Rail, Reef & Islands: Queensland's Coastal Journey

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Departure Date

December 22, 2026

Overview

  • Journey north on Queensland’s Tilt Train to reach the pristine World Heritage wilderness of K’gari (Fraser Island).
  • Explore crystal-clear lakes, towering rainforests and the famous 75 Mile Beach on a thrilling 4WD adventure.
  • Cruise the Whitsundays to Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet, soaking up turquoise waters and soft white sands.
  • Discover the Great Barrier Reef’s vibrant corals and marine life on an unforgettable day at Reef world.
  • Ride the Kuranda Scenic Rail and Sky rail and visit Hartley's Crocodile Sanctuary.

 

Highlights

Trip Includes

  • Tilt Train journey from Brisbane to Maryborough West (Business Class Seat)
  • Accommodation for 2 nights at Kingfisher Bay Resort on K'Gari/Fraser Island with ferry transfers and breakfast daily breakfast
  • Full day 4WD guided safari on Fraser Island with lunch
  • Spirit of Queensland train journey from Maryborough West to Airlie Beach (RailBed)
  • Accommodation for 3 nights on Hamilton Island at the Reef View Hotel with breakfast daily
  • Great Barrier Reef Adventure from Hamilton Island with lunch
  • Whitehaven and Hill Inlet Chill and Grill from Hamilton Island with lunch
  • 1 night at the Heart Hotel and Gallery in Airlie Beach
  • Spirit of Queensland Train from Airlie Beach to Cairns (Economy Seat)
  • Accommodation for 3 nights at the Crystalbrook Riley in Cairns
  • Shared Kuranda tour with Scenic Rail, Skyrail and Hartley's Crocodile Sanctuary

 

Trip Excludes

  • Travel insurance
  • International, domestic airfare & airfare taxes
  • Meals and beverages not explicitly listed as included
  • Transfer from River Heads to Maryborough West
  • Transfers to/from Airlie Beach Hotel
  • Gratuities
  • Optional excursions
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Passport & Visa fees, if applicable

 

The Train The Tilt Train is fast becoming the most popular way to explore Queensland's coastal destinations. Reach fantastic getaways like whale watching at Hervey Bay, spectacular Fraser Island, the Great Barrier Reef, and stunning Whitsundays. Traveling along the coast is comfortable and relaxing aboard the Tilt Train. Passengers aboard the North Queensland service enjoy business seating throughout, with personal entertainment screens, laptop connections, and personal power supply, and the option of in-seat dining or Club Car offering light meals and refreshments. If you're planning a shorter journey between southeast and central Queensland, the Tilt Train can connect you with most major holiday destinations. And you have the option of business or economy seating. The Tilt Train is the perfect way to holiday hop along Australia's northeastern coast. Tilt Train services run between Brisbane and Cairns and between Brisbane and Rockhampton twice a week. The Route The Tilt Train travels along the east coast of Queensland from Brisbane to Cairns and return. Some services travel between Rockhampton and Brisbane, with set down/pick up stops at regional cities, including Maryborough West and Gladstone. Other services travel between Cairns and Brisbane, stopping at Townsville, Proserpine (Whitsundays), Mackay and other major cities and towns.

 

Tilt Train Northbound - Brisbane to Maryborough West

 

Arrive K’gari

 

Your Accommodation

Kingfisher Bay Resort Fraser Island

With idyllic white beaches, endless sunshine, World Heritage wilderness to explore, and spectacular sunsets across the bay, it’s the perfect place to stay and unwind on island time. Wake up in paradise to the sweet songs of birdlife, take in the scenery from your private deck, or stroll down to the beach for a dip with nature right on your doorstep. Here you can do as much or as little as you like.

Kingfisher Bay Resort Fraser Island

Learn about the natural and cultural history of K'gari, Fraser Island. Enjoy the crystal-clear, blue waters of Lake McKenzie, the island's most beautiful perched lake. From Central Station, walk along the banks of Wanggoolba Creek as it flows silently through the rainforest. Marvel at the tall, majestic satinay trees of Pile Valley. Drive along spectacular Seventy-Five Mile Beach. Enjoy a stop at fresh Eli Creek, this swift-flowing creek, the largest on the eastern beach, spills 80 mega litres of water into the ocean every day. Discover the history and beauty that lies behind the famous SS Maheno Shipwreck. Itinerary is subject to change due to weather, track and tide conditions.

 

Beauty Spots 4WD Tour

 

Your Accommodation

Kingfisher Bay Resort Fraser Island

With idyllic white beaches, endless sunshine, World Heritage wilderness to explore, and spectacular sunsets across the bay, it’s the perfect place to stay and unwind on island time. Wake up in paradise to the sweet songs of birdlife, take in the scenery from your private deck, or stroll down to the beach for a dip with nature right on your doorstep. Here you can do as much or as little as you like.

Kingfisher Bay Resort Fraser Island

Spirit of Queensland The new Spirit of Queensland train combines modern seating and entertainment options with the romance of long distance rail travel. Contemporary, comfortable and designed for relaxation, the newest addition to the Queensland Rail Travel fleet offers new features that will redefine the modern rail travel experience. Route The Spirit of Queensland Train is perfect for getaways up and down the Queensland coastline. Take the Spirit of Queensland to enjoy a visit to the Whitsunday Islands or Great Barrier Reef, or a whale watching holiday in Hervey Bay. Relax in your all leather Premium Economy seat or the revolutionary Railbed seat that converts to a lie flat bed, enjoy state of the art entertainment or simply watch the scenery whiz by.

