Queensland

You'll immediately notice the light is different when travelling Queensland on the East Coast of Australia. The sun warms your face, the sand is golden white beneath your toes and the people are among the friendliest you'll find. We think it has something to do with the laid back lifestyle, magical scenery and balmy temperatures.

The path between Cairns to the north and the Gold Coast at the south is a popular tourist route and our experiences tick all of the boxes. We make sure you explore the iconic destinations as well as journey off the beaten path to experience some less known hidden gems!

We're excited about our trips in the Sunshine State of Queensland, so check them out!

Queensland has an area of 1,727,200 kilometres. This represents 22.48% of Australia's total area. 54% of Queensland lies in the tropical zone and 46% in the temperate zone. The population of Queensland is 3,500,000.  The Capital City is Brisbane with a population of 1,350,000.

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CAIRNS & THE TROPICAL NORTH

The City of Cairns is the premier regional city in Australia and the international gateway to Tropical North Queensland.   The Cairns local government area has an estimated resident population of 130,594, with a median age of 34 years, and is growing at an average rate of 1.8 per cent.  Cairns is located about 1700km from Brisbane and about 2500km from Sydney by road.

Visit the Great Barrier Reef and the Queensland coast with Intrepid Connections.

When you travel north from Cairns you travel on one of Australia's most scenic coastal drives past Port Douglas along the Daintree Cape Tribulation coast where the Reef meets the Rainforest. This is the only place on the planet where two World Heritage areas exist side by side.

Check out Far North Queensland on our Cape York Complete adventure.

CLIMATE

Maximum mean temperatures during the summer season reach around 32 ^oC while a very acceptable 24^oC during the winter months. Humidity is generally higher during summer months as well.

AIRLIE BEACH & THE WHITSUNDAYS

The real world just cannot touch the Whitsundays, the gods' own playground of 74 pristine islands dotting warm, truly blue waters. Here you can commune with marine life among coral, tussle with game fish, set sail, explore a rainforest, party hard, or snooze on white sand and just forget...

You can island hop in the Whitsundays on our Cairns to Sydney or East Coast Explorer trips

CLIMATE

Here's what to look forward to on your holiday…average summer and winter temperatures that range from 23°C - 30°C.

The Whitsundays enjoys a tropical climate of hot summers, warm winters and bright spring and autumn days. Water temperatures remain a welcoming 25 degrees celsius all year round. The tropical wet season occurs during January to March when days can be steamy and the summer heat is often broken by tropical showers.

FRASER ISLAND

The Fraser Coast region is a rare destination, filled with natural wonders and some of the world's most unique attractions. It boasts World Heritage listed Fraser Island, the largest sand island in the world, with spectacular coloured sands, freshwater lakes and towering rainforests. And then there's Hervey Bay, the whale watching capital of Australia and popular access point to the Great Barrier Reef.

Fraser Island is home to several species of birds and its warm waters attract dugong, dolphins and turtles. The magnificent humpback whales, with their young, pass on the western side of the island between August and November.

Explore the great sand island and neigbouring Lady Elliot Island on Fraser Island & Reef Experience

CLIMATE

Temperatures are still relatively mild ranging from lows of around 17°C to maximums in the summer months of approximately 28°C.

BRISBANE

Fresh experiences, fresh adventures and a fresh approach to life: this is what Brisbane is all about. It's a city where the air is filled with optimism and a sense of adventure is heavy on the ground. You'll be amazed by how much is happening here, and pleasantly surprised by the open and friendly attitude of the locals.

CLIMATE

Brisbane apparently has more sunny days than Florida and warmer winter days than the Bahamas!

THE GOLD COAST

This region is well known as Australia's favourite holiday playground - and for good reason. Whether it's golden sands, surf beaches or sub-tropical rainforest this cosmopolitan destination has it all. Dance 'til the sun's up at Surfer's Paradise or explore the ancient hinterlands rainforests away from the bright lights. Wherever you go, a Gold Coast holiday is full of unforgettable moments.

CLIMATE

Plenty of days of sunshine and some pretty good temperatures to go with it: