Ben’s Itinerary

At home on Hamilton Island

Breakfast with the Koalas, Hamilton Island and meet the winners of the Best Experience in the World competition… the Defeo family

Overnight at the Brisbane Marriott Hotel The 28-level Brisbane Marriott Hotel is located on the corner of Queen and Adelaide Streets, a short riverside walk or ferry ride to all city attractions and views over the central business district to the Brisbane river. The hotel also offers four dedicated executive floors, allowing guests to enjoy the additional benefits of complimentary continental breakfast, evening drinks and canapes, as well as valet parking. Superior recreational facilities include complimentary use of the fully equipped gymnasium, indoor heated swimming pool, sauna and Brisbane's only day spa, The Dome.

Brisbane Story Bridge Adventure Climb The Story Bridge Adventure Climb is a 2.5 hour climb to the very top of Brisbane's iconic Story Bridge- open to the public for the first time in its 65 year history. One of only three such experience in the world, it's a journey of almost a kilometre up over the bridge's superstructure with a high point almost 80 metres above the Brisbane River. From the summit of the bridge, climbers enjoy uninterrupted 360 degree views of Brisbane, its river and surrounding mountains and bay islands. The bridge climb tour is available at dawn, dusk or during the day.

Depart Brisbane on flight to Bundaberg

Check into Grand Mercure Apartments Bargara for overnight accommodation. Situated on the newly developed Esplanade in seaside Bargara, at the bottom of the Great Barrier Reef, Grand Mercure Apartments Bargara, Bundaberg is the first AAA rated 5-star property in the area. Close to central Bundaberg and Bundaberg Airport, with alfresco dining, a championship golf course and extensive outdoor activities within walking distance, Grand Mercure Apartments Bargara, Bundaberg offers the ultimate accommodation in Queensland's Coral Coast Region with 39 beautiful apartments, all with ocean views.

Visit the Mon Repos Turtle Experience Mon Repos supports the largest concentration of nesting marine turtles on the Eastern Australian mainland and is one of the two largest Loggerhead turtle rookeries in the South Pacific Ocean. Successful breeding here is critical for the survival of this endangered species. Research at Mon Repos ensures this, but the centre is also used to guide other major Queensland rookeries and is an important training centre for research program volunteers and wildlife managers from the Indo-Pacific region. Dr Col Limpus spearheaded a major research project in the 70s, tagging over 100,000 hatchlings. The 30-year research program examines reproductive and migration studies, animal surveys of nesting turtles, behavioural studies and incubation and genetic studies. More people visit Mon Repos every year to watch nesting turtles and emerging turtle hatchlings. Although turtles nest along the entire "Turtle Coast" between Woodgate and the Town of 1770, long, isolated beaches and darkness ensure few are actually seen. Turtles are also easily disturbed which makes Mon Repos an ideal place for a chance to see these 'ancient mariners'.

Depart Bundaberg for Lady Elliot Island A true island paradise, Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort is a popular destination for families and leisure groups keen to explore the rich marine eco-system located at the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef. Lady Elliot Island lies 80 klms north east of Bundaberg, and is easily accessed by daily flights which land at the island's own airstrip. The Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort is a low key destination focusing on its amazing natural setting. Four levels of accommodation are offered ranging from permanent safari style eco cabins up to two bedroom air conditioned suites overlooking the coral lagoon. A limited number of guests are allowed on the island at any one time and the moment you step onto the island, you know you've arrived somewhere special. On Lady Elliot Island, you set the pace. You can go diving with a qualified dive instructors, marvel at the underwater world from a glass bottomed boat, snorkel to your hearts content, read a book on a stretch of deserted beach or explore the island on one of the many guided tours. Formed over 3000 years ago, this beautiful coral cay is home to 57species of birds, nesting sea turtles and a stunning underwater world of coral formations and diverse marine life. All inclusive day trips to the island depart the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Hervey Bay and Bundaberg daily, and are an exciting and economical way for visitors to experience the Great Barrier Reef from the air, on the water and from under it all in one day.

