BACKCOUNTRY, BUSHWALK & BARRIER REEF CRUISE

Your Australian family adventure begins in Byron Bay, the prototypical surfers’ paradise and a perennial feature on the bucket lists of travellers the world over. Despite the tourist crowds, Byron’s managed to remain a small, relaxed town, even if the bohemian atmosphere which drew and was maintained by visiting hippies has begun to give way to high-end hotels and classy restaurants.

That said, it’s as welcoming and family-friendly a town as ever, with a range of activities on offer sure to please adults and kids alike. Needless to say, it’s a great place to surf – or to learn to – with Belongil Beach a good place to start for those of all ability levels. The town’s markets are great for picking up handicrafts, souvenirs or artisan food products, and the walk up to the lighthouse at Captain Cook Lookout affords spectacular views.

You’ll spend three nights at Halcyon House, a luxury boutique hotel nestled in acres of tropical forest.

Departing Byron Bay, you’ll be taken by private transfer to the heart of Queensland’s beautiful Scenic Rim region, where you’ll spend 2 nights at Canopy Eco Lodge, a collection of luxurious eco-tents surrounded by wilderness. The main attraction of this area, and the way to experience the beautiful landscapes, is the Scenic Rim Trail, where guided walks will take you through an area of great natural beauty. This includes the twin peaks of Mt Mitchell, the dramatic Fassifern Valley, and the thick rainforests of Spicers Peak.

Wildlife which lives in the Scenic Rim region includes thousand-year-old, prehistoric-looking hoop pines, lyre birds, wallabies, koalas and kangaroos. All the way, you’ll be led by expert guides with great passion for and knowledge of the land and the wildlife that lives on it.

A transfer to Brisbane will see you fly to Cairns then take a bushflight to Crystalbrook Lodge, where you’ll spend the next 3 nights. Crystalbrook Lake is a spectacular place, a serene body of water surrounded by forest-covered wilderness. The area is rich in wildlife, and a boat or kayak trip can see you spot jabiru, lotus birds and barracuda, among other bird and fish species; from the lodge’s viewing platform you can spot sea eagles, blue-faced honeyeaters, bee-eaters and many more.

Nearby Chillagoe is home to some beautiful and incredibly diverse geology, with experienced guides able to introduce you to the aboriginal rock art galleries and limestone caves of the area. The night skies here are preternaturally clear – make the most of it in the lodge’s theatre room, where you can gaze at the stars through a telescope.

After 3 nights at Crystalbrook Lodge, you’ll be taken by private transfer to Port Douglas, from where you’ll embark on a luxury cruise on one of the world’s greatest natural wonders, the Great Barrier Reef. Your home for the final leg of your journey will be the MV Bahama, a luxury motor yacht with beautiful marble bathrooms, comfortable saloon and entertainment areas, and al fresco dining and lounging areas.

You’ll have the choice of where you go and what you do on your journey, with the common theme the incredible beauty of the Great Barrier Reef; snorkelling, diving, spearfishing and stand-up paddle boarding are among the water sports on offer. Popular destinations include the beautiful Lizard Island – the ‘Jewel of the Reef’ – Dynamite Pass and the colourful clam gardens of Watsons Bay.

After three nights exploring the marine beauty of the Great Barrier Reef aboard the MV Bahama, your Australian adventure reaches its end, and you’ll be privately transferred to Cairns for your onward flight.