Transport

OVERNIGHT TRAIN: You will be unaccompanied on the overnight train from Hervey Bay to Airlie Beach (Proserpine). Your new trip leader will meet you at Proserpine. The RailBed is a spacious and comfortable seat by day that includes a state-of-the-art personal entertainment system, a 240v power point and a USB : point. In the evening, the onboard team convert the seat to a lie-flat bed with all linen provided. Should the overnight 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. Private vehicle , Ferry , Overnight train , Boat , 4WD

Others

K’gari - Full day 4WD tour Airlie Beach - Full day Whitsunday Islands & Whitehaven Beach Tour with Snorkelling Paluma Range National Park - Crystal Creek Townsville - Castle Hill Lookout Mungalla Station - Nywaigi First Nations Guided Day Tour Atherton Tablelands - Curtain Tree boardwalk Atherton Tablelands - Lake Eacham walk Atherton Tablelands - Millaa Millaa Falls Cairns - Mandingalbay First Nations tour Atherton Tablelands - Tolga Bat Hospital Mareeba Wetlands - Forever Wild sunset wildlife experience Kuranda - Kuranda Markets Barron Gorge National Park - Din Din Barron Falls lookout Daintree National Park - Mossman Gorge Daintree National Park - Jindalba circuit track Great Barrier Reef - Half Day Cruise & Snorkelling Experience Cape Tribulation - Kulki walk & lookout Cape Tribulation - Mason’s Swimming Hole Daintree National Park - Madja boardwalk

Meals

8 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner

Accommodation

The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation. Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we’re arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn’t always possible which means we won’t be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available. Cabins (2 nights), Overnight train (1 night), Hotel (7 nights), Holiday Apartments (2 nights)

Guide

AUSTRALIA LEADERS: All group trips are accompanied by a group leader. In Australia your group leader is often also your driver, taking you from start to finish. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Your leader will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, as well as recommend great local eating venues. They will also introduce you to our local friends along the way. Please be aware they will be juggling many things on your tour and on some days may have less time to spend with you. But they will always be working hard to ensure you and your group have a fantastic time exploring Australia!

Not included:

Others

Other activities and services are not included.

Insurance

Insurance is not included.

Flights

Flights are not included.

Optional

Hervey Bay - Whale Watching (Jul-Oct) - AUD122 Airlie Beach - Coral Beach walk - Free Cairns - Art gallery - Free Cairns - Botanical Gardens - Free Kuranda - Skyrail (one-way) - AUD68

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Brisbane / Noosa / Hervey Bay
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Brisbane / Noosa / Hervey Bay

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 10 am. 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.
Day 2 Day 2: K’Gari (Fraser Island) / Hervey Bay
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: K’Gari (Fraser Island) / Hervey Bay

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. 
Day 3 Day 3: Hervey Bay / Overnight Train
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Hervey Bay / Overnight Train

Enjoy a free day in Hervey Bay today – one of the best sites for observing humpback whales during migration season. 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.
Day 4 Day 4: Airlie Beach
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Airlie Beach

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. 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. 
Day 5 Day 5: Whitsunday Islands / Whitehaven Beach / Airlie Beach
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Whitsunday Islands / Whitehaven Beach / Airlie Beach

Today you’ll head out on a full-day tour to Whitehaven Beach, in the heart of the Whitsunday Islands and in the centre of the Great Barrier Reef. Start with a 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 today’s 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, back in Airlie Beach, maybe head to one of the local bars for a cocktail (or two) and watch the sunset.
Day 6 Day 6: Townsville / Paluma Range National Park / Lucinda
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

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. Ask your leader for the best seaside spots for dinner and maybe enjoy a night walk to watch the sun go down.
Day 7 Day 7: Mungalla Station / Mission Beach
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Mungalla Station / Mission Beach

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, lined with palm trees. Stop in Tully along the way to stretch your legs, then ask your leader for the best way to spend your night.
Day 8 Day 8: Atherton Tablelands / Cairns
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Atherton Tablelands / Cairns

This morning after breakfast, drive to Millaa Millaa Falls for a nature walk and a quick swim in the cascades. Stop in for lunch at a local cafe near Atherton. 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). This afternoon, you’ll drive to Cairns, where you you may say goodbye to some of the group who are finishing their travels here. Tonight meet any new travellers joining at a Welcome Meeting at 6pm.
Day 9 Day 9: Mandingalbay / Cairns
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Mandingalbay / Cairns

