Wanderlust Australia 11 day Queensland Coast to Cairns coach tour

Arrive into Brisbane and take the opportunity to explore Brisbane’s secret laneways, wine bars, pubs and restaurants. Dave from Wanderlust Australia Tours loves the Regatta Hotel, it’s been sitting on the banks of the Brisbane River since 1874.

Or jump in an Uber or Taxi to explore Fish Lane for its small bars serving up local wine and craft beer; James Street for some of the city’s chic bars and restaurants; plus Howard Smith Wharf for a mix of international cuisine restaurants and its own brewery right on the river under The Story Bridge. Google their websites for more details.

2 nights | Hotel Grand Chancellor Brisbane | (07 3831 4055)

No meals included

We start the day behind bars at the now closed Boggo Road Gaol. Led by a former inmate, we immerse ourselves in tales of crime and punishment from inside a prison that housed notorious inmates including the Whiskey Au Go Go mass killers, John Stuart and James Finch. Make sure you check out the Old Boggo Road Gaol podcast for stories, history and first-hand accounts of this grisly prison.

From here we head to the Port of Brisbane. This guided tour uncovers the daily workings of the port where we get to appreciate the sheer scale and enormity of the operation. We enjoy lunch at the Observation Café. From our level 7 café windows the panoramic views are of the bay and its islands – stunning.

Our final stop is at Newstead House, one of the city’s oldest surviving homes. We will feel like we have been thrown back into the Victorian era, relaxing on their delightful verandah overlooking the Brisbane River. We will be served afternoon tea whilst hearing stories about the property and those who called it home.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Today we make our way to Tin Can Bay for our morning break. Tin Can Bay is a traditional Aussie fishing village situated on a quiet inlet, a step back in time.

For lunch we get to explore the town of Childers on our own, where we have stepped back into Australia’s time of ‘The Sullivans’ with its preserved architecture.

Early afternoon we arrive in Bundaberg. Immersing in the rich history of the Bundaberg Rum Distillery we take a tour to explore the museum and distillery, enjoying samples of the award-winning rum.

To the north of here, at the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef are the two coastal towns of Agnes Water and 1770. Situated on the site of the May 1770 second landing of James Cook and the crew of HM Bark Endeavour, the town is our base for the next two nights.

2 nights | Lagoons 1770 Resort & Spa | (07 4902 1600)

Meals: Breakfast and dinner

Let’s begin our exploration as we journey over crystal clear waters and the beach of our dreams to experience the same magnificent beauty that greeted Lieutenant James Cook when he stepped ashore more than two centuries ago.

Climbing aboard the LARC (Lighter Amphibious Resupply Cargo) vessel, we travel around Bustard Bay, across 4 tidal creeks and that rests on the Northern tip of Middle Island for morning tea.

The LARC treks across Jenny Lind Creek then begins the scenic 4WD journey up Bustard Headland to the Bustard Head Light-station, Queensland’s first coastal lighthouse. Standing 16 metres tall, we have a 360 degree view of the pristine coastline whilst marvelling at the lighthouse’s craftsmanship. We hear tales of resilience and hardships as early settlers and light-keepers tried to make this wilderness their home.

On our return be captivated by the panoramic views of the bay as we round out this memorable day. We dine tonight in the Agnes Water Tavern, a vibrant local favourite.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

As we head to our destination of Rockhampton, we have time to divert into Gladstone. Australia is well known for its mining and agriculture and we have the ‘best of’ for us in one spot. We will be in awe at the size and scale of the operations built around a natural deep water port that was transformed into a major industrial and community expansion.

We have arranged a short Harbour Cruise to see why Gladstone is often referred to as the Industrial Land of the Giants! It has the world’s largest alumina refinery, Australia’s largest aluminium smelter, Queensland’s biggest power station, Australia’s largest cement operation and the State’s largest multi-cargo port!

This afternoon we make our way to Rockhampton. The cattle industry dominates this part of Queensland so it’s appropriate we take a look at the award winning Heritage Village for a step back in time. Joining a hop on, hop off tram we take a look around original buildings, homesteads and businesses from the 1850s to the 1950s.

Checking in to our hotel, freshen up and prepare for a fun night out. Let your hair down as Footlights Theatre Restaurant which entertains and feeds us throughout a night of comedy and fun. What an absolutely fantastic day we have had.

