Welcome to Cairns! Or Gimuy, in the language of the Gimuy-Walubarra Yidinji people who are the Traditional Custodians of the land on which Cairns is now located. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 9 am this morning, then hit the road to Lake Eacham – the site of an old volcano and home to Australia’s largest python. Maybe go for a swim or walk the rainforest tracks, looking for native wildlife like the musky rat-kangaroo. Then, drive to Curtain Fig boardwalk to see the heritage-listed tree this park was named after – this park protects endangered mabi forest and a large green fig tree with extensive aerial roots that drop 15 m (49 ft) to the forest floor, forming a ‘curtain.’ Stop for lunch at a local cafe at Yungaburra then make your way to Millaa Millaa Falls for a nature walk and optional swim in the cascades. This afternoon, you’ll drive to Mission Beach – a small coastal town on the Cassowary Coast known for its beaches lined by palm trees and rainforests filled with cassowaries. Your travel time today will be approximately 4.5 hours. Your hiking time today on the Grade 2 Curtain Fig boardwalk is approximately 10 minutes or 180 m (590.5 ft). Your hiking time today on the Grade 2 Lake Eacham circuit track is approximately 1 hour or 3 km (1.8 mi).

After breakfast, you’ll make your way from Mission Beach to Mungalla Station, stopping in Tully along the way to stretch your legs. Once at Mungalla, you’ll meet the Traditional Custodians of the land, the Nywaigi people and learn about their culture and history, including the brutal conflicts with European settlers. The story you’ve been told will come to life as you visit an exhibition in the historic homestead. Then, head out and explore the Mungalla Wetlands in search of aquatic birdlife like spoonbills, magpie geese and egrets. After, move on to Lucinda and check into your hotel. Tonight, maybe ask your leader for their favourite local restaurant. Your travel time today will be approximately 3.5 hours.

Today is a long day of travel with some stops to stretch your legs. From Lucinda, head to Big Crystal Creek in the Paluma Range National Park for a stroll, swim in the creek or some quiet time relaxing to the sounds of local birdlife. After, head to Castle Hill lookout to walk the track up to the 360-degree viewpoint of the town, Coral Sea and Magnetic Island. Then, move on to Townsville for lunch before your big drive to Airlie Beach, where you’ll spend the night. Your travel time today will be approximately 6.5 hours.

Today you’ll head out on a full-day tour to Whitehaven Beach in the heart of the Whitsunday Islands and the centre of the Great Barrier Reef. Start with a walk to the Hill Inlet Lookout – one of the most famous lookout spots for wide spanning views of the Whitsundays’ white sands and blue waters. Then, maybe throw your swimsuit on to go snorkelling at one of the secret spots that your guide will show you. See coral reefs, tropical fish, turtles, clams and other marine life. Have lunch and take a boat to the southern end of the 7 km (4.3 mi) stretch of Whitehaven Beach, taking the chance to kick back and relax in the sun after a day of outdoor adventures. Tonight, back in Airlie Beach, maybe head to one of the local bars for a toast at sunset. Your daytrip to Whitehaven Beach today is on a join-in basis. Other travellers from outside our Tuuur group may join us. Additionally, please note that today’s activity is not suitable for travellers with pre-existing back, neck or hip injuries or who are pregnant. A signed release will be required from all participants on departure. Depending on the tides the locations mentioned above may be visited in a different order.

You’ll have a free day in Airlie Beach today before your overnight train in the early evening. Explore this hub town of the popular Whitsundays in your own way. Maybe have a pint at one of the many beer gardens, go people-watching at one of the trendy cafes or have a dip at the local swimming lagoon. Whether you want to just kick back by the water or get out into nature on a coastal hike, there’s plenty on offer. Make sure you pick up some snacks for tonight’s overnight train journey on the famous ‘Spirit of Queensland’ to Hervey Bay. The Spirit of Queensland overnight train is an Australian first – the revolutionary RailBed is a spacious and comfortable seat by day, with a state-of-the-art personal entertainment system, a 240v power point and a USB point. In the evening, your seat converts to a lie-flat bed with all linen provided. You will say goodbye to your trip leader before boarding tonight’s train. Your new trip leader will meet you when you arrive in the morning. Throughout the year, scheduled railway track works may take place on the route from Airlie Beach to Hervey Bay, sometimes at short notice. If the train isn’t running on your departure, you’ll be driving with your trip leader instead, with an overnight in Tannum Sands. The total distance is around 900 km (560 mi), taking approximately 15 hours, split across two days. The drive to Tannum Sands will take around 10 hours, including stops. Please see the Important Notes section of your trip notes to see the departure dates that will likely be affected as described above.

Enjoy a free day in Hervey Bay today – a prime location for observing humpback whales during migration season and the world’s first certified Whale Heritage Area. If the month is right, maybe spend the morning whale-watching on the water, or rent a bike to cycle along the foreshore. You could also take a leisurely stroll along the water’s edge, go kayaking or just enjoy one of the many Queensland beaches nearby. We request that our property in Airlie Beach prepare rooms in time for our arrival. However, as we’re arriving prior to normal check-in time, this isn’t always possible. This means we may not be able to check in immediately. Instead, you can store your luggage and explore your new destination. If your departure is affected by railway track works, you will drive to Hervey Bay today. The total travel time will be approximately 5 hours (including rest stops). From July to October, you have the opportunity to participate in a whale- watching excursion. This is not included in the price of this trip and is an optional activity at your own expense. As whale-watching tours can sell out far in advance, you can opt to book this service with us or your booking agent (subject to availability). This will guarantee you a spot. Please let us know well ahead of time if you would like to add this option to your booking. If you would rather wait and try to get a better price by booking this locally on the ground with the supplier, you are welcome to, but keep in mind that this is a popular activity and places are limited.

After breakfast this morning, you’ll head to the island of K’gari (previously known as Fraser Island) by ferry for a daytrip. The name change is a major milestone in a long-running campaign by the Butchulla people, whose original name for this place means ‘paradise’ – and you’ll soon see why. Set off on an adventure through the landscape, starting with an adventurous drive along the sand roads of 75 Mile Beach Road. Then, take a dive into the clear rainwater lake of Boorangoora (Lake McKenzie), famous for its turquoise water filtered by its 92 percent pure silica sand. Head over to another of the island’s safe swimming spots, the fresh waters of Eli Creek, before a visit to the Maheno shipwreck. Tonight, head back to Hervey Bay for a free evening to rest and recharge.  Please note that your daytrip to K’gari today is on a join-in basis. Other travellers from outside our Tuuur group may join us.

Depart Hervey Bay this morning for Noosa Heads, where you can grab some lunch, relax on the beach or go shopping in the boutique shops. If you’d like, maybe use your free time here to explore part of the Noosa Coastal Walk and look out for local flora and fauna. Then, continue on to Brisbane, where your trip ends. Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours. In Noosa, you have time to complete a short walk along the coast if you wish. Choose from the Palm Grove Walk (Grade 3, 1.1 km/.6 mi return taking about 30 minutes), Noosa Hill Walk (Grade 4, 2.8 km/1.7 mi return, taking about 1.5 hours), or the 300 m (984 ft) path to Boiling Point or Dolphin Point (1.2 km/.7 mi) one way) – both sealed and barrier-free. As you don’t get into Brisbane until the late afternoon, we highly recommend booking an extra night of accommodation.