15 Days Brisbane to Cairns Explorer

Name: 15 Days Brisbane to Cairns Explorer
Brand: Lost In Australia
Price: 2699 AUD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.94 (34 reviews)

Map View Full Details Reviews

Sleep under the stars, zip over dunes in a 4x4 on a remote sand island, sail from island to island through the Whitsundays on a maxi yacht, dive the Great Barrier Reef and see the best Queensland has to offer.

Travelling in small groups, we will be visiting the best of the east coast; Fraser Island, Whitsunday Islands, Cape Tribulation & The Great Barrier Reef! All while eating great food, meeting new friends and having a magical time.

Due to availability, please try to book your package at least 30 days in advance. For dates available contact us directly.

Includes

3 Days Sailing Whitsundays
3 Days Fraser Island
2 Days Magnetic Island
1 Day Great Barrier Reef
2 Days Cape Tribulation

2 Nights in Cairns
2 Nights in Noosa Heads
2 Nights in Airlie Beach
2 Nights on Magnet Island

Greyhound Bus Passes
Experienced & Knowledgable Guides
Meals and Equipment
Taxes & Fees

Trip length: 15 Days
Group size: Max 21
Start: Brisbane
End: Cairns

Vehicle: Bus, Boat, 4x4, Ferry
Sleep: Hostel, Boat, Camping
Physical Demand:
Comfortlevel:

Highlights

Meet your guide

sailingwhitsundays_42809356_291665578222057_5925447757741706068_n_2.jpg

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

How it works:

Our incredible east coast packages are made up of a combination of various tours, accommodation and bus routes. You'll be travelling independently between each town using our amazing greyhound bus network that we'll book and organise for you.

We plan out your entire trip to help you save money and time and take away the fuss of making sure everything fits together seamlessly.

We'll be staying in some of Australia's best hostels and exploring iconic destinations such as Fraser Island, Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef with amazing guides and other likeminded travellers. No time is wasted and every dollar goes towards maximising your experience!

Day 1: Bye Brisbane & Hello Noosa

Today at 2pm you say good bye to Brisbane and start your travel upwards to Noosa onboard the Greyhound bus. You will arrive in glorious Noosa at 4.20pm where you will check in to your hostel which is only 5 mins from the beach and Hastings Street.

Accommodation: Noosa Hostel

Day 2-4: 3 Day Fraser Island Tour

Day 1: Depart Noosa
Once you have arrived on the world's largest sand island, drive for 1 hour to the Eurong Beach Resort along 75 Mile Beach - K'gari's (Fraser Island) own highway with speed limits! There, you can grab a coffee and chocolate croissant (at your own cost) for morning tea. From here, the adventure really begins as we drive to the famous Lake McKenzie, one of the most popular and picturesque highlights of K'gari (Fraser Island). We stop for lunch and time to swim and relax in the amazingly clear lake waters before driving up the beach to your campsite around 3:00 pm. Settle in for an early dinner, well-deserved drinks and plenty of fun!

Day 2: K'gari (Fraser Island)
The day begins with a quick breakfast to fuel your busiest day on K'gari (Fraser Island)! First stop is Eli Creek, a beautifully clear creek perfect for a relaxing swim. Travelling north, stop at Maheno Shipwreck for a photo opportunity and a short history lesson about this famous K'gari (Fraser Island) icon before continuing on past Indian Head to the stunning Champagne Pools for a dip. Lunch is served at either Maheno Shipwreck or Champagne Pools on Day 2, depending on time constraints, safety and beauty. In the afternoon, travel back to camp for dinner and drinks.

Day 3: Return to Noosa
Start with breakfast before cleaning and disassembling your campsite. Once packed up, you'll drive to the beginning of the Lake Wabby walk where you'll stride through the dunes to find a tropical paradise! Lunch follows your trip to Lake Wabby before you begin the drive down the beach and back to the barge. Once arrived on the mainland, head to the 4WD shed where you can unpack and quickly clean the cars. You will return to your hostel between 3:00 pm and 4:00 pm.

