Tropical Queensland: Cairns to the Gold Coast

Tropical Queensland: Cairns to the Gold Coast

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10 Days From

$4928

$4300

Tropical Queensland: Cairns to the Gold Coast

10 Days Starting in Cairns, Australia and ending in Gold Coast, Australia

Visiting: Cairns, Great Barrier Reef, Magnetic Island, Airlie Beach, Gold Coast

Tour operator:

AAT Kings

Tour code:

QCGC25

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Low

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Adventure Tours, Sailing

Activities:

Snorkeling, Walking

From: $4928 $4300 Operator discount: -$628 -13%

NB: Prices correct on 22-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable adventure through Tropical Queensland, from Cairns to the Gold Coast, where the Great Barrier Reef meets the Wet Tropics of Queensland. This tour offers a unique opportunity to explore two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, with activities ranging from snorkeling in the vibrant marine life of the Great Barrier Reef to hiking through the ancient rainforests of Kuranda. Enjoy the stunning landscapes of Magnetic Island and the Whitsundays, with options for boat cruises, scenic flights, and leisurely beach days. Stay in comfortable accommodations with easy access to city centers and local attractions, guided by a specialist team ensuring a seamless experience. Whether you're exploring the lush hinterlands or the sun-kissed beaches, this tour promises a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation in one of the world's most beautiful regions.

Make Travel Matter

Your Great Barrier Reef cruise operator on Magnetic Island strictly follows guidelines for responsible marine wildlife viewing, aiming to protect the diverse marine life of this natural wonder.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Welcome To Cairns

Location: Cairns

Accommodation Name: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns

There aren’t many places in the world where you can experience two World Heritage Sites at the same time. Cairns is one – this is where the Great Barrier Reef meets the Wet Tropics of Queensland. Needless to say, it’s a pretty special destination. Touch down and take your time soaking up the tropical surrounds of this city, whether you’re wandering along the buzzy Esplanade, enjoying seafood by the marina or checking out one of the hip bars and lounges that now call Cairns home.

Day 2: Great Barrier Reef

Location: Great Barrier Reef

Accommodation Name: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns

Bring your stamina and sense of adventure as you zip over the Great Barrier Reef in a high-speed catamaran. Pull on your mask and snorkel and dive into this marine wonderland to swim with turtles, moray eels, giant clams and a menagerie of tropical fish. Your guides will tell you how important this ecosystem is to the biodiversity of the planet. If you prefer to keep your hair dry, the marine world can also be glimpsed from an underwater observatory and glass-bottom boat.

Day 3: Cairns And Surrounds

Location: Cairns

Accommodation Name: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns

‘A village in the rainforest’ is Kuranda’s catchphrase. Indeed, this picturesque mountain retreat on the eastern edge of the Atherton Tablelands is surrounded by the world’s oldest living tropical rainforest. It’s an important floral and faunal corridor, as you’ll discover when you arrive and explore at your leisure. A great way to take the natural drama in is from the Kuranda Scenic Railway and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, whisking you high over strangler figs, orchids and palms, not to mention gushing waterfalls. Keep watch for the elusive cassowary, which calls this part of the world home.

Day 4: Cairns - Townsville - Magnetic Island

Location: Magnetic Island

Accommodation Name: Peppers Blue on Blue, Magnetic Island

From the rainforest back to the reef – your journey today takes you to a very special pocket of national parkland, just off the coast of Townsville. Alight your ferry to discover Magnetic Island with a guide, glimpsing palm-fringed beaches backdropped by enormous granite boulders, hidden waterfalls and forests of lush hoop pines and eucalypts where koalas like to hang out. Fun fact: the island is home to the largest population of koalas in northern Australia. It’s all enveloped by opaline lagoons that glimmer in Queensland’s tropical sun. More than two-thirds of Magnetic is protected parkland, and with 25km of hiking trails on offer, there’s a lot to take in.

Day 5: Magnetic Island

Location: Magnetic Island

Accommodation Name: Peppers Blue on Blue, Magnetic Island

You’re in the middle of the Coral Sea – needless to say, one of the best ways to explore is by boat. Jump aboard your floating chariot for the day to cruise around the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. On our MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, learn about what’s being done to protect this ecosystem while you glide in and out of bays – there are 23 across the island – and skirt endless unpeopled beaches. It can get warm in these parts; thankfully you’ll have plenty of time to cool off with a dip or snorkel before heading back to land. Tonight, take the pulse of the island’s restaurants and bars at your own pace.

