4 Week Cairns To Brisbane Ultimate

Day 1 

Begin the adventure in Cairns!

Hit the ground running in the golden city of Cairns, where endless summer temperatures and swaying palm trees create the perfect tropical scene! After checking into your central accommodation, hit the relaxed streets of the city centre and take a swim in the Cairns Lagoon before a night of laughs with fellow adventure-seekers. Choose to kick back at your hostel or hit the backpacker bars, the night is yours!

Day 2

Scuba dive the Great Barrier Reef

Time to cruise from the Cairns mainland to the world’s largest coral reef, the Great Barrier Reef! Giving life to biodiverse marine ecosystems, the reef is home to corals of every colour and a plethora of unique marine species from giant clams to sea turtles. Discover the technicolour forests below by grabbing a scuba tank and embarking on an intro to diving, where experienced instructors will teach you the basics of scuba. Tick off bucket list dreams as you glide through turquoise waters surrounded by reef fish and learn an exciting new skill at the same time! 

Trip Extension 

• Expand your diving skills with a 4-day open water certification course

Day 3 

Atherton Tablelands Waterfalls Adventure

From vivid coral reefs to ancient waterfalls, Cairns is a shining hotspot for heritage-listed natural wonder! Set off for a guided day of spectacular adventure in the Atherton Tablelands region where rolling countryside, rich rainforest gullies and enchanting flowing waterfalls await. From the towering Millaa Millaa Falls to the natural waterslide at Josephine Falls, a swimsuit and camera are a must-bring! Whilst enjoying the freshwater bliss with your social tour group, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for an abundance of native wildlife, including quirky local platypus’!

Day 4

Discover Cape Tribulation and the Daintree Rainforest

Explore ancient highlights of Cape Tribulation and the Daintree Rainforest, the only place in the world where two World Heritage-listed destinations meet! Swim in the pristine depths of the Mossman Gorge, walk along the sandy stretches of Cape Tribulation, take the perfect FOMO-inducing picture at breathtaking scenic lookouts and best of all… have the chance to spot a crocodile in the wild on a river cruise! 

Day 5

Experience Cairns your way

Following the last three days of unmatched adventure amongst the Great Barrier Reef, Atherton Tablelands, Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation, Cairns is surely your new best friend! Take your last day in Cairns at your own pace by hitting Rustys Market early, wandering the Botanical Gardens, chilling out by the Cairns Lagoon, indulging in a locally-sourced seafood lunch, or heading out to the bohemian rainforest village of Kuranda. Or, cruise back out to the teeming Great Barrier Reef for the day to explore more flourishing reef locations!

Trip Upgrade

• Great Barrier Reef day tour

Trip Extension 

• Extend your time in Cairns with further accommodation or an overnight reef tour

Day 6

Head south to Mission Beach

Say goodbye to the bustling streets of Cairns and journey south to Mission Beach, where small-town charm and dreamy stretches of palm-fringed beach meet. Take the chance to stretch your legs after the 140-kilometre journey and unwind into the laid-back vibe of Mission Beach, your tropical home for the next three nights of ultimate East Coast fun!

Day 7

Skydive above the Great Barrier Reef!

You’ve dived the world-renowned Great Barrier Reef in Cairns, now is the time to soar above the stretching reef systems surrounding Mission Beach and take a thrilling tandem skydive from 15,000 feet! As one of the most scenic drop zones in the Southern Hemisphere, enjoy soaring above aqua waters and sprawling coral reefs alongside a qualified professional. After experiencing the ultimate adrenaline rush with an astounding beach landing, it’s certainly time for a beverage and yarns with mates to end your day!

Day 8 & 9

White water raft the Tully River!

Just when you thought the tropical adventure couldn’t get any better, it does! An action-packed experience for the bucket list, the Tully River is the ideal place to immerse yourself in the excitement of white water rafting alongside trained tour guides and fellow fun-seekers! Wake early and head to the Tully River, where you’ll spend the day rafting through the rapids and learning how to navigate the rushing waters for yourself. Don't worry no experience is necessary! Spend day nine, your final day in Mission Beach, exploring the charming township, relaxing by the beach and chilling out in tropical heaven!

Day 10, 11 & 12

Soak up the Magnetic Island bliss!

The next day, cruise from Mission Beach after three days of jam-packed guided adventures to the stunning blue waters and indulgent shorelines of Magnetic Island! Maggie Island (as the locals call it), is a natural paradise on earth, home to abundant native wildlife and world-class beaches. Find your ultimate Maggie Island zen over three days as you enjoy island hikes, cuddle-friendly koalas, spot rock wallabies in the wild and wade amongst crystal-clear coves!

Day 13 & 14

Head south and discover Airlie Beach

Feeling as relaxed as ever, hop aboard the southbound bus to Airlie Beach, the renowned gateway to the picturesque Whitsunday Islands! After checking in to your central accommodation, the next two days are yours to explore. Grab your hostel mates and laze by the Airlie Beach Lagoon, explore the town with a stroll along the esplanade and treat yourself to a fresh seafood feast by the bustling marina. Or, venture along the Whitsundays mainland with a road trip to Cedar Creek Falls. Come dusk, experience the backpacker hub come to life with an Aussie bar crawl and boogie at one of many seaside bars and clubs!

