North Queensland Adventure
North Queensland Adventure
North Queensland Adventure
13 Days Starting in Brisbane and ending in Cairns
Visiting: Brisbane / Noosa / Hervey Bay, K'gari (Fraser Island) / Hervey Bay, Hervey Bay / Overnight Train, Airlie Beach, Townsville / Paluma Range National Park / Lucinda, Mungalla Station / Mission Beach, Atherton Tablelands / Cairns, Cairns, Kuranda to Mareeba, Mareeba / Mossman Gorge / Daintree Rainforest / Cape Tribulation, Great Barrier Reef / Cape Tribulation, Daintree Rainforest / Palm Cove / Cairns
Tour Overview
Explore Australia’s beautiful northeastern corner – home to rainforests, coral reefs and white sand beaches. This 13-day adventure starts strong with a dose of serenity in Noosa, before whisking you to the stunning surroundings of K’gari (formerly Fraser Island) and the ancient wilderness of the Daintree Rainforest. Explore the expanse of the iconic Great Barrier Reef and the bliss of the Whitsundays and enjoy free time in Airlie Beach, Hervey Bay, Mission Beach and more – on this whirlwind through north Queensland, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to kick back on the warm sands with a good book or get right in on the action.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Brisbane / Noosa / Hervey Bay
Location: Brisbane / Noosa / Hervey Bay
Accommodation: Cabins
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
Location: K'gari (Fraser Island) / Hervey Bay
Accommodation: Cabins
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch
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. 
Included Activities:
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Day 3: Hervey Bay / Overnight Train
Location: Hervey Bay / Overnight Train
Accommodation: Overnight train
Meals Included: dinner
Enjoy a free day in Hervey Bay today – one of the best sites for observing humpback whales during migration season. 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.
Optional Activities:
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Day 4: Airlie Beach
Location: Airlie Beach
Accommodation: Holiday Apartments
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. 
Optional Activities:
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Day 5: Whitsunday Islands / Whitehaven Beach / Airlie Beach
Location: Whitsunday Islands / Whitehaven Beach / Airlie Beach
Accommodation: Holiday Apartments
Meals Included: lunch
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.
Included Activities:
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Day 6: Townsville / Paluma Range National Park / Lucinda
Location: Townsville / Paluma Range National Park / Lucinda
Accommodation: Hotel
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.
Included Activities:
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Day 7: Mungalla Station / Mission Beach
Location: Mungalla Station / Mission Beach
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
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.
Included Activities:
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Day 8: Atherton Tablelands / Cairns
Location: Atherton Tablelands / Cairns
Meals Included: breaksfast
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 you you may say goodbye to some of the group who are finishing their travels here. Tonight meet any new travellers joining at a Welcome Meeting at 6pm.
Day 9: Cairns
Location: Cairns
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
After breakfast, head out on a First Nations-guided eco-tour of Mandingal Bay. The Traditional Owners of this land will teach you about Country, where mountains are home to rainforests and vast wetlands are home to local birdlife. Walk to Hills Creek, where the sea meets the fresh water and attend a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony. Then, join your guide on a rainforest trail and learn about ancient Aboriginal traditions, customs and artefacts as you listen to the sounds of nature. After, you have a free afternoon in Cairns to grab some lunch, head to a local art gallery, explore the aquarium or just soak up some sun on the promenade.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 10: Kuranda To Mareeba
Location: Kuranda to Mareeba
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner
Enjoy breakfast and then drive to Kuranda, which is perched at the top of a mountain. You’ll have some time to explore this charming rainforest town and its surroundings. Maybe check out the famous Kuranda Markets or simply relax at one of the town’s many restaurants and cafes, where outdoor dining is one of the joys of the cooler mountain climate. After, head to nearby Barron Falls and walk to the lookout for the best views. Continue to Mareeba, where you’ll take a leader-led orientation walk. This afternoon, visit the Tolga Bat Hospital – Australia’s largest bat rehabilitation facility. Here you’ll learn about the facility's research, advocacy and community education and make some new upside-down friends. Tonight, you’ll head to the Mareeba Wetlands for an exciting wildlife spotting experience at sunset, hosted by Forever Wild – an organisation that creates community and nature-based solutions to the climate and biodiversity crises. After dark falls, head back to your accommodation for an included group dinner.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 11: Mareeba / Mossman Gorge / Daintree Rainforest / Cape Tribulation
Location: Mareeba / Mossman Gorge / Daintree Rainforest / Cape Tribulation
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
This morning, maybe head out bright and early for a unique optional birdwatching experience in the wetlands – the best time to witness the local birdlife in their natural habitat! Then, enjoy some breakfast and head to the idyllic Mossman Gorge for a refreshing morning swim and a nature walk. After, you’ll continue to not one but two UNESCO World Heritage areas – Cape Tribulation and the Daintree Rainforest. Head off on another nature walk and immerse yourself in the sounds and smells of the rainforest, keeping your eye out for local birdlife. Daintree is over 135 million years old, making it the oldest rainforest in the world! This afternoon, continue exploring the area or kick back and relax at your accommodation.
