Queensland Essentials
Queensland Essentials
Queensland Essentials
15 Days Starting in Brisbane, Australia and ending in Cairns, Australia
Visiting: Brisbane, Montville, Rainbow Beach, Agnes Water, Rockhampton, Airlie Beach, Townsville, Mission Beach, Port Douglas, Cairns
Tour operator:
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Queensland Essentials" self-drive adventure through Australia's stunning landscapes and vibrant cities. Begin your journey in Brisbane, exploring the cultural heart of Queensland, before heading to the panoramic lookouts of Glass House Mountains National Park. Discover the exotic wildlife in Agnes Water, the breathtaking beaches of Townsville, and the golden sands of Mission Beach. Experience the lush Daintree Rainforest near Port Douglas and conclude your trip in Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy 14 nights of comfortable accommodation, unlimited kilometers, and 24-hour roadside assistance, ensuring a seamless and unforgettable adventure.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Fri Arrive In Brisbane — Montville (100 Kms Approx)
Location: Brisbane
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Montville
Welcome to Australia! Upon arrival at the Brisbane International Airport, you will pick up your car to start your self-drive journey. Depart Brisbane for an easy one-hour drive north along the Bruce Highway, to the Glass House Mountains National Park. Steeped in Aboriginal Legend, the Glass House Mountains are a series of volcanic plugs rising dramatically from the coastal plain. There are numerous panoramic lookouts and many wonderful dining options where you can sit and soak up the surrounding mystical beauty.
Overnight in Montville
Day 2: Sat Montville
Location: Montville
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Montville
Today enjoy the day at your leisure. Visit the charming towns of Montville and Maleny for magnificent views right down to the Sunshine Coast, rainforest walks, fresh local produce, cafes and fine arts and crafts. You can also explore the wineries and cheese factories producing many popular local brands. The World renowned Australian Zoo is just a 20 min drive from here.
Overnight in Montville
Day 3: Sun Montville – Rainbow Beach (188 Kms Approx)
Location: Rainbow Beach
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Rainbow Beach
Experience the Sunshine Coast Hinterland; perhaps walk part of the 58kms Hinterland Great Walk, a world-class walking track. Continue drive North to reach Gympie, from there head Northeast towards Rainbow Beach. Here you will discover an adventure playground with striking natural beauty, including Carlo Sand Blow, the coloured sands and Double Island Point.
Overnight in Rainbow Beach
Day 4: Mon Rainbow Beach
Location: Rainbow Beach
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Rainbow Beach
A leisurely day full of excursion opportunities awaits you. You may choose to enjoy a tour to the World Heritage listed Fraser Island (own expense). You may head across the Noosa River bound for the Cooloola National Park via Teewah and Rainbow Beach coloured sands. Cross over to Fraser Island and travel along the spectacular Seventy-Five Mile Beach to explore the natural beauty of this magnificent wilderness and then continue through Wanggoolba Creek and Pile Valley. Spend time at Lake McKenzie for a refreshing swim. Return through the towering forests of Satinay and Brushbox and navigate your way down the ‘beach highway, before returning to the mainland.
Overnight in Rainbow Beach
Day 5: Tue Rainbow Beach
Location: Rainbow Beach
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Rainbow Beach
Another day at leisure to capture the beauty of Rainbow Beach. Perhaps join a half day 4WD tour beach drive. Experience some of the best beaches Australia has to offer with seemingly endless expanse of golden sand. Learn how the aboriginals used the world-famous colored sands for painting and decorating boomerangs. Exclusive drive access will take you to the Lighthouse at Double Island Point for breathtaking 360-degree views across the Pacific Ocean and scenic surrounds of the Great Sandy National Park.
Overnight in Rainbow Beach
Day 6: Wed Rainbow Beach – Agnes Water (322 Kms Approx)
Location: Agnes Water
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Agnes Water
Depart Rainbow Beach and travel north along the A1 Highway to Agnes Waters. Enroute dont miss out visiting the historic town of Bundaberg, the home to Bundaberg Rum. Lush green cane fields line the roads as you arrive into the quaint Agnes Waters town of 1770 (Seventeen Seventy). Closest access point to the South Great Barrier Reef, Agnes Water & 1770 offers pristine beaches, unique activities, and abundant wildlife, all within a small but diverse community. Take a walk along the serene 7kms of beach and enjoy one of the 267 days of sunshine!
