Queensland Family Getaway Itinerary

After planning your personalised journey with one of our Travel Designers, your Australia adventure begins today. 

On arrival in Brisbane, a private transfer can be arranged to meet you at the airport and take you directly to your hotel so you can settle in comfortably after your flight.

Brisbane, Queensland’s capital, offers year-round subtropical weather, cultural attractions, and natural wonders - perfect for starting your Pacific Coast Self Drive Tour. Explore by cruising the Brisbane River, passing iconic sights like Kangaroo Point Cliffs, the City Centre, and Story Bridge. Alternatively, stroll along the river’s footpath to South Bank, where you can swim in the sparkling man-made lagoon or enjoy a delicious meal in its trendy dining spots.

Accommodation: Brisbane - 3 Nights

Uncover the story of Brisbane on this engaging private guided walking tour led by a knowledgeable local guide. 

Explore the city’s key sights while gaining insight into its rich history, diverse culture, and the enduring legacy of the Turrbal and Jagera people. Hear how British colonisation shaped the city’s evolution - from harsh penal colony beginnings to quirky political figures and modern reinvention. Learn about Brisbane’s dynamic transformation as it looks toward the 2032 Olympics. The tour concludes with scenic views of the Brisbane River and Story Bridge, finishing at a lively local bar.

Brisbane Whale Watching invites you aboard the magnificent Eye Spy for an unforgettable encounter with the Southern Humpback Whales in the waters of Moreton Bay. 

During their annual migration, these ocean giants move through the bay’s calm seas, often displaying powerful surface behaviours that highlight their size, strength, and grace. Breaches, tail slaps, and close passes bring you into close proximity with one of nature’s most awe-inspiring marine mammals, creating moments that are both thrilling and deeply memorable. It is a rare opportunity to witness humpback whales in their natural environment, framed by one of Australia’s most celebrated coastal marine regions.

Included Meals: Lunch

Collect your rental vehicle in Brisbane this morning and begin the easy drive north toward Beerwah, a township framed by rolling farmland and the dramatic peaks of the Glass House Mountains. 

As you leave the city, the landscape shifts to open countryside and pockets of eucalypt forest. Beerwah offers a relaxed rural atmosphere, known for its friendly community, volcanic scenery, and close connection to Australia Zoo, making it an inviting base for exploring Queensland’s Sunshine Coast hinterland.

Approximate Distance: 85 km | 53 miles   Total Driving Time: 1 hour 15 mins 

Accommodation: Beerwah - 2 Nights

Beerwah, on the Sunshine Coast, offers a range of activities for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. 

The highlight is the nearby Glass House Mountains National Park, where visitors can hike to summit lookouts for panoramic views, rock climb, or explore walking trails amid ancient volcanic peaks. Today you have entry to The Australia Zoo included. Established by Steve Irwin, promises wildlife encounters and educational experiences. For a dose of culture, visit the Beerwah Historical Village to delve into the region's heritage. Nearby, the Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve features lush rainforest walks and a captivating view of the Glass House Mountains. Beerwah combines natural wonders with educational and historical experiences, making it an exciting destination for all.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Travel north from Beerwah today as you make your way toward Hervey Bay, a relaxed coastal city known for calm waters, long beaches, and its gateway position to K’gari (Fraser Island). 

The drive leads you through farmland, small country towns, and stretches of bushland before opening out to the Fraser Coast. Hervey Bay offers a welcoming seaside atmosphere, famous for whale‑watching season and its scenic esplanade, making it an ideal base for exploring the Fraser Coast.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Approximate Distance: 220 km | 137 miles   Total Driving Time: 2 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Hervey Bay - 2 Nights

Discover the world's largest sand island on a one-day 4WD coach tour. 

Led by an experienced local guide, you'll see K'gari's iconic sights on a curated itinerary of highlights such as Lake McKenzie, World Heritage-listed rainforest, 75 Mile Beach, Eli Creek and the historic Maheno Shipwreck. Your guide is a K'gari expert with a passion for the island. On this adventurous day out, you'll drive across sand tracks to explore some of the most beautiful, natural spots and listen to fascinating facts about the island's history, flora and fauna. Their custom designed 4WD buses are airconditioned for your comfort and fitted with panoramic windows.

