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Brisbane to Cairns Experience: Sand Dunes & the Whitsundays

Mixed Board Basis 9 nights from €3,119 per person Including Flights

Overview

If you're full of ambition but short on time, sign up for this speedy ten-day tour along Queensland's east coast. The ideal 2 week getaway either before/after Uni or for a quick Aussie break from work. Play transport bingo as you travel by yacht, train, truck, and private vehicle to reach your destinations. Visit K'gari (Fraser Island) and the Whitsundays, go snorkelling, and discover the stunning beauty of Noosa. Your time here may be brief, but your friends and family will probably never hear the end of this truly unforgettable adventure. (GA-OABC)

Highlights

  • Enjoy the coastal beauty and vibrant atmosphere of Noosa's stunning beaches and national park
  • Discover the pristine white sands and crystal-clear waters of the Whitsundays on a day trip
  • Experience the natural wonders and diverse wildlife with an overnight stay on K'gari (Fraser Island)
  • Explore the tropical charm and adventure activities of Cairns at your own pace.
Whats included?
  • Flights & taxes
  • Accommodation
  • Checked baggage
  • CAR licensed & bonded
  • In resort assistance & 24 hour contact centre
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Day 1

Brisbane Arrive anytime.

Welcome to the “Land Down Under”! Tonight, get ready for a night out in Brisbane with the group. Enjoy an evening filled with friendly vibes, epic times, and stunning city views as you sip on local beverages with your new travel pals.

Arrive in Brisbane at any time. There are no planned activities during the day, so check into your hotel and explore the city.
If you arrive early enough, take the chance to explore. Hop on a CityCat ferry or walk along the river to see places like the Howard Smith Wharves, the Botanical Gardens, New Farm Park, or relax at Streets Beach on South Bank.

Your Welcome Moment:
Meet your CEO and fellow travellers to learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Check the notice in the lobby (or ask at reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

Your First Night Out Moment:
Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination.

Accommodation: BUNK Brisbane (or similar) Hostel

Day 2

Brisbane to K'gari (Fraser Island)

Today, start your journey early to K'gari (Fraser Island), a UNESCO World Heritage Area. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by the Butchulla people with a traditional ceremony. After this, embark on a thrilling 4WD adventure. Swim in the crystal-clear waters of Boorangoora (Lake McKenzie), hike through the rainforest, and take a sunset beach walk. In the evening, sit around the campfire with your new friends.

This unique stay on K'gari is hosted by the Traditional Owners of the land who are eager to share their culture and experiences with you. It’s a fantastic opportunity to learn about Australia’s Indigenous culture, both past and present.

Private Vehicle:
Brisbane – Rainbow Beach (2h45m-3h, 250km)

Welcome to Country Ceremony:
Arrive at K'gari, the traditional homeland of the Butchulla people. Begin your time on the island with a special welcome ceremony.

K'gari Inland Experience:
Hop into a 4x4 vehicle and explore the inland beauty of K'gari, including Boorangoora (Lake McKenzie) and Central Station.

Twilight Beach Walk:
Take a sunset stroll along K'gari's beach and watch the paradise transform as the sun sets.

Stories Around the Campfire:
Share stories with your group around the campfire under the starry skies.

Accommodation: The Eco Retreat (or similar) Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 3

K'gari (Fraser Island) to Noosa

Today, climb sand dunes, see the Maheno shipwreck, and swim in the refreshing waters of Eli Creek, which pumps millions of litres of spring-fed fresh water into the ocean every hour. In the afternoon, leave K'gari and head to Noosa.

K'gari Beach Tour:
Take a 4x4 tour across the island, walking on Kirrar Sandblow, driving along 75 Mile Beach, and visiting the Pinnacles. Stop for a swim at Eli Creek, the island's largest freshwater creek.

Private Vehicle:
K'gari (Fraser Island) – Noosa (1h30m, 115km)

Accommodation: Bounce Noosa (or similar) Hostel
Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 4

Noosa

Discover Noosa’s stunning coastal scenery. Take a ferry and hike through Noosa National Park to the secluded Hell’s Gate beach. Keep your eyes peeled for koalas along the way. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure, whether it’s shopping, enjoying the beach, or renting a surfboard.

Noosa Coastal Walk:
Hike through Noosa National Park to Hell’s Gate, passing beautiful views and koala habitats.

Free Time:
Spend the afternoon in Noosa, enjoying shopping, relaxing on the beach, or catching some waves.

Accommodation:
Bounce Noosa (or similar) Hostel

Day 5

Noosa to Airlie Beach

Spend the day exploring Noosa. In the afternoon, we head to the train station for an overnight journey north to Airlie Beach. Wake up to the Whitsundays!

Free Time:
Explore Noosa, shop for souvenirs, or enjoy a surf in the ocean.

Overnight Train (seats): Noosa – Airlie Beach

Day 6

Airlie Beach

Arrive in Airlie Beach, the gateway to the Whitsundays and the Great Barrier Reef. After dropping your bags, explore the town. Relax on the beach, take a trip to the Great Barrier Reef, or shop in town.

