Day 1
Welcome to Cairns
Welcome to Cairns - a tropical city near the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest. Cairns offers incredible opportunities for scuba diving, snorkelling, reef cruises, fishing, rainforest walks and wildlife spotting.
Relax at the Cairns Esplanade lagoon, enjoy picnic areas, birdwatching points, free barbecues and fitness equipment along the boardwalk.
Overnight: Mercure Hotel Cairns or similar.
Day 2
Optional Great Barrier Reef
Cruise on the stylish Passions Catamaran to the world-renowned Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy a morning tea and introduction to the marine ecosystem before snorkelling, diving or sunbathing at two outer reef locations. Lunch is served on board, before a cold drink on the return sail to Cairns.
Overnight: Mercure Hotel Cairns or similar.
Day 3
Optional Daintree Rainforest & Cape Tribulation 4WD Tour
Choose to explore the meeting point of the rainforest and reef on a small, personalised full-day tour including crocodile spotting, a 4WD journey and a guided boardwalk tour through the rainforest. You will also enjoy a traditional Aussie barbecue and sample local fruits and homemade Daintree ice cream.
Overnight: Mercure Hotel Cairns or similar.
Day 4
Drive to Townsville ( Approximate Distance: 347 km | 215 miles | Driving Time: 4 hours 16 minutes)
Collect your rental car and drive south to Townsville, Australia's largest tropical city. Townsville is home to a range of attractions including Reef HQ, the world's largest living coral reef aquarium and Magnetic Island.
Overnight: Oaks Metropole Hotel - Townsville or similar.
Day 5
Ferry from Townsville - Magnetic Island - Includes Return
Today, your journey will take you to Magnetic Island, just a short ferry ride from Townsville. Magnetic Island is an untouched paradise set within a vibrant community. It's unique landscape of palm-fringed beaches, large granite boulders, hoop pines, sandy shores, and fringing coral reefs offers endless opportunities for relaxatio and adventure.
Optional Sealink Queensland - Maggie Comprehensive Tour
This guided bus tour departs from Nelly Bay ferry terminal and concludes at Horseshoe Bay, with stops at the island’s main attractions along the way. At the end of the tour, you can either return by bus to the ferry terminal or stay at Horseshoe Bay, where you can enjoy lunch with a view, swim in the lifeguard-patrolled area, or relax on the beach. During the 'Stinger' (jellyfish) season from November to April, protective nets are in place to ensure your safety.
Overnight: Oaks Metropole Hotel - Townsville or similar.
Day 6
Airlie Beach - Gateway to the Whitsundays ( Approximate Distance: 275 km | 171 miles | Driving Time: 3 hours 9 minutes)
Drive to Airlie Beach, a relaxed resort town and the launchpad for exploring the 74 Whitsunday Islands.
Overnight: Heart Hotel and Gallery Whitsundays, Airlie Beach or similar.
Day 7
Hamilton Island
Explore Hamilton Island, situated in the heart of the Whitsundays and the Great Barrier Reef. Activities include snorkelling, sea kayaking, and scenic helicopter flights.
Overnight: Reef View Hotel, Hamilton Island or similar.
Day 8
Optional Cruise Whitsundays - Whitsunday Islands & Whitehaven Beach Half-Day Cruise
Set sail across the beautiful Whitsunday Passage to the southern shores of Whitsunday Island, home to the famous Whitehaven Beach. Known as one of the world’s best beaches, Whitehaven offers pristine sands, stunning views from the Solway Circuit hike, and calm waters perfect for a refreshing swim before your return cruise.
Overnight: Reef View Hotel, Hamilton Island or similar.
Day 9
Board the Ferry Back to Airlie Beach
Airlie Beach is the vibrant gateway to the Whitsundays, Queensland’s stunning group of 74 islands. This lively town offers palm-lined beaches, waterfront parks, and plenty of outdoor dining. With its laid-back atmosphere, Airlie Beach invites you to relax—whether you’re swimming in the man-made lagoon, enjoying beachside barbecues, or savoring fresh seafood at alfresco restaurants.
Overnight: Heart Hotel and Gallery Whitsundays, Airlie Beach or similar.
Day 10
Rockhampton - Beef Capital of Australia ( Approximate Distance: 481 km | 298 miles | Driving Time: 6 hours 34 minutes)
Drive to Rockhampton, a heritage-filled town with charming Victorian architecture. Spot the 10 bulls statues located across town and explore the city's historic streetscapes.
Overnight: Empire Apartment Hotel, Rockhampton or similar.
Day 11
Free Day in Rockhampton
Enjoy a day at leisure in Rockhampton. You may choose to embark on a wild caving tour of the ancient Capricorn Caves or learn more about the story of the local Darumbal people at the Dreamtime Cultural Centre.
Overnight: Empire Apartment Hotel, Rockhampton or similar.
Day 12
Hervey Bay ( Approximate Distance: 381 km | 236 miles | Driving Time: 2 hours 36 minutes)
Travel to Hervey Bay, known as the Whale Watch Capital of the World.
Overnight: Ramada Hervey Bay or similar.
Day 13-14
Optional Fraser Island Adventure
On this day, choose to join a 4WD tour to explore Fraser Island. Swim in the stunnin Lake McKenzie, explore Pile Valley and Central Station, travel up Seventing-Five Mile Beach and witness the colourful sands of the Pinnacles and marvel at the Maheno Shipwreck.
Overnight: K'gari Beach Resort (Fraser Island) or similar, then return to Ramada Hervey Bay on day 14.
Day 15
Beautiful Noosa ( Approximate Distance: 158 km | 98 miles | Driving Time: 2 hours)
Drive to Noosa, a beachside destination with luxurious day spas, golf courses, and national parks.
Overnight: The Rise, Noosa or similar.
Day 16
Optional Everglades Ecosafaris - Everglades Explorer Tour
Cruise through the tranquil, mirror-like waterways of Australia’s only Everglades, located in Cooloola National Park at the northern end of the Noosa River. This pristine wetland, home to over 44% of Australia’s bird species, offers stunning reflections and ancient landscapes.
Explore the Everglades aboard eco-friendly boats or, for a more active adventure, paddle a canoe through one of Australia’s top canoeing routes, about an hour to Harry’s Hut and back, immersing yourself in this unique, tea tree-lined ecosystem.
Overnight: The Rise, Noosa or similar.
Day 17
Brisbane (Approximate Distance: 151 km | 93 miles | Driving Time: 2 hours)
Explore Queensland’s capital city. Take a cruise along the Brisbane River or relax at South Bank’s man-made lagoon.
Overnight: Adina Apartment Hotel Brisbane or similar.
Day 18
Farewell
Depart Brisbane with unforgettable memories of your Queensland adventure.
