Queensland
Experiences you'll Never Forget
Blessed with year-round sunshine, Queensland is the ultimate escape to paradise for travellers who want to explore the essence of Australia within one amazing destination.
One of the most naturally diverse places on earth, the state is home to five areas of World Heritage listing. Snorkel, dive or sail the Great Barrier Reef, escape to an idyllic island resort, hike through ancient rainforests, or venture to the intensely coloured landscape of the outback to discover why Queensland is a world leader in nature-based holidays.
Experiences you'll Never Forget
Blessed with year-round sunshine, Queensland is the ultimate escape to paradise for travellers who want to explore the essence of Australia within one amazing destination.
One of the most naturally diverse places on earth, the state is home to five areas of World Heritage listing. Snorkel, dive or sail the Great Barrier Reef, escape to an idyllic island resort, hike through ancient rainforests, or venture to the intensely coloured landscape of the outback to discover why Queensland is a world leader in nature-based holidays.
Brisbane
- Discover the natural wonders of Tropical North Queensland, where World Heritage listed tropical rainforests meet the underwater wonders of the Great Barrier Reef
- Take time to explore the beautiful coastal towns, rainforests, rugged Outback, and country terrain of the Townsville region
- Sail or cruise amongst the 74 islands of the Whitsundays, dive, or snorkel in the tropical warm waters, or enjoy a luxurious stay on a secluded island resort
- Escape from the tourist crowds and explore the lush rainforests, natural beaches, reef and tropical islands of the Mackay region
- Relax and enjoy a perfect blend of laidback country charm, diverse natural beauty and hidden treasures in Central Queensland
- Discover the pristine beaches, coral islands and national parks of Bundaberg, Coral Coast and Country
- Be touched by nature in the Fraser Coast region, a paradise of World Heritage listed Fraser Island, pristine beaches, and abundant marine life
- Be captivated by the relaxed, sophisticated lifestyle of the Sunshine Coast, home to a stunning coastline and the lush countryside of the hinterland
- Experience the easy-going outdoor lifestyle and vibrant spirit of Brisbane, or escape to the Scenic Rim for stunning mountain and country scenery
- Be thrilled by the theme parks and dazzling surf beaches of Australia’s Gold Coast, or head inland to discover subtropical rainforest and a wide diversity of animal species
- Savour the warm hospitality of South East Queensland Country and discover galleries and museums, a fast developing wine industry and fresh, tasty produce
- Discover wide open spaces, great inland fishing, rich pioneering history, and the peaceful lifestyle of rural communities in the Western Downs
- Explore the diverse wonders of Queensland’s vast Outback, with its colourful characters, a proud history and awe-inspiring landscape.
The state capital of Queensland, Brisbane blends the vitality of a city with the leisurely qualities of a country town. With a mixture of old sandstone and sparkling modern bu8ildings, the suburbs are full of lovingly restored weatherboard Queenslander homes. Brisbane’s near perfect climate has created a city of open spaces, dotted with parks, wetlands, and eucalypt forests. Dynamic and youthful, it boasts excellent shopping, superb restaurants, lively arts and an unrivalled variety of recreational activities.
Here is a small selection of the accommodation available in Brisbane but we have many alternative Hotels and Apartments to suit all tastes and budgets.
Emporium Hotel South Bank
Experience an exquisite standard in boutique luxury accommodation, and exceptional dining at Emporium Hotel South Bank. Bask in the comfort of your luxuriously appointed suite. Indulge at the exemplary bars and restaurants. Soak up the unrivalled atmosphere and spectacular views from the rooftop Terrace and infinity pool.
Each of the luxuriously appointed suites feature the latest in-room automation and entertainment technology, inclusive of Bose audio systems and a high-definition custom made television. Large ensuites feature double vanities, marble walls and Molton Brown amenities. Enjoy a restful night’s sleep on a Sealy Dynasty bed and select from the famous “exquisite sleeps” pillow menu.
Hilton Brisbane
Located in Brisbane’s central business district, the only Harry Seidler-designed hotel is connected to Queen Street Mall. The Brisbane River is blocks away and South Bank Parklands is within two kilometres. Choose from a selection of renewed Brisbane hotel rooms and suites offering a relaxed and sophisticated atmosphere illuminated by natural light from expansive windows overlooking the buzzing city centre. Facilities include the outdoor pool, fitness centre, tennis court and you can enjoy seasonal Australian produce in Vintaged Bar + Grill.
Some of the experiences available in Brisbane are outlined below, but there are many, many more, so please ask for details of any other activity you would like to include during your stay.
Brisbane Package – 4 Nights
This suggested city package includes 4 nights’ accommodation, half day city tour with river cruise and full day tour of O’Reilly’s and Lamington National Park. It can be booked with your choice of accommodation and adapted to suit the time you have available. Please request a quotation for your preferred travel dates.
Day 1: Arrive Brisbane
On arrival you transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore the city.
Day 2: Half Day City Tour with River Cruise
This morning enjoy a great overview of Brisbane. Cruise up the river through the city and suburbs, then tour by coach through the central business district, passing historical and significant architectural buildings including City Hall, Parliament House, St Johns Cathedral and the Treasury Casino. The tour concludes at South Bank with time to explore the many attractions including the Art Gallery, Museum and Cultural Centre.
Day 3: O’Reilly’s and Lamington National Park
Travel south of Brisbane and enjoy panoramic views of the Gold Coast as you climb the range to Mount Tamborine. Take a stop at Gallery Walk, with time to explore the unique shops which make up the premier Art and Craft centre of South East Queensland. Continue to O’Reilly’s, situated in the centre of the cool, quiet rainforest of Lamington National Park. Hear of the epic adventures of early settlers and walk through the treetops 16 metres above the forest floor. Visit Canungra Valley Vineyards and enjoy wine tasting before returning to Brisbane.
Day 4: At leisure in Brisbane
Today is free for you to enjoy more of this sophisticated city and its beautiful surrounds.
Day 5: Depart Brisbane
Transferred back to the airport for your onward flight.
Queensland East Coast Experience, 8 nights: Brisbane to Cairns
Brisbane – Noosa Heads – Hervey Bay – Rockhampton – Mackay – Airlie Beach – Townsville – Cairns
This self-drive tour from Brisbane to Cairns requires 9 days car rental and 8 nights’ accommodation. We will be pleased to help you choose the best rental car and accommodation options to suit your personal preference and provide a quotation on request.
Day 1 Brisbane – Noosa (160km)
Pick up your rental car at the Brisbane City or Airport Depot and commence your drive to Noosa via the Bruce Highway.
NOOSA HEADS has a cosmopolitan atmosphere, coupled with the natural beauty of the area. The headland is a National Park and there are several walks meandering through it to the various attractions of Boiling Pot, Hell’s Gate and Paradise Cave, to name a few. Noosa’s boutiques and restaurants are first class, and there is no shortage of entertainment.
Overnight: Noosa Heads
Day 2 Noosa – Hervey Bay (158km)
Join the Bruce Highway just beyond Traveston and then continue to Maryborough and on to Hervey Bay and Fraser Island.
GYMPIE is the main entrance into the delights of Cooloola Beach, Great Sandy National Park and the glories of Fraser Island. At the Deep Creek Gold Fossicking Park you can explore an old goldmining site and pick, shovel or pan for gold.
MARYBOROUGH is one of Queensland’s oldest cities and was first settled in 1843. Many European immigrants arrived in the town during the second half of the nineteenth century. The splendid old houses have given Maryborough its reputation as one of the most beautiful historic towns in Queensland. This can be appreciated by following the Heritage Walk, which takes in 28 historic buildings in the central business district.
HERVEY BAY is full of history, beauty and attractions centred round sheltered waters and some 14 kilometres of golden beaches. Hervey Bay offers a colourful concentration of lifestyles, and its waters are home to turtles, dolphins and dugongs. It is the whale watching capital of the world and the gateway to Fraser Island.