Included Activities:
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Day 12: Great Barrier Reef / Cape Tribulation
Location: Great Barrier Reef / Cape Tribulation
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
After breakfast, head out on an early morning tour of the Great Barrier Reef, where you’ll swim with turtles and snorkel in the pristine waters off the Daintree Coast, visiting two different snorkel locations. What better way to spend a morning!? The rest of the day is free to relax on the beach, swim, take a hike or just find a good spot to sit and people-watch. This is a nature-lovers paradise, so there are plenty of activities and laidback options to choose from.
Included Activities:
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Day 13: Daintree Rainforest / Palm Cove / Cairns
Location: Daintree Rainforest / Palm Cove / Cairns
Meals Included: breaksfast
This morning visit Kulki Lookout, where you can stroll along the boardwalk for some iconic views of Cape Tribulation and steep, rainforest-covered slopes that meet the sandy beaches below. Next, head to Madja boardwalk for a scenic circuit that takes you through dense lowland forests and mangrove-lined creeks. Then visit Mason’s Swimming Hole for a gorgeous tropical swim among lush flora and friendly fish and turtles, where you'll have time to have lunch. When you’re refreshed from a dip in the water, continue to Cairns via the idyllic Palm Cove. On arrival in Cairns your trip will come to an end at around 5 pm. If you want to extend your stay and explore Cairns further, just speak to your booking agent.
Included Activities:
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What's Included
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Accommodation
Cabins (2 nights), Overnight train (1 night), Hotel (7 nights), Holiday Apartments (2 nights) -
K'gari - Full day 4WD tour
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Airlie Beach – Full day Whitsundays, Whitehaven Beach & Great Barrier Reef tour
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Paluma Range National Park - Crystal Creek
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Townsville – Castle Hill Lookout
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Mungalla Station - Nywaigi First Nations Guided Day Tour
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Atherton Tablelands – Curtain Tree boardwalk
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Atherton Tablelands – Lake Eacham walk
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Atherton Tablelands - Millaa Millaa Falls
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Cairns - Mandingalbay First Nations tour
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Atherton Tablelands - Tolga Bat Hospital
Transport
- OVERNIGHT TRAIN
- You will be unaccompanied on the overnight train from Hervey Bay to Airlie Beach (Proserpine). Your new trip leader will meet you at Proserpine. The RailBed is a spacious and comfortable seat by day that includes a state-of-the-art personal entertainment system, a 240v power point and a USB point. In the evening, the onboard team convert the seat to a lie-flat bed with all linen provided. Should the overnight train not operate due to track works or other factors outside of our control, it will be replaced with alternative transportation and an additional night stay in a destination enroute.
Accommodation
- The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
- Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
Important Information
- START & END TIMES
- The trip starts in Brisbane with a Welcome Meeting at 10am on Day 1 at our joining point hotel and finishes on arrival in Cairns on Day 13 at our finish point hotel around 5 pm. Accommodation is not included on this day but can be booked on request.
- SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
- A Single Supplement can be booked if you prefer not to share a room on this trip, subject to availability.
- OVERNIGHT TRAIN
- The overnight train is in RailBed class and is not accompanied by a tour leader. Please note that throughout the year scheduled railway track works may take place on the route from Hervey Bay to Airlie Beach, sometimes at short notice. Should the train not operate due to track works or other factors outside of our control, you will be driving with your leader instead, with an overnight in Tannum Sands, taking approximately 15 hours split across two days. Luggage weight (max 20kg for main luggage, 7kg for hand luggage) and size (23cm x 34cm x 48cm) limits apply for our overnight train journey.
- COMBINATION TRIP
- This is a combination trip made up of two shorter trips. This means the composition of your group may change in Cairns as some group members leave and new ones join you. It’s also part of a longer itinerary.
Mode of Transport
- You will be unaccompanied on the overnight train to Hervey Bay Proserpine. Your new trip leader will meet you at Proserpine.
- The RailBed is a spacious and comfortable seat by day that includes a state-of-the-art personal entertainment system, a 240v power point and a USB point. In the evening, the onboard team convert the seat to a lie-flat bed with all linen provided.
- Should the overnight train not operate due to track works or other factors outside of our control, it will be replaced with alternative transportation and an additional night stay in a destination enroute.
Check out our Q&As
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Is this trip right for you
There are some long travelling days on this trip, but it’s all part of the adventure and a great way to get to know your fellow travellers.
This trip includes an overnight train, which is super comfortable and features RailBeds, charging stations and USB ports. The overnight train is in RailBed class and is not accompanied by a tour leader. Should the train not operate due to track works or other factors outside of our control, it will be replaced with alternative transport and an additional overnight stay. Please see the daily itinerary for more details.
Multiple activities on this trip are subject to weather and water conditions and on occasion, may be cancelled for safety or operational reasons. In the case of cancellation, we will endeavour to find a suitable replacement activity.
This trip requires a good level of fitness as it involves some walking and swimming, allowing you to really get among nature. Please bring sturdy, comfortable walking shoes, a swimsuit and comfortable clothing.
This trip is part of a longer itinerary. You might be joining travellers who have already spent some time together. If you have more time to explore, you might like to check out our 'East Coast Encompassed' trip (trip code PZSVC). See our website for details. -
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions