Brisbane to Cairns Adventure
Tour Description
Day 1: Brisbane / Noosa / Hervey Bay
Explore Australia’s sun-kissed east coast from Queensland’s capital Brisbane to the tropical hub of Cairns on an epic oceanic trip that offers one coastal paradise after another. Take an off-road adventure across the undulating dunes of K’gari (formerly Fraser Island), snorkel through the dazzling tropical waters of Whitehaven Beach, flop and drop on the palm-fringed sands of laidback Mission Beach, soak up the energy and nightlife of Airlie Beach after sunset and explore colourful underwater worlds in your free time. On this eight-day road trip, you’ll get wet and wild in waterfalls and rainforests and salty and sandy on islands and beaches – what could be better?
Itinerary
Day 1: Brisbane / Noosa / Hervey Bay
Welcome to Brisbane! Or Meanjin in the language of the Turrbal and Yuggera peoples, who are the Traditional Owners 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 – a serene town in Queensland by the sea – where you can grab some lunch, relax on the beach or go shopping in the cute boutique shops. If you’d like, maybe use your free time here to do 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: K’gari (Fraser Island) / Hervey Bay
After breakfast this morning, you’ll head to the stunning K’gari (previously known as Fraser Island) by ferry for a day trip. 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 breathtaking landscape. Start off with an adventurous drive along 75 Mile Beach Road – one of the best coastal drives in the country. Take a refreshing dive into the crystal-clear water of Boorangoora (Lake McKenzie) – an island icon. The lake is world famous for its turquoise colours and delicate white, 92% pure silica sand. Take another dip, this time in the fresh waters of Eli Creek, then visit the Maheno shipwreck and the coloured sands of the pinnacles. From tropical dense rainforest to wild offshore waters, you’ll witness the contrasting fauna and terrain of this truly unique island as you venture across undulating dunes and vast golden beaches in search of the iconic outback creature – the dingo. Tonight, head back to Hervey Bay where you can rest and recharge.
Day 3: Hervey Bay / Overnight Train
Enjoy a free day in Hervey Bay today – one of the best sites 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. Or you could take a leisurely stroll along the water’s edge, go kayaking or just enjoy one of the many gorgeous beaches nearby. Make sure you pick up some snacks for tonight’s overnight train journey north on the famous ‘Spirit of Queensland’, from the train station at Maryborough West to Proserpine, just 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 coastal paradise dotted with palm trees. This hub town of the popular Whitsundays has beer gardens, trendy cafes and a lawn-fringed swimming lagoon. Maybe stroll around and explore, visit some local swimming spots for a refreshing dip or find a seat at one of the many bars and watch the sun sparkle on the water. Get to know your new leader tonight with an optional group dinner.
Day 5: Whitsunday Islands / Whitehaven Beach / Airlie Beach
Today you’ll head out on a full-day tour to Whitehaven Beach, in the heart of the Whitsunday Islands and in the centre of the Great Barrier Reef. Start with a walk to the spectacular Hill Inlet Lookout, where you can take photos of the sweeping ocean views. Then, hit the water and go snorkelling at one of the secret spots today’s guide will show you. See coral reefs, colourful 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 cocktail (or two) and watch the sunset.
Day 6: Townsville / Paluma Range National Park / Lucinda
Today is a long day of travel, interspersed with some stops to stretch your legs. Your first stop is Townsville. Head to Castle Hill lookout when you arrive and take some photos of the gorgeous views of the town and ocean below. You’ll have some free time for lunch and to chill by the water. Carry on to Big Crystal Creek in the Paluma Range National Park, where you can take a stroll, swim in the creek or just relax among the sounds of local birdlife. This afternoon, you’ll head to Lucinda, where you’ll spend the night.
Day 7: Mungalla Station / Mission Beach
This morning after breakfast, drive to Mungalla station, where you’ll meet the First Nations owners of the land – the Nywaigi people – and learn about their culture and history, including about the brutal conflicts with European settlers. 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. Drive to Mission Beach this afternoon – a small coastal town with expansive beaches, lined with palm trees. Stop in Tully along the way to stretch your legs, then ask your leader for their favourite local haunts.
