RACV Logo
Members save more on over 100,000 hotels worldwide
Unlock savings
Unlock member discounts
Unlock exclusive discounts and inclusions
Members only pricing
Bonus hand-picked inclusions
Continue as guest
Your member number is located on your membership card, membership renewal notice, club account statement or payment advice.

East Coast Explorer

package saved
click to save
Operated by APT
Tripcode: OZGCC10
Overview
Destination:
Australia
Duration:10 days
Type:Group tour (max 45)
Travel Period
March 2026 - March 2026
Brisbane → Cairns

Queensland is a treasure trove of natural wonders. From the ancient Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef, to paradise islands and coastal cityscapes, discover the best of Australia’s sunshine state from the Gold Coast to Cairns.

Highlights
  • Embark on a premium rail journey to the Queensland Outback for the Outback Spectacular immersive theatrical performance. Enjoy VIP entry, a welcome drink, and a three-course dinner before returning to your hotel by rail.

  • Experience the rich culture of K’gari (Fraser Island) with a bush tucker demonstration, sampling native ingredients, followed by Illumina — a captivating after-dark spectacle retelling the island’s creation story through light and sound.

  • Explore Paronella Park, a magical garden sanctuary featuring a historic castle, cascading waterfalls, and over 7,500 tropical plants. Wander its enchanting grounds and uncover the charm of this natural wonderland.

  • Savor a special farewell dinner at Dundee’s Waterfront Dining, featuring fresh local seafood, succulent grilled beef, and unique Australian fare like kangaroo and crocodile, as you reflect on your journey.

Highlights:
Itinerary
Expand all Collapse all
Day 1 - Arrive Brisbane

Arrive in Brisbane and check in to your accommodation. This evening, experience a special event as you journey into the Queensland Outback at the Outback Spectacular. Enjoy VIP red carpet entry, a complimentary drink on arrival, and a delicious three-course dinner while being immersed in a theatrical showcase of Australian outback life. After the show, return to your Brisbane accommodation for an overnight stay.

Day 2 - Gold Coast, Noosa

Start your day with an exciting treetop walk at the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk. Located within 30 acres of private rainforest at the base of Mount Tamborine, this experience takes you along forest floor trails, modern steel bridges, and a cantilever bridge that soars 30 meters above the creek and rainforest canopy.

Back aboard your coach, your Driver-Guide continues north towards Noosa, stopping en route at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, the world’s first, and largest of its kind. Enjoy a rare close encounter with these cuddly native animals and learn about their daily care, behaviors and unique personalities.

Later, arrive in Noosa, a charming seaside town on Queensland's Sunshine Coast, known for its pristine natural beauty, relaxed luxury, and upscale dining. This evening, enjoy free time to explore at your own pace.

Day 3 - Noosa, K’gari (Fraser Island)

Your journey continues from Noosa to K’gari, formerly 'Fraser Island', the largest sand island in the world. K’gari –meaning ‘paradise’ in the language of the Traditional Owners of the land, the Butchulla people – is a World Heritage-listed island boasting stunning landscapes and a thrilling array of wildlife. Upon arrival to this sandy haven, take part in a bush tucker demonstration to discover how native ingredients have been traditionally used in food and medicine, followed by a tasting of a special selection of native berries, lemon myrtle, barbecued meats and more.

Continue to your resort and, after time to settle in, join your fellow travelers at Illumina, an after-dark light and sound spectacle. Hosted at Kingfisher Bay & Resort, Illumina uses the surrounding landscape as the stage to retell the story of how K’gari came to be. Dinner this evening will be hosted at one of your resort’s exceptional restaurants.    

Day 4 - K’gari (Fraser Island)

Spend today on a full day 4WD adventure across the entire island, exploring all of K’gari’s must-see sights. Stop at the breathtaking Lake Mackenzie to see the bright turquoise waters and walk across the sugar-white silica sand, before continuing to the famous 75 Mile Beach, Maheno shipwreck and the popular swimming spot Eli Creek.

Tonight, savor a memorable two-course dinner at your resort’s restaurant.

Day 5 - K’gari (Fraser Island), Bundaberg, Rockhampton, Yeppoon

Following breakfast, bid farewell to the sandy paradise of K’gari and return to the mainland. Stop in Bundaberg, a town located at the southern point of the Great Barrier Reef. Bundaberg is renowned for its world-class rum distillery and sea turtle population. Travelers from far and wide flock here to catch a glimpse of nesting and hatching turtles during turtle season.

