Arrive in Brisbane, the capital of the Sunshine State and spend two nights at Spicers Balfour Hotel which is located in the trendy suburb of New Farm. Just a short walk from the city centre and the entertainment hub of Howard Smith Wharves, Spicers Balfour is a sanctuary in the city. The award-winning boutique hotel boasts one of Brisbane's top Asian restaurants and offers bike rides around the local area and into the city. Why not stretch out along the River Walk or take a visit to New Farm Park.
Collect your hire car and head inland towards the Scenic Rim region of Queensland, praised by Lonely Planet in 2022 as one of the top 10 regions in the world to visit. Afterwards, drive from Brisbane to O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat where you will spend the next two nights experiencing the unrivalled views that Queensland has to offer alongside endless walking trails and an array of National Parks are available to explore in this region. Take a visit to Tambourine Mountain and experience the Rainforest Skywalk or spend the day exploring Lamington National Park. Let O'Reilly's make you up a picnic and set off on one of 500 nature trails or join one of the properties activities such as guided bird walks and animal shows. At the end of the day, relax at the Rainforest Bar and take in the amazing sunset views
Today you will travel north to River Heads, just south of Hervey Bay and catch the short ferry across to Fraser Island, the worlds' largest sand island. The last ferry of the day departs at 15.30 so ensure plenty of time for the drive. Leave the car at River Heads and enjoy the crossing, roughly 50 minutes, as a foot passenger. On the other side, you will be transferred to Kingfisher Bay Resort where you will spend the next three nights. Spend the following day on a full day of adventure visiting sites such as Lake McKenzie and the glorious 75-mile beach, a real sand highway that you will travel along on 4WD. Kingfisher Bay Resort is the ultimate island getaway where you can relax on the resort's private stretch of beach or laze around the pool after an action-packed day exploring.
After departing Fraser Island, it is time to drive back to Brisbane, where you will board a flight up to Cairns, where you will spend the next 8 nights deep in the heart of Tropical North Queensland. The first stop is Thala Beach Nature Reserve, located about 45 mins drive north of Cairns, take a private transfer to the resort and enjoy the next two nights in this deluxe eco-resort situated on a private headland. Complimentary experiences for guests include guided nature and wildlife walks, specialist talks from local experts and star gazing the inky black southern night skies. Dine amongst the treetops at Osprey's Restaurant or take a picnic down to the beach to enjoy.
A short 20-minute transfer from Thala Beach will take you to your next port of call. Port Douglas is a charming yet chic seaside port with an impressive selection of restaurants and plenty of activities accessible from its doorstep. Take a day to visit the Atherton Tablelands, a scenic area of wetlands with amazing bird and wildlife spotting opportunities and its very own waterfall circuit. Other popular excursions from Port Douglas include the Kuranda Railway and of course the mighty Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy three nights at the Mandalay Port Douglas, these luxury beachfront apartments are a stone's through from the beautiful Four Mile Beach and have a barbeque and full self-catering facilities available on-site.
Today, travel even further North into The Daintree Rainforest. At 180 million years old, the Daintree is one of the most historic places on earth and is best experienced with a stay right in the heart of it. Spend the next three nights at the newly refurbished Silky Oaks, here you will enjoy an indulgent experience as close to nature as you can get. The range of activities to experience in the Daintree is vast, go for a swim in Mossman Gorge where you might spot a freshwater turtle, or take a canoe out from Cape Tribulation, a stretch of beach where the rainforest meets reef and two UNESCO world heritage sites come together. If you are feeling brave you can take a night-time guided walk through the forest or even zipline through the vast canopy. Back at your accommodation, you will enjoy all the lavish touches of a luxury lodge while still feeling immersed in the sights and sounds of the rainforest.
Embark on the ultimate Queensland adventure with this spectacular 15 night self-drive escape from £4,569pp. Surround yourself with nature and the beach as you travel through Queenslands iconic sights. Price includes all accommodation, car hire and transfers.