Included Meals: Lunch

Travelling south from Hervey Bay to Noosa, enjoy a relaxed journey through Queensland’s coastal landscapes before settling into the region’s calm, nature‑rich atmosphere. 

Your afternoon unfolds on the serene Everglades cruise, drifting along the reflective “River of Mirrors” where tea‑tree forests and protected National Park surrounds create a rare wilderness setting. Guides share insights into the area’s flora and fauna as you glide through still waterways. With a chilled beer or bubbles in hand, watch colours shift across the river as the sun slowly sets, ending the day in peaceful Noosa.

Approximate Distance: 180 km | 112 miles   Total Driving Time: 2 hours 15 mins

Accommodation: Noosa - 3 Nights 

Enjoy an eco-adventure like no other through Noosa Heads' serene waterways, exploring the UNESCO-listed Noosa Biosphere Reserve. 

Paddle along Weyba Creek, named after the Aboriginal word for "Stingray," a peaceful haven for marine life, including graceful stingrays. Glide through magical mangrove tunnels and discover salt marshes and seagrass beds teeming with vibrant wildlife. Pause for a refreshing swim and learn about the crucial role of estuaries in supporting coastal environments. Guided by a local Noosa expert, gain insights into the area’s rich natural and cultural history, and discover ongoing conservation efforts preserving these vital ecosystems for future generations.

The quaint town of Noosa has endless character and charm, with world-class restaurants, peaceful everglades and national parks combined with stunning golden beaches. 

This holiday hotspot has a myriad of things to do from wildlife encounters at zoos and aquariums, beer tasting at local breweries to unbelievable natural experiences like kayaking with dolphins. Open your eyes up to the beauty of Noosa and discover why this town is considered the hub of the Sunshine Coast.

Today, you’ll return your rental vehicle to Brisbane airport and board your flight to Hamilton Island, located in Queensland's Whitsunday Islands near the Great Barrier Reef. 

Surrounded by stunning natural beauty, calm waters, and warm weather, the island offers vibrant coral reefs and diverse flora and fauna. With a variety of accommodations and endless activities, including snorkeling, sea kayaking, and scenic helicopter flights, Hamilton Island is the perfect destination for experiencing everything that makes Australia extraordinary and an ideal Great Barrier Reef getaway.

Accommodation: Hamilton Island - 3 Nights

Cruise through the stunning Whitsunday Islands to Reefworld, a permanently moored pontoon at Hardy Reef, 39 nautical miles offshore. 

The turquoise waters of the Great Barrier Reef are breathtaking from above, but beneath the surface, an extraordinary underwater world awaits. Home to more than 1,400 species of marine life and vibrant coral gardens, this World Heritage-listed wonder offers an unforgettable encounter with nature at its most spectacular. Snorkel, swim or dive among colourful tropical fish and experience the reef up close. Dive straight in to explore, visit the underwater observatory, or enjoy a guided semi-submarine tour. Beautiful memories made in one of the world’s most remarkable natural environments.

Included Meals: Lunch

Experience the ultimate Whitehaven Beach adventure on this full-day tour of Whitsunday Island. Cruise to the pristine 7km stretch of iconic white silica sand and explore the breathtaking Hill Inlet. 

Follow a short guided hike along paths once walked by the Ngaro people, taking in panoramic views from the famous Hill Inlet Lookout. Discover the northern end of the beach before returning south, where you can relax, sunbathe, stroll to the Southern Lookout, take part in fun beach activities and enjoy a mouthwatering beach BBQ prepared by our crew, creating an unforgettable day of adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty. Swim, explore, and soak up the sun on this unforgettable coastal escape.

Included Meals: Morning Tea, Lunch

Say farewell to Queensland today as you board a ferry back to Hamilton Island head to Hamilton Island Airport for your onward flight, taking with you the magical memories of a truly exceptional Australia experience. 

We know you will enjoy your Queensland Family Escape and we hope you will return soon to discover even more highlights of this incredible continent.