Overnight in Agnes Water
Day 7: Thu Agnes Water – Rockhampton (225 Kms Approx)
Location: Rockhampton
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Rockhampton
Explore the Eurimbula National Park in the morning, before continuing north through the rural community of Calliope and Gladstone, one of Australias busiest harbour. Arrive Rockhampton, which marks the exact line of the Tropic of Capricorn. One of the oldest cities in Queensland and Northern Australia, it offers plentiful sites to keep you engaged, you may choose to visit Fitzroy River, the Heritage-listed buildings in the CBD, the Rockhampton Heritage Village, the Dreamtime Cultural Centre, the Archer Park Rail Museum, Mount Archer National Park, Rockhampton Botanic Gardens, or the Rockhampton Zoo
Overnight in Rockhampton
Day 8: Fri Rockhampton – Airlie Beach (481 Kms Approx)
Location: Airlie Beach
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Airlie Beach
Return to the Bruce Highway, as you continue travelling north towards Marlborough and further onto Mackay. Just outside of Mackay detour to the Cape Hillsborough National Park, where the rainforest meets the reef. The headland area contains several good walking trails. Continue onto Proserpine and turn off to Airlie Beach, the gateway to the Whitsundays, Queenslands pristine 74 islands. It is a vibrant cosmopolitan town filled with palm-fringed beaches and waterfront parks
Overnight in Airlie Beach
Day 9: Sat Airlie Beach
Location: Airlie Beach
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Airlie Beach
A day at leisure to enjoy what the beautiful Whitsundays has to offer. The year-round tropical weather, palm-fringed beaches, waterfront parks, al fresco restaurants and vibrant markets inspire you to go with the flow and soak up the laid-back vibe of Airlie Beach. In the vicinity, youll find tropical rainforest and waterfalls in Conway National Park, while the sparkling waters of the Coral Sea offer plenty of adventures from sailing and snorkeling to sleeping on the reef.
Overnight in Airlie Beach
Day 10: Sun Airlie Beach - Townsville (273 Kms Approx)
Location: Townsville
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Townsville
Travel northwards towards Townsville, enroute enjoy a detour to the beautiful country town of Bowen and the twin towns of Home Hill and Ayr. Townsville is a modern, tropical city and the administrative capital of North Queensland. A visit to the Great Barrier Reef Wonderland is recommended; it houses the worlds largest living coral reef aquarium. This evening, perhaps join in with the locals for a walk along the waterfront esplanade, known as “The Strand”.
Overnight in Townsville
Day 11: Mon Townsville – Mission Beach (235 Kms Approx)
Location: Mission Beach
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Mission Beach
Continue following the picturesque Queensland coastline, through the towns of Ingham, known as “little Italy” for its Italian settlers heritage and Cardwell. Arrive at the stunning little town of Mission Beach, where the rainforest meet the sea. Walk some of the 14kms of golden sandy beach and cool off for a swim before finishing the day off with a cool drink or cocktail.
Overnight in Mission Beach
Day 12: Tue Mission Beach
Location: Mission Beach
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Mission Beach
Enjoy the day at leisure, choose to relax at your hotel, take a walk along this 13kms long sandy paradise or choose to take a dive out to visit Paronella Park, a beautiful semi-ruined Spanish Castle built in 1913 on 05 Hectares of lush ground next to a waterfall. Mission beach is home to many wildlife species, most notable is the Cassowary. Mission Beach is also the mainland gateway to Dunk Island, with water-taxis shuttling day-trippers out to the island. The adventurers can Sea Kayak, White Water Raft or go Parachuting (all at own expense)
Overnight in Mission Beach
Day 13: Wed Mission Beach – Port Douglas (204 Kms Approx)
Location: Port Douglas
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Port Douglas
The journey along Bruce Highway continues towards Port Douglas. At Silkwood, take the old Bruce Highway for a scenic drive through the Mena Creek to visit the intriguing Paronella Park. Continue onto South Johnstone, an historic sugar town, before reaching Innisfall, home to the Australian Sugar Museum and many Art Deco Buildings. Take a detour near Babinda to explore the natural wonders of the Wooroonooran National Park, including The Boulders. Travel through Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef enjoying the scenic coastal drive before arriving into Port Douglas, famous for its “Four Mile Beach” and marina lined with boutiques and harbor side cafes.
Overnight in Port Douglas
Day 14: Thu Port Douglas
Location: Port Douglas
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Port Douglas
Once a bustling mining town with over 12000 people in town, Port Douglas now is a little town with just 3500 residents. A perfect place to enjoy the cold drink at a local bar or by poolside, this quaint little town offer you some interesting historical buildings to discover. A popular tourist resort, it is a perfect place to explore The Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. Perhaps take a cruise to Great Barrier Reef, do some shopping or just explore more of Port Douglas, visit the War Memorial or the wharf buildings. You can choose to visit St Marys by the Sea, a non-denominational heritage church built around 1913 or 1879 built Port Douglas Court House Museum.
Overnight in Port Douglas
Day 15: Fri Port Douglas – Cairns (67 Kms Approx.)
