Join us on a spectacular coach tour to Cairns, showcasing the best of Australia’s stunning East Coast. Relax in comfort as we journey through charming coastal towns, breathtaking beaches, lush hinterlands, and iconic destinations. From the glittering Gold Coast to the tropical beauty of North Queensland, this fully escorted tour offers unforgettable sights, quality accommodation, and all the highlights—without the hassle. Sit back, relax, and let us take you on a memorable adventure to Australia’s tropical north.

Day 1: Home Port to Sydney

Depart your home port this morning on a flight to Sydney. On arrival, your tour will begin with a comprehensive sightseeing tour of the NSW capital city showcasing such wonderful icons as the Sydney Opera House, Bondi Beach, Harbour Bridge, Paddington, Queen Victoria Building, Sydney Cricket Ground and Darling Harbour. You will have free time this afternoon to explore further at your leisure. Tonight’s hotel is the Mercure Central. (L,D)

Day 2: Sydney to Coffs Harbour

Depart Sydney in the morning, heading north along the Pacific Highway (M1), one of Australia’s most scenic coastal routes. Travel through Sydney’s northern suburbs and past the beautiful Central Coast, where golden beaches and lush national parks line the coastline. Stop for morning tea before Newcastle, a vibrant city known for its stunning beaches and historic harbour. Continue along the highway, passing through picturesque coastal and hinterland towns before reaching Bulahdelah, the gateway to Myall Lakes National Park. Travel through Kempsey, before approaching Coffs Harbour and enjoy the lush scenery of the Banana Coast, with rolling green hills, banana plantations, and glimpses of the sparkling Pacific Ocean. Arrive in Coffs Harbour by late afternoon and check into your accommodation. This journey offers a mix of coastal beauty, wildlife encounters, and scenic stopovers, making for a memorable and enjoyable road trip along New South Wales’ stunning Mid-North Coast. Tonight is at the Zebra Motel Coffs Harbour (Ph: 02 6652 1588). (L,D)

Day 3: to Queensland and Surfer’s Paradise

Depart Coffs Harbour in the morning and travel north along the Pacific Highway, enjoying the stunning coastal scenery of New South Wales’ Northern Rivers region. Pass through Woolgoolga, known for its large Sikh community and vibrant temple, and continue past Grafton, famous for its jacaranda-lined streets and historic buildings. The journey continues through lush farmlands and river towns, crossing the Clarence River at Maclean, a town with a strong Scottish heritage. Stopping on the Clarence River in Woodburn for morning tea. Approaching Ballina, the coastline becomes more dramatic, with long sandy beaches and rolling hinterland. Continuing north, pass through the famous holiday town of Byron Bay, where we will visit the iconic Cape Byron Lighthouse marks Australia’s easternmost point with breathtaking panoramic views over the Pacific Ocean before having lunch in town. Continue towards the Queensland border, passing through the picturesque Tweed Heads region. Cross into Queensland and travel towards the glittering coastline of Surfers Paradise, the heart of the Gold Coast. Arriving mid- afternoon, check into your accommodation and take in the lively atmosphere of this world-famous beachside destination. Spend the evening exploring Cavill Avenue, strolling along the beachfront or just relaxing by the pool. You’ll enjoy a delicious signature seafood buffet dinner tonight as a welcome to Queensland! Tonight is at the Novotel Surfer’s Paradise (Ph: 07 5579 3499) (B,L,D)

Day 4: to K’gari (Fraser Island)

Depart Surfers Paradise in the morning, heading north along the Pacific Motorway, passing through the bustling cityscape of Brisbane. Skirt around the city via the Gateway Motorway, crossing the iconic Brisbane River before continuing towards the scenic Moreton Bay region. Travel past the lush farmland and pineapple plantations of the Sunshine Coast hinterland, with the Glass House Mountains providing a dramatic backdrop. Continue along the Bruce Highway, passing the coastal hubs of Caloundra, Mooloolaba, and Maroochydore, where pristine beaches and relaxed coastal townships line the route. Travel north through Gympie, a historic gold rush town, before continuing into the Fraser Coast region. The landscape transitions into open pastures and sugar cane fields as you approach Maryborough, one of Queensland’s oldest cities, known for its beautifully preserved colonial architecture and connection to the author of Mary Poppins, P.L. Travers. After a fun day it’s now time for the short drive to River Heads where you’ll be boarding your barge to K’Gari for 2 nights at the award-winning Kingfisher Bay Resort where King Charles stayed in 1994. I hope they’ve changed the sheets! Enjoy lazing by the pool before a drink at the sunset bar and then a beautiful dinner. (Ph: 1800 372 737) (B,L,D)

