Brisbane to Cairns road trip with K'gari & Whitsundays sailing tour

Itinerary in brief:

• 2 nights Noosa
• 2 nights K'gari
• 1 night Rockhampton
• 1 night Airlie Beach
• 1 night Whitsundays Sailing
• 2 nights Cairns

Day 1: Brisbane to Noosa

On arrival into Brisbane Airport, you will collect your rental car and begin your journey up the east coast. The first stop is Noosa, located just over 1 and a half hours away.

On arrival check into your hotel and the rest of the day is yours to do as you please. Noosa is well known for its laidback vibe and its access to the stunning Everglades, where you can take canoe safaris and spot the local wildlife.

Included: Car hire, 4* hotel

Day 2: Noosa

Today is yours to explore the picturesque region of Noosa. Why not start your day with a hike in Noosa National Park, where coastal trails take you to secluded beaches and scenic spots with panoramic views over the ocean. Visit one of the popular beaches to hire a paddleboard or enjoy a swim before heading into town for a fresh seafood lunch at one of the stylish cafes. In the afternoon you could visit the nearby Everglades to kayak amongst the mangroves before enjoying a beer on the beach at the end of the day.

Included: Car hire, 4* hotel

Day 3: Noosa to K'gari      

Head off early this morning for your drive up to Hervey Bay, 2 and a half hours away. On arrival head straight to the ferry terminal to connect with your boat over to K'gari. You will be greeted off the ferry and taken to your hotel where you will check in for the next 2 nights.

Included: Car hire, ferry, 4* hotel

Day 4: K'gari

After breakfast you will be taken on a full day 4WD explorer tour of the island, visit the main beauty spots on the island including Lake Mackenzie, known for its clear waters and silicone sands and Seventy Mile Beach, a vast expanse of golden sands and home to the Maheno shipwreck, a perfect photo opportunity. K'gari offers a rare combination of beach, bush and unique biodiversity which you can experience all in one unforgettable day.

Included: Breakfast, 4WD tour of K'gari, lunch, 4* hotel

Day 5: K'gari to Rockhampton

After breakfast, depart the island at your chosen ferry time, pick up your car and do the 4-hour drive up to Rockhampton where you will spend tonight to break up your journey. Visit the famous Bundaberg Rum Distillery and the Mon Repos Turtle Centre on the road north before stopping in Seventeen Seventy for lunch. This charming seaside town is famous for the second landing site of Captain Cook in Australia and is a lovely little side trip on your way up the coast to Rockhampton. 

Included: Breakfast, ferry, car hire, 4* hotel

Day 6: Rockhampton to Airlie Beach

Head off bright and early today as you have a 5-hour drive to your next destination, Airlie Beach. After checking in head to the lagoon for an afternoon relaxing by the pool and enjoying a swim. You will check in for your sailing trip this evening and be given all the information you need to set sail in the morning.

Included: Car hire, 4* hotel 

Day 7: Whitsundays sailing

Depart on your maxi yacht today on a Whitsundays sailing adventure, you will get the opportunity to snorkel and if you wish, dive off the boat, the waters here are rich in marine life from tiny orange clownfish to dolphins and even turtles. Visit the iconic Whitehaven Beach and be taken to 2 different spots at the end of the reef to get into the water and check out the tropical marine life.

If you want to, you can get involved with the sailing of the boat, so this can be a perfect time to brush up on your sailing skills as well as relax on the deck and enjoy the sunshine.

Included: All meals, Double Cabin on Prima Yacht

Day 8: Airlie Beach to Cairns

Wake early this morning to spot dolphins swimming by the boat. Make sure you take part in an early morning snorkel, the best way to start any day! You will arrive back in Airlie Beach at 11am this morning, hop in your car and head off on your final journey up to Cairns. The journey is a long one, taking 7 hours. If you feel this is too long, we can break the journey along the way – just let your consultant know.

Included: Breakfast, car hire, 4* hotel 

Day 9: Great Barrier Reef snorkelling tour

Today you'll head off on a tour to snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef. This unique tour will take you out to the reef to swim amongst the colourful coral and shimmering fish where you'll be joined by both marine biologists and Indigenous Cultural Guides to learn about the Aboriginal culture and Dreamtime stories about the creation of the Great Barrier Reef. It's the perfect way to experience this wonder of the world whilst also learning about native Australian history and storytelling.

Included: Car hire, snorkelling tour, 4* hotel 

Day 10: Depart Cairns

Finish your time in Cairns with a morning walk on the beach before heading to the airport to drop off your car in time for your onwards flight. 

Included: Car hire