Brisbane to Cairns Adventure - 20 Days

Upon arrival in Brisbane, you will need to make your way to the hostel where you will meet the rest of your travel companions. The rest of the day is at your leisure for you to relax or explore at your own pace. We recommend that you arrive before 15:00 today.

Please note: This tour is designed for younger travellers looking for a backpacker-style experience and to meet like-minded people. The average age on this tour is around 21 - 35, and we are unfortunately unable to take any travellers over the age of 45. We have lots of group tours across our destinations that are suitable for travellers of all ages, browse our website or get in touch to find the perfect trip!

Today, you will have the day at leisure to explore Brisbane at your own pace. You can take a stroll along the beautiful South Bank, visit the Queensland Art Gallery or enjoy the views from the Brisbane Wheel. If you're feeling adventurous, why not take a trip to the nearby iconic Australia Zoo, made famous by Steve Irwin, where you can see a variety of wildlife up close. Whether you choose to relax in the city's parks or discover more of its vibrant culture, the day is yours to enjoy.

Brisbane - Rainbow Beach. As we head to the relaxed coastal town of Rainbow Beach, you'll have the opportunity to unwind on the soft sandy shores or take a leisurely walk through the charming town. You can soak up the stunning views of the ocean and nearby sand dunes. There's also the chance to visit the Coloured Sands or take a peaceful stroll along the Cooloola Great Walk. Whether you're looking to relax or explore, Rainbow Beach offers the perfect blend of tranquility and natural beauty.

Rainbow Beach - K'gari. Today, we will head to K'gari, where we will spend the next three days driving 4x4s across the world’s largest sand island, exploring its sand dunes and beaches. We’ll take a refreshing swim in the stunning turquoise waters of Lake McKenzie, followed by a relaxing float down Eli Creek. Our adventure will continue to Indian Head for panoramic views of K'gari, before unwinding in the Champagne Pools' bubbling waters. Along the way, we’ll learn about the island’s Aboriginal heritage, spot wild dingoes, and enjoy stargazing as we camp with our group in a specially designed campsite.

K'gari - Rainbow Beach - Whitsundays. We will make our way back to Rainbow Beach today, enjoying the scenic drive along K'gari’s coastline, where we may spot wildlife such as dolphins or sea eagles. Back at Rainbow Beach, we’ll explore the towering sand dunes and take in views of the famous Coloured Sands. In the evening, we’ll board our overnight bus to the Whitsundays, settling in for the journey ahead.

Arriving in the Whitsundays, we board our boat, home for the next two nights. As the boat carries us across the sparkling waters, we’ll spend the next two nights aboard, with plenty of time to relax and soak up the sun on deck. The adventure continues as we sail towards the outer reaches of the Great Barrier Reef, where the vibrant marine life invites us to dive in and snorkel through crystal-clear waters. After a day of underwater wonders, we’ll step ashore to the world-famous Whitehaven Beach, where the pristine white sand forms stunning swirls against the turquoise sea, creating an unforgettable sight. Whilst in the Whitsundays, you can opt for a scenic flight over the region, and can also visit a local wildlife park to meet native Aussie critters (book and pay locally).

Whitsundays - Airlie Beach. On our final day sailing the Whitsundays islands, you will continue to explore the stunning islands, pristine beaches, and vibrant marine life on your way back to the mainland. Once in Airlie Beach, you'll have some free time.

Today you'll have some free time to explore Airlie Beach, or try out some epic optional activities.

Airlie Beach - Magnetic Island. Today, we will make our way to the tropical paradise of Magnetic Island by ferry. As we cross the sparkling waters, we’ll enjoy stunning coastal views and may even spot marine life such as dolphins or sea turtles. The short but scenic journey sets the perfect tone for our island adventure ahead.

Once we have arrived, we will make our way to your beachfront huts, where you’ll have the rest of the day to explore at your own pace. You can relax and unwind in your oceanfront hammock, or hire a car and discover the hidden beaches of this magical island. Whether you choose to take it easy or explore more of the island’s beauty, the day is yours to enjoy.

Today, we’ll embark on the famous Forts Walk, a hike through the historic World War II military site on Magnetic Island. As we trek through the lush bushland, we’ll be treated to stunning panoramic views of the island and surrounding waters. We’ll keep our eyes peeled for the island's most famous residents – wild koalas nestled in the trees and rock wallabies hopping through the rocky terrain. After our hike, we’ll have time to relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the island, taking in the beauty of this tropical paradise.

Magnetic Island - Mission Beach. Today, we’ll travel to the laid-back beachfront town of Mission Beach. After checking in, YOU WILL have plenty of time to relax by the sea or explore the surrounding area. Mission Beach is renowned for its adrenaline-pumping activities, so if you’re looking for excitement, you can opt for a thrilling skydive, jumping from 15,000ft with views over the Great Barrier Reef and lush rainforest below. Alternatively, you might prefer to white-water raft down the Tully River rapids, surrounded by the stunning World Heritage-listed rainforest.

Today, you have another day to enjoy Mission Beach exactly how you want. If you didn’t get a chance yesterday, you can still book in for an epic skydive or opt for an exhilarating white-water rafting experience. Your tour leader can arrange these activities for you, alongside Great Barrier Reef snorkelling and an adrenalin-pumping bungy jump (book and pay locally). If you’re looking to take it easy, relax on the beach, enjoy a leisurely walk through the rainforest, or visit one of the nearby waterfalls. This is your opportunity to unwind or push your limits in one of the most scenic parts of Australia.

Mission Beach - Cairns. Today we will make our way from Mission Beach to Cairns. Once we arrive in Cairns, known for its vibrant atmosphere and abundance of activities, Cairns will be our base for the next few days. To kick things off, we’ll head to the iconic Esplanade for a BBQ, where we can all relax and enjoy some downtime. Tonight, we’ll gather for a fun night out, with the chance to meet new people and soak up the Cairns nightlife.

Today is the day to tick off one of the biggest bucket-list items: a full day on the Great Barrier Reef. We’ll set sail to unique outer reef locations where we can snorkel and explore the vibrant marine life beneath the surface. From colourful fish to majestic sea turtles, the reef offers an unforgettable underwater experience. After a day of exploration, we’ll return to Cairns and get ready for another night out.

This day is yours to dive into the ultimate adventure or enjoy the beauty of Cairns itself. For adrenaline junkies, you can opt for a heart-pumping bungee jump or tackle a thrilling white-water rafting trip. If you’d rather take it easy, Cairns offers plenty of relaxation options, from walking along the Esplanade to lounging at the lagoon. Whatever you choose, it’s sure to be a day of excitement and relaxation.

Today, we’ll head out to explore the stunning Atherton Tablelands. We’ll swim beneath epic waterfalls, slide down natural rock slides, and swim in dormant volcano craters, all while learning about the fascinating history and ecology of this extraordinary region from our experienced guide. The day will end with a farewell dinner, where we’ll toast to the unforgettable experiences and new friendships we’ve made along the way.

This morning, our tour comes to an end today. You can depart making your way to the airport or your next destination. Although there is no departure transfer included, your tour leader will be available to help you plan your onward travel and is on hand to assist you. Safe travels!