Day 1–6
We lose a day crossing the International Date Line. No worries,
we'll get it back in the end. Get your first glimpse of
the Land Down Under flying into Brisbane. Leaving the big
city behind, we
head to Noosa beach and adjust to an Aussie lifestyle.
Wake up with a refreshing dip in the ocean and a morning
surf session. After
learning to surf, we hop in our four-wheel drives and head
up the beach to Fraser Island and Great Sandy National
Park. Beach camp
under starry skies and explore the historic Maheno wreck,
huge sand dunes, old growth rainforests and freshwater
lakes.
Day 7–12
We travel from the east coast to the red center of Australia.
Hike through the mystical Olgas and learn why Ayers Rock is
sacred to the Aborigines. Hear stories about Dreamtime, the Aboriginal
myth of creation. Explore gorges and canyons on an overnight bush trip
to the seldom seen areas of Ormiston Gorge and Glen Helen. Adventure
abounds at every new site where we have opportunities to go rock climb,
see aboriginal rock paintings, discover a hidden palm fringed oasis,
walk through canyons and swim at ancient watering holes.
Day 13–18
A short flight to Cairns brings us back to the Queensland
coast. From here we take a thrilling adventure through rainforest and
over Class III and IV rapids on the Russell River in two-man sport
rafts. Next stop is the magnificent coastline where we kayak around
pristine islands and get a taste of the beautiful Great Barrier Reef.
Dry off just long enough to hike through lush rainforest in Daintree
National Park on our way up to Cape Tribulation.
Day 19–23
Time to go down under, literally! Live-aboard diving is the only true way to explore and gain full access to the world-famous Great Barrier Reef, the most extensive reef system in the world and the only living organism visible from the moon. A specially equipped dive boat is our home for our diving adventures. With 100-foot plus visibility, the Ribbon Reefs are great for pleasure dives with opportunities to spot dog-tooth tunas, loggerhead turtles, moray eels, giant Napoleon wrasse and manta rays. Snorkel with awe-inspiring Minke whales. Dive alongside a one hundred pound potato cod at the legendary Cod Hole, or drift effortlessly past a forest of hard and soft corals in Dynamite Pass. In the crystal clear waters of the Coral Sea, marvel at the astounding wealth and diversity of marine life as you discover this world-class underwater realm.
Day 24–25
We wrap up an incredible week in Tropical Queensland with a party at sea and Quiz Night. Our live-aboard adventure ends on Lizard Island in the Coral Sea. On our short flight back to the mainland, you reflect on your voyage and marvel at how much you and your friends accomplished in such a short time. Back in Cairns a farewell dinner puts the final touches on our upside adventure Down Under.