The Great Wild South

Additional Information

EXTENSION TO LAMINGTON NATIONAL PARK & FRASER ISLAND:

Day 9 Brisbane
Upon arrival, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. Stay overnight at the Rendezvous Hotel (or similar).

Day 10 Brisbane/Lamington National Park
You will be met at your hotel this morning for your transfer to Australia’s largest subtropical rainforest, World Heritage Lamington National Park, which climbs up to 3,000 feet above sea level. On the way, stop at the Cunungra Valley Winery for tea (or a wine tasting if you like) and a walk down to the creek to search for the elusive platypus. At O’Reilly’s Plateau, you can explore the magnificent rainforest and its many wonders. Discover the famous Tree Top Walk and inspect the extensive display of plants and flowers in the nearby botanical gardens. As the sun sets, you can enjoy a glass of sparkling wine on the balcony of your room at O’Reilly’s Mountain Retreat, where you will stay for the next two nights. (B)

Day 11 Lamington National Park
Start the day with O’Reilly’s famous bird walk and meet the hundreds of birds that visit each morning to feed around the guesthouse. At breakfast, a nature guide will invite you to participate in the day’s discovery program with half-day guided rainforest walks and 4WD bus excursions to scenic lookouts. In the evening, join a nocturnal walk, watch an audiovisual presentation, or just relax in the lounge room and learn about the fascinating history of the O’Reilly family. (B)

Day 12 Lamington/Fraser Island
Enjoy an early morning breakfast before departing for Kingfisher Bay Resort on Fraser Island. Your 4WD transfer departs at 8 am and takes you to Roma Street Station to connect with the Tilt Train, which departs at 10:30 am. The train arrives in Maryborough at 1:55 pm, and, from here, you will be transferred by coach to Hervey Bay terminal. You will then be taken to Urangan Boat Harbour for your catamaran transfer at 4 pm. After a 45-minute cruise across the Great Sandy Straight, you will be welcomed at Australia’s leading ecotourism resort. Explore the resort, swim in the pools, go bush walking, or try your luck with fishing. Nocturnal activities include indulging in great Australian food and wine, relaxing in Maheno Lounge, or kicking up your heels at the Wilderness Bar. (B)

Day 13 Fraser Island
Before your buffet breakfast, join a ranger to seek out some of the birds on Fraser Island. At approximately 8:15 am, depart on the “Beauty Spots” full day 4WD coach tour. Discover amazing pockets of rainforest growing in sand, see crystal-clear freshwater lakes, and observe the remains of shipwrecks. Later, enjoy a drive along one of the world’s most spectacular highways, 75 Mile Beach, and learn the fascinating history of Fraser Island. Return to the resort late this afternoon. This evening, enjoy a stroll along the beach, watch the sun set over the sea, and marvel at the stars of the southern sky. (B,L)

Day 14 Fraser Island/Brisbane
After breakfast, the catamaran departs at 7:40 am for Urangan Boat Harbour. From here, you will connect with the 11:57 am Queensland Rail coach transfer. The tilt train journey will arrive in Brisbane at 3:55 pm. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure. This afternoon, you might want to venture out to Lone Pine, the world's largest koala sanctuary. Here in Queensland, you have the opportunity to see and hold a koala! Be sure to also stop at the Mount Coot-tha Lookout for a terrific panoramic view of the city and surrounding terrain. (B)

Day 15 Brisbane/Onward
Transfer to the airport this morning for your onward flight, or ask us about extending your stay in Brisbane, Sydney, or other parts of Australia. (B)

If you would like to extend your stay in Australia, be sure to consider a stay at one of the Great Barrier Reef Island Resorts.

Detailed Trip Information

Dates	Best October to April. Privately Anytime
Duration	9 days 15 days with extension
Land Cost	$3,895 Extension Cost: $1,750 (Adelaide to Brisbane airfare is approximately $280)
Single Supplement	$595 for trip; $625 for extension
Lodging	- comfortable & delightful hotels
Grade	I some optional hiking
Group Size	2-12 joining small, local group tours

Trip Terms & Conditions

Please note: Prices may fluctuate based on the exchange rate between the US Dollar and the Australian Dollar.

Included in costs: Meals as noted, each night in double occupancy accommodations, land transfers between components, English speaking guides, park or site entry fees, surface transport, equipment other than personal gear, government tax, airport transfer assistance, in-country ticket reconfirmation & check-in assistance (where permitted), complete pre-departure packet, toll-free pre-departure phone assistance.

Not included in costs: Meals not noted as included, gratuities, beverages (except tea or coffee at meals), international or domestic airfare unless specified, airport departure taxes not included with air tickets, visas, itinerary changes after confirmation, any services not included in itinerary, any costs incurred due to canceled or delayed flights, acts of nature or other happenings beyond our control, or other costs as are more fully described in JOURNEYS Terms & Conditions.

Deposit and payment schedule: $500 per person per trip or the applicable amount based on the trip and the proximity of the departure date. A second deposit of $800 per person is due four months prior to departure, and final payment for land arrangements is due 60 days prior to departure. Airlines require full payment when tickets are issued. The deposit may be made by Visa, Master Card or check, and the Reservation Form may be submitted by fax, mail or via our website. Full payment schedule and cancellation penalties are described in our Terms and Conditionsas noted in our Global Expedition Catalog, on our website and elsewhere. Please request these if you do not have them before advancing a deposit.

Insurance: When you make your application, we strongly recommend the purchase of comprehensive travel insurance in case of emergency situations. Please contact us for a recommended policy.

Air fares: JOURNEYS can make complete air arrangements applicable to your trip as noted in this itinerary. If you wish to redeem frequent flyer mileage or arrange flights directly with the airline, you may do so on your own at no penalty. If you do, please consult with us on exact arrival and departure dates and times before having your tickets issued to avoid errors.

Itinerary Change Fee: There will be a $40 fee for changes once an itinerary has been confirmed and approved. Additional cancellation penalties or change fees may apply as per our terms and conditions. The passenger is responsible for such fees.

JOURNEYS Resources

• Australia Photo Gallery
• The Great Wild South Photo Gallery
• Ayers Rock
• Great Ocean Road
• Twelve Apostles
• The Olgas
• Kangaroo Island
• Lamington National Park
• Fraser Island
• Great Barrier Reef
• The Outback
• The Ghan
• Kakadu National Park
• Alice Springs
• MacDonnell Ranges
• Cradle Mountain
• Freycinet National Park
• Queensland
• Bruny Island
• Flinders Chase National Park
• Great Barrier Reef Island Resorts

Browse More Tours

• Privately Anytime Trips

Internet Resources

• Australia Reading List
• Center for Disease Control
• Consular Information Sheet
• Detailed Facts About Australia
• Google News - Australia