Take a 7 Day Brisbane to Cairns Tour and enjoy a relaxing journey along Queensland’s diverse coastline, travelling from a vibrant riverside city to the lush tropical north. This route features sunny beaches, colourful reef waters, and scenic rainforest drives. Along the way, you’ll visit coastal towns, regional centres, and natural attractions. The itinerary covers a large distance at a comfortable pace, with time for swimming, relaxed walks, and enjoying fresh local seafood. By the time you arrive in Cairns, you’ll understand why this stretch of Queensland is so popular with travellers.
If you book Twin Share Accommodation as a solo traveller, you will be paired with another traveller of the same gender. Guests aged 12 to 17 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian for the entire tour. This itinerary is not suitable for children aged 11 and under.
You arrive in Brisbane, a lively riverside city preparing to host the Olympics. Meet your guide and fellow travellers in the hotel lobby at 5 p.m. for a welcome briefing. Afterwards, enjoy a guided city walk before heading to a local favourite restaurant for an optional group dinner.
Included Activities:
Meals: None
Driving Distance: None
Walking Distance: Easy short walk
Accommodation: The Point Hotel Brisbane or similar
Enjoy breakfast before travelling north to the Whitsunday Coast. After arriving, settle into the vibrant seaside town of Airlie Beach, known for its lagoon, coastal boardwalks, and tropical atmosphere. Spend the afternoon shopping, relaxing by the water, or enjoying drinks with a view.
Included Activities:
Meals: Breakfast
Driving Distance: 40 km
Flight: Brisbane to Proserpine – approx. 1 hr 50 min (990 km)
Accommodation: Mantra Club Croc or similar
Spend the day exploring the Whitsunday Islands with a full-day cruise through turquoise waters. Visit the iconic Whitehaven Beach, take a guided walk to Hill Inlet Lookout, and enjoy snorkelling among colourful coral reefs filled with marine life. Return to Airlie Beach in the evening.
Included Activities:
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Boat Distance: approx. 46 km (~8 hours)
Walking Distance: approx. 2 km easy walks
Accommodation: Mantra Club Croc or similar
Travel north along the scenic Bruce Highway to Mission Beach, a relaxed coastal village located between the rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. Spend the afternoon enjoying beach walks or looking for wallabies and the rare cassowary.
Included Activities:
Meals: Breakfast
Driving Distance: 505 km
Walking Distance: Short walks and lookout stops
Accommodation: Mission Beach Resort or similar
Travel through the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area to explore the beautiful Atherton Tablelands. Swim beneath a rainforest waterfall, visit the volcanic Lake Eacham, and admire the enormous Curtain Fig Tree. Arrive in Cairns, known for its lively esplanade and tropical atmosphere.
Included Activities:
Meals: Breakfast
Driving Distance: 220 km
Walking Distance: Easy short walks and scenic viewpoints
Accommodation: Flynn Hotel Cairns or similar
Enjoy a full-day catamaran cruise to the Great Barrier Reef. Snorkel among colourful coral gardens, take a ride on a glass-bottom boat, and listen to informative marine commentary. Watch for sea turtles, reef fish, and incredible coral formations. Optional scuba diving is available for those wanting a deeper reef experience.
Included Activities:
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Boat Distance: approx. 30 km (~8.5 hours)
Accommodation: Flynn Hotel Cairns or similar
Enjoy breakfast before the tour concludes in Cairns. Say goodbye to your guide and travel companions, or extend your stay to explore more of the tropical north.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: N/A
17:00 PM – The Point Brisbane Hotel, 21 Lambert St., Brisbane, Queensland
The weather on Australia’s East Coast varies by season and region. In the summer, temperatures can reach the upper 30s °C, but in the winter, they are usually pleasant, especially in the northern areas. Coastal areas might see abrupt changes, such as sudden rain or chilly evenings. Travellers should check the weather forecast for the time they plan to travel and bring appropriate clothing, including sun protection, light layers, and rain gear. Tours proceed in most weather conditions unless the supplier says otherwise.
Important Information
To confirm your reservation, travellers must provide personal details including date of birth, dietary sensitivities, preferred title or gender for rooming arrangements, a contact phone number, and passport information.
Dietary Demands
We aim to accommodate a wide range of dietary requirements. Please notify your booking agent of any food allergies or specific meal requests when you make your reservation so we can prepare the appropriate arrangements.
Medical Conditions
Please inform the tour operator of any medical conditions at the time of booking. This itinerary involves light physical activity and requires participants to move independently.
Level of Fitness
Guests should expect light physical activity throughout the tour and must be able to walk independently. Travellers aged 70 or older must provide a doctor’s certificate at least 30 days before departure.
Age Limits
Travellers aged 12–17 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Due to the nature of the itinerary, the tour is not suitable for children aged 11 and under.
Solo Travellers
If you book Twin Share Accommodation (BC7-B) as a solo traveller, you will be placed in a shared twin room with another solo traveller, typically of the same gender.
Fare Type Options
Mobility Issues
This tour is not suitable for travellers requiring mobility assistance, including those using wheelchairs, walkers, or mobility scooters.
Baggage Limitations
Due to limited vehicle storage, each traveller may bring one main bag up to 20 kg and one day bag up to 5 kg. Larger or additional bags must be approved in advance.
Changes to the Itinerary
Tour activities and schedules may change due to weather conditions, cultural considerations, park safety notices, or temporary swimming restrictions. Guest safety and comfort remain the highest priority, and adjustments are made to ensure the best possible experience.
Reconfirming Details
All travellers must contact the office within 7 days prior to departure to reconfirm tour arrangements.
Private Tours
If you would like to organise a private group charter, please email charters@gltg.com.au.
Quality stays in private or shared ensuite rooms.
All entry fees for parks on the itinerary are covered.
6 breakfasts and 2 hearty group lunches included.
Authentic immersive learning and cultural exchange.
Led treks through rainforests, coastlines, and lookouts.
Specialized excursion to spot tree kangaroos, platypus, or rare birds.
Full-day trip including Hill Inlet, snorkeling, and the silica sands.
Full-day reef trip with snorkel gear and glass-bottom boat viewing.
Expert leadership with engaging regional and historical commentary.
Includes private vehicles, boat transfers, and a domestic flight (BNE > PPP).
Brisbane CBD meeting point and convenient Cairns drop-off.
Ample free time to enjoy local dining or eat with the group.
Extra nights available upon request for an additional fee.
Transport to/from the exact meeting and drop-off points.
Non-required tours, gear rentals, or luxury add-ons.
Available as an optional extra for certified or intro divers.
Individual comprehensive coverage is highly recommended.
Money for snacks, drinks, souvenirs, and incidentals.
An experienced Australian travel expert wrote it, and it has a lot of up-to-date, reliable information to back it up.
Yes. This guide gives you useful, insider information, and official sources keep you up to date on access, permits, road conditions, and weather alerts.
No. All of the suggestions are based only on local knowledge and personal experience, not on sponsorships or advertising agreements.
Details are checked regularly to ensure they are up to date with changes in the seasons, the rules, or the way things are done in the area.
It’s a great start, but you should also look at maps, visitor centres, and official park updates to plan everything out.
