Itinerary
- Day 1
Brisbane to Noosa Heads to Hervey Bay
Your welcome meeting kicks off at 10 am in Brisbane, then you'll head to Noosa Heads along the coast. There's time to grab lunch, relax on the beach, or wander through the local boutique shops. If you're interested, the Noosa Coastal Walk is a good option to spot local wildlife and plants. After that, continue on to Hervey Bay where you'll stay for the night.
Optional Activities
- Noosa Coastal Walk
- Beach time in Noosa Heads
- Shopping in Noosa Heads boutique shops
Landmarks/POIs Noosa Heads - Day 2
K'gari (Fraser Island) Day Trip
After breakfast, take the ferry over to K'gari island. You'll drive along 75 Mile Beach Road and stop to swim in the turquoise waters of Boorangoora, which has that famous white silica sand. From there, check out Eli Creek's fresh water, see the Maheno shipwreck and the colored sands, then look for dingoes across the dunes and beaches. The ferry back to Hervey Bay happens in the evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- K'gari full day tour
- 75 Mile Beach Road drive
- Swim at Boorangoora (Lake McKenzie)
- Eli Creek visit and swim
- Maheno shipwreck visit
- Pinnacles coloured sands visit
- Dingo spotting
Landmarks/POIs K'gari (Fraser Island) Boorangoora (Lake McKenzie) Eli Creek Maheno shipwreck - Day 3
Hervey Bay
This is your free day in Hervey Bay, one of the best whale watching spots during migration season. You might do a whale watching tour, bike along the foreshore, stroll by the water, kayak, or just spend time on the beaches. Before your overnight train journey, grab snacks for the trip. The Spirit of Queensland train leaves from Maryborough West heading north to Proserpine.
Optional Activities
- Whale watching (Jul-Oct)
- Bike rental along foreshore
- Water walks
- Kayaking
- Beach time
Landmarks/POIs Hervey Bay - Day 4
Airlie Beach
A new group leader meets you early morning at Proserpine station. There's an optional breakfast at a local café in Airlie Beach if you want. The day is free to explore this palm-fringed coastal town. Stroll around, check out local swimming spots, relax at bars with water views, or swim in the lagoon. An optional group dinner is available tonight.
Optional Activities
- Breakfast at local café in Airlie Beach
- Exploring Airlie Beach
- Swimming in Airlie Beach lagoon
- Group dinner
Landmarks/POIs Airlie Beach - Day 5
Whitsunday Islands & Whitehaven Beach
Full day heading out to Whitehaven Beach in the Whitsunday Islands. You'll walk to Hill Inlet Lookout for sweeping ocean views, then go snorkeling at hidden spots to see coral reefs, colorful fish, turtles, and clams. Lunch is included, and you'll have time to relax on the 7 km beach before heading back to Airlie Beach. Optional sunset cocktails and bar time available this evening.
- Meals
- Lunch (Lunch at Whitehaven Beach)
Included Activities
- Whitehaven Beach full day tour
- Hill Inlet Lookout walk
- Snorkelling at Whitsunday Islands
- Lunch at Whitehaven Beach
Optional Activities
- Sunset cocktails in Airlie Beach bars
Landmarks/POIs Whitehaven Beach Hill Inlet Lookout Whitsunday Islands Great Barrier Reef - Day 6
Townsville to Lucinda
It's a long travel day with several stops along the way. You'll visit Castle Hill lookout in Townsville for nice views, then have free time for lunch and to relax by the water. Later, head to Big Crystal Creek in Paluma Range National Park where you can walk around, swim, or just relax while watching birds. You'll drive to Lucinda for the night.
