Noosa is the starting point for this walk and Noosa is the jewel in the crown of Australia's Sunshine Coast, located in sub-tropical south east Queensland. Noosa is an aboriginal word, meaning ‘shady place’ and many of the local towns and countryside reflect aboriginal names and pioneering origins of gold rush days, cattle and timber industry.
Today, Noosa is regarded as Australia's leading regional tourism destination, combining relaxed coastal living, pristine surfing beaches, and a marvelous bio-diversity of hinterland experiences from open grazing country to lush rainforest. Noosa and the Sunshine Coast have a dynamic energy, which has made it the enclave of artists, celebrities, leading restaurateurs and people seeking serenity of life outside major cities.
Australian flora and fauna, including kangaroos, kookaburras, cockatoos, rainbow lorikeets, koalas, colorful parrots, eucalypts and heritage rainforest are just some of the Australian icons you will often see on our walks. You will visit the amazing Rainbow Beach which has up to seventy different colors of sand. It is a sight worth seeing.
One of the highlights to this walk is a trip to Fraser Island with its turquoise fresh water, and pristine environment.
Your Itinerary:
Day 1: You will be picked up from Brisbane Airport and transferred to your beautiful accommodation at Bellbird Lifestyle Retreat, which is nestled amongst the rainforest in the Sunshine Coast hinterland region of Kenilworth. This will be a leisurely day, with a stopover on the way to visit the home of the “Crocodile Hunter”, Steve Irwin, at Australia Zoo. Here, you will have a good introduction to Australia’s unique wildlife. A scrumptious dinner and warm hospitality will finish off a nice, relaxing first day.
Day 2: A chance for a sleep in to recover from your long flight is followed by a healthy, delicious breakfast with a million dollar view over the rolling hills of the hinterland. Following breakfast, we will head off on a walk through the tracks of Kenilworth State Forest, which meander through lush, sub-tropical rainforest with spectacular views through the Blackall ranges. We stop along the way for a gourmet picnic lunch by a crystal clear freshwater creek, before continuing back to our accommodation for our second night at Bellbird Lifestyle Retreat. An optional extra is available here to have a much deserved massage or beauty treatment as you unwind after a fantastic day’s walking. Or you could just relax with a cool drink, read a book or soak in a spa.
Day 3: Today we head off after a hearty breakfast for another day of walking through the beautiful rainforest and tall open forest to discover waterfalls, cascades and rock pools. Breathe the crisp, clean air and feel the stresses of your everyday life being washed away. As we depart the Kenilworth area, we head towards the coast to the world renowned beach town of Noosa. We stop for lunch in a stunning restaurant, located directly on the beautiful Noosa River. Following lunch we then take a ferry across the Noosa River to the Noosa North Shore Resort, which will be your resting place for the next two nights.
Day 4: The day begins with breakfast on the deck of the resort, where you can observe the beautiful rainbow lorikeets and wild kangaroos grazing nearby. We will then drive on the sand of the famous 40 mile beach, to take you to the head of the walking trail. Our walk takes us from the beach, over the sand dune system to a spectacular lookout with 360 degree views, from the Pacific Ocean in the East, to the hinterland in the West. Continuing our walk down the other side of the dunes, we reach the Noosa River, where we will be collected by boat for a scenic cruise through the stunning ‘everglades’, back to our accommodation. Here a welcome rest and much deserved dinner awaits.
Day 5: Today we will head north to Rainbow Beach, the quaint little beach town which is famous for its coloured sands (up to 70 different colors). From here we start the walk which travels through an ever changing landscape, from open eucalypti forest, through to lush rainforest. We will finish at the stunning Poona Lake, which is a freshwater lake perched high up in the sand dune system, set amongst dense vegetation, with a pure white sandy beach. Lunch will be enjoyed in the peace and tranquility of the rainforest. The most unique thing about this rainforest is that it is all growing in pure sand. In the afternoon, we catch a ferry to cross to the World Heritage listed Fraser Island. A recent poll by US Magazine, Forbes, voted Fraser Island the 5th sexiest island in the world. Dinner and accommodation is at King Fisher Bay Resort, a four star environmentally sensitive resort.
Day 6: You awake to the sounds of kookaburras and cockatoos, before enjoying a healthy breakfast in this beautiful, natural setting. After breakfast, we begin the amazing walk through the stunning landscape of Fraser Island, the world’s largest sand island. This truly unforgettable walk will take you along a creek bed where the water is so clear, it appears invisible. You continue through the rainforest, where you will see giant satiny trees rising 50 meters above the sand. Eventually, you will arrive to see the turquoise fresh water and bright white sands of Lake McKenzie. Here you will have time for a cooling swim whilst lunch is prepared and served in this magnificent wilderness. After a leisurely lunch, you will enjoy the thrill of taking off from 75 mile beach, which acts as the airstrip. You will gain a whole new appreciation of this region from the air as you fly to Maroochydore for your final night's accommodation.
Day 7: This morning will be at your leisure with opportunity for last minute shopping, before you are transferred to the Brisbane Airport for your departure.
2008 Dates: June 15-21, July 20-26, August 10-16, September 7-13, October 12-18, November 9-15.
Meeting Point: Sunshine Coast Airport.
Difficulty of Walk: Moderate walking on varying terrain with some hills, sand and rocky paths. A medium level of fitness is recommended. Approximately 6-8 miles per day.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
$2,900 per person, shared.
$725 single supplement.
Price Includes:
- 6 nights accommodation
- 5 days guided walking
- Most meals, guide
- Ferry crossings
- National park entry fees
- Transfers
- Tax.
Also see tour packages in:
Australia and Oceania
Australia
Walking Tours
Ecotourism
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