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Brisbane, Australia
Queensland's riverside capital sets the tone for the East Coast journey ahead. Two nights at YHA Brisbane City give you time to explore the South Bank precinct, catch a sunset over the river, and sort logistics before heading north. Relaxed, walkable, and well-connected.
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Noosa Heads, Australia
A sophisticated coastal town where a pristine national park meets one of Queensland's finest beaches. Spend two nights based here — walk the headland trail through teatree forest to hidden coves, laze on Noosa Main Beach, and explore the Hastings Street strip before the K'gari adventure begins.
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K'gari, Australia
The world's largest sand island and a UNESCO World Heritage site unlike anywhere else on Earth. Two nights on the island cover the essentials: a swim in the crystal-clear freshwater of Lake McKenzie, a float down Eli Creek, and a stop at the iconic Maheno Shipwreck on the windswept eastern beach.
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Airlie Beach, Australia
The gateway to the Whitsundays and a lively backpacker hub in its own right. One night here — enough time to unwind at the famous Airlie Lagoon, explore the marina foreshore, and prepare for departure on the sailing vessel the following morning.
The gateway to the Whitsundays and a lively backpacker hub in its own right. One night here — enough time to unwind at the famous Airlie Lagoon, explore the marina foreshore, and prepare for departure on the sailing vessel the following morning.
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Whitsundays, Australia
Seventy-four tropical islands fringed by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. One night aboard a sailing vessel covers the highlights: snorkelling pristine fringing reefs, the blinding white silica sand of Whitehaven Beach, and the swirling tidal panorama of Hill Inlet lookout.
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Airlie Beach, Australia
A recovery night back on land after two days at sea. The Airlie Lagoon, the esplanade and the marina are all on the doorstep — a relaxed evening before the long Greyhound leg north to Magnetic Island the following morning.
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Magnetic Island, Australia
A car-free island off Townsville with a character entirely its own. Two nights at Bounce Magnetic Island allow time for the Forts Walk — where wild koalas are reliably spotted in the eucalypts — Horseshoe Bay, the Geoffrey Bay snorkel trail, and sunset drinks in Arcadia village.
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Cairns, Australia
The tropical capital of Far North Queensland and the natural finale of the East Coast journey. One night based at Global Backpackers, bookended by an early morning departure on the Passions of Paradise outer reef day trip — snorkelling pristine coral gardens on the Great Barrier Reef before flying out or extending north.