Welcome to Cairns, the gateway to the rainforest and the reef!

Make your way to your chosen Cairns hotel where you can relax after your flight, or drop off your bags and head out to explore the local area.

A stroll along the esplanade offers a nice introduction to the city. You’ll pass a number of monuments, public artworks and, most likely, families enjoying a seaside BBQ.

Your chose Cairns hotel

You have two full days in Cairns before you pick up your motorhome.

No trip to North Queensland would be complete without experiencing the natural wonder of the Great Barrier Reef. Day cruises are available to a pontoon in the Outer Barrier Reef, from where your can snorkel or enjoy a glass bottom boat tour over the colourful corals. Alternatively, you could spend a day on Frankland Island, where you can go snorkelling from the beach.

On your second day, you could ride the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, ascending above the canopy to reach the mountain village of Kuranda, or join a day tour to Cape Tribulation and the Daintree Rainforest.

Your chosen Cairns hotel

Collect your motorhome this morning and head south on the Bruce Highway towards Mission Beach, a 14 km stretch of palm fringed sands, where we suggest you enjoy your first night camping.

Along the way, stop to walk along the thundering river and waterfalls at Babinda, or explore the pleasure gardens and ‘castle’ at Paronella Park, set amongst tropical rainforest.

Cairns > Mission Beach | 140 kms

En route to Townsville this morning, you may wish to take a side trip to Girringun National Park which is home to Wallaman Falls – the highest single drop waterfall in Australia.

In Townsville, divers won’t want to miss the unique Museum of Underwater Art, a collection of sculptures on the sea bed awaiting to be discovered.

Above water, you could take an afternoon cruise to Magnetic Island to go koala spotting along Forts Walk, or relax on palm-lined beaches.

Mission Beach > Townsville | 235 kms

Paradise awaits as you continue your drive along the coast towards Airlie Beach – the launch point to the 74 Whitsundays Islands surrounded by the most beautiful turquoise sea.

We’ve recommend spending two nights here to give you time to take a cruise to Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island – which you’ll never want to leave!

Airlie Beach itself is a vibrant town with a relaxing lagoon area overlooking the Coral Sea, and an excellent choice of bars and restaurants to help get you in the holiday mode.

To save time, you can book your Whitsundays cruise before you travel. Just ask your Travel Consultant to include it in your itinerary.

Townsville > Airlie Beach | 275 kms

This morning, make your way to Rockhampton on the Capricorn Coast – the bustling beef capital of Australia! Wander through the heritage-preserved streets briming with cosmopolitan conveniences, including a local distillery, art galleries and eateries – you have to try the steak!

Like many other towns along the coast, Rockhampton is in easy distance of some stunning National Parks, including the Blackdown Tableland with its plunging waterfalls, scenic lookouts and Indigenous rock art. Closer to town is Rockhampton Botanic Gardens, a 150 year old oasis of sub-tropical specimens.

Airlie Beach > Rockhampton | 480 kms

The beachside scenery continues ss you travel towards the quaint seaside village of Seventeen Seventy on Bustard Bay.

As you may have guessed from the name, this is the historic second landing site of Captain James Cook and the crew of the Endeavour in 1770.

Today, it’s a scenic area of natural beauty with some picturesque look out points, walking trails and water sports.

Rockhampton > Seventeen Seventy | 235 kms

Drive through sugar cane fields towards Bundaberg, home to the famous rum distillery, which offers guided tours and blending sessions.

It’s then on to Hervey Bay, the launch point to K’gari (formerly Fraser Island) and one of the best locations from which to see the migrating whales between July to October.

K’gari is the world’s largest sand island, and home to towering rainforest and stunning freshwater lakes. Consider a 4×4 K’gari day tour, on which you’ll drive along 75 Mile Beach to the iconic Maheno Shipwreck, and stop by Eli Creek for a refreshing drip.

Seventeen Seventy > Hervey Bay | 235 kms

As your journey from Cairns to Brisbane by motorhome nears its end, we suggest a couple of nights in the beautiful beachside town of Noosa, on the Sunshine Coast.

Along Hastings Street you’ll find boutique shops and galleries, and independent restaurants and bars. Following the coastal trails in Noosa National Park you might just spot a wild koala. From the beach, you can watch local surfers take on the waves – the ultimate Aussie pastime!

Hervey Bay > Noosa | 160 kms

Continue down the beautiful Sunshine Coast to Brisbane before returning your motorhome and transferring to your pre-booked downtown hotel

You will be able to enjoy a walk along the Brisbane River and discover the delights of the South Bank, or visit the Howard Smith Wharves, under the famous Story Bridge, for a meal.

Noosa > Brisbane | 150 kms

From your downtown Brisbane hotel, it is only a short distance to the historic Gabba Stadium.

Your Ashes cricket package includes hotel accommodation and tickets to every day of the NRMA Insurance Ashes Test Match (All Day 5 tickets will include General Admission only, with unreserved seating).

Freedom Destinations is a Cricket Australia Travel Office Licensed Travel Operator for the 2025/26 NRMA Insurance Ashes Series. Licence no. CATO2526/005

As this part of your holiday comes to a close, return to Brisbane Airport in time to check-in for your onwards flight.

Maybe you are returning home, or maybe you are continuing your Australia holiday. Your FREEDOM consultant will be pleased to arrange this for you.