Activities: 3 Day K'gari (Fraser Island) Tour

Food: All Meals

Accommodation:
Day 2 & 3 - K'gari campsite
Day 4 - Hostel in Noosa

Note: Depending on availability for fraser island and accommodation, we may swap Noosa for nearby Rainbow beach. Please check with us for availability.

Day 5: Travel to Airlie Beach

You will have this morning free to explore the little beachside town of Noosa. There are a variety of water sports avaiable to try at one of Australias best beaches, which is also home to Noosa Surf Festival. Or if walking is your thing there is a huge coastal National Park to explore with chances to see resident Dolphins and Turtles. Cruise the Everglades or learn to surf, up to you!

Late this afternoon at 2pm we jump on an overnight bus and head further north to Airlie Beach.

Accommodaiton: Overnight Bus

Day 6: Free Day

You will arrive in Airlie at 7:30am and check into your hostel. This is a day to relax by the incredible lagoon and discover the nightlife Airlie Beach has to offer. Ask us about fun things to do in Airlie - from paddle boarding to scenic flights and Island escapes.

Accommodation: Airlie Beach Hostel

Day 7- 9: 3 Day Whitsundays Adventure Sailing Tour

Departing Abel Point Marina at 2pm you will set sail for 2 days and 2 nights of adventure!

You will visit the most famous places in the Whitsundays, including the spectacular Whitehaven Beach. Stroll along the impossibly white sand beach and go up to the lookout for an idyllic view of the swirling sands. Snorkel the fringing coral reefs surrounding you, such as Langford Reef, Hook Island and Border Island and soak up the sun from one of the 74 Island wonders that make up the Whitsundays.

You will return on the 3rd day at 11am to Abel Point Marina and you can head back to your hostel for your final nights accomodation. Then it's out for dinner and drinks with your boat crew in one of Airlie Beach's many bars and resturants.

Activities: 3 Day Whitsunday Island Tour

Food: All Meals

Accommodation: Sailboat in the Whitsundays

Day 10- 12: Travel to Magnetic Island

Today the bus departs Airlie Beach Bus Terminal at 9:50am and will take you straight to the Townsville ferry terminal at 2:30pm so you can catch the ferry over to magical Magnetic Island.

Present your ticket and jump on the next ferry. These run every 30-60 minutes, no need to book. While on Magnetic Island you have 2 nights dormitory accommodation, Koala Sanctuary guided 2 hour tour, Souvenir koala photo and cuddle, full day snorkel gear hire and rock wallaby food to feed the locals. There is also a chance to hire a plastic barbie car for over 21's to drive around the island!

Magnetic Island is also home to some of the cheapest PADI Open Water Diving Courses in Australia - if you'd like to extend your stay and learn to dive, let us know!

Accommodation: Magnetic Island Hostel

Day 12: Travel to Cairns

Time to hop back over to Townsville on the ferry to catch your bus to Cairns which departs at 1:50pm. You will arrive in Cairns at 7:30pm and will make your way to your hostel on the Esplanade for 3 nights. Although when you arrive you wont want to leave the laid back atmosphere and incredible weather!

Accommodation: Cairns Hostel

Day 13: Full Day Great Barrier Reef Tour

Make your way to the reef fleet terminal at 7.30am for a 8am departure. Today you will experience 5 hours on the Great Barrier Reef at a spectacular location. A large modern sleek computer stabilized vessel provides a superior ride in all weather conditions, and no big crowds with exclusive protected reef locations. Keep an eye out for 6 of the 7 species of sea turtles in the world, as well as sharks, Nemo and some uber-impressive coral! Professional, friendly and attentative staff ensures a safe and enjoyable fun filled experience. The boat will drop you back off at the terminal in Cairns at approximately 4:45pm. Upgrade to a Introductory or Certified Scuba Dive for $50

Activities: 1 Day Great Barrier Reef Tour

Food: Lunch

Accommodation: Cairns Hostel

Day 14: Full Day Cape Tribulation / Atherton Tablelands

Today at 7am we head off to the magnificent Cape Tribulation and Daintree Rainforest - a must for any traveller to Australia. Experience the magical culture of the ancient Rainforest that grows right down to the edge of the sea and stand in awe of the meeting of 2 UNESCO World Heritage listed sites.

