Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
The Cairns region is internationally recognized for world class attractions, superb natural features and friendly north Queensland hospitality. It is the focal point for the magnificent World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and is surrounded by tropical rainforests. Visitors enjoy browsing at indigenous art galleries, shopping at the night markets and dining out on multicultural cuisine in the many restaurants along the esplanade.
Day 2: Hardy Reef
This morning Orion will anchor close by Hardy Reef’s “Reef World” floating pontoon, moored at one of the most vibrant spots on the Great Barrier Reef. The reef stretches for over 2,500km (1,550 miles), is the world’s largest ecological structure ever built by living creatures and is home to over fifteen hundred species of fish.
You’ll enjoy complimentary and exclusive access to the Reef World pontoon at the best time of day. There is an underwater viewing chamber built into the platform and snorkeling on the reef is as simple as putting on your masks and fins and slipping off the side of the platform where you will be surrounded by fish in their natural reef environment. The Reef World semi-submersible will also conduct complimentary tours throughout the morning so those who would like to see more of the reef whilst keeping their feet dry are able to do so.
An exceptional helicopter ride over the reef for a great view of all its spectacular formations is available at an additional cost, as is certified SCUBA diving for those with the appropriate experience and qualifications.
Included in your day will be a transfer by Orion’s Zodiacs to the Hardy Reef pontoon. Orion guests will have exclusive use of the pontoon and the underwater viewing chamber. Tours on the semi-submersible are also included in today’s activities.
Optional Shoreside Expeditions
HARDY REEF SCUBA DIVE Duration: One Dive
Cost: $120 per person
REEF APPRECIATION SCENIC FLIGHT Duration: Approximately 10 minutes
Cost: $280 per person
Day 3: Hamilton Island
One of the best known islands on the Great Barrier Reef, Hamilton Island is the largest inhabited island in the Whitsunday Island group. Originally developed in the 1970’s by Keith Williams, the island has continued to grow and develop over the years and was just recently featured in the “Best Job in the World” promotion.
As with most of the Whitsunday Islands, Hamilton was formed as sea levels rose over time, “drowning” once coastal mountain ranges, turning them into islands. After a short Zodiac transfer to the Hamilton Island Marina you are free to explore the island. Take advantage of the shuttle bus to move around the island, you can easily access Cat’s Eye Beach for swimming and snorkeling, or access the island resort center with its swimming pool, bars and restaurants. Take a walk down Front Street for some shopping, drop into the art gallery or prop yourself at one of the cafes or bars, or take one of the island trails for some more energetic walking (maps of the island trails will be available to you).
Day 4: Percy Island
The explorer Matthew Flinders visited the Percy Isles in September 1802 and described one of the coves as "one of the prettiest little places imaginable". Middle Percy, the largest of the three islands in the group, is a favorite stop for cruising yachtsmen en route between the tropical north and southern seas. An A-frame hut on the beach is decorated with memorabilia and souvenirs from these yachts. Middle Percy was first settled in 1870 and the homestead dating from that time is today occupied by the island caretakers.
What more perfect way to spend your day than to while it away in the shade or in the shallows with a glass of wine in your hand? A sumptuous beach BBQ is provided today, a fleet of sea kayaks will be available for you to explore the coast and estuaries of Middle Percy (tide and weather permitting) and the island has a series of walking trails where you may come across resident population of Emu and other native and introduced wildlife.
Day 5: Lady Elliot Island
In addition to swimming and snorkeling on the idyllic beach, Orion guests are offered an included glass bottom boat and snorkel tour around the island. There are also optional scuba tours for certified divers and beginners who wish to experience scuba diving. The diving and snorkeling environment on Lady Elliott Island is second to none.
Day 6: Brisbane, Queensland
Situated midway up the east coast of Australia is Brisbane, capital city of Queensland. With the Gold Coast beaches to the south and the Sunshine Coast to the north, Brisbane is well situated to commence your Orion journey and it is well worth arriving a few days prior to enjoy the city and surrounds.
Dates & Prices
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Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen
TrustScore 4.8 | 174 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 174 reviews on
8 hours ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
1 day ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.