Day 8: Atherton Tablelands / Cairns
This morning after breakfast, drive to Millaa Millaa Falls for a nature walk and perhaps a refreshing swim in the cascades. Stop in for lunch at a local cafe at Yungaburra, then take the Curtain Fig boardwalk to see the iconic 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 take a swim (just keep an eye out for the resident freshwater crocodile). This afternoon, you’ll drive to Cairns, where your trip will come to an end at approximately 5pm. If you’d like to stay longer, just speak to your booking agent.
Departure Dates
| Start Date | End Date | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 11, 2025 | Oct 18, 2025 | $5,255.00 | |
| Oct 18, 2025 | Oct 25, 2025 | $5,160.00 | |
| Nov 1, 2025 | Nov 8, 2025 | $5,255.00 | |
| Nov 15, 2025 | Nov 22, 2025 | $5,255.00 | |
| Nov 29, 2025 | Dec 6, 2025 | $5,060.00 | |
| Dec 6, 2025 | Dec 13, 2025 | $4,695.00 | |
| Dec 13, 2025 | Dec 20, 2025 | $5,255.00 | |
| Jan 10, 2026 | Jan 17, 2026 | $4,830.00 | |
| Jan 17, 2026 | Jan 24, 2026 | $4,695.00 | |
| Jan 24, 2026 | Jan 31, 2026 | $5,250.00 | |
| Feb 7, 2026 | Feb 14, 2026 | $5,255.00 | |
| Feb 14, 2026 | Feb 21, 2026 | $4,760.00 | |
| Feb 21, 2026 | Feb 28, 2026 | $4,895.00 | |
| Mar 7, 2026 | Mar 14, 2026 | $4,705.00 | |
| Mar 21, 2026 | Mar 28, 2026 | $4,650.00 | |
| Mar 28, 2026 | Apr 4, 2026 | $4,205.00 | |
| Apr 4, 2026 | Apr 11, 2026 | $4,790.00 | |
| Apr 18, 2026 | Apr 25, 2026 | $4,325.00 | |
| Apr 25, 2026 | May 2, 2026 | $4,325.00 | |
| May 2, 2026 | May 9, 2026 | $4,160.00 | |
| May 16, 2026 | May 23, 2026 | $4,160.00 | |
| May 23, 2026 | May 30, 2026 | $3,960.00 | |
| May 30, 2026 | Jun 6, 2026 | $4,060.00 | |
| Jun 13, 2026 | Jun 20, 2026 | $4,060.00 | |
| Jun 20, 2026 | Jun 27, 2026 | $4,060.00 | |
| Jun 27, 2026 | Jul 4, 2026 | $4,160.00 | |
| Jul 11, 2026 | Jul 18, 2026 | $4,160.00 | |
| Jul 25, 2026 | Aug 1, 2026 | $4,160.00 | |
| Aug 8, 2026 | Aug 15, 2026 | $4,160.00 | |
| Aug 22, 2026 | Aug 29, 2026 | $4,160.00 | |
| Sep 5, 2026 | Sep 12, 2026 | $4,160.00 | |
| Sep 19, 2026 | Sep 26, 2026 | $4,160.00 | |
| Sep 26, 2026 | Oct 3, 2026 | $4,160.00 | |
| Oct 3, 2026 | Oct 10, 2026 | $4,325.00 | |
| Oct 10, 2026 | Oct 17, 2026 | $4,325.00 | |
| Oct 17, 2026 | Oct 24, 2026 | $4,325.00 | |
| Oct 24, 2026 | Oct 31, 2026 | $4,325.00 | |
| Oct 31, 2026 | Nov 7, 2026 | $4,325.00 | |
| Nov 14, 2026 | Nov 21, 2026 | $4,325.00 | |
| Nov 21, 2026 | Nov 28, 2026 | $4,325.00 | |
| Nov 28, 2026 | Dec 5, 2026 | $4,490.00 | |
| Dec 5, 2026 | Dec 12, 2026 | $4,490.00 | |
| Dec 12, 2026 | Dec 19, 2026 | $4,490.00 | |
