In this incredible week long adventure, you will explore Brisbane, Queensland's Capital City, before journeying to Noosa in the Sunshine Coast. Observe humpback whales in their natural habitat during migration season or be greeted by resident dolphins on a spectacular ocean safari. Spend three days on World Heritage Listed Island, K'gari (pronounced Gurri, formally named Fraser Island), where you will swim in turquoise waters, walk along white sandy beaches and meet native Australian wildlife such as dingoes, wallaby, kingfishers and bandicoot. Before returning to Brisbane, walk around the stunning Glass House Mountains in the rural hinterland of the Sunshine Coast.
Brisbane, the vibrant capital of Queensland, is a city that seamlessly blends modern sophistication with natural beauty. Located along the winding Brisbane River, the city is home to a rich cultural history, having been originally inhabited by the Turrbal and Jagera peoples. These Aboriginal tribes have deep connections to the land, and their heritage is an integral part of the city’s identity. Today, visitors to the city can explore the cultural significance of the area through art, history, and storytelling, gaining insight into the traditional custodians' deep connection to the environment.
Known for its friendly locals and sun-soaked climate, Brisbane boasts a thriving cultural scene, with highlights such as the Queensland Art Gallery, the Gallery of Modern Art, the Museum of Brisbane, and the Queensland Performing Arts Centre. South Bank is a must-visit, where visitors can enjoy riverside dining, relax in lush parklands, and take in the city’s stunning skyline. The highlight is the Brisbane City Beach—an urban oasis featuring sandy shores, swimming lagoons, and a relaxed, holiday vibe right in the heart of the city. The city also offers a vibrant food scene, from fresh local seafood to international cuisine.
Brisbane is the gateway to both coastal and hinterland adventures, with pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and mountain ranges just a short trip away. Its eco-conscious initiatives and numerous green spaces make it a great city for outdoor enthusiasts, while its easy access to nature adds another layer to its charm. Whether you're interested in cultural exploration, natural beauty, or urban sophistication, Brisbane is the perfect place to begin your Queensland adventure.
On arrival, you will be met by a private driver and delivered to your Brisbane accommodation.
Your accommodation: Rydges South Bank Brisbane
Rydges South Bank Brisbane is located in the heart of Brisbane’s arts and entertainment precinct, with a wide range of attractions on its doorstep, including the South Bank Parklands and the renowned Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre. The hotel offers a comfortable accommodation, friendly staff relaxing pool with a pool bar, and extravagant dining experience at the award winning restaurant.Choose a car to best suit your needs from our fantastic rental car range or ask our team for a suggestion. From compact economy to prestige SUVs. First time driving in Australia? Check out this helpful guide.
Make the most of your free day in Brisbane with a wealth of activities to explore at your own pace. From vibrant street markets to tranquil parklands, this is your chance to experience the city’s diverse attractions. Start your day by strolling through the picturesque South Bank, home to lush gardens, riverside walks, and cultural hotspots like the Queensland Art Gallery, the Gallery of Modern Art, and the Museum of Brisbane, where you can delve into the city’s rich history and artistic heritage. For a unique experience, visit the iconic Brisbane City Botanic Gardens or take a relaxing ride along the river on a CityCat ferry. Food lovers can indulge in Brisbane’s burgeoning culinary scene, with a wide variety of cafés, restaurants, and fresh food markets offering local and international flavours. For shopping, Queen Street Mall and Fortitude Valley offer everything from high-end fashion to quirky boutiques.
If you're looking to unwind, head to Brisbane City Beach—a sandy urban oasis complete with swimming lagoons and a relaxed atmosphere. It's the perfect place to soak up the sun, take a dip in the refreshing waters, or simply enjoy the vibrant surroundings.
For nature enthusiasts, take a short trip to the nearby Mt. Coot-tha Lookout for panoramic views of the city and surrounding areas, or explore the city’s many parks and walking trails. If you’re feeling adventurous, head to Moreton Bay for some beach time or enjoy water activities like kayaking or paddleboarding. To complete the day, a visit to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is highly recommended. As the world's oldest and largest koala sanctuary, visitors can cuddle koalas, hand-feed kangaroos, and get up close to a variety of Australian wildlife. With so much to see and do in Brisbane, it's the perfect opportunity to tailor your experience to your interests, whether you prefer culture, shopping, nature, or just relaxing and soaking up the city’s vibrant atmosphere.
Head north out of Brisbane and through the Glass House Mountains. Passing through Beerburrum State Forest you can take a detour to Beerwah, home of Steve Irwin's Australia Zoo, where you can see over one hundred different species including crocodiles, Tasmanian devils, koalas, wombats and dingoes.
