Spirit of Queensland with Cairns & Whitsundays Stay

7 Day Train Package

Experience the scenic Spirit of Queensland train journey down the Coral Sea coast along with a stay in Cairns and stay in Whitsundays, Cairns tour, outer Barrier Reef cruise, flights and transfers. Experience the highlights of Cairns on your town tour, taking in the spectacular views from various lookouts and learning about the history of this beautiful area before embarking on your romantic rail journey aboard the Spirit of Queensland to the Whitsundays. Explore the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef by various activities such as the ever popular snorkelling and semi - submersible underwater viewing chamber or relax and soak up the sunshine on the interactive pontoon sundeck.  Includes 3 Nights accommodation in Cairns and 3 Nights accommodation in the Whitsundays with a Cairns town tour and Outer Barrier Reef cruise, flights and all transfers.  Themes include: Queensland, Departs from Cairns, Spirit of Queensland, Returns from Whitsundays. + Show more

Package Includes

  • Spirit of Queensland Train Cairns to The Whitsundays (Premium Economy Seat) with option to Brisbane (Railbed Sleeper)
  • All Flights (e.g. Home to Cairns & Whitsundays to Home, pricing options below)
  • 3 Nights Cairns Hotel (superior 4 star)
  • 3 Nights Airlie Beach Hotel (superior 4 star)
  • Cairns & Surrounds Tour
  • Outer Great Barrier Reef Cruise
  • Use of Outer Barrier Reef Pontoon Facilities
  • All Rail and Airport Transfers

Highlights

  Cairns   Whitsundays   Great Barrier Reef   Airlie Beach   Whitehaven Beach   Submersible Coral Reef Cruise   Snorkelling   Palm Cove Beach   Barron Gorge National Park   Abel Point Marina   Cairns Northern Beaches   St Monica's Church   Garden Walks   Surprise Creek Falls   Shute Harbour   Barron River   Rusty's Weekend Markets   Cairns Night Markets   Cairns Central Shopping Centre   Centenary Lakes   The Pier   Great Barrier Reef Marine Biology Presentations
Quick Jump

Live Prices

Departure Dates

Book Now

Descriptions

Spirit of Queensland

This itinerary can be done in reverse (travelling Spirit of Queensland north to Cairns). We have presented the southbound train direction as it is a smoother journey with better timing and connections. Let us know if you prefer the northbound direction.

Day 1 Welcome to Cairns

Feel the warmth of Tropical North Queensland, as you arrive smell the sweet scent of the wet tropics and see expansive mangroves on your way into Cairns. You will be personally met at the airport by a DISCOVER AUSTRALIA representative and transferred from the airport to your hotel. You can relax and use the rest of the day to explore your hotel and its facilities, perhaps take a stroll around the neighbourhood and central Cairns.

Meet and Greet Personalised Arrival Transfer, Overnight Cairns Accommodation.

Day 2 Cairns Town Tour

Discover tropical Cairns after being picked up by your friendly driver for your half day tour of Cairns. Visit St. Monica's Cathedral, which features the world’s largest, themed stained glass windows. Enjoy afternoon tea of scones and jam at the Flecker Botanical Gardens, renowned for having one of the best exhibitions in Australia of tropical plants. Take in spectacular views of Cairns from various vantage points and lookouts before touring to Barron Falls in the Barron Gorge National Park for a walk to the stunning Surprise Creek Falls in the UNESCO World Heritage listed Wet Tropics.

Later, visit idyllic Palm Cove in Cairns’ Northern Beaches and enjoy a stroll along the beach or a walk to the end of the jetty to watch the sun set behind the mountains before being returned to your Cairns hotel.

Half Day Cairns Town Tour with Hotel Pick Up, Afternoon Tea, Overnight Cairns Accommodation.

Day 3 Explore Cairns

Spend the day exploring Cairns at your own pace. Perhaps take the famous Kuranda Scenic Railway through the Wet Tropics or the Skyrail Cableway for remarkable views of Cairns, the tablelands, mountain ranges and the Coral Sea before descending through the rainforest canopy. You may also visit the beautiful Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation where the rainforest meets the ocean. Alternatively, you may choose to relax and stroll around the many cafes and shops or the beautiful waterfront in Cairns. The choice is yours.

Overnight Cairns Accommodation.

