Stray Australia Brisbane to Cairns - Freestyle Travel Pass

Stray Australia Brisbane to Cairns - Freestyle Travel Pass

Explore Australia's east coast at your own pace with a Brisbane to Cairns travel pass. Along the way, you'll visit the top spots like Airlie Beach (the gateway to the Whitsundays), as well as some of our favourite off-the-beaten-track locations, like Emu Park. You'll have the opportunity to snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, find koalas in treetops, and explore with an awesome group of likeminded travellers.

The best part? You can hop on and off as you please for up to 12 months, so go at your own pace. You'll be guided by a local expert, who will help you to book in activities and accommodation, tell you fun facts and break the ice on the first day. They are there to help you get the most out of your trip – point you in the right direction, find wildlife, and learn about all the hidden local gems.

Itinerary

Day 1: Brisbane to Rainbow Beach

Stop At: Rainbow Beach, Rainbow Beach, Gympie Region, Fraser Coast, Queensland
Begin your northbound trip from Queensland's capital city of Brisbane and travel north to the upmarket beach resort town of Noosa. You may choose to hop off here or continue on to Rainbow Beach for the night. After your first travel day, you'll welcome the chance to stretch your legs this evening with a walk to Carlo Sand Blow in Rainbow Beach to catch a gorgeous sunset. If you want to visit fantastic Fraser Island, the largest sand island in the world, you can depart from Noosa or Rainbow Beach.
Duration: 12 hours

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.

Day 2: Rainbow Beach to Emu Park

Stop At: Emu Park, Emu Park, Queensland
After stopping briefly to pick up those who stayed in Noosa, we depart from Cooroy on our first train journey of the trip. Kick back for a scenic train ride to Rockhampton, where we meet the bus and your Stray Guide to head to our next Strademark destination, Emu Park. While at Emu Park you’ll have the option to visit stunning Great Keppel Island, snorkel with turtles and hike to some secluded white sand beaches (extra cost); or you can choose to do your own thing!

Please Note: Some trips may have an extra night at Emu Park.

Duration: 12 hours

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.

Day 3: Emu Park to Airlie Beach (overnight train)

Stop At: Airlie Beach, Airlie Beach, Queensland
Today we recommend opting to visit the highlight of the area, Great Keppel Island, a tropical island paradise at the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef. Catch the ferry for a day of snorkeling or kayaking (extra cost) before exploring the island itself in search of the perfect white sand beach for a little afternoon rest and relaxation. Tonight, we’ll gather together for dinner at Emu’s Beach Resort before we catch our first overnight train to Airlie Beach.


Duration: 12 hours

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: overnight train

Day 4: Airlie Beach

Stop At: Airlie Beach, Airlie Beach, Queensland
The train arrives in Prosperine early in the morning. Your Airlie-based Stray Guide will meet you at the train and accompany you on the bus into Airlie Beach. They'll help you store your bags, and then grab breakfast (extra cost) and give you a brief orientation of the town to help you get your bearings. You'll have the rest of your day free in Airlie Beach to do as you please. Airlie Beach is the gateway to the famous Whitsunday Islands, another backpacker favourite. Many people choose to hop off here and do a multi-day sailing trip, but it is also possible to do a day tour. You can also choose to join your guide for a hike in the rainforest to see amazing almost 360-degree views of Airlie and the Whitsunday Islands.
Duration: 12 hours

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.

Day 5: Airlie Beach to Magnetic Island

Stop At: Magnetic Island, Magnetic Island, Queensland
You'll be up with the parakeets this morning with a medley of transport to catch today. Travelling by bus, train and ferry (oh my!) we arrive at our destination of Magnetic Island in the late morning. Nearly 50% of ‘Maggie Island’ is national park land, and it's chock-full of amazing beaches and abundant wildlife. Your legendary local guide will meet you at the train station and then join you on a scenic walk to either the beautiful Radical Bay beach or the historic Forts Complex for incredible views and amazing photo opportunities. Join in the group pizza dinner tonight (extra cost).
Duration: 12 hours

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.

Day 6: Magnetic Island to Rainforest Experience

Stop At: Tully Gorge National Park, Cardstone Road, Tully, Queensland 4854 Australia
We catch the ferry back to the mainland in the morning, and travel by train to Tully, arriving at lunch time. From here you can join our Stray exclusive Rainforest Experience (additional cost) or continue on the train to Cairns. Those who choose the Rainforest Experience will travel by bus into the heart of the stunning Tully Gorge National Park. We’ll cool off in a beautiful swimming hole this afternoon, before heading to our camp for a BBQ dinner (included) and spend the evening sharing stories around the campfire.
Duration: 12 hours

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.

Day 7: Rainforest Experience to Cairns

Stop At: Cairns, Cairns, Cairns Region, Queensland
This morning you can take a guided walk through the forest to learn about the traditional indigenous usage of the land. In the afternoon, we jump on the train to our final destination, Cairns. We arrive by late afternoon, so you'll have time to get ready to celebrate the final night of your epic East Coast adventure. There's heaps to do in Cairns so check out your Stray Mate app for all the best options.


Duration: 12 hours

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.