Day 6: Magnetic Island - Townsville - Airlie Beach

Location: Airlie Beach

Accommodation Name: Mantra Club Croc

All palm trees and golden sand, Airlie Beach is the gateway to the Whitsundays, 74 tropical drops of land all ringed by the Coral Sea. Life moves at a slow pace here, in keeping with the balmy climes. Follow the lead of locals and soak it all in – slowly – while getting a taste for the produce of the region at any number of alfresco restaurants and bars. Or splash about in Airlie’s enormous man-made lagoon, particularly pretty at sunset. The choice is yours this afternoon and evening.

Day 7: Airlie Beach Free Time

Location: Airlie Beach

Accommodation Name: Mantra Club Croc

You may have heard of Hayman, Hamilton and Daydream islands. But there are endless other rainforest-clad islets to discover off the Airlie Beach coast. And there are just as many ways to take them all in – today we’re letting you decide. Perhaps rise early for an optional helicopter ride over Heart Reef. Or catch a catamaran to Whitehaven Beach, with sand so high in silica it squeaks underfoot. You can also opt to go chasing waterfalls in the lush hinterland, where hiking trails weave through the emerald canopy and lead to gem-like waterholes. Whichever way you go, be sure to pack your swimsuit.

Day 8: Airlie Beach - Gold Coast

Location: Gold Coast

Accommodation Name: Novotel Surfers Paradise

Be sure to nab a window seat on your flight from Airlie Beach to the Gold Coast, so that you can gain some perspective of the Whitsundays from above. It’s hard to say goodbye, but the prospect of your next destinations should put you in a cheery mood. The Gold Coast enjoys 300 days of sunshine every year, which means you’re guaranteed a good time along its 57km-long coastline home to world-class surf beaches and colourful neighbourhoods. Get your bearings with a guide from the SkyPoint Observation Deck on level 77 of the iconic Q1 building. Back on the ground, spend the evening restaurant-hopping at your leisure.

Day 9: Gold Coast Free Time

Location: Gold Coast

Accommodation Name: Novotel Surfers Paradise

The hardest thing you have to do today is decide which direction to set your compass – we have a few ideas, if you need inspiration. Perhaps cruise the ‘Goldie’s’ enormous network of canals on a cruise, ogling mansions that cling to the banks of waterways. Or check out the city’s cultural vibe, visiting museums and galleries and lingering in markets. You can’t visit this part of Queensland and not feel the sand between your toes, and there are dozens of beaches to choose from, whether backdropped by the gleaming towers of Surfers Paradise or hidden among rainforest. You might decide to go further afield to see another side of the region in the Mt. Tamborine hinterland – a hub for creatives and foodies. Endless sunshine, countless beaches, memories of coral reefs and tropical fish, rainforests and waterfalls… you’ll be glowing when it’s time to say goodbye to your fellow travellers after your Farewell Dinner.

Day 10: Farewell To The Gold Coast

Location: Gold Coast

Meals Included: Breakfast

We bid you farewell after breakfast. We wouldn’t blame you for lingering to catch a final few rays before you fly home, though.

What's Included

  • Specialist team and UNESCO World Heritage Sites

    The tour includes a specialist team of two highly experienced Travel Director and Driver, visits to 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics of Queensland (Barron Gorge National Park, Skyrail Rainforest Cableway), and comfortable accommodation with easy access to city centers.

  • Internal-holiday airfare

    The tour price includes internal-holiday airfare with flights arriving in Cairns and departing from the Gold Coast.

  • Comfortable accommodation

    Enjoy comfortable stays at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns, Peppers Blue on Blue on Magnetic Island, Mantra Club Croc in Airlie Beach, and Novotel Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast, all offering easy access to city centers and local attractions.

What's Not Included

Return airport to hotel transfersReturn airport to hotel transfers are not included in the holiday price.

Mode of Transport

Travel includes internal-holiday airfare with flights arriving in Cairns and departing from the Gold Coast. Return airport to hotel transfers are not included in the holiday price.

Accommodation

Enjoy comfortable stays at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns, Peppers Blue on Blue on Magnetic Island, Mantra Club Croc in Airlie Beach, and Novotel Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast, all offering easy access to city centers and local attractions.

Dining Summary

  • 3 Dinner (D)
  • 9 Full Breakfast (B)
  • 1 Lunch (L)

Fitness Requirement

  • Low level of fitness required.

Flexible Holidays

  • Choose your own optional adventures on the Gold Coast, in the Whitsundays and Cairns, where surf and sand meet rainforest hinterland. Hike, swim, snorkel, cruise, repeat.