Quality Hotel Regent Rockhampton | (07 4927 2729)

Meals: Breakfast and dinner

Our journey follows the coast to the pristine area of Sarina. The miniature sugar processing mill with its rum and liqueur distillery is the only one of its kind in Australia and houses our lunch venue – the Sugar Shed. Be sure to try their home-style chutneys and sweet treats too.

Hitting the road, we make our way to the lively hub of the Whitsundays, Airlie Beach. See why travellers from all around the world love Airlie Beach, as we find a laid back town in an enviable position, overlooking the turquoise waters of the Whitsunday Passage. Despite the town’s growth, Airlie Beach has retained its holiday atmosphere and we’ll enjoy some time of our own to soak up all it has to offer.

2 nights | Coral Sea Marina Resort Airlie Beach | (1800 075 061)

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Today is all about experiencing what you have seen in every Queensland travel brochure!

We visit the famous Whitehaven Beach which is regularly voted as one of the top 5 beaches in the world. Then we head to Whitsunday Island where we can go for a swim in turquoise waters, and dig our toes in the whitest sand you will have ever seen.

Ladies, don’t forget to paint your toenails for your Facebook and Instagram pics for all your holiday bragging for you friends and family to envy.

We then head to Daydream Island for the rest of the afternoon at our own pace. Relax by the pool or snorkel around the most famous reef in the world. Back on the mainland and with the sound of the ocean still playing in our ears, we end our magical day with dinner at the impressive Tides Restaurant at the nearby Club Wyndham Resort.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Spectacular coastal scenery abounds as we embrace Far North Queensland. Tick off the Big Mango from your big things checklist at Bowen, the self- proclaimed Mango Capital before arriving into Townsville.

 Our afternoon kicks off with a visit to the Museum of Tropical Queensland. Showcasing the history and heritage of North Queensland, it includes the story behind HMS Pandora, the warship dispatched to the South Pacific in pursuit of the infamous Bounty mutineers. You will hear about their epic adventures before it became one of Queensland’s most notorious shipwrecks.

Later we drive to Palmetum Park, a botanical garden featuring a collection of more than 60 species of Palm. Stroll along the boardwalk and immerse ourselves amongst the garden’s vast collection of palm species. Stop and reflect at the Blackhawk Memorial within the park dedicated to the 18 soldiers who lost their lives in a helicopter training exercise accident in 1996.

After settling into our hotel, check out The Strand. You might like to walk along this lovely promenade walk on the waterfront and take your pick of the many restaurants and cafes for dinner.

The Ville Resort Casino | (07 4722 2333)

Meal: Breakfast

The song ‘This is Australia’ by Ganggajang, typifies the area we will explore today – sugar cane meets dense rainforest, this really is Australia.

Stopping in Tully, Australia’s wettest town, we have the chance to tick off the ‘Big Gumboot’ from our ‘Big Things’ list.

Our next stop is a special place – Cairns’ very own castle. Historic Paronella Park was created in the 1930’s by Spanish Immigrant, Jose Paronella. Today the magnificent castle is protected by the National Trust and home to one of Australia’s most magnificent tropical gardens. It has been described as ‘heaven on earth’ by a TripAdvisor reviewer.

We have lunch here and time to explore the park. After a photo stop at the nearby Babinda Boulders we head into Cairns.

2 nights | Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns | (07 4044 9000)

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Today we go ‘troppo’ and show you the best of Cairns.

First we ride the historic Kuranda Train ascending through the magnificent Barron Falls National Park to the top of the range. We’ll journey through picturesque valleys, jungles, railway bridges, tunnels built over a century ago and the Barron Falls themselves.

Perched above Cairns and surrounded by World Heritage Listed Rainforest is the village of Kuranda. With plenty of time to explore the arts and craft shops within the village we then board the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, gliding us across the world’s oldest rainforest rooftop down to the coastal plain. You’ll feel like you’re floating in the air.

During our descent the views will be spectacular, broken up by our stops at the Interpretative centres learning all about this wonderful ecosystem. Take a short walk along the boardwalk through the rainforest to get a true sense of how quiet and peaceful it is.

Tonight take a walk along the famous Cairns Esplanade offering an international variety of dinner options. Make sure to leave some time to wander through the nearby Night Markets, to hunt for a unique bargain.

Meal: Breakfast

It’s our last day of the tour.

After breakfast our holiday comes to an end. Use our Taxi Voucher in the Holiday Pack for the transfer to Cairns Airport and your flight home.

Bon voyage! We hope to see you on another Wanderlust Australia Tour soon!

Meals: Breakfast