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Whitsundays
Paddleboarding, Noosa National Park
Lake McKenzie, K'gari, Queensland
Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia
Balcony, Reef View Hotel
The Whitsundays
Cairns, Queensland, Australia
Great Barrier Reef Cruise, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
Barron Falls, Atherton Tablelands
Cenotaph, Cairns

Queensland’s Reefs & Islands

9 day Small Group Tour – from £4145 £3730

With flights from £5055

Experience the magic of Queensland, the only place where two World Heritage Sites meet. Journey from Brisbane to Cairns, exploring tropical islands, colourful reefs, and lush rainforests along Australia’s stunning east coast.

Highlights:
  • Cruise the Great Barrier Reef and snorkel among colourful marine life
  • Explore the ancient Wet Tropics rainforest
  • Relax on Hamilton Island in the Whitsundays
  • Ride the scenic railway to Kuranda, the ‘village in the rainforest’
  • Discover coastal cities and charming seaside towns along the way

Your Itinerary

Expand All

You can customise your holiday by adding extra nights or activities before of after your Tropical Queensland tour. Just let us know what you would like to do.

Select Version:
July 2026 – Mar 2028
Paddleboarding, Noosa National Park

Day 1 – Welcome to Brisbane

Your journey begins in Brisbane, travelling north to the laid-back coastal haven of Noosa. Enjoy free…

Your journey begins in Brisbane, travelling north to the laid-back coastal haven of Noosa. Enjoy free time to wander along golden sands or browse the boutiques and cafés of Hastings Street, before continuing to Hervey Bay.

From here, a scenic ferry ride carries you across the strait to World Heritage-listed K’gari (Fraser Island) – a treat in itself, especially during whale migration season when these gentle giants seek out the calm, protected waters to calve.

As you step ashore, you’ll quickly see why K’gari is so remarkable: it’s the world’s largest sand island, and the only place where rainforest grows directly from the sand. Surrounded by towering trees, white beaches, and crystal-clear lakes, check into your eco-resort and settle in for a tranquil evening embraced by nature.

    Kingfisher Bay Resort

    Dinner
Paddleboarding, Noosa National Park
Lake McKenzie, K'gari, Queensland

Day 2 – K’gari (Fraser Island)

Today is devoted to discovering the world’s largest sand island by 4WD. Begin at Lake McKenzie,…

Today is devoted to discovering the world’s largest sand island by 4WD. Begin at Lake McKenzie, where crystal-clear waters meet pure silica-white sand – a perfect spot to pause and take in the beauty. Journey along the sweeping expanse of 75 Mile Beach, and wander through lush rainforest that grows miraculously from the sand.

Along the way, visit iconic landmarks such as the rusted Maheno Shipwreck, and gain a deeper understanding of K’gari’s unique ecology and rich Indigenous heritage from local guides who know this island best

    Kingfisher Bay Resort

    Breakfast, Lunch
Lake McKenzie, K'gari, Queensland
Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia

Day 3 – K’gari to Rockhampton

Return to the mainland and journey through the heart of regional Queensland, pausing at Langmorn Station,…

Return to the mainland and journey through the heart of regional Queensland, pausing at Langmorn Station, a historic cattle property where the Creed family has lived and worked for generations. Enjoy afternoon tea before touring the vast estate, including the original homestead built in 1873, as your hosts share stories of life on the land.

Continuing north, cross the Tropic of Capricorn and arrive in Rockhampton – Australia’s beef capital – where grand heritage buildings and a relaxed Queensland spirit reflect the city’s rich pastoral history.

    Empire Apartments Rockhampton

    Breakfast
Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia
Balcony, Reef View Hotel

Day 4 – Rockhampton to Hamilton Island

Travel north along Queensland’s picturesque coastline, pausing in Sarina for a guided tour of the Sarina…

Travel north along Queensland’s picturesque coastline, pausing in Sarina for a guided tour of the Sarina Sugar Shed. Learn about the region’s sugarcane heritage and production, and sample some of its delicious locally made treats.

Continue to Airlie Beach, where a ferry carries you across turquoise waters to Hamilton Island, part of the stunning Whitsundays. With white-sand beaches, swaying palms, and a laid-back island atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to unwind. Check into your resort and enjoy the tropical surrounds at your leisure.

    Reef View Hotel

    Breakfast, Lunch
Balcony, Reef View Hotel
The Whitsundays

Day 5 – Hamilton Island

Wake up in paradise with a full day to spend as you wish. The Whitsundays are…

Wake up in paradise with a full day to spend as you wish. The Whitsundays are a dazzling collection of 74 tropical islands, where powdery white beaches meet rainforest and the Coral Sea. Choose from optional experiences to make the most of your stay – sail to world-famous Whitehaven Beach, take a scenic flight over the iconic Heart Reef, or set out on walking trails to discover hidden coves.

