** Click here to find all details about the “ 17 Day Brisbane to Cairns Eco Discovery “ self-drive **
This eco-friendly self-drive is the perfect blend of sustainability and style, offering a meticulously crafted itinerary that showcases the very best of Australia. Picture yourself winding through ancient rainforests, wandering along pristine, wild sandy beaches, and gazing out over the turquoise waters of the Coral Sea. Along the way, you’ll visit national parks teeming with rare flora and fauna, and stop in picturesque small towns that embody the essence of the region.
All accommodations have been carefully chosen not just for their comfort and charm, but for their commitment to sustainability and their seamless integration into the surrounding natural environment.
After a first night at Habitat Noosa Everglades Eco Camp, set within 65 acres of National Park and perched on the edge of the picturesque Lake Cootharaba, clients spend their second night in another exceptional accommodation: Turtle Sands. This brand-new Nature Resort is nestled behind the dunes of the globally significant Mon Repos turtle nesting beach, near Bundaberg. It’s the only place on Australia’s mainland where you can stay in a villa, glamp or camp metres from one of nature's most incredible experiences. With easy access to tours to see turtles nest and hatch from November to March (included in the self-drive). This guided tour, operated by experienced rangers, provides a unique opportunity to witness the remarkable lifecycle of loggerhead turtles. Depending on the season, you might see adult turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs or witness the magical moment when hatchlings emerge from their nests and make their perilous journey to the ocean. The tour is not only an unforgettable experience but also an educational one, offering insights into the conservation efforts that protect these endangered creatures.
Another example of the unique accommodation all along this Brisbane to Cairns / Port Douglas self-drive is Cape Hillsborough Nature Resort, near Mackay, world-famous for its beachside wallabies at sunrise. This idyllic, eco-sustainable retreat is also in a prime nature position, sitting adjacent to a marine park as well as the beautiful Cape Hillsborough National Park, famous for its rainforest, eucalypt forest, rocky headlands, and volcanic rock formations. This diverse range of habitats makes an ideal home for many native animals including the Eastern Grey Kangaroo, the Agile Wallaby and the Whip-Tail Wallaby, plus lots of birds and thriving marine life.
All activities included in this tour are designed to immerse you in the natural beauty of Queensland. Explore the serene Everglades of Noosa, encounter wild sea turtles at Mon Repos, spend a day on Lady Musgrave Island, snorkeling in its vibrant coral lagoon, and discover the postcard-perfect beaches and lagoons of the Whitsundays and the Coral Sea.
The Everglades Ecosafaris tour "Everglades Explorer" offers a rare opportunity to explore the Noosa Everglades, often referred to as one of the most pristine and untouched wilderness areas in the country, aboard a specially designed eco-friendly boat. As you glide through the mirrored waters, the boat is surrounded by towering trees and lush vegetation in an area home to a rich wildlife where leave more than 40% of Australia’s bird species. The tour also includes a guided walk through the rainforest to learn about the region’s unique flora and fauna.
The "Lady Musgrave Day Tour" immerses you in a protected island and reef lagoon with pristine, crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs, attracting the rich wildlife of the Southern Great Barrier Reef. Snorkelling allows to swim with hundreds of tropical fish, but also with manta rays and turtles. A new zero-carbon footprint pontoon, nestled in the sheltered waters of the lagoon and powered by wind and solar energy, features an underwater observatory with reef views to enjoy.
"Ocean Rafting’s Southern Lights tour" offers from Airlie Beach a unique Whitehaven Beach tour, enjoying approximately two hours relaxing at the southern end of the 7km stretch of sand made up of 98% pure, tiny silica beads, making it dazzlingly white and luxuriously fine. At the northern end, enjoy then a guided bushwalk to spectacular Hill Inlet Lookout to view on the stunning swirling colours of silica sands and aqua water. Ocean Rafting is the only tour to have direct access to all areas of this iconic beach. Snorkel also for over an hour at Border Island, Dumbell Island, or other “secret” snorkel spots, swimming among hard and soft corals of the fringing reefs, with a huge range of marine life including colourful fish, turtles and clams.
Among the other highlights of this 17 days self drive is a Sailaway cruise across the Coral Sea from Port Douglas to the idyllic Low Isles —a truly exceptional experience that captures the untouched beauty of this far-flung tropical paradise. This full-day eco-adventure offers an intimate exploration of the Great Barrier Reef's Low Isles, a small coral cay located just 15 kilometers off the coast, known for its pristine environment and rich marine biodiversity. You’ll board a luxurious sailing catamaran designed for minimal environmental impact. The sail to Low Isles takes about an hour, during which you can relax on deck, enjoy the sea breeze, and take in the stunning views of the Coral Sea. Upon arrival at the Low Isles, you’ll step ashore onto a picture-perfect island surrounded by a coral reef lagoon to discover.
The journey itself is part of the magic, with your premium electric vehicle offering a smooth and comfortable ride, perfectly in sync with the region’s stunning landscapes, abundant wildlife, and unspoiled natural sites. Thanks to Queensland’s comprehensive electric charging network, you’ll travel with peace of mind aboard an electric vehicle, such as a Polestar 2, with a driving range up to 435 km, knowing that recharging your vehicle is as easy as the journey itself. Some of your accommodations, like the eco-luxury Habitat Noosa or Turtle Sands Resort (Mon Repos), feature on-site charging stations, while others have convenient options nearby. Turtle Sands Resort has an EV charger at every second Studio Room and one fast charger at the reception car park.
Queensland is indeed home to the world’s longest charging network in a single state, known as Queensland’s Electric Super Highway. You’ll find recharge stations all the way from Brisbane to Cairns, allowing you to drive electric. The fast-charging stations are conveniently installed close to amenities and tourist attractions. Along the way, destinations and accommodation providers have also started to install additional slower chargers for longer visits and overnight charging. Apple Maps, Google Maps as well as Apps like PlugShare provide real-time information on the location of the next charging points.
For more information and booking requests, contact our FIT team at [email protected]
