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Brisbane to Cairns Adventure

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Brisbane to Cairns Adventure

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Description

Explore Australia’s sun-kissed East Coast from Queensland’s capital, Brisbane (Meanjin), to the tropical hub of Cairns (Gimuy) on an oceanic trip that takes you from one beachside hotspot after another. Take an off-road adventure across the dunes of K’gari (formerly Fraser Island), explore the tropical waters of the Whitsundays, flop and drop on the palm-fringed sands of Mission Beach, soak up the energy and nightlife of Airlie Beach and explore colourful underwater worlds of the Great Barrier Reef in your free time. On this eight-day road trip, you’ll get wet in the waterfalls, wild in the rainforests and sandy on the beaches – what could be better?

Trip Name
Brisbane to Cairns Adventure
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
8
Capacity
16
Highlights
  • Take a 4WD adventure through the UNESCO World Heritage landscapes of K'gari (formerly Fraser Island). Ride across sand dunes and golden beaches while you explore the world’s largest sand island.
  • Venture into the wilderness of the Atherton Tablelands – take a plunge in a rainforest waterfall and admire the blue-green hues of Lake Eacham.
  • Embark on a full-day tour of the Whitsundays, where you’ll bushwalk to Hill Inlet Lookout, snorkel with tropical fish and coral, then relax on Whitehaven Beach as the sun descends.
  • Enjoy free time in Airlie Beach, Hervey Bay and Mission Beach, where you can hit the water and swim, kayak or take a boat ride or just kick back on the warm sands with a good book.
  • Explore Mungalla Wetlands with a First Nations guide as you search for aquatic birdlife and learn about the history and culture of the Nywaigi people.

Itinerary

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk., ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. , ABORIGINAL & TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER CULTURAL EXPERIENCES & COMMUNITIES First Nations people have complex community obligations, and at times activities or experiences may be cancelled at late notice due to cultural commitments. In the case that we are unable to include planned activities with First Nations communities, we will endeavour to find a suitable alternative in the same or another destination on your trip.