Port of Airlie to Hamilton Island Marina

 

Your Accommodation

Reef View Hotel Hamilton Island

Looking for hotels around the Great Barrier Reef, Australia? With large, comfortable, modern rooms, the Reef View Hotel offers a perfect getaway for couples, families or groups of friends. Spacious, comfortable and with most rooms boasting incredible sea views, the Reef View Hotel offers stylish and family-friendly Hamilton Island accommodation.

Duration

3 Night Stay

Meal Plan

Room Only

 

Reef View Hotel Hamilton Island

Spend the whole day experiencing all the wonders of the magnificent Whitehaven Beach area. Indulge in the ultimate experience of Whitehaven Beach; From the Northern end exploring the Spectacular Hill Inlet, to the Southern - swimming, hiking, sunbathing, soaking up the sun. No other day cruise offered allows you so much time to explore the wonders of Whitehaven Beach. Enjoy a leisurely cruise along the full length of Whitehaven Beach and across Hill Inlet to the landing point. From here a guided walk following the path and history of the Whitsunday traditional owners, the Ngaro people, will lead you to the lookout and that picture postcard view! There are informative displays along the way that will provide an insight into the history, flora and stories of this picturesque area. A leisurely pace ensures all fitness levels are catered for, and guests take the time to enjoy this superb spiritual place. Perhaps enjoy optional walks to Whitehaven Beach Lookout, Chance Bay, and Solway Passage. Alternatively, if you're after a more relaxed afternoon; wander back to Whitehaven Beach to your own secluded stretch where you can laze on the beach or cool off in the azure waters.

To properly experience the wonders of the world's most celebrated underwater playground you need to spend a day here. On the outer edge of Hardy Reef, Reefworld is the best way to see everything the Great Barrier Reef has to offer. Come face to face with thousands of different species of marine life and stunning corals. Explore easy to follow snorkelling coral trails; SCUBA dive the most celebrated coral reef in the world; or just relax and enjoy the amazing view from the deck. Enjoy a buffet lunch as well as morning and afternoon coffee/tea.

Port of Airlie to Hamilton Island Marina

 

Your Accommodation

Heart Hotel and Gallery Whitsundays

Heart Hotel and Gallery Whitsundays features an unrivalled location, literally in the heart of the cosmopolitan seaside resort village of Airlie Beach. The hotel features thoughtfully decorated rooms with Airlie Beach or Coral Sea Ocean Views. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be greeted by our gracious team offering highly personalised intuitive service.

Duration

1 Night Stay

Meal Plan

Room Only

 

Heart Hotel and Gallery Whitsundays

Spirit of Queensland The new Spirit of Queensland train combines modern seating and entertainment options with the romance of long distance rail travel. Contemporary, comfortable and designed for relaxation, the newest addition to the Queensland Rail Travel fleet offers new features that will redefine the modern rail travel experience.   Route The Spirit of Queensland Train is perfect for getaways up and down the Queensland coastline. Take the Spirit of Queensland to enjoy a visit to the Whitsunday Islands or Great Barrier Reef, or a whale watching holiday in Hervey Bay. Relax in your all leather Premium Economy seat or the revolutionary Railbed seat that converts to a lie flat bed, enjoy state of the art entertainment or simply watch the scenery whiz by.

 

Spirit of Queensland Northbound - Airlie Beach to Cairns

 

Cairns Station to Cairns - City Centre

 

Your Accommodation

Crystalbrook Bailey

Modern, innovative and with an appreciation for the arts, Crystalbrook Bailey celebrates originality and individuality. Stay at Crystalbrook Bailey, a luxury hotel in Cairns, Queensland, and take time to get lost in the details. To question and explore. Art. Conversations. Places. Do things your way.

Duration

3 Night Stay

Meal Plan

Room Only

 

Crystalbrook Bailey

This morning, your driver will greet you, collect your voucher, and issue your Kuranda Boarding Pass. We will then transfer you to Freshwater Station. There is no need to queue, as your pre-allocated preferential Train tickets are already on your Boarding Pass. Once aboard, enjoy this historical rail journey to Kuranda, with breathtaking views across the cane fields of Cairns to the tropical rainforest of Kuranda. Upon arrival in Kuranda, you have time to explore this fascinating village - approx. 1hr. The Kuranda Markets are full of colourful and interesting art or find the perfect souvenir at one of Kuranda's eclectic boutiques. At 11.30 am, make your way directly to the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway boarding line - there is no need to queue as your tickets are already on your Boarding Pass. Once aboard, be amazed as you journey over and through the World Heritage protected Rainforest. Your Boarding Pass is your ticket for this iconic rainforest experience that includes time at both Red Peak and Barron Falls stations where you can discover exceptional views from The Edge Lookout or visit the Rainforest Interpretation Centre. Complimentary guided boardwalk tours are offered throughout the day at Red Peak Station. After arriving at the Smithfield Skyrail Terminal, our coach is waiting to transfer you to Hartley's. There is plenty of free time to explore the park, and your experience includes a 25 minute Wetlands boat cruise through the ecologically significant Melaleuca wetlands; the domain of the saltwater crocodile. See the notorious head shake and death roll of a huge saltwater crocodile at the Crocodile Attack Show, and discover the world's most venomous snakes at the Snake Show!

Enjoy the day as you wish. If you would like to arrange an activity, excursion, or other experience

Cairns - City Centre to Cairns Airport


Summary

Terms and Conditions

Prices are "from" per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travellers are available on request - please inquire.