Islands of the Great Barrier Reef

Your Islands of the Great Barrier Reef air safari begins with a 90-minute flight from Gold Coast to Lady Elliot Island, on the southern tip of the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef.

Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort prides itself on sustainability. It is known as home to the Manta Ray, with research identifying over 700 individuals living in the surrounding waters. The island also boasts 1,200 species of marine life, including several species of turtles. Your unit is at most 30 metres from the magnificent coral cay lagoon. Spend your time exploring the island and its pristine waters.

2 nights: Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort, Reef Unit

There is an excellent range of tours on Lady Elliot, including fish feeding, bird watching, snorkelling, glass bottom boat, kayaking, walking trails and many more.

There are only a few locations on the east coast of Australia where you can watch the sunset over the water, and Lady Elliot is one of these unique places. Enjoy a sunset cruise with drinks and nibbles.

Depart Lady Elliot Island and head north, bound for Orpheus Island.

Land at Townsville, then board a helicopter for your flight to Orpheus Island, in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. The 30-minute helicopter journey will take you over the picturesque coral-studded sea before landing at Orpheus Island Lodge, the ultimate secluded island hideaway, with only 14 rooms. The island comprises more than 1,000 hectares of national park, and is surrounded by pristine fringing reef you can access just by stepping out from your room. Laid back luxury at its best.

2 nights: Orpheus Island Lodge

Pinch yourself as you awake in paradise. Enjoy several experiences in the daily curated schedule or find your own pace and relax.

Activities include snorkelling, guided hiking, cocktail classes, a sunset cruise and wine tasting. You may also wish to visit researchers at Orpheus Island Research Station, who look at climate change and its impact on marine life on the reef.

Helicopter back to Townsville in the morning, then continue flying north to Lizard Island, the most northern resort on the Great Barrier Reef. Take in the breathtaking coastline en route and fly over some of the world's most spectacular scenery on the reef before landing on the island.

Lizard Island is truly secluded from the rest of the world. Exceptional service, facilities, touring and food are the perfect complement to swimming off the beach into the wonders of the largest coral reef in the world – very hard to beat.

2 nights: Lizard Island Resort

Relax and unwind in the lap of luxury, with activities at your discretion. You may use the complimentary snorkelling equipment, stand-up paddle boards and sea kayaks. The local reef life will leave you enthralled.

If you're feeling energetic, a walk to Cook's Lookout, the island's highest point with a 360° view, is well worth the effort. Optional tours (at your own expense) include a boat trip to the outer Reef.

Your final day in paradise. Perhaps sit on the private verandah of your cabin and do a spot of wildlife watching.

In the afternoon, it's time to head home, concluding an extraordinary expedition throughout the Great Barrier Reef. Head south and take in the final views from above, landing at Gold Coast airport in the evening.