The Great Queensland Explorer
escorted TOUR
Brisbane| Hinterland | Noosa | Hervey Bay | K‘Gari | Rockhampton | Agnes Water | Yeppoon | Mackay | Airlie Beach (Whitsunday Islands) | Townsville | Cairns | Port Douglas | Daintree National Park
Get ready for an incredible adventure as this itinerary goes beyond the usual tourist spots and truly immerses visitors in the heart of Queensland. Your journey starts off in the dazzling Sunshine State, Brisbane, before venturing inland to the breathtaking Hinterland, where you'll discover stunning natural escapes and charming villages. From here, your drive will hug the stunning coastline at a perfect pace, giving you ample time to soak in coastal lifestyle and island vibes. Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef and join a 4WD tour where the sandy beach is the highway. Your final stay is at one of Queensland's most cherished luxury lodges, nestled deep within the magnificent Daintree Forest.
Click here to check out more holidays in Australia.
Your Itinerary
-
Day 1-2
-
Day 3
-
Day 4
-
Day 5&6
-
Day 7&8
-
Day 9
-
Day 10
-
Day 11&12
-
Day 13
-
Day 14
-
Day 15&16
-
Day 17
-
Day 18
-
Day 19
-
Day 20
-
Day 21
-
Day 22
-
Day 23
-
Day 24
-
Day 25
-
Day 26
-
Day 27&28
-
Day 29-30
Day 1-2 : Get ready for an incredible adventure as this itinerary goes beyond the usual tourist spots and truly immerses visitors in the heart of Queensland. Your journey starts off in the dazzling Sunshine State, Brisbane, before venturing inland to the breathtak
Board your flight from your preferred UK airport to Brisbane, capital of the Sunshine State.
Day 3 : Arrive Brisbane
Welcome to Brisbane where you will be met and transferred to your city hotel for a 2 night stay.
Day 4 : Brisbane
This morning you will join a scenic river cruise that has been taking visitors to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary for over 60 years and is a "must do" experience while in Brisbane. Glide through the city's most historic landscapes, iconic attractions, historical homesites and interesting wildlife habitats as you listen to an entertaining and informative commentary. Enjoy 3 hours exploring Lone pine, before re-joining the cruise for a relaxing return journey on the river back to the city
Day 5&6 : Hinterland, Sunshine Coast
This morning collect your vehicle and take a short drive inland to Maleny, a town in Queensland's Sunshine Coast hinterland, in the Blackall Ranges, near the amazingly unique volcanic Glass House Mountains. Maleny is an arts and craft hotbed and is home to many nationally recognised artists and art galleries. Nearby Montville is home to boutique artisan and local produce, perfect to collect a cheese platter and a bottle of wine to enjoy in your cottage.
Day 7&8 : Noosa
Your journey will continue to Noosa for 3 nights stay. You will pass by locals wandering up Hastings Street with their surfboards. Take a walk through the National Park for stunning elevated views and local wildlife spotting. Day 8 is at leisure.
Day 9 : Noosa
Experience an epic ocean adventure back to nature and into the wild. Feel the thrill of a stunning 4X4 adventure along the spectacular Teewah Beach from Noosa's North Shore, deep into the Great Sandy National Park to a pristine ocean kayaking location, Double Island Point. Large Bottlenose dolphin pods, Humpback whales (June to November), plus six of the world's seven marine turtle species can be found here as well as manta rays. Join a fully guided gentle kayak tour in the tropical waters of Honeymoon Bay and Double Island Point headland taking in the breath-taking views where marine life is abundant.
Day 10 : Hervey Bay
Continue your drive north to Hervey Bay for an overnight stay.
Day 11&12 : K’Gari (Fraser Island)
Thrill seekers may choose to visit one of the theme parks, Dreamworld or Wet ‘n’Wild Culture seekers may prefer a morning walkabout tour to learn about the Aboriginal history and culture of the Gold Coast.
Day 13 : Rockhampton
Return to the mainland by ferry, collect your vehicle and head north to Rockhampton for a 1night stay.
