Day 1
Welcome to Brisbane
Welcome to Queensland – Australia's Sunshine State!
Brisbane, Queensland's capital, boasts subtropical weather year-round and a vibrant blend of cultural attractions, world-class arts, and natural wonders. It’s the perfect starting point for your Australian Pacific Coast adventure.
Explore Queensland's Capital City
After checking into your centrally located accommodation, consider taking a guided cruise along the Brisbane River. Marvel at iconic sights such as the Kangaroo Point Cliffs, City Centre, and the Story Bridge.
Alternatively, enjoy a leisurely riverside walk to South Bank, where you can swim in the sparkling man-made lagoon or indulge in a delicious dinner at one of its trendy restaurants.
Accommodation: Adina Apartment Hotel Brisbane – 2 Nights
Experience comfort with modern studio, 1-, or 2-bedroom apartments, all featuring private bathrooms, kitchen facilities, and access to a swimming pool, fitness centre, restaurant, and bar.
Day 2
Brisbane River Cruise & Koala Sanctuary Visit
Embark on a memorable river cruise to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, the world’s oldest and largest of its kind. Glide through Brisbane’s historic landscapes, iconic attractions, and wildlife habitats, accompanied by an entertaining commentary.
Day 3
The Sunshine Coast
Collect your rental vehicle and drive up the Sunshine Coast.
Continue to the charming town of Montville, known for its boutique shopping, cafes, and scenic views of the Glass House Mountains.Montville, nestled in Queensland's picturesque Sunshine Coast Hinterland, is a charming and idyllic town. Surrounded by lush rainforests, it offers a serene escape from urban life. Montville's quaint streets are lined with boutique shops, art galleries, and cozy cafes, inviting visitors to explore local crafts and culinary delights. The town boasts stunning panoramic views of the coastline, visible from several vantage points along the winding roads.
Accommodation: Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat, Montville – 2 Nights
Enjoy luxurious cottages with forest views, spa facilities, and proximity to Kondalilla National Park.
Drive to Montville (approximately 110 km, 1 hour 30 mins)
Day 4
Free Day in Montville
Discover Montville at your leisure. Walk through the Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve, hike Great Walk trails, or relax by waterfalls and beaches. Don’t miss sampling local wines and cheeses.
Day 5
Montville to Hervey Bay
Drive to Hervey Bay, renowned as the Whale Watch Capital of the World. Enjoy watersports, fishing, or simply relax on its calm beaches.Throw in the chance to see majestic humpback whales frolicking here from July to October, and the town's convenient access to the Unesco-listed Fraser Island, and it's easy to understand how Hervey Bay has become an unflashy, yet undeniably appealing, tourist hotspot.
Accommodation: Discovery Parks Fraser Street, Hervey Bay – 1 Night
Discovery Parks Fraser Street offers a captivating wilderness experience with its deluxe safari tents. Set in a pristine natural environment, these tents perfectly blend comfort with adventure. Each tent is thoughtfully equipped with modern amenities, including cosy bedding, private en-suite bathrooms, and even air conditioning to ensure a comfortable stay in the heart of nature.
Drive to Hervey Bay (approximately 205 km, 2 hours 30 mins)
Day 6
Fraser Island Adventure
Join an expert guide with extensive local knowledge and a passion for K'gari as you explore its breathtaking landscapes. Discover hidden gems while learning fascinating facts about the island's rich history, flora, and fauna. Travel in air-conditioned comfort as your guide drives across sandy tracks, navigating the island's unique terrain. K'gari is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including dingoes, birds of prey, and even whales (visible from July to October), all seen during the K'gari Explorer Tours. Keep an eye out for the island’s most iconic resident—the pure-bred dingoes—viewed through the custom-built panoramic windows of the 4WD coaches.
Accommodation: K’gari Beach Resort & Hervey Bay - 1 Night
Day 7
K'Gari then return to Hervey Bay Today
Explore the Gateway to the Fraser Coast. There’s plenty to do in Hervey Bay—head out to sea for an unforgettable humpback whale-watching experience, cycle or stroll along the Esplanade, or cool down at the WetSide Water Park. You can also explore the Hervey Bay Botanic Gardens, catch some rays on Torquay Beach, or browse the endless market stalls in town. Hop on a sunset cruise, step back in time at the Hervey Bay Historical Village and Museum, or swim with sharks at Reefworld Aquarium. Grab your binoculars for bird-watching at the Arkarra Gardens or mingle with the local kangaroos at Point Vernon. For even more adventure, explore on the Fraser Island & Dolphin Sailing Adventure or join the Great Sandy Marine Park Turtle Discovery Tour.
Day 8
Hervey Bay to Yeppoon
Drive north to Yeppoon, gateway to the Southern Great Barrier Reef. Relax at the Yeppoon Lagoon or explore Byfield National Park.
Accommodation: Salt Apartments Yeppoon – 2 Nights
Stay in luxurious ocean-view apartments with private balconies.
Drive to Yeppoon (approximately 430 km, 5 hours)
Day 9
Keppel Island Day Cruise
Enjoy a day cruise to Keppel Island, a tropical paradise with pristine beaches and vibrant coral reefs. Snorkel, hike, or relax on white sandy shores.
Day 10
Yeppoon to Airlie Beach
Travel to Airlie Beach, the gateway to the Whitsundays. Explore this lively town with its markets, shops, and restaurants.
Accommodation: Heart Hotel & Gallery Whitsundays, Airlie Beach – 1 Night
Designing The Heart Hotel and Gallery Whitsundays, Hunt Design Architects have captured the essence of a tropical Queenslander with an impeccable design that is elegant and timeless.
