‘COAST WITH THE MOST’ Luxury Queensland Coast Rail Adventure 9D8N

Departing in the afternoon from Brisbane, set out on Queensland’s ultimate overnight rail journey aboard the iconic Spirit of Queensland.

Onboard this legendary train, you’ll travel in style along Queensland’s stunning coastline. You’ll have your very own RailBed – a spacious seat by day and a lie-flat bed by night with all linen provided including sheets, duvet and pillow for your comfort.

Settle in and watch the scenery go by or make the most of your state-of-the-art in-seat entertainment including large screen and on-demand movies, music and audio books. You may also venture down to the club car to purchase a light snack or refreshment between your meals.

You will arrive at 6:22am into Proserpine, where you will enjoy a private transfer to Airlie Beach. From the transit centre, it is a 1-minute walk to Harbour Cove, your accommodation for the next two nights. Drop off your luggage at reception and walk across the road to the Port of Airlie, where you will find Cruise Whitsundays crew waiting to take you out on the water for a full days’ sailing.

At 8:15am, set sail onboard the majestic Camira, a speedy 85ft ocean-going catamaran. Cruise past the Whitsunday, Daydream, Hamilton and Hook Islands enroute to Whitehaven Beach, a 7-kilometre arc of dazzling white sand, regularly voted Australia’s best beach. On a guided hike to Hill Inlet, follow a path walked by the Whitsundays’ traditional owners, the Ngaro People. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with one of the best views in the Whitsundays.

With snorkelling gear also included and plenty of idyllic swimming spots, expect to work up an appetite for the BBQ buffet lunch. You’ll return to Airlie Beach around 5:00pm having experienced the highlights of the Whitsundays and captured the essence of what attracts sailors and dreamers here from all over the world.

Another glorious day on the water! Departing from the Port of Airlie at 7:00am, board a spectacular cruise to Daydream and Hamilton Island. First stop is Daydream Island where you will enjoy a delicious breakfast, take a dip in the resort pool and visit the fascinating Living Reef coral lagoon. At the Living Reef, you’ll see sharks and stingrays in action at the morning fish-feeding show.

Next up, cruise to Hamilton Island for a gourmet lunch at the Marina Tavern, so called for its magnificent view of the Hamilton Island Marina. You have ample time during the stop to explore the island by foot or ride the complimentary Island Shuttle service to One Tree Hill, the island’s most famous lookout. Cool off afterwards in the resort pool complete with swim up bar or take a stroll along the iconic Catseye Beach.

You’ll return to Airlie around 6:10pm to enjoy one last night in this bustling seaside town.

An early start today! Enjoy a private transfer from your door to Proserpine Railway Station, where you will reboard the Spirit of Queensland at 6:32am to continue your journey north. Treat yourself to some breakfast from the Club Car (your cost) and grab some extra shut eye in your Premium Economy seat. You’ll arrive into Tully Railway Station at 1:47pm.

A pre-booked taxi takes you from Tully Railway Station to the sleepy seaside village of Mission Beach, where the Great Barrier Reef is less than 40 kilometres (24.9mi) offshore. With no traffic lights, no chain stores and no crowds, Mission Beach is a true tropical paradise!

You’ll stay the next two nights at Castaways Resort & Spa. Spend the rest of the day settling into your Beachfront Resort Room and making the most of resort facilities including a restaurant and bar and sparkling pool.

Enjoy a free day at Mission Beach. Lying at the heart of two World Heritage areas – the Great Barrier Reef and the lush rainforests of the Wet Tropics – Mission Beach, is one of Australia’s best-kept secrets. It’s where lush rainforest ­– inhabited by the rare cassowary (slow down when driving and keep an eye out for these magnificent birds) and the magnificent Ulysses butterfly – tumbles down to meet the Coral Sea. Have a leisure walk along the 14km of golden sandy palm fringed beaches, or pick up a hiking trail map from the Mission Beach Visitor Information Centre which shows all of the rain forest walking trails that you can do by yourself. Take a day trip to the Great Barrier Reef or hire a bicycle and enjoy cycling along rainforest trails or along the esplanade.