Day 14 : Agnes Water & 1770
Your next stop is a popular point for surfers. On arrival why not find a local beach café or bar for a sundowner and watch the locals take to the waves.
Day 15&16 : Yeppoon
This small coastal town should be on every visitor’s itinerary to really immerse in true Aussie beach life. Best-known for its tropical climate, picturesque islands and excellent beaches. Surrounded by scenic nature, the town is the gateway to the Great Keppel Island in the southern Great Barrier Reef and is also within proximity to the Byfield National Park.
Day 17 : Mackay
Your final stop today before arriving at the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands.
Day 18 : Airlie Beach, Whitsunday Islands
Your drive will continue to Airlie Beach where you will spend 3 nights, ideally located to visit one of Australia’s most beautiful and breathtaking destinations.
Day 19 : Whitehaven Beach Cruise
Sail today on a full day cruise to Whitehaven Beach. From the beach’s northern end, take a leisurely 1mile guided hike to Hill Inlet lookout, which follows a path walked by the Whitsundays’ traditional owners, the Ngaro people. Back at Whitehaven’s southern end, swim or relax on the sand, or tackle the stairs to the Whitehaven Beach Lookout and view the length of Whitehaven Beach.
Day 20 : Airlie Beach
At leisure
Day 21 : Townsville
On your drive north today, we recommend a stop and discover your wild side at Billabong Sanctuary Townsville and meet some of Australia’s’ incredible native wildlife. You will stay for 2 nights in Townsville, the city itself has a picturesque waterfront esplanade known as ‘The Strand’.
Day 22 : Magnetic Island
Spend a full day discovering Magnetic Island, fondly known as “Maggie” the way it’s meant to be, relaxed, unhurried, and guided by locals who know every corner of it. Spot wild koalas and rock wallabies in their natural habitat, explore secluded bays most visitors never find, and hear the stories behind the island’s wildlife and WWII history. Return by ferry to Townsville.
Day 23 : Cairns
Today you will head towards Tropical North Queensland for a 1 night stay in Cairns.
Day 24 : Port Douglas
Just a short drive to Port Douglas where you can unpack for 3 nights. With the Great Barrier Reef on its doorstep, the Daintree Rainforest as a backdrop and wonderful beaches just a stone’s throw away, it’s no wonder why Port Douglas is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Australia.
Day 25 : Great Barrier Reef Cruise
Sit back and relax on a beautiful yacht and set sail to the Coral Cays of Mackay or Undine Reefs. You will enjoy an authentic sailing experience, following the coastline and views of the Daintree mountains. Once at the protected sites at the Coral Cays, activities will include snorkelling over the pristine coral reef with a qualified marine biologist offering reef interpretation on a guided snorkel tour. A glass bottom boat coral viewing tour is also on offer. Premium reef sites showcase abundant marine life, including encounters with turtles and an amazing display of giant clam gardens, beautiful corals and a wide variety of fish.
Day 26 : At leisure
Sit back and relax on a beautiful yacht and set sail to the Coral Cays of Mackay or Undine Reefs. You will enjoy an authentic sailing experience, following the coastline and views of the Daintree mountains. Once at the protected sites at the Coral Cays, activities will include snorkelling over the pristine coral reef with a qualified marine biologist offering reef interpretation on a guided snorkel tour. A glass bottom boat coral viewing tour is also on offer. Premium reef sites showcase abundant marine life, including encounters with turtles and an amazing display of giant clam gardens, beautiful corals and a wide variety of fish.
Day 27&28 : Daintree Forest
We have saved the very best accommodation to last as your final 2 nights in Tropical North Queensland. Step into a luxury hideaway, one of Australia’s luxury lodges situated in the Daintree Forest, on the edge of the Mossman River. Stay in a contemporary treehouse where furnishings compliment your surroundings. By day enjoy the many activities that are included with local guides or simply ease into a spa treatment or read a book, the choice is yours.
Day 29-30 : Depart Cairns - UK
Your journey ends, head back to Cairns where you will return your vehicle and board your flight back to your preferred regional airport.
