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East Coast Explorer

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East Coast Explorer
East Coast Explorer
East Coast Explorer
New Release Fully Guided Coach Group Scenic
Our Price From
US$5,581
Save up To $118
Twin Share (Per Person)
 Trip Length
10 Days
 Trip Starts
Brisbane
 Trip Finishes
Cairns
10 Day East Coast Explorer Itinerary (APT)
Countries Explored: Australia
Trip Operator
Trip Style
Land Journey
Departures
Accommodation
4 - 4.5 Star
Max. Group Size
40
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
OZGCC10

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on APT's 10 Day East Coast Explorer. Queensland is a treasure trove of natural wonders. From the ancient Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef, to paradise islands and coastal cityscapes, discover the best of Australia’s sunshine state from the Gold Coast to Cairns.

Itinerary

Arrive in Brisbane and check in to your accommodation. This evening, experience a special event as you journey into the Queensland Outback at the Outback Spectacular. Enjoy VIP red carpet entry, a complimentary drink on arrival, and a delicious three-course dinner while being immersed in a theatrical showcase of Australian outback life. After the show, return to your Brisbane accommodation for an overnight stay. Stay: The Westin Brisbane (D)

Start your day with an exciting treetop walk at the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk. Located within 30 acres of private rainforest at the base of Mount Tamborine, this experience takes you along forest floor trails, modern steel bridges, and a cantilever bridge that soars 30 meters above the creek and rainforest canopy.

Back aboard your coach, your Driver-Guide continues north towards Noosa, stopping en route at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, the world's first, and largest of its kind. Enjoy a rare close encounter with these cuddly native animals and learn about their daily care, behaviors and unique personalities.

Later, arrive in Noosa, a charming seaside town on Queensland's Sunshine Coast, known for its pristine natural beauty, relaxed luxury, and upscale dining. This evening, enjoy free time to explore at your own pace. Stay: Peppers Noosa Resort & Villas (B)

Your journey continues from Noosa to K'gari, formerly 'Fraser Island', the largest sand island in the world. K'gari - meaning ‘paradise' in the language of the Traditional Owners of the land, the Butchulla people - is a World Heritage-listed island boasting stunning landscapes and a thrilling array of wildlife. Upon arrival to this sandy haven, take part in a bush tucker demonstration to discover how native ingredients have been traditionally used in food and medicine, followed by a tasting of a special selection of native berries, lemon myrtle, barbecued meats and more.

Continue to your resort and, after time to settle in, join your fellow travelers at Illumina, an after-dark light and sound spectacle. Hosted at Kingfisher Bay & Resort, Illumina uses the surrounding landscape as the stage to retell the story of how K'gari came to be. Dinner this evening will be hosted at one of your resort's exceptional restaurants. Stay Two Nights: K'gari (Fraser Island), Kingfisher Bay Resort (B/D)

Spend today on a full day 4WD adventure across the entire island, exploring all of K'gari's must-see sights. Stop at the breathtaking Lake Mackenzie to see the bright turquoise waters and walk across the sugar-white silica sand, before continuing to the famous 75 Mile Beach, Maheno shipwreck and the popular swimming spot Eli Creek.

Tonight, savor a memorable two-course dinner at your resort's restaurant. (B/L/D)

Following breakfast, bid farewell to the sandy paradise of K'gari and return to the mainland. Stop in Bundaberg, a town located at the southern point of the Great Barrier Reef. Bundaberg is renowned for its world-class rum distillery and sea turtle population. Travelers from far and wide flock here to catch a glimpse of nesting and hatching turtles during turtle season.

Continue to Rockhampton, coined ‘Beef City' thanks to its thriving beef industry. Stretch your legs with a wander along the Fitzroy River which runs through the centre of town, admiring the colonial architecture of the main streets. Further northeast of Rockhampton, arrive at Yeppoon, a coastal enclave on the Capricorn Coast and your home for the night.

This evening, feast on locally inspired dishes with a two-course dinner at the celebrated VUE Wine Bar & Restaurant. Stay: Salt Yeppoon (B/D)

Following breakfast, board your luxury coach for the journey to Airlie Beach, stopping en route to explore Mackay, a town home to Australia's longest stretch of subtropical rainforest.

Continue to Airlie Beach and join a guided tour upon arrival. The gateway to the iconic Whitsunday Islands, Airlie Beach is a favorite destination for sun-seekers and snorkelers. While it's the perfect launchpad for exploring the Great Barrier Reef's dazzling islands and coral gardens, Airlie Beach itself offers palm-lined beaches, vibrant nightlife, and alfresco dining.

Cap off your day with a two-course dinner at your hotel. Stay: Mantra Club Croc Airlie Beach (B/D)

This morning, travel 275 kilometers north of Airlie Beach to Magnetic Island, a slice of paradise located just off the coast of Townsville. Following a brief ferry ride, arrive at the stunning natural wonderland which boasts pristine beaches framed by swaying palm trees, large granite boulders and fringing coral reefs.

With an afternoon to spend at your leisure, perhaps look out for snoozing koalas on a self-guided walk along one of the many hiking trails, don a snorkel and explore the flourishing coral gardens, or visit the island's nano brewery for a handcrafted brew and a bite to eat (own expense).

