East Coast Explorer: Gold Coast to Cairns

Start your day with an exciting treetop walk at the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk. Located within 30 acres of private rainforest at the base of Mount Tamborine, this experience takes you along forest floor trails, modern steel bridges, and a cantilever bridge that soars 30 meters above the creek and rainforest canopy.

Back aboard your coach, your Driver-Guide continues north towards Noosa, stopping en route at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, the world’s first, and largest of its kind. Enjoy a rare close encounter with these cuddly native animals and learn about their daily care, behaviors and unique personalities.

Later, arrive in Noosa, a charming seaside town on Queensland's Sunshine Coast, known for its pristine natural beauty, relaxed luxury, and upscale dining. This evening, enjoy free time to explore at your own pace.

Your journey continues from Noosa to K’gari, formerly 'Fraser Island', the largest sand island in the world. K’gari –meaning ‘paradise’ in the language of the Traditional Owners of the land, the Butchulla people – is a World Heritage-listed island boasting stunning landscapes and a thrilling array of wildlife. Upon arrival to this sandy haven, take part in a bush tucker demonstration to discover how native ingredients have been traditionally used in food and medicine, followed by a tasting of a special selection of native berries, lemon myrtle, barbecued meats and more.

Continue to your resort and, after time to settle in, join your fellow travelers at Illumina, an after-dark light and sound spectacle. Hosted at Kingfisher Bay & Resort, Illumina uses the surrounding landscape as the stage to retell the story of how K’gari came to be. Dinner this evening will be hosted at one of your resort’s exceptional restaurants.

Spend today on a full day 4WD adventure across the entire island, exploring all of K’gari’s must-see sights. Stop at the breathtaking Lake Mackenzie to see the bright turquoise waters and walk across the sugar-white silica sand, before continuing to the famous 75 Mile Beach, Maheno shipwreck and the popular swimming spot Eli Creek.

Tonight, savor a memorable two-course dinner at your resort’s restaurant.

Following breakfast, bid farewell to the sandy paradise of K’gari and return to the mainland. Stop in Bundaberg, a town located at the southern point of the Great Barrier Reef. Bundaberg is renowned for its world-class rum distillery and sea turtle population. Travelers from far and wide flock here to catch a glimpse of nesting and hatching turtles during turtle season.

Continue to Rockhampton, coined ‘Beef City’ thanks to its thriving beef industry. Stretch your legs with a wander along the Fitzroy River which runs through the centre of town, admiring the colonial architecture of the main streets. Further northeast of Rockhampton, arrive at Yeppoon, a coastal enclave on the Capricorn Coast and your home for the night.

This evening, feast on locally inspired dishes with a two-course dinner at the celebrated VUE Wine Bar & Restaurant. 

Following breakfast, board your luxury coach for the journey to Airlie Beach, stopping en route to explore Mackay, a town home to Australia’s longest stretch of subtropical rainforest.

Continue to Airlie Beach and join a guided tour upon arrival. The gateway to the iconic Whitsunday Islands, Airlie Beach is a favorite destination for sun-seekers and snorkelers. While it's the perfect launchpad for exploring the Great Barrier Reef's dazzling islands and coral gardens, Airlie Beach itself offers palm-lined beaches, vibrant nightlife, and alfresco dining.

Cap off your day with a two-course dinner at your hotel.

This morning, travel 275 kilometers north of Airlie Beach to Magnetic Island, a slice of paradise located just off the coast of Townsville. Following a brief ferry ride, arrive at the stunning natural wonderland which boasts pristine beaches framed by swaying palm trees, large granite boulders and fringing coral reefs.

With an afternoon to spend at your leisure, perhaps look out for snoozing koalas on a self-guided walk along one of the many hiking trails, don a snorkel and explore the flourishing coral gardens, or visit the island’s nano brewery for a handcrafted brew and a bite to eat (own expense).

Return to your hotel this evening and indulge in island-style dining at the Boardwalk Restaurant & Bar.

Embrace laid-back island living with a leisurely start to you morning before setting off on Magnetic Island’s most beloved walking track, Forts Walk. The trail presents an opportune chance to take in the island’s highlights, from postcard-perfect panoramas and World War II relics to wild koalas munching on leaves.

Farewell Magnetic Island and return to the mainland via ferry for the journey by coach to Cairns. This tropical city in Far North Queensland is a true reflection of the region: relaxed, outdoorsy and plenty of things to do. Just 1.5 hours outside the city, visit the famed Paronella Park, an idyllic garden oasis featuring a castle, picnic area, waterfall, tennis court, bridges and over 7,500 tropical plants and trees. Savor a light lunch in this leafy haven before taking time to explore your surrounds.

In the evening, a special farewell dinner awaits at Dundee’s Waterfront Dining. Feast on fresh local seafood, succulent grilled beef or unique Australian fare including kangaroo and crocodile as you reflect on your journey with your fellow travelers and new-found friends. 

Your exciting Queensland journey comes to an end today after breakfast.