Surrounded by Nature – Eco Self Drive

Eco-friendly

Itinerary day by day

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN BRISBANE

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN BRISBANE

Welcome to Australia!

Arrive in Brisbane and pick up your hybrid car at the airport.

Capital of Queensland, Brisbane is the third-largest city in Australia and as such enjoys an interesting heritage, while maintaining a human dimension that makes it a pleasant place to visit. Crossed by the Brisbane River and surrounded by hills, the city is renowned for the beauty of the environment, the mildness of the climate, the welcoming atmosphere and the dynamism of culture and events. It also serves as a starting point for the famous Gold Coast, which is very popular with all those who love fun, leisure and water activities. Its 70 kilometers of magnificent beaches with constant waves make it a paradise for surfers.

The rest of the day is at leisure.

Overnight stay at One Thornbury Boutique Bed & Breakfast in a standard room. This charming B&B is located in the heart of Spring Hill, just a 20-minute walk from Brisbane city centre. From the moment you arrive, everything is arranged so that you can relax after long hours of flying; free parking, comfortable bar/lounge, small sun terrace… A real plus to start this beautiful ‘Down Under’ trip!

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DAY 2: MONTVILLE

DAY 2: MONTVILLE

This morning, departure by boat from the Cultural Center of Brisbane for the Sanctuary of Lone Pine

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary was opened in 1927 as a shelter for sick, injured and orphaned koalas at a time when the species was slaughtered for the fur trade. The founder, Claude Reid, recognised that something had to be done to help protect one of Australia’s most iconic species. Today, Lone Pine remains a destination for local and international visitors, not only to see Australia’s endemic animals, but also to connect and learn, and to be inspired to make small positive changes in their daily lives to help protect their wildlife and habitat.

Return by boat to the Cultural Centre and rest of the morning at leisure.

Drive to the beautiful Glass House Mountains National Park, near the village of Montville.

Perched on the Blackall Range, this picturesque village is home to art galleries, cozy cafes, and shops where you’ll find everything from handmade clothes to unique sculptures by local artists. There are many city accommodation options, including cabins in the rainforest inland. First settled in 1887, Montville is located near Kondalilla National Park – an ideal place for hiking, walking, picnicking or cooling off in a waterfall.

Overnight stay at Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat. Narrows Escape is a luxury retreat with six sumptuously appointed independent pavilions nestled in the rainforest. Each lodge is perfectly located so you can enjoy breathtaking views of the canopy and observe the local wildlife.

 

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DAY 3: MONTVILLE

DAY 3: MONTVILLE

Take advantage of this day to discover the Glass House Mountains National Park.

Explore the region’s ancient volcanic peaks, walk through lush rainforests, hike waterfalls, and admire breathtaking scenery – lose yourself in the natural beauty and serenity of the hinterland of the Sunshine Coast.

Overnight stay at Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat.

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DAY 4: BARGARA

DAY 4: BARGARA

Today, head to Mon Repos.

Most of the Mon Repos coastline is part of the conservation park created to protect the turtle nesting areas. Every year, from November to March, join the ranger guides for a rare and wonderful experience with endangered sea turtles (reservations and applicable rates). You can watch the sea turtles spawn (November-January) or the turtle cubs return to the ocean (January-March).

Along the way, don’t miss the town of Hervey Bay, known as the world’s premier whale-watching destination (July to November).

Overnight in Eco-Villa at Kelly Beach Resort. This eco-certified resort will allow you to relax in your fully equipped villa in the heart of 5.5 hectares of gardens.

 

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DAY 5: HERON ISLAND

DAY 5: HERON ISLAND

This morning, travel to Gladstone and board the ferry to Heron Island.

Famous worldwide for its spectacular coral reef and sanctuary of an extraordinary variety of marine life, this island offers a true eco-experience! On Heron Island, you are not just a hotel guest, you are a guest of nature: sleep, play, and explore a protected sanctuary overlooking the Great Barrier Reef.

