Brisbane to Cairns

Tour Itinerary

• Day 1 • Brisbane - Noosa - Hervey Bay

  Welcome to Sydney! Or Warrane, in the language of the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, who are the Traditional Owners of the land on which Sydney is now located. Your adventure starts with a pick up at 9 am in front of the starting point hotel. After, you’ll head out for a walkabout around The Rocks with a local Aboriginal guide. Walk through Hicksons Reserve, Campbells Cove and Cumberland Walk as your guide teaches you about this area's history, land and water use, and spiritual connection with the First Nations peoples. You’ll have amazing views of the harbour along the way, including Sydney Harbour Bridge and the CBD. After your journey into the Dreaming, grab some lunch before heading north to the famous winery region – the beautiful Hunter Valley. Once there, sit down for a wine tasting with a sommelier and listen to the history of the various wines and the winery.

• Day 2 • Fraser Island - Hervey Bay

  After breakfast, take a ferry to stunning K’gari (formerly Fraser Island) for a day trip. The name, restored by the Butchulla people, means ‘paradise’—and you’ll soon see why. Begin with an adventurous drive along 75 Mile Beach Road, then cool off in Boorangoora (Lake McKenzie), famous for its turquoise waters and pure silica sand. Enjoy another dip at Eli Creek, visit the Maheno shipwreck, and marvel at the coloured sands of the Pinnacles. From lush rainforest to golden beaches, explore this unique island’s diverse terrain and keep an eye out for dingoes. Tonight, return to Hervey Bay to rest and recharge.

• Day 3 • Hervey Bay - Overnight Train

  Enjoy a free day in Hervey Bay – the world’s first certified Whale Heritage Area and a prime spot for humpback whale sightings during migration season. If timing’s right, head out for a whale-watching tour, rent a bike to explore the foreshore, or simply stroll along the water’s edge. You could also go kayaking or relax on one of the nearby beaches. Before tonight’s overnight journey on the Spirit of Queensland, pick up some snacks for the train from Maryborough West to Proserpine, arriving early tomorrow near Airlie Beach.

• Day 4 • Airlie Beach

  Your new leader will meet you at Proserpine station early this morning. Grab an optional breakfast and coffee in Airlie Beach, then enjoy a free day exploring this palm-fringed coastal paradise. Airlie is the gateway to the Whitsundays, with beer gardens, trendy cafés, and a lagoon perfect for a swim. Stroll the town, find a local swimming spot, or relax at a waterfront bar. Tonight, join an optional group dinner to get to know your new leader.

• Day 5 • Whitsunday Islands - Whitehaven Beach - Airlie Beach

  Today, set out on a full-day tour to Whitehaven Beach in the heart of the Whitsundays and the Great Barrier Reef. Start with a walk to Hill Inlet Lookout for sweeping ocean views, then snorkel at secret spots teeming with coral, colourful fish, turtles, and clams. Enjoy an included lunch before cruising to the southern end of Whitehaven’s 7 km stretch of pristine sand—perfect for relaxing after your adventure. Back in Airlie Beach tonight, maybe grab a cocktail and watch the sunset.

• Day 6 • Townsville - Paluma Range National Park - Lucinda

  Today is a long day of travel, interspersed with some stops to stretch your legs. Your first stop is Townsville. Head to Castle Hill lookout when you arrive and take some photos of the gorgeous views of the town and ocean below. You’ll have some free time for lunch and to chill by the water. Carry on to Big Crystal Creek in the Paluma Range National Park, where you can take a stroll, swim in the creek or just relax among the sounds of local birdlife. This afternoon, you’ll head to Lucinda, where you’ll spend the night.

• Day 7 • Mungalla Station - Mission Beach

  After breakfast, drive to Mungalla Station to meet the Nywaigi people, Traditional Owners of the land, and learn about their culture and history, including the conflicts with European settlers. See these stories come to life in a photo exhibition inside the historic homestead, then explore the Mungalla wetlands in search of birdlife. This afternoon, continue to Mission Beach – a laid-back coastal town lined with palm trees. Stop in Tully along the way to stretch your legs and ask your leader for their favourite local spots.

• Day 8 • Atherton Tablelands - Cairns

  After breakfast, drive to Millaa Millaa Falls for a nature walk and maybe a refreshing swim. Stop for lunch in Yungaburra, then take the Curtain Fig boardwalk to see the iconic tree with its dramatic aerial roots. Continue to Lake Eacham – a volcanic crater lake and home to Australia’s largest python – where you can swim (just watch for the resident freshwater crocodile!). This afternoon, drive to Cairns, where your trip ends around 5 pm. If you’d like to stay longer, speak to your booking agent.