12 Day Guided Cairns to Brisbane Cassowary Tour
Select Date and Passengers
Itinerary
Exciting Tours + Free Days
Group Leader
Fully Guided Tour
Accommodation
Upscale hotels + cabins
Marine Life
Epic Snorkelling
Transport
Comfortable Private Coach
Locations
See Queensland Highlights
Customise
Fun Add-On Activities
Meals
10 Breakfasts + 3 Lunches + 4 Dinners
Overview
See the highlights of Queensland’s East Coast on this 12-day Cairns to Brisbane guided itinerary! From the tropical city of Cairns, to the stunning white sands of the Whitsundays, to the world's largest sand island and the Great Barrier Reef, your itinerary is packed with natural wonders and cultural adventures.
Enjoy 3-4 star accommodation, delicious meals, and the guidance and direction of your knowledgeable Aussie guide. This itinerary is designed to give travellers a comfortable, upscale experience that still includes all the excitement and thrill of exploring East Coast Australia.
- Discover Cairns, Magnetic Island, Airlie Beach, Bundaberg, Noosa, and more
- Embark on exciting tours like a 4WD trip across K’gari (Fraser Island) and a boat trip to Whitehaven Beach
- Venture to Lady Musgrave Island and snorkel in the world heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef
- Enjoy a combination of action-packed day trips and free days to relax and explore on your own
- Soak up local knowledge and insider tips from your experienced tour guide
Your Sample Itinerary
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Day 1 |
MondayArrive in Cairns
After arriving in sunny Cairns, check in to your hotel and meet your friendly tour guide. Settle in, explore the city, and get ready for the included welcome dinner! This immersive dining experience includes a bush food tutorial and a 3-course meal using traditional, indigenous Australian ingredients. It’s the perfect introduction to Australia! StayHotel room in downtown Cairns |
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Day 2 |
TuesdayExplore Cairns and Surrounds
Spend a full day getting acquainted with Cairns! This vibrant city is packed with things to do, such as swimming in the Esplanade Lagoon, browsing through local fruit markets, or checking out the Botanical Gardens or Aquarium. Choose to add on optional day tours to Kuranda, Cape Tribulation, or the Great Barrier Reef. Or opt for an adventure activity like skydiving or river rafting! StayHotel room in downtown Cairns |
Trip Upgrades
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Day 3 |
WednesdayTravel to Magnetic Island
Today you’ll hop on the comfy, air-conditioned shuttle bus and head south! Stop at the beautiful Josephine Falls for a swim, then catch the ferry from Townsville to Magnetic Island. This lush island is home to dense rainforests, idyllic beaches, and iconic Aussie creatures like koalas, kangaroos, and wallabies! StayMagnetic Island cabin accommodation |
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Day 4 |
ThursdayFree Day In Magnetic Island
Spend your day basking in the serenity and natural beauty of Magnetic Island! Join a scenic walk with your guide to the historic Forts Complex and fill the rest of your day with whatever activities you like. Swim, hike, sightsee, and relax on this national park-covered island. Be on the lookout for koalas meandering through the trees! StayMagnetic Island cabin accommodation |
Optional Activities
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Day 5 |
FridayContinue south to Airlie Beach
After catching the ferry back to the mainland, continue the journey south to Airlie Beach! This quaint yet lively tourist town is the gateway to the breathtaking Whitsunday Islands. You’ll get out on the water tomorrow, so today you can explore Airlie Beach, check out some local eateries, and maybe grab a cheeky cocktail overlooking the water. StayHotel room in Airlie Beach |
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Day 6 |
SaturdayEmbrace the beauty of the Whitsundays
Make sure your cameras are charged up for today! Join an exhilarating boat tour through the Whitsunday Islands and visit one of Australia’s most photographed beaches, Whitehaven Beach! Stroll on the white silica sands, see the swirling sands from Hill Inlet Lookout, and even have the chance to add on a scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef. StayHotel room in Airlie Beach |
Tour Upgrade
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Day 7 |
SundayAirlie Beach to Bundaberg
Prepare for a big travel day as the tour bus makes its way to Bundaberg! Enjoy the views as you wind through the rich green Queensland landscapes. In the evening you’ll arrive in Bargara, a peaceful beachside area of Bundaberg where everyone will enjoy a group BBQ dinner. StayEco Resort villa in Bundaberg |
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Day 8 |
MondayLady Musgrave Island Adventures
Immerse yourself in the wonders of the southern Great Barrier Reef today with a boat tour to Lady Musgrave Island! On this stunning slice of paradise, you can learn about Aboriginal history and culture, snorkel with sea turtles, reef sharks, and manta rays, and explore enchanting caves and lagoons. StayEco Resort villa in Bundaberg |