Heron Island caters to sea lovers of all levels, with 20 easily accessible dive sites just minutes from the pier.

Overnight at Heron Island Resort. Heron Island Resort is the best example of Great Barrier Reef ecotourism and has received advanced eco-certification from Ecotourism Australia.

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DAY 6: HERON ISLAND

DAY 6: HERON ISLAND

A day dedicated to exploring the island and the marine life around it.

Heron Island is famous worldwide for its spectacular coral reef, an extraordinary variety of marine life, migrating whales, nesting turtles, and abundant birdlife. Underwater explorer Jacques Cousteau named Heron Island as one of his favorite dive sites on Earth.

Overnight at Heron Island Resort.

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DAY 7: ROCKHAMPTON

DAY 7: ROCKHAMPTON

Morning at leisure on Heron Island.

At 1.15 pm, board at Gladstone and pick up your vehicle to continue exploring Australia’s east coast!

Drive to Rockhampton where you will pass the Tropic of Capricorn.

You will arrive at your cottage in the middle of nature. Set up a barbecue, swim in the pool or photograph kangaroos and other local animals. After sunset, you can light a campfire and sit under the tropical starry sky.

Overnight in Capricorn Caves. Capricorn Caves is accredited as a Savannah Guides Enterprise and Green Travel Leader in ecotourism, demonstrating a long-term commitment to sustainable practices and high-quality nature experiences. With five Queensland Tourism Awards and a Bronze Australian Tourism Award, this commitment is well recognized in the industry.

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DAY 8: AIRLIE BEACH

DAY 8: AIRLIE BEACH

This morning, visit the Capricorn Caves.

Then road to Eungella National Park. Queensland’s most ecologically diverse park and Australia’s longest subtropical region.

Don’t miss Cape Hillsborough National Park, located 45 minutes north of Mackay, where eucalyptus forests meet the sea, a favorite habitat for many species such as the Kookaburra, kangaroo and koala.

End of the day at Airlie Beach, a cozy little seaside resort and gateway to the Whitsundays archipelago.

Overnight at Airlie Beach Eco Cabins. Located in a subtropical Australian environment, your cabin is surrounded by eucalyptus trees and native palm trees. Wake up to the chirping of local birds and enjoy your own menagerie of birds, including the Kookaburra and Cacatua, from the comfort of your balcony. The huts are a sanctuary for local marsupials, including the Agile Wallaby, the northern brown Bandicoot, and the brush-tailed Possum. A quiet retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the tourist centre.

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DAY 9: WHITSUNDAY ISLANDS

DAY 9: WHITSUNDAY ISLANDS

Climb aboard the Alexander Stewart to discover the Whitsunday Islands!

This archipelago consists of 74 islands within the famous Great Barrier Reef, one of Australia’s landmarks. You can admire white sandy beaches with clear waters, multicolored corals and fish. Leave the crowds behind for this intimate eco-adventure. Relax on deck, or join in and learn traditional sailing techniques. The Alexander Stewart is renowned for its guided walks, snorkelling safaris, Aboriginal culture, ecology and astronomy.

After a delicious morning tea, walk through the forest to the famous Hill Inlet Lookout on Whitsunday Island.

Head to Whitehaven Beach and discover the white silica sands and blue waters of Hill Inlet.

Return to your boat for a hearty lunch before leaving for your secluded evening anchorage for the afternoon.

Enjoy the sunset, make friends or find your own quiet place to relax.

Dinner out under the stars.

Relax and look at the stars in the sky.

Overnight in Alexander Stewart‘s private cabin. Award-winning Adventure and Eco-Tourism with 15 years experience of interpretive guided bush walks, snorkeling safaris, Aboriginal culture, ecology, and astronomy. Discover the islands of the Great Barrier Reef with instructive and fun Eco Tall Ship Sailing Safaris tours. Our commitment to sustainable practices helps ensure that the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef remain fantastic.

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DAY 10: WHITSUNDAY ISLANDS

DAY 10: WHITSUNDAY ISLANDS

Today, explore the archipelago.

