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Australia’s East Coast Encompassed, Brisbane to Cairns

Australia’s East Coast Encompassed, Brisbane to Cairns

From $ 3,190 AUD

Description

Victoria has the Great Ocean Road, New South Wales has Bronte and Bondi, but head further north up Australia’s east coast and it’s a whole different kettle of fish. Queensland offers one coastal paradise after another: the atmospheric dunes of Fraser Island, the impossibly white beaches and blue waters of the Whitsundays, and the colourful coral tapestry of the Great Barrier Reef. But before you delve into that legendary world wonder, detour inland to discover Tully Gorge National Park, where the the Jirrbal and Gulnay people have nurtured the rainforest for thousands of years, and make tracks for the lush green hills of the Atherton Tablelands. With four-star accommodation throughout, this one unforgettable east coast adventure.

Trip Name
Australia's East Coast Encompassed, Brisbane to Cairns
Last Updated
2018-02-06
Days
7
Capacity
16
Highlights
  • Bask in the beauty of Fraser Island on a 4WD adventure, visiting key panoramic lookout points, swimming in a clear lake, and searching for a dingo or two
  • Enjoy the stunning white beaches of the Whitsunday Islands. You’ll be left in no doubt that Whitehaven Beach is one of the finest slices of shoreline in the world
  • Follow Indigenous locals to a secluded swimming hole, prepare bush tucker, relax by the campfire and go spotlighting after dark – it’s all in a day’s work in the lush rainforest of Tully Gorge National Park
  • Swim in a plunge waterfall, visit a crater lake, and check out the Curtain Fig Tree in the Atherton Tablelands
  • Discover the beautiful coral and tropical fish of the one and only Great Barrier Reef. A day cruise includes snorkelling and a commentary about conservation efforts
  • Soak up the nightlife of lively beach towns along the way, with free evenings in Noosa, Airlie Beach and Cairns

Itinerary

ABORIGINAL CULTURAL EXPERIENCES/COMMUNITIES: Please note due to cultural sensitivities, entry to particular parts of local Aboriginal communities may be unavailable. Where Aboriginal guide is unavailable in Red Centre an Intrepid guide will lead the interpretive cultural walk. Top End cultural experiences are only available during the dry season (May-Oct) as site is subject to flooding (contact our customer service team for availability). Participants may be absent due to cultural commitments with minimal prior notification and Intrepid reserves the right to amend the itinerary in these circumstances with no obligation to refund.

Day 1 - Brisbane to Noosa
The adventure begins in the Queensland capital. Meet your guide and new travel mates at the centrally located Royal On The Park hotel (or at Brisbane Airport between 10:30 am and 11:30 am). From there, travel to sun-kissed Noosa, visiting one of Australia’s top surf locations en route. Go koala-spotting in a national park, then head to a coastal lookout to take in a magnificent sunset over the Sunshine Coast hinterland. In the evening, relax and unwind, or perhaps head out on the town for some dinner and drinks.
Day 2 - Fraser Island and Noosa
Set off on a 4WD adventure on Fraser Island. This incredible slice of land is the largest sand island in the world, stretching some 123 kilometres down Queensland's southern coast. Visit some of the renowned lookout points – perhaps Indian Head or the Cathedrals – for incredible views. Take a dive into a crystal clear lake, and head out in search of that most iconic outback creature, the dingo. When it's all over, relax back at your accommodation or soak up some of Noosa's vibrant nightlife.
Day 3 - Noosa to Airlie Beach
Fly to Airlie Beach, the hub town of the magnificent Whitsundays. The day is yours to spend as you please – perhaps stroll around and explore, visit some local swimming spots for a refreshing dip, or while away the hours at a bar with a view of the shimmering blue water. If you're feeling active, chat to your leader for some ideas on optional activities, there are plenty to choose from.
Day 4 - Whitsundays Cruise and Airlie Beach
After breakfast, take a leisurely day cruise through the postcard-perfect islands of the Whitsundays, including a stop at the famed Whitehaven beach. Words can’t do justice to the dazzling white sands, azure waters and densely verdant vegetation of this incredible corner of the world. Whitehaven is about as impressive as a beach can get! Get a closer look by snorkelling with colourful coral and an array of playful fish and turtles.
Day 5 - Tully
A change of scenery today as we head through undulating cane fields to historic Tully in a private vehicle. We'll meet an Aboriginal family who'll escort us to a secluded swimming hole in the rainforest. You'll also get the chance to try your hand at Aboriginal art, as we are guided by local Jirrbal Aboriginal Artists on traditional techniques after a tour of the Ingan Cultural Centre. We finish the session with a candid discussion on Aboriginal culture, history and contemporary life for Indigenous people in Australia, followed by a delicious barbeque.
Day 6 - the Atherton Tableands and Cairns
Enjoy breakfast in a local cafe before travelling into the wet tropics of Far North Queensland. Here you'll discover a magnificent plunge waterfall nestled in dense tropical rainforest en route to Atherton Tablelands. Take a dip in the cool water, then head to Lake Eacham, a crater lake with beautiful water. Also pay a visit to the massive, unique, heritage-listed ‘Curtain Fig Tree’. The day draws to a close in Cairns, one of Australia’s most lively tropical towns.
Day 7 - The Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is one of the highlights of any trip to Australia. Cruise over to this famous reef and enjoy some snorkelling and a marine conservation commentary. After an extraordinary day in this underwater world, brimming with amazing coral and dazzling tropical fish, freshen up at the hotel and enjoy a farewell dinner. It’s a chance to compare memories, swap stories, and say farewell to your travel companions.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
23-02-201801-03-2018AUD $ 3,190-
09-03-201815-03-2018AUD $ 3,190-
23-03-201829-03-2018AUD $ 3,190-
13-04-201819-04-2018AUD $ 3,190-
11-05-201817-05-2018AUD $ 3,190-
08-06-201814-06-2018AUD $ 3,190-
13-07-201819-07-2018AUD $ 3,190-
27-07-201802-08-2018AUD $ 3,190-
10-08-201816-08-2018AUD $ 3,190-
24-08-201830-08-2018AUD $ 3,190-
14-09-201820-09-2018AUD $ 3,190-
12-10-201818-10-2018AUD $ 3,190-
26-10-201801-11-2018AUD $ 3,190-
09-11-201815-11-2018AUD $ 3,190-
23-11-201829-11-2018AUD $ 3,190-
07-12-201813-12-2018AUD $ 3,190-
11-01-201917-01-2019AUD $ 3,190-
25-01-201931-01-2019AUD $ 3,190-
08-02-201914-02-2019AUD $ 3,190-
22-02-201928-02-2019AUD $ 3,190-
08-03-201914-03-2019AUD $ 3,190-
22-03-201928-03-2019AUD $ 3,190-

Accommodation

Hotel (6 nts)

Transport

Bus,Plane

Map