Free Time:
Explore Airlie Beach. Opt to relax by the lagoon or take a scenic flight or jetski ride.

Accommodation: Nomads Airlie Beach Hostel (or similar) Hostel

Day 7

Whitsunday Islands

Today, board an ocean raft and zoom around the stunning turquoise waters of the Whitsunday Islands. Enjoy snorkelling, bushwalking, and chilling on the beach. Visit Whitehaven Beach and dive into the Great Barrier Reef’s crystal-clear waters.

Whitsunday Islands Boating Excursion:
Spend the day out at sea, visiting Whitehaven Beach and snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef.

Optional Activity - Whitsunday Islands Snorkelling:
Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef with provided gear.

Accommodation: Nomads Airlie Beach Hostel (or similar) Hostel
Meals included: Lunch

Day 8

Airlie Beach to Cairns

Catch an early bus to Cairns, stopping along the way to stretch your legs and see some of Australia’s "big things" before reaching Cairns, the Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.

Private Vehicle:
Airlie Beach – Cairns (7h-8h, 620km)

Accommodation:
Cairns Central YHA (or similar) Hostel

Day 9

Cairns

Spend a free day in Cairns, whether you're snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef, rafting, skydiving, or enjoying a Big Night Out with your fellow travellers.

Your Big Night Out Moment:
Let loose with your new friends on your Big Night Out in Cairns.

Optional Activities - Cairns:

  • Skydiving: Experience the stunning views of Cairns from 15,000 feet.
  • Whitewater Rafting: Tackle the Tully River’s Class 3 & 4 rapids.
  • Great Barrier Reef Snorkelling: Explore the world’s largest coral reef.

Accommodation: Cairns Central YHA (or similar) Hostel

Day 10

Cairns Depart at any time.

Departure Day. Time to head home or add another trip or few days to your travels, just ask us for help.

Noosa
- Skydiving Noosa
- Eumundi Market

Noosa Everglades
- Noosa Everglades Kayak Adventure

Whitsunday Islands
- Whitsunday Islands Snorkelling (Free)

Cairns
- Skydiving (310-400AUD per person)
- Whitewater Rafting (138-210AUD per person)

Great Barrier Reef
- Great Barrier Reef Snorkelling from Cairns

Group Leader Description

This G Adventures group trip is accompanied by one of our group leaders, otherwise known as a Chief Experience Officer (CEO). The CEO will be the group manager, leader and driver - this person is experienced in the routes travelled and will organize and lead the meal preparations and has experience in cooking a variety of local and international dishes for large groups.

As the group coordinator and manager, the aim of the CEO is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. They will also offer suggestions for things to do and to see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends.

We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting - we think it's the best of both worlds.
Group Size Notes

Max 20, avg 16
Meals Included

6 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners
Meals

Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip.

Please note that most included breakfasts will consist of cereal, milk, bread and spreads, juice, tea and instant coffee. Having a simple breakfast together most days allows us the flexibility to get on the road early and get from point A to B all that much faster.
Transport

Private vehicle, train, maxi yacht, 4x4 vehicle, ferry, walking, bus
About our Transportation

Our vans are mini-coaches. Occasionally with smaller group sizes we will use smaller, equally comfortable 13-seater vehicles. All mini-coaches tow a trailer for luggage and camping equipment (when needed). All groups have one CEO/Driver.

The vehicles are factory built with comfortable seats and air-conditioning. It is mandatory to wear a seatbelt while riding in our vehicles.
Solo Travellers

We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Accommodation

Hostels (13 nts, multi-share with 4-8 people), overnight train (1 nt), remote beach accommodation (1nt multi-share) All nights are multi-share on this trip.
About Accommodation

Please note that multi-share accommodation is very popular in Australia and is the way you will be spending most of your nights.
This may involve 4-6 group members sharing and even (on rare occasions) dormitory-style rooms for the whole group. It is also worth noting that all multi-share accommodation is generally split by gender in Australia. The majority of accommodation will have shared bathroom facilities. We have specifically chosen unique accommodations to give local flavour to your trip.

Where we use multi-share hostels, rooming requests of any kind cannot be taken. For private accommodation please see tours in our Classic Travel Style.
Joining Instructions

For details of your joining hotel please refer to your tour voucher,

From Sydney airport (SYD), to reach your starting accommodation you can take the Sydney Airport Shuttle, the Train or a local taxi. Please go to the airport information desk for assistance.
Please note, if taking the train, the station is under the airport terminal.

Please note that day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned on this day.

Upon arrival to your Joining Hotel (note that check-in time will be in the afternoon), look for a note or bulletin board in the reception with a note from your CEO. This note will give the details of your Welcome Meeting on day 1 (usually between 5pm and 7pm), where you will get a chance to meet your CEO and other travellers, as well as learn more about how the tour will run. If you don’t see a note, please ask reception for details!

If you are arriving later and will miss the Welcome Meeting, your CEO will leave a note at reception for you with any information you may need, and with morning instructions for the next day.

 

Roisin Carbery
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