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Peregrine Travel Centre

Brisbane to Cairns Adventure

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Brisbane to Cairns Adventure

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Description

Explore Australia’s sun-kissed east coast from Queensland’s capital Brisbane to the tropical hub of Cairns on an epic oceanic trip that offers one coastal paradise after another. Take an off-road adventure across the undulating dunes of K’gari (formerly Fraser Island), snorkel through the dazzling tropical waters of Whitehaven Beach, flop and drop on the palm-fringed sands of laidback Mission Beach, soak up the energy and nightlife of Airlie Beach after sunset and explore colourful underwater worlds in your free time. On this eight-day road trip, you’ll get wet and wild in waterfalls and rainforests and salty and sandy on islands and beaches – what could be better?

Trip Name
Brisbane to Cairns Adventure
Last Updated
2024-08-07
Days
8
Capacity
16
Highlights
  • Take an incredible adventure through the breathtaking landscape of K'gari (formerly Fraser Island). Ride across sand dunes and vast golden beaches in search of the iconic outback creature, the dingo.
  • Venture into the wilderness of the Atherton Tablelands – take a dip in a magnificent plunge waterfall nestled in dense tropical rainforest and admire the blue-green hues of Lake Eacham.
  • Take a full-day tour of the Whitsundays, where you’ll head out on a bushwalk to Hill Inlet Lookout, go snorkelling among giant tropical fish and corals and then relax on the 7 km stretch of Whitehaven Beach as the sun descends.
  • Enjoy free time in Airlie Beach, Hervey Bay and Mission Beach, where you can hit the water and swim, kayak or take a boat ride or just kick back on the warm sands with a good book.
  • Explore Mungalla Wetlands with a First Nations guide as you search for aquatic birdlife and learn about the history and culture of the Nywaigi people.
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Greening Australia. Donations help them tackle Australia’s complex environmental challenges, restoring landscapes at scale – in ways that work for communities, economies and nature.

Itinerary

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk. ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. ABORIGINAL & TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER CULTURAL EXPERIENCES & COMMUNITIES First Nations people have complex community obligations, and at times activities or experiences may be cancelled at late notice due to cultural commitments. In the case that we are unable to include planned activities with First Nations communities, we will endeavour to find a suitable alternative in the same or another destination on your trip.