FRASER ISLAND is a unique part of the Fraser Coast region, and its unusual formation of sand and rainforest make it a special source of adventure for visitors to explore. Although well known amongst fishermen and 4WD enthusiasts, it is the history and Aboriginal culture that gives Fraser Island its individual character, expressed through wonderful, coloured sand cliffs, unique freshwater lakes and diverse flora and wildlife.
2 Nights: Hervey Bay or Fraser Island
Day 3 Hervey Bay & Fraser Island
Full day at your leisure in Hervey Bay to explore the area or alternatively you may wish to take a full day tour to Fraser Island.
Day 4 Hervey Bay – Rockhampton (380km)
Depart Hervey Bay and travel to Torbanlea where you turn onto the Bruce Highway. Continue through the towns of Childers, Gin Gin, Miriam Vale and Calliope to Rockhampton.
CHILDERS is a sugar town as well as a National Trust town. Even though a 1902 fire destroyed much of the town, many impressive Victorian buildings remain and are listed by the National Trust. A visit to the Pharmaceutical Museum containing the original cedar fixtures, a 1906 cash register and leather-bound prescription books is a must. At the Isis Sugar Mill you can see raw cane turned into familiar white sugar crystals.
GIN GIN is a pretty town, situated on the Bruce Highway. Attractions in town include the Historical Museum, the Currajong Gardens, and the Moonara Craft Spinning Inn. East of Gin Gin on the Bundaberg road are the Mystery Craters. These strange sandstone formations were probably made by meteors.
ROCKHAMPTON is the heart of the beef cattle country. Cammoo Caves, approximately 23km north of Rockhampton, are two cave systems, which are open to the public. Cave coral, fossils and gigantic tree roots can be inspected in these dry, limestone caves. A short distance away on the coast is Yeppoon the stepping-off place for visits to Great Keppel Island. Byfield State Forest just north of Yeppoon is a pleasant, secluded spot in a rainforest environment; at Cooberrie Park Flora and Fauna Centre visitors can cuddle a koala or feed a kangaroo; and Koorana Crocodile Farm offers something different. Mount Morgan is a historic township approximately 40km south of Rockhampton. Here you can tour through a 100-year-old mining town.
Overnight: Rockhampton
DAY 5 Rockhampton – MacKay (336kmn)
Depart Rockhampton via the towns of Marlborough and Sarina to Mackay.
EUNGELLA NATIONAL PARK is situated 84km west of Mackay and is one of Queensland’s most spectacular parks, with cloud shrouded peaks, deep gorges, and lush rainforest. Most of the park is inaccessible but the southern section, adjacent to the access road, is popular with campers and day visitors. The park can provide a special treat for visitors lucky enough to see one of the resident platypuses in the creek by the camping area. The park has graded tracks leading through rainforest to waterfalls and natural swimming pools.
MACKAY is surrounded by miles of sugarcane fields, which give the city its title of Sugar Capital of Australia. During the crushing season (July to November) Farleigh Mill, a working sugar mill, and Polstone Sugar Cane Farm offer tours. Mackay’s heritage walk takes in the Police Station, the Court House and Commonwealth Bank, buildings that are all over 100 years old and listed with the National Trust.
Overnight: Mackay
Day 6 MacKay – Airlie Beach (151km)
Continue on the Bruce Highway through Proserpine to Airllie Beach.
PROSERPINE is a productive valley which was named after Proserpina, the Roman goddess of fertility, and supports a prosperous sugar industry. There is a pleasant hike to Cedar Creek in the rainforest-clad hills behind the town.
AIRLIE BEACH is a popular holiday resort, and Gateway to the Whitsunday Passage – home of hundreds of Barrier Reef Islands. The tropical island resorts of Hayman, Hamilton, Daydream and South Molle, to name a few of the 74 islands that are just off the coast of Whitsunday, and which lie inside the Great Barrier Reef, are only some of the attractions of the area. Sunshine, blue water and sandy beaches are the theme of the Whitsundays.
