Queensland Tropics and Outback by Private Jet

Discover the ease and luxury of private jet travel as you board your private aircraft at Melbourne Airport. Relax and enjoy stunning views of the Australian mainland as your aircraft carries you north to Townsville. Take a ferry to Magnetic Island then check in to your resort hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, perhaps relaxing on one of Magnetic Island's picturesque palm-fringed beaches or lying by the sparkling swimming pool.

This evening, enjoy a special welcome dinner and drink. Stay Two Nights: Magnetic Island, Peppers Blue on Blue Resort (D)

Spend the day exploring the unique beauty of Magnetic Island. Sit back, relax and be treated to a fascinating guided tour of the island affectionately known by the locals as ‘Maggie'. As well as breathtaking views of the coastline and turquoise waters, the island is home to a diverse range of ecosystems, including rainforests, mangroves and coral reefs. This brings with it an abundance of wildlife, keep your eye out for koalas, wallabies, and a huge variety of bird species. The relaxed, laid-back atmosphere of this island with its natural beauty is what makes Magnetic Island such a popular destination. (B)

This morning, ferry back to Townsville to board your private jet for a wonderfully scenic flight along the Coral Coast to Cairns. Enjoy the remainder of the day exploring this fascinating tropical hub at leisure. Perhaps visit the beautiful Cairns Botanic Gardens and its stunning Flecker Garden, which houses plants from the steamy jungles of South America, Southeast Asia, and Africa as well as Far North Queensland, or take a gentle stroll along the vibrant waterfront area, home to rooftop bars and a plethora of restaurants plus charming ocean views and the constant buzz of activity. Stay: Cairns, Shangri-La The Marina (B/D)

• The choice is yours today. You may wish to spend the day discovering heritage-listed natural wonder, the Great Barrier Reef with a visit to a custom-designed floating pontoon stationed in the outer reef. Get up close and personal with the reef's inhabitants, which include turtles, giant friendly Maori wrasse and abundant varieties of colourful tropical fish while soaking up the beauty this extraordinary marine ecosystem.
• Or, board the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway for the journey to Kuranda. The Skyrail soars above the rainforest canopy and offers spectacular views out to the ocean. Visit Kuranda's Heritage Markets where you'll find locally made clothing and jewellery, Indigenous art, wood carvings and ceramics, as well as tasty local produce, or wander the village's pretty streets, stopping to browse in shops along the way. Afterwards, board the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway, which winds along forested hillside tracks carved out by early settlers to Cairns.

Both Mossman Gorge and the Daintree Rainforest are iconic natural beauties. The rainforest is the oldest continually surviving tropical rainforest in the world, and its stunning flora and fauna are a sight to behold. Mossman Gorge, located within the rainforest, features crystal clear waterfalls and pools surrounded by lush greenery.

Spend the afternoon on a guided tour of these landmarks, which includes a Daintree River cruise, a Mossman Gorge guided walk and swim. Your local guide will share with you the secrets of these ancient wonders and their fascinating history. Enjoy a sumptuous seafood dinner at the resort tonight. (B/D)

• Don a hard hat and descend deep beneath the underground on the Hard Times Mine Tour to learn about the inner workings of underground mining. Guided by former mineworkers, you'll hear stories of high times and hardships, and feel the earth treble as heavy machinery blasts to life.

• Tonight, set off for a special paddock to plate dinner at the historic Rosebank Homestead. Learn the incredible family stories of the McKenzie and Smith partnership era of Rosebank Station which all began with a 3,000-acre wedding gift in 1901 and grew into a 17,000-acre cattle and sheep station operation. In its time, Rosebank has been a research station for the Department of Primary Industries and part of the great training legacy of Longreach Pastoral College. Be immersed in the atmosphere and exceptional hospitality of the homestead.

• This morning set off for a visit to Camden Park, a working, family-owned cattle station. On a personalised tour, you'll be welcomed to the family's historic homestead, famously visited by the Queen and Prince Philip during their 1970 royal tour, and you'll also see the 100-year-old shearing shed.

Board your private jet this morning to fly further inland to Birdsville, the iconic outback town situated on the eastern edge of the Simpson Desert. Savour morning tea at Birdsville Bakery before embarking on a guided tour of the town.

Next, enjoy a Signature Experience with a delicious pub meal at the famous Birdsville Hotel, a quintessential outback pub. Explore the walls of the iconic front bar where mementos, photos, and unique memorabilia highlighting the events, characters and incidents adorn the walls and provide an insight into the quirkier aspects of Australian outback culture. Later this afternoon, board your flight back to Melbourne where your tour will end. (B/L)

Signature Experiences:

• Explore the famous outback town of Birdsville and enjoy lunch at the iconic Birdsville Hotel.