Australia 2023 AUS | Page 53

WHITSUNDAY ISLANDS SHORT CRUISES & EXPERIENCES
Hamilton Island
Whitsundays
Great Barrier Reef
REEFSLEEP & REEFSUITE
1 NIGHT SMALL GROUP CRUISE & STAY
1 night cruise & stay side trip from £ 399pp
sleep under the stars • memorable experience • lots of activities to enjoy
Solway Lass
SOLWAY LASS FLOATING HOTEL
2 NIGHT TALL SHIP STAY
2 night cruise from £ 424pp
choose your own activities • traditional tall ship • unique adventure
Courtesy of Solway Lass
DAY 1 Hamilton Island / Great Barrier Reef
Depart Hamilton Island Marina aboard a high-speed catamaran and cruise through the Whitsunday Islands en route to Hardy Reef - keep an eye out for migrating humpback whales between July and September . Arrive mid-morning and the day is yours to spend exploring the natural wonders of the Great Barrier Reef from the pontoon where a range of activities are available including an underwater observatory , snorkelling and semisubmersible rides .
Break for a buffet lunch before resuming your marine life spotting or simply laze on the sun deck . Optional activities are available ( extra expense ) including diving , snorkel safaris and scenic helicopter flights At around 3.30pm daytrippers head back to shore , so a maximum of 30 guests get to stay behind and soak up the unique solitude and tranquillity of the reef . Pull up a chair and enjoy a cool drink whilst watching the sun sinking lower on the horizon in this World Heritage Listed site . Later , after your delicious evening meal is served on deck , you can head for the pontoon ’ s top level and slip into your cosy swag - it ’ s just you , the ocean and a galaxy of stars ! Alternatively , upgrade and head below deck for a private Reefsuite experience . The undersea Reefsuites give a whole new meaning to a ‘ room with a view ’ as you awake to see the marine life going about another day .
DAY 2 Great Barrier Reef / Hamilton Island
Begin the day with a hearty breakfast and take the opportunity for a relaxing swim or snorkel amongst the beautiful corals before the day trippers arrive . Once again you have a choice of activities before the mid-afternoon catamaran whisks you back to Hamilton Island Marina where your tour concludes .
DAY 1 Airlie Beach / Solway Lass
Make your way to the Coral Sea Marina and board either the Whitsunday Bullet or Southern Cross for a sensational trip around the Whitsunday Islands . Start by crossing Pioneer Bay , the Whitsunday Passage and Hook Pass arriving at Tongue Bay for a walk to the famous Hill Inlet Lookout . Jump back aboard for the short trip to South Whitehaven for a swim and to marvel at the white silica sands of the beach . It ’ s then a thrill ride to Hook Island or Border Island for snorkelling and marine life viewing . Early this afternoon , you ’ ll be whisked to the Solway Lass , a magnificent tall ship which is anchored in the heart of the Whitsundays and transforms into a floating hotel . You ’ ll arrive in time to enjoy the sunset happy hour where you can chat with fellow guests before an alfresco dinner is served on deck , under the shaded canopy .
DAY 2 Solway Lass
The choice is yours with a variety of activities on the menu . Options include kayaking , snorkelling , bushwalking , fishing , visit to Ngaro Caves and Waterhole or a full day sailing and snorkelling safari to Langford Reef and Black Island . Of course , should you prefer , you can take a chillout day and remain onboard Solway Lass taking the chance to relax in the bow net with your favourite book or perhaps taking in the serenity while enjoying a cocktail from the bar .
DAY 3 Solway Lass / Airlie Beach
After an alfresco breakfast on deck , choose again from the list of activities onboard before you return back to the marina at Airlie Beach .
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Departures : Daily . Also available from Airlie Beach
Accommodation : Swags ( tents ) on pontoon deck . Communal showers and toilets are available on the pontoon .
Upgrade option : Undersea Reefsuite from £ 649pp . Each room features premium bedding , glass-walled ensuite and floor-to-ceiling views of the Great Barrier Reef .
Meals : Morning tea , afternoon tea and lunch daily . Dinner is also included on day 1 . Breakfast is also included on day 2 . All beverages including beer and wine ( cocktails and spirits are extra expense ).
Tour price : The price includes return transfers from Hamilton Island to Hardy Reef by catamaran , overnight on the pontoon in swags under the stars , unlimited snorkelling , semi-submersible rides , underwater viewing chamber , wetsuit hire and national park fees .
Note : Children 12 years and over are welcome .
visit your travel agent or call 08444 937 900 • www . premierholidays . co . uk
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Departures : Mondays & Fridays from 15-24 Dec & 26 Dec-31 Mar . Accommodation : In a double / twin cabin with a shower .
Meals : All meals and snacks throughout the duration of the trip . Usually served buffetstyle , meals are created with locally sourced produce and are a great communal time to get to know your fellow travellers . Tap water , tea and coffee are also included .
Tour price : The price shown includes two nights accommodation on Solway Lass , services of the skipper and crew , snorkelling equipment & basic tuition , marine levies and activities as outlined . Note : Children 5 years and over are welcome .
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