Continuing north through the Sunshine Coast, you will turn towards the coast at Eumundi - if you are driving through on a Wednesday or Saturday morning, stop in at the Eumundi markets for local food, arts and crafts.
From Eumundi, it's just 25 minutes to your destination, the beautiful coastal town of Noosa.
Noosa is nestled on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast and is surrounded by beautiful beaches, lakes, and the dense hinterland of Noosa National Park. The name 'Noosa' came from the Aboriginal Kabi word meaning "shade" or "shadows", which is thought to be a reference to the respite from the sun offered by the tall forests in the area.
Noosa has an array of outdoor activities for all ages to choose from. Here, you can learn to surf or have a go at stand-up paddleboarding; go kayaking in the Noosa Everglades or join a sunset cruise along the river. It is also home to world-class golf courses, exquisite day spas, shopping and enticing cuisine.
Your accommodation: Rimini Holiday Apartments Noosaville
This intimate and friendly resort is tucked on a quiet street just 50 metres from the pristine sands and turquoise waters of the beautiful Noosa River. The central location means you’re only moments away from cafes, restaurants, boutiques, and convenience stores. Self-contained apartments offer kitchen and laundry facilities, as well as private balconies.Driving distance and time (approximate) for this leg: 122 kms / 76 miles : 1.5 hours
One of Noosa’s most breathtaking experiences, there is nothing more magical than watching these amazing creatures in their natural habitat. Noosa’s aquatic backyard plays host to the humpback whales during their annual migration every winter where you can watch them frolic & play whilst taking in stunning natural cliff formations, lush emerald forests, pristine little coves, and sweeping beaches.
Noosa, located on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, is a haven for beach lovers, nature enthusiasts, and foodies. Relax on Noosa Main Beach, perfect for swimming and paddleboarding, or explore quieter spots like Little Cove and Tea Tree Bay. Take in breathtaking coastal views and spot wildlife like dolphins and koalas on the scenic trails of Noosa National Park, with the Coastal Walk to Hell’s Gates being a standout. For water adventures, paddleboard along the Noosa River or explore the stunning Noosa Everglades, one of only two in the world. Hastings Street offers boutique shopping, art galleries, and dining options ranging from beachfront cafes to fine restaurants. Explore further to the Noosa Hinterland or nearby attractions like Australia Zoo for even more adventure.
Hear the story of how ginger is grown, harvested and turned into a delicious range of Buderim Ginger products. Finish the tour with a tasting and discover some of the best ginger in the world. This 40-minute tour takes you through the Buderim Ginger factory and gives you a behind-the-scenes insight into Ginger production.
Get a taste of Noosa from the water, soak up spectacular scenery and iconic sights that can only be truly appreciated from the water and get up close and personal with the resident dolphins that play along the coast.
Your accommodation: Rimini Holiday Apartments Noosaville
This intimate and friendly resort is tucked on a quiet street just 50 metres from the pristine sands and turquoise waters of the beautiful Noosa River. The central location means you’re only moments away from cafes, restaurants, boutiques, and convenience stores. Self-contained apartments offer kitchen and laundry facilities, as well as private balconies.Begin the journey by travelling towards Eumundi, famous for its markets which operate on Wednesdays and Saturdays. From here, you will head North West on a ride through Queensland inland. First stop could be Gympie, the small town known for its gold field. Here you will find a number of historic buildings and the vintage Mary Valley Rattler Train to explore the area. Continue through towards the Fraser Coast and make another stop in Maryborough. The Longtime Botanic Garden by the river with its flower beds and grassy laws is a perfect place to have a snack or if time allows you can head towards the Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary before heading to the coast and Hervey Bay. Your final stop is a perfect place for whale watching and boating, but also the perfect gateway to the "well worth a visit"-Island K'gari.
Departing on the ferry from River Heads, enjoy three days on the world's largest sand island, K'gari (previously Fraser Island). Home to rare and uncommon species such as dingoes, humpback whales, black cockatoos, white-bellied sea eagles and swamp wallabies, K'gari is bustling with wildlife and beautiful landscapes. Experience four-wheel driving down a white-sand beach, swimming in turquoise water and walking along the many paths near your accommodation. With World Heritage wilderness to explore, spectacular sunsets across the bay and a delicious restaurant onsite, Kingfisher Bay Resort is the perfect place to stay and unwind. During your time on K'gari, explore the island on the Beauty Spots Tour where you will visit top natural attractions learn more about the natural and cultural history of K'gari.