Explore waterfalls, rainforest and wildlife in this spectacular area. You will be swimming in pristine waterfalls like Josephine Falls, get your hair flock photo taken at Milla Milla Falls (So nice they named it twice) and swim in an ancient crater lake called Lake Eacham surrounded by lush rainforest just to name a few..

Later that afternoon we will arrive in Yungaburra and here you will spend the night at the beautiful “On the Wallaby Eco Lodge”.

Your accommodation offers dormitory style rooms (upgrade to private rooms available) on the Atherton Tablelands. With lovely home cooked meals and after dinner we will take you on Australia’s one & only night canoeing trip.

Spot amazing wildlife and be closer to the stars on Lake Tinaroo.

Activities: 2 Day Cape Tribulation Tour

Food: Meals as mentioned

Accommodation: Cape Tribulation Hostel

Day 15: Cape Tribulation to Cairns

After a delicious breakfast we head towards the Daintree National Park via Granite Gorge Nature Park where you will come up close with Australian wildlife.

All your meals are included and freshly made prior to your arrival, enjoy the the croc cruise on the mighty Daintree River, rainforest walks, a swim in our private swimming hole tucked in the rainforest, beach walks and finishing the afternoon in Port Douglas.

Arrive back to your accommodation in Cairns at approximately 5pm.

Map

Extra Activities

Enhance your East Coast adventure with optional activities you can add to any package. These experiences can be included on days where you have free time, added onto tours you’re already doing, or used to extend your trip by an extra night if needed.

Note: Same activities will require you to extend your itinerary duration and to book additional nights accommodation.

Breakfast with Koala

Enjoy a hot Aussie-style breakfast on the deck overlooking a lagoon, while being joined by a friendly koala and a wildlife keeper — a unique way to start your day with animals and nature nearby. After breakfast, you get full access to the park: wildlife presentations, a boat cruise on the lagoon, and the chance to see a variety of Australian animals.

Included

Hot cooked breakfast (scrambled eggs, bacon, hash browns, sausages, croissant or toast, fruit salad, juice, coffee/tea — vegetarian option available)
Opportunity to meet and pat a koala on the breakfast deck, with a keeper present 9:00–9:30 AM
Entry to Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures (wildlife park)
Boat cruise on Hartley’s Lagoon
Access to daily wildlife presentations and shows across the park
Option for return transfers from Cairns / Northern Beaches / Palm Cove / Port Douglas (or self-drive if you prefer)

3 Hour Tandem Sky Dive

Soar above Cairns on a tandem skydive from up to 15,000ft, taking in unbeatable views of the Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest and the tropical coastline before freefalling into the adventure of a lifetime. This adrenaline-filled 1-hour experience is the only skydive located in Cairns, with free return transfers included and optional sunrise departures.

Included

Tandem skydive up to 15,000ft
Free return pick-ups from Cairns and surrounds
3-month Australian Parachute Federation membership
Personalised certificate of achievement
Compulsory Personal Accident Insurance (APF)

3 Hour Barron River Rafting

Spend your afternoon rafting the Barron River, just 20 minutes from Cairns, as expert guides lead you through fun grade 2–3 rapids and the stunning rainforest scenery of Barron Gorge National Park. This half-day adventure is perfect for beginners, offering the right mix of thrills, calm-water sections, and tropical views, with optional transfers from Cairns and Port Douglas.

Included

Half-day guided whitewater rafting on the Barron River
Professional river guides
All rafting and safety equipment
Full safety briefing and training
National Park levies and fees
Optional return transfers from Cairns & Port Douglas (if selected)

1 Day Cape Tribulation Tour

Experience a full day exploring Cape Tribulation and the Daintree with Uncle Brian’s Tours, visiting ancient rainforest, tropical beaches, freshwater creeks, and cruising for wild saltwater crocodiles. With plenty of time in Port Douglas, guided walks, swimming spots, lookouts, and a delicious lunch included, this fun and lively tour is perfect for travellers aged 5+ wanting a big day out from Cairns.

Included

Informative, fun guides
Rainforest walks
Morning tea/coffee & delicious lunch
Port Douglas stop + 4 Mile Beach
Wildlife-spotting crocodile cruise
Daintree River ferry crossing
Stunning beaches & free time
Swim in a rainforest creek
Two scenic lookouts
All National Park fees

Kuranda Classic Experience

Take a breathtaking journey from Cairns to the rainforest village of Kuranda aboard the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway, then return over the canopy of the rainforest with the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway — a full-day rainforest adventure that mixes heritage rail charm, lush tropical scenery, and free time to explore Kuranda village.

Included

One-way ride on the Kuranda Scenic Railway (from Cairns Station) with onboard audio commentary and a souvenir trip guide.
10-minute photographic stop at Barron Falls lookout during the train journey.
Return trip with the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway (gondola ride over the rainforest canopy).
Transfer from the Skyrail terminal (Smithfield / Caravonica) back to Cairns or Northern Beaches (if included in the booking).
Complimentary water coolers on the train.
Free time in Kuranda to explore the village, markets, galleries, or other attractions (own expense).

Introductory Scuba Dive

This is an upgrade to the 1 day trip already included in your itinerary. We give the option for you sign up for introductory dive on the day. All tuition, equipment and a guide are included in the price and we can accommodate both certified and introductory diving.

Included

Scuba Diving Equipment
Diving instructor
Diving lesson

1 Day Cairns Koala & Creatures + City Sights Tour

Get up close with koalas on a guided keeper tour before exploring Cairns’ top highlights, including St Monica’s Cathedral, Cairns Museum, the Botanic Gardens, scenic lookouts and a relaxing visit to Palm Cove. This full-day experience blends wildlife encounters, rainforest scenery, culture, history and coastal charm — perfect for travellers wanting a complete introduction to Cairns.

Included

Guided wildlife encounter at Cairns Koalas & Creatures
Keeper-led tour with koala and native animal interactions
St Monica’s Cathedral visit
Guided Cairns Museum tour
Guided walk through Cairns Botanic Gardens
Devonshire tea (fresh scones, jam, cream + tea/coffee)
Scenic rainforest lookout stop
Visit to Palm Cove (free time to explore the beach/jetty)
Return transfers to/from your accommodation

What to bring

CLOTHING

Comfortable hiking/walking shoes
Warm jacket and long pants
Long Sleeve shirt for protection from the Sun and Mosquitoes
Shorts and T Shirts for daytime hikes and walks
Swimwear
Hat and sunglasses

EQUIPMENT / OTHER

Sunscreen
Towel & toiletries
Insect repellent
Refillable water bottle
Mp3 Player / iPod
Chargers
Torch
Camera

What is included

TRANSPORT

Greyhound Bus passes
Private 4x4 excursion on Fraser Island
Sailing in the Whitsundays. Visit to Whitehaven Beach
Ferry to Magnetic Island
Boat ride out the Great Barrier Reef
Drive up to Cape Tribulation

ACCOMMODATION

Hostels (10 nts), beachside permanent tented camp (2 nts), maxi yacht (2 nts). All nights multi-share.
Transfers
Shower and toilet facilities

MEALS

Included on Fraser Island
Included on Whitsundays Boat
Included on Great Barrier Reef Boat
Morning and Afternoon tea in Cape Tribulation

EQUIPMENT

Blankets and sheets
Sleeping Mattress
Pillows
Snorkel gear on Magnetic Island, Great Barrier Reef and Whitsundays

Personal travel insurance is not included but visitors are advised to have it. This can be organised through your travel agent.

Trip Info

Preparing for the trip

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour will carry an first aid box and our guides are all certified in First Aid.

How much luggage can I bring?

You can bring is much as luggage as you like. However, during each tour on the east coast, whether its a 2 day Fraser tour or a 3 Day Whitsunday tour, there will be luggage restrictions - generally to around 10-15kg per person. In these scenarios, you'll be able to leave the bulk of your luggage at your hostel/hotel whilst you're on tour.

Where can I store my luggage whilst on tour?

During the tour your main luggage will be stored in our trailer. This trailer is always locked however we cannot guarantee the complete safety of your gear from theft or damage. This is why it is so important to purchase a good travel insurance. If you need to store your luggage whilst away on tour, this can be done through your accommodation. Most hostel and hotels will store your luggage safely free of charge.