Day 1 - Hervey Bay
Welcome to Brisbane! Or Meanjin in the language of the Turrbal and Yuggera peoples, who are the Traditional Custodians of the land on which Brisbane is now located. Your adventure starts with a welcome meeting at 10 am. After, you’ll drive straight to Noosa Heads, where you can grab some lunch, relax on the beach or go shopping in the boutique shops. If you’d like, maybe use your free time here to explore part of the Noosa Coastal Walk and look out for local flora and fauna. This afternoon, you’ll hit the road again for the coastal city of Hervey Bay, where you’ll spend the night.
Day 2 - Hervey Bay
After breakfast this morning, you’ll head to the island of K'gari (previously known as Fraser Island) by ferry for a daytrip. The name change is a major milestone in a long-running campaign by the Butchulla people, whose original name for this place means ‘paradise’ – and you’ll soon see why. Set off on an adventure through the landscape, starting with an adventurous drive along the sand roads of 75 Mile Beach Road. Then, take a dive into the clear rainwater lake of Boorangoora (Lake McKenzie), famous for its turqouise water filtered by its 92 per cent pure silica sand. Head over to another of the island’s safe swimming spots, the fresh waters of Eli Creek, before a visit to the Maheno shipwreck and coloured sands of the pinnacles. Tonight, head back to Hervey Bay for a free evening to rest and recharge. 
Day 3 - Hervey Bay
Enjoy a free day in Hervey Bay today – a prime location for observing humpback whales during migration season and the world’s first certified Whale Heritage Area. If the month is right, maybe spend the morning whale-watching on the water, or rent a bike to cycle along the foreshore. You could also take a leisurely stroll along the water’s edge, go kayaking or just enjoy one of the many Queensland beaches nearby. Make sure you pick up some snacks for tonight's overnight train journey north on the famous 'Spirit of Queensland.' Depart from the train station at Maryborough West and arrive in Proserpine, south-west of Airlie Beach, arriving early tomorrow morning.
Day 4 - Airlie Beach
Your new leader will meet you at Proserpine train station early this morning. Head for an optional breakfast and caffeine hit at a local café in Airlie Beach. Your day is free to explore this hub town of the popular Whitsundays, which has plenty of beer gardens, trendy cafes and a lawn-fringed swimming lagoon. Whether you want to just kick back by the water or get out into nature on a coastal hike, there’s plenty on offer. Get to know your new leader tonight with an optional group dinner. 
Day 5 - Airlie Beach
Today you’ll head out on a full-day tour to Whitehaven Beach in the heart of the Whitsunday Islands and the centre of the Great Barrier Reef. Start with a walk to the Hill Inlet Lookout – one of the most famous lookout spots for wide spanning views of the Whitsundays’ white sands and blue waters. Then, throw your swimsuit on to go snorkelling at one of the secret spots that your guide will show you. See coral reefs, tropical fish, turtles, clams and other marine life. Then, enjoy an included lunch and take a boat to the southern end of the 7 km stretch of Whitehaven Beach, taking the chance to kick back and relax in the sun after a day of outdoor adventures. Tonight, back in Airlie Beach, maybe head to one of the local bars for a toast at sunset.
Day 6 - Lucinda
Today is a long day of travel with some stops to stretch your legs. Your first stop is Townsville, where you’ll head to Castle Hill lookout, walking the track up to the 360-degree viewpoint of the town, Coral Sea and Magnetic Island. You’ll have some free time for lunch and to chill by the water. Then, carry on to Big Crystal Creek in the Paluma Range National Park for a stroll, swim in the creek or quiet time relaxing to the sounds of local birdlife. This afternoon, depart for Lucinda, your location for the night.
Day 7 - Mission Beach