Prefer to take it slow? Simply relax by the pool, browse the island’s boutiques, or linger over fresh seafood with an ocean view. However you spend it, the Whitsundays’ natural beauty and easy island pace will stay with you long after you leave.

    Reef View Hotel

    Breakfast
The Whitsundays
Cairns, Queensland, Australia

Day 6 – Hamilton Island to Cairns

After breakfast, board the ferry back to the mainland and travel by coach to Cairns, where…

After breakfast, board the ferry back to the mainland and travel by coach to Cairns, where two World Heritage Sites meet – the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics of Queensland. Arriving in the tropical north, you’ll be welcomed by warm breezes and a relaxed coastal vibe.

Check into your hotel, perfectly positioned near the Cairns Esplanade, then enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Stroll along the waterfront, browse the lively Night Markets, or savour fresh seafood at a local restaurant as you settle into life in Queensland’s far north.

    DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns

    Breakfast
Cairns, Queensland, Australia
Great Barrier Reef Cruise, Cairns, Queensland, Australia

Day 7 – Great Barrier Reef

Today is dedicated to one of the world’s greatest natural wonders – the Great Barrier Reef….

Today is dedicated to one of the world’s greatest natural wonders – the Great Barrier Reef. Board a high-speed catamaran and cruise to a permanently moored pontoon on the outer reef. From here, choose your own adventure: snorkel among coral gardens, watch tropical fish glide by from a semi-submersible or underwater observatory, or simply relax on deck and take in the endless blue.

Throughout the day, expert guides will share insights into the reef’s unique ecology, adding depth to an experience you’ll never forget.

    DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns

    Breakfast, Lunch
Great Barrier Reef Cruise, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
Barron Falls, Atherton Tablelands

Day 8 – Cairns

This morning, travel by coach to Kuranda, a charming village tucked within World Heritage-listed rainforest on…

This morning, travel by coach to Kuranda, a charming village tucked within World Heritage-listed rainforest on the edge of the Atherton Tablelands. Browse colourful markets, discover local art galleries, or simply soak up the lush tropical surroundings at your own pace.

Later, glide above the canopy aboard the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, enjoying sweeping views over waterfalls and the emerald-green treetops. Return to Cairns in the afternoon with time to relax or explore before gathering in the evening for a special farewell dinner – the perfect opportunity to share stories and memories from your Queensland adventure with your fellow travellers.

    DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns

    Breakfast, Dinner
Barron Falls, Atherton Tablelands
Cenotaph, Cairns

Day 9 – Farewell from Cairns

Enjoy a final tropical breakfast before bidding farewell to Queensland. Depart with lasting memories of island…

Enjoy a final tropical breakfast before bidding farewell to Queensland. Depart with lasting memories of island paradises, coral reefs, and rainforest escapes.

    Breakfast
Cenotaph, Cairns

Your Itinerary

You can customise your holiday by adding extra nights or activities before of after your Tropical Queensland tour. Just let us know what you would like to do.

Select Version:
July 2026 – Mar 2028

Day 1

|

Welcome to Brisbane

Your journey begins in Brisbane, travelling north to the laid-back coastal haven of Noosa. Enjoy free time to wander along golden sands or browse the boutiques and cafés of Hastings Street, before continuing to Hervey Bay.

From here, a scenic ferry ride carries you across the strait to World Heritage-listed K’gari (Fraser Island) – a treat in itself, especially during whale migration season when these gentle giants seek out the calm, protected waters to calve.

As you step ashore, you’ll quickly see why K’gari is so remarkable: it’s the world’s largest sand island, and the only place where rainforest grows directly from the sand. Surrounded by towering trees, white beaches, and crystal-clear lakes, check into your eco-resort and settle in for a tranquil evening embraced by nature.

    Kingfisher Bay Resort

    Dinner
Paddleboarding, Noosa National Park

Day 2

|

K’gari (Fraser Island)

Today is devoted to discovering the world’s largest sand island by 4WD. Begin at Lake McKenzie, where crystal-clear waters meet pure silica-white sand – a perfect spot to pause and take in the beauty. Journey along the sweeping expanse of 75 Mile Beach, and wander through lush rainforest that grows miraculously from the sand.

Along the way, visit iconic landmarks such as the rusted Maheno Shipwreck, and gain a deeper understanding of K’gari’s unique ecology and rich Indigenous heritage from local guides who know this island best

    Kingfisher Bay Resort

    Breakfast, Lunch
Lake McKenzie, K'gari, Queensland

Day 3

|

K’gari to Rockhampton

Return to the mainland and journey through the heart of regional Queensland, pausing at Langmorn Station, a historic cattle property where the Creed family has lived and worked for generations. Enjoy afternoon tea before touring the vast estate, including the original homestead built in 1873, as your hosts share stories of life on the land.