Day 5: Exploring K’gari

An early breakfast this morning as there is so much to do and see today. Depart on your 4WD coach (we’ve left the other one back on the mainland) for a full day of guided touring including all the major attractions on the island such as Lake McKenzie freshwater lake, Central Station and Wanggoolba Creek, Pile Vally, The Maheno shipwreck, Seventy-Five Mile Beach, Eli, Creek, Coloured Sands and Stonetool Sandblow. Lunch will be a K’gari Beach Resort. Dinner tonight at Kingfisher. (B,L,D)

Day 6: to Rockhampton

After breakfast a later checkout today to give you a chance to relax after a big day. Travel again on the barge to the mainland before joining your luxury coach for the journey north. Continue north towards Childers, a charming rural town set among rolling sugar cane fields and avocado farms. Stop for lunch at one of Childers’ historic cafés and visit the Old Pharmacy Museum to get a glimpse into the town’s past. From here, travel through the Bundaberg region, famous for its rum distillery and fresh produce, before rejoining the Bruce Highway and heading deeper into central Queensland’s agricultural heartland. Pass through the regional town of Gin Gin, known as the “Gateway to the North,” before continuing towards Miriam Vale, a great spot for a lunch stop. Pass through vast grazing lands and eucalyptus forests. As you approach Gladstone, you’ll notice the transition from rural landscapes to an industrial port city, home to one of Australia’s largest coal export facilities. The final stretch to Rockhampton takes you through the beef capital of Australia, with its rich cattle-grazing country and famous roadside bull statues. Arrive in Rockhampton by late afternoon at the Quality Hotel Regent (Ph: 07 4927 2729). (B,L,D)

Day 7: to Airlie Beach and Daydream Island

Depart Rockhampton in the morning and travel north along the Bruce Highway, passing through the lush farming region of Central Queensland. The journey begins with a drive through Yaamba, a small town with historical significance from Queensland’s pioneering days, before continuing towards Marlborough, an important stop for cattle graziers. The road winds through vast cattle stations and rugged countryside before reaching Clairview, a coastal hamlet where the highway meets the ocean. Stop for morning tea and take in the stunning views of the Coral Sea, where you may spot dugongs feeding on the seagrass beds just offshore. Continuing north, pass through Sarina, a thriving sugar and coal town. If time permits, stop at the Sarina Sugar Shed, a boutique sugar mill offering insight into the region’s sugarcane industry, with tastings of freshly made rum, liqueurs, and sweet treats. From here, it’s a short drive into Mackay, known as the “Sugar Capital of Australia.” Enjoy a lunch break. Rejoining the Bruce Highway, continue north past Proserpine, the gateway to the Whitsundays, where rolling cane fields stretch to the horizon before turning onto Shute Harbour Road for the final leg of the journey. As the road winds through the lush Conway National Park, enjoy breathtaking views over the Whitsunday Passage. Arrive at the Port of Airlie in the afternoon, a picturesque coastal inlet and one of the main departure points for exploring the Whitsunday Islands. Take in the stunning waterfront scenery, watch boats cruise in and out of the marina, or relax and enjoy the tropical paradise that awaits as you board you boat to Daydream Island. (Ph: 1800 888 288) (B,L,D)

Day 8: Daydream Island and Whitehaven Beach

This morning, journey across the Whitsunday Passage and into this amazing tropical paradise – a scenic sequence of remote waterways and hidden bays. On the southern shores of Whitsunday Island, the largest of the 74 Whitsunday Islands, famous Whitehaven Beach is a regular on lists of ‘World’s Best Beaches’. Wander along the sand, hike the short Solway Circuit for some show-stopping views, or cool off in the gently lapping water before your return cruise to the island for some free time to relax and enjoy the island resort facilities. (B,D)