Trip Upgrade

• Airlie Beach Scenic Skydive
• Scenic Flight over the Great Barrier Reef and Whitsunday Islands

Day 15 & 16

Set sail in the Whitsunday Islands

Ahoy there East Coast adventurers! Today you’re boarding a state-of-the-art backpacker vessel for an epic two-day, two-night sailing trip amongst the Whitsunday Islands! Let your friendly crew cruise you to the silica sands of Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet’s ever-changing scenic views and fringing reef sites laden with unique coral formations and marine species. Have a laugh on exciting aquatic toys, swim alongside sea turtles, kick back on shady deck spaces and create lifelong friendships as you sail the glassy seas. As the sun begins to set each afternoon, be sure to crack open a cool beverage with your crew and soak up the social scene!

Trip Upgrade

• Private cabin on your overnight vessel

Day 17

Afterparty in Airlie Beach

Make the most of your last morning in the Whitsunday Islands by watching a remarkable sunrise and capturing some last-minute sailing shots for your camera roll! Once you’ve arrived back in Airlie Beach, take the afternoon to enjoy some downtime before donning your finest linens and heading to the VIP afterparty in Airlie Beach, where drink discounts are ready and waiting. Time to enjoy one last final hoorah in the vibrant Airlie Beach scene with your sailing crew!

Day 18

Airlie Beach to Rainbow Beach Travel Day

Following a fun-packed night on the town, today is the perfect chance to catch up on some well-earned R&R as you depart Airlie Beach on an overnight bus to Rainbow Beach. The journey is roughly 1000 kilometres south, so it’s a fabulous idea to plug in your headphones and watch the gleaming East Coast scenery whirl past!

Day 19 & 20

Rainbow Beach Dolphin Kayak & Free Day

Wahoo you’ve reached the subtropical bliss of Queensland’s southeast coast! Hidden amongst glorious sand cliffs and flourishing vegetation, Rainbow Beach is a charming coastal town that evolves around the sun and surf. Escape the East Coast crowds over the next two days and enjoy scenic walking trails and refreshing ocean swims. On day 20, explore the big blue further and rub shoulders with quirky local dolphin pods on a Dolphin Kayak tour! Paddle next to these gorgeous creatures and be amazed by nature at your fingertips!

Trip Upgrade

• Surf lesson

Day 21 & 22

K’gari (Fraser Island) 4WD Camping Adventure!

Embark on your journey to K’gari and begin your three-day, two-night guided discovery tour! A tranquil paradise home to camping and 4WD adventures, get excited for blissful days packed with crystal-clear freshwater lakes, Aussie bush hikes, salty ocean swims and the chance to drive along unique sand highways! With your K’gari crew and knowledgable guides, visit the pristine Lake Mackenzie, the Maheno Shipwreck, flowing Eli Creek and 75 Mile Beach, all whilst learning the rich history of K’gari along the way. By sunset, settle down for the night at your cosy campsite where the campfire is crackling, waves are lapsing in the distance and delicious meals are shared amongst fellow travellers!

Day 23

Last K'gari swim & ferry back to Rainbow Beach

Hop aboard the ferry back to Rainbow Beach with a camera roll filled with island memories and a sunkissed glow! Checking into your central accommodation by late afternoon, taking the evening at your own pace. Chill out after days of sun-drenched adventure or grab a goodbye drink with new mates before you head to Noosa the next day!

Day 24

Welcome to Noosa!

The East Coast is beckoning once more! Make your way to Noosa, the picture-perfect beach town on the Sunshine Coast, where world-class surfing beaches and bespoke restaurants are at your doorstep. Check in to your deluxe central hostel, see the sites with a stroll around the Noosa National Park and treat yourself to a sunset cocktail on Hastings Street, there sure is an abundance of free things to do in Noosa.

Day 25

Canoe through the Noosa Everglades

From dazzling beaches to untouched everglade systems, Noosa is brimming with natural marvels! Rise early and head out to the spectacular Noosa Everglades for an eco-friendly guided adventure of one of just two everglade systems in the world. Canoe peacefully along ancient waterways, spot an abundance of bird and aquatic wildlife, swim amongst the reflective waters and learn all about the area's phenomenal biodiversity from knowledgeable guides. The ultimate Noosa discovery experience! 

Day 26

Meet Aussie wildlife at Australia Zoo!

Crikey! A trip down under isn’t complete without a visit to Australia Zoo, the ultimate place to get up close and personal with iconic Aussie wildlife. Relax with the kangaroos on the lawn, cuddle friendly koalas, take pictures with cheeky wombats and hand-feed spiky echidnas during your wildlife-packed day. Plus, learn from passionate zoo keepers all about each animal’s unique habitat and personality along the way. Best of all watch an exciting crocodile feeding at the Crocodile Environmental Park, built by the late Steve Irwin himself!

Day 27

Free day in Noosa

Boasting glassy coves with perfect beginner waves, Noosa is the ultimate destination to add on a surf lesson whilst you’re in town! Whether you're keen for a headland hike, surf, suntan or swim, the beach is breathtaking and must be enjoyed! Lather on that sunscreen and live it up seaside!

Trip Upgrade

• Surfing lesson

Day 28

Hello Brisbane!

As your 28-day itinerary comes to a close, it’s time to check out of your deluxe Noosa hostel and hop aboard a bus once more to Brisbane, Queensland’s colourful capital city! A riverside concrete jungle where buzzing nightlife meets classic Aussie greenery, Brisbane is home to an abundance of backpacker-friendly things to do. The adventure has only just begun along the East Coast, so why not extend your itinerary and explore the highlights of the south?

 Trip Extension

• Post-tour accommodation and activities in Brisbane