Essential Brisbane to Cairns

Intrepid Travel · 10 days
Essential Brisbane to Cairns
Essential Brisbane to Cairns
Essential Brisbane to Cairns
Essential Brisbane to Cairns
Essential Brisbane to Cairns
Essential Brisbane to Cairns
Essential Brisbane to Cairns
Essential Brisbane to Cairns
Essential Brisbane to Cairns
Essential Brisbane to Cairns
Essential Brisbane to Cairns
Essential Brisbane to Cairns
Essential Brisbane to Cairns
Essential Brisbane to Cairns
Essential Brisbane to Cairns
Essential Brisbane to Cairns
Essential Brisbane to Cairns
10 Days
From AUD $3370
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Light

Rating

Essential Brisbane to Cairns

Essential Brisbane to Cairns

Intrepid Travel · 10 days
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Duration

10 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Basic

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

This 10-day adventure from Brisbane to Cairns is perfect for those seeking the natural beauty of Queensland with a small group of new friends.

Highlights

  • Hop aboard for an epic two-night sailing adventure through the stunning Whitsundays. Go snorkelling and soak up the landscape as you cruise through the untouched islands.
  • Meet with a First Nations guide at Mungalla Station to learn about history and culture of the Nywaigi people. Then, discover the wetlands and abundance of birds that call this place home.
  • Spend two nights on Magnetic Island, known for its amazing natural scenery, lush walking trails, secluded beaches and koalas that live here in the treetops.
  • Relax among the palm trees on Mission Beach, with a free afternoon to dig your heels into the warm sands, look out at the ocean over sunset or watch the cassowaries cross the road.
  • Discover the town of Noosa, where you’ll take the Coastal Walk to Hill’s Gate lookout. Then, enjoy heaps of free time to maybe go surfing, take a day trip to K'gari (Fraser Island) or an eco-safari through the lush Everglades.

Trip Details

Duration

10 days

Transportation

Private Vehicle,Overnight Train,Overnight Sailing,Ferry,Bus

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Brisbane, Australia

Finishes

Cairns, Australia

Accommodations

Basic

Travel Style

18 - 39 Year Olds Only

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

1
Day 1: Brisbane
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 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, why not explore the Botanic Gardens, Roma Street Parkland or chase views overlooking the city at the Mount Coot-Tha Summit Lookout. After your meeting tonight, maybe head to dinner with your group and get to know each other better – your leader will always have some great recommendations.

Accommodation:

  • Hostel (Multi-share) (Number of Nights: 1)
2
Day 2: Noosa
This morning, you’ll head for Noosa – a serene town along the Sunshine Coast and home to Sunshine Beach (popular for surfing) and Noosa National Park. You’ll head straight for the park’s lush surroundings and take on part of the Coastal Walk hike. Walk along the shoreline and the headlands, which make way for sweeping ocean views, rocky bays and sandy beaches. Look out for marine life cruising by and if you’re lucky, spot some koalas in the trees munching on eucalyptus. The pinnacle of the walk will be Hell’s Gate Lookout, which offers 270-degree views of the ocean beyond. Look for ospreys soaring above or pods of dolphins playing below. Maybe grab some lunch, then check into your accommodation just outside Noosa for the night, getting ready for a free evening to spend however you like. You could take on an afternoon surf lesson, go for another walk or maybe just relax at the beach and watch the sunset.

Included Activities:

  • Noosa - Hell's Gates Lookout
  • Noosa - Coastal Walk

Accommodation:

  • Hostel (Multi-share) (Number of Nights: 1)
3
Day 3: Noosa
Today is a free day to explore Noosa and the surrounding areas. Consider taking a day trip to K’gari (formerly known as Fraser Island). This guided 4WD tour around the world's largest sand island takes you to Lake McKenzie, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed rainforest, 75 Mile Beach, Eli Creek and the Maheno Shipwreck. Alternatively, you can hit the waters on a boat tour through the Noosa Everglades. This eco-safari will take you on a guided cruise through the everglades, where a vast array of birdlife call home. From the boat, you can also opt to jump in canoes and paddle among the mirrored waterways to the historic Harry’s Hut.

Optional Activities:

  • Noosa - K’gari (Fraser Island) Day Tour (240 AUD)

Accommodation:

  • Hostel (Multi-share) (Number of Nights: 1)
4
Day 4: Noosa / Overnight Train
Today is free to take the everglades eco-safari if you didn’t get the chance to yesterday. Alternatively, just chill out in Noosa, explore the town or hit the beach. Tonight, you’ll take an overnight train to the Whitsundays region – maybe grab some bits to have for dinner and snacks on board and settle in for a fun night with your bunkmates (cards, anyone?).

Optional Activities:

  • Noosa - Everglades Explorer Tour (from) (149 AUD)

Accommodation:

  • Overnight Train (Number of Nights: 1)
5
Day 5: Airlie Beach / Whitsunday Sailing
Arrive in Proserpine early this morning and meet your new leader at the station. From here, you’ll drive to Airlie Beach for some free time to go for a dip, grab breakfast or chill out on the sand. This afternoon, you’ll embark on a special two-night sailing trip in the Whitsundays – a group of islands in the Coral Sea, popular for the gorgeous natural scenery, bright blue waters and white sands. Climb aboard the boat, your home for the next two days, and set sail! 

Included Activities:

  • Whitsunday Islands - Sailing Excursion (2 Nights)

Accommodation:

  • Overnight Sailing (Multi-share) (Number of Nights: 1)
6
Day 6: Whitsunday Sailing
Wake up early this morning to make the most of your day at sea. Take in the gorgeous landscapes and seascapes of the Whitsundays, make stops at some of the best snorkelling spots and the gorgeous Whitehaven Beach – in the heart of the Whitsunday Islands, this beach also sits in the centre of the Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy deliciously fresh meals on the boat, meet some new friends and soak up the beauty of this scenic area. Tonight, enjoy your final night on the water over sunset drinks!

Included Activities:

  • Whitsunday Islands - Sailing Excursion (2 Nights)
  • Whitehaven Beach - Visit

Accommodation:

  • Overnight Sailing (Multi-share) (Number of Nights: 1)
7
Day 7: Magnetic Island
Soak up the bliss of your last morning on the boat, then disembark in Airlie. After some free time to relax on the beach or grab some lunch, you’ll drive to Townsville. As soon as you arrive, hop on the ferry to Magnetic Island – this mountainous island in Cleveland Bay is known for its scenic national park, abundance of koalas, secluded beaches and hiking opportunities.

Accommodation:

  • Hostel (Multi-share) (Number of Nights: 1)
8
Day 8: Magnetic Island
Today is dedicated to soaking up all the natural scenery of Magnetic Island. Explore at your own pace – maybe go in search of a secluded beach and set up shop, take on a hike or just chill out with a drink. Later, hike along the Forts Walking Track with your group, looking out for the resident koalas and enjoying the gorgeous views. There are even some World War II relics to see among the tropical landscape. 

Included Activities:

  • Magnetic Island - Forts Walking Track

Accommodation:

  • Hostel (Multi-share) (Number of Nights: 1)
9
Day 9: Mission Beach
Say goodbye to the island as you take the morning ferry back to Townsville. From here, 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 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.

Included Activities:

  • Mungalla Station - Nywaigi First Nations Guided Tour

Accommodation:

  • Rainforest Retreat (Multi-share) (Number of Nights: 1)
10
Day 10: Cairns
Your last day of adventure begins with a drive to Cairns, where your trip will come to an end. Along the way, maybe stop by some waterfalls and swimming holes, soaking in the last of the gorgeous natural scenery. When you arrive, it’s time to say goodbye to an awesome adventure! If you’d like to extend your stay and explore Cairns further, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
Exclusions
  • Flights to and from origin and destinations
  • Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
  • Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
  • Recommended gratuities/tipping
  • Optional activities/tours
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.
Important Information
Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

  • It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
  • Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
  • Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.
Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.
AUD $3,370
(Tour only)
Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 10 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

This 10-day adventure from Brisbane to Cairns is perfect for those seeking the natural beauty of Queensland with a small group of new friends.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 03 May 2026

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Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989

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