Essential Brisbane to Cairns

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 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, why not explore the Botanic Gardens, Roma Street Parkland or chase views overlooking the city at the Mount Coot-Tha Summit Lookout. After your meeting tonight, maybe head to dinner with your group and get to know each other better – your leader will always have some great recommendations.

This morning, you’ll head for Noosa – a serene town along the Sunshine Coast and home to Sunshine Beach (popular for surfing) and Noosa National Park. You’ll head straight for the park’s lush surroundings and take on part of the Coastal Walk hike. Walk along the shoreline and the headlands, which make way for sweeping ocean views, rocky bays and sandy beaches. Look out for marine life cruising by and if you’re lucky, spot some koalas in the trees munching on eucalyptus. The pinnacle of the walk will be Hell’s Gate Lookout, which offers 270-degree views of the ocean beyond. Look for ospreys soaring above or pods of dolphins playing below. Maybe grab some lunch, then check into your accommodation just outside Noosa for the night, getting ready for a free evening to spend however you like. You could take on an afternoon surf lesson, go for another walk or maybe just relax at the beach and watch the sunset.

Today is a free day to explore Noosa and the surrounding areas. Consider taking a day trip to K’gari (formerly known as Fraser Island). This guided 4WD tour around the world's largest sand island takes you to Lake McKenzie, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed rainforest, 75 Mile Beach, Eli Creek and the Maheno Shipwreck. Alternatively, you can hit the waters on a boat tour through the Noosa Everglades. This eco-safari will take you on a guided cruise through the everglades, where a vast array of birdlife call home. From the boat, you can also opt to jump in canoes and paddle among the mirrored waterways to the historic Harry’s Hut.

Today is free to take the everglades eco-safari if you didn’t get the chance to yesterday. Alternatively, just chill out in Noosa, explore the town or hit the beach. Tonight, you’ll take an overnight train to the Whitsundays region – maybe grab some bits to have for dinner and snacks on board and settle in for a fun night with your bunkmates (cards, anyone?).

Arrive in Proserpine early this morning and meet your new trip leader at the station. From here, you’ll drive to Airlie Beach where you’ll have a full free day to spend however you like. Maybe go for a dip, head to a cafe for some brunch or chill out on the sand. Tonight, why not gather some of your new travel friends and head to a waterfront restaurant for dinner? Ask your leader for recommendations for the best places to eat.

Wake up early this morning and get ready for a daytrip to the scenic Whitsundays by boat. Hit the water and take in the gorgeous landscapes and seascapes, making stops at some of the best snorkelling spots and at Whitehaven Beach – with strikingly white sands, this beach sits in the centre of the Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy a delicious lunch on the boat, search for marine life and colourful coral and soak up the beauty of this scenic area. Tonight, return to Airlie Beach and maybe grab a sunset drink before joining your group for dinner.

You’ll have some free time this morning to relax on the beach or grab a bite to eat before you make the drive to Townsville. When you arrive, hop on the ferry to Magnetic Island. This mountainous island in Cleveland Bay is known for its scenic national park, abundance of koalas, secluded beaches and hiking trails.

Today is dedicated to soaking up all the natural scenery of Magnetic Island. Explore at your own pace – maybe go in search of a secluded beach and set up shop, take on a hike or just chill out with a drink. Later, hike along the Forts Walking Track with your group, looking out for the resident koalas and enjoying the gorgeous views. There are even some World War II relics to see among the tropical landscape.

Say goodbye to the island as you take the morning ferry back to Townsville. From here, 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 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.

Your last day of adventure begins with a drive to Cairns, where your trip will come to an end. Along the way, maybe stop by some waterfalls and swimming holes, soaking in the last of the gorgeous natural scenery. When you arrive, it’s time to say goodbye to an awesome adventure! If you’d like to extend your stay and explore Cairns further, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.