Day 1
Welcome to Cairns
Welcome to Cairns! This tropical city, near the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest, offers incredible opportunities for scuba diving, snorkelling, reef cruises, fishing, rainforest walks, and wildlife spotting.
Relax at the Cairns Esplanade lagoon, enjoy the picnic areas, birdwatching points, free barbecues, and fitness equipment along the boardwalk.
Accommodation:Mercure Hotel Cairns - 3 Nights
Day 2
Great Barrier Reef
Cruise on the stylish Passions Catamaran to the world-renowned Great Barrier Reef.
Outer Great Barrier Reef Day Cruise & Snorkel
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Morning tea and an introduction to the marine ecosystem.
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Snorkel, dive, or sunbathe at two outer reef locations.
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Tropical buffet lunch served on board.
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Relax with a cold drink on the return sail to Cairns, arriving at 5 pm.
Day 3
Daintree Rainforest & Cape Tribulation 4WD Tour
Explore the meeting point of the rainforest and reef on a small, personalised full-day tour. Highlights include:
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Crocodile spotting on a Daintree River cruise.
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A guided boardwalk tour through the rainforest.
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A rugged 4WD journey on the Bloomfield Track.
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Traditional Aussie barbecue, billy tea, and damper.
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Sampling local tropical fruits and homemade Daintree ice cream.
Day 4
Drive to Townsville ( Approximate Distance: 347 km | 215 miles | Driving Time: 4 hours 16 minutes)
Collect your rental car and drive south to Townsville, Australia's largest tropical city.
Highlights:
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Reef HQ, the world's largest living coral reef aquarium.
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Magnetic Island, just 20 minutes away by ferry.
Day 5
Ferry from Townsville - Magnetic Island - Includes Return
Today, your journey will take you to Magnetic Island.
Just a short ferry ride from Townsville, Magnetic Island offers the natural beauty and tranquillity of an untouched paradise, set within a vibrant community. With its unique landscape of palm-fringed beaches, large granite boulders, hoop pines, sandy shores, and fringing coral reefs, Magnetic Island is a true island paradise. Enjoy endless sunshine, encounter koalas, explore hiking trails, drive topless cars, dive into snorkelling adventures, and much more!
Sealink Queensland - Maggie Comprehensive Tour
Magnetic Island presents a beautiful blend of natural serenity and a thriving community. This fully guided bus tour departs from Nelly Bay ferry terminal and concludes at Horseshoe Bay, with stops at the island’s main attractions along the way. At the end of the tour, you can either return by bus to the ferry terminal or stay at Horseshoe Bay, where you can enjoy lunch with a view, swim in the lifeguard-patrolled area, or relax on the beach. During the 'Stinger' (jellyfish) season from November to April, protective nets are in place to ensure your safety.
Day 6
Airlie Beach - Gateway to the Whitsundays ( Approximate Distance: 275 km | 171 miles | Driving Time: 3 hours 9 minutes)
Drive to Airlie Beach, a relaxed resort town and the launchpad for exploring the 74 Whitsunday Islands.
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Swim at Airlie Beach Lagoon.
Accommodation: Heart Hotel and Gallery Whitsundays, Airlie Beach - 1 Night
Day 7
Hamilton Island
Explore Hamilton Island, situated in the heart of the Whitsundays and the Great Barrier Reef. Activities include snorkelling, sea kayaking, and scenic helicopter flights.
Accommodation: Reef View Hotel, Hamilton Island - 2 Nights
Day 8
Cruise Whitsundays - Whitsunday Islands & Whitehaven Beach Half-Day Cruise
Embark on a scenic journey across the expansive Whitsunday Passage and into this stunning tropical paradise, a series of remote waterways and secluded bays. On the southern shores of Whitsunday Island, the largest of the 74 Whitsunday islands, lies the world-renowned Whitehaven Beach, frequently ranked among the "World's Best Beaches." Stroll along the pristine sand, take a short hike on the Solway Circuit for breathtaking views, or cool off in the gently lapping waters before boarding your return cruise.
Day 9
Board the Ferry Back to Airlie Beach
Airlie Beach is the gateway to the Whitsundays, Queensland’s stunning group of 74 islands. This cosmopolitan and lively town is filled with palm-fringed beaches, waterfront parks, and a variety of alfresco dining options. Airlie Beach embodies the essence of a beach town, where you'll immediately feel the carefree, laid-back atmosphere in every corner. Whether it's the Airlie Beach Lagoon, a man-made saltwater swimming area surrounded by sand and grassy knolls, the beachside parks where afternoon barbecues extend into the evening, or the alfresco restaurants serving fresh, mouth-watering seafood, the relaxed vibe is ever-present.
Accommodation: Heart Hotel and Gallery Whitsundays, Airlie Beach - 1 Night
Day 10
Rockhampton - Beef Capital of Australia ( Approximate Distance: 481 km | 298 miles | Driving Time: 6 hours 34 minutes)
Drive to Rockhampton, a heritage-filled town with charming Victorian architecture.
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Spot the 10 bull statues located across town.
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Explore the city's historic streetscapes.
Accommodation: Empire Apartment Hotel, Rockhampton - 2 Nights
Day 11
Free Day in Rockhampton
Choose from exciting activities:
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Adventure Lovers: Capricorn Caves wild caving tour.
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Culture Enthusiasts: Dreamtime Cultural Centre for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage.
Day 12
Hervey Bay ( Approximate Distance: 381 km | 236 miles | Driving Time: 2 hours 36 minutes)
Travel to Hervey Bay, known as the Whale Watch Capital of the World.
Accommodation: Ramada Hervey Bay - 1 Night
Day 13-14
Fraser Island Adventure
Join a 4WD tour to explore Fraser Island. Highlights include:
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Lake McKenzie and Lake Wabby.
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Seventy-Five Mile Beach.
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The Pinnacles and Maheno Shipwreck.
Accommodation: K'gari Beach Resort (Fraser Island), then return to Mantra Hervey Bay on day 14.
Day 15
Beautiful Noosa ( Approximate Distance: 158 km | 98 miles | Driving Time: 2 hours)
Drive to Noosa, a beachside destination with luxurious day spas, golf courses, and national parks.
Accommodation: The Rise, Noosa - 2 Nights
Day 16
Everglades Ecosafaris - Everglades Explorer Tour
Cruise deep into the serene, mirrored waterways of Australia's only Everglades. This breathtaking network of wetlands showcases ancient landscapes and offers stunning photo opportunities. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of this unique ecosystem. Australia's Everglades are located at the northern end of the Noosa River system, nestled within the sand dunes of Cooloola National Park. This pristine wilderness is home to over 44% of Australia's bird species. Pure freshwater flows from the Cooloola Sandmass, filtering through the tea tree-infused ecosystem into this exceptional river system, creating some of the most spectacular reflections you'll ever witness.
You can choose to explore the Everglades in the comfort of Everglades Eco Tour's specially designed eco boats or cruise to their canoe launch area. If you're feeling adventurous, grab a paddle, jump in a canoe, and embark on one of the best canoeing experiences in Australia (approximately 1-hour canoe leg to Harry's Hut, or the reverse route).
Day 17
Welcome to Brisbane (Approximate Distance: 151 km | 93 miles | Driving Time: 2 hours)
Explore Queensland’s capital city. Take a cruise along the Brisbane River or relax at South Bank’s man-made lagoon.
Accommodation: Adina Apartment Hotel Brisbane - 1 Night
Day 18
Farewell
Depart Brisbane with unforgettable memories of your Queensland adventure.
