Brisbane to Cairns Experience: Sand Dunes & the Whitsundays - 10 Days

From £1,336£134 per day Save 26%

Who is this trip for

Genders

  • Female82%
  • Male18%

Average age

27
18 Min39 Max

Start / End

  • Brisbane
  • Cairns

Physical rating

3/5

Group size

1 - 20

Meals included

7

Highlights

  • Enjoy the coastal beauty and vibrant atmosphere of Noosa's stunning beaches and national park
  • Discover the pristine white sands and crystal-clear waters of the Whitsundays on a day trip
  • Experience the natural wonders and diverse wildlife with an overnight stay on K'gari (Fraser Island)
  • Explore the tropical charm and adventure activities of Cairns at your own pace

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Summary

If you're big on ambition but short on time, sign yourself up for this zippy ten-day tour up the east coast of Queensland. Play transport bingo as you hop on a yacht, train, truck, and private vehicle to get around your destinations. Hit K'gari (Fraser Island) and the Whitsundays, go snorkelling, and explore the beauty of Noosa. Your time here may be fleeting, but your friends and family probably won't ever hear the end of this seriously epic trip.

Itinerary

  • Day 1

    Brisbane

    Arrive at any time.

    Welcome to the “Land Down Under”! Tonight, gear up and get ready for a night out in Brisbane with the group. Enjoy an evening filled with friendly vibes, epic times, and dope views of the city as you sip some local bevvies with your new travel pals by your side. Arrive in Brisbane at any time. There are no planned activities during the day, so check into the hotel and explore the city.

    If you arrive early enough, you'll have time to head into the city. Opt to catch city cat or walk to explore Brisbane via the river. Visit spots like, the Howard Smith Wharves, the Botanical Gardens, New Farm Park, or relax at Streets Beach on the South Bank.

  • Day 2

    Brisbane/K'gari (Fraser Island)

    An early rise today starts your journey to K'gari (Fraser Island) World Heritage Area. Upon arrival to the largest sand island in the world, you will go through a traditional welcome by the Butchulla people, setting the tone for what's to come. After the welcome ceremony, get straight into the 4WD adventure. Swim in Boorangoora (Lake Mckenzie), hike beneath the amazing rainforest and walk along the beach during sunset. At night, sit around the campfire with your new found friends. This unique stay on K'gari is hosted by the Traditional Owners of the land who are keen to share their experiences with you and welcome you. This is an incredibly unique experience and a thrilling opportunity to gain insight into Australia's Indigenous culture-both past and present.

  • Day 3

    K'gari (Fraser Island)/Noosa

    Today you'll climb sand dunes, see the Maheno shipwreck and swim in the crystal clear Eli Creek that pumps millions of litres of spring-fed fresh water into the ocean every hour. In the afternoon, say goodbye to K'gari and head to your next beachy destination, Noosa.

  • Day 4

    Noosa

    Picture rocky coast against perfect turquoise water. Now head out with your CEO and see it first hand. Catch the ferry and start your easy hike in Noosa National Park along the waterways to end up at the secluded beach, Hell's Gate. While it sounds intimidating, it is well worth it, and really quite spectacular. Keep your eye out for koalas along the hike too. Enjoy the afternoon free in Noosa. Opt to get lunch on Hastings Street and enjoy some relaxing beach time or rent a surfboard. Then take the ferry back before dinner.

  • Day 5

    Noosa/Airlie Beach

    Enjoy a free day in cute beachfront town of Noosa! Do some shopping along Hasting Street in search of souvenirs, have a coffee on the beach, or go for a surf. Many consider Noosa to be the best place for surfing in all of Australia. You can also choose to spend time back at the hostel or participate in some of the optional activities offered in the area. In the afternoon, we'll pack our bags and head to the train station. Tonight we sleep on an overnight train as we head north to some of the most beautiful parts of the country. Fall asleep in Noosa and wake up by the Whitsundays!