2 Nights: Airlie Beach
Day 7 Airlie Beach
Full day at leisure in Airlie Beach to explore the area or alternatively you may wish to take a full day tour of the Whitsunday Islands.
Day 8 Airlie Beach – Townsville (274km)
Depart Airlie Beach travelling back to Proserpine where you re-join the Bruce Highway and travel through the towns of Bower and Ayr to reach Townsville.
TOWNSVILLE is the second largest city in Queensland and main commercial centre of Northern Queensland. Castle Hill offers a panoramic view of Townsville. Great Barrier Reef Wonderland is one of the most popular attractions in Townsville and is well worth a visit with its walk-through underwater tunnel, giving a great all-round view of the coral and the fish.
Overnight: Townsville
Day 9 Townsville – Cairns (347km)
Depart Townsville today via the Bruce Highway and head towards Cairns via the towns of Ingham, Mission Beach and Innisfail.
INGHAM – The climate and soil were perfectly suited to the introduction of sugarcane back in the early 1870’s and Ingham continues to prosper from its sugar production. The region has a strong Italian and Spanish Basque background. The Wallaman Falls National Park with its 300 metre falls, bushwalks and spectacular rainforest and swimming and picnic spots is well worth a visit.
MISSION BEACH has fourteen kilometres of coastline and wide white sandy beaches met by rainforest.
INNISFAIL – The character of the district was established with the influx of migrants, mainly Italian, after World War I. The town and the area have retained that very cosmopolitan mix ever since. In the 1950’s Dr Alan Maruff started growing tea commercially at Nerada, west of Innisfail, and over the years the production of tea from the Nerada Plantation has continued to rise. Tours of the plantation are conducted regularly. At Mena Creek, south of Innisfail are the ruins of Paronella Park, a Spanish-style castle built by a migrant named Jose Paronella. There are also walks through rainforest and stands of bamboo and kauri pine to Mena Creek and Teresa Falls. Mt. Bartle Frere, north of the town, is the highest mountain in Queensland.
Return your vehicle to the Cairns Airport or City Depot.
Cairns
- Discover the natural wonders of Tropical North Queensland, where World Heritage listed tropical rainforests meet the underwater wonders of the Great Barrier Reef
The prime gateway to Tropical North Queensland, Cairns is an ideal base from which to explore the Great Barrier Reef, rainforest, outback, and vast wilderness of the Cape York Peninsula. Framed by a spectacular backdrop of rainforest mountain ranges and fringed by the sparkling Coral Sea, this modern city boasts an excellent range of outlets and shopping centres, cosmopolitan restaurants, and vibrant cafés. With a colourful coastal character, Cairns enjoys an agreeable climate and leisurely, outdoor focussed lifestyle.
Here is a small selection of the accommodation available in Cairns but we have many alternative Hotels and Apartments to suit all tastes and budgets.
Shangri-La Hotel, The Marina
This luxury triangular-shaped hotel is superbly positioned at the southern end of the vibrant Cairns Esplanade, overlooking the yachts in the Marlin Marina and the Coral Sea. Laze by the swimming pool, sample the flavours of Far North Queensland in the waterside restaurant or use the hotel as a comfortable base to explore the region’s world-famous places.
Pullman Cairns International
This unique hotel reflects the ambience and spirit of Tropical North Queensland and exudes the architectural style and grandeur of the city centre’s rich past. With 324 rooms, Pullman Cairns International is the largest hotel, featuring the largest guest rooms, in Cairns. Swim in the tropical pools, enjoy a relaxing treatment in Vie Spa or dine on the best paddock-to-plate fresh produce in Coco’s Kitchen + Bar. be sure to delight in award winning high tea pastry delicacies in the spectacular grand lobby.
Some of the experiences available in Cairns and Tropical North Queensland are outlined below, but there are many, many more, so please ask for details of any other activity you would like to include during your stay.
