Arriving into Brisbane City today and depart for Cairns at 3.45pm on the Spirit of Queensland Train in your Premium Economy Seats or Deluxe Rail Beds with all meals included plus pamper pack with the evening bed turn down. (All meals provided on the train for Rail Beds)

Note: Interstate / Overseas Guests with flights, will arrive in Brisbane today and transfer via Skytrain to meet the Spirit of Queensland  for your journey to Cairns

Note; If making your way to Cairns under own arrangements, please see Day 2 for details

This morning the train will make its way along the picturesque Cassowary Coast , arriving in Cairns mid afternoon. You will then be met by our friendly tour host and transferred to the hotel. You will have time to freshen up before a welcome dinner.

Meals (D) Overnight Cairns Queenslander

Note: If you are arriving under your own arrangements and not using the train service, please arrive today in the afternoon. Check in will be arranged for you and we ask that you meet the Tour Host and your fellow travelers for dinner this evening in the hotel restaurant at 6pm.

Today we adventure into the Mossman Gorge. The Gorge has a very accessible and scenic section of the World Heritage listed Daintree National Park. Here the Mossman River tumbles its way over and around huge granite boulders that line the gorge creating cool clear freshwater swimming holes. We then make our way to the Daintree River for a River Cruise  spotting  crocs and other wildlife. Then into Port Douglas with time to explore the town before returning to Cairns

Meals (B, MT, D)  Overnight Cairns Queenslander

Breakfast, followed by a Cairns town tour, then we then we will depart for a great day on Green Island. We will cruise out to the Island in luxury  on a large  comfortable air-conditioned catamaran . On arrival, we will enjoy a glass bottom boat tour so you can view the beautiful Barrier Reef without getting your feet wet. For those of you that want to be a bit more adventurous, you will have time to snorkel later in the day.  We will also enjoy a delicious buffet luncheon on board. Dinner tonight at our motel.

Meals ( B, L, D ) Overnight Cairns Queenslander

Depart Cairns and on to Townsville. This  section of highway that is known as The Great Green Way and provides the most memorable scenery in Australia with mountains wrapped in rainforest, splendid waterfalls, magnificent fertile farmlands and breathtaking Coral Sea views. Passing through Innisfail, and then into Paronella Park for our guided tour of the castle ruins followed by lunch.  Arriving in Townsville Mid afternoon, then  depart on our Townsville Discovery tour including Castle Hill. As well as offering an iconic centre piece for the city and spectacular scenic views, Castle Hill has a significant history. A World War II observation bunker still sits on one corner of the Hill reminding visitors of Castle Hill’s military history.

Meals (B,L,D) Overnight  Madison Plaza

Today we explore beautiful Magnetic Island. We will take a tour and see the natural beauty of the island which is home to Northern Australia’s largest colony of koalas living in the wild. Two thirds of Magnetic Island is National Park with secluded but easily accessible bays and golden beaches. We enjoy a delicious lunch at the famous Marlin Bar before returning to the main land.

Meals ( B, D ) Overnight  Madison Plaza

Departing Townsville, we make our way south passing through the towns of Ayr which is prime sugar country, an annual production of about 1.25 million tonnes of raw sugar. The Burdekin sits on a vast natural aquifer which is artificially replenished with water from the Burdekin River. The spectacular Burdekin River Bridge is the district’s best known landmark and is the longest crossing of its type in the country. Known as the Silver Link, it is the only bridge in Australia built without a firm foothold. Then on to Bowen which of course is famous for the Bowen Mango contributing one-third of the nations Mangos. It is also home to The Giant Mango.  After our stop, we then continue  on the Airlie Beach arriving in time to check in and freshen up before dinner.

Meals ( B, D ) Overnight Airlie Beach Colonial Palms 

DAY 8 – Whitsunday Islands Cruise 

Following breakfast we will transfer to the Port of Airlie and join our Island Cruise. Cruise through the Whitsunday Islands National Park seeing the remote bays, islands and beaches. We step ashore at Hamilton Island &  Whitehaven Beach, which has been voted the best beach in the world. Upon return, we have dinner tonight at our hotel

Meals ( B, L, D )  Overnight Airlie Beach Colonial Palms 

Today you will have time to relax and enjoy some free time in Airlie Beach. Stroll through the boutiques, cafes and shops, relax by the lagoon or head to the Sailing Club for a nice cool drink. This afternoon, we visit  Proserpine Lake for an afternoon Tea before we then make our way to Proserpine and visit the Historical Museum. The museum bridges the decades since Federation with historical, thought-provoking displays. We then meet the Train for our journey home.

Meals (B, L) Overnight Train (All meals provided on the train for Rail Beds)

Note: If flying out of Proserpine and not using the rail service, please book flights from 4.30pm on wards

Today the Spirit of Queensland will finish the journey arriving into Brisbane at 9.30am with cherished memories of both Cairns & Townsville.

Note: Interstate  / Overseas Guests with flights, will transfer back via Skytrain to Brisbane airport for your return flight home.