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
Itinerary
Craving sun, surf, and a little bit of everything? The "Brisbane to Cairns Experience: Sand Dunes & the Whitsundays" is a 10-day photography and adventure tour made for young adults with a taste for variety. Zipping up Queensland’s east coast, you’ll ride trains, trucks, yachts, and more as you check off iconic stops like K’gari (Fraser Island), Airlie Beach, and the Whitsunday Islands.
Dive into moderate activity with snorkeling, sand dune adventures, and scenic hikes, perfectly balanced with time to relax on tropical beaches. Whether you’re capturing sunrise over white sands or exploring Noosa’s laidback charm, each day brings a new highlight—and a new story to tell.
The USP of this trip package is its fast-paced, multi-modal approach, letting you experience the best of Australia’s coast in just over a week. If you want a tour that keeps the energy high and the memories rolling, this is your ticket.
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, admire the scenery on the bus ride north to Cairns. We'll make a few pit stops along the way to stretch your legs, see some sights and check out some of Australia big things!
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.

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What's Included
Note: Allow USD265-345 for meals not included.
What's Excluded
Customer Reviews
Read what other travelers have to say about Brisbane to Cairns Experience: Sand Dunes & the Whitsundays
Excellent
Best experience of my entire life I wish I could restart the trip over and over again to experience it again. I met so many lovely people along the way and friends that I could have never imagined and none of that wouldve been possible without Lauren SPECIFICALLY as the CEO!! Thank you with my whole heart Lauren and G Adventures
Excellent
This trip had a great mix of beach time, water sports activities and plenty of opportunities to see wildlife! I also felt there was a good balance between optional activities and included activities. I would recommend this trip to anyone who is looking to escape the cold winter months, and/or is looking for alot of beach/pool time!
Excellent
This was an incredible experience and a great way to see some of the most beautiful sights of Australia. Everyone was so kind and willing to help. I highly recommend G Adventures for all tours!
Excellent
The trip seems a dream. Lovely people, picturesque locations and wholesome adventure. What else does one need?
Excellent
Fabulous, a highlight of my holiday, I would recommend and would do another tour.
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