Sunshine, Wildlife & Island Tour

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To make the most of your day in Brisbane, start with a stroll through the picturesque South Bank. This cultural heart of the city features lush riverside gardens and world-class institutions like the Queensland Art Gallery and the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA). For a refreshing break, visit Streets Beach, a unique sandy urban oasis where you can swim in sparkling lagoons right in the centre of the city. For a different perspective, hop on a CityCat ferry for a relaxing ride along the Brisbane River. Disembark at the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens for a peaceful walk under ancient fig trees, or head to the Queen Street Mall and James Street to explore a mix of high-end fashion and quirky boutiques. As the day continues, make your way to Howard Smith Wharves. Tucked beneath the iconic Story Bridge, this revitalised precinct is the perfect spot to enjoy a meal or a local craft beer with stunning waterfront views. If you have time for a short trip, head to the Mt. Coot-tha Lookout as the sun begins to set; it offers unparalleled panoramic views of the city skyline stretching toward Moreton Bay. Whether you are soaking up the vibrant atmosphere of the wharves or exploring hidden parkland trails, Brisbane offers an effortless blend of urban energy and natural beauty.

Drive north from Brisbane towards Noosa, the world famous beachside town on the Sunshine Coast. Along the way, you could make a stop at Australia Zoo in Beerwah to see crocodiles, koalas, wombats, and other native wildlife. If you’re passing through Eumundi on a Wednesday or Saturday, the Eumundi Markets are worth a visit for local food, arts, and crafts. Once you arrive in Noosa, you can relax on the golden beaches, wander the boutique-lined streets, or explore the stunning trails of Noosa National Park.

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.

The Serenity Everglades Cruise explores the tranquil waterways of the Noosa Everglades, one of only two everglade systems in the world. This guided experience journeys through reflective waterways surrounded by ancient sand dunes and native bushland while highlighting the region’s unique ecosystems and cultural history. Sip a glass of bubbles or a local beer as you soak in the peaceful scenery, spot native wildlife, and enjoy a calm, immersive connection with this rare and remarkable landscape.

Noosa is a haven for beach lovers, nature enthusiasts, and foodies. Relax on Noosa Main Beach, ideal for swimming and paddleboarding, or visit the quieter Little Cove and Tea Tree Bay. Take in breathtaking coastal views along the trails of Noosa National Park, where the Coastal Walk to Hell’s Gate showcases scenic headlands and offers opportunities to spot dolphins and koalas in the wild. For water adventures, paddleboard along the Noosa River or explore the remarkable Noosa Everglades, one of only two in the world. Round out your day with boutique shopping, art galleries, and exceptional dining along Noosa’s vibrant Hastings Street.

Nestled on the doorstep of Noosa Heads, this park offers some of South East Queensland’s most striking coastal scenery. The Coastal Walk (5.4 km one way, 10.8 km return) delivers maximum views for minimal effort, winding past secluded beaches, rugged cliffs, and the iconic headland. Enjoy a picnic in shaded areas overlooking the ocean, and keep watch for native wildlife, from sleepy koalas in the trees to black cockatoos overhead. This trail is perfect for a relaxed half-day adventure that combines nature, wildlife, and breathtaking vistas.

Back in 1979, the Original Eumundi Markets started with just three stalls and eight shoppers. Fast forward to today, and it's grown into a vibrant hub with over 600 stalls, attracting more than 1.2 million visitors annually. Held every Wednesday and Saturday, rain or shine, the markets are just a 15-minute drive from Noosa Heads. It's a place where you can meet the talented locals behind handcrafted furniture, unique homewares, stunning artworks, ceramics, fashion, and jewellery. Chat with farmers and bakers offering fresh produce and gourmet treats. Under the shade of beautiful trees, enjoy a relaxing massage, have your palm read, or simply soak in the live music and street performances.​ The markets have always championed locally made products, ensuring everything you see is crafted or designed in the region. It's the perfect spot to find unique gifts and souvenirs to take a piece of Eumundi home with you. Plus, there's a fun playground nearby to keep the kids entertained. If you're in the Noosa area, a visit to the Original Eumundi Markets is a must-do experience!​

Farewell Noosa and hit the road to Hervey Bay! Your first stop is Eumundi, famous for hosting Australia’s biggest and best arts and craft market. If it’s a Wednesday or Saturday, definitely stop by the Original Eumundi Markets. Grab a coffee, browse the local stalls, and enjoy the relaxed village vibe. Next, make your way to Gympie, a historic gold mining town. It's a great place to explore heritage buildings or, if you're up for something a bit different, hop aboard the Mary Valley Rattler, a charming old steam train that takes you through the scenic Mary Valley.  Continue north to Maryborough, full of old-world charm and home of Mary Poppins author P.L. Travers. Stretch your legs in Queen’s Park, or visit the Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary for a chance to get up close to kangaroos, wallabies, and emus. You’ll finish up in Hervey Bay a relaxed seaside town and Australia’s whale-watching capital.

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.

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. 

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.

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!