Day 9: to Townsville

Depart the island in the morning with you boat transfer back to Airlie Beach, the vibrant gateway to the Whitsundays. Enjoy the tropical scenery as you pass through Cannonvale, a growing coastal town with stunning ocean views. Rejoining the Bruce Highway, travel north through the Burdekin region, passing through fields of sugarcane and mango orchards. Stop in Bowen, a charming coastal town known for its pristine beaches and the famous Big Mango. Continue north towards Home Hill and Ayr where we will visit the Gem gallery and rock shop for a guided tour, twin towns sitting on either side of the Burdekin River, one of Queensland’s largest and most significant water sources. The Burdekin Bridge, also known as the Silver Link, is an iconic landmark and the longest bridge of its type in Australia. This region is rich in agriculture, particularly sugarcane farming, and is often referred to as the Sugar Bowl of Australia. Stop for lunch in Home Hill. Heading further north, the landscape begins to change, with rolling hills and coastal plains leading into the tropical city of Townsville. Approaching Townsville, enjoy panoramic views from Castle Hill, the pink granite monolith that dominates the city skyline before arriving at the Grand Chancellor Hotel (Ph: 07 4729 2000). (B,L,D)

Day 10: to Cairns

Depart Townsville in the morning, heading north along the Bruce Highway, with stunning views of the Coral Sea on one side and lush tropical landscapes on the other. Travel through the Palm Tree-lined coastal stretch towards Ingham, the heart of Queensland’s Italian community and a major sugarcane-growing region. Stop for morning tea in Ingham, where you can sample delicious Italian pastries at a local café before visiting the Ingham Cemetery to be amazed at the ornate mausoleums. Continuing north, pass through Cardwell, a picturesque coastal town offering breathtaking views of Hinchinbrook Island, Australia’s largest island national park. Further along the highway, you’ll enter the Cassowary Coast, named after the region’s iconic and elusive flightless bird. Arrive in Tully, one of the wettest towns in Australia, known for its giant Golden Gumboot—a tribute to the region’s high annual rainfall and have lunch here. As the journey continues, pass through Innisfail, another major sugarcane and banana-growing town, with strong Art Deco architecture lining its streets. The final stretch to Cairns takes you through Gordonvale, a charming town with views of the iconic Walsh’s Pyramid, a distinctive natural peak that rises dramatically from the landscape. Arrive in Cairns by late afternoon. With its mix of coastal beauty, lush rainforests, and vibrant towns, this journey from Townsville to Cairns is a true highlight of Far North Queensland. You’ll start your time with a short guided city tour showing how close your hotel is to all the city attractions Cairns has to offer. You’ll check in to your luxurious hotel – Pullman Cairns International where you can relax by the pool or have a short walk into town at your leisure. Your contact number during your stay will be 07 4031 1300. (B,L,D)

Day 11: The Daintree, Mossman and Port Douglas

This morning’s drive is quite spectacular as we make our way north along the Captain Cook Highway past Mosman to the Daintree River for a cruise in a crocodile-infested waters! The Daintree Rainforest is undoubtedly one of the world’s natural wonders. Its complex tropical ecosystem is over 180 million years old, making it a registered UNESCO World Heritage site and a popular tourist destination. One of the best ways to experience the rainforest is by cruising along the Daintree River. Snaking through the heart of the area, the densely populated mangrove estuary is home to an abundance of wildlife. Most visitors arrive with the hopes of seeing a dazzling array of tropical creatures, though one animal in particular seems to catch everyone’s eye, the Estuarine Crocodile! The largest of all living reptiles and an iconic Australian animal, saltwater crocodiles are hypercarnivorous apex predators. Throughout the day they appear deceptively docile but these opportunistic hunters will react with impressive agility when there’s prey around. Don’t worry – you’re in safe hands! We haven’t lost anyone this year! We’ll return to Port Douglas for lunch and free time in the main street before retracing our footsteps to Cairns. (B,L,D)

