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Experience wildlife and wilderness with all the creature comforts on this sun-kissed adventure along Queensland’s east coast.

Explore Australia’s sun-kissed east coast from the Queensland capital of Brisbane to the tropical hub of Cairns on an epic trip that offers one coastal paradise after another. Take an off-road adventure across the undulating dunes of Fraser Island, sail through dazzling waters to discover the impossibly white beaches of the Whitsundays, 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 the colourful underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef. Get wet and wild in waterfalls and rainforests and salty and sandy on islands and beaches, then retreat to your four-star accommodation for a refreshingly hot shower – Queensland is calling!

Start
Brisbane, Australia
Finish
Cairns, Australia
Destination
Australia
Style
Comfort
Theme
Explorer
Code
PVOB
Physical rating
Ages
Min 8
Group size
Min 4, Max 16

Why you'll love this trip

  • Take an incredible 4WD adventure through the breathtaking landscape of Fraser Island. Venture across undulating sand dunes and vast golden beach in search of that iconic outback creature, the dingo!

  • Cruise through the postcard-perfect islands of the Whitsundays, including a stop at the world-famous Whitehaven beach. Surround yourself with dazzling white sands and azure waters as you discover this idyllic corner of Queensland.

  • Enjoy a free afternoon in the tropical bliss of Mission Beach. Soak up the salty sea breeze and laze on the palm-fringed sands, stretch your limbs with a yoga class or go for a dip in the pool – it’s a hard life!

  • Venture into the wilderness of the Atherton Tablelands – take a dip in a magnificent plunge waterfall nestled in dense tropical rainforest and admire the beautiful blue-green hues of Lake Eacham.

  • Witness the magnificence of the Great Barrier Reef on a bucket-list-ticking snorkelling adventure. Brimming with colourful coral and tropical fish, enjoy an included cruise from Cairns to explore this underwater paradise.

Is this trip right for you?

  • There are some long travelling days. (An included flight between Brisbane and Proserpine speeds things up) but it’s all part of the adventure and a great way to get to know your fellow travellers.

  • This trip visits some amazing beaches along the way. Please consider your level of swimming skill before getting in the water.

  • Only some meals are included on this trip. This allows for more freedom and flexibility, as there are often many great dining options along this part of the coast.

  • This trip is part of a combination tour, with other travellers joining from Sydney when you’re starting in Brisbane. If you'd like to check out the Sydney to Cairns 14-day trip, please search for PVOSC on our website.

Map of Brisbane to Cairns Northbound including Australia
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Brisbane skyline at night

Itinerary
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Your east coast adventure kicks off in Queensland’s capital of Brisbane at 10 am today. Travel through to sun-kissed Noosa, visiting one of Australia’s top surf locations on the way. Go koala-spotting in a national park before enjoying a glorious sunset over the Sunshine Coast’s hinterland. In the evening stay on the stunning Fraser Island – the local Butchulla people call it K’gari (paradise), and you’ll find out why soon enough. This incredible slice of land is the largest sand island in the world, stretching some 123 kilometres down Queensland's southern coast and tomorrow you’ll have the chance to explore it, so get a good night’s rest ready for a day of adventure – oh, and look out for dingoes!
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting at 10 am as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information 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.

After a delicious buffet breakfast, set off on a 4WD adventure through the breathtaking landscape of Fraser Island. Visit some of the renowned lookout points – perhaps Indian Head or the Cathedrals – for incredible views of the coast, then take a refreshing dive into the crystal-clear water of Lake McKenzie – an island icon. Visit the Maheno shipwreck and the coloured sands of the pinnacles, Pile Valley’s awe-inspiring Satinay and Brush Box forests as well as Central Station and Wanggoolba, before adventuring along 75 Mile Beach Road – one of the best coastal drives in the country – and taking a dip in the fresh waters of Eli Creek. From tropical dense rainforest to wild offshore waters – witness the contrasting fauna and terrain of this truly unique island as you venture across undulating sand dunes and vast golden beach, in search of that iconic outback creature, the dingo. This evening, relax at your accommodation and perhaps join the rest of your group for dinner at one of the resort’s restaurants.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Fraser Island 4WD day trip
Meals Included
  • Lunch

