North Queensland Adventure

Intrepid Travel · 13 days
North Queensland Adventure
North Queensland Adventure
North Queensland Adventure
North Queensland Adventure
North Queensland Adventure
North Queensland Adventure
North Queensland Adventure
North Queensland Adventure
North Queensland Adventure
North Queensland Adventure
North Queensland Adventure
North Queensland Adventure
North Queensland Adventure
North Queensland Adventure
North Queensland Adventure
North Queensland Adventure
13 Days
From AUD $6585
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Average

Rating


 (7 reviews)

North Queensland Adventure

North Queensland Adventure

Intrepid Travel · 13 days
4.6
7 Reviews
View Map
Duration

13 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Average

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Explore Australia’s beautiful northeastern corner – home to rainforests, coral reefs and white sand beaches.

Highlights

  • Take an incredible 4WD adventure through the breathtaking landscape of K'gari (formerly Fraser Island). Ride across sand dunes and vast golden beaches in search of the iconic outback creature, the dingo.
  • Take a full-day tour of the Whitsundays and a half-day tour of the reef from Cape Tribulation - opportunities to swim among the colourful corals and tropical fish on the iconic Great Barrier Reef.
  • Enjoy free time in Airlie Beach, Hervey Bay and Mission Beach, where you can hit the water and swim, kayak or take a boat ride or just kick back on the warm sands with a good book.
  • Explore Mungalla Wetlands and Mandingal Bay with Aboriginal guides, including Smoking Ceremonies and immersive exploration of Country and culture. 
  • Visit the Daintree Rainforest – the oldest rainforest in the world – and Cape Tribulation on a stunning day that ticks off two UNESCO World Heritage areas (nature lovers rejoice!).
  • Watch the sunset over the Mareeba Wetlands on a unique wildlife spotting experience hosted by Forever Wild – an organisation focused on combatting climate crises with community and conservation-based activities.

Trip Details

Duration

13 days

Transportation

Private vehicle, Ferry, Overnight train, Boat, 4WD

Guide Language

English

Starts

Hervey Bay, Australia

Finishes

Cairns, Australia

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Explorer

Physical Rating

Average

Itinerary

1
Day 1: Hervey Bay
Welcome to Brisbane! Or Meanjin in the language of the Turrbal and Yuggera peoples, who are the Traditional Custodians 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, where you can grab some lunch, relax on the beach or go shopping in the boutique shops. If you’d like, maybe use your free time here to explore 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.

Accommodation:

  • Cabins (Number of Nights: 1)
2
Day 2: Hervey Bay
After breakfast this morning, you’ll head to the island of K'gari (previously known as Fraser Island) by ferry for a daytrip. 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 landscape, starting with an adventurous drive along the sand roads of 75 Mile Beach Road. Then, take a dive into the clear rainwater lake of Boorangoora (Lake McKenzie), famous for its turqouise water filtered by its 92 per cent pure silica sand. Head over to another of the island’s safe swimming spots, the fresh waters of Eli Creek, before a visit to the Maheno shipwreck and coloured sands of the pinnacles. Tonight, head back to Hervey Bay for a free evening to rest and recharge. 

Included Activities:

  • K'gari - Full day tour

Accommodation:

  • Cabins (Number of Nights: 1)
3
Day 3: Hervey Bay
Enjoy a free day in Hervey Bay today – a prime location for observing humpback whales during migration season and the world’s first certified Whale Heritage Area. If the month is right, maybe spend the morning whale-watching on the water, or rent a bike to cycle along the foreshore. You could also take a leisurely stroll along the water’s edge, go kayaking or just enjoy one of the many Queensland beaches nearby. Make sure you pick up some snacks for tonight's overnight train journey north on the famous 'Spirit of Queensland.' Depart from the train station at Maryborough West and arrive in Proserpine, south-west of Airlie Beach, arriving early tomorrow morning.

Optional Activities:

  • Hervey Bay - Whale Watching (Jul-Oct) (130 AUD)

Accommodation:

  • Overnight train (Number of Nights: 1)
4
Day 4: Airlie Beach
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 hub town of the popular Whitsundays, which has plenty of beer gardens, trendy cafes and a lawn-fringed swimming lagoon. Whether you want to just kick back by the water or get out into nature on a coastal hike, there’s plenty on offer. Get to know your new leader tonight with an optional group dinner. 