| Dec 19, 2026 | Dec 26, 2026 | $4,490.00 | |
| Dec 26, 2026 | Jan 2, 2027 | $4,490.00 | |
| Jan 2, 2027 | Jan 9, 2027 | $4,490.00 | |
| Jan 9, 2027 | Jan 16, 2027 | $4,490.00 | |
| Jan 16, 2027 | Jan 23, 2027 | $4,490.00 | |
| Jan 23, 2027 | Jan 30, 2027 | $4,490.00 | |
| Jan 30, 2027 | Feb 6, 2027 | $4,490.00 | |
| Feb 6, 2027 | Feb 13, 2027 | $4,490.00 | |
| Feb 13, 2027 | Feb 20, 2027 | $4,490.00 | |
| Feb 20, 2027 | Feb 27, 2027 | $4,490.00 | |
| Feb 27, 2027 | Mar 6, 2027 | $4,490.00 | |
| Mar 6, 2027 | Mar 13, 2027 | $4,325.00 | |
| Mar 13, 2027 | Mar 20, 2027 | $4,325.00 | |
| Mar 20, 2027 | Mar 27, 2027 | $4,325.00 | |
| Mar 27, 2027 | Apr 3, 2027 | $4,325.00 | |
| Apr 3, 2027 | Apr 10, 2027 | $4,160.00 | |
| Apr 17, 2027 | Apr 24, 2027 | $4,160.00 | |
| Apr 24, 2027 | May 1, 2027 | $4,160.00 | |
| May 1, 2027 | May 8, 2027 | $4,160.00 | |
| May 15, 2027 | May 22, 2027 | $4,160.00 | |
| May 22, 2027 | May 29, 2027 | $4,160.00 | |
| May 29, 2027 | Jun 5, 2027 | $4,160.00 | |
| Jun 12, 2027 | Jun 19, 2027 | $4,160.00 | |
| Jun 19, 2027 | Jun 26, 2027 | $4,160.00 | |
| Jun 26, 2027 | Jul 3, 2027 | $4,160.00 | |
| Jul 10, 2027 | Jul 17, 2027 | $4,160.00 | |
| Jul 24, 2027 | Jul 31, 2027 | $4,160.00 | |
| Aug 7, 2027 | Aug 14, 2027 | $4,160.00 | |
| Aug 21, 2027 | Aug 28, 2027 | $4,160.00 | |
| Sep 4, 2027 | Sep 11, 2027 | $4,160.00 | |
| Sep 18, 2027 | Sep 25, 2027 | $4,160.00 | |
| Sep 25, 2027 | Oct 2, 2027 | $4,160.00 | |
| Oct 2, 2027 | Oct 9, 2027 | $4,160.00 | |
| Oct 9, 2027 | Oct 16, 2027 | $4,160.00 | |
| Oct 16, 2027 | Oct 23, 2027 | $4,160.00 | |
| Oct 23, 2027 | Oct 30, 2027 | $4,160.00 | |
| Oct 30, 2027 | Nov 6, 2027 | $4,160.00 | |
| Nov 13, 2027 | Nov 20, 2027 | $4,160.00 | |
| Nov 20, 2027 | Nov 27, 2027 | $4,160.00 | |
| Nov 27, 2027 | Dec 4, 2027 | $4,160.00 | |
| Dec 4, 2027 | Dec 11, 2027 | $4,160.00 | |
| Dec 11, 2027 | Dec 18, 2027 | $4,160.00 | |
| Dec 18, 2027 | Dec 25, 2027 | $4,160.00 | |
| Dec 25, 2027 | Jan 1, 2028 | $4,160.00 | |
| Jan 1, 2028 | Jan 8, 2028 | $4,160.00 | |
| Jan 8, 2028 | Jan 15, 2028 | $4,160.00 | |
| Jan 15, 2028 | Jan 22, 2028 | $4,160.00 | |
| Jan 22, 2028 | Jan 29, 2028 | $4,160.00 | |
| Jan 29, 2028 | Feb 5, 2028 | $4,160.00 | |
| Feb 5, 2028 | Feb 12, 2028 | $4,160.00 | |
| Feb 12, 2028 | Feb 19, 2028 | $4,160.00 | |
| Feb 19, 2028 | Feb 26, 2028 | $4,160.00 | |
| Feb 26, 2028 | Mar 4, 2028 | $4,160.00 | |
| Mar 4, 2028 | Mar 11, 2028 | $4,160.00 | |
| Mar 11, 2028 | Mar 18, 2028 | $4,160.00 | |
| Mar 18, 2028 | Mar 25, 2028 | $4,160.00 | |
| Mar 25, 2028 | Apr 1, 2028 | $4,160.00 |