Brisbane to Cairns Experience: Sand Dunes & the Whitsundays

Now's the time to explore Australia on your terms with this tour that's affordable for young travellers. If you're big on ambition but short on time, sign yourself up for this zippy ten-day tour up the East Coast of Queensland. Play transport bingo as you hop on a yacht, train, truck, and private vehicle to get around your destinations. Hit K'gari (Fraser Island) and the Whitsundays, go snorkelling, and explore the beauty of Noosa. Your time here may be fleeting, but the photos you snap, post, and caption will have "humblebrag" written all over them forever.

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.

Day 2 Brisbane/Noosa
Escape the city as you journey north up the coast to Noosa. Noosa is known for the balmy sunshine, slow beach days, bright blue skies, rolling waves around every corner. Arrive at our hostel for the next three nights and enjoy lunch before heading out to explore all the area has to offer.

Day 3 Noosa to K'gari (Fraser Island)
On your mark...get set.... go! Travel by private vehicle and ferry with your group to reach K'gari (Fraser Island); for a true Aussie experience. K'gari (Fraser Island) is the largest sand island in the world and the only known place where rainforest grows on sand.
In the traditional Butchulla language the name of K'Gari means paradise; think striking blue lakes, crystal clear creeks, giant dunes, and dense rainforests in a place truly unlike any other. Once on the island the group will go for a 4x4 tour, driving along over 100km of beach to get a sense of your surroundings. Then take a swim in Lake Mckenzie, or be on the lookout for wild Dingoes (this is one of the few places in Australia where you are able to see them). Return to Noosa later in the afternoon.

Day 4 Noosa
Enjoy a free day in Noosa by taking in the shops along Hasting Street in search of souvenirs, having a coffee on the beach, or a surf in the Ocean. You can also choose to spend time back at the hostel or participate in some of the optional activities offered in the area.

Day 5 Noosa/Airlie Beach
Wake up and get ready to see some of the most beautiful coastline in Australia. This morning the group will hike parts of the Noosa Coastal Track with stunning views across the water and if you look up you may just spot a Koala or two! We will cross secluded beaches before ending up at Hell's Gate. In the afternoon the group will head to the train station to board an overnight train (get ready to post some ‘grams) as the group travels north to Airlie Beach.

Day 6 Airlie Beach/Whitsunday Islands
Awake as the train pulls to a stop in your next destination. Remember those stranded-on-a-deserted island fantasies that we all had growing up? (no just us?) Either way get ready to relive that castaway dream as you hike to an island lookout over Whitehaven Beach (one of the most famous beaches in the world) and enjoy the views of powdery sand and the Coral Sea’s azure waters. You probably won’t ever want to leave. And you haven’t even gone below the surface yet! After some free time on the beach basking in the sun you'll be off to another secluded tropical island spot where the group will anchor for the night.

Day 7 Whitsunday Islands/Airlie Beach
Expected forecast today is; peace, serenity, paradise, and lots of gorgeous views. You may want to pull out your phone or camera every chance you get, but try to refrain and simply enjoy the moment as you and the group continue sailing through the picturesque backdrop of the Whitsunday Islands. Swim, snorkel, or lounge on the boat deck before sailing to the resort town of Airlie Beach for a night on the town with your best adventure buds! Live it up because let’s face it, how often are you really in this kind of paradise?

Day 8 Airlie Beach/Cairns
With an early morning departure, admire the scenery on the train ride north to Cairns.

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.

Day 10 Cairns
Depart at any time.