7 day Whitsunday Explorer

​7 day Whitsunday Explorer

​​​Highlights

  • Spend two nights on stunning Hamilton Island
  • Relax on tropical Catseye Beach
  • Cruise the beautiful waterways of the Whitsundays
  • Visit uninhabited Whitsundays islands
  • See the breathtaking contrast of brilliant white sand and bright blue water at Whitehaven Beach
  • Take a leisurely stroll to Hill Inlet Lookout
  • Spend time at Langford Island and discover the underwater world on the fringing coral reef
  • Discover the coastal town of Airlie Beach

Inclusions

  • 2 nights accommodation in a Garden View Room at Reef View Hotel, Hamilton Island
  • 2 nights onboard Whitsunday Explorer
  • 1 night 4 star accommodation in Airlie Beach
  • Meals as specified​
  • One way RailBus connection from Airlie Beach to Proserpine railway station​​
  • One way travel on the Spirit of Queensland from Proserpine to Brisbane – RailBed

Itinerary

Day 1: Hamilton Island

Arrive on Hamilton Island and check into the Reef View Hotel. Stay the next two nights on Hamilton Island.

Day 2: Hamilton Island (B)

Today is free to do as little or as much as you please. Relax by the pool, take a day cruise to the Great Barrier Reef or take in a stunning sunset from One Tree Hill.

Day 3: Hamilton Island/Whitsunday Island cruise (B, D)

Enjoy a relaxing morning before checking out of your hotel. Perhaps head to the marina for lunch before boarding the 45m M.V. Whitsunday Explorer for a two night cruise through the beautiful Whitsunday Passage. Pass through the Molle Island group before dropping anchor at Cid Harbour for the evening, a tranquil and spacious sheltered harbour. Partake in drinks on the observation deck before settling into the main saloon for dinner.

​Day 4: Cruising the Whitsundays (B, L, D)

Start your day with an alfresco breakfast on the upper deck or in the main saloon, as you sail past Henning, Dent and Hamilton Islands before dropping anchor near Whitsunday Island. Hop aboard the high-speed rigid inflatable boat, Island Adventurer, and head to the brilliant white sands of world-famous Whitehaven Beach. Head back to the Whitsunday Explorer for lunch and sail to Chalkies Beach on Hazlebrook Island. The island boasts a white sand beach, picturesque shore walls and coral ecosystems, perfect for snorkelling. Hop back on board and cruise south to Long Island, where you will anchor overnight. Long Island is considered one of the most beautiful of the Whitsunday Islands and has 13 kilometres of graded walking tracks, secluded beaches, dramatic headlands and dense bush areas. Enjoy dinner in the main saloon and treat yourself to a nightcap under the stars on the observation deck.

​Day 5: Airlie Beach (B)

Enjoy breakfast before exploring Long Island’s shores at your leisure. Afterwards, cruise back to Airlie Beach, arriving around 11am. Farewell your fellow cruise companions and transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free to discover Airlie Beach. Overnight at Heart Hotel and Gallery Whitsundays.

Day 6: Airlie Beach to Brisbane (B, D)​

Check out of your hotel and spend the day at leisure. In the early evening, transfer by coach to Proserpine for your rail journey to Brisbane. Overnight onboard Spirit of Queensland.​

Day 7: Brisbane (B)

Arrive in Brisbane in the morning where your holiday ​concludes.

(B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = Dinner)

Customers enjoying the view from the  RailBed carriage on the Spirit of Queensland
Airlie Beach  waterside view
Airlie Beach hotel room

​​Departs Airlie Beach

Wednesdays (2 April to 16 September, 1 October to 16 December 2025, 14 January to 31 March 2026)

Price

Adult from $2879* per person twin share

Senior from $2835* per person twin share

Prices to 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 2 April to 16 September, 1 October to 16 December 2025, 14 January to 31 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.​​​