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Queensland’s east coast has it all — reef, rainforest, beaches, and boutique coastal towns — and this nine-day journey connects them effortlessly. Starting in Brisbane and ending in Cairns, it’s a relaxed yet immersive trip through Australia’s most tropical landscapes. Designed for comfort and connection, it brings together the must-see icons — Whitsundays, Great Barrier Reef, and Daintree — with the smaller, local touches that make the region so memorable.
Fly north to island-hop across turquoise water, cruise coral reefs teeming with life, and wander through the oldest rainforest on Earth. Meet First Nations guides, discover waterfalls in the Atherton Tablelands, and travel in small groups where there’s space to breathe, connect, and explore. It’s an easy, well-paced adventure that blends Australia’s raw natural beauty with a touch of comfort and calm.
Includes
- Fully Guided Tour
- Small Groups of 21
- Boutique Hotel/Resort
- Brisbane to Cairns Tour
- Sail Whitsunday Islands
- Snorkel Great Barrier Reef
- Explore Cape Tribulation
- Visit Mission Beach
- Active Itinerary
- Knowledgable & Friendly Guides
- Aboriginal Cultural Experiences
- All Park Entry Fees
- Trip length: 9 Days
- Group size: Max 16
- Start: Brisbane
- End: Cairns
- Vehicle: Bus, Boat, 4x4, Ferry
- Sleep: Boutique Hotel/Resort
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Physical Demand:
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Comfortlevel:
Itinerary
See MapDay 1: Brisbane
It’s Bris-vegas baby, Queensland’s capital aka Brisbane, soon to be home of the summer Olympics. Laidback, sunny, optimistic, buzzing – in many ways it’s the quintessential Aussie city. Meet your fellow travellers and friendly guide at 5pm in the hotel reception. After a brief welcome meeting, we head off on an evening orientation tour, and a chance to enjoy a meal together (optional) at a local restaurant.
Included:
- Get to know your fellow travellers with a welcome meeting and dinner
- Meals: None
- Driving Distance: No driving
- Walking Distance: Short easy walk
- Accommodation: The Point Hotel Brisbane or similar
Day 2: Brisbane to Airlie Beach
Airport time! It’s up, up, and away, as we take the plane to Airlie beach, the jewel in the magnificent Whitsundays crown. It’s another choose-your-own-adventure day: take a stroll through the town, find a cool little bar, or explore the local swimming hole, the choice is yours.
Included:
- Domestic Flight to the Whitsunday Coast
- Free afternoon & evening to explore Airlie Beach
- Meals: Breakfast
- Driving Distance: 40 kms
- Domestic Flight: From Brisbane to Proserpine (Whitsundays) included. 1 hour 50 minutes (990 km)
- Accommodation: Mantra Club Croc or similar
Day 3: Airlie Beach & Whitsunday Islands
After breakfast, we’re heading out on a full-day speedboat cruise through the postcard-perfect Whitsunday Islands, including a stop at the iconic Whitehaven Beach aboard the award-winning Red Cat Adventures Thundercat vessel. Words can’t quite capture the dazzling white sands, azure waters, and lush greenery of this incredible corner of the world (so we won’t try!). Get up close by snorkelling among colourful coral, playful fish, and maybe even a sea turtle or two. Afterwards, unwind at your own pace or head into town to discover the best local food and drink spots.
Included:
- Whitsundays Islands day cruise including snorkelling, Whitehaven beach visit, Hill Inlet walk and lunch
- Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
- Driving Distance: Full day fast boat trip. Approx 8 hours. 46 kms
- Walking Distance: Short Easy guided walks (2 km total) / Hill inlet look out point over looking whitehaven beach
- Accommodation: Mantra Club Croc or similar
Day 4: Mission Beach
A change of scenery today as we head through undulating cane fields to picturesque Mission Beach. This afternoon, kick back and enjoy yourself. This is your chance to catch up on some reading, or just sit by the pool with a cold drink and enjoy this tropical paradise. We may be even lucky enough to spot some wallabies or cassowary in the wild!