Trip Upgrades
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Day 9 |
TuesdayJourney to Noosa
After a cruisey morning in Bundaberg, travel down to the Sunshine Coast! You’ll be staying in glamping tents at an eco-camp just outside the charming town of Noosa, surrounded by the wildlife-rich Noosa Everglades. Spend the day getting settled and maybe take on a bushwalk in the surrounding forest. StayGlamping safari tent in Noosa |
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Day 10 |
WednesdayFree Day in Noosa
Noosa and the surrounding area is full of fun things to do. Make the most of your day by exploring downtown Noosa and its amazing beaches, shops, cafes, and walking trails. Or add on a Noosa Everglades canoe tour or SUP tour if you’re itching to explore more of the wilderness! StayGlamping safari tent in Noosa |
Trip Upgrades
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Day 11 |
Thursday4WD Day Trip to K'gari (Fraser Island)
Get ready for the 4WD adventure of a lifetime! Today you’ll join a day trip to the world’s largest sand island, K’gari (formerly known as Fraser Island). Spend the day swimming in the sapphire waters of Lake McKenzie, driving on the famous Sand Highway, floating in Eli Creek, and admiring the ancient rainforests on this incredible island. StayGlamping safari tent in Noosa |
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Day 12 |
FridayFinish up in Brisbane
On the final day of your guided tour, travel from Noosa to Brisbane and say goodbye to your new friends and faithful tour guide! There is also the option to finish your tour in Byron Bay if you wish. Chat with our travel experts if you’re looking for any guidance on what to do in Brisbane or where to go next on your Australian adventure! |
What's Included?
- Experienced tour guide/driver
- Private, air-conditioned coach transport
- All island ferries
- 11 nights of twin/double accommodation (4 nights in cabins/villas, 4 nights in hotel rooms, 2 nights glamping)
- 17 Meals (10 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 4 dinners)
- Native Australian bush food tutorial in Cairns
- Ocean Rafting Day Tour in the Whitsundays
- Lady Musgrave Island and lagoon tour
- K’gari (Fraser Island) day tour
What's Extra?
- Travel Insurance (compulsory)
- Post-tour Brisbane accommodation & activities
Trip Upgrades
- Cape Tribulation day tour from Cairns
- Great Barrier Reef day tour from Cairns
- Cairns adventure activities like bungy jumping and rafting
- Scenic flight over the Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef
- Scuba diving on Lady Musgrave Island tour
- Noosa Everglades Canoe tour
- Solo accommodation upgrades
Important Information
- 2024 departures: 29 April, 2 September, 7 October, 4 November, 18 November, 2 December
- 2025 departures: 27 January, 10 February, 24 February, 10 March, 24 March
Terms and Conditions
Please read our terms, conditions and cancellation policies before booking your East Coast itinerary package.
FAQs
Do I need travel insurance?
It is compulsory to have travel insurance for the entire duration of this itinerary.
What are the departure dates for this itinerary?
Please chat with our friendly travel agents about available upcoming dates for this itinerary.
Is this trip guided?
Yes! This trip is completely guided, meaning that a friendly and knowledgeable guide will lead the way and illuminate hidden local spots.
Who will I travel with?
You will travel with a small, fun group of other adventure travellers aged 18 and over, and of course, your group leader.
What is the accommodation like?
This is a more upmarket backpacker trip, with some gorgeous, hand-picked accommodation. You will spend 4 nights in cabins/villas, 4 nights in hotel rooms and 2 nights glamping.
Are meals included?
17 meals (10 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 4 dinners) are included in your itinerary. The others are up to you, with ample cafe, restaurant, bar and supermarket options readily available along the way.
What should I bring?
Check out our ultimate East Coast packing list for everything you need to bring along.
What is the age bracket for this trip?
This trip is perfect for anybody with a taste for adventure aged 18 and up. Designed for young-at-heart travellers, this social and jam-packed Aussie trip is perfect for solo backpackers, couples, small groups of friends and first-time overseas trippers looking to discover the wonder of the East Coast.
What transport is provided?
You will travel from Cairns to Brisbane in a private, comfortable coach bus with the rest of your group! Sit back, relax and enjoy the ride!
Can my dietary requirements (vegan, gluten-free, allergies, etc) be catered for?
Please advise our travel agents as soon as possible when booking this trip to ensure your dietaries can be catered to where possible. Please note that some tours charge small fees to cover the cost of accommodating dietary requirements.
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