Essential Brisbane to Cairns

10 Days | Sail the Whitsundays, hike on Magnetic Island and chill out on Noosa’s beaches

18 to 35s
From
NZD $3,795
This trip is for 18 to 35 year olds

This 10-day adventure from Brisbane to Cairns is perfect for those seeking the natural beauty of Queensland. You’ll explore the popular town of Noosa, home to the Coastal Walk, Sunshine Beach and Hell’s Gate lookout. Bliss out with a full free day to take an optional eco-safari and canoe adventure in the Everglades or maybe hop in 4WDs for a guided tour of K’gari. Then, you’ll have a two-night sailing experience with other young, likeminded travellers – cruising through the Whitsundays, you’ll be diving, snorkelling, swimming, visiting secret beaches and chilling in the jacuzzi. Couple these with a tour of Mungalla Station with a local First Nations guide, a full day to explore the lush Magnetic Island and a free afternoon on Mission Beach, and you’ve got a pretty epic adventure along the east coast!

Trip overview

Map of Essential Brisbane To Cairns including Australia
Start
Brisbane, Australia
Finish
Cairns, Australia
Theme
18 to 35s
Destinations
Australia
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Basix
Ages
Min 18- Max 35
Group size
Min 1 - Max 16
Trip code
PZYB
We’re in the process of figuring out how much CO2-e this trip generates. In the meantime, find out more about our climate commitments and carbon reduction target.
Bucket list destinationsTick off all the popular spots and enjoy unique local experiences
Great valueAffordable trips with the freedom to choose how you spend your time
Meaningful experiencesConnect to the places you go and the communities at the heart of every Intrepid experience

Why you'll love this trip
  • Hop aboard for an epic two-night sailing adventure through the stunning Whitsundays. Go stand-up paddleboarding, snorkelling or scuba diving from the boat, relax in the onboard jacuzzi and soak up the landscape as you cruise through the untouched islands.
  • Meet with a First Nations guide at Mungalla Station to learn about history and culture of the Nywaigi people. Then, discover the wetlands and abundance of birds that call this place home.
  • Spend two nights on Magnetic Island, known for its amazing natural scenery, lush walking trails, secluded beaches and koalas that live here in the treetops.
  • Relax among the palm trees on Mission Beach, with a free afternoon to dig your heels into the warm sands, look out at the ocean over sunset or watch the cassowaries cross the road.
  • Discover the town of Noosa, where you’ll take the Coastal Walk to Hill’s Gate lookout. Then, enjoy heaps of free time to maybe go surfing, take a day trip to K'gari (Fraser Island) or an eco-safari through the lush Everglades.

Is this trip right for you?
  • This trip includes accommodation in multi-share dormitories, where you won't be staying in twin share hotels, but rather cool hangouts with shared facilities. This means travellers on the same booking may be split between rooms due to the single gender dormitories. You may also be required to share with non-Intrepid travellers outside of your group. Single room supplements are available (on request).
  • This trip is made for travellers who value their independence but also want the benefit of a local leader and a group of like-minded travellers. The itinerary has plenty of free time where your leader will offer suggestions. Please budget spending money for optional activities you want to partake in and public transport to those activities.
  • There are some long travel days on this trip, but it’s all part of the adventure and a great way to get to know your fellow travellers. The overnight train is in comfortable economy seats and is not accompanied by a tour leader.
  • This trip is part of a longer itinerary. You might be joining travellers who have already spent some time together. If you have more time to explore, you might like to check out Real Australia.

Itinerary

Map of Essential Brisbane To Cairns including Australia

Inclusions

Meals

2 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners

Transport

Private Vehicle, Overnight Train, Overnight Sailing, Ferry, Bus

Accommodation

Hostel (Multi-share) (5 nights), Overnight Train (1 night), Overnight Sailing (Multi-share) (2 nights), Rainforest Retreat (Multi-share) (1 night)

Activities
  • Noosa - Hell's Gates Lookout
  • Noosa - Coastal Walk
  • Whitsunday Islands - Sailing Excursion (2 Nights)
  • Magnetic Island - Forts Walking Track
  • Mungalla Station - Nywaigi First Nations Guided Tour
Optional activities
  • Noosa - K’gari (Fraser Island) Day Tour - AUD240
  • Noosa - Everglades Explorer Tour (from) - AUD149

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. A single room supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. If you are a single traveller this will give you a single room, if you are travelling as a couple a double/twin room will be allocated to you. The single supplement excludes Day 4 (Overnight Train) and Days 5 & 6 (Whitsundays Sailing) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. Accommodation on this trip is in multi-share hostels. Multishare typically includes 4-8 beds. You may be required to share with non-Intrepid travellers outside of your group. People travelling together may occasionally be separated due to single gender dorms. 
3. The overnight train is in economy seats and is not accompanied by a tour leader. Luggage weight allowance is one checked piece (20kgs) and one carry on hand luggage.

Essential Trip Information

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Essential Brisbane to Cairns
From
NZD $3,795