Feel the excitement build as your flight arrives into Brisbane. Make your way to your chosen Gold Coast hotel, then head out for your first taste of Australia’s Pacific Ocean-side playground.

The next five days are yours to do as much or as little as you please. Beach lovers can relax and enjoy the sunshine on Broadbeach, or learn to surf like a pro on Burleigh Beach. Just back from the promenade, you can sample the finest fusion cuisine next to the yachts at Southport, or enjoy theme park thrills at Dreamworld, Whitewater World or Movie World.

And why not join a day tour to Steve Irwin’s Australia Zoo, where you can cuddle a koala or even get face to face with a saltwater crocodile!

If you would like to hire a car from Brisbane to explore independently, just let your Travel Consultant know.

Your chosen Gold Coast hotel

Fly from Brisbane, up the Queensland Coast, to the tropical resort town of Cairns. Here, you can stay in Cairns itself, in nearby Trinity Beach or Palm Beach, or an hour north in Port Douglas.

On a day of your choice, you’ll embark on a cruise to the Great Barrier Reef. Mooring at a well-equipped pontoon, you’ll be able to snorkel over the colourful corals, or enjoy a glass-bottom boat ride.

The rest of the week is yours at leisure. You could join a tour north, through the lush vegetation of the Daintree Rainforest to Cape Tribulation, or west the Atherton Tablelands, stopping at the Babinda Boulders and Crawford’s Lookout, before cooling off under the spectacular Millaa Millaa waterfall.

To finish your holiday, why not spend your final day back on the Great Barrier Reef, on a tour to Green Island or Frankland Island? Though do beware, you won’t want to leave!

If you would like to hire a car from Cairns to explore independently, just let your Travel Consultant know.

Your chosen Cairns or Port Douglas hotel

Say a reluctant farewell to North Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef as you transfer back to Cairns Airport today for your flight home or on to your next destination.