Featuring the Spirit of Queensland rail journey - Cairns to Whitsundays
10 Days
11 to 20 July 2027
Active
$6,710pptw
134 villabucks
Featuring the Spirit of Queensland rail journey - Cairns to Whitsundays
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 for your flight to Cairns, upon arrival into Cairns, we transfer you to your hotel for the evening.
Three nights: Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort, Cairns
Day 2. Exploring Cairns (BLD)
Awaken in tropical North Queensland. After breakfast, board the coach for a guided tour exploring Cairns and its colourful stories. Visit the Flecker Botanic Gardens, which showcases an impressive display of tropical flora, including some of the rarest plants in the world. Established in 1886, this is considered one of the best exhibitions of tropical plants in Australia. Discover babbling brooks, ornate bridges and lush vegetation on your guided tour of this tropical oasis, while learning about tropical flora and horticulture. From above the ground, to under the sea, we then go on to explore the Cairns Aquarium and view the incredible biodiversity of two adjoining World Heritage Listed areas – The Wet Tropics and The Great Barrier Reef. As the newest and largest public aquarium in Australia, it is considered the best in the country. Enjoy free time this afternoon to wander Cairns at your leisure, perhaps taking in the art gallery or shops before coming together for a sunset dinner cruise on Trinity Inlet.
Day 3. Rainforest and railways (BD)
Today you will have the opportunity to explore the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway, built over 100 years ago, it provides a spectacular scenic route between Cairns and Kuranda. Wind your way past the mountainous walls of the Barron Gorge National Park, through solid granite rock tunnels and tumbling rainforest waterfalls. Upon arrival in Kuranda, immerse yourself in the lush greenery of the “village in a rainforest”. This evening, relax into paradise with a harbour dinner cruise.
Day 4. Spirit of Queensland (BLD)
Today, board the train and settle into your premium seating for the full-day journey from Cairns to Townsville. Offering personal entertainment systems and premium leather seating, you can choose to sit back and enjoy on-board entertainment or gaze out of your window at the rural and coastal scenery. On arrival into Townsville, you will be driven to your hotel via The Strand, the town’s palm tree lined beach front promenade which is a vibrant part of the community.
Two nights: The Ville, Townsville
Day 5. Magnetic Island (BD)
This morning, we whisk you away via a passenger ferry for the short journey to the beautiful Magnetic Island. Join local guides to see incredible landscapes and learn of the abundant wildlife in this exquisite island paradise. By afternoon, return to Townsville for an evening of retreat in your hotel.
Day 6. Townsville and Spirit of Queensland (BLD)
Deep dive into Townsville with an orientation tour followed by a visit to the Museum of Tropical Queensland. Here you will uncover Queensland's pristine rainforests and the magnificent underwater world of The Great Barrier Reef. After lunch in Townsville, we board the Spirit of Queensland for your journey to the Whitsundays. Relax throughout the afternoon aboard, taking in the passing landscape and savour an indulgent dinner as you continue your journey.
Two nights: Coral Sea Resort, Airlie Beach
Day 7. Airlie Beach (BLD)
Today, your local tour guide will take you to discover Cedar Creek Falls, pack your bathers if you are game enough to have a swim! Journey past endless sugar cane fields on the way to Hideaway Bay and Dingo Beach before lunch. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure by the resort or explore the town centre of the incredible Airlie Beach.
Day 8. - Hamilton Island (BD)
Immerse yourself in the many islands of the Whitsundays, before arriving at world-famous Hamilton Island. The afternoon is at your leisure to explore the island and to enjoy its many activities (at own expense). Tonight, we will gather to enjoy a delightful dinner at the resort.
Two nights: Reef View Hotel, Hamilton Island
Day 9. Hamilton Island the heart of The Whitsundays (BD)
Another day of leisure, because island living is all about relaxation. Choose between optional tours (at own expense) exploring the Great Barrier Reef, snorkelling, a helicopter ride or relax on Hamilton Island by the pool at your resort. After a day of incredible island life, we come together for a farewell dinner at the Pool Terrace.
Day 10. Hamilton Island to Perth (B)
Transfer to the Hamilton Island Airport for your flight to Perth via Brisbane. Upon arrival into Perth, we will see you safely home.
