We begin our 11-day Iconic Queensland journey meeting at the Brisbane Coach Terminal (behind Roma Street Station). Driving westwards to the Darling Downs, we stop at the Garden City of Toowoomba, with panoramic views of the Great Dividing Range and an opportunity to stroll the inspiring State Heritage listed Queens Park and Botanic Garden. At this time of year, we are surrounded by the beginnings of spring colour as we enjoy a tasty picnic lunch in the gardens. We continue north-west to Bunya Mountains National Park where we spend two nights accommodated in holiday homes. Dinner tonight will be at the Bunya Mountains Tavern, a popular local restaurant showcasing a paddock to plate menu.

Breakfast is served at Poppies café this morning. Rising abruptly from the surrounding plains, the Bunya Mountains National Park is a spectacular wilderness forming an isolated section of the Great Dividing Range, in the South Burnett region. Declared in 1908, it is Queensland second oldest national park and protects the world’s largest stand of ancient bunya pines (Araucaria bidwillii). Your tour leader will offer a variety of guided walks to explore the mountain scenery, views and abundant wildlife of the park. Trails weave in and out of diverse grassland, eucalypt forest, rainforest and vine scrubs. Walks may include the Scenic circuit passing through bunya pine forest and a variety of mountain scenery and delightful rock pools; Barker Creek circuit which shows the biodiversity of the park with side tracks to waterfalls; or the western cliff walks that offers clear views over the open plains of the Darling Downs.

We spend some time discovering Hastings Street, known for its mix of beachside luxury and laidback holiday vibes, with resorts, cafes, restaurants, bars, and boutiques. Afterwards we drive to the Laguna lookout for sunset drinks and a cheese platter before heading to dinner. The next morning we begin the day with beach yoga before heading out for a spectacular long lunch at at the renowned Spirit House in Yandina. Saturday we head out early to the unmissable Eumundi Markets where you can explore the myriad of stalls and treat yourself to something delicious for breakfast. Afterwards we head back to Noosaville and take a ferry ride into the heart of Noosa. Explore Noosa National Park, heading out past Tea Tree Bay which provides spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and wildlife spotting opportunities. Extend your walk or take some time out to relax on the beach, or in one of Noosa’s many inviting bars and cafes, before we enjoy dinner tonight at one of Noosa’s much-loved restaurants founded by a local talented MasterChef contestant.

Today we make our way towards Bundaberg where we uncover the adventurous life of aviation extraordinaire Bert Hinkler, at the Hinkler Hall of Aviation located in the lush Bundaberg Botanic Gardens. Nearby at the Bundaberg Rum Distillery, our senses explode on a tour as we visit the molasses well, fermentation tanks, barrel aging room and finish at the tasting bar to sample their top shelf rums. Bargara Beach is our base for the next three nights. The next day we travel to Burrum Coast National Park and explore the wetlands, salt pans, mangroves, heath, wildflowers, and birdlife of the Melaleuca Track. Or you may choose to relax at Woodgate’s pristine beach.

Today set out for a full day cruise to magical Lady Musgrave Island, lagoon, and reef. Part of the Bunker group in the Southern Great Barrier Reef, this area is teeming with bird life above the water and giant marine life below the water. We have a chance for a short walk on Lady Musgrave Island, World Heritage listed due to its cultural, scientific, and educational significance. Besides the view in a glass bottom boat, you can also snorkel the reef, swim with the turtles and witness migrating whales at play in the open water. Our vessel returns to Bundaberg Port Marina at 5.00pm. This evening, stroll along the waterfront to choose dinner from one of the local cafes on offer. Why not finish the day with a refreshing Bundaberg ginger beer or lime and bitters to go with your favourite tipple.

This morning we visit Mon Repos for a ranger-guided walk/talk about this amazing Turtle Centre, dedicated to marine turtle research, protection, and education. The centre offers a state-of-the-art experience, with interactive displays, immersive theatre room, outdoor trails and access to the beach. Turning south again, our next stop is Childers. Stepping back in time, we explore the main street boasting more than 25 spectacular heritage-listed buildings. We have time to grab some lunch before moving onward to our next destination, Kondalilla National Park in the scenic Blackall Range situated behind the Sunshine Coast, where we spend two nights at a tranquil rainforest eco retreat.

Today we walk sections of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk, in Kondalilla National Park, following the Picnic Creek circuit which passes through tall eucalypt forest with patches of wet sclerophyll forest. Enjoy views over the valley from a lookout point and return to the main picnic area to relax. Alternatively, you can continue on the Kondalilla Falls circuit to the base of the waterfall, a heart starter with over 300 stairs (return). It is worth it to view the rainforest, 90m falls and the emergent bunya pines with their distinctive symmetrical dome shapes, dense stands of piccabeen palms and pink ash.

After breakfast, our final adventure is Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve, with a visit to the Rainforest Discovery Centre and cafe for lunch. We then take a short walk in this ecological island which preserves 55 hectares of remnant subtropical rainforest, overlooking the Glass House Mountains. The reserve is a living museum of diverse plant and animal life and will delight with its tranquility and beauty. After lunch at the Reserve’s café, we travel south to Brisbane. We expect to be at the Brisbane airport at approximately 3.30pm, allowing you to connect with flights or travel into the city via the AirTrain.