Luxury tailormade touring holiday of Queensland including Gold Coast, rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef
Highlights
Brisbane • Surfers Paradise • Australia Zoo • Cairns • Tropical North Queensland • Daintree Rainforest • Port Douglas • Whitsunday Islands • Great Barrier Reef
Day by day
Arrive in Brisbane. You a met upon arrival and transferred to your accommodation by private chauffeur. Today, simply settle into the time zone, the climate, and your luxury accommodation.
Set just north of Australia’s sparkling Gold Coast, Brisbane is an inviting city boasting an enviable climate, fantastic food and drink, and a sophisticated and fashionable ambience. Perhaps explore the best of Brisbane today, being sure to stop at Queen Street mall and James Street for excellent shopping, and the South Bank for Brisbane’s art and entertainment precinct. For an unrivalled view of the city, you could climb the Story Bridge which was built in 1940 and measures 777 meters long by a whopping 74 meters high. The views are to die for, and include the Glass House Mountains, Moreton Bay, and of course Brisbane’s sparkling skyline.
One of Brisbane’s greatest assets lies to its south – the Gold Coast of Queensland. With its major capital of Surfers Paradise, this coastline features a glitzy and glamorous ambience, excellent beaches, and a fitting title of being ‘Australia’s Playground’. Today could be spent pottering up and down the coastline in search of great beaches and perhaps even a surfing lesson with the help of one of the excellent operators dotted up and down the coast. If you wish to get away from the intense commercialism found throughout the Gold Coast, you could also drive to the excellent National Parks of Springbrook and Lamington – two of Australia’s best.
On your final full day in Brisbane, the choice is yours for making the most of this wonderful city. Some may choose to venture north to the world-famous Australia Zoo, the sanctuary made famous by Steve Irwin, and well known in Australia for providing tourists with unforgettable encounters with some of the continent’s most iconic wildlife. Whichever way you choose to spend your day, be sure to visit Eagle St Pier in the evening for world-class dining and great views over the Brisbane River, the perfect end to your stay in this shimmering city.
After a leisurely breakfast, return to Brisbane Airport to catch your flight into Cairns and Tropical North Queensland. Here you will pick up your 4x4 hire car and road-trip up the Coral Sea coast to find your eco accommodation nestled within the pristine rainforest of this region. Spend the afternoon with a cool drink and perhaps a dip in the refreshing waters of the natural pools or rivers that surround your luxury accommodation.
The Daintree Rainforest in the north of Tropical North Queensland is a UNESCO World Heritage Listed ecosystem where the reef meets the sea. Here ancient rainforests coincide with sandy beaches and rugged mountains to provide one of the most spectacular landscapes found anywhere in Australia. Perhaps today, you could take a trip into the heart of this pristine environment accompanied by ecological guides. The best way to do this is either on one of the many hiking trails, or by a river cruise on the Daintree River. Spot crocodiles, colourful birds, cassowaries and much more with the help and safety of experienced ecological guides.
After a full day of exploration in the rainforest, today you could choose to take things a little easier and simply relax in the natural setting of your luxury accommodation. Certain hotel choices feature excellent spas which draw upon the natural bounty of the rainforest to provide rejuvenating remedies. Others include fantastic natural swimming spots, private beaches, and kayaks that may help you explore the wonders of this exotic coastline.
Perhaps today you could explore one of the other myriad natural assets found in the part of the world. For example, a short drive inland from the coast will bring you to the Atherton Tablelands, where quaint country towns, green hills, pockets of rainforest, spectacular crater lakes, and waterfalls coincide to lend adventurous guests a great day trip. Other choices include Port Douglas, or even a visit to the backpacker mecca of Cairns, where there are excellent facilities for exploring the best of the region.
Today, return to Cairns Airport and drop off your hire car before catching your flight out to a true taste of paradise in the Whitsunday Islands. Spend the rest of the day enjoying the facilities of your island resort, with a cocktail in hand as the sun goes down over the Coral Sea.