This morning after breakfast, drive to Mungalla Station to meet the Traditional Custodians of the land, the Nywaigi people. Learn about their culture and history, including the brutal conflicts with European settlers, during a guided tour. The story you’ve been told will come to life as you visit an exhibition of pictures within the historic homestead. Then, head out and explore the Mungalla wetlands in search of aquatic birdlife like spoonbills, magpie geese and egrets. Drive to Mission Beach this afternoon – a small coastal town on the Cassowary Coast known for its beaches lined by palm trees and rainforests filled with cassowaries. Stop in Tully along the way to stretch your legs and tonight, maybe ask your leader for their favourite local restaurant.
Day 8 - Cairns
Have breakfast before driving to Millaa Millaa Falls for a nature walk and optional swim in the cascades. Stop for lunch at a local cafe at Yungaburra, then walk along the Curtain Fig boardwalk to see the heritage-listed tree this park was named after – this park protects endangered mabi forest and a large green fig tree with extensive aerial roots that drop 15 m to the forest floor, forming a ‘curtain’. After, head to Lake Eacham – the site of an old volcano and home to Australia’s largest python! Here, maybe go for a swim or walk the rainforest tracks, looking for native wildlife like the musky rat-kangaroo. This afternoon, you’ll drive to Cairns, where your trip will come to an end at approximately 5 pm. If you’d like to stay longer, just speak to your booking agent.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
18-04-202625-04-2026AUD $ 4,378-
25-04-202602-05-2026AUD $ 3,481-
02-05-202609-05-2026AUD $ 3,987-
16-05-202623-05-2026AUD $ 4,131-
20-06-202627-06-2026AUD $ 3,411-
27-06-202604-07-2026AUD $ 3,411-
11-07-202618-07-2026AUD $ 4,041-
25-07-202601-08-2026AUD $ 3,776-
08-08-202615-08-2026AUD $ 3,654-
22-08-202629-08-2026AUD $ 3,564-
05-09-202612-09-2026AUD $ 3,564-
19-09-202626-09-2026AUD $ 3,686-
26-09-202603-10-2026AUD $ 3,717-
03-10-202610-10-2026AUD $ 3,866-
10-10-202617-10-2026AUD $ 3,924-
17-10-202624-10-2026AUD $ 3,776-
24-10-202631-10-2026AUD $ 3,708-
31-10-202607-11-2026AUD $ 3,861-
07-11-202614-11-2026AUD $ 3,506-
14-11-202621-11-2026AUD $ 3,861-
21-11-202628-11-2026AUD $ 3,596-
28-11-202605-12-2026AUD $ 3,834-
05-12-202612-12-2026AUD $ 3,834-
12-12-202619-12-2026AUD $ 3,834-
19-12-202626-12-2026AUD $ 3,834-
26-12-202602-01-2027AUD $ 3,834-
02-01-202709-01-2027AUD $ 4,205-
09-01-202716-01-2027AUD $ 4,205-
16-01-202723-01-2027AUD $ 4,205-
23-01-202730-01-2027AUD $ 4,205-
30-01-202706-02-2027AUD $ 4,205-
06-02-202713-02-2027AUD $ 4,290-
13-02-202720-02-2027AUD $ 4,205-
20-02-202727-02-2027AUD $ 4,205-
27-02-202706-03-2027AUD $ 4,205-
06-03-202713-03-2027AUD $ 4,050-
13-03-202720-03-2027AUD $ 4,050-
20-03-202727-03-2027AUD $ 4,050-
27-03-202703-04-2027AUD $ 4,050-
03-04-202710-04-2027AUD $ 3,895-
17-04-202724-04-2027AUD $ 3,895-
24-04-202701-05-2027AUD $ 3,895-
01-05-202708-05-2027AUD $ 3,895-
15-05-202722-05-2027AUD $ 3,895-
29-05-202705-06-2027AUD $ 3,895-
12-06-202719-06-2027AUD $ 3,895-
19-06-202726-06-2027AUD $ 3,895-
26-06-202703-07-2027AUD $ 3,895-
10-07-202717-07-2027AUD $ 3,895-
24-07-202731-07-2027AUD $ 3,895-
07-08-202714-08-2027AUD $ 3,895-
21-08-202728-08-2027AUD $ 3,895-
04-09-202711-09-2027AUD $ 3,895-
18-09-202725-09-2027AUD $ 3,895-
25-09-202702-10-2027AUD $ 3,895-
02-10-202709-10-2027AUD $ 3,895-
09-10-202716-10-2027AUD $ 3,895-
16-10-202723-10-2027AUD $ 3,895-
23-10-202730-10-2027AUD $ 3,895-
30-10-202706-11-2027AUD $ 3,895-
13-11-202720-11-2027AUD $ 3,895-
20-11-202727-11-2027AUD $ 3,895-
27-11-202704-12-2027AUD $ 3,895-
04-12-202711-12-2027AUD $ 3,895-
11-12-202718-12-2027AUD $ 3,895-
25-12-202701-01-2028AUD $ 3,895-
01-01-202808-01-2028AUD $ 3,895-
08-01-202815-01-2028AUD $ 3,895-
15-01-202822-01-2028AUD $ 3,895-
22-01-202829-01-2028AUD $ 3,895-
29-01-202805-02-2028AUD $ 3,895-
05-02-202812-02-2028AUD $ 3,895-
19-02-202826-02-2028AUD $ 3,895-
26-02-202804-03-2028AUD $ 3,895-
04-03-202811-03-2028AUD $ 3,895-
11-03-202818-03-2028AUD $ 3,895-
18-03-202825-03-2028AUD $ 3,895-
25-03-202801-04-2028AUD $ 3,895-

Accommodation

Cabins (2 nights), Overnight train (1 night), Hotel (2 nights), Holiday Apartments (2 nights)

Transport

Private vehicle, Ferry, Overnight train, Boat

Map