Included Activities
- Castle Hill Lookout visit and photos
- Crystal Creek visit in Paluma Range National Park
Optional Activities
- Swimming in Big Crystal Creek
- Strolling in Big Crystal Creek area
Landmarks/POIs Castle Hill Lookout Paluma Range National Park Big Crystal Creek - Day 7
Mungalla Station to Mission Beach
After breakfast, you'll drive out to Mungalla station where the Nywaigi First Nations owners will welcome you and share their culture and history through an exhibition in the historic homestead. From there, head into the Mungalla wetlands to look for aquatic birdlife and see what's around. Later you'll drive toward Mission Beach, a coastal town with expansive palm-lined beaches. Stop in Tully along the way for a break or lunch before continuing on.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Nywaigi First Nations Guided Tour at Mungalla Station
- Visit historic homestead exhibition at Mungalla Station
- Explore Mungalla wetlands for aquatic birdlife
Landmarks/POIs Mungalla Station Mungalla Wetlands Mission Beach Tully - Day 8
Atherton Tablelands to Cairns
After breakfast, head to Millaa Millaa Falls for nature walks and a refreshing swim. You'll have lunch at a local café in Yungaburra, then explore the Curtain Fig boardwalk to see the iconic 15m aerial-rooted green fig tree. Later, visit Lake Eacham, an old volcanic site home to Australia's largest python, and swim while watching for freshwater crocodiles. Drive to Cairns in the afternoon, and new travelers will have a welcome meeting at 6 pm.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Millaa Millaa Falls nature walk and swim
- Curtain Fig boardwalk visit
Optional Activities
- Swimming in Lake Eacham
Landmarks/POIs Millaa Millaa Falls Curtain Fig Lake Eacham - Day 9
Mandingalbay First Nations Eco-Tour
After breakfast, go on a First Nations-guided eco-tour of Mandingalbay. Learn about the landscape where mountains hold rainforests and wetlands support birdlife. Walk to Hills Creek where sea meets fresh water, participate in a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony, then follow a rainforest trail to discover ancient Aboriginal traditions. The afternoon in Cairns is free to explore galleries, aquariums, or relax on the promenade.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Mandingalbay First Nations eco-tour
- Hills Creek walk
- Welcome to Country ceremony
- Smoking Ceremony
- Rainforest trail walk with guide
Optional Activities
- Art gallery visit in Cairns
- Aquarium visit in Cairns
- Promenade relaxation
Landmarks/POIs Mandingalbay Hills Creek - Day 10
Kuranda & Mareeba Wetlands
After breakfast, drive to the rainforest town of Kuranda. Stop at Barron Falls lookout for photos, then explore Kuranda Markets and charming cafes. Visit Tolga Bat Hospital, Australia's largest bat rehab facility, to learn about research and conservation work while meeting the resident bats. Head to Mareeba Wetlands in the evening for a Forever Wild sunset wildlife spotting experience.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Barron Falls lookout visit
- Kuranda Markets visit
- Tolga Bat Hospital visit
- Mareeba Wetlands Forever Wild sunset wildlife experience
Optional Activities
- Kuranda Skyrail Rainforest Cableway - AUD68
- Kuranda Scenic Railway - AUD55
- Dining at Kuranda restaurants and cafes
Landmarks/POIs Barron Falls Kuranda Markets Tolga Bat Hospital Mareeba Wetlands - Day 11
Mossman Gorge & Daintree Rainforest
Start at Mossman Gorge with a refreshing morning swim and nature walk. Continue to Cape Tribulation and Daintree Rainforest, both UNESCO World Heritage areas. Take a nature walk through the rainforest, the oldest in the world at over 135 million years old. Keep watch for local birdlife as you experience the sounds and smells. The afternoon is free to explore or relax at your accommodation.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Mossman Gorge swim and nature walk
- Daintree National Park nature walk
- Cape Tribulation visit
Optional Activities
- Afternoon exploration of the area
Landmarks/POIs Mossman Gorge Daintree National Park Cape Tribulation - Day 12
Great Barrier Reef Snorkelling
Early morning tour heading out to the Great Barrier Reef off the Daintree Coast. You'll swim with turtles and snorkel at two different locations in pristine waters. The rest of the day is free to relax on the beach, swim, hike, or people-watch. There are plenty of nature-focused activities and laid-back options to choose from.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Great Barrier Reef half-day cruise and snorkelling experience
- Snorkelling at two locations
- Swimming with turtles
Optional Activities
- Beach relaxation
- Swimming
- Hiking
- Beach people-watching
Landmarks/POIs Great Barrier Reef Daintree Coast - Day 13
Cape Tribulation to Cairns
Visit Kulki Lookout and walk the boardwalk for iconic views of Cape Tribulation's rainforest-covered slopes meeting sandy beaches. Take a scenic circuit boardwalk through dense lowland forests and mangrove-lined creeks. Stop at Mason's Swimming Hole for a tropical swim among lush plants, fish, and turtles, with time for lunch. Then continue to Cairns via idyllic Palm Cove, arriving around 5 pm where your trip wraps up.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Lunch at Mason's Swimming Hole)
Included Activities
- Kulki Lookout boardwalk walk
- Scenic circuit boardwalk walk through lowland forests and mangrove creeks
- Mason's Swimming Hole swim and lunch
Optional Activities
- Palm Cove visit
Landmarks/POIs Kulki Lookout Cape Tribulation Mason's Swimming Hole Palm Cove