You have until lunchtime to explore Mission Beach at your leisure. A pre-booked taxi will ensure you make it to Tully Railway Station in time to catch the 1:57pm Spirit of Queensland the rest of the way to Cairns, the modern and vibrant gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, Port Douglas and the Daintree Rainforest.

Arrive into Cairns at 4:30pm and enjoy a private transfer to Riley, a five-star luxury resort. You’ll stay the next four nights in a beautiful and chic King Room with a Pool View. Stake your claim beside the pool. Revitalise your mind, body and soul at the Eleme Spa. Enjoy rooftop cocktails and delicious Mediterranean cuisine with a 270-degree panoramic view of Cairns and the Coral Sea at Rocco restaurant onsite. Or, head down to the main street and immerse yourself in everything tropical North Queensland has to offer. The choice is yours!

In the morning, set off with your naturalist guide along the scenic route via Mossman to Cape Tribulation.

Lush farmland contrasts with seascape as you approach the majestic Daintree River. Enjoy a quick morning tea before boarding a delightful river cruise, where you will take in the wonder of the world’s oldest rainforest and learn about the unique flora and fauna that call the region home. If you’re lucky, you may even spot a crocodile!

Ascend the Alexandra Range for a panoramic view of the rainforest merging with the sparkling Coral Sea. From here, enjoy a guided walk of the National Park Boardwalk, which weaves through lush lowland rainforest, fascinating mangrove swamps and surprising stretches of sandy beach. This is one of the only places to spot the elusive, rare and totally unique Southern Cassowary.

Lunch is a delicious BBQ with freshly prepared salads (dietary requirements catered for with prior notice). After eating, you can handfeed wallabies and have your photo taken with these cute native animals.

Continue beyond Cape Tribulation along 7 kilometres (4.35mi) of the Bloomfield Track, one of the most scenic short 4WD drives in Queensland famous for its majestic plants, creek crossings, secluded beaches, a rainforest archway and unexpected wildlife. Enjoy a refreshing afternoon swim at Emmagen Creek, where you may see fish, turtles, butterflies and exotic birds. This is the perfect place to relax with a slice of damper and some traditional Billy Tea.

At Cape Tribulation Beach, stroll along the sand and boardwalk to one of the best photo stops of the day: the place where the rainforest literally meets the reef.

Cap off the day with an ice cream at the famous Daintree Ice Creamery (own cost) before beginning the journey home. You’ll be dropped off at Riley around 6:00pm.

In the morning, set off with your naturalist guide to experience the best of the Atherton Tablelands region, the beautiful high-country west of Cairns. Climb to 500 metres (1640ft) above sea-level and drive out of the rainforest onto the multi-cultural village of Mareeba and the award-winning Coffee Works for an introduction to Australia’s largest coffee-growing region.

Continue on through banana plantations, sugar cane and through the townships of Tolga and Atherton en route to Herberton, the oldest town in the Tablelands. This National Heritage village is an astounding collection of Australiana spanning two centuries. Wandering through the meticulously restored dwellings is like stepping back through time.

After a hearty lunch at the Australian Platypus Centre and Smokehouse Café, take on Queensland’s highest scenic drive, where you will be treated to sweeping views of the Tablelands and the Great Dividing Range.

In the afternoon, walk into the forest to view one of Australia’s oldest trees, the Curtain Fig, which has watched over the land for over 500 years.

Cap off the day with a visit to Gallo’s Dairy, North Queensland’s major dairy, where you will have the opportunity to witness a milking demonstration and taste hand crafted chocolates and the Tableland’s finest cheese. You’ll be dropped off at Riley around 5:00pm.

After one last gourmet breakfast, check out and say farewell to tropical North Queensland. A private transfer is scheduled to take you to the Cairns Airport at a time that suits you.

NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation.