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Map of Cycle South East Queensland: Islands, Beaches & Rail Trails including Australia

Bikes, beaches and rail trails come together for the perfect Queensland trip.

Cycle the Queensland coast from cosmopolitan Brisbane to laid back North Stradbroke Island and up to Noosa, enjoying spectacular views, ancient rock formations, pristine beaches and fascinating heritage along the way. Leave the road behind and wind your way back along the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail via classic Queensland towns and pubs. From the beaches to the hinterland to the traffic-free bike paths, this trip has something for everyone at a pace all travellers can enjoy. And there’s plenty to do off the bike as well.

Start
Brisbane, Australia
Finish
Brisbane, Australia
Destination
Australia
Style
Original
Theme
Cycling
Code
PZXQ
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

  • Cycle the stunning Queensland coast and enjoy the perfect mix of adventure both on and off the bike.

  • Ride the best - and mostly downhill - parts of the traffic-free Brisbane Valley Rail Trail from Yarraman to Toogoolawah.

  • Catch incredible views of the Pacific Ocean and endless sandy beaches of North Stradbroke Island – a sight that’s well worth the cycle.

  • Discover local sites, local life and fascinating Indigenous history as you explore charming coastal towns and sample South Queensland’s laidback lifestyle.

  • Enjoy your transits as much as your cycling with a ferry trip across Moreton Bay and a drive through the Glass House Mountains.

  • Cycle in the company of an experienced guide as they share their unique perspective of this fascinating region.

Is this trip right for you?

  • This trip is new to our range this year. And while we have thoroughly researched every detail of the logistics, new destinations and working with new partners can sometimes throw us some unexpected surprises. More often than not, it’ll be a great surprise. But every now and again there might be a hiccup. We like to think that’s what puts the ‘adventure’ in ‘adventure travel’.

  • Please ensure you consult your local government’s advice regarding domestic travel prior to booking this trip.

  • This itinerary does not have a full-time support vehicle constantly following the group. Your luggage is always transported for you (by vehicle) between accommodations.

  • Due to the relatively small distances cycled on this trip, we have a single leader that rides with the group.

Bicycle on Kurilpa pedestrian bridge crossing Brisbane river
Woman riding bike along the coast
Point Lookout Beach on North Stradbroke Island in Queensland Australia
Noosa Head National Park, Queensland, Australia
Noosa National Park, Queensland, Australia

Itinerary
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Welcome to Brisbane, Queensland’s cosmopolitan capital and gateway to some of the best beaches and hinterlands in the state. Meet your fellow cyclists and guide at 11am for a brief group meeting then it’s time to saddle up and enjoy your first ride as you cycle the Brisbane River Loop which includes a combination of bikeways and on-road riding. Return to the city in the late afternoon with ample time to explore the local area. Why not go out for an evening meal and get to know the rest of your riding group better? Your local leader can suggest the best places to eat and drink in and around the city.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Cycling Guide & Daily Luggage Transfers
  • 5 Days Bicycle Hire
  • Brisbane River Loop Cycling
Optional Activities
  • Riverlife Water Bike Hire (30 mins) - AUD39
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

If you are bringing your own bicycle with you on the trip, you will need to assemble it to check for any damage in transit before the welcome meeting. If you have arranged for the hire of a bicycle, your leader will assist you in preparing the bike before your first cycling activity. If you are planning to stay on after the trip and require a bicycle, please discuss this with your tour leader today.

Today's mostly flat riding distance is approximately 35 kms (22 miles) with 320 m (1050 feet) of elevation gain on sealed road and bike paths.

After an early breakfast, grab your bike and head to the train station for the short trip to Cleveland before boarding the ferry (approximately 30 minutes) to laidback North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah), the world’s second largest sand island. After the ferry traffic has dissipated, make your way up the undulating East Coast Road (pretty much the only paved road across the island) past endless eucalyptus trees before arriving at the untouched beaches that North Straddie is famous for. Perhaps grab a quick coffee and cake as you take in beautiful Cylinder Beach then continue on to Point Lookout and the seemingly endless views down the golden sands of Main Beach.

Take the time to appreciate the rich and fascinating indigenous history of the island and the local Quandamooka people, dating back at least 21,000 years, on a one-hour cultural walk and talk around the headland at Point Lookout. Afterwards perhaps take a quick dip in the azure water before riding back to Dunwich. Relax on the ferry back to the mainland then return to Brisbane where you’ll have a free evening to either unwind or further explore this beautiful city.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • North Stradbroke Island Cycling
  • Point Lookout Indigenous Cultural Walk
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today's riding distance is approximately 43 kms (27 miles) with an undulating 500 m (1,650 feet) of elevation gain on sealed road.