This morning after breakfast, head out on a First Nations-guided eco-tour of Mandingal Bay. The traditional owners of this land will teach you about Country, where mountains are home to rainforests and vast wetlands are home to local birdlife. Walk to Hills Creek, where the sea meets the fresh water and attend a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony. Join your guide on a rainforest trail and learn about ancient Aboriginal traditions, customs and artefacts as you listen to the sounds of nature. After, you have a free afternoon in Cairns to grab some lunch, head to a local art gallery, explore the aquarium or just soak up some sun on the promenade.
Day 10 Day 10: Kuranda / Mareeba
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Kuranda / Mareeba

This morning, enjoy breakfast and then drive to Kuranda – perched at the top of a mountain. You’ll have some time to explore this charming rainforest town and its surroundings at your own pace. Maybe check out the famous Kuranda Markets, or relax at one of the town’s many restaurants and cafes, where outdoor dining is one of the joys of the cooler mountain climate. After, head to nearby Barron Falls and walk to the lookout for the best photo spots. Continue to Mareeba, where you’ll take a leader-led orientation walk. This afternoon, visit the Tolga Bat Hospital – Australia’s largest bat rehabilitation facility. Here you’ll learn about the facility’s research, advocacy and community education and make some new upside-down friends. Tonight, you’ll head to the Mareeba Wetlands for an exciting wildlife spotting experience at sunset, hosted by Forever Wild – an organisation that creates community and nature-based solutions to the climate and biodiversity crises. After dark falls, head back to your accommodation for an included group dinner.
Day 11 Day 11: Mareeba / Mossman Gorge / Daintree Rainforest / Cape Tribulation
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Mareeba / Mossman Gorge / Daintree Rainforest / Cape Tribulation

This morning, maybe head out bright and early for a unique optional birdwatching experience in the wetlands – the best time to witness the local birdlife in their natural habitat! Then, enjoy some breakfast and head to the idyllic Mossman Gorge for a refreshing morning swim and a nature walk. After, you’ll continue to not one but two UNESCO World Heritage areas – Cape Tribulation and the Daintree Rainforest. Head off on another nature walk and immerse yourself in the sounds and smells of the rainforest, keeping your eye out for local birdlife. Daintree is over 135 million years old, making it the oldest rainforest in the world! This afternoon, continue exploring the area or kick back and relax at your accommodation.
Day 12 Day 12: Great Barrier Reef / Cape Tribulation
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Great Barrier Reef / Cape Tribulation

After breakfast, head out on an early morning tour of the Great Barrier Reef, where you’ll swim with turtles and snorkel in the pristine waters off the Daintree Coast, visiting two different snorkel locations. What better way to spend a morning!? The rest of the day is free to relax on the beach, swim, take a hike or just find a good spot to sit and people-watch. This is a nature-lovers paradise, so there are plenty of activities and laidback options to choose from.
Day 13 Day 13: Daintree Rainforest / Palm Cove / Cairns
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: Daintree Rainforest / Palm Cove / Cairns

This morning visit Kulki Lookout, where you can stroll along the boardwalk for some iconic views of Cape Tribulation and steep, rainforest-covered slopes that meet the sandy beaches below. Next, head to Madja boardwalk for a scenic circuit that takes you through dense lowland forests and mangrove-lined creeks. Then visit Mason’s Swimming Hole for a gorgeous tropical swim among lush flora and friendly fish and turtles, where you’ll have time to have lunch. When you’re refreshed from a dip in the water, continue to Cairns via the idyllic Palm Cove. On arrival in Cairns your trip will come to an end at around 5 pm. If you want to extend your stay and explore Cairns further, just speak to your booking agent.

+10

13 days tour

North Queensland Adventure (20 Destinations)

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip North Queensland Adventure (20 Destinations)

Day 1: Brisbane / Noosa / Hervey Bay

Day 2: K’Gari (Fraser Island) / Hervey Bay

Day 3: Hervey Bay / Overnight Train

Day 4: Airlie Beach

Day 5: Whitsunday Islands / Whitehaven Beach / Airlie Beach

Day 6: Townsville / Paluma Range National Park / Lucinda

Day 7: Mungalla Station / Mission Beach

Day 8: Atherton Tablelands / Cairns

Day 9: Mandingalbay / Cairns

Day 10: Kuranda / Mareeba

Day 11: Mareeba / Mossman Gorge / Daintree Rainforest / Cape Tribulation

Day 12: Great Barrier Reef / Cape Tribulation

Day 13: Daintree Rainforest / Palm Cove / Cairns

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