Today would be a great day to acquaint yourself with the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef. Stretching 2000km of coastline, this pristine stretch of coral reef is home to some of the most diverse and fascinating marine life on the planet. You can choose from a range of activities designed to make the most of this ecosystem, with something to suit every energy level: from snorkelling to scuba diving to glass bottom boat adventures. Find turtles, rays, colourful fish, dolphins or even humpback whales.
Recuperate from the thrill of your Great Barrier Reef adventure by relaxing and indulging in the facilities of Hamilton Island. This stunning private island offers an exceptional variety of facilities, from water sports to scenic flights to an excellent golf course – it is all possible on Hamilton Island.
The Whitsunday Islands provide a wonderful playground for sailors all over the world, and today you could choose to cruise on the waters, finding impossibly pretty vistas everywhere you look. Chief amongst these is the iconic Whitehaven Beach, an expansive stretch of bright white sand lapped by the crystal-clear waters of the inner Great Barrier Reef. It has become an iconic sight of the Whitsunday Islands, and was rightly featured recently as a filming location in the Pirates of the Caribbean. Other islands are completely deserted and offer the chance to find your own private slice of paradise away from the tourist thronged streets of Hamilton island.
On your final full day in Australia, the choice is yours to make the most of the sun and sea, and the luxury facilities of your island resort. Some will choose to relax on island, whilst other will make the most of the island hopping and the Great Barrier Reef located on the doorstep of Hamilton island. Either way, be sure to relax into your last night in paradise and raise a glass to this wonderful continent.
Wake to soak up the last of the climate and scenery, before returning home to London via Brisbane.
I wanted to thank you for organising such a great trip - we have absolutely loved it. Really it couldn’t have all gone better - thank you for organising it so perfectly for us.Mrs C, June 2024
Holiday price guide From about £4,300 per person based on two people sharing a double room and including for economy flights from London.
Holiday Code AUSG05
Call us on 01392 441245
Luxury tailormade touring holiday of Queensland including Gold Coast, rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef
Arrive in Brisbane. You a met upon arrival and transferred to your accommodation by private chauffeur. Today, simply settle into the time zone, the climate, and your luxury accommodation.
Set just north of Australia’s sparkling Gold Coast, Brisbane is an inviting city boasting an enviable climate, fantastic food and drink, and a sophisticated and fashionable ambience. Perhaps explore the best of Brisbane today, being sure to stop at Queen Street mall and James Street for excellent shopping, and the South Bank for Brisbane’s art and entertainment precinct. For an unrivalled view of the city, you could climb the Story Bridge which was built in 1940 and measures 777 meters long by a whopping 74 meters high. The views are to die for, and include the Glass House Mountains, Moreton Bay, and of course Brisbane’s sparkling skyline.
One of Brisbane’s greatest assets lies to its south – the Gold Coast of Queensland. With its major capital of Surfers Paradise, this coastline features a glitzy and glamorous ambience, excellent beaches, and a fitting title of being ‘Australia’s Playground’. Today could be spent pottering up and down the coastline in search of great beaches and perhaps even a surfing lesson with the help of one of the excellent operators dotted up and down the coast. If you wish to get away from the intense commercialism found throughout the Gold Coast, you could also drive to the excellent National Parks of Springbrook and Lamington – two of Australia’s best.
On your final full day in Brisbane, the choice is yours for making the most of this wonderful city. Some may choose to venture north to the world-famous Australia Zoo, the sanctuary made famous by Steve Irwin, and well known in Australia for providing tourists with unforgettable encounters with some of the continent’s most iconic wildlife. Whichever way you choose to spend your day, be sure to visit Eagle St Pier in the evening for world-class dining and great views over the Brisbane River, the perfect end to your stay in this shimmering city.