  • Day 6

    Airlie Beach

    Hop off the train and board a bus for a short ride to Airlie Beach, the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier reef. After dropping your bags, do your thing in Airlie Beach. Relax on a gorgeous beach, take a day trip to the Great Barrier Reef or get some shopping in on the town. Airlie Beach is your oyster.

  • Day 7

    Whitsunday Islands/Airlie Beach

    Get ready for an amazing day at sea! Today, we'll climb aboard an ocean raft and zoom around the wispy turquoise waters. With time to snorkel, go on bushwalks, and chill on the beach, today will be as close to perfect as one can get.

  • Day 8

    Airlie Beach/Cairns

    With an early morning departure, we take a relaxing rail journey through sugar-cane fields, and coastal countryside, the perfect way to unwind and watch Queensland roll by.

  • Day 9

    Cairns

    Cairns is quite the place to visit if you love warm weather (it would be headline news for the city’s temperature to drop much below 20°C (68°F)) and want to visit the Great Barrier Reef. Take advantage of a free day to book one of the many optional activities that will get you out in nature’s playground. Snorkel in the Great Barrier Reef, get that adrenaline pumping by whitewater rafting or skydiving and cap it all off on a Big Night Out in Cairns with your fellow travellers. Drinks all around are well deserved after spending the day escaping your comfort zones. Opt to pre-book the "Great Barrier Reef Snorkelling" activity on the checkout page ahead of time, to include this optional on your tour.

  • Day 10

    Cairns

    Depart at any time.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Hostels & basic lodgings (8 nts, multi-share with 4-8 people), overnight train (1 nt), remote beach accommodation (1 nt). **All nights are multi-share on this trip.

  • Meals

    Breakfasts: 2, Lunches: 3, Dinners: 2

    Vegetarian options are available on all meals throughout the adventure.

    Vegetarian options available

  • Local Guide

    Guided

    This adventure is led by a local guide throughout. The main language of this adventure is English. Please contact us for other languages available.

  • Wifi

    Wifi is available during the adventure. In some areas and / or accommodation / transport Wifi may be free.

Dates & Prices

  • Apr 2026

    from £1,336
  • May 2026

    from £1,603
  • Jun 2026

    from £1,514
  • Jul 2026

    from £1,514
  • Aug 2026

    from £1,682
  • Sep 2026

    from £1,682
  • Oct 2026

    from £1,682
  • Nov 2026

    from £1,781
  • Dec 2026

    from £1,900
  • Jan 2027

    from £1,930
  • Feb 2027

    from £1,930
  • Mar 2027

    from £1,930
  • Apr 2027

    from £1,821
  • May 2027

    from £1,821
  • Jun 2027

    from £1,712
  • Jul 2027

    from £1,712
  • Aug 2027

    from £1,712
  • Sep 2027

    from £1,712
  • Oct 2027

    from £1,712
  • Nov 2027

    from £1,821
  • Dec 2027

    from £1,930
  • Save 1%
    Sat 4 Apr 2026 > Mon 13 Apr 2026Guaranteed Departure
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    £1,799£1,781
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    Sat 18 Apr 2026 > Mon 27 Apr 2026Guaranteed Departure
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    £1,799£1,781
  • Save 26%
    Sat 25 Apr 2026 > Mon 4 May 2026Guaranteed Departure
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    £1,799Best offer£1,336

Customer reviews & ratings

(4.63 out of 5)
Based on 469 reviews
  • Awesome trip with a nice group Nice small group, friendly tour guide

    Julia Dec, 2025 Verified
  • I had a great experience from start to finish. It was an awesome way to explore as a solo traveller and meet other travellers. A particular highlight for me was the boat trip to the Whitsunday Islands, it was the reason I booked the trip and it didn't disappoint! I would definitely consider a G adventures trip again as a solo traveller. I had a really good time, it was a great way to see a lot of the country in a short space of time. And it took the organisation away from a trip that could be difficult to arrange yourself

    Llinos Nov, 2025 Verified

Essential trip information

Our Important Notes and Packing List cover all essentials, from necessary equipment to inclusions, ensuring you're fully equipped and informed for this extraordinary adventure and more.

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