Your accommodation: Kingfisher Bay Resort
Kingfisher Bay Resort is a stunning eco-resort located on the pristine K'gari (pronounced Gurri) in Queensland, Australia. With comfortable accommodations, a range of amenities, and access to various outdoor activities, Kingfisher Bay Resort is the perfect destination for those seeking relaxation, adventure, and a deep connection with the natural surroundings.Driving distance and time (approximate) for this leg: 185 kms / 115 miles : 2.3 hours
On your second day on K'gari you will enjoy an early breakfast at the Sand & Wood Restaurant before getting picked up from reception for the Beauty Spots Tours. Travel around K'gari and visit the top natural attractions on this epic full day tour. Departing from your Kingfisher Bay accommodation, you will first learn about the natural and cultural history of K'gari, before visiting Lake McKenzie, and its crystal-clear, blue waters. At Central Station, walk along Wanggoolba Creek, flowing silently through the rainforest, and marvel at the trees of Pine Valley before driving along the Seventy-Five Mile Beach. Stop at Eli Creek which spills 80 mega litres of water into the ocean every day and visit Maheno Shipwreck and the coloured sands of The Pinnacles. You will also watch on as an ancient forest is uncovered by the Stonetool Sand Blow. You will return to your accommodation around 16:30. In the evening, you may wish to explore the resort and make the most of the facilities such as the tennis court or swimming pool.
Your accommodation: Kingfisher Bay Resort
Kingfisher Bay Resort is a stunning eco-resort located on the pristine K'gari (pronounced Gurri) in Queensland, Australia. With comfortable accommodations, a range of amenities, and access to various outdoor activities, Kingfisher Bay Resort is the perfect destination for those seeking relaxation, adventure, and a deep connection with the natural surroundings.Today you will check out of your accommodation at Kingfisher Bay Resort and return to River Heads with the Sealink K'gari Ferry. Enjoy your final breakfast at Sand & Wood and a relaxing final morning around the resort if time permits. Join a complimentary guided walk with a Resort Ranger or self-discover the many trails around K'Gari including the Beerillbee Trail where you may find trees inhabited by sugar gliders, cockatoos or forest kingfishers. On a one-hour segway tour along the Great Sandy Strait, reach speeds of up to 10km an hour or jump in a canoe and paddle with an experienced Ranger from the jetty to Dundonga Creek. Stay close to the resort and borrow a couple of wickets from Reception for a game of beach cricket or head to the tennis court for a leisurely hit. The ferry back to River Heads takes 50 minutes.
Head south on the Bruce Highway passing through Maryborough and Gympie as you head towards the Glass House Mountains. Stop in at the Glass House Mountains Visitor and Interpretive Centre to learn about the history of the 11 ranges of the Glass House Mountains, and maybe even find some inspiration for a short walk or longer hike on your way back to Brisbane.
Once you're done exploring the Glass House Mountains, jump onto the Bruce Highway and follow it all the way to Brisbane.
Visitors to Glass House Mountains National Park can explore the park on well-formed, graded walking tracks. The tracks and trails offer great views of the mountains from the forest areas around their base. The peaks of Beerburrum and Ngungun are accessible by walking track. Always bring plenty of water and sun protection.
Mount Ngungun summit walking track
2.8km return. Allow 2hr.
For those with a moderate level of fitness and sturdy hiking shoes, completing the Mount Ngungun summit track is a fabulous way to get views of Mount Tibrogargan, Mount Coonowrin, and Mount Beerwah. To get to the track, head to the Mount Ngungun Summit Track Carpark.
Mount Beerwah view
200m return. Allow 15min.
For those looking for a more leisurely way to enjoy the views, head to the Glass House Mountains Lookout in Beerburrum. A short stroll in a eucalypt forest, which takes you to an open grassed area with views of Mount Beerwah and its remarkable geological formations.
Mount Beerburrum summit walk
3.5km return. Allow about 1hr 30min.
Walk through a eucalypt forest before a steep walk leads you to a small fire tower, with platforms that treat you to well-earned views of Mount Tibrogargan, Mount Ngungun, Mount Beerwah and the Glass House Mountains Lookout.
Your accommodation: Rydges South Bank Brisbane
Rydges South Bank Brisbane is located in the heart of Brisbane’s arts and entertainment precinct, with a wide range of attractions on its doorstep, including the South Bank Parklands and the renowned Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre. The hotel offers a comfortable accommodation, friendly staff relaxing pool with a pool bar, and extravagant dining experience at the award winning restaurant.Driving distance and time (approximate) for this leg: 286 kms / 178 miles : 3.6 hours
Explore more of Brisbane before dropping your rental car at the airport depot and continuing your onward journey.
Farewell Australia today. If there is more of Australia or New Zealand you would like to explore, talk to your sales consultant about planning your next stop!