Experienced Tour Guide
Islands + Reef + Rainforest
Resorts + Hostels + Island Stays
Private Coach + Ferries
Queensland's Best Destinations
Fun Social Adventure
Optional Activities Available
Breakfasts + Select Dinners
Embark on an unforgettable seven-day guided group tour from Brisbane to Cairns, showcasing the very best of Queensland's iconic tropical coastline. This premium journey combines pristine beaches, world-heritage islands, the Great Barrier Reef, lush rainforests, and authentic Australian wildlife experiences that will create memories to last a lifetime.
Travelling in a comfortable, air-conditioned private coach with an experienced local guide, you'll journey through over 1,600 kilometers of Australia's most stunning coastal scenery. From subtropical Brisbane to tropical Cairns, experience the diverse beauty of Queensland, exploring pristine islands, snorkeling coral reefs, and discovering hidden beaches along the way.
This isn't just another bus tour – it's a comprehensive Queensland experience designed for adventure-seekers aged 18 and over who want to truly immerse themselves in Australia's tropical paradise. Whether you're a solo backpacker, couple, or small group of friends, you'll connect with like-minded travelers while exploring some of the world's most spectacular natural wonders including Fraser Island and the Whitsunday Islands.
Enhance your journey with exciting add-on experiences including snorkeling or diving the Great Barrier Reef, scenic flights over the reef and islands, kayaking in tropical waters, jet skiing, parasailing, island hopping cruises, rainforest walks, and 4WD beach adventures on Fraser Island. Each day offers opportunities for both guided adventures and independent exploration.
With a maximum group size of just 20 people, you'll enjoy an intimate, social atmosphere without feeling overcrowded. Your knowledgeable guide doesn't just drive – they share insider tips about Queensland's tropical regions, hidden local spots, and fascinating stories about the destinations you'll explore. This is multi-day touring designed for meaningful connections and authentic experiences.
Stay in carefully selected accommodations including beachfront resorts, hostels with pool facilities, and island accommodations. Your tour includes multiple meals with remaining meals allowing you the freedom to explore local restaurants, beachside cafes, and tropical food scenes at your own pace. Dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice.
Ready to explore Queensland's tropical coast? This Brisbane to Cairns tour combines adventure, island paradise, reef exploration, and natural beauty into one incredible week. From the moment you meet your tour group in Brisbane to your final destination in stunning tropical Cairns, every day brings new discoveries along Australia's most magnificent coastline.
Your tropical Queensland adventure begins in vibrant Brisbane. Meet your tour guide and fellow travelers for a welcome briefing before departing north along the coast. Travel through the beautiful Sunshine Coast region, stopping at scenic lookouts and charming coastal towns. Arrive at your accommodation and enjoy your first night in subtropical Queensland.
Accommodation: Sunshine Coast area hotel/hostel
Included Meals: Welcome dinner
Today explore Fraser Island, the world's largest sand island and UNESCO World Heritage site. Board a 4WD vehicle for an unforgettable day discovering ancient rainforests growing in sand, crystal-clear freshwater lakes like Lake McKenzie, the famous Maheno Shipwreck, and Seventy-Five Mile Beach. Keep watch for wild dingoes (Australia's native wild dogs) and learn about the island's indigenous Butchulla heritage. Fraser Island's unique ecosystem is unlike anywhere else on Earth.
Optional Activities: Extended Fraser Island camping experience
Accommodation: Hervey Bay or Fraser Coast area
Included Meals: Breakfast
Continue your northward journey along Queensland's coast, passing through agricultural regions and coastal towns. Arrive in Airlie Beach, the gateway to the magnificent Whitsunday Islands. This bustling resort town offers a lagoon pool, vibrant nightlife, restaurants, and stunning views over the Coral Sea. Spend the evening exploring the town or relaxing by the waterfront.
Accommodation: Airlie Beach hostel/resort
Included Meals: Breakfast
Experience paradise! Board a boat for a full-day sailing adventure through the Whitsunday Islands. Visit world-famous Whitehaven Beach with its pristine white silica sand and turquoise waters. Hike to Hill Inlet Lookout for breathtaking panoramic views. Snorkel among colorful coral reefs teeming with tropical fish, sea turtles, and marine life. This is one of Australia's most spectacular natural wonders.
Optional Activities: Scenic flight over Heart Reef, multi-day sailing trips
Accommodation: Airlie Beach hostel/resort
Included Meals: Breakfast, lunch on boat
Travel north to Townsville, Australia's largest tropical city. Take a ferry to beautiful Magnetic Island, where over 70% of the island is national park. Explore secluded beaches, spot wild koalas in eucalyptus trees, snorkel the fringing reef, and enjoy bushwalking trails with stunning coastal views. The island's laid-back atmosphere and natural beauty make it a hidden Queensland gem.
Optional Activities: Kayaking, jet skiing, snorkeling tours
Accommodation: Magnetic Island or Townsville
Included Meals: Breakfast
Continue your tropical journey to Mission Beach, where rainforest meets the reef. This region boasts the highest concentration of cassowaries (large flightless birds) in Australia. Explore pristine beaches, lush rainforest walks, and enjoy the slower pace of this tropical paradise. Optional activities include white water rafting, skydiving over the reef, or rainforest zip-lining.
Optional Activities: Skydiving, white water rafting, rainforest adventures
Accommodation: Mission Beach area resort
Included Meals: Breakfast, farewell dinner
Complete your journey with arrival in tropical Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Your tour concludes in this vibrant tropical city, but we highly recommend extending your stay to explore the reef, Daintree Rainforest, and other Far North Queensland attractions. Your guide can provide recommendations for Great Barrier Reef tours, accommodation, and activities to continue your tropical adventure.
Accommodation: Tour ends in Cairns (post-tour accommodation available)
Included Meals: Breakfast
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Queensland's tropical coast enjoys excellent weather most of the year, though seasons vary significantly. The dry season (April-November) is considered the best time to visit, with warm sunny days, low humidity, and minimal rainfall. Average temperatures range from 23-28°C (73-82°F), perfect for beach activities, island hopping, and reef exploration.
The wet season (December-March) brings higher temperatures (28-32°C / 82-90°F), afternoon storms, and higher humidity. However, this season offers advantages including fewer tourists, lower prices, and spectacular storm waterfalls. The Great Barrier Reef remains accessible year-round, though visibility may be reduced after heavy rain.
Marine stinger season (November-May) requires wearing protective stinger suits when swimming at mainland beaches. Island beaches and resort pools remain safe. Always swim between the flags and follow lifeguard instructions.
Packing appropriately ensures comfort throughout your tropical journey. Essential items include:
Brisbane Airport (BNE) is Australia's third-busiest airport with excellent international and domestic connections from all major cities. The airport is approximately 20km from the city center with convenient Airtrain services, taxis, rideshare, and shuttle buses available. Many travelers arrive a day early to explore Brisbane's South Bank precinct, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, or Story Bridge.
Your tour concludes in tropical Cairns, providing the perfect base for extended adventures. We highly recommend spending 2-4 additional days exploring the Great Barrier Reef (snorkeling or diving tours), Daintree Rainforest (world's oldest tropical rainforest), Cape Tribulation (where rainforest meets reef), Kuranda village and scenic railway, and Port Douglas. Cairns also offers excellent nightlife, markets, and the famous Esplanade Lagoon.
The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef system and a UNESCO World Heritage site facing environmental challenges from climate change, coral bleaching, and pollution. Cooee Tours is committed to sustainable tourism practices. We encourage guests to use reef-safe sunscreen, avoid touching coral, follow snorkeling guidelines, minimize plastic use, and support reef conservation efforts.
Queensland's unique wildlife is a highlight of any tropical tour. You'll encounter koalas on Magnetic Island, wild dingoes on Fraser Island, cassowaries near Mission Beach, sea turtles while snorkeling, and countless tropical bird species. Always maintain safe distances from wildlife, never feed wild animals, and follow guide instructions. During stinger season, wear protective suits and swim at patrolled beaches or resort pools.
Fraser Island, known traditionally as K'gari meaning "paradise" in the Butchulla language, holds deep spiritual significance for the indigenous Butchulla people who have lived on the island for over 5,000 years. Learning about and respecting this indigenous heritage enriches your Fraser Island experience and supports cultural preservation.
Queensland's tropical coast offers amazing culinary experiences from fresh seafood to tropical fruits and multicultural cuisines. Our tours accommodate dietary needs including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other requirements with advance notice. Try local specialties like barramundi, mud crabs, tropical fruits (mangoes, pineapples), and Queensland-brewed beers.
Your comprehensive 7-day tour package includes private coach transportation with experienced guide, 6 nights quality accommodation (mix of hostels and resorts), multiple meals including breakfasts and select dinners, Fraser Island 4WD tour, Whitsunday Islands sailing with Whitehaven Beach visit, Magnetic Island ferry and exploration, snorkeling equipment, and all national park fees. This all-inclusive approach provides excellent value while allowing flexibility for personal exploration and optional activities.
Tours accommodate a maximum of 20 participants, ensuring an intimate group atmosphere perfect for making friends. Solo travelers are warmly welcomed – many of our guests travel independently and find the small group setting ideal for socializing. Solo accommodation upgrades are available for those preferring private rooms.
This tour welcomes travelers aged 18 and over with a moderate fitness level. You should be comfortable with walking moderate distances, boarding boats and ferries, snorkeling in open water, and participating in light adventure activities. The tour balances active exploration with relaxation time on beautiful tropical beaches.
Travel insurance is compulsory for all tour participants. We strongly recommend comprehensive coverage including trip cancellation, medical expenses, water sports coverage, and baggage protection. Review our complete terms, conditions, and cancellation policies before booking. Weather-dependent activities may be rescheduled or substituted if necessary.
Many guests combine this tour with other Australian experiences. Popular extensions include pre-tour time exploring Brisbane and the Gold Coast, post-tour Great Barrier Reef diving experiences, Daintree Rainforest exploration, Cape York adventures, or continuing south to Sydney via the east coast. Our travel consultants can help design your complete Australian itinerary.
Yes, travel insurance is compulsory for the entire duration of this tour. Ensure your policy covers water activities, snorkeling, and boat trips.
Yes! This trip is completely guided by an experienced local guide who provides commentary, handles logistics, and shares insider knowledge about Queensland's tropical regions.
Swimming is possible year-round, but during stinger season (November-May), protective stinger suits are required at mainland beaches. Island beaches, resort pools, and boat trips remain safe and accessible.
Accommodation varies from comfortable hostels with pool facilities to beachfront resorts. All properties are carefully selected for quality, location, and social atmosphere. Twin-share rooms are standard, with solo upgrades available.
Multiple meals are included (breakfasts and select dinners). Other meals allow you flexibility to explore local restaurants, beachside cafes, and tropical food scenes at your own pace and budget.
No snorkeling experience is required. Equipment and basic instruction are provided. Life jackets are available for less confident swimmers. The Whitsundays offer calm, shallow snorkeling areas perfect for beginners.
The tour includes snorkeling in the Whitsundays, which is part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. After the tour in Cairns, we highly recommend booking a full-day Great Barrier Reef tour for diving or snorkeling at the outer reef.
You'll have opportunities to see wild koalas on Magnetic Island, dingoes on Fraser Island, tropical fish and sea turtles while snorkeling, cassowaries near Mission Beach (if lucky), and numerous bird species throughout Queensland.
Groups have a maximum capacity of 20 people for a fun, social yet not overcrowded tropical adventure experience.
Bring swimwear, towel, sunscreen, hat, camera, water bottle, and closed-toe shoes suitable for walking. The 4WD tour can be bumpy, so secure all belongings and consider motion sickness tablets if needed.