Where can I do laundry?

Each hostel and hotel we book you into will have laundry facilities you can use.

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

How do these packages work?

We are essentially creating a travel plan for you. We'll book all your accommodation, transport between towns, tours and other activites for you to do. You just need to show up with your tickets and off you go! All towns are connected together using the greyhound network which will alllow you to move along the east coast freely and timely stopping and starting where you want. 

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If your looking for a private tour based of one of our trips please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

How do I know what date this package is available?

Since these packages are made up of a wide variety of different hotels, tours and transport we need to check that all these things are available one after another from the starting date you need. Although our calendar says that you can go any day you like, please contact us directly so that we can piece it all together for you and reconfirm that everything is ok.

Who travels with us

Is this tour for me?

Our tours are made up of small groups with a range of different ages, nationalities and backgrounds. Generally people who travel with us are between 20 and 49, though we also get alot passengers much older onboard - everyone is welcome! On tour we get equally as many males as females and everyone shares an enthusiasm for the out doors, nature, adventure and culture. Our tours are for those wanting to really explore and share the experience with likeminded travellers. Whether we are camping by a billabong in Kakadu National Park or sharing a cabin in Tasmania, our travellers want more than just a site seeing tour. They are chasing a hands on group experience. The trips are packed with many highlights and the pace can be fast. There may be some long drives and passengers should expect to help out when setting up camp or cooking food - this is a group adventure. However, there’s always time to chill out, have a cold beer ( or wine! ) and soak up your surroundings. As always, if in doubt then contact us directly with your concerns.

Cost and Fees

Are there any additional costs?

Whilst you are on the various tours we book for you, you do not need to pay anything extra. All food, accommodation, transport and equipmenet will be provided for you. When you are not on a tour, the only additional costs you need prepare for is food and drink. Accommodation and transport along the east coast will be covered for.Flights are not included in packages where flights are required.

Do I need to tip our guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip the guide, then that is completely up to you. However, tipping is not customary and is not at all expected.

Whilst on tour

Where do we stay during our journey?

During our tours we stay in a wide variety of different styles of accommodation. All accommodation are run my friendly and hospitable locals who's job it is to make sure you enjoy your stay. Acommodation varies between hostels, hotels, camping to sleeping on boats! So please check your itinerary for exact details.For those who'd like more privacy, we may be able to upgrade to twin or double rooms with private facilities. Just ask!

Can you cater of special diets?

We can certain cater for most dietary needs. Please advise us at the time of your booking so arrangements can be made. For travellers with more extreme diets we may ask that you bring along additional snacks.

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

What vehicle will we use to explore?

We will be using everything from trains to boats, to buses and in some cases, even a horse! For more specific information on what transportation you'll be on please refer back to your itinerary. Whatever it is though, it will be lots of fun.

What is the weather like on the east coast?

The east coast of Australia is an extremely long piece of coastline and it traverses very different weather patterns, from the temperate south in Sydney to the tropical north in Cairns. Irrespective of the season, In summer, if you are travelling between Sydney and Cairns, you are probably going to either experience wetter more humid weather nearer Cairns. In winter months, clear and dry conditions near cairns and cooler and wetter weather nearer Sydney.

Will I travel with the same people the whole time?

No. This itinerary is made up of various different tours and accommodation. You may run into the same people as you travel along the east coast, however, each tour will have new people who will likely be moving to different cities and destinations after their trip.

How do I travel between destinations?

All destinations such as Noosa Head, Cairns, Airlie Beach, Brisbane etc are connected together using the greyhound bus network. We'll book all your passes for you and provide you with the meeting locations and times. These will be in coordination with your tours and accommodation so that its easy for you to meet each bus to get to your next destination.Please be aware though that packages where flights are required, flights need to be booked by the traveller and are not included. If you need help with dates and times when booking your flight, please contact us. 

What happens if I miss the bus?

If you miss your bus or flight please contact us immediately via phone or email. We'll need to try and push back your other tours and accommodation however we can't guarantee that this is possible. In most cases, if you miss your bus you may end up missing out on the next tour that we planned for you and may need to skip to the next part of your itinerary. 

Reviews

4.9 34 reviews

Verified from