Cairns City Package, 4 Nights
This suggested city package includes 4 nights’ accommodation, full day cruise to the Great Barrier Reef and full day Kuranda tour. It can be booked with your choice of accommodation and adapted to suit the time you have available. Please request a quotation for your preferred travel dates.
Day 1: Arrive Cairns
On arrival, transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore the city.
Day 2: Great Barrier Reef Cruise
Cruise aboard a luxury vessel and experience the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy a wide range of activities including snorkelling, semi-submersible coral viewing, and ecological presentations by a Marine Biologist.
Day 3: Kuranda
Today enjoy a tour which brings together 2 of the region’s best mainland attractions. Board the famous Kuranda Scenic Railway for a breath-taking journey through the Barron Gorge National Park. You will have time at leisure to explore the village of Kuranda before boarding Skyrail, the world’s longest gondola cableway, for a unique journey above the rainforest canopy.
Day 4: At leisure in Cairns
Today is free for you to enjoy more of this tropical city and its beautiful surrounds.
Day 5: Depart Cairns
Transfer back to the airport for your onward flight.
Reef & Rainforest, 4 nights Cairns to Cairns
This exceptional self-drive tour requires 5 days car rental and 4 nights’ accommodation. We will be pleased to help you choose the best rental vehicle and accommodation options to suit your personal preference and provide a quotation on request.
Cairns – Mossman – Atherton – Cairns
Day 1 Cairns – Mossman (76km)
Pick up your rental car at the Cairns City Depot or Cairns Airport Depot and commence your drive north to Mossman. Travel north along the Captain Cook Highway perhaps stopping for lunch at Port Douglas. Continue to your choice of accommodation around Mossman.
PORT DOUGLAS, once a fishing village, is now one of the leading tourist towns in Far North Queensland due mainly to its proximity to the wonders of the reef and the rainforest and its superb year-round climate. All the natural beauty is supported by numerous restaurants, delightful shops, luxury hotels and resorts and historic Queenslander buildings. What should not be missed is a visit to the award-winning Rainforest Habitat which gives a taste of life within the rainforest environment.
2 Nights: Mossman
Day 2 Mossman
Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore the Mossman, Daintree River or Cape Tribulation.
MOSSMAN GORGE – The Mossman Gorge Centre is an Indigenous eco-tourism development that will better serve visitors to the Mossman Gorge World Heritage site. Mossman Gorge will provide one of Australia’s most iconic Aboriginal experiences in Tropical North Queensland and is the perfect option for visitors looking for a genuine, authentic engagement with Indigenous Australia. At the Mossman Gorge Centre you will find an array of services to help you organise your adventure through the Gorge. Staff at the Visitor Information desk will assist you in planning your route around the Gorge, as well as book onto your Dreamtime Walk. Plan your route over a coffee at the café or peruse the art gallery, a pleasure that might have more relevance after hearing about the Dreamtime stories from the Kuku Yalanji people. A “must do” for every visitor to Mossman Gorge are the Indigenous guided Dreamtime Walks, conducted by the traditional owners of the Gorge, the Kuku Yalanji people. Ngadiku (Nar-di-gul) meaning stories and legends from a long time ago in local Kuku Yalanji language, takes you on a journey along private, easy graded tracks, visiting special places and culturally significant sites, past traditional bark shelters and over meandering cool rainforest streams.
DAINTREE is nestled in the heart of the Daintree River catchment basin, surrounded by the rainforest-clad McDowall Ranges. The area has an abundance of native plant-life, birds, exotic tropical butterflies and Australia’s pre-historic reptile, the estuarine crocodile that can be seen lurking in the mangrove-lined creeks and tributaries of the Daintree River. Several cruises operate on the Daintree River offering passengers a leisurely tour to observe the beauty of the river and rainforest and enjoy morning or afternoon tea. The township has art and craft centres, a butterfly farm, coffee plantation, timber museum and gallery and several eating houses.