Itinerary 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: Kurana Scenic Railway
Dates & Pricing
$6,710pptw
$1,725 single option
Highlights
• Hamilton Island & The Whitsundays
• 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, WA)
• 22 meals
• 9 nights’ accommodation
• Included sightseeing & attractions
• Professional Villa Tour Leader
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Dates & Pricing
Duration: 10 Days
Dates: 11 to 20 July 2027
Activity Level: Active
$6,710pptw
$1,725 single option
Earn: 134 villabucks
Highlights
• Hamilton Island & The Whitsundays
• 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, WA)
• 22 meals
• 9 nights’ accommodation
• Included sightseeing & attractions
• Professional Villa Tour Leader
Itinerary
Day 1. Perth to Cairns (D)
We collect you from home for your flight to Cairns, upon arrival into Cairns, we transfer you to your hotel for the evening.
Three nights: Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort, Cairns
Day 2. Exploring Cairns (BLD)
Awaken in tropical North Queensland. After breakfast, board the coach for a guided tour exploring Cairns and its colourful stories. Visit the Flecker Botanic Gardens, which showcases an impressive display of tropical flora, including some of the rarest plants in the world. Established in 1886, this is considered one of the best exhibitions of tropical plants in Australia. Discover babbling brooks, ornate bridges and lush vegetation on your guided tour of this tropical oasis, while learning about tropical flora and horticulture. From above the ground, to under the sea, we then go on to explore the Cairns Aquarium and view the incredible biodiversity of two adjoining World Heritage Listed areas – The Wet Tropics and The Great Barrier Reef. As the newest and largest public aquarium in Australia, it is considered the best in the country. Enjoy free time this afternoon to wander Cairns at your leisure, perhaps taking in the art gallery or shops before coming together for a sunset dinner cruise on Trinity Inlet.
Day 3. Rainforest and railways (BD)
Today you will have the opportunity to explore the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway, built over 100 years ago, it provides a spectacular scenic route between Cairns and Kuranda. Wind your way past the mountainous walls of the Barron Gorge National Park, through solid granite rock tunnels and tumbling rainforest waterfalls. Upon arrival in Kuranda, immerse yourself in the lush greenery of the “village in a rainforest”. This evening, relax into paradise with a harbour dinner cruise.
Day 4. Spirit of Queensland (BLD)
Today, board the train and settle into your premium seating for the full-day journey from Cairns to Townsville. Offering personal entertainment systems and premium leather seating, you can choose to sit back and enjoy on-board entertainment or gaze out of your window at the rural and coastal scenery. On arrival into Townsville, you will be driven to your hotel via The Strand, the town’s palm tree lined beach front promenade which is a vibrant part of the community.
Two nights: The Ville, Townsville
Day 5. Magnetic Island (BD)
This morning, we whisk you away via a passenger ferry for the short journey to the beautiful Magnetic Island. Join local guides to see incredible landscapes and learn of the abundant wildlife in this exquisite island paradise. By afternoon, return to Townsville for an evening of retreat in your hotel.
Day 6. Townsville and Spirit of Queensland (BLD)
Deep dive into Townsville with an orientation tour followed by a visit to the Museum of Tropical Queensland. Here you will uncover Queensland's pristine rainforests and the magnificent underwater world of The Great Barrier Reef. After lunch in Townsville, we board the Spirit of Queensland for your journey to the Whitsundays. Relax throughout the afternoon aboard, taking in the passing landscape and savour an indulgent dinner as you continue your journey.
Two nights: Coral Sea Resort, Airlie Beach
Day 7. Airlie Beach (BLD)
Today, your local tour guide will take you to discover Cedar Creek Falls, pack your bathers if you are game enough to have a swim! Journey past endless sugar cane fields on the way to Hideaway Bay and Dingo Beach before lunch. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure by the resort or explore the town centre of the incredible Airlie Beach.
Day 8. - Hamilton Island (BD)
Immerse yourself in the many islands of the Whitsundays, before arriving at world-famous Hamilton Island. The afternoon is at your leisure to explore the island and to enjoy its many activities (at own expense). Tonight, we will gather to enjoy a delightful dinner at the resort.
Two nights: Reef View Hotel, Hamilton Island
Day 9. Hamilton Island the heart of The Whitsundays (BD)
Another day of leisure, because island living is all about relaxation. Choose between optional tours (at own expense) exploring the Great Barrier Reef, snorkelling, a helicopter ride or relax on Hamilton Island by the pool at your resort. After a day of incredible island life, we come together for a farewell dinner at the Pool Terrace.
Day 10. Hamilton Island to Perth (B)
Transfer to the Hamilton Island Airport for your flight to Perth via Brisbane. Upon arrival into Perth, we will see you safely home.
Itinerary subject to change. Terms and conditions apply. Call 08 9754 2026 for details.
Image: Kurana Scenic RailwayNew 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.
