10 day Islands of Queensland Rail Journey

​​​10 day Islands of Queensland Rail Journey

​​​Highlights

  • Travel Queensland’s coastline in comfort aboard the Tilt Train and Spirit of Queensland
  • Spend three nights on K’gari, Australia’s largest sand island
  • Uncover K’gari’s most iconic sights on a full day Beauty Spots tour
  • Cruise to stunning Magnetic Island and explore the sights
  • Enjoy time at leisure in tropical Cairns
  • Soak up the sun on beautiful Green Island

Inclusions

  • One way travel on the Tilt Train from Brisbane to Maryborough West – Economy Seat
  • Return RailBus transfers from Maryborough West to Hervey Bay
  • 1 night 4.5 star accommodation in Hervey Bay
  • Return bus transfers from Hervey Bay accommodation to River Heads Ferry Terminal
  • Return ferry transfers from River Heads to K’gari
  • 2 nights 4 star accommodation on K’gari
  • Full day 4WD Beauty Spots Tour
  • One way travel on the Spirit of Queensland from Maryborough West to Townsville – RailBed
  • 2 nights 4 star accommodation in Townsville
  • Return ferry transfer from Townsville to Magnetic Island
  • Magnetic Island Discovery Tour
  • One way travel on the Spirit of Queensland from Townsville to Cairns – Economy Seat
  • 3 nights 4.5 star accommodation in Cairns
  • Green Island day tour
  • Meals as specified

​​Itinerary

Day 1: Brisbane to Hervey Bay​

Depart Brisbane this morning on the Tilt Train and travel north to Maryborough West, arriving late afternoon. Transfer by RailBus connection to the Hervey Bay Transit Centre and make your own way to your accommodation at Hervey Bay. Stay overnight at Ramada Resort by Wyndham Hervey Bay.

Day 2: Hervey Bay to K’gari (B)​

This morning you’ll be collected and transferred to River Heads to board the ferry to World Heritage Listed K’gari, the world’s largest sand island. The afternoon is free to do as much or as little as you please. Relax by the large lagoon-style pool, join one of the guided walks or indulge with a day spa treatment at the Island Spa (own expense). Stay the next two nights at Kingfisher Bay Resort.

​Day 3: K’gari (B, L)​

Join a full day 4WD eco tour discovering all the beauty spots of the island. Guided by a local Ranger, you will walk along the boardwalk at Central Station and admire the impressive central station rainforest. Swim in the crystal blue water and white sands of Lake McKenzie. 

After lunch, travel along the beach highway of 75 Mile Beach to see the Maheno shipwreck and the coloured sands of The Pinnacles.

​Day 4: K’gari and Spirit of Queensland (B, D)​

Spend the morning at leisure before transferring by ferry to Hervey Bay to connect with the RailBus service to Maryborough West. Board the Spirit of Queensland for the overnight journey to Townsville. Dinner will be served to you at your seat. After dinner, your seat will be transformed to a flat bed and you can settle in for the evening.

Day 5: Townsville (B)​

Enjoy breakfast before arriving in Townsville. Make your own way to your hotel where you can leave your luggage before setting out to explore the surrounding area. Perhaps visit the Museum of Tropical Queensland or head to The Strand, one of Townsville’s popular beaches. Stay the next two nights at Rydges Southbank Townsville.

Day 6: Magnetic Island (B)​

This morning, cruise to Magnetic Island on board a high speed catamaran. See all the major sights of beautiful Magnetic Island on a half day tour. Snorkel fringing reefs, explore many of the 23 bays and beaches and learn about the rich history of Magnetic Island as you journey around the island. Stop for lunch (own expense) before returning to Townsville in the afternoon.​

​Family playing Cairns Esplanade Lagoon

​Couple sitting by the pool at Kingfisher Bay Resort

​Aerial view of Fitzroy Island Resort

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Day 7: Townsville to Cairns (B)​

After breakfast, make your own way to Townsville railway station and board the Spirit of Queensland for the journey to Cairns. Settle into your Economy Seat and watch the scenery pass by as you head north. On arrival in Cairns, make your own way to your hotel. Stay the next three nights at Pacific Hotel Cairns.​​

Day 8: Green Island (B)​

This morning, take a 45-minute cruise to the tropical paradise of Green Island. Surrounded by reef filled with diverse marine life, and home to a unique rainforest environment, Green Island offers the perfect island experience. Choose to snorkel straight off the beach, take a glass bottom boat tour or sit back and relax on the white coral sand beaches.

Day 9: Cairns (B)​​

Today is free to explore Tropical North Queensland at your leisure. There is so much on offer but you won’t want to miss the opportunity to visit the mountain village of Kuranda. Travel on the Kuranda Scenic Railway, passing through ancient Wet Tropics World Heritage rainforest of Din Din Barron Gorge National Park. Glide down the mountain on your return by Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, skimming the treetops and taking in spectacular views of Cairns below (own expense).

Day 10: Cairns (B)

As the saying goes, all good things must come to an end! Your tour concludes upon check out of your accommodation this morning. Alternatively, you may like to extend your time in the Tropical North with a stay at Palm Cove or Port Douglas.

(B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner)​

​​Departs Brisbane

Friday and Sunday (4 April 2025 to 29 March 2026)

Price

Adult from $2319* per person twin share

Senior from $2239* per person twin share

Prices from other departure points available, please ask your travel consultant​ for details.

How to book

For more information or to book a rail holiday, please contact your local travel agent or call Viva Holidays on 1300 872 835.​​ 

Note: Please note Queensland Rail Travel no longer sells holiday packages. We advise our customers to visit their preferred local travel agent to book your next rail holiday.​​

​* Conditions apply. Valid for travel between 4 April 2025 and 29 March ​2026. From price is a guide only, subject to change and availability. Price is based on the lowest room category for travel in low season. For full terms and conditions contact your local travel agent or contact Viva Holidays on 1300 872 835.​​​

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