Itinerary
- Day 1
Gold Coast
You'll arrive on the Gold Coast and meet your guide who takes you up the Q1 building. After climbing 77 stories, you'll reach the SkyPoint Observation Deck where the views spread out across the entire coast. The panoramic perspective really gives you a sense of the area's layout. Later you'll have dinner and get some pointers on what to see tomorrow, so you'll know what sounds interesting to you.
- Meals
- Dinner
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Novotel Surfers Paradise)
Included Activities
- SkyPoint Observation Deck visit in Q1 building (77 stories)
Optional Activities
- Beach exploration along 57km of Gold Coast coastline
- Discover colourful neighbourhoods
- Head to the hinterland
Landmarks Q1 Building SkyPoint Observation Deck - Day 2
Gold Coast
This day is yours to shape. If you want to hit the beach, Surfers Paradise and the other legendary stretches are right there. Not feeling the sand? You could wander through vibrant neighbourhoods, check out museums, or try the local food scene. For something different, the Gondwana rainforest hinterland is within reach if you're up for venturing inland. You'll have flexibility to do whatever appeals to you most.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Novotel Surfers Paradise)
Optional Activities
- Relax on Surfers Paradise beach or other Gold Coast beaches
- Explore museums and galleries
- Browse vibrant local markets
- Visit cafes, restaurants and bars
- Explore Gondwana rainforest in the hinterland with walking tracks
- Visit distilleries and wineries in hinterland villages
- Evening Rainforest & Glow Worm Experience
- Lamington National Park, O'Reilly's & Vineyard Tour
- Natural Bridge & Springbrook Waterfalls Tour
Landmarks Surfers Paradise Beach Gondwana Rainforest - Day 3
Gold Coast to Airlie Beach
You'll fly north to Airlie Beach, which serves as your entry point to the Whitsundays and its 74 tropical islands. Once you settle in, the pace here is deliberately relaxed. Spend time sampling regional produce at alfresco restaurants, find a spot by the man-made lagoon to unwind, or catch the vibrant sunset atmosphere that rolls in each evening. The rhythm here lets you move at your own speed.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Mantra Club Croc)
Optional Activities
- Dine at alfresco restaurants and bars
- Swim and relax in Airlie's man-made lagoon
Landmarks Airlie Beach Whitsunday Islands - Day 4
Airlie Beach
Today brings optional adventures if you're interested. Early risers can take a scenic helicopter ride over Heart Reef for views you won't get any other way. Alternatively, a catamaran heads to Whitehaven Beach, known for its distinctive silica sand that stays cool underfoot. If hiking appeals to you more, trails through the lush hinterland lead to waterfalls and natural pools tucked away from the crowds.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Mantra Club Croc)
Optional Activities
- Scenic helicopter ride over Heart Reef
- Catamaran trip to Whitehaven Beach
- Hike and waterfall chasing in hinterland with access to gem-like waterholes
Landmarks Heart Reef Whitehaven Beach Hayman Island Hamilton Island Daydream Island - Day 5
Airlie Beach to Magnetic Island
You'll travel by coach to Townsville, then board a ferry to Magnetic Island, a protected national parkland. A local guide walks you through 25km of hiking trails across the island. Along the way you'll see palm-fringed beaches, granite boulders, hidden waterfalls, and rainforest where koalas actually roam around. The island happens to have the largest koala population in northern Australia, so spotting one is fairly likely.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Peppers Blue on Blue, Magnetic Island)
Included Activities
- Guided exploration of Magnetic Island with local guide
- Access to hiking trails and natural attractions
Landmarks Magnetic Island - Day 6
Magnetic Island
Your boat cruises around Magnetic Island's 23 bays while exploring the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. During the day you'll learn how ecosystem protection efforts work, then get time to swim and snorkel in the clear water. After returning to land, you have the evening to explore the island's restaurants and bars at whatever pace you prefer. It's a good chance to try local seafood and enjoy the island vibe.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Peppers Blue on Blue, Magnetic Island)
Included Activities
- Cruise around Magnetic Island's 23 bays
- Great Barrier Reef Marine Park cruise with marine ecosystem education
- Swimming and snorkelling during cruise
Optional Activities
- Dine at island restaurants and bars
Landmarks Great Barrier Reef Marine Park - Day 7
Magnetic Island to Cairns
A ferry takes you back to Townsville, then a coach heads south to Cairns, where two World Heritage Sites actually meet - the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics of Queensland. Once there, you're free to explore at your leisure. The Esplanade buzzes with activity, the marina has seafood restaurants, and the city's got trendy bars and lounges scattered throughout if you want to check them out.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns)
Included Activities
- Travel to Cairns where Great Barrier Reef meets Wet Tropics rainforest
Optional Activities
- Walk along the Esplanade
- Enjoy seafood by the marina
- Visit bars and lounges
Landmarks Cairns Esplanade Wet Tropics of Queensland - Day 8
Cairns to Kuranda
You'll journey to Kuranda, a village perched high on the eastern edge of the Atherton Tablelands with its own personality and character. The main experience here involves the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, which gives you a bird's-eye view as you glide over strangler figs, orchids, palms and waterfalls. Keep your eyes open for the elusive cassowary, then wander around the village at your own pace and see what catches your interest.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns)
Included Activities
- Skyrail Rainforest Cableway ride with bird's-eye views
Optional Activities
- Explore Kuranda village at leisure
Landmarks Kuranda Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Atherton Tablelands - Day 9
Kuranda to Cairns
You'll board a high-speed catamaran for a Great Barrier Reef cruise out over the Coral Sea. Once you're there, you can snorkel alongside turtles, moray eels, giant clams and tropical fish (equipment gets provided). Prefer not to get in the water? The underwater observatory and glass-bottom boat let you see the marine life differently. A tropical buffet lunch comes midday, and after returning to Cairns, you'll have a farewell dinner to wrap up the trip.
- Meals
- Lunch (Tropical buffet lunch), Dinner (Farewell Dinner)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns)
Included Activities
- High-speed catamaran cruise over Coral Sea to Great Barrier Reef
- Snorkelling with tropical marine life (equipment provided)
- Underwater observatory viewing
- Glass-bottom boat option
- Tropical buffet lunch
Landmarks Great Barrier Reef Coral Sea - Day 10
Cairns
You'll depart after breakfast. Flights leave Cairns Airport anytime during the day depending on which flight you've booked, so you can coordinate your departure based on your schedule.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Catch a final few rays before departing
