Rail, reef and island time along Queensland’s tropical coast
10 Days
19 to 28 July 2026
Active
$6,575pptw
132 villabucks
Rail, reef and island time along Queensland’s tropical coast
Follow Queensland’s glorious coastline from Cairns to the Whitsundays to immerse yourself in some of the world’s finest beaches, colourful marine life, tropical rainforests and scenic rail journeys. Arrive in tropical North Queensland to enjoy the highlands, botanic gardens and a harbour cruise, then step aboard the Spirit of Queensland for the beautiful train journey from Cairns to the Whitsundays. End your tropical escape by basking in the warmth and wonder of the Whitsundays.
Itinerary
Day 1. Perth to Cairns (D)
We collect you from home and transfer you to the airport. On arrival in Cairns, settle into your hotel and enjoy a late supper to start your tropical adventure.
Day 2. Exploring Cairns (BLD)
Discover Cairns on a guided city walk that brings the region’s stories to life through landmarks, art and architecture. After a relaxed group lunch, explore the Cairns Aquarium to learn about the Wet Tropics and Great Barrier Reef. Continue to Flecker Botanic Gardens for a guided wander among rare tropical plants, shady creeks and historic Tanks precinct. Dinner is nearby, with an optional stroll to the lively Night Markets to finish the evening.
3 nights: Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort
Day 3. Rainforest, railways and dinner cruise (BD)
Start your day in Kuranda enjoying the village markets and rainforest atmosphere before taking a Scenic Railway through rainforest-clad ranges, granite tunnels and past Barron Gorge waterfalls. This evening, step aboard a sunset dinner cruise and watch Cairns’ waterfront glow as you dine on the inlet.
Day 4. Spirit of Queensland to Townsville (BLD)
Board the Spirit of Queensland for the scenic daytime journey south to Townsville. Settle into premium seating, enjoy on-board refreshments and watch coastal and rural Queensland roll by. On arrival, take an orientation drive including Castle Hill for sweeping views over Magnetic Island and the Coral Sea, then dine at your hotel.
2 nights: The Ville, Townsville
Day 5. Magnetic Island (BD)
Cruise across Cleveland Bay to Magnetic Island for a day of island discovery. With your local guide, explore pristine bays, granite headlands and eucalypt forest home to koalas and birdlife. Return to Townsville in the afternoon for time to relax before dinner at the hotel.
Day 6. Townsville and Spirit of Queensland to the Whitsundays (BLD)
Begin with a visit to the Museum of Tropical Queensland to delve into reef science, maritime history and the wonders of the tropics. After a light lunch, rejoin the Spirit of Queensland for the onward journey to Proserpine. Transfer to Airlie Beach and settle into your resort overlooking the Coral Sea, with dinner on arrival.
2 nights: Coral Sea Resort, Airlie Beach
Day 7. Airlie Beach Hinterland & Coast (BLD)
Venture into the Whitsunday Coast to Cedar Creek Falls. If conditions permit, take a refreshing dip before continuing through sugar-cane country to Hydeaway Bay and Dingo Beach. Enjoy a relaxed lunch, then return to Airlie Beach for free time by the resort pool or a wander along the boardwalk. Dinner is at the resort.
Day 8. Hamilton Island (BD)
Sail through the Whitsunday Islands to world-famous Hamilton Island. The afternoon is yours to embrace island life—perhaps a scenic walk, beach time or optional activities such as snorkelling or a reef flight. This evening, dine at a favourite island restaurant.
2 nights: Reef View Hotel, Hamilton Island
Day 9. Whitsundays at leisure (BD)
A day to do as much—or as little—as you like. Choose from optional Great Barrier Reef and island experiences, or simply soak up the views from Catseye Beach. Gather at sunset for a relaxed farewell dinner on the island.
Day 10. Hamilton Island to Perth (B)
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before transferring to the airport for your journey home. On arrival in Perth, we will see you safely home.
Itinerary is subject to change. Terms and conditions apply. Call 08 9754 2026 for details.
Guide: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
eg. BLD indicates three meals included on that day of the itinerary.
PPTW is per person twinshare accommodation.
Image Credit: Spirit of Queensland
Dates & Pricing
$6,575pptw
$1,545 single option
Highlights
• Hamilton Island & The Whitsundays
• Alluring Cairns & Kuranda
• Spectacular Kuranda rail journey
• Fabulous Cairns dinner cruise
• Tropical paradise of Cairns Botanic Gardens
• Must see Cairns Aquarium
• Deep dive into the Museum of Tropical Queensland
• Spirit of Queensland rail journey (Cairns – Whitsundays)
• Discover Magnetic Island touring
• Stunning Airlie Beach
Inclusions
• Pre/post tour transfers (ex Perth, Western Australia)
• Airfares & taxes (ex Perth, Western Australia)
• 22 meals – 9 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 9 dinners
• 9 nights’ accommodation
• Tours & attractions
• Professional Villa Tour Leader
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Dates & Pricing
Duration: 10 Days
Dates: 19 to 28 July 2026
Activity Level: Active
$6,575pptw
$1,545 single option
Earn: 132 villabucks
Highlights
• Hamilton Island & The Whitsundays
• Alluring Cairns & Kuranda
• Spectacular Kuranda rail journey
• Fabulous Cairns dinner cruise
• Tropical paradise of Cairns Botanic Gardens
• Must see Cairns Aquarium
• Deep dive into the Museum of Tropical Queensland
• Spirit of Queensland rail journey (Cairns – Whitsundays)
• Discover Magnetic Island touring
• Stunning Airlie Beach
Inclusions
• Pre/post tour transfers (ex Perth, Western Australia)
• Airfares & taxes (ex Perth, Western Australia)
• 22 meals – 9 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 9 dinners
• 9 nights’ accommodation
• Tours & attractions
• Professional Villa Tour Leader
Itinerary
Day 1. Perth to Cairns (D)
We collect you from home and transfer you to the airport. On arrival in Cairns, settle into your hotel and enjoy a late supper to start your tropical adventure.
Day 2. Exploring Cairns (BLD)
Discover Cairns on a guided city walk that brings the region’s stories to life through landmarks, art and architecture. After a relaxed group lunch, explore the Cairns Aquarium to learn about the Wet Tropics and Great Barrier Reef. Continue to Flecker Botanic Gardens for a guided wander among rare tropical plants, shady creeks and historic Tanks precinct. Dinner is nearby, with an optional stroll to the lively Night Markets to finish the evening.
3 nights: Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort
Day 3. Rainforest, railways and dinner cruise (BD)
Start your day in Kuranda enjoying the village markets and rainforest atmosphere before taking a Scenic Railway through rainforest-clad ranges, granite tunnels and past Barron Gorge waterfalls. This evening, step aboard a sunset dinner cruise and watch Cairns’ waterfront glow as you dine on the inlet.
Day 4. Spirit of Queensland to Townsville (BLD)
Board the Spirit of Queensland for the scenic daytime journey south to Townsville. Settle into premium seating, enjoy on-board refreshments and watch coastal and rural Queensland roll by. On arrival, take an orientation drive including Castle Hill for sweeping views over Magnetic Island and the Coral Sea, then dine at your hotel.
2 nights: The Ville, Townsville
Day 5. Magnetic Island (BD)
Cruise across Cleveland Bay to Magnetic Island for a day of island discovery. With your local guide, explore pristine bays, granite headlands and eucalypt forest home to koalas and birdlife. Return to Townsville in the afternoon for time to relax before dinner at the hotel.
Day 6. Townsville and Spirit of Queensland to the Whitsundays (BLD)
Begin with a visit to the Museum of Tropical Queensland to delve into reef science, maritime history and the wonders of the tropics. After a light lunch, rejoin the Spirit of Queensland for the onward journey to Proserpine. Transfer to Airlie Beach and settle into your resort overlooking the Coral Sea, with dinner on arrival.
2 nights: Coral Sea Resort, Airlie Beach
Day 7. Airlie Beach Hinterland & Coast (BLD)
Venture into the Whitsunday Coast to Cedar Creek Falls. If conditions permit, take a refreshing dip before continuing through sugar-cane country to Hydeaway Bay and Dingo Beach. Enjoy a relaxed lunch, then return to Airlie Beach for free time by the resort pool or a wander along the boardwalk. Dinner is at the resort.
Day 8. Hamilton Island (BD)
Sail through the Whitsunday Islands to world-famous Hamilton Island. The afternoon is yours to embrace island life—perhaps a scenic walk, beach time or optional activities such as snorkelling or a reef flight. This evening, dine at a favourite island restaurant.
2 nights: Reef View Hotel, Hamilton Island
Day 9. Whitsundays at leisure (BD)
A day to do as much—or as little—as you like. Choose from optional Great Barrier Reef and island experiences, or simply soak up the views from Catseye Beach. Gather at sunset for a relaxed farewell dinner on the island.
Day 10. Hamilton Island to Perth (B)
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before transferring to the airport for your journey home. On arrival in Perth, we will see you safely home.
Itinerary is subject to change. Terms and conditions apply. Call 08 9754 2026 for details.
Image Credit: Spirit of QueenslandNew Paragraph
Guide:
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
eg. BLD indicates three meals included on that day of the itinerary.
PPTW is per person twinshare accommodation.
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Tour Activity Levels
With such a diverse collection of travel options, we want to ensure you choose the right holiday for you.
Our tour activity levels are a guide to the required fitness level for each of our holidays.
Look out for the feet when reading about a tour!
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Relaxed
Designed for travellers with lower mobility who can manage everyday movement independently. You must be able to embark and disembark coaches, trains, and other transport via steps, carry your own luggage, and walk short distances. Stairs may be encountered at times. Walking aids (sticks and walkers) are welcome. Travellers who bring a companion to help provide assistance may find these holidays suitable.
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Moderate
For travellers who walk confidently and unaided. In addition to Relaxed requirements, expect guided walking tours that may include gentle inclines and stair climbs, some longer days, and multiple hotel changes. Access to accommodation may involve stairs, short walks to facilities, and showers over baths. Walking sticks are welcome unless the tour includes overnight rail or cruising—please check with staff.
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Active
For travellers comfortable with full sightseeing days. Building on Moderate requirements, these tours feature more activities, extended periods of standing and walking, and nature-based excursions. You must be able to walk confidently over uneven surfaces at a steady pace, and negotiate busy transport terminals. Expect feature walks for up to 3 hours, and activities that may include small aircraft, vehicles, vessels and watercraft. Not suitable for travellers requiring walking aids or assistance from others.
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Highly Active
Requires good general fitness. Excursions will be over more difficult terrain and require a certain level of agility. You will be required to walk confidently for up to 3 hours over uneven surfaces including soft sand, rocky surfaces and creek crossing. Some itineraries will explore remote locations. No walkers allowed.
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Challenging
For travellers with a high level of fitness and previous outdoor experience. Building on Highly Active requirements, these tours involve full days of physical activity in remote or rugged locations that may be difficult to access. You must be able to walk confidently for 6 or more hours per day over multiple days while carrying a day pack and be comfortable walking in varied weather conditions. Not suitable for travellers using walking aids or requiring assistance.