Transfer to Fraser Island by helicopter with MI Helicopters MI Helicopters offer a range of scenic flights and tours servicing Hervey Bay and Fraser Island. Tours include 10-60 minutes scenic flights to half day tours where you can view Fraser Island and the Great Sandy Straits from the air and then spend some quality time in one of the Resort Restaurants of your choice (Kingfisher and Happy Valley) or lazing on the beach (picnic lunch provided).

Arrive and overnight at Kingfisher Bay Resort, Fraser Island Kingfisher Bay Resort is the gateway to the World Heritage wilderness of Fraser Island. This Australian icon is famous for its ancient rainforests, spectacular fresh-water lakes, remarkable wildlife and famous 75-Mile Beach with streams spilling into the ocean, mighty sand blows, coloured sand and even a shipwreck. The resort nestles among tree-covered dunes on the edge of the calm waters of the Great Sandy Strait and is a paradise for boating, fishing, swimming, bush walking, four-wheel driving and just enjoying the magnificent, natural beauty of this island. Kingfisher rangers guide a variety of four-wheel-drive coach tours and personalised tours for up to four people, to explore Fraser Island. Rangers also have a free, daily program of nature walks and activities such as bird watching, stargazing and fishing clinics. Dolphin search cruises operate all year round except from August to October when there are daily whale watch cruises to see the migrating humpback whales.

Pickup 4WD for the day from Aussie Trax Aussie Trax 4x4 Rentals is Hervey Bays’ largest and longest established 4WD adventure tour operator for Fraser Island self-drive experiences. With offices in Hervey Bay and on Fraser Island’s Kingfisher Bay Resort Aussie Trax is an obvious choice when selecting your multiple awards winning hire company.

Overnight with the Fraser Island Company experienced and knowledgeable tour guides are ready to showcase this island paradise from the luxury of 4WD air-conditioned vehicles complete with panoramic windows. One of our award-winning, advanced eco accredited Fraser Island tours is sure to suit you. Choose from a variety of Fraser Island packages including 1 and 2 day safaris; or a personalised 3-day exlcusive camping safaris exploring areas not frequented by other companies; 5-day reef packages visiting heritage-listed Lady Elliot Island; and whale watching tours. Our Fraser Island camping accommodation, featuring our permanent tent village, tastefully provided with all facilities; is located at Frasers at Cathedral Beach, a lush 25-acre property also offering spacious campsites and bungalow accommodation. Alternatively you can enjoy the Fraser Island backpackers resort, offering individual ensuited 1 and 2 bedroom timber lodges located at Happy Valley. Come with The Fraser Island Company to experience the remarkable natural beauty of the world's largest sand island.

Scenic flight from Happy Valley to Hervey Bay Air Fraser Island is a tourist based air charter service, specialising in aerial tours of World Heritage Listed Fraser Island, using the eastern beach of Fraser Island as its unique airstrip.

Self drive to Sunshine Coast from Hervey Bay and arrival at Hyatt Regency Coolum Set at the base of Mount Coolum, the Hyatt Regency Coolum Resort covers 350 acres of natural woodlands, bushland, rainforest, wallums and gardens, with the resort hotel fronting onto the Pacific Ocean with two kilometres of pristine Sunshine Coast beach. Facilities at Hyatt Regency Coolum include: a Tennis Centre with seven night-lit tennis courts, the award winning Sun Spa, an 18 hole golf course which is Home of the Australian PGA Championship, Nine sparkling swimming pools, Camp Hyatt for children and the Creative Arts Centre. The resort also offers a range of dining choices, from the comfortable atmosphere of The McKenzie Grill to the contemporary surrounds of FishTales and the relaxed atmosphere of the Village Square with its variety of food and beverage outlets.

Surfing lesson with XL Surfing Academy

Golf lesson with Adam Scott - Australian Pro Golfer

Hosted lunch at Bistro C Located on Noosa's main beach overlooking the crystal clear water of Laguna bay Bistro C is Noosa's most loved beachside dining experience. With award winning food, friendly, professional staff and an atmosphere that is both casual and chic Bistro C showcases the best of everything that is on offer in the Noosa dining scene and does it all with a style that is uniquely it's own. Whether you stroll in off the beach in your bathers for a tantalising breakfast or lunch or join us for an intimate evening of cocktails, fine wine and fabulous food the staff at Bistro C will go out of their way to make sure your experience is a memorable one.