Continue to Rockhampton, coined ‘Beef City’ thanks to its thriving beef industry. Stretch your legs with a wander along the Fitzroy River which runs through the centre of town, admiring the colonial architecture of the main streets. Further northeast of Rockhampton, arrive at Yeppoon, a coastal enclave on the Capricorn Coast and your home for the night.

This evening, feast on locally inspired dishes with a two-course dinner at the celebrated VUE Wine Bar & Restaurant. 

Day 6 - Yeppoon, Mackay, Airlie Beach

Following breakfast, board your luxury coach for the journey to Airlie Beach, stopping en route to explore Mackay, a town home to Australia’s longest stretch of subtropical rainforest.

Continue to Airlie Beach and join a guided tour upon arrival. The gateway to the iconic Whitsunday Islands, Airlie Beach is a favorite destination for sun-seekers and snorkelers. While it's the perfect launchpad for exploring the Great Barrier Reef's dazzling islands and coral gardens, Airlie Beach itself offers palm-lined beaches, vibrant nightlife, and alfresco dining.

Cap off your day with a two-course dinner at your hotel.

Day 7 - Airlie Beach, Magnetic Island

This morning, travel 275 kilometers north of Airlie Beach to Magnetic Island, a slice of paradise located just off the coast of Townsville. Following a brief ferry ride, arrive at the stunning natural wonderland which boasts pristine beaches framed by swaying palm trees, large granite boulders and fringing coral reefs.

With an afternoon to spend at your leisure, perhaps look out for snoozing koalas on a self-guided walk along one of the many hiking trails, don a snorkel and explore the flourishing coral gardens, or visit the island’s nano brewery for a handcrafted brew and a bite to eat (own expense).

Return to your hotel this evening and indulge in island-style dining at the Boardwalk Restaurant & Bar.   

Day 8 - Magnetic Island

Embrace laid-back island living with a leisurely start to you morning before setting off on Magnetic Island’s most beloved walking track, Forts Walk. The trail presents an opportune chance to take in the island’s highlights, from postcard-perfect panoramas and World War II relics to wild koalas munching on leaves.

Enjoy an afteroon at leisure.

Day 9 - Magnetic Island, Cairns

Farewell Magnetic Island and return to the mainland via ferry for the journey by coach to Cairns. This tropical city in Far North Queensland is a true reflection of the region: relaxed, outdoorsy and plenty of things to do. Just 1.5 hours outside the city, visit the famed Paronella Park, an idyllic garden oasis featuring a castle, picnic area, waterfall, tennis court, bridges and over 7,500 tropical plants and trees. Savor a light lunch in this leafy haven before taking time to explore your surrounds.

In the evening, a special farewell dinner awaits at Dundee’s Waterfront Dining. Feast on fresh local seafood, succulent grilled beef or unique Australian fare including kangaroo and crocodile as you reflect on your journey with your fellow travelers and new-found friends. 

Day 10 - Depart Cairns

Your exciting Queensland journey comes to an end today after breakfast. 

Dates

Select a date or submit general enquiry

Enquire now

Travellers

Operator
APT

APT Luxury Travel offers all-inclusive, all taken care of and all-inspiring luxury cruises, tours and rail journeys. As Australia’s largest family-owned tour and cruise company, we are committed to delivering unforgettable travel experiences to our valued guests. What began as just a vision, over 90 years ago, has now grown into a proud global business, demonstrating the power of dreaming fully.

Important Information
*Terms and conditions
Please note: We are proud to be an independent agent to travel providers of hotels, flights and other related services. We are not a tour operator. Details and information on the offer are provided by 3rd party businesses and although we do our best to verify the information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy on all occasions. These offers are not available in conjunction with any other offer unless otherwise stated. Pricing and availability are subject to change without notice. For more information, please see Terms of Use
Book now
Need help?
Price from
$7,445 $7,073 *
Member price from
$7,073*
per person twin share
9 nights
Check departures
Can't find the answer you're looking for? Get in touch with our friendly Travel Consultants.
Speak to one of our friendly consultants, available during business hours.
Mon to Fri · 9am - 5pm AEST
Speak to an expert in-store
Prefer to plan in person? Make an appointment at our Travel Store to speak with one of our experts
a954a0d72f8869f2870a3af2122853c4
Tour