Location: Cairns
Heading south, enjoy one of the most scenic drives of Australia along the coast. Be sure to stop at “Rex Lookout” for spectacular views along the coast. It is worth taking a short detour to stop and look around the delightful resort of Palm Cove before continuing along the Captain Cook Highway into Cairns. It is also possible to detour to Kuranda – the “Village in the Rainforest”. Your journey comes to an end with an arrival at Cairns International Airport for flight back home.
What's Included
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14 nights accommodation
14 nights accommodation on a twin sharing basis at listed hotels or similar.
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GPS unit
A GPS unit is included for navigation.
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Loss damage waiver
Loss damage waiver is provided for the vehicle.
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Administration fee
Administration fee is covered.
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Vehicle registration fee
Vehicle registration fee is included.
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Concession recovery fee
Concession recovery fee is included.
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Premium location surcharge
Premium location surcharge is covered.
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Super excess reduction
Super excess reduction is included.
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Unlimited km/miles
Unlimited kilometers/miles for the vehicle.
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Standard Motor Vehicle Insurance
Standard motor vehicle insurance is included.
What's Not Included
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Personal expenses
Items of a personal nature, tips, and gratuities are not included.
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included.
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Arrival and departure transfers
Arrival and departure transfers are not included.
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Car insurance and guarantee deposit
Car insurance and guarantee deposit are not included.
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Parking, fuel, and tolls
Parking, fuel, and tolls are not included.
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Unlisted items
Items not mentioned as included are excluded.
Mode of Transport
This self-drive tour includes a vehicle with unlimited kilometers, GPS unit, standard motor vehicle insurance, and 24-hour emergency roadside service, providing you with the freedom to explore at your own pace.
Accommodation
Enjoy 14 nights of comfortable accommodation on a twin sharing basis at listed hotels or similar, ensuring a restful stay throughout your journey.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of vehicle is included in the self-drive tour?
The self-drive tour includes a vehicle with unlimited kilometers, a GPS unit, standard motor vehicle insurance, and 24-hour emergency roadside service.
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides 14 nights of comfortable accommodation on a twin sharing basis at listed hotels or similar.
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Are there any additional fees or surcharges included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour package includes a loss damage waiver, administration fee, vehicle registration fee, concession recovery fee, premium location surcharge, and super excess reduction.
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Is there a minimum age requirement for the driver?
Yes, the driver must be at least 25 years old.
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What kind of support is available in case of a vehicle breakdown?
The tour includes 24-hour emergency roadside service.
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Are arrival and departure transfers included in the tour package?
No, arrival and departure transfers are not included in the tour package.
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What are some of the activities available at Rainbow Beach?
At Rainbow Beach, you can enjoy a tour to the World Heritage listed Fraser Island, explore the Cooloola National Park, and take a half-day 4WD tour to experience the best beaches and the Lighthouse at Double Island Point.
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What can I do in Airlie Beach during the leisure day?
In Airlie Beach, you can enjoy the tropical weather, palm-fringed beaches, waterfront parks, al fresco restaurants, vibrant markets, and adventures like sailing and snorkeling.
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What are some of the highlights of the drive from Port Douglas to Cairns?
The drive from Port Douglas to Cairns is one of the most scenic in Australia. You can stop at Rex Lookout for spectacular views, visit the resort of Palm Cove, and explore Kuranda, the 'Village in the Rainforest'.
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What wildlife can I expect to see in Mission Beach?
Mission Beach is home to many wildlife species, most notably the Cassowary. It is also the mainland gateway to Dunk Island, where you can see more wildlife.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, but only in case it was previously agreed by both sides and arranged by us.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Our e-document package includes all local contact details, daily itinerary, airline e-ticket information, service vouchers, and travel tips which should be everything you require to go on your trip.
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If I need one, who is responsible to obtain my visa?
You are responsible for obtaining the proper travel documents for the destinations on your itinerary, including having a passport that is valid for at least 6 months before the date of departure and a visa if required. Please check the Visa section in the Know Before You Go document for the countries you will be visiting.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
No, not as standard. Solo travellers can book and occupy their own room for a supplement.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
We have been organizing unforgettable trips since 2001.
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Can I arrange flights via Indus Travels, too?
In some cases, yes. Indus Travels can provide flights from/to selected departure points in the USA. If you would like a quote inclusive of flights, please let us know and we'll be happy to check the details for you!
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
Changes to an existing reservation up to the Final Payment Date, whatever the cause, will incur a $100 per person amendment fee, potential loss of any supplier fees (such as non-refundable event tickets, park permits, and sea cruise reservations) plus any costs for replacement services. On/ after the Final Payment Date, the $100 change fee is no longer valid, instead cancellations terms apply.
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Low Deposit
Indus Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 45 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of indus travels charges.
Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.