Arrive at Tangalooma Wild Dophin Resort for overnight accommodation. Tangalooma Wild Dolphin Resort is situated on Moreton Island, only a 75-minute cruise across Moreton Bay by a high-speed catamaran from Brisbane. Fringed on three sides by Moreton Island National Park, the Resort is situated amongst landscaped gardens and natural bushland. Accommodation options include 96 air-conditioned hotel rooms, 134 self-contained resort units and 56 two-storey villas - all 50 metres of the beachfront. A highlight of any stay at Tangalooma Wild Dolphin Resort will be the opportunity to interact closely with our native wild life. Each evening the Tangalooma inshore dolphins swim up the beach, where they are hand fed fresh by the Dolphin Care staff and Resort Guests in a controlled manner. Guests have the opportunity to participate in the feeding or watch from the jetty. In the mornings our resident pelicans and cormorants also enjoy a bucket or two of fish hand fed to them on the beach. Day tours also allow you to Sand Toboggan, swim in Blue Lagoon, snorkel sunken shipwrecks and visit Cape Moreton Lighthouse.

Ben's Farewell and Aussie Christmas event, Hamilton Island

Self drive to Rydges Capricorn International Resort in Yeppoon for overnight accommodation Nestled amongst 22,000 acres of sprawling tropical landscape, Rydges Capricorn Resort offers an unparalleled range of leisure facilities, sightseeing activities and day tours to key tourist attractions within the Capricorn Coast region. Just 45 kms from Rockhampton this integrated resort facility is located where an alluring stretch of coral reef coastline meets wetlands and rainforest. The surrounding unspoilt bush and wetlands are home to some of Australia's most beautiful and rare bird life and wildlife.

Visit Capricorn Caves The spectacular Capricorn Caves are a unique system of above ground caves in a limestone ridge situated 23kms north of Rockhampton, central Queensland. These ancient caves have been attracting visitors since their discovery by John Olsen in 1882. Today, they are the only privately owned show caves on freehold land in Australia. Tours range from easy walking , wheelchair accessible caves to wild caving adventure tours. A tranquil caravan park and cabins nestle amongst the bush and visitors can enjoy the native flora and fauna and first class facilities. The property has gained advanced level eco-tourism accreditation and is the winner of many major tourism awards.

Transfer to Great Keppel Island and spend 2 nights at Great Keppel Holiday Village A holiday getaway where you can rest, swim, snorkel, bushwalk and enjoy the peacefulness of a remote, natural island? Welcome to our island paradise! Great Keppel Island is one of those undiscovered treasures sitting amidst a group of Great Barrier Reef National Park islands off the Capricorn Coast of Central Queensland. Sometimes referred to as “Woppaburra” after the Aboriginal people who originally lived on the island, the name translates as “resting place”.The atmosphere of our eco-friendly Holiday Village is what you would expect on an island – going back to a simpler time of low-key, relaxing and lazy days either on the beach or in a hammock; a bushwalk on tracks to deserted beaches; swimming and snorkelling; or maybe a kayak or motorised canoe trip to surrounding areas. And then there are the sunsets. A true private “island in the sun” experience.

Spend the night on a sailing adventure with Keppel Bay Escapes The climate and location are a perfect mix for sailingg adventures. The pristine beauty of the Keppels is the cruising yachtsman's best kept secret. Learn to sail in tropical island waters with an experienced instructor. Take one of our bare boats around the islands and use a guide to discover the secluded beaches and unique sailing experience of Keppel Bay

Drive to the town of Zilzie and spend the night at Seaspray Resort & Spa laidback with all the luxury you will need without costing the earth. The resort embodies the feelings, sights, smells and sounds of a less complicated era. Of simple pleasures enjoyed at a slower pace - of living well. Like exploring for shells or napping in the afternoon. There’s a sincerity about Seaspray Resort & Spa.

Drive from Zilzie to Airlie Beach for Christmas at home at Blue Pearl, Hamilton Island with the family!

New Years at qualia Hamilton Island