Day 1 - Brisbane / Noosa / Hervey Bay
Welcome to Brisbane! Or Meanjin in the language of the Turrbal and Yuggera peoples, who are the Traditional Owners of the land on which Brisbane is now located. Your adventure starts with a welcome meeting at 10 am. After, you’ll drive straight to Noosa Heads – a serene town in Queensland by the sea – where you can grab some lunch, relax on the beach or go shopping in the cute boutique shops. If you’d like, maybe use your free time here to do part of the Noosa Coastal Walk and look out for local flora and fauna. This afternoon, you’ll hit the road again for the coastal city of Hervey Bay, where you’ll spend the night.
Day 2 - K'gari (Fraser Island) / Hervey Bay
After breakfast this morning, you’ll head to the stunning K'gari (previously known as Fraser Island) by ferry for a day trip. The name change is a major milestone in a long-running campaign by the Butchulla people, whose original name for this place means ‘paradise’ – and you’ll soon see why. Set off on an adventure through the breathtaking landscape. Start off with an adventurous drive along 75 Mile Beach Road – one of the best coastal drives in the country. Take a refreshing dive into the crystal-clear water of Boorangoora (Lake McKenzie) – an island icon. The lake is world famous for its turquoise colours and delicate white, 92% pure silica sand. Take another dip, this time in the fresh waters of Eli Creek, then visit the Maheno shipwreck and the coloured sands of the pinnacles. From tropical dense rainforest to wild offshore waters, you’ll witness the contrasting fauna and terrain of this truly unique island as you venture across undulating dunes and vast golden beaches in search of the iconic outback creature – the dingo. Tonight, head back to Hervey Bay where you can rest and recharge. 
Day 3 - Hervey Bay / Overnight Train
Enjoy a free day in Hervey Bay today – one of the best sites for observing humpback whales during migration season, and the world’s first certified Whale Heritage Area. If the month is right, maybe spend the morning whale watching on the water, or rent a bike to cycle along the foreshore. Or you could take a leisurely stroll along the water’s edge, go kayaking or just enjoy one of the many gorgeous beaches nearby. Make sure you pick up some snacks for tonight's overnight train journey north on the famous 'Spirit of Queensland', from the train station at Maryborough West to Proserpine, just south-west of Airlie Beach, arriving early tomorrow morning.
Day 4 - Airlie Beach
Your new leader will meet you at Proserpine train station early this morning. Head for an optional breakfast and caffeine hit at a local café in Airlie Beach. Your day is free to explore this coastal paradise dotted with palm trees. This hub town of the popular Whitsundays has beer gardens, trendy cafes and a lawn-fringed swimming lagoon. Maybe stroll around and explore, visit some local swimming spots for a refreshing dip or find a seat at one of the many bars and watch the sun sparkle on the water. Get to know your new leader tonight with an optional group dinner. 
Day 5 - Whitsunday Islands / Whitehaven Beach / Airlie Beach
Today you’ll head out on a full-day tour to Whitehaven Beach, in the heart of the Whitsunday Islands and in the centre of the Great Barrier Reef. Start with a walk to the spectacular Hill Inlet Lookout, where you can take photos of the sweeping ocean views. Then, hit the water and go snorkelling at Border Island, Dumbell Island or one of the secret spots today's guide will show you. See coral reefs, colourful fish, turtles, clams and other marine life. Then, enjoy an included lunch and take a boat to the southern end of the 7 km stretch of Whitehaven Beach, taking the chance to kick back and relax in the sun after a day of outdoor adventures. Tonight, back in Airlie Beach, maybe head to one of the local bars for a cocktail (or two) and watch the sunset.
Day 6 - Townsville / Paluma Range National Park / Lucinda