Flight information

  • Day 1 – Flights to arrive prior to 2.00pm into Cairns Airport Day 10 – Flights to depart anytime from Gold Coast Airport Tour price includes internal-holiday airfare. Return airport to hotel transfers are not included in the holiday price.

Iconic Sites

  • How many people get to say they visited two World Heritage Sites on a single holiday? You can: the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics of Queensland.

Natural Wonders

  • Some of the world’s oldest tropical rainforest envelops Cairns, this verdant tangle of ferns and palms, a natural magnet for native wildlife.

What to Bring

  • Comfortable walking shoes Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat Water bottle Warm layers in cooler months Camera

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of activities can I expect during the tour?

    During the tour, you can expect a variety of activities including hiking, swimming, snorkeling, and cruising. You will have the opportunity to explore the Great Barrier Reef, visit the Wet Tropics of Queensland, and enjoy the beaches and rainforests of the Gold Coast.

  • Are there any special requirements for the Great Barrier Reef cruise?

    The Great Barrier Reef cruise operator follows strict guidelines for responsible marine wildlife viewing to protect the diverse marine life. You can choose to snorkel or view the marine world from an underwater observatory or glass-bottom boat.

  • What kind of wildlife might I see on Magnetic Island?

    On Magnetic Island, you might see koalas, as it is home to the largest population of koalas in northern Australia. The island also features palm-fringed beaches, granite boulders, and lush forests.

  • What is the level of fitness required for this tour?

    The tour requires a low level of fitness, making it accessible for most travelers.

  • What should I pack for the tour?

    It is recommended to pack comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, a water bottle, warm layers for cooler months, and a camera.

  • Are airport transfers included in the tour price?

    No, return airport to hotel transfers are not included in the holiday price.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    The beauty of taking a holiday with us is you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    It is important to adhere to departure times while on tour for the comfort of everyone on-board, and to make sure no one misses out on the planned experiences. The coach will not be able to wait for you, and in some instances, if you miss a departure time you will need to make your own way to the next destination to re-join the tour.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    AAT Kings operated Guided Holidays have competitive single supplement rates available if you prefer to confirm your own room. Or we can match you to share with a guest of the same gender at no extra cost. If we fail to match you, we will accommodate you in a single room at no extra cost.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Over 100 years

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    We will email your documents to you approximately four weeks before your departure date provided you have completed your pre trip registration using the My Travel Portal. If you’ve booked through a travel agent, your documents will be emailed directly to your agent.

Reviews of this operator

Ann Purcell  

Well worth the money

24-Feb-2023

Absolutely wonderful trip. Tastes of southern Australia. Hotels were good quality. Sightseeing was amazing. Manuela our travel director was lovely. A great trip all round

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Lynda Whittingham  

Particularly loved QUEENSTOWN (jet boat) and plane ride over Mt Cook

18-Feb-2023

Great guide “Dexter” who was pleasant and knowledgeable, skilled and pleasant driver, Aaron, interesting activities, and comfortable hotels in good locations. I have been on organized bus trips in different countries and this company stands out. I would travel with them again. Read less

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Trusted Customer  

Milford Sound , West Coast , Queenstown, Christchurch

22-Feb-2023

The most professional tour group i have ever travelled with. Both tour director (Hope) & driver (Dave) had extensive knowledge of NZ. Highly recommended.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Keith Jones  

Christchurch, Milford Sound and the Franz Joseph Railway journey

02-Mar-2023

Very professional service throughout. Friendly experienced tour guide imparting excellent knowledge and local anecdotes. Friendly professional driver enhanced the overall pleasure. Excellent hotels throughout the holiday.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Allison Cooper  

Wonderful experience, highlight had to be Uluru so spiritual and beautiful

22-Feb-2023

Very professional. Excellent travel director very knowledgeable and a lovely guy. Amazing experience seeing do many great places.

Feefo Trusted Reviews

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Friday - Sunday

Sep 05, 2025 - Sep 14, 2025
$4928 $4300

Operator discount: -$628

Friday - Sunday

Nov 14, 2025 - Nov 23, 2025
$4928 $4300

Operator discount: -$628

Friday - Sunday

Feb 13, 2026 - Feb 22, 2026
$5058 $4411

Operator discount: -$647

Friday - Sunday

Mar 13, 2026 - Mar 22, 2026
$5058 $4411

Operator discount: -$647

Prices last published on 18-Nov-2024

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    AAT Kings requires a minimum deposit of 100 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of aat kings charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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