Optional Activities:

  • Airlie Beach - Coral Beach walk - Free

Accommodation:

  • Holiday Apartments (Number of Nights: 1)
5
Day 5: Airlie Beach
Today you’ll head out on a full-day tour to Whitehaven Beach in the heart of the Whitsunday Islands and the centre of the Great Barrier Reef. Start with a walk to the Hill Inlet Lookout – one of the most famous lookout spots for wide spanning views of the Whitsundays’ white sands and blue waters. Then, throw your swimsuit on to go snorkelling at one of the secret spots that your guide will show you. See coral reefs, tropical 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 toast at sunset.

Included Activities:

  • Airlie Beach - Full day Whitsunday Islands & Whitehaven Beach Tour with Snorkelling

Accommodation:

  • Holiday Apartments (Number of Nights: 1)
6
Day 6: Lucinda
Today is a long day of travel with some stops to stretch your legs. Your first stop is Townsville, where you’ll head to Castle Hill lookout, walking the track up to the 360-degree viewpoint of the town, Coral Sea and Magnetic Island. You’ll have some free time for lunch and to chill by the water. Then, carry on to Big Crystal Creek in the Paluma Range National Park for a stroll, swim in the creek or quiet time relaxing to the sounds of local birdlife. This afternoon, depart for Lucinda, your location for the night.

Included Activities:

  • Paluma Range National Park - Crystal Creek
  • Townsville - Castle Hill Lookout

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
7
Day 7: Mission Beach
This morning after breakfast, drive to Mungalla Station to meet the Traditional Custodians of the land, the Nywaigi people. Learn about their culture and history, including the brutal conflicts with European settlers, during a guided tour. 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 like spoonbills, magpie geese and egrets. Drive to Mission Beach this afternoon – a small coastal town on the Cassowary Coast known for its beaches lined by palm trees and rainforests filled with cassowaries. Stop in Tully along the way to stretch your legs and tonight, maybe ask your leader for their favourite local restaurant.

Included Activities:

  • Mungalla Station - Nywaigi First Nations Guided Tour

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
8
Day 8: Cairns
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, head 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 may say goodbye to some of the group who are finishing their travels here. Tonight, you'll have another welcome meeting at 6 pm.

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
9
Day 9: Cairns
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:

  • Cairns - Mandingalbay First Nations tour

Optional Activities:

  • Cairns - Art gallery - Free
  • Cairns - Botanical Gardens - Free

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
10
Day 10: Kuranda to Mareeba
This morning, enjoy breakfast and then drive to Kuranda – perched at the top of a mountain. Start with a visit to nearby Barron Falls lookout for the best photo spots, then head into town. You’ll have some time to explore this charming rainforest town and its surroundings at your own pace. Maybe check out the famous Kuranda Markets, or relax at one of the town’s many restaurants and cafes, where outdoor dining is one of the joys of the cooler mountain climate. 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.

Included Activities:

  • Atherton Tablelands - Tolga Bat Hospital
  • Mareeba Wetlands - Forever Wild sunset wildlife experience
  • Kuranda - Kuranda Markets
  • Barron Gorge National Park - Din Din Barron Falls lookout

Optional Activities:

  • Kuranda - Skyrail Rainforest Cableway (79 AUD)
  • Kuranda - Kuranda Scenic Railway (63 AUD)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
11
Day 11: Mossman Gorge (Manjal Dimbi) to Cape Tribulation
This morning, 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:

  • Daintree National Park - Mossman Gorge
  • Daintree National Park - Nature Walk

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
12
Day 12: Cape Tribulation
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:

  • Great Barrier Reef - Half Day Cruise & Snorkelling Experience

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
13
Day 13: Cairns
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 another 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:

  • Cape Tribulation - Kulki walk & lookout
  • Cape Tribulation - Mason’s Swimming Hole
  • Daintree National Park - Nature Walk
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 will do 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.

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 $6,585
(Tour only)
Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 13 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Average

Explore Australia’s beautiful northeastern corner – home to rainforests, coral reefs and white sand beaches.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 20 Feb 2027

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Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
Excellent
4.5
Guide
Excellent
4.5
Itinerary
Excellent
4.5
Accommodations
Excellent
4.5
Transportation
Excellent
4.5
Tour Operator
Excellent
4.5
Food
Excellent
4.5
5.0
Jessica
Traveled, May 2025

05/16/2025

What a trip! The memories and experiences will last a lifetime!

4.5
Bernd
Traveled, April 2025

04/17/2025

Excellent tour guides, a really good group, unforgettable places we visited… it really exceeded all my expectations.

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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