10-Day Brisbane to Cairns: Fraser Island, Whitsundays & Great Barrier Reef

Tour Overview

Itinerary Highlights

Day 1: Brisbane to Noosa

Depart Brisbane. Visit the Sunshine Coast — Noosa Heads, one of Australia’s most beautiful beach towns. Walk through Noosa National Park. Afternoon: drive to Rainbow Beach. Overnight near Rainbow Beach.

Days 2-3: K’gari (Fraser Island) — World’s Largest Sand Island

Board the barge to K’gari (Fraser Island) — UNESCO World Heritage, the world’s largest sand island. 4WD adventure along Seventy-Five Mile Beach. Swim in the crystal-clear Lake McKenzie — pure white silica sand and sparkling freshwater. Float down Eli Creek. Visit the Maheno Shipwreck and the Champagne Pools. Overnight on Fraser Island.

Days 4-5: Airlie Beach & Whitsunday Islands

Drive north to Airlie Beach, gateway to the Whitsundays. Day 5: full-day sailing adventure through the Whitsunday Islands — 74 tropical islands in the Coral Sea. Visit Whitehaven Beach (consistently ranked world’s top beach) — 7km of pure silica sand. Hike to Hill Inlet Lookout for the iconic swirling sand photo. Snorkel the fringing reefs of the Whitsundays. Overnight in Airlie Beach.

Days 6-7: Magnetic Island & Mission Beach

Drive to Townsville, ferry to Magnetic Island — 23 beaches and bays, home to wild koalas. Hike the Forts Walk for koala spotting and WWII history. Day 7: continue to Mission Beach — where cassowaries roam wild. Optional: skydive onto the beach. Overnight in Mission Beach.

Days 8-9: Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

Drive to Cairns. Day 9: full-day Great Barrier Reef cruise — snorkel the outer reef, see the best of the world’s largest living structure. Evening: celebrate the epic east coast journey with a Cairns BBQ. Overnight in Cairns.

Day 10: Depart Cairns

Airport transfer. Safe travels!

Inclusions

• 9 nights accommodation (hostel/lodge/budget hotel)
• Daily breakfast + 3 lunches
• Fraser Island 4WD adventure (2 days)
• Whitsundays sailing day trip (snorkeling included)
• Magnetic Island ferry + guided walks
• Great Barrier Reef cruise from Cairns
• All transport in air-conditioned vehicle
• Expert driver-guide

Why The East Coast Road Trip

• Australia’s most iconic road trip route
• Fraser Island — the world’s largest sand island, a 4WD paradise
• Whitehaven Beach — consistently voted the world’s best beach
• Great Barrier Reef finale

What’s Not Included

• Entrance fees to attractions
• Tour Guide
• Meal (lunch and dinner)
• International flights
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses