Queensland Explorer
Get ready to hit the road and explore the sun-drenched beauty of Queensland, Australia, one unforgettable stop at a time. The Queensland Explorer stretches from the buzzing cityscapes of Brisbane all the way to the tropical allure of Port Douglas. You'll encounter coastal gems, rainforest retreats, and laid-back beach towns along the way.
Spanning more than 1,700 kilometres along Australia’s eastern edge, this journey takes you through the heart of Queensland. Whether you're chasing the sun, craving fresh seafood by the water, or eager to explore natural wonders like the Whitsundays or Daintree Rainforest, this route offers something for every traveller.
Each stop reveals a new slice of paradise, from hidden swimming holes to reef-fringed coastlines. With the Coral Sea on one side and the Great Dividing Range on the other, the road is as scenic as it is diverse.
By the time you reach Port Douglas, with its palm-lined streets and proximity to the Great Barrier Reef, you’ll feel the true spirit of a Queensland road trip: relaxed, sun-kissed, and a little more connected to the wild beauty of the journey.
As with all our Australia itineraries your Queenslander Explorer Road Trip can be tailor-made to suit you. We can recommend a selection of hand picked accommodation based on your preferences. We can also extend your holiday, should you wish to combine this with another of our suggested itineraries. To begin planning your road trip, get in touch with our team. You can phone our travel professionals on 01892 779900 or e-mail us using info@awwt.co.uk.
Prices start from £2112 per person based on two adults sharing on selected travel dates
- Brisbane
- Noosa
- Fraser Island
- Yeppon
- Magnetic Island
- Mission Beach
- Port Douglas and The Great Barrier Reef
Arrive Brisbane.
Brisbane revels in its year-round tropical climate. Spend a few days here and the reasons behind its laid-back culture, will soon become apparent. Enjoy beautiful city parks, a wealth of alfresco dining options, riverside views and Australia’s only inner-city beach. Take a river cruise to enjoy the city from the water or enjoy a day wandering the South Bank with its world class museums and galleries.
Noosa is where Australia slows down — in the best possible way. Tucked between lush national park and golden beaches, it offers a perfect mix of natural beauty and effortless style. You can spend the morning spotting koalas on coastal walking trails, the afternoon paddling in warm, clear waters, and the evening dining in one of Hastings Street’s relaxed, upmarket restaurants.
Unlike more built-up resorts, Noosa has held onto its charm. There are no high-rises here, just low-key elegance and that irresistible sense of calm that makes you want to stay longer than planned.
Depart Noosa and drive to Hervey Bay. From here you will take a ferry across to Fraser Island, the largest sand island in the world.
Fraser Island — or K’gari, as it’s known by its Aboriginal custodians— is unlike anywhere else on Earth. It’s the world’s largest sand island, but it’s far more than just beaches. Picture crystal-clear freshwater lakes sunken into ancient dunes, rainforests growing straight out of the sand, and 4WD tracks that double as your main road.
Wild and wonderfully remote, Fraser Island is an adventure — whether you’re floating in the impossibly blue waters of Lake McKenzie, driving along the wave-battered 75 Mile Beach, or spotting dingoes in their natural habitat. There are no cities here, just raw nature and the kind of silence you didn’t know you were missing.
Your K’gari adventure includes:
- 2 nights’ resort hotel or villa accommodation
- Daily buffet breakfast
- Return passenger ferry transfers
- Full-day Ranger guided 4WD tour including morning tea, lunch and National Park Fees*
The neighbouring towns of 1770 and Agnes Water offer an abundance of natural beauty, historical significance, and relaxed coastal charm. The town of 1770 is named after the year of Captain James Cook’s second landing in Australia, an event that marked an important moment in the country’s history. Today, it is one of the few places in the world named after a year, offering visitors the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of early explorers. Just a short drive away, Agnes Water is renowned for being the northernmost surf beach on the east coast of Australia. It is a peaceful seaside community, popular with families and nature lovers. The area is rich with natural attractions, including pristine beaches, scenic walking trails through paperbark forests. Whether you’re embarking on a LARC tour across tidal estuaries, exploring national parks, or simply enjoying a quiet sunset by the sea, 1770 and Agnes Water invite visitors to slow down, connect with nature, and experience a unique corner of Australia’s coastal heritage
Located on the picturesque Capricorn Coast, Yeppoon is a charming seaside town which offers access to the natural wonders of the Great Barrier Reef. With its palm-lined esplanade, boutique shopping, and pristine beaches, Yeppoon provides an inviting atmosphere for visitors seeking both tranquillity and exploration. Overlooking the crystal-clear waters of Keppel Bay, Yeppoon serves as an ideal gateway to the Southern Great Barrier Reef and the nearby Keppel Islands, which can be accessed via a short ferry journey. You can Snorkel and dive in vibrant reef environments, or hike through the scenic Capricorn Coast National Park.
Airlie Beach is a lively resort town renowned as the main gateway to the spectacular Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef. With its sweeping ocean views, palm-fringed beaches, and exuberant atmosphere. Airlie Beach offers natural beauty, adventure, and coastal charm. The town is a hub for reef and island tours, with daily departures to iconic destinations such as Whitehaven Beach, Hamilton Island, and the Heart Reef. Sailing is a major draw, with bareboat charters and luxury cruises allowing visitors to explore the Whitsundays at their own pace. For those looking to stay on land, the region offers plenty of scenic walking trails, including the Airlie Creek Track and nearby Conway National Park, home to tropical rainforest, waterfalls, and panoramic lookouts. At the heart of the town lies the Airlie Beach Lagoon, a large family-friendly swimming area overlooking the Coral Sea. The towns esplanade is lined with restaurants, cafes, and bars, offering everything from relaxed beachfront dining to vibrant nightlife.
Let our team know if you would like to add a Whitsunday’s cruise to your itinerary.
Magnetic Island is a laid-back tropical escape that’s full of charm, history, and natural beauty. Located just 20 minutes by ferry from nearby Townsville, it is part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. The island is known for its sunny weather—over 300 days of sunshine each year—and a relaxed, easy-going vibe that makes it perfect for a few days’ downtime. Named by Captain James Cook, who thought the island was messing with his ship’s compass, the Island is dotted with granite boulders, peaceful bays, and more than 23 beautiful beaches. It’s also one of the best places in Australia to spot wild koalas, especially along the popular Forts Walk, where you’ll also find World War II lookout posts with amazing ocean views. With its mix of adventure, wildlife, and chill coastal towns like Arcadia and Picnic Bay, Magnetic Island is the kind of place you’ll never want to leave.
Mission Beach is a captivating destination where lush rainforest seamlessly meets the Great Barrier Reef. Its expansive stretches of golden sand, bordered by vibrant tropical forest, offer an ideal setting for both adventure seekers and those seeking tranquillity. Visitors can explore the nearby reef through snorkelling and diving, embark on scenic hikes along ancient jungle trails, or simply relax while enjoying the soothing sounds of the ocean. The area is also known for its population of rare and striking cassowaries, adding a unique wildlife experience to the serene, small-town atmosphere.
Port Douglas enchants visitors with its laid-back charms and coastal feels. Life centres around Macrossan Street, the colourful main drag which runs through the centre. Here you’ll find boutique shops and plentiful restaurants which add to the relaxed feel of this resort town. Its four mile long beach sandy beach offers a range of water sports or take in the view from a clifftop lookout.
Great Barrier Reef cruises set sail from the town, offering you the chance to immerse yourself in a tropical underwater paradise, as you snorkel or dive amongst a kaleidoscope of fish and coral.
Travel inland and you can explore the Crystal Cascades, a series of waterfalls and swimming holes hidden away off the beaten track. Alternatively travel North to Cape Tribulation and you’ll be able to wander amongst some of the oldest living rainforest in the world and take a boat cruise on the crocodile infested Daintree River!
Depart Port Douglas and return your hire car to Cairns airport.
Why not extend your Australian adventure with a trip to the West Coast?
Please call us on (01892) 779900 or email info@awwt.co.uk stating your travel dates, and preferred standard of accommodation for a detailed & competitively priced quotation.