Day 4 Board the Spirit of Queensland & Tour to the Whitsundays

This morning you will be personally met at your hotel by a DISCOVER AUSTRALIA representative and transferred from your hotel to Cairns Railway Station for your journey aboard the Spirit of Queensland to the magnificent Whitsundays.
 
Travel south along Queensland’s coast to the Whitsundays in your comfortable Premium Economy seat. Enjoy personal entertainment systems featuring on-demand music and movies, choose from a variety of hot & cold dining options in the Club Car and relax as you make your way to Proserpine.

On arrival in Proserpine, you will be transferred to Airlie Beach where you will spend the next 3 days.

 Meet and Greet Personalised Rail Transfer, Spirit of Queensland to the Whitsundays, Transfer to Airlie Beach, Overnight Airlie Beach Accommodation.

Day 5 Outer Great Barrier Reef Cruise

Board your high speed catamaran at Airlie Beach this morning and cruise past the magnificent Whitsunday Islands towards the Outer Great Barrier Reef. Your vessel features spacious air-conditioned lounges, large outdoor viewing decks as well as bars offering refreshments and comfortable seating. You may even spot whales on your journey to the Great Barrier Reef during the months of July to September!
Once at the reef, disembark the vessel and board the state of the art interactive pontoon which offers a multitude of facilities and included experiences. You may choose to go snorkelling straight off the pontoon, enjoy presentations by on board reef experts, or if you do not wish to get in the water, you can enjoy viewing the Reef from the semi - submersible underwater viewing chamber. For something more relaxed, you can choose to top up your tan on the Sun Deck.

There are also a host of optional activities that you can take part in such as SCUBA diving, helicopter flights over the Reef, guided snorkelling tours or even a massage!

All these activities are sure to make you hungry. Enjoy included morning and afternoon teas as well a sumptuous buffet lunch featuring local seasonal produce. Enjoy free tea and coffee, or visit the fully stocked bar for a range of alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages.  
After a full day on the reef, cruise back to Airlie Beach for the night.

Morning Tea, Return Cruise to Outer Great Barrier Reef, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Snorkelling, Entry to Semi - Submarine, Entry to Underwater Observatory, All Snorkelling Gear, Wetsuits, Tea, Coffee, Overnight Airlie Beach Accommodation.

Day 6 Explore Airlie Beach

Enjoy a leisurely day exploring Airlie Beach at your own pace. Visit famous Shute Harbour or maybe take a swim in The Airlie Beach Lagoon, a man-made swimming area with a beach and a park.

Overnight Airlie Beach Accommodation.

Day 7 Fly Home or Spirit of Queensland to Brisbane

Today you have the option to fly home from the Whitsundays. Alternatively continue your scenic train journey on board the Spirit of Queensland back down the coast to Brisbane.

Airport Transfer.

Flights Home Included

This package includes all flights as detailed below in the price section (including all fees, levies and taxes). However, we can tailor this package to include our special discounted 'package only' airfares from anywhere. Simply let us know.

Airport & Rail Transfers Included

You will be personally met by a DISCOVER AUSTRALIA representative and transferred from the airport on arrival in Cairns to your Cairns hotel and from your Cairns hotel to the Cairns Rail Terminal for your journey to the Whitsundays. On arrival in Proserpine you will be transferred to Airlie Beach and you will also be transferred from your Whitsundays hotel to Proserpine Airport for your flight home.

The Spirit of Queensland in Detail

Use this tool for full details and images on the Spirit of Queensland:
Overview Seating Options Dining Inclusions
Train Details

Overview

The renowned Spirit of Queensland... This remarkable journey connects Brisbane and Cairns, travelling along the coast of tropical North Queensland. From iconic beaches and the colourful Great Barrier Reef or luscious rainforests and laidback cities along the coast - immerse yourself in the pioneering spirit and charm of rail travel.

It's the little things about travelling by train that stay with you. The way people unwind, relax in each other's company and marvel at the stunning scenery. Enjoy the excitement of what lies around the bend, keeping you focused on the moving lens of your panoramic window.  

Explore the colourful landscapes or coastal serenity, admire city views, meet the local characters and hear about the fascinating history and heritage of Queensland.