Transfer back to Brisbane before boarding a flight to Airlie Beach, the hub town of the magnificent Whitsundays and home to endless beer gardens, trendy cafes and a lawn-fringed swimming lagoon. You’ll arrive late in the afternoon, so after settling into your lodgings the evening is yours to spend as you please. Perhaps stroll around and explore, or if the sun is still up why not visit some local swimming spots for a refreshing dip. Alternatively, you might feel more at home finding a seat at one of the many bars, grabbing a cocktail or two, and watching the sun set on the shimmering blue water.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Flight Brisbane to Airlie Beach
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today's flight departs approx. 1:40pm from Brisbane to Proserpine

After breakfast, take a leisurely day cruise through the postcard-perfect islands of the Whitsundays, including a stop at the world-renowned Whitehaven Beach. Words can’t do justice to the dazzling white sands, azure waters and densely verdant vegetation of this incredible corner of the world – Whitehaven is about as impressive as a beach can get, and at 98% pure silica, it’s about as white as a beach can get too. Peel your eyes away from the pristine sands and explore the colourful underwater world surrounding the Whitsundays on a snorkelling adventure. Get up close to a beautiful array of rainbow coral, playful fish and, if you’re lucky, maybe even some friendly turtles. Head back to Airlie Beach and enjoy one last drink in this lively town
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Whitsunday Islands sailing
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

Admire the change of scenery today as you jump into your private vehicle and head through undulating cane fields to picturesque Mission Beach, where World Heritage rainforest meets the colourful Coral Sea. Be welcomed by crystal-clear waters, stunning views and a large population of cassowaries – a flightless bird that thrives in the tropical forests of north-eastern Australia. This afternoon you can enjoy plenty of free time to soak up paradise and do as you please. You might like to wind down with an optional yoga class or go for a swim in the pool. Alternately, head out in search of the famous cassowary or simply grab a book and find a shady spot to sit and enjoy the tropical bliss.
Accommodation
  • Resort (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Enjoy breakfast in a local cafe before venturing into the wet tropics of far north Queensland. Stop off en route to your next destination and discover a magnificent plunge waterfall nestled in dense tropical rainforest. Take a dip in the cool water, then continue on to Lake Eacham, a crater lake with beautiful blue-green hues in the heart of the Atherton Tablelands. Next, visit the unusual yet fascinating Curtain Fig Tree, a magnificent tree with extensive aerial roots that drop 15 metres to the forest floor, forming a curtain-like appearance. The day draws to a close as you head to your final stop, Cairns, one of Australia’s most lively tropical towns.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

The breathtaking beauty of the world’s largest coral reef is on the bucket list of many travellers who venture to this incredible corner of Australia. The Great Barrier Reef is brimming with colourful coral and an amazing array of tropical fish, and today you’ll get to witness its magnificence with your own eyes on a snorkelling adventure through this underwater paradise. Cruise out to this famous reef this morning as you hear a marine conservation commentary about the importance of preserving the World Heritage-listed region and how you can do your bit. Then, it’s time to put on your snorkelling gear and dive into the dazzling waters, where you can freely explore a wonderfully rich ecosystem. After an incredible day, head back to the hotel, where you can freshen up and get ready for dinner. Compare memories, swap stories, and celebrate your east coast journey with your travel companions.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Great Barrier Reef day cruise
Optional Activities
  • Beautiful Cairns: Hiking, Nature & Epic Views - Urban Adventure - AUD79
  • Cairns by Night - Urban Adventure - AUD90
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Your east coast experience comes to an end after breakfast. With so much to do in this bustling hub, enquire about booking some extra nights in Cairns for further exploration of this tropical paradise.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Meals

6 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 1 dinner

Transport

Bus, Plane

Accommodation

Hotel (7 nights)

Included activities

  • Fraser Island 4WD day trip
  • Flight Brisbane to Airlie Beach
  • Whitsunday Islands sailing
  • Great Barrier Reef day cruise

Dates & availability

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Travel lightly with Intrepid. We’ve offset the main sources of carbon emissions from this trip on your behalf, including transport, accommodation & waste. Read more

Important notes

1. This trip starts at Hotel Royal on the Park at 10am on day 1. 
2. A single supplement is available for all days of this trip.

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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