- Pricing From TBA
- Single Supplement TBA
- From Brisbane
- Duration 11 Days
- Max Group Size 12
- Activity Level Easy Going
Join Bill Peach Journeys as we proudly celebrate our 40th anniversary as the leader in private aircraft travel and discover Australia’s most magnificent natural treasure, the Great Barrier Reef. One of the seven wonders of the natural world, it is the only living thing on earth visible from space. Viewing this World Heritage-listed natural region up close and from your private aircraft is the perfect way to grasp the sheer magnitude of the southern expanse of the Great Barrier Reef while marvelling at its exceptional beauty.
Explore the coastal towns that make up this region from Townsville in the north to Mackay, Rockhampton, 1770 and Bundaberg further south. No exploration of this stunning reef would be complete without visiting some of the 100 islands, including Magnetic Island and two nights at the luxuriously exclusive InterContinental Hayman Island Resort. Join us for a private aircraft odyssey of a tropical paradise and experience a part of Australia most only dream about.
Highlights
- Experience spectacular aerial sightseeing of the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef and Queensland’s picturesque coast
- Marvel at nature’s breathtaking azure and turquoise palette as we ‘flightsee’ over the sublimely beautiful Whitsundays, the stunning Lady Musgrave Island and pristine Fraser Island
- Luxury accommodation throughout including 2 nights at the exclusive InterContinental Hayman Island Resort located on its own private tropical island
- Explore the ruggedly magnificent Magnetic Island
- Discover the history and awe-inspiring beauty of 1770
- Visit the iconic Bundaberg Rum Distillery
- Touring of Mackay, Rockhampton, Townsville, and Bundaberg
- All touring, transfers and meals included
- Escorted throughout by a dedicated Journey Director
Tour Departures
Hotels
Bill Peach Journeys understands the importance of selecting the right accommodation to complement each journey. In this case, a selection of exceptional properties have been chosen to showcase the incredible destinations visited throughout this journey.
Sofitel Brisbane Central offers sophisticated French luxury in the heart of Brisbane city. Sofitel Brisbane Central’s luxurious interiors combined with its renowned personalised service provide a level of comfort and sophistication you won’t find at other 5-star hotels in Brisbane. Savour the exceptional views from the Sofitel Brisbane Central overlooking the iconic ANZAC Square, the city’s exquisite skyline and the famed Sunshine Coast hinterland.
1770 Lagoons Resort Guests can enjoy the full resort experience as there is a lagoon-style swimming pool, a large jacuzzi, an award-winning day spa, and a restaurant and bar.
Experience luxury in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef as InterContinental Hayman Island Resort immerses you in the breathtaking natural beauty of the Whitsundays. Indulge in a tropical oasis of white sandy beaches, lush palm trees and sparkling waters enjoying iconic private island experiences. Five new restaurants and bars present an eclectic array of gastronomic delights and extraordinary local flavour. Each experience is enriched by an otherworldly setting of tropical rainforests or the crystal waters of the Coral Sea. Discover a place of natural beauty so profound, it will leave you feeling transformed.
Sofitel Brisbane Central
Sofitel Brisbane Central is a 5-star hotel in Brisbane CBD offering luxury rooms which blend contemporary design with French elegance.1770 Lagoons Resort
Lagoons 1770 Resort and Spa is a stylish resort located in the still secluded Southern Great Barrier Reef destination of Seventeen Seventy.Hayman Island Resort
InterContinental Hayman Island Resort - Australia's most iconic private island resort re-imagined.
Arrive into Brisbane and transfer to the Sofitel Brisbane, an elegantly appointed luxury hotel in the heart of Brisbane overlooking the iconic ANZAC Square. This evening, your Journey Director will host a welcome dinner.
Overnight: Sofitel Brisbane Central or similar
On the way to the airport, we enjoy a city tour and discover what makes Australia’s third largest capital the welcoming, spirited and energised subtropical city that it is. During our flight north, marvel at the spectacular Fraser Island and appreciate the beauty of the world’s largest sand island, its dense rainforest and coastline framing the aqua blue ocean.
Upon arrival in Bundaberg, we will see, smell and taste our way through the process of making Australia’s most famous spirit at the Bundaberg Rum Distillery. At the Bundaberg Barrel, discover another iconic local product – ginger beer.
Overnight: Burnett Riverside Motel or similar
Learn about the local food production industry in Bundaberg with a visit to Macadamias Australia, the largest family-owned, vertically integrated macadamia business in the world. Heading further north, we arrive at 1770 where we enjoy lunch at the resort followed by a relaxing afternoon at leisure.
Overnight: 1770 Lagoons Resort or similar
Tour the town of 1770 today and learn about its history. A coastal town in the Gladstone region, it was built on the site of the second landing in Australia by James Cook and the crew of HM Bark Endeavour in May 1770. Visit the Captain Cook Monument, the 1770 Marina and view the picturesque Agnes Waters Lookout. See the Paperbark Forest Boardwalk, Agnes Waters Museum and the 1770 headland with stunning views of Bustard Bay and Chinaman’s Beach. Dinner this evening is at the stylish 1770 Lagoons Resort.
