Brisbane to Cairns Experience: Sand Dunes & the Whitsundays image
Save 25% off, auto-applied, ends 2026-06-12
Operated by G Adventures

Brisbane to Cairns Experience: Sand Dunes & the Whitsundays

From
CAD 2,249
Duration
10 days
Countries
Australia
Activity
moderate

The adventure

If you're big on ambition but short on time, sign yourself up for this zippy ten-day tour up the east coast of Queensland. Play transport bingo as you hop on a yacht, train, truck, and private vehicle to get around your destinations. Hit K'gari (Fraser Island) and the Whitsundays, go snorkelling, and explore the beauty of Noosa. Your time here may be fleeting, but your friends and family probably won't ever hear the end of this seriously epic trip.

At a glance

Duration
10 days
Route
Brisbane → Cairns
Countries
Australia
Activity level
moderate
Style
Beach & Islands, Culture & History, National Parks & Wilderness, Rail Journeys, Trekking & Hiking, Wildlife & Safari
Group size
Ask
Flights
Not included
Solo travellers
Welcome

Where you'll go

Brisbane to Cairns Experience: Sand Dunes & the Whitsundays image

Day by day

A picturesque rural road winds through the rolling hills of the Australian countryside under a cloudy sky.
Your journey through

Australia

Day 1Arrival dayArrivalArrive in Brisbane at any time. There are no planned activities during the day, so check into the hotel and explore the city. If you arrive early enough, you'll have time to head into the city. Opt to catch city cat or walk to explore Brisbane via the river. Visit spots like, the Howard Smith Wharves, the Botanical Gardens, New Farm Park, or relax at Streets Beach on the South Bank.
Arrive in Brisbane at any time. There are no planned activities during the day, so check into the hotel and explore the city. If you arrive early enough, you'll have time to head into the city. Opt to catch city cat or walk to explore Brisbane via the river. Visit spots like, the Howard Smith Wharves, the Botanical Gardens, New Farm Park, or relax at Streets Beach on the South Bank.
Day 2An early rise today starts your journey…
An early rise today starts your journey to K'gari (Fraser Island) World Heritage Area. Upon arrival to the largest sand island in the world, you will go through a traditional welcome by the Butchulla people, setting the tone for what's to come. After the welcome ceremony, get straight into the 4WD adventure. Swim in Boorangoora (Lake Mckenzie), hike beneath the amazing rainforest and walk along the beach during sunset (seasonal). At night, sit around the campfire with your new found friends.
Day 3Today you'll drive along 75 Mile Beach
Today you'll drive along 75 Mile Beach, see the Maheno shipwreck and swim in the crystal clear Eli Creek that pumps millions of litres of spring-fed fresh water into the ocean every hour. In the afternoon, say goodbye to K'gari and head to your next beachy destination, Noosa.
Day 4Picture rocky coast against perfect turquoise water
Picture rocky coast against perfect turquoise water. Now head out with your CEO and see it first hand. Catch the ferry and start your easy hike in Noosa National Park along the waterways to end up at the secluded beach, Hell's Gate. While it sounds intimidating, it is well worth it, and really quite spectacular. Keep your eye out for koalas along the hike too. Enjoy the afternoon free in Noosa. Opt to get lunch on Hastings Street and enjoy some relaxing beach time or rent a surfboard. Then take the ferry back before dinner.
Day 5Enjoy a free day in cute beachfront town…
Enjoy a free day in cute beachfront town of Noosa! Do some shopping along Hasting Street in search of souvenirs, have a coffee on the beach, or go for a surf. Many consider Noosa to be the best place for surfing in all of Australia. You can also choose to spend time back at the hostel or participate in some of the optional activities offered in the area. In the afternoon, we'll pack our bags and head to the train station. Tonight we sleep on an overnight train as we head north to some of the most beautiful parts of the country. Fall asleep in Noosa and wake up by the Whitsundays!
Day 6Hop off the train and board a bus…Great Barrier Reef
Explore the vibrant underwater world of a coral reef, teeming with colorful fish and marine life.Great Barrier Reef
Hop off the train and board a bus for a short ride to Airlie Beach, the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier reef. After dropping your bags, do your thing in Airlie Beach. Relax on a gorgeous beach, take a day trip to the Great Barrier Reef or get some shopping in on the town. Airlie Beach is your oyster.
Map showing Great Barrier Reef
Day 7Get ready for an amazing day at sea! Today
Get ready for an amazing day at sea! Today, we'll climb aboard an ocean raft and zoom around the wispy turquoise waters. With time to snorkel, go on bushwalks, and chill on the beach, today will be as close to perfect as one can get.
Day 8With an early morning departure
With an early morning departure, we take a relaxing rail journey through sugar-cane fields, and coastal countryside, the perfect way to unwind and watch Queensland roll by.
Day 9Cairns is quite the place to visit if…
The 1907 School of Arts building with palm trees in Cairns, Queensland, Australia.Cairns
Cairns is quite the place to visit if you love warm weather (it would be headline news for the city’s temperature to drop much below 20°C (68°F)) and want to visit the Great Barrier Reef. Take advantage of a free day to book one of the many optional activities that will get you out in nature’s playground. Snorkel in the Great Barrier Reef, get that adrenaline pumping by whitewater rafting or skydiving and cap it all off on a Big Night Out in Cairns with your fellow travellers. Drinks all around are well deserved after spending the day escaping your comfort zones.
Map showing Cairns
Day 10Departure dayDepartureDepart at any time.
Depart at any time.

Discover Australia

A glimpse of the destination you'll explore.

Exotic Eucalyptus wandoo trees growing on sandy terrain against cloudless sunset sky in Yathong Nature Reserve
Discover the serene beauty of a winding country road under a clear blue sky with distant mountain views.
A picturesque meadow under a bright sky with Tasmania's lush landscape and distant mountains.
Serene sunrise over Cape Le Grand, capturing tranquil waters and golden hues.
Explore the breathtaking limestone rock formations along the rugged coast of Western Australia.

Upcoming departures

Last Minute 25% off OABC260620 · ends 2026-06-12 · auto-applied
DatesPrice / personAvailability
20 Jun 202629 Jun 2026CAD 2,549unknownBook my trip
27 Jun 20266 Jul 2026CAD 2,549unknownBook my trip
Operated by G Adventures

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