palm Cove before returning to Cairns.

Day 13 (B) CAIRNS, HOME PORTS
Sadly today we depart by air and return to our home ports, concluding a most enjoyable journey along the North Queensland coast. Due to airline schedules, all flights may not be direct flights. Melbourne passengers are scheduled to fly direct to Melbourne.