CAPE TRIBULATION is one of the truly magnificent areas of Australia. Enjoy the lush tropical rainforests, crystal clear swimming creeks, long sandy beaches, and plenty of things to see and do. Cape Tribulation is a National Park and there is no real centre. Cow Bay is just north of the Daintree Ferry and there are small pockets of settlement located along the main road. There are magnificent, wide beaches with very clear, blue water. The rainforest joins the sandy beaches making it unique as an area where two World Heritage areas meet. Cape Tribulation has a special feel to it and those people that love nature, and the outdoors will really enjoy this National Park.
Day 3 Mossman – Atherton Tablelands
Head south on the Captain Cook Highway/Mossman Daintree Road and take the turn-off to Mareeba along the picturesque Kennedy Highway, passing through Mount Molloy, Mareeba and on to Yungaburra.
MAREEBA – Mareeba was first settled in 1877, the name is derived from an aboriginal word meaning “meeting of the waters”, those waters being the mighty Barron and Granite Rivers. Mareeba is a bread bowl township, the heart of Australia’s thriving tropical fruits and coffee industry. It is far simpler to list the fruit, flowers, vegetables, nuts and berries that Mareeba does not grow, than to detail the smorgasbord of local produce.
ATHERTON is the ‘capital’ of the Tropical Tablelands, a land of beautiful lakes, waterfalls, rich red soil and tropical rainforest. Here the temperature is cooler, the pace is slower and there is a feeling of relaxation in the air.
YUNGUBURRA is a picturesque and very quaint town located in the middle of the Lakes district of the Tablelands. Close by are scenic attractions like Lake Barrine, Lake Eacham and the Curtain Fig Tree.
LAKE BARRINE, in Crater Lakes National Park, is a maar: a crater lake formed by volcanic explosions. The surrounding rainforest is typical of that found on fertile red basalt soils in high rainfall areas. In several places, large kauri pines emerge through the canopy – a species that dominated the tableland forests over thousands of years. Take the 5km track around the lake, pausing to view the two giant kauris. Some of the many animals that inhabit the park, including the colourful Boyd’s forest dragon, amethystine python, and eastern water dragon, can sometimes be seen from the track. Lake cruises operate from the teahouse.
LAKE EACHAM is also in Crater Lakes National Park and like Lake Barrine is a maar surrounded by rainforest. Differences in soil type, drainage or past disturbances have shaped the forest and resulted in varied rainforest communities. Go for a swim – or relax in the shady picnic area. Walk the 3km lake circuit track, where you may be lucky enough to see an Australian mammal that is active only during the day: the musky rat-kangaroo.
2 Nights: Atherton Tablelands
Day 4 Atherton Tablelands
Today is free to explore the Atherton Tablelands and its surrounds.
Day 5 Atherton – Cairns
Return to Cairns today via the Gillies and Bruce Highways. Return your vehicle to the Cairns Airport or Cairns city Depot.
Marine World Outer Great Barrier Reef Day Cruise
Depart direct from Cairns on a fast, stable catamaran providing a smoother ride and reduced travel time, leaving more of your day to experience the magic of the Great Barrier Reef. The all-weather Marine World platform caters for all activity levels. Snorkel in the sheltered coral lagoon, go scuba diving (no experience necessary) or join the Marine Biologist on a guided snorkel safari. If you are not a confident swimmer you can stay dry and view the reef from the semi-submersible reef viewer, glass bottom boat or underwater observatory, try a Helmet Dive for a scuba-style experience without getting your hair wet, or soar above it all on a spectacular Reef Scenic helicopter flight. With 5 hours at the reef, there is time to do it all. If simply relaxing and soaking up the tropical warmth is more your style, then take time out on the spacious sundeck where you will also find the regions only reef-based massage therapist. Change rooms and freshwater rinse showers are available. Buffet lunch, morning and afternoon tea is included. Depart the Reef for the journey back to Cairns.
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