Day 12: Green Island – The Great Barrier Reef

After a late start this morning, a short coach transfer to Cairns marlin wharf for your 40 minute journey to Green Island – Cairn’s closest island. Tropical and enchanting, Green Island is a unique part of the Great Barrier Reef.  With plenty of options, Green Island boasts boardwalks through the lush National Park, sheltered beaches, Marineland Melanesia Nautical Museum (extra cost), Green Island Resort, shops, facilities including fresh water showers, change rooms, restrooms and lockers. Your experience today includes a glass bottom boat, semi-submersible, lunch and time to optionally snorkel if you wish. For those that want the full outer reef experience there is the option to upgrade to a full day outer reef experience. (B,L,D)

Day 13: Atherton Tablelands

Another touring day where we head south of Cairns this time to step back in time and be amazed by the ingenuity and determination shown by one man with a dream. Paronella Park today is a celebration of the Paronella family’s achievements, particularly those of its founder, José Paronella. Paronella Park has something for everyone. Fantastic photo opportunities, remarkable architecture, an incredible story, 5ha of tropical gardens, a fully restored and operational 1930’s hydro electric generator, wildlife and fish feeding, a boutique caravan and camping grounds, a café with fresh local produce and much more. We then climb up into the Atherton Tablelands visiting Millaa Millaa Falls which is one of the most photographed in Australia. You might even see a platypus! From here we lunch at Lake Barrine before joining a cruise around the lake. The largest of the natural volcanic lakes in the area, Lake Barrine is 730 m above sea level. It is about 1 km in diameter, with a shoreline of almost 4.5 km, an average depth of 35 m and a maximum depth of 65 m. No streams or springs feed the crystal clear lake – only rainwater. Now for a drive back to Cairns down the Gillies Highway with 263 corners and an 800m elevation change in only 19km of road. (B,L,D)

Day 14: Kuranda

Lots to experience today! Your luxury coach will transfer you to Freshwater Station where you will join the Kuranda Scenic Railway operating since 1891. Far North Queensland’s World Heritage-listed rainforest, the Wet Tropics, are among the oldest on earth. Thousands of species of plants and hundreds of unique creatures inhabit this lush green world. The famous Kuranda Scenic Railway winds its way on a journey from Gimuy (Cairns​​) via Bub​undji (Freshwater), to Ngunbay (Kuranda), the village in the rainforest. Rising from sea level to 327 metres, the journey to Kuranda takes approximately 2 hours, which includes a 10-minute stop at the spectacular Barron Falls Station for a bird’s eye view of the Barron Falls. Passing through 15 hand carved tunnels, 37 bridges, spectacular waterfalls and into the stunning Barron Gorge. On arrival in Kuranda, rejoin your coach for a short tour to the top of the main street where you will have free time to explore this unique village with many First Nation art galleries and shops. Lunch today at the Kuranda Hotel before joining the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, smells and tranquillity of one of the world’s most botanically fascinating areas that has remained relatively unchanged for 130 million years. Enjoy a truly unique perspective of this ancient landscape with unsurpassed panoramic views of Barron Gorge and Australia’s Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. Glide metres above the pristine jungle canopy between Smithfield (Cairns) and Kuranda, enroute descend to explore the rainforest close-up at Red Peak and Barron Falls. At the bottom of the hinterland visit the Australian Armour & Artillery Museum – with a collection of over 220 armoured vehicles and artillery pieces – you will be amazed at the size of this collection. (B,L,D)

Day 15: Homeward Bound

Today it’s time to farewell the fabulous tropical north. Before we do though, we’ll visit the award-winning Cairns Aquarium. Cairns Aquarium is Australia’s newest and most spectacular aquarium. It is the only aquarium in the world to exclusively showcase the stunning aquatic wildlife from Tropical North Queensland’s two World Heritage-listed areas – the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics Rainforest. Lunch is then provided next door at Dundees where you will dine with a backdrop of tropical marine life watching you eat their relatives. Finally, a short transfer to the airport to join your flight home if required. (B,L)