Drive to Airlie Beach (approximately 500 km, 5 hours 45 mins)
Day 11
Hamilton Island
Hamilton Island is located at the heart of Queensland’s Whitsunday Islands, right on the edge of the Great Barrier Reef. Here, you'll experience everything that makes Australia amazing—stunning natural surroundings, calm waters, warm weather, vibrant coral reefs, and diverse flora and fauna. With a variety of accommodation options and countless activities to keep you entertained for weeks, from snorkelling the reef to sea kayaking and scenic helicopter flights, Hamilton Island offers the ultimate Great Barrier Reef escape.
Accommodation: Reef View Hotel, Hamilton Island – 2 Nights
The Reef View Hotel on Hamilton Island offers a luxurious escape with spacious rooms and suites, each boasting stunning views of the Coral Sea or lush tropical gardens. Perfectly situated near Catseye Beach, the hotel features exceptional amenities including a large outdoor swimming pool
Day 12
Cruise Whitsundays - Whitsunday Islands & Whitehaven Beach Half-Day Cruise
Embark on a scenic journey across the expansive Whitsunday Passage and into a tropical paradise—an enchanting series of remote waterways and hidden bays. On the southern shores of Whitsunday Island, the largest of the 74 Whitsunday islands, you'll find the world-renowned Whitehaven Beach, consistently ranked among the "World's Best Beaches." Stroll along the pristine sands, hike the short Solway Circuit for breathtaking views, or refresh yourself with a swim in the gently lapping waters before boarding your return cruise.
Accommodation: Reef View Hotel, Hamilton Island
Day 13
Board your ferry back to Airlie Beach today and continue your journey to Townsville.
Townsville, Australia's largest tropical city, serves as the hub for this vibrant region, bordered by Mission Beach to the north, Charters Towers to the west, and Bowen to the south. The five resort islands—Dunk, Magnetic, Orpheus, Hinchinbrook, and Bedarra—each offer a distinct character and unique experiences for visitors. Townsville is home to many attractions, including the world's largest living coral reef aquarium, a wildlife sanctuary, a casino, beautiful beaches, museums, theatres, galleries, and diverse dining options. The stunning Magnetic Island is just a 20-minute Fast Cat ferry ride from the city centre. Day cruises, diving expeditions to the Great Barrier Reef, and white-water rafting excursions depart regularly from Townsville, ensuring there's always an adventure waiting.
Accommodation: Hotel Grand Chancellor Townsville - 2 nights
Drive to Townsville (approximately 275 km, 3 hours 45 mins)
Day 14
Catch the ferry for a return day trip to Magnetic Island - Tropical Island Paradise
Just a short ferry ride from Townsville, Magnetic Island offers the natural beauty and serenity of an untouched paradise within a thriving community. Boasting a unique natural environment of palm-fringed beaches, large granite boulders, hoop pines, sandy beaches and fringing coral reefs, Magnetic Island is an island paradise of endless sunshine, koalas, hiking trails, topless cars, snorkelling adventures, and more.
Sealink Queensland - Magnetic Island's Best Bus Tour
Magnetic Island offers the natural beauty and tranquillity of an untouched paradise, set within a vibrant community. This fully guided bus tour begins at Nelly Bay ferry terminal and concludes at Horseshoe Bay, taking you to the island's most iconic sights along the way. At the end of the tour, you can choose to return to the ferry terminal by bus or stay at Horseshoe Bay, where you can enjoy lunch with a view or take a swim in the lifeguard-patrolled area. During 'Stinger' (jellyfish) season, from November to April, protective nets are in place for your safety.
Day 15
Townsville to Port Douglas
The paradise between the reef and the rainforest, the seaside village of Port Douglas is the essence of barefoot style and sophistication. In Port Douglas, relaxation is taken very seriously indeed. With its vibrant yet casual, tropical charm, Port Douglas has something for everyone. Whether you're adrenalin- hunting adventurers, romantic honeymooners, here on a family getaway or a cheeky weekender, Port Douglas ticks all the boxes. Port Douglas is the gateway to Mother Nature's playground and jumping off point to explore both the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest.
Accommodation: Freestyle Resort Port Douglas – 3 Nights
Quintessential Queensland - Port Douglas Freestyle Resort Apartments is classic North Queenslander. Cedar timber shutters, verandas, overhanging roofs, and all this surrounded by lush tropical gardens. Apartments overlook a tropical reserve on one side and the lush gardens with a new large free-form saltwater pool and spa.
Day 16
Sailaway Port Douglas - Full Day Sailing Low Isles Cruise and Snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef
Enjoy a day to remember with this reef and island cruise to Low Isles. Explore the protected Coral Cay, with white sandy beaches and coconut palms, surrounded by magnificent coral gardens and the Coral Sea. Sailaway ensures your enjoyment with small numbers of guests, excellent service and personal attention from our helpful friendly crew. Sailaway moors in the sheltered blue lagoon, you can just relax on the island, join the guided snorkel tour, take a trip on the glass bottom boat or laze on deck before an exhilarating sail back to Port.
Day 17
Billy Tea Safaris - Full Day Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation Tour
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with Billy Tea Safaris aboard our custom 4WD vehicles as you explore the breathtaking flora, fauna, and diverse landscapes of the Daintree Rainforest—the oldest continuously surviving rainforest on Earth. This immersive wet-tropics experience includes a scenic coastal drive, a relaxing Daintree River cruise, and a guided rainforest walk that reveals the unique ecosystems of the area. Enjoy a delicious lunch in a serene rainforest setting, take a refreshing swim, and unwind with free time at Cape Tribulation Beach. You'll also savour complimentary tropical fruit ice cream and cross the Daintree River via cable ferry, making for a truly memorable journey.
Day 18
Depart Cairns
Conclude your adventure with a drive to Cairns for your onward flight. Leave with unforgettable memories of Queensland’s breathtaking Pacific Coast.