Overnight: 1770 Lagoons Resort or similar
Transfer from 1770 to Gladstone where we re-board our aircraft and enjoy exceptional flightseeing of the stunning Lady Musgrave Island, set on 3,000 acres of living reef with an azure protected lagoon. Upon arrival in Rockhampton, we learn about this historically rich city, most famous for being the beef capital of Australia. A modern throwback to the heydays of Queensland’s colonial past, Rockhampton boasts heritage-listed streets and colonial buildings. Tour the limestone Capricorn Caves including Cathedral Cave, which originated in an ancient 380-million-year-old coral reef and today are a maze of small tunnels and larger chambers.
Overnight: Empire Hotel or similar
This morning we stand at the iconic Tropic of Capricorn before visiting the Rockhampton Botanic Gardens. We fly on to Mackay today, which is set in the Pioneer Valley, home to lush coastal ranges and fertile plains.
Overnight: Rydges Mackay or similar
Following breakfast, we tour the historic town of Mackay and see the city centre’s heritage and art deco buildings which reflect Mackay’s turbulent past. Visit the Mackay Marina and Breakwater Wall where we will hear the story of the Pine Islet Lighthouse. Fly on to Townsville, gateway to Queensland’s far north. A coastal city, Townsville is a vibrant mix of modern architecture and Federation-style buildings, bustling outdoor cafés, restaurants, boutiques and quirky galleries, all linked by a shady park-lined beach promenade.
Overnight: The Ville Resort & Casino or similar
Today we take a day trip to the ruggedly stunning Magnetic Island. Although Magnetic Island sits within the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, the landscape here is different from the usual tropical rainforest found on many nearby islands. About 275 million years ago, nature’s forces created an extraordinary landscape of rocky terrain and giant boulders. Magnetic Island has less rainfall than other Queensland islands so it has a dry tropical climate and is covered with eucalypt woodlands. Possessing the natural beauty and serenity of an untouched paradise, have your cameras nearby as we tour today. Keep an eye out for koalas and rock wallabies, WWII military base ruins, secluded bays and magnificent national park beaches including Arthur, Radical and Florence Bay.
Overnight: The Ville Resort & Casino or similar
Following a brief tour of Townsville, re-board our private aircraft this morning for another scenically breathtaking flight over the Whitsundays, an archipelago of 74 tropical islands famed for idyllic white beaches and crystal clear teal and azure waters, stunning views you will never forget. Cruise from Hamilton Island to our exceptional accommodation via luxury vessel for two blissful nights on Hayman Island.
Overnight: InterContinental Hayman Island Resort
A day at leisure to enjoy this world-renowned tropical paradise, featuring spectacular swimming pools, panoramic seascapes and tropical rainforest gardens, it is an idyllic island unlike any other. The group gathers this evening for the farewell dinner.
Overnight: InterContinental Hayman Island Resort
After breakfast this morning we take a launch transfer from Hayman Island back to Hamilton Island, where our tour concludes. Say a fond farewell to new friends and take away memories of an unforgettable Southern Barrier Reef adventure.
About Aircruising
Aircruising is an exceptional and fascinating way to travel, allowing you to land directly in some of Australia’s most extraordinarily remote locations. Your time on the ground will be spent exploring the local region with your dedicated Journey Director, experiencing the finest accommodation available and dining in absolute splendour.
Fully Inclusive
Every tour offered by Bill Peach Journeys is fully inclusive. Our team of professional Journey Planners work meticulously with the Journey Directors to map out every step of the journey, and plan for every eventuality as well. The tour cost includes all accommodation, dining, travel, taxes, porterage fees, entrance fees and luggage. As the intrepid traveller, just like Bill, all you’ll have to worry about is making sure you relax and enjoy every moment.
Mode of Transport
This journey will be operated by a variety of aircraft. All aircraft are perfect for landing in the isolated airstrips throughout this journey. To ensure a variety of viewing for everyone, we change seat allocation each day. The aircraft is operated by an experienced pilots and accompanied by a Journey Director. The coaches that we use for the ground component of this journey are fully air-conditioned. There will also be air-conditioned 4WD vehicles and ferries used in some areas.
Airfares and pre & post accommodation
Please speak to your travel agent or Bill Peach Journeys about flights to Brisbane and from Hamilton Island. We can also arrange additional pre accommodation in Brisbane.
Level of fitness required: Easy Going
These journeys are not physically demanding unless you want them to be. They include easy guided walks, which are mainly on flat ground. There will be times when you are required to board a launch for shore excursions. You must be able to walk up to 1 kilometre unaided and will not need any foreseen assistance throughout the journey. For all clients to fully enjoy this travel experience, excellent health and mobility are required by all.
We strongly urge you to consider the fitness rating before selecting your preferred journey, in respect for your fellow travellers. Bill Peach Journeys reserves the right to refuse travel to any client whose fitness level is below the recommended rating.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance to cover you against such things as personal illness or accident, cancellation, loss of baggage etc. Please make sure you carry a copy of your Travel Insurance policy with you at all times.
Terms and Conditions
Please refer to the T&C’s for more information. Terms & Conditions (PDF)
* Due to current travel restrictions, there may be operational / date changes required. We will continue to work with suppliers to monitor the situation.