Start early with a drive north to Peregian Beach on the Sunshine Coast. While your group leader takes your luggage on to Noosa for you, hit the patrolled beach, visit the community market, or grab a quick bite to eat in this friendly beachside village. Once you guide returns, it’s time to ride north along the Surf Beaches Trail, an off-road coastal pathway that follows the Pacific through laidback seaside towns towards Noosa Heads National Park. From here, take the flat Noosa River Trail with its mix of on- and off-road riding as you follow the river inland before joining the North Shore Wilderness Trail. Take the punt across the river and ride the flat and quiet road through the Great Sandy National Park to Noosa’s North Shore beach. This serene yet stunning beach is the perfect place to relax before riding back to Noosa, your home for the night.
Accommodation
  • Hotel/Motel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Noosa Surf Beaches Trail Cycling
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today's total driving distance is 1.5 hours. Today’s riding distance is approximately 39 kms (24 miles) of undulating then flat terrain with 300 m (980 feet) of elevation gain on sealed road and gravel paths.

After breakfast, take a scenic drive into the hinterland, stopping along the way for spectacular views of the Glass House Mountains. From here, continue inland to the tiny country town of Yarraman, the start point for your next 2 days’ riding along the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail which is currently the longest rail trail in Australia. Enjoy the lack of traffic as the only sounds you’ll hear are bellbird calls and your tyres crunching on the gravel. Along the way, stop at the historic Benarkin culvert before the trail emerges from the forest to allow great views of the Brisbane River Valley, descending through red soil and open country to the tiny rural town of Linville and it’s atmospheric pub which has been serving beer since 1904. What better place to relax after a good day’s ride?
Accommodation
  • Hotel/Motel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • 2 days Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Cycling
  • Glass House Mountains drive
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today's driving time is approximately 2.5 hours. Today’s riding distance is approximately 47 kilometres (29 miles) on undulating then downhill terrain with 200 m (650 feet) of elevation gain on traffic-free dirt and gravel paths.

Your last day of cycling sees you leave the hills and sleepy Linville behind and head south back along the Brisbane River Rail Trail, cycling through flat farming land and the small town of Moore and on to Harlin, crossing the Harlin Rail Bridge, the only surviving concrete and steel railway bridge on the Brisbane Valley railway line. Stop for refreshments in town then head further south, riding through the only railway tunnel on the Brisbane Valley line, the 100 metre-long heritage-listed Yimbun Railway Tunnel, before you cruise into Toogoolawah where your cycling concludes. From here it is a short drive back to Brisbane, where your South East Queensland cycling adventure finishes on arrival.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s driving distance is 1.5 hours. Today's riding distance is approximately 35 kms (22 miles) on undulating traffic-free dirt and gravel paths with 250 m (820 feet) of elevation gain.

No accommodation is included today. If you'd like to stay on longer, additional accommodation can be arranged (pending availability). Please enquire with your booking agent at the time of booking.
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

4 breakfasts

Transport

Bicycle (e-bike available, subject to availability), Minivan, Ferry, Train

Accommodation

Hotel/Motel (4 nights)

Included activities

  • Cycling Guide & Daily Luggage Transfers
  • 5 Days Bicycle Hire
  • Brisbane River Loop Cycling
  • North Stradbroke Island Cycling
  • Point Lookout Indigenous Cultural Walk
  • Noosa Surf Beaches Trail Cycling
  • 2 days Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Cycling
  • Glass House Mountains drive

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Cycle South East Queensland: Islands, Beaches & Rail Trails trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

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Important notes

Travellers on Intrepid trips are required to produce proof of full vaccination against COVID-19. Read details here.

1. Bicycles are included on this trip but you are welcome to bring your own bike should you choose. A discount of $AUD100 will apply to those people bringing their own bike - please ask your travel consultant for more details.
2. To complete this trip it is important that you are both confident and competent in riding a bicycle.
3. On this trip, we have a single leader that rides with the group.
4. Your luggage is transported for you from accommodation to accommodation each day.
5. Our riding is done mostly on a well-graded and maintained roads and cycle path, so there are no technical cycling skills required.
6. As accommodation on this trip is twin-share, single travellers will share a room with another traveller of the same gender. This trip is a great opportunity to get to know other like-minded people, so embrace it while you can. If you’d prefer not to share, a single room supplement is available at an additional charge. Please ask your travel consultant for more details.
7. An e-bike option (at additional cost) may be available on this trip. We have limited numbers of these bikes available and they are an 'on request' basis only. A request does not guarantee an e-bike, only a confirmed booking. Please ask your agent for more details at the time of booking.
8. The coastal weather in this region can vary depending on the season. Be prepared to work up a sweat and for the occasional rainstorm, which may require a change of plans.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

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