Today is a long day of travel, interspersed with some stops to stretch your legs. Your first stop is Townsville. Head to Castle Hill lookout when you arrive and take some photos of the gorgeous views of the town and ocean below. You’ll have some free time for lunch and to chill by the water. Carry on to Big Crystal Creek in the Paluma Range National Park, where you can take a stroll, swim in the creek or just relax among the sounds of local birdlife. This afternoon, you’ll head to Lucinda, where you’ll spend the night. Ask your leader for the best seaside spots for dinner and maybe enjoy a night walk to watch the sun go down.
Day 7 - Mungalla Station / Mission Beach
This morning after breakfast, drive to Mungalla station, where you’ll meet the First Nations owners of the land – the Nywaigi people – and learn about their culture and history, including about the brutal conflicts with European settlers. The story you’ve been told will come to life as you visit an exhibition of pictures within the historic homestead. Then head out and explore the Mungalla wetlands in search of aquatic birdlife. Drive to Mission Beach this afternoon – a small coastal town with expansive beaches, lined with palm trees. Stop in Tully along the way to stretch your legs, then ask your leader for the best way to spend your night.
Day 8 - Atherton Tablelands / Cairns
This morning after breakfast, drive to Millaa Millaa Falls for a nature walk and perhaps a refreshing swim in the cascades. Stop in for lunch at a local cafe at Yungaburra, then take the Curtain Fig boardwalk to see the iconic tree this park was named after – this park protects endangered mabi forest and a large green fig tree with extensive aerial roots that drop 15 m to the forest floor, forming a ‘curtain’. After, walk to Lake Eacham – the site of an old volcano and home to Australia’s largest python! Here, maybe take a swim (just keep an eye out for the resident freshwater crocodile). This afternoon, you’ll drive to Cairns, where your trip will come to an end at approximately 5pm. If you’d like to stay longer, just speak to your booking agent.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
02-01-202509-01-2025AUD $ 3,478-
09-01-202516-01-2025AUD $ 3,865-
23-01-202530-01-2025AUD $ 3,478-
30-01-202506-02-2025AUD $ 3,865-
06-02-202513-02-2025AUD $ 3,092-
13-02-202520-02-2025AUD $ 3,865-
20-02-202527-02-2025AUD $ 3,690-
27-02-202506-03-2025AUD $ 3,690-
06-03-202513-03-2025AUD $ 3,690-
20-03-202527-03-2025AUD $ 3,690-
27-03-202503-04-2025AUD $ 3,510-
05-04-202512-04-2025AUD $ 4,045-
19-04-202526-04-2025AUD $ 4,045-
03-05-202510-05-2025AUD $ 3,855-
17-05-202524-05-2025AUD $ 3,855-
31-05-202507-06-2025AUD $ 3,855-
14-06-202521-06-2025AUD $ 3,855-
28-06-202505-07-2025AUD $ 3,855-
12-07-202519-07-2025AUD $ 3,855-
26-07-202502-08-2025AUD $ 3,855-
09-08-202516-08-2025AUD $ 3,855-
23-08-202530-08-2025AUD $ 3,855-
06-09-202513-09-2025AUD $ 3,855-
20-09-202527-09-2025AUD $ 3,855-
04-10-202511-10-2025AUD $ 3,855-
18-10-202525-10-2025AUD $ 4,045-
01-11-202508-11-2025AUD $ 4,045-
15-11-202522-11-2025AUD $ 4,045-
29-11-202506-12-2025AUD $ 4,045-
06-12-202513-12-2025AUD $ 4,240-
13-12-202520-12-2025AUD $ 4,240-
10-01-202617-01-2026AUD $ 4,240-
17-01-202624-01-2026AUD $ 4,240-
24-01-202631-01-2026AUD $ 4,240-
07-02-202614-02-2026AUD $ 4,240-
14-02-202621-02-2026AUD $ 4,240-
21-02-202628-02-2026AUD $ 4,240-
07-03-202614-03-2026AUD $ 4,240-
21-03-202628-03-2026AUD $ 4,240-
04-04-202611-04-2026AUD $ 4,225-
18-04-202625-04-2026AUD $ 4,225-
02-05-202609-05-2026AUD $ 4,225-
16-05-202623-05-2026AUD $ 4,225-
30-05-202606-06-2026AUD $ 4,225-
13-06-202620-06-2026AUD $ 4,025-
27-06-202604-07-2026AUD $ 4,025-
11-07-202618-07-2026AUD $ 4,025-
25-07-202601-08-2026AUD $ 4,025-
08-08-202615-08-2026AUD $ 4,025-
22-08-202629-08-2026AUD $ 4,025-
05-09-202612-09-2026AUD $ 4,025-
19-09-202626-09-2026AUD $ 4,025-
03-10-202610-10-2026AUD $ 4,225-
17-10-202624-10-2026AUD $ 4,225-
31-10-202607-11-2026AUD $ 4,225-
14-11-202621-11-2026AUD $ 4,225-
28-11-202605-12-2026AUD $ 4,225-
05-12-202612-12-2026AUD $ 4,430-
12-12-202619-12-2026AUD $ 4,430-
09-01-202716-01-2027AUD $ 4,430-
16-01-202723-01-2027AUD $ 4,430-
23-01-202730-01-2027AUD $ 4,430-
06-02-202713-02-2027AUD $ 4,430-
13-02-202720-02-2027AUD $ 4,430-
20-02-202727-02-2027AUD $ 4,430-
06-03-202713-03-2027AUD $ 4,430-
20-03-202727-03-2027AUD $ 4,430-

Accommodation

Cabins (2 nights),Overnight train (1 night),Hotel (2 nights),Holiday Apartments (2 nights)

Transport

Private vehicle,Ferry,Overnight train,Boat

Map

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