Return to your hotel this evening and indulge in island-style dining at the Boardwalk Restaurant & Bar. Stay Two Nights: Peppers Blue on Blue Resort Magnetic Island (B/D)

Embrace laid-back island living with a leisurely start to you morning before setting off on Magnetic Island's most beloved walking track, Forts Walk. The trail presents an opportune chance to take in the island's highlights, from postcard-perfect panoramas and World War II relics to wild koalas munching on leaves. Enjoy an afteroon at leisure. (B/D)

Farewell Magnetic Island and return to the mainland via ferry for the journey by coach to Cairns. This tropical city in Far North Queensland is a true reflection of the region: relaxed, outdoorsy and plenty of things to do. Just 1.5 hours outside the city, visit the famed Paronella Park, an idyllic garden oasis featuring a castle, picnic area, waterfall, tennis court, bridges and over 7,500 tropical plants and trees. Savor a light lunch in this leafy haven before taking time to explore your surrounds.

In the evening, a special farewell dinner awaits at Dundee's Waterfront Dining. Feast on fresh local seafood, succulent grilled beef or unique Australian fare including kangaroo and crocodile as you reflect on your journey with your fellow travelers and new-found friends. Stay: Cairns, Shangri-La The Marina (B/L/D)

Your exciting Queensland journey comes to an end today after breakfast. (B)

Trip Inclusions

  • Queensland Outback Spectacular: Embark on a premium rail journey to the Queensland Outback for the Outback Spectacular immersive theatrical performance. Enjoy VIP entry, a welcome drink, and a three-course dinner before returning to your hotel by rail.
  • K'gari Bush Dinner and Light Show: Experience the rich culture of K'gari (Fraser Island) with a bush tucker demonstration, sampling native ingredients, followed by Illumina — a captivating after-dark spectacle retelling the island's creation story through light and sound.
  • Queensland Garden Oasis: Explore Paronella Park, a magical garden sanctuary featuring a historic castle, cascading waterfalls, and over 7,500 tropical plants. Wander its enchanting grounds and uncover the charm of this natural wonderland.
  • Unrivalled Dining in Cairns: Savor a special farewell dinner at Dundee's Waterfront Dining, featuring fresh local seafood, succulent grilled beef, and unique Australian fare like kangaroo and crocodile, as you reflect on your journey.

  • Itinerary, inclusions and pricing are subject to change
  • Weather may cause disruptions to itinerary, especially in remote locations
  • APT highly recommends travel insurance
  • Arrival flight to the Brisbane/Gold Coast on Day 1 must arrive prior to 2pm otherwise touring and dinner on this evening may be forfeited
  • Tour Activity Level – Moderate. This tour includes some walks with gentle slopes and uneven ground
  • Prices are for land only. Flights not included unless specified
Discover Queensland
Discover Queensland

APT's expertly guided Queensland tours take you beyond the typical tourist paths, offering a deeper connection to the places you visit. Read more

The APT Difference
The APT Difference

Expert-led travel, exclusive experiences, and over 95 years of crafting seamless, unforgettable journeys. Read more

All Taken Care Of
All Taken Care Of

At APT, we like to make things as easy as possible. Our journeys are what we like to call All-Inspiring Luxury. Read more

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Thursday 05 Feb 2026 05 Feb 26 Brisbane
Saturday 14 Feb 2026 14 Feb 26 Cairns
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Our Price
US$5,695
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Thursday 05 Mar 2026 05 Mar 26 Brisbane
Saturday 14 Mar 2026 14 Mar 26 Cairns
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Thursday 07 May 2026 07 May 26 Brisbane
Saturday 16 May 2026 16 May 26 Cairns
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Monday 05 Oct 2026 05 Oct 26 Brisbane
Wednesday 14 Oct 2026 14 Oct 26 Cairns
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Was: $5,895
US$5,777
Save $118
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Thursday 05 Nov 2026 05 Nov 26 Brisbane
Saturday 14 Nov 2026 14 Nov 26 Cairns
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Exclusive Savings
Was: $5,895
US$5,777
Save $118
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Thursday 03 Dec 2026 03 Dec 26 Brisbane
Saturday 12 Dec 2026 12 Dec 26 Cairns
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Was: $5,695
US$5,581
Save $114
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Thursday 05 Feb 2026 05 Feb 26 Brisbane
Saturday 14 Feb 2026 14 Feb 26 Cairns
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US$8,295
Solo (Own Room)
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Thursday 05 Mar 2026 05 Mar 26 Brisbane
Saturday 14 Mar 2026 14 Mar 26 Cairns
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US$8,595
Solo (Own Room)
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Thursday 07 May 2026 07 May 26 Brisbane
Saturday 16 May 2026 16 May 26 Cairns
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Solo (Own Room)
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Monday 05 Oct 2026 05 Oct 26 Brisbane
Wednesday 14 Oct 2026 14 Oct 26 Cairns
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Was: $8,595
US$8,423
Save $172
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Thursday 05 Nov 2026 05 Nov 26 Brisbane
Saturday 14 Nov 2026 14 Nov 26 Cairns
Details
Available Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $8,595
US$8,423
Save $172
Solo (Own Room)
Thursday 03 Dec 2026 03 Dec 26 Brisbane
Saturday 12 Dec 2026 12 Dec 26 Cairns
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Exclusive Savings
Was: $8,295
US$8,129
Save $166
Solo (Own Room)
Note
Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Inquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by APT. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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