Intrepid Travel - Brisbane to Cairns Adventure Itinerary

Welcome to Queensland - Australia's Sunshine State!

Welcome to Brisbane! Or Meanjin in the language of the Turrbal and Yuggera peoples, who are the Traditional Owners of the land on which Brisbane is now located. Your adventure starts with a welcome meeting at 10am. After, you’ll drive straight to Noosa Heads – a serene town in Queensland by the sea – where you can grab some lunch, relax on the beach or go shopping in the cute boutique shops. If you’d like, maybe use your free time here to do part of the Noosa Coastal Walk and look out for local flora and fauna. This afternoon, you’ll hit the road again for the coastal city of Hervey Bay, where you’ll spend the night.

Approximate Travel Time: 3 hours

Accommodation: Hervey Bay - 2 Nights

After breakfast this morning, you’ll head to the stunning K'gari (previously known as Fraser Island) by ferry for a day trip. The name change is a major milestone in a long-running campaign by the Butchulla people, whose original name for this place means ‘paradise’ – and you’ll soon see why. 

Set off on a 4WD adventure through the breathtaking landscape. Start off with an adventurous drive along 75 Mile Beach Road – one of the best coastal drives in the country. Take a refreshing dive into the crystal-clear water of Boorangoora (Lake McKenzie) – an island icon. The lake is world famous for its turquoise colours and delicate white, 92% pure silica sand. Take another dip, this time in the fresh waters of Eli Creek, then visit the Maheno shipwreck and the coloured sands of the pinnacles. From tropical dense rainforest to wild offshore waters, you’ll witness the contrasting fauna and terrain of this truly unique island as you venture across undulating dunes and vast golden beaches in search of the iconic outback creature – the dingo. Tonight, head back to Hervey Bay where you can rest and recharge. 

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Enjoy a free day in Hervey Bay today – one of the best sites for observing humpback whales during migration season (July to October). If the month is right, maybe spend the morning whale watching on the water, or rent a bike to cycle along the foreshore. Or you could take a leisurely stroll along the water’s edge, go kayaking or just enjoy one of the many gorgeous beaches nearby. Make sure you pick up some snacks for tonight's overnight train journey north on the famous 'Spirit of Queensland', from the train station at Maryborough West to Proserpine, just south-west of Airlie Beach, arriving early tomorrow morning.  The train journey will be unaccompanied by your leader. You'll say goodbye to your first leader at the train station tonight and your new trip leader will meet you at the other end upon arrival of the train in the morning.

Note: Throughout the year scheduled railway track works may take place on the route from Hervey Bay to Airlie Beach. If the train happens not to run on your departure you will be driving with your leader instead, with an overnight in or around Gladstone.

Approximate Travel Time: 10 hours, split across two days

Accommodation: Overnight Train - 1 Night

Your new leader will meet you at Proserpine train station early this morning. Head to their favourite sunrise spot as a group – the best way to start your day – and watch the land come alive. Then, you’ll head for an optional breakfast and caffeine hit at a local café in Airlie Beach. Your day is free to explore this coastal paradise dotted with palm trees. You have the option to walk the Coral Beach trail (2.2km, 90 min return) walk in Conway National Park. This hub town of the popular Whitsundays has beer gardens, trendy cafes and a lawn-fringed swimming lagoon. Maybe stroll around and explore, visit some local swimming spots for a refreshing dip or find a seat at one of the many bars and watch the sun sparkle on the water. Get to know your new leader tonight with an optional group dinner. 

Accommodation: Airlie Beach - 2 Nights

Today you’ll head out on a full-day tour of Whitehaven Beach, in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. Start with a guided walk to the spectacular Hill Inlet Lookout, where you can take photos of the sweeping ocean views. Then, hit the water and go snorkelling at Border Island, Dumbell Island or one of the secret spots your local guide will show you. See coral reefs, colourful fish, turtles, clams and other marine life. Then, enjoy an included lunch and take a boat to the southern end of the 7 km stretch of Whitehaven Beach, taking the chance to kick back and relax in the sun after a day of outdoor adventures. Tonight, maybe head to one of the local bars for a cocktail (or two) and watch the sunset.

Included Meals: Lunch

This morning, you’ll hit the road again for a scenic road trip day to 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. Ask your leader for the best seaside spots for dinner and maybe enjoy a night walk to watch the sun go down.

Approximate Travel Time: 6 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Lucinda - 1 Night

This morning after breakfast, drive to Mungalla station, where you’ll meet the First Nations owners of the land – the Nywaigi people – and learn about their culture and history, including about the brutal conflicts with European settlers. The story you’ve been told will come to life as you visit an exhibition of pictures within the historic homestead. Then head out and explore the Mungalla wetlands in search of aquatic birdlife. Drive to Mission Beach this afternoon – a small coastal town with expansive beaches, palm trees and opportunities to explore the Great Barrier Reef. Stop in Tully along the way to stretch your legs, then ask your leader for the best way to spend your night. 

Included Meals: Breakfast

Approximate Travel Time: 2 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Mission Beach - 1 Night

This morning after breakfast, drive to Millaa Millaa Falls for a nature walk and a quick swim in the cascades. Stop in Atherton for lunch at a local cafe Take the Curtain Fig boardwalk to see the iconic tree this park was named after – this park protects endangered mabi forest and a large green fig tree with extensive aerial roots that drop 15 m to the forest floor, forming a ‘curtain’. After, walk to Lake Eacham – the site of an old volcano and home to Australia’s largest python! Here, maybe take a swim (just keep an eye out for the resident freshwater crocodile) or continue your walk. This afternoon, you’ll drive to Cairns, where your trip will come to an end at approximately 5pm. If you’d like to stay longer, just speak to your

Note: As your tour finishes at 5pm today we recommend booking post-tour accommodation. We can help you with these arrangements.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Approximate Travel Time: 4 hours

Start & End Times
The trip starts in Brisbane with a Welcome Meeting at 10am on Day 1 at our joining point hotel, and finishes on arrival in Cairns on Day 8 at our finish point hotel around 5pm. Accommodation is not included on this day but can be booked on request.

Single Supplement
A Single Supplement can be booked if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip, subject to availability.

Overnight Train
The overnight train is in RailBed class and is not accompanied by a tour leader. Should the train not operate due to track works or other factors outside of our control, it will be replaced with alternative transportation and an additional night stay in a destination enroute.

Luggage Limit
Luggage weight (max 20kg for main luggage, 7kg for hand luggage) and size (23cm x 34cm x 48cm) limits apply for our overnight train journey.

Whale Migration Season
Please note that whale migration season is from July to October. Please choose your departure date accordingly if you would like to take advantage of the opportunity to see whales.

Itinerary Variations:
The provider strives to improve trip itineraries. If improvements can be made, or if circumstances beyond their control make changes necessary, the provider reserves the right to vary itineraries and to make substitutions.