After a leisurely breakfast, return to Brisbane Airport to catch your flight into Cairns and Tropical North Queensland. Here you will pick up your 4x4 hire car and road-trip up the Coral Sea coast to find your eco accommodation nestled within the pristine rainforest of this region. Spend the afternoon with a cool drink and perhaps a dip in the refreshing waters of the natural pools or rivers that surround your luxury accommodation.
The Daintree Rainforest in the north of Tropical North Queensland is a UNESCO World Heritage Listed ecosystem where the reef meets the sea. Here ancient rainforests coincide with sandy beaches and rugged mountains to provide one of the most spectacular landscapes found anywhere in Australia. Perhaps today, you could take a trip into the heart of this pristine environment accompanied by ecological guides. The best way to do this is either on one of the many hiking trails, or by a river cruise on the Daintree River. Spot crocodiles, colourful birds, cassowaries and much more with the help and safety of experienced ecological guides.
After a full day of exploration in the rainforest, today you could choose to take things a little easier and simply relax in the natural setting of your luxury accommodation. Certain hotel choices feature excellent spas which draw upon the natural bounty of the rainforest to provide rejuvenating remedies. Others include fantastic natural swimming spots, private beaches, and kayaks that may help you explore the wonders of this exotic coastline.
Perhaps today you could explore one of the other myriad natural assets found in the part of the world. For example, a short drive inland from the coast will bring you to the Atherton Tablelands, where quaint country towns, green hills, pockets of rainforest, spectacular crater lakes, and waterfalls coincide to lend adventurous guests a great day trip. Other choices include Port Douglas, or even a visit to the backpacker mecca of Cairns, where there are excellent facilities for exploring the best of the region.
Today, return to Cairns Airport and drop off your hire car before catching your flight out to a true taste of paradise in the Whitsunday Islands. Spend the rest of the day enjoying the facilities of your island resort, with a cocktail in hand as the sun goes down over the Coral Sea.
Today would be a great day to acquaint yourself with the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef. Stretching 2000km of coastline, this pristine stretch of coral reef is home to some of the most diverse and fascinating marine life on the planet. You can choose from a range of activities designed to make the most of this ecosystem, with something to suit every energy level: from snorkelling to scuba diving to glass bottom boat adventures. Find turtles, rays, colourful fish, dolphins or even humpback whales.
Recuperate from the thrill of your Great Barrier Reef adventure by relaxing and indulging in the facilities of Hamilton Island. This stunning private island offers an exceptional variety of facilities, from water sports to scenic flights to an excellent golf course – it is all possible on Hamilton Island.
The Whitsunday Islands provide a wonderful playground for sailors all over the world, and today you could choose to cruise on the waters, finding impossibly pretty vistas everywhere you look. Chief amongst these is the iconic Whitehaven Beach, an expansive stretch of bright white sand lapped by the crystal-clear waters of the inner Great Barrier Reef. It has become an iconic sight of the Whitsunday Islands, and was rightly featured recently as a filming location in the Pirates of the Caribbean. Other islands are completely deserted and offer the chance to find your own private slice of paradise away from the tourist thronged streets of Hamilton island.
On your final full day in Australia, the choice is yours to make the most of the sun and sea, and the luxury facilities of your island resort. Some will choose to relax on island, whilst other will make the most of the island hopping and the Great Barrier Reef located on the doorstep of Hamilton island. Either way, be sure to relax into your last night in paradise and raise a glass to this wonderful continent.
Wake to soak up the last of the climate and scenery, before returning home to London via Brisbane.
I wanted to thank you for organising such a great trip - we have absolutely loved it. Really it couldn’t have all gone better - thank you for organising it so perfectly for us.Mrs C, June 2024
Holiday price guide From about £4,300 per person based on two people sharing a double room and including for economy flights from London.
