Itinerary – 11 Day Tropical Queensland Tour 2026

Day 1 Wednesday 6^th May 2026   D
Home – Big Banana – Ballina
Today our holiday begins. After our complimentary home pickup we start North traversing past Port Macquarie and into one of the largest urban centres in the North Coast region and home of the Big Banana where we will enjoy morning tea, Coffs Harbour. After our cuppa and a look about the Banana we continue up the Pacific Highway toward our overnight stopover at Ballina. Accom: Ballina Island Motor Inn

Day 2 Thursday 7^th May 2026       BD
Ballina – Gympie
This morning sees us visiting Australia’s most powerful lighthouse at Cape Byron – the Easternmost point of the mainland of Australia! Take in the breathtaking views and we may be lucky enough to glimpse the whale pods as they pass through. Continuing our day sees us climb up Tamborine Mountain through one of Australia’s oldest and most charming national parks before we sit back for afternoon traveling through Brisbane before retiring for the evening at Gympie. Accom: The Great Eastern Motor Inn

Day 3 Friday 8^th May 2026             BD                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Gympie – Bundaberg – Rockhampton
Sweet delights are first on today’s agenda! Today sees us inside the Bundaberg Rum distillery! After our guided tour explaining the procedures for making this household favourite we continue to Rockhampton, the Beef capitol of Australia, where we will stay tonight. Accom: Mercure Rockhampton

​Day 4 Saturday 9^th May 2026                    BD
Rockhampton – Airlie Beach
Following the Bruce Highway, we set our sights today for Airlie Beach, an Australian iconic destination in the blossoming Whitsundays. A pit stop at a nearby sugar plant will expand our knowledge on this vital and prospering industry. This area of our country is lined with sugar canes as you will see the crops during our days travel – but what comes with sugar canes, the toads! Tonight unwind while we settle into our accommodation for the next 2 nights at Colonial Palms Motor Inn

Day 5 Sunday 10^th May 2026                   B
Airlie Beach Free Day
Today is yours to do as you choose. Enjoy the warm climate of the Whitsundays, perfect for taking a stroll through the marina or maybe past Airlie Lagoon, this area is so pretty you might just sit at a café and soak int all in. We could also arrange an optional cruise out to hardy reef (more info at rear of this brochure).Tonight enjoy dinner at a restaurant of your own choosing and your leisure as you have the opportunity to explore Airlie Beach (own expense).

Day 6 Monday 11^th May 2026 BD
Arlie Beach – Magnetic Island – Townsville
Bidding farewell to Airlie Beach, we travel through Ayr into the coastal city of Townsville. Aboard the ferry to make the 8km journey to Magnetic Island. This island is home to over 2000 permanent residents and plenty of wildlife as well. Magnetic Island National Park comes 2nd only to the Great Barrier Reef for the most visited National Park in QLD. After our ferry trip back to Townsville settle into our accommodation at Mercure Townsville.

Day 7 Tuesday 12^th May 2026       BD
Townsville – Cairns
As we keep travelling North we make our way to the unique Paronella Park. Wander through the captivating Charm of this lost Spanish castle, be inspired by spectacular waterfalls and be tranquilised by the mysterious rainforest. This afternoon after our visit we make a beeline for the tourist meca, Cairns for our overnight accommodation. Accom: Mercure Cairns

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Day 8 Wednesday 13^th May 2026            BD
Cairns – Cooktown
This morning we have time to enjoy breakfast at a time and location your choosing, perhaps just a bite to eat in out motel or a lovely sunrise breaky down on the esplanade. Once we are all on board the coach we begin our days travel to Cooktown, the most Northerly Township we visit on this tour. It is here Lt. James Cook spent some 48 days in 1770 repairing damage to the Endeavour after running aground on a reef. Take some time this afternoon to explore this historic township before dinner tonight. Accom: Sovereign Resort Cooktown

Day 9 Thursday 14^th May 2026                 BD
Cooktown – Port Douglas
After only a few hours traveling today, we arrive in the upmarket coastal resort village of Port Douglas. Bordering the Daintree National Park and the Great Barrier Reef this is where we call home for the next 2 nights. Accom: Oaks Resort Port Douglas.

Day 10 Friday 15^th May 2026         BD
Port Douglas Free Day
Today is day at leisure. You might like to take a stroll through the Marina, the beach or the main street. After lunch today we also have an optional tour into the Daintree National Park, please see the important information section of this brochure for more information.

Day 11 Saturday 16^th May 2026    B
Port Douglas – Home
Today is the last day of our holiday. Board the coach as we take you to the Cairns domestic airport for our flight back to Sydney and another of our vehicles will return you to your home.

You may wish to combine this tour with our 11 Day Outback Queensland tour that flys into Cairns today. Travel with us on 2 or more holidays in one calendar year and save $$. Ask us how to get this great saving today