Discover Queensland - 8 Days
Highlights
- Sip champagne atop Mount Coot-Tha overlooking Brisbane
- Bask in the sun on Noosa's Main Beach
- Explore the world's largest sand island, Fraser Island
- Wind your way through tropical rainforest along the coast to Port Douglas
- Snorkel with the underwater wildlife of the Great Barrier Reef
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Brisbane | Brisbane |
| Day 2 | Drive along the Sunshine Coast to Noosa | Noosa |
| Day 3 | Explore Noosa | Noosa |
| Day 4 | Drive to Hervey Bay; Ferry to Fraser Island | Fraser Island |
| Day 5 | Explore Fraser Island by 4WD | Fraser Island |
| Day 6 | Fly to Cairns; Drive to Port Douglas | Port Douglas |
| Day 7 | Explore the Great Barrier Reef | Port Douglas |
| Day 8 | Drive to Cairns - Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Brisbane
Welcome to Australia! Upon your arrival in Brisbane, you will meet your local guide who will go over your itinerary with you. Transfer to your hotel to freshen up before enjoying a scenic drive through the hilly "River City" (so named for the Brisbane River), making your way to Mount Coot-Tha. With a glass of sparkling wine in hand, enjoy the panoramic view over Brisbane and its surroundings, a nice "Welcome to Brisbane" start to your holiday.
Day 2: Drive along the Sunshine Coast to Noosa
Today you will drive the couple hours north to the small communities of Maleny and Montville, excellent destinations for arts and crafts and gourmet eateries. Continue on your way, stopping for lunch at the famous Spirit House for Asian-inspired platters in a stunning setting in Yandina.
Arrive in Noosa along the Sunshine Coast in the afternoon and check into your hotel, before setting out to explore the neighborhood. With the Noosa National Park, Everglades, gorgeous beaches and gardens, as well as boutique shops and fine dining options, there is something for all interests.
Day 3: Explore Noosa
Take the day to explore Noosa. If it's a Saturday, visit Australia's premier artisan market at Eumundi—a great place to find souvenirs and gifts. Alternatively, spend the morning or afternoon relaxing on the beach before taking in the culture of Hastings Street.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 4: Drive to Hervey Bay - Ferry to Fraser Island
After breakfast, enjoy a scenic coastal drive to Hervey Bay (2.5 hours) and set sail on a unique whale or dolphin watching cruise (season dependant) for your chance to experience these creatures in their natural habitat. Continue by ferry to Fraser Island—the world's largest sand island and UNESCO World Heritage Site—and breathe in the fresh air of its untamed wilderness.
Day 5: Explore Fraser Island by 4WD
Today you will spend the whole day exploring the Great Sandy National Park, stopping to visit top attractions and endless white-sand beaches, including the SS Maheno (a 1935 shipwreck) and the Champagne Pools. Travel by 4WD and enjoy lunch with time to cool off in one of the 100 freshwater lakes, like Lake McKenzie and Lake Wabby.
Day 6: Fly to Cairns - Drive to Port Douglas
Rise early this morning to make your flight from the Hervey Bay Airport to Cairns in tropical Far North Queensland. From the airport, you'll drive through part of the Kuranda National Park's rainforest making your way to Port Douglas (1 hour). Settle into your hotel and end the day with dinner at a local restaurant followed by an evening stroll on Four Mile Beach.
Day 7: Explore the Great Barrier Reef
Get up before the sun and start your day on the yoga mat before boarding a luxury vessel for a full-day excursion of the Great Barrier Reef. Accompanied by marine biologists, you will learn about the reef as you visit up to three different reef systems. Relax, swim, and snorkel and enjoy a delicious gourmet lunch along the way.
Day 8: Drive to Cairns, Depart
Enjoy breakfast this morning among the birds, koalas, and kangaroos at Port Douglas interactive Wildlife Habitat. Spend time discovering the wetland environment while absorbing the cacophony and colors.
When it's time, transfer to the Cairns airport for your return flight home.
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