Wake up at the first reef site to snorkel the coral fringes of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. After a tropical breakfast, explore the corals and discover the myriad of fish and turtles that populate the reefs.

Take your second swim of the day and explore a new snorkeling site chosen specifically for its wide range of fish and coral.

Enjoy a buffet lunch and a tropical fruit platter.

In the evening, back to Airlie Beach.

Overnight at Airlie Beach Eco Cabins.

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DAY 11: PALUMA RANGE NATIONAL PARK

DAY 11: PALUMA RANGE NATIONAL PARK

This morning, driving to Paluma National Park.

Along Paluma Range Road, you will encounter Little Crystal Creek and Big Crystal Creek, two great places to picnic, swim and walk in the bush.

Beyond the village of Paluma, the small town of Hidden Valley is home to Hidden Valley Cabins, an eco-refuge offering home-cooked meals and day trips with the platypus.

Tonight you can observe the local wildlife of the region in the company of an experienced guide.

Overnight at Hidden Valley Cabins. Hidden Valley Cabins are an outstanding example of true ecotourism and have been certified as an advanced ecotourism operation – the highest level of certification – by Ecotourism Australia.

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DAY 12: PALUMA RANGE NATIONAL PARK

DAY 12: PALUMA RANGE NATIONAL PARK

Day at leisure to enjoy this fantastic place.

You will have the opportunity to observe the platypus in its natural environment during a guided safari.

Overnight at Hidden Valley Cabins.

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DAY 13: DAINTREE NATIONAL PARK

DAY 13: DAINTREE NATIONAL PARK

Today, I leave early in the morning for Daintree Rainforest National Park.

Beautiful and dense, the Daintree National Park abounds with plant and animal species rare and unique to Australia, which has earned it a place on the UNESCO World Heritage List. You’ll discover unique places of great cultural significance for Aborigines.

On the way, don’t miss the Babinda Boulders, a magnificent granite gorge formed millions of years ago that offers the opportunity for incredible horse riding and swimming.

Overnight at Daintree Wilderness Lodge, designed to ensure minimal impact on the natural environment. Considerable efforts have been made to reduce waste, pollution and noise. From the very beginning of the construction of the lodge, measures have been taken to preserve the rainforest, making it a highly valued example of eco-housing in this region.

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DAY 14: THE GREAT BARRIER REEF

DAY 14: THE GREAT BARRIER REEF

This morning, you will leave for the cliffs of Mackay and Undine aboard the Ocean Safari.

The tour begins on the beach of Cape Tribulation where you will board the boat bound for the tropical waters of the Great Barrier Reef. After 25 minutes of the trip you will have the chance to see a multitude of tropical fish, as well as sea turtles, sea eagles, giant clams and starfish.

Return to Cape Tribulation at the end of the morning and the rest of the day off to enjoy this magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a cruise to see the sea crocodiles, zip-line through the treetops, or sample local fruit on a local farm.

Overnight at Daintree Wilderness Lodge.

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DAY 15: END OF ITINERARY

DAY 15: END OF ITINERARY

Last day to enjoy this beautiful region.

Be sure to make one last stop at the seaside resorts of Port Douglas and Palm Cove before your return.

Leave your rental car at Cairns airport before you take the return flight.

Our services are over, see you soon!

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Brisbane Queensland, Australie

Montville Queensland, Australie

Montville Queensland, Australie

Bargara Queensland, Australie

Heron Island, Queensland, Australie

Heron Island, Queensland, Australie

Rockhampton Queensland, Australie

Airlie Beach Queensland, Australie

Whitsunday Island, Whitsundays Queensland, Australie

Airlie Beach Queensland, Australie

Paluma Range National Park, Crystal Creek Queensland, Australie

Paluma Range National Park, Crystal Creek Queensland, Australie

Daintree National Park, Queensland, Australie

Cape Tribulation Queensland, Australie

Cairns Queensland, Australie

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