Included:
- Scenic drive along the Bruce Highway
- Meals: Breakfast
- Driving Distance: 505kms (Biggest drive day)
- Walking Distance: Short easy walks / look out points
- Accommodation: Mission Beach Resort or similar
Day 5: Cairns via the Atherton Tablelands
Enjoy breakfast before we travel into the wet tropics of Far North Queensland. We'll discover a magnificent plunge waterfall nestled in dense tropical rainforest en-route to the Atherton Tablelands. Take a dip in the cool water before we head to Lake Eacham, a crater lake with crystal-clear water, and visit the massive ‘Curtain Fig Tree’. We'll finish the day in Cairns, one of Australia's most vibrant, tropical and energetic cities.
Included:
- Scenic Atherton tablelands tour including a volcanic crater lake, stunning waterfalls and a chance to spot wild platypus
- Meals: Breakfast
- Driving Distance: 220 kms
- Walking Distance: Short easy walks / look out points
- Accommodation: Flynn Hotel Cairns or similar
Day 6: Snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef
It’s one of the highlights of any trip to Australia: the Great Barrier Reef. Today, we will take a cruise to the famed reef, where we’ll go snorkelling to see incredible marine life. Learn about this special reef with conservation commentary, onboard a 20 metre luxury motor catamaran. This is the big one, so get the camera ready! After a great day at one of the seven natural wonders of the world (and the only one seen from space), join us for an optional dinner to share stories of our adventures together!
Included:
- Great Barrier Reef day cruise with Ocean Freedom - including snorkelling, glass bottom boat and buffet lunch
- Optional Activity – Scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Driving Distance: Full day fast boat trip. Approx 6.5 hours. 30 kms
- Walking Distance: Short easy walks / look out points
- Accommodation: Flynn Hotel Cairns or similar
Day 7: Kuranda and Port Douglas
It’s go, go gondola, as we take an incredible gondola ride over ancient rainforest, the Barron River, and the surrounding mountains on our way to picturesque Kuranda with its colourful markets. Then, it’s a trip north to the chilled out village of Port Douglas, where you can choose to join the group for dinner, drinks and the stunning sunset.
Included:
- Skyrail gondola ride over the rainforest canopy
- Kuranda markets
- Port Douglas orientation tour
- Meals: Breakfast
- Driving Distance: 100 kms
- Walking Distance: Short easy walks / look out points
- Accommodation: Paradise Links Resort or similar
Day 8: Mossman Gorge & First Nations experience
Ease into the day with a relaxed morning in beautiful Port Douglas — exactly as it should be. Stroll through the vibrant Sunday markets, grab a locally brewed coffee, and soak up the ocean views. Later, we’ll head to Mossman Gorge in the ancient Daintree Rainforest for a guided walk through lush jungle, flowing streams, and towering trees. In the afternoon, connect with the land and its people during an immersive cultural experience with the Kuku Yalanji people. Learn about traditional customs, bush foods, and the deep spiritual ties they hold to Country — a truly memorable encounter.
Included:
- Visit to vibrant local markets
- Visit Mossman Gorge for an incredible walk through the rainforest
- Kuku Yalanji (First Nations) immersive cultural experience
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Driving Distance: 25 kms
- Walking Distance: 2.5 kms / 1.5 hour guided walk Mossman gorge rainforest
- Accommodation: Paradise Links Resort or similar
Day 9: Daintree Rainforest walk, Cape Tribulation & Crocodile/Nature cruise
It’s another big day – we’re going deeper into the tropical World Heritage listed Daintree Rainforest, and Cape Tribulation (don’t worry, it’s just a name!) on a short ferry. We’ll take a walk through the ancient rainforest and meet the local family who hosted David Attenborough’s documentary crew whilst keeping our eyes peeled for ancient cassowary, birds and other wildlife. In the afternoon we cruise the Daintree River (Julaymba) on the eco-friendly Solar Whisper, a quiet solar-powered boat, for an immersive wildlife experience. Spot crocodiles, birds, frogs, snakes, and more with the help of your expert guide and the unique "CROC CAM”. We take a wonderful coastal drive back to Cairns, where your tour ends on arrival around 6pm.
Included:
- Guided rainforest walk with a chance to spot ancient cassowary birds and other wildlife
- Eco-friendly crocodile and nature cruise on the Daintree River
- Scenic coastal drive back to Cairns
- Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
- Driving Distance: 160 kms
- Walking Distance: 7 km / 2 hour guided walk Daintree rainforest
