Family Adventure Down Under

On arrival in Brisbane you will be transferred to your hotel for a two night stay. The rest of your day is free to relax and unwind in this uncomplicated, laid-back and fun-loving city. Be sure to experience the festival buzz of South Bank, with markets, restaurants, live performances and Australia’s only inner-city beach.

Leave the city by boat, cruising along the Brisbane River and out to Moreton Island. On arrival you’ll swap your ferry for a pontoon boat to take a memorable cruise through the protected waters of the Moreton Bay Marine Park. Keep a look out for dolphins, dugongs, turtles and stingrays along the way, as well as colourful tropical fish. Your guide will share interesting facts making this a great introduction to Australia’s incredible marine life. There’s also time to explore the island and make use of the dining and pool facilities before returning by boat to Brisbane.

Collect your rental vehicle this morning and head north. Enjoy the scenic route via the Sunshine Coast and Noosa Heads, a region known for its laid-back beach lifestyle. Your accommodation for the next 3 nights is the Habitat Noosa Everglades Ecocamp, located just 30 minutes from Noosa at the edge of the Great Sandy National Park. Here you can enjoy swimming in the lake, hiking, or even frisbee golf, as well as close encounters with the resident wildlife.

Today it’s an early start for a full day guided adventure to World Heritage-listed K’gari (formerly Fraser Island). K’gari is the largest sand island in the world, shrouded in rainforests and peppered with over 100 freshwater lakes. You’ll travel along narrow 4WD sand tracks through stunning heathlands and towering forests to reach places like Lake Boorangoora (Lake McKenzie), the perfect spot for a refreshing swim in vivid turquoise water, fringed by white sand beaches. Enjoy an Aussie-style picnic lunch before continuing to Central Station, an old forestry station surrounded by magnificent rainforest, where you can wander along the Wanggoolba Creek Boardwalks. You’ll be transferred back to Habitat Noosa in time for dinner this evening.

After a leisurely morning by the lake, this afternoon you’ll take a boat trip deep into the Noosa Everglades. This network of winding waterways, tea tree-infused water, and ancient rainforests are home to a staggering 44% of Australia’s bird species. Your guide will share stories of the region’s rich history and wildlife, as well as allowing plenty of opportunities for photos of the mirror-like channels.

Head back to Brisbane Airport this morning to catch your flight to Hamilton Island (additional cost), in the beautiful Whitsundays. On arrival, you’ll be transferred to your accommodation. The rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy. Relax on the beach or take advantage of the many optional activities on offer, including snorkelling and kayaking (additional cost).

Spend the morning at leisure enjoying everything Hamilton Island has to offer. In the afternoon you’ll take a cruise to one of the world’s most beautiful beaches, Whitehaven Beach. Wander along the powder-white sands, hike the short Solway Circuit for some show-stopping views, or cool off in the gin-clear waters. Enjoy stunning views as you travel back to Hamilton Island.

Today is all yours to spend as you wish on beautiful Hamilton Island. You may like to relax on the beach, cool off in the sea or dive into some of the many activities on offer.

Travel back to the mainland by ferry this morning. On arrival in Airlie Beach, collect your rental car and travel north through mango orchards and green fields of sugar cane to Townsville.

Today is at leisure – enjoy a relaxing day exploring the town’s beaches and parks, take a hike up to the Castle Hill Lookout, or join a day trip to Magnetic Island.

For those with more time why not consider adding a couple of nights on Magnetic Island. This small island offers a mix of outdoor adventures, wildlife experiences, and beautiful beaches.

Depart Townsville and continue your journey north to Cairns. Along the way you may like to detour to Mission Beach. This small coastal town has a lovely long white sandy beach with tropical rainforest and relaxed cafes, ideal for a spot of lunch. On arrival in Cairns why not stretch your legs with a stroll along the Esplanade.

Following a scenic transfer from Cairns you’ll board a boat for a gentle cruise down the Mulgrave River, keeping your eyes peeled for crocs! You’ll then head out to Frankland Islands Group National Park – part of the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

Marine biologists are on hand to provided guided snorkelling straight from the beach; you can try kayaking or stand-up paddling, or stay dry on a semi-submarine experience. Back on shore there’s a fun family treasure hunt or guided walks to explore the island. Or you can relax at the beach and potter amongst the rockpools, the choice is yours! All activities are included and you’ll arrive back in Cairns late afternoon.

Travel further into Queensland’s tropical far north today. First you’ll visit the charming village of Kuranda. Travel on the historic Scenic Railway and soar above the treetops on the Skyrail for different perspectives of the vibrant rainforest. Kuranda has plenty to explore including colourful markets, forest trails, and the dazzling Australian Butterfly Sanctuary. Later enjoy a coastal drive to your final destination, Port Douglas.

Nestled between the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, Port Douglas offers an ideal blend of adventure and laid-back charm. Spend today at leisure relaxing on Four Mile Beach or perhaps explore the Mossman River beneath the rainforest canopy on a river rafting trip. You may wish to enjoy more marine adventures at the Great Barrier Reef via a cruise or take in spectacular aerial views from a scenic helicopter flight – the possibilities are endless!

Today’s exciting tour kicks off with a cruise on the Daintree River. Enjoy an insight into the region’s unique flora and fauna, including the estuarine crocodile. Back on land, you’ll travel into the heart of the oldest continually existing rainforest on earth, the mighty Daintree. Take a guided stroll along the boardwalks, keeping a lookout for the elusive southern cassowary and prehistoric Boyd’s rainforest dragon. Continue to Cape Tribulation, where rainforest meets the reef, and the only place on earth where two World Heritage Listed sites converge. For over 50,000 years, the beach here (Kalkajaka) has held immense cultural significance for the local Kuku Yalanji Aboriginal people, and your guide will share some of the local traditions and stories from this special spot.

Your epic East Coast adventure comes to an end today. Follow the coast road back to Cairns, where you’ll return your rental vehicle and board your onward flight.