The wonders of the Great Barrier Reef, the delights of grand rail travel, the splendour of the Daintree National Park and Cape Tribulation and an extraordinary range of experiences awaits those who embark on the sensational 8-day Holiday with a Difference itinerary - �Reef and Rainforest in Style�.

The tour begins at Gladstone, with coach and launch transfer to Heron Island. The next four days can be filled with snorkelling, reef walks and various island and reef activities or simply enjoying the spectacular beaches and extraordinary natural beauty this celebrated Marine and National Park has to offer.

Three-nights accommodation on Heron Island, staying in a Heron Suite, along with full buffet breakfast, smorgasboard lunch and three-course table d�hote or themed buffet dinner each day is included in the program along with selected activities.

Next on the itinerary is a Helicopter transfer from Heron to Gladstone with a scenic fly-over the Reef and the chance for whale spotting (July-November) or perhaps enjoying the spectacle of large numbers of rays, dolphins or turtles swimming in the waters below.

A taxi transfer from Gladstone Airport to Gladstone Railway sees travellers board The Queenslander for the next phase in this exciting adventure � an overnight rail journey to Cairns. As the scenery of the tropical north passes by, guests can relax and enjoy the Cane Cutters Bar and Coral Cay Restaurant. The on-board itinerary is designed to allow guests to experience rail travel at its best with dinner, breakfast and lunch included.

Late afternoon the following day guests disembark The Queenslander in Cairns and a private chauffeured car awaits to convey them to their next location the magnificent Silky Oaks Lodge.

Located on the bank of the Mossman River and set within ancient and serene rainforests, Silky Oaks Lodge has exceptional appeal. Guests are accommodated in beautifully appointed private Treehouses and for the next three days can enjoy the relaxed splendour and captivating beauty of the Lodge and its surrounds.

Dining in the open-sided Treehouse Restaurant is a wonderful introduction to the unique experience that is Silky Oaks Lodge and dinner - a four course table d�hote menu designed to showcase the finest of local produce - and breakfast each day, is included as part of the package.

The next day is at leisure, with opportunities to explore the rainforest surrounds and take part in a range of activities including canoeing, mountain biking and nature walks. A visit to the Healing Waters Spa to enjoy a body treatment or perhaps a day trip to explore the many attractions of Port Douglas, are two of the many options available. Alternatively, guests can simply laze in a hammock and enjoy the sights and sounds of the rainforest.

Day seven sees guests heading north on an Australian Wilderness Experience day trip to Cape Tribulation. Travelling in a small group with experienced guides, the tour features guided walks through a number of rainforests and includes a cruise on the Daintree River with commentary on the bird and animal life native to the river � including the resident crocodiles. With stops along the scenic coastal route, the day includes a hearty BBQ lunch at a private rainforest and billabong site, a beachside stroll at Cape Tribulation and a walk through more spectacular rainforests along the Marrdja Boardwalks as well as afternoon tea.

Returning to Silky Oaks Lodge in the afternoon, there is time to enjoy the resort facilities and another sensational dinner.

The final day in the program sees guests enjoy breakfast and perhaps an early morning Mosman Gorge walk and then it�s farewell to Silky Oaks Lodge as a chauffered car returns guests to Cairns Airport.

The seven-night Reef and Rainforest in Style package is $2900 per person twin share. The itinerary commences in Gladstone on Thursdays only and is available until 28 November.

The complete package includes: coach and launch transfers from Gladstone to Heron Island; three nights Heron Suite accommodation with all meals daily; helicopter transfer to Gladstone and taxi transfer to Gladstone Railway Station. The Queenslander overnight rail journey to Cairns with all meals is included along with return private chauffeured car transfers from Cairns to Silky Oaks Lodge. At the Lodge the itinerary includes three nights Treehouse accommodation with tropical breakfast and four course table d�hote dinner daily as well as the Australian Wilderness Experience day trip to Cape Tribulation and Daintree River with lunch and afternoon tea.

For more information on Reef and Rainforest in Style or other itineraries within the Holidays with a Difference program, contact your local travel agent or P&O Australian Resorts on 1800 73 76 78 (freecall within Australia) or 61 2 9277 5050. Visit www.poresorts.com or email reservations@poresorts.com

Media Contact: Julia Gauci P&O Australian Resorts (02) 9364 8350 or julia.gauci@poresorts.com

A selection of hi-res images can be found and downloaded at www.poresorts.com or images can be provided on CD by request