Holiday Code AUSG05
Our prices include
● Return scheduled flights with British Airways, Qantas or Emirates from London to Brisbane, returning from Brisbane to London in economy class
● Domestic flights from Brisbane to Cairns, Cairns to Hamilton Island, and from Hamilton island back to Brisbane
● Transfers and car hire where specified in our itinerary
● 4 nights’ bed and breakfast in Brisbane
● 4 nights’ bed and breakfast in North Queensland Rainforest
● 5 nights’ bed and breakfast on the Whitsunday Islands
● The meals included with your tour will vary by chosen accommodation. Please see our hotel suggestions for included board basis.
● Concierge service and Expressions Holidays regional helpful hints
Our prices do not include
● Early check-in or late check-out at any hotels (although we can arrange this on request at additional cost)
● Any other services not mentioned above, such as transfers and meals except as specified in our hotel suggestions
● Personal holiday insurance. This is essential and cover should be in place from when you book the holiday.
● Local tourist tax, payable locally to the hotel
● Personal expenses.
● Visa and Passport. You will need a full British passport with at least six months validity, and a Visa for travel to Australia. Visas requirements should be checked with the Australian authorities. More details are available from www.eta.immi.gov.au
Call us on 01392 441245
Luxury tailormade touring holiday of Queensland including Gold Coast, rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef
Stamford Plaza is a modern, luxurious hotel in an excellent riverfront location. Supremely comfortable accommodation and excellent cuisine, including their unmissable signature Brisbane high-tea, it is a perfect spot to unwind after enjoying the delights of the city.
Superior room
Spicers Balfour is a stylish, adult-only, art deco hotel in the fashionable, inner-city, New Farm district. With supremely comfortable accommodation, delicious Vietnamese cuisine and a stylish rooftop bar, it is an excellent base for exploring Brisbane.
Executive Queen room
Sea Temple Resort and Spa is a 5-star luxury resort offering spacious apartment and villa accommodation in a beautiful coastal location. Delicious seafood based cuisine, excellent spa facilities and luxurious accommodation afford guests a truly relaxing and indulgent experience.
Studio resort room
Silky Oaks Lodge is a superb hotel that has a natural style with tropical influences, nestled on the edge of a stunning rainforest setting. A sensational tree-house restaurant and soothing spa facilities offer guests a relaxing and indulgent retreat.
Daintree Treehouse
The Beach Club on Hamilton Island is one of the most private, romantic, couples retreats in this wonderfully tropical part of the world. It has magnificent views directly over Catseye Beach, excellent facilities and activities.
Beach Club room
Qualia is a 5-star, adults-only, luxury hideaway retreat in a stunning beachfront location on Hamilton Island. Excellent fine dining, superb spa facilities, luxurious accommodation and a wealth of unique experiences afford guests a relaxing and restorative retreat.
Leeward Pavilion
I wanted to thank you for organising such a great trip - we have absolutely loved it. Really it couldn’t have all gone better - thank you for organising it so perfectly for us.Mrs C, June 2024
Holiday price guide From about £4,300 per person based on two people sharing a double room and including for economy flights from London.
Holiday Code AUSG05
Call us on 01392 441245
Luxury tailormade touring holiday of Queensland including Gold Coast, rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef
About Queensland
An Expressions tailor-made holiday to Queensland has much to offer, from the verdant Daintree rainforest to the spectacular Whitsunday Islands, although its main draw continues to be the magnificent Great Barrier Reef. Stretching from Coolangatta to Cape York, Queensland best exemplifies Australia’s beach culture, with its endless stretches of sand and tropical climate. Queensland’s main cities are the lively and cosmopolitan Brisbane, and Cairns, which offers an extensive range of land and water activities. Passing over the Great Dividing Range, the land becomes drier as you reach the outback, providing a startling contrast to the lush colours of the coastal areas.
Highlights of Queensland
Sailing around the Whitsundays, Experiencing the largest sand island in the world – Fraser Island, Exploring the pristine Daintree Rainforest, Snorkelling or diving on the Great Barrier Reef, Seeing the endless horizons of the Gulf Savannah, Visit the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, Tour the beautiful Atherton Tablelands, Sunday market in scenic Port Douglas.
