North Queensland Adventure Tour by Intrepid Travel

13 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

16 peopleMaximum group size

15 - 99 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Moderate

Involves sustained activity requiring a reasonable level of fitness and endurance.

Starts

Brisbane, Australia

Ends

Cairns, Australia

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 First Nations 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.

Itinerary

Explore Australia’s beautiful northeastern corner – home to rainforests, coral reefs and white sand beaches. This 13-day adventure starts strong with a dose of serenity in Noosa, before whisking you to the stunning surroundings of K’gari (formerly Fraser Island) and the ancient wilderness of the Daintree Rainforest. Explore the expanse of the iconic Great Barrier Reef and the bliss of the Whitsundays and enjoy free time in Airlie Beach, Hervey Bay, Mission Beach and more – on this whirlwind through north Queensland, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to kick back on the warm sands with a good book or get right in on the action.

day 1 - Brisbane / Noosa / Hervey Bay

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 10 am. After, you’ll drive straight to Noosa Heads – a serene town in Queensland by the sea – where you can grab some lunch, relax on the beach or go shopping in the cute boutique shops. If you’d like, maybe use your free time here to do 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

day 2 - K'gari (Fraser Island) / Hervey Bay

After breakfast this morning, you’ll head to the stunning K'gari (previously known as Fraser Island) by ferry for a day trip. 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 breathtaking landscape. Start off with an adventurous drive along 75 Mile Beach Road – one of the best coastal drives in the country. Take a refreshing dive into the crystal-clear water of Boorangoora (Lake McKenzie) – an island icon. The lake is world famous for its turquoise colours and delicate white, 92% pure silica sand. Take another dip, this time in the fresh waters of Eli Creek, then visit the Maheno shipwreck and the coloured sands of the pinnacles. From tropical dense rainforest to wild offshore waters, you’ll witness the contrasting fauna and terrain of this truly unique island as you venture across undulating dunes and vast golden beaches in search of the iconic outback creature – the dingo. Tonight, head back to Hervey Bay where you can rest and recharge. 

included:K'gari - Full day tour

accommodation:Cabins

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch

day 3 - Hervey Bay / Overnight Train

Enjoy a free day in Hervey Bay today – one of the best sites 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. Or you could take a leisurely stroll along the water’s edge, go kayaking or just enjoy one of the many gorgeous beaches nearby. Make sure you pick up some snacks for tonight's overnight train journey north on the famous 'Spirit of Queensland', from the train station at Maryborough West to Proserpine, just south-west of Airlie Beach, arriving early tomorrow morning.

accommodation:Overnight train

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 coastal paradise dotted with palm trees. This hub town of the popular Whitsundays has beer gardens, trendy cafes and a lawn-fringed swimming lagoon. Maybe stroll around and explore, visit some local swimming spots for a refreshing dip or find a seat at one of the many bars and watch the sun sparkle on the water. Get to know your new leader tonight with an optional group dinner. 

accommodation:Holiday Apartments

day 5 - Whitsunday Islands / Whitehaven Beach / Airlie Beach

Today you’ll head out on a full-day tour to Whitehaven Beach, in the heart of the Whitsunday Islands and in the centre of the Great Barrier Reef. Start with a walk to the spectacular Hill Inlet Lookout, where you can take photos of the sweeping ocean views. Then, hit the water and go snorkelling at one of the secret spots today's guide will show you. See coral reefs, colourful 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 cocktail (or two) and watch the sunset.

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

accommodation:Holiday Apartments

meals:1 Lunch

day 6 - Townsville / Paluma Range National Park / Lucinda

Today is a long day of travel, interspersed with some stops to stretch your legs. Your first stop is Townsville. Head to Castle Hill lookout when you arrive and take some photos of the gorgeous views of the town and ocean below. You’ll have some free time for lunch and to chill by the water. Carry on to Big Crystal Creek in the Paluma Range National Park, where you can take a stroll, swim in the creek or just relax among the sounds of local birdlife. This afternoon, you’ll head to Lucinda, where you’ll spend the night.

included:Paluma Range National Park - Crystal Creek, Townsville - Castle Hill Lookout

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

day 7 - Mungalla Station / Mission Beach

This morning after breakfast, 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 about 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. Stop in Tully along the way to stretch your legs, then ask your leader for their favourite local haunts.

included:Mungalla Station - Nywaigi First Nations Guided Tour

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

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:Cape Tribulation - Kulki walk & lookout, Cape Tribulation - Mason’s Swimming Hole, Daintree National Park - Nature Walk

meals:1 Breakfast

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What's Included

Accommodation

Cabins (2 nights), Overnight train (1 night), Hotel (7 nights), Holiday Apartments (2 nights)

Meals

8 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 1 Dinner

Transport

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

Guide

An expert tour leader

Included Activities

K'gari - Full day tourAirlie Beach - Full day Whitsunday Islands & Whitehaven Beach Tour with SnorkellingPaluma Range National Park - Crystal CreekTownsville - Castle Hill LookoutMungalla Station - Nywaigi First Nations Guided TourCairns - Mandingalbay First Nations tourAtherton Tablelands - Tolga Bat HospitalMareeba Wetlands - Forever Wild sunset wildlife experienceKuranda - Kuranda MarketsBarron Gorge National Park - Din Din Barron Falls lookoutDaintree National Park - Mossman GorgeDaintree National Park - Nature WalkGreat Barrier Reef - Half Day Cruise & Snorkelling ExperienceCape Tribulation - Kulki walk & lookoutCape Tribulation - Mason’s Swimming Hole

What's Excluded

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