Discover and explore the vibrant urban villages across the cities, dine alfresco by the ocean, uncover the stories of the past, explore dramatic landscapes or immerse yourself in a remarkable diving experience on the pristine coral reefs.

With activities to suit everyone’s holiday agenda, Tropical North Queensland will create memories to last a lifetime.

Enjoy the luxury of time with a rail journey in Queensland that spans the scenic coastline.

Use this tool to discover more about the renowned Spirit of Queensland (select sections above).

Videos & Images

Prices flying from

Spirit of Queensland with Cairns & Whitsundays Stay

 7 Day Train Package

$ 1327 *

*Starting holiday costs per person, two share, for low seasons (A$). Seasonal surcharges apply outside of low season. As prices vary based on travel dates, be flexible with dates to get the for the best deals! Itinerary and vehicle types subject to change without notice. Subject to limited availability at these prices, after which higher prices apply, book now Some governments and service operators have Covid vaccination requirements. Your included flights advised via email with 24 hours to select alternative flights, routing or airline (alternatives may be at a higher price). Included flights may not be the most direct routing. Arrive earlier/stay longer for specified airports only. Stop-overs are not possible. Subject to Booking Conditions, see Important Information before booking. © HolidayMax™ Booking Code: mp357

Departures Departs: Any day

The Spirit of Queensland with Cairns & Whitsundays Stay is very popular. Many dates book out well in advance, please book soon.

Sold-Out

This package may become available again in the future and will be displayed here when available.
We apologise for any inconvenience. Check out our other great live deals.

Download Now

You can also instantly download a brochure now

Any Questions? Open

Please complete as much as you can to help your Specialist Consultant provide the best response.

  • (any consessions or children)

  • Privacy Statement
Sending Enquiry. . .

Thank You - Booking Enquiry Received

Your Specialist Consultant will respond soon.

Similar Packages
Live Prices
See Important Information for conditions before booking. Starting costs, per person for 2 people, selected off-peak travel dates.
DISCOVER AUSTRALIA HOLIDAYS
 136-138 Railway Parade, West Leederville, Perth, WA 6007, Australia. Telephone:
Telephone: 1300 766 016
© Copyright Discover Australia Holidays 2025. All rights reserved.
x
Email me the Best Deals
Privacy Statement
close
x
Book With Confidence
Change Dates
without fees from us#
Flexible Travel Credit
if your holiday can’t go ahead due to Covid#
Travel Freedom

Domestic border restrictions have ended for nearly all States, meaning you:

  • don’t need to apply for a border pass
  • won’t need a Covid test
  • won’t need to quarantine

However, some States and service operators do require proof of vaccination. So all that is required to travel for most Discover Australia packages is to be fully vaccinated. Even WA has now opened up! It is expected that any remaining temporary restrictions will end or ease over coming weeks – since all governments have detailed strategies to live with Covid and to enable their tourism industry to flourish again. See current travel requirements here.

Travel Insurance (with Covid Cover)

Many travel insurance providers are now offering good cover for Covid, including:

  • Travel disruptions and additional expenses due to Covid
  • Positive Covid test before travel
  • Positive Covid test during travel (including need to change travel arrangements / isolation)
  • Cancellation Cover
  • Medical expenses cover

Insurance cover can be very inexpensive, like only $150 for three weeks in Europe#. We strongly recommend taking out travel insurance with Covid cover. Following are some insurance companies: Medibank | TID | AHM | NIB Book now to secure the best deal and biggest savings. Use part of your Early Bird savings to pay for your travel insurance!

#Peace of Mind Guarantee valid for new bookings confirmed from 10 February until withdrawn. See Booking Conditions for details, inclusions and exclusions. #1 You can choose to postpone your holiday to a future date; since prices vary by travel date some alternative dates may be at a higher price. Choosing to postpone closer to travel may incur supplier change fees, but no fees from us. #2 If your holiday is disrupted due to Covid by us (or a service provider) you will receive a Travel Credit to re-book a holiday. The information provided in relation to insurance and travel requirements is believed to be accurate and is provided in good faith without responsibility taken for it. Official national websites detail exact and current requirements, that can change. We don’t sell insurance or recommend any particular insurance company. As always study the relevant insurance PDS to see what cover matches your needs.

You have been redirected to our Australian version website.
Prices are in Australian Dollars .
You can change the region in the page footer.