1 Week Cairns To Brisbane Budget

Day 1

Welcome to Cairns!

Here comes the sun and the tropical adventures as you arrive in the heart of Far North Queensland. Check in to your deluxe hostel and discover the beauty of Cairns, a bustling hub of culture, food, rainforest and reef. Whether you’re hitting Rusty’s market for a juice, swimming in the Lagoon or hanging out at your hostel bar, get in the rhythm of beachside living!

Trip Extension

• Pre-tour accommodation and activities in Cairns

Day 2

Dive into the Great Barrier Reef

Delve into the underwater wonders of the Great Barrier Reef; one of the seven natural wonders of the world! Your day boat departs from Cairns and leads you to the Outer Reef, where colourful corals, glimmering fish and majestic sea turtles dwell. Explore the reef either by snorkelling or scuba diving on your inclusive experience, where lunch, gear and tutelage are all included!

Day 3

En route to Airlie Beach

From one tropical centre to the next, set your eyes on Airlie Beach - a backpacker's dream! Home to an amazing nightlife scene, seaside vistas and natural wonders left, right and centre, soak up the sun in paradise! Your bus arrives in the afternoon, so hit the esplanade for a welcome drink before taking to the town to experience Airlie’s infamous live music scene. 

Day 4

Whitsunday Island sailing & snorkelling

Zoom out to the Whitsunday Islands on a day trip to the exquisite Whitehaven Beach and Great Barrier Reef! Spend ample time snorkelling vibrant fringing reefs before a stop at the bright white sands of Whitehaven Beach. A swim at Betty’s Bay and a bushwalk up to Hill Inlet Lookout are must-dos, as you take in the aqua hues at one of the most beautiful viewpoints in the world. You’ve seen the best of the magnificent Whitsunday Islands, you tropical mermaid!

Day 5

Rainbow Beach chillin’

Wake up in a beautiful beachy haven, where rainbow-toned sandy beaches and bright blue waters colour your view! Rainbow Beach is a hidden gem of the East Coast, so hit the beach, enjoy a lazy brunch, explore the Carlo Sand Blow and go on a coastal walk. Today is up to you, so enjoy self-guided adventures or kick back and do as little as you please!

Day 6

K’gari (Fraser Island) 4WD safari

Catch the ferry over to K’gari (Fraser Island), the world’s largest sand island, and buckle up for the adventure of your dreams! This magical natural gem is laden with technicolour lakes, dazzling beaches, abundant wildlife and lush rainforest. Your local guide will illuminate K’gari’s wonders in a 4WD bus with stops at Lake Mackenzie, Maheno Shipwreck, Eli Creek and the tropical rainforest. Lunch and all ferry transport are included, so you can focus on spotting dingoes!

Day 7

Roll on out to Brisbane

Brisbane (meanjin) is an awesome, unique city and is renowned as the heart of Queensland. So, hit the road on your final East Coast itinerary day with the city in your sights! Arrive in the CBD, where art, food and good times are abundant, and the next chapter is totally up to you!

Trip Extension

• Post-tour accommodation and tours in Brisbane, Gold Coast, Byron Bay and more!