Continuing north, cross the Tropic of Capricorn and arrive in Rockhampton – Australia’s beef capital – where grand heritage buildings and a relaxed Queensland spirit reflect the city’s rich pastoral history.

    Empire Apartments Rockhampton

    Breakfast
Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia

Day 4

|

Rockhampton to Hamilton Island

Travel north along Queensland’s picturesque coastline, pausing in Sarina for a guided tour of the Sarina Sugar Shed. Learn about the region’s sugarcane heritage and production, and sample some of its delicious locally made treats.

Continue to Airlie Beach, where a ferry carries you across turquoise waters to Hamilton Island, part of the stunning Whitsundays. With white-sand beaches, swaying palms, and a laid-back island atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to unwind. Check into your resort and enjoy the tropical surrounds at your leisure.

    Reef View Hotel

    Breakfast, Lunch
Balcony, Reef View Hotel

Day 5

|

Hamilton Island

Wake up in paradise with a full day to spend as you wish. The Whitsundays are a dazzling collection of 74 tropical islands, where powdery white beaches meet rainforest and the Coral Sea. Choose from optional experiences to make the most of your stay – sail to world-famous Whitehaven Beach, take a scenic flight over the iconic Heart Reef, or set out on walking trails to discover hidden coves.

Prefer to take it slow? Simply relax by the pool, browse the island’s boutiques, or linger over fresh seafood with an ocean view. However you spend it, the Whitsundays’ natural beauty and easy island pace will stay with you long after you leave.

    Reef View Hotel

    Breakfast
The Whitsundays

Day 6

|

Hamilton Island to Cairns

After breakfast, board the ferry back to the mainland and travel by coach to Cairns, where two World Heritage Sites meet – the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics of Queensland. Arriving in the tropical north, you’ll be welcomed by warm breezes and a relaxed coastal vibe.

Check into your hotel, perfectly positioned near the Cairns Esplanade, then enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Stroll along the waterfront, browse the lively Night Markets, or savour fresh seafood at a local restaurant as you settle into life in Queensland’s far north.

    DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns

    Breakfast
Cairns, Queensland, Australia

Day 7

|

Great Barrier Reef

Today is dedicated to one of the world’s greatest natural wonders – the Great Barrier Reef. Board a high-speed catamaran and cruise to a permanently moored pontoon on the outer reef. From here, choose your own adventure: snorkel among coral gardens, watch tropical fish glide by from a semi-submersible or underwater observatory, or simply relax on deck and take in the endless blue.

Throughout the day, expert guides will share insights into the reef’s unique ecology, adding depth to an experience you’ll never forget.

    DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns

    Breakfast, Lunch
Great Barrier Reef Cruise, Cairns, Queensland, Australia

Day 8

|

Cairns

This morning, travel by coach to Kuranda, a charming village tucked within World Heritage-listed rainforest on the edge of the Atherton Tablelands. Browse colourful markets, discover local art galleries, or simply soak up the lush tropical surroundings at your own pace.

Later, glide above the canopy aboard the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, enjoying sweeping views over waterfalls and the emerald-green treetops. Return to Cairns in the afternoon with time to relax or explore before gathering in the evening for a special farewell dinner – the perfect opportunity to share stories and memories from your Queensland adventure with your fellow travellers.

    DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns

    Breakfast, Dinner
Barron Falls, Atherton Tablelands

Day 9

|

Farewell from Cairns

Enjoy a final tropical breakfast before bidding farewell to Queensland. Depart with lasting memories of island paradises, coral reefs, and rainforest escapes.

    Breakfast
Cenotaph, Cairns

This Tour Includes

8 nights accommodation
8 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 2 dinners
Expert tour director
Activities and experiences as detailed in the itinerary
Professional and experienced driver
Travel by luxury, air conditioned coach

Departure Dates

Check for departure dates that suit you:

2026-07-26

2026-09-06

2026-10-18

2026-11-15

2027-01-31

2027-02-14

2027-03-14

2027-09-04

2027-11-13

2028-02-12

2028-03-11

To confirm availability call 0333 234 2889

Flights & More

With FREEDOM, you can book your Queensland’s Reefs & Islands small group tour and flights together, as an ATOL protected package. Our Travel Experts can find the best priced Economy, Premium or Business Class flights for you.

You can also personalise your holiday. Why not add:

  • City stay in Brisbane or Cairns before and after your tour
  • A stopover in Dubai, Singapore or another destination

Next Step

Please get in touch with our Australia Experts to start planning your holiday. You’ll have a single point of contact from your first enquiry through booking.

Queensland’s Reefs & Islands

9 day Small Group Tour – from £4145 £3730

With flights from £5055

All prices are per person, based on two people sharing a double or twin room and include meals shown. Seasonal supplements may apply. Please call Freedom Destinations to confirm departure dates and availability.

AAT Kings – Tropical Queensland: Brisbane to Cairns

Map

Queensland's Reefs & Islands Map

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