Cycle Islands, Beaches & Rail Trails

from 

AU$3,969

per person
 
Duration: 11 Nights
Destination: Queensland
Region: Australia
Deal Code: PASUEJC

 

 

Description

Cycle the Queensland coast from cosmopolitan Brisbane to laid back North Stradbroke Island and up to Noosa, enjoying spectacular views, ancient rock formations, pristine beaches and fascinating heritage along the way. Leave the road behind and wind your way back along the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail via classic Queensland towns and pubs. From the beaches to the hinterland to the traffic-free bike paths, this trip has something for everyone at a pace all travellers can enjoy. And there’s plenty to do off the bike as well. Conclude your holiday with a relaxing 7 night stay in Kirra, soaking up sun, sand and surf and explore the Gold Coast Hinterland.

Your fly, tour and stay package includes:

  • Economy class flight to Brisbane, returning from Gold Coast
  • 5 day Cycle South East Queensland Tour, Brisbane return
  • Includes 4 nights accommodation with breakfast daily
  • Cycling Guide & Daily Luggage Transfers
  • 5 Days Bicycle Hire
  • Brisbane River Loop Cycling & North Stradbroke Island Cycling
  • Point Lookout Indigenous Cultural Walk
  • Noosa Surf Beaches Trail Cycling
  • 2 days Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Cycling
  • Glass House Mountains drive
  • 7 day car hire of a Kia Cerato Sedan or Similar INCLUSIVE, Brisbane to Gold Coast
  • 7 nights post tour accommodation in Kirra, Gold Coast
  • Evening Rainforest & Glow Worm Experience
  • Natural Bridge & Springbrook Waterfalls Tour
  • Full Day Mt Tamborine Winery Tour

***Rate based on twin share for travel 19 to 30 March 2023***

***Alternative dates available, a surcharge may apply***


Day 1: Brisbane
Welcome to Brisbane, Queensland’s cosmopolitan capital and gateway to some of the best beaches and hinterlands in the state. Meet your fellow cyclists and guide at 11am for a brief group meeting then it’s time to saddle up and enjoy your first ride as you cycle the Brisbane River Loop which includes a combination of bikeways and on-road riding. Return to the city in the late afternoon with ample time to explore the local area. Why not go out for an evening meal and get to know the rest of your riding group better? Your local leader can suggest the best places to eat and drink in and around the city.

Day 2: North Stradbroke Island
After an early breakfast, grab your bike and head to the train station for the short trip to Cleveland before boarding the ferry (approximately 30 minutes) to laidback North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah), the world’s second largest sand island. After the ferry traffic has dissipated, make your way up the undulating East Coast Road (pretty much the only paved road across the island) past endless eucalyptus trees before arriving at the untouched beaches that North Straddie is famous for. Perhaps grab a quick coffee and cake as you take in beautiful Cylinder Beach then continue on to Point Lookout and the seemingly endless views down the golden sands of Main Beach.

Take the time to appreciate the rich and fascinating indigenous history of the island and the local Quandamooka people, dating back at least 21,000 years, on a one-hour cultural walk and talk around the headland at Point Lookout. Afterwards perhaps take a quick dip in the azure water before riding back to Dunwich. Relax on the ferry back to the mainland then return to Brisbane where you’ll have a free evening to either unwind or further explore this beautiful city.

Day 3: Coastal Ride to Noosa
Start early with a drive north to Peregian Beach on the Sunshine Coast. While your group leader takes your luggage on to Noosa for you, hit the patrolled beach, visit the community market, or grab a quick bite to eat in this friendly beachside village. Once you guide returns, it’s time to ride north along the Surf Beaches Trail, an off-road coastal pathway that follows the Pacific through laidback seaside towns towards Noosa Heads National Park. From here, take the flat Noosa River Trail with its mix of on- and off-road riding as you follow the river inland before joining the North Shore Wilderness Trail. Take the punt across the river and ride the flat and quiet road through the Great Sandy National Park to Noosa’s North Shore beach. This serene yet stunning beach is the perfect place to relax before riding back to Noosa, your home for the night.

Day 4: Brisbane Valley Rail Trail to Linville
After breakfast, take a scenic drive into the hinterland, stopping along the way for spectacular views of the Glass House Mountains. From here, continue inland to the tiny country town of Yarraman, the start point for your next 2 days’ riding along the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail which is currently the longest rail trail in Australia. Enjoy the lack of traffic as the only sounds you’ll hear are bellbird calls and your tyres crunching on the gravel. Along the way, stop at the historic Benarkin culvert before the trail emerges from the forest to allow great views of the Brisbane River Valley, descending through red soil and open country to the tiny rural town of Linville and it’s atmospheric pub which has been serving beer since 1904. What better place to relax after a good day’s ride?

Day 5: Brisbane Valley Rail Trail to Brisbane
Your last day of cycling sees you leave the hills and sleepy Linville behind and head south back along the Brisbane River Rail Trail, cycling through flat farming land and the small town of Moore and on to Harlin, crossing the Harlin Rail Bridge, the only surviving concrete and steel railway bridge on the Brisbane Valley railway line. Stop for refreshments in town then head further south, riding through the only railway tunnel on the Brisbane Valley line, the 100 metre-long heritage-listed Yimbun Railway Tunnel, before you cruise into Toogoolawah where your cycling concludes. From here it is a short drive back to Brisbane, where your South East Queensland cycling adventure finishes on arrival.


Evening Rainforest & Glow Worm Experience
Be guided on a unique nocturnal experience, observing the rainforest at night by torchlight. Spot wildlife, waterfalls and the magic of the glow worms. Enjoy a scenic drive up the mountain with panoramic views across the Scenic Rim and Gold Coast. Along your torchlight walk see the nocturnal rainforest inhabitants that are unique to the region, there is nothing quite as unique as the sounds and sights of the rainforest in the evening. Our walk will take us down to Curtis Falls, a stunning waterfall that flows into a basalt rockpool. Along the rock face we see the glowing lava which is Glow Worms, unique to the Australian east coast. Enjoy the serenity of the forest as you breathe the fresh mountain on this unique and stunning experience.

Natural Bridge & Springbrook Waterfalls Tour
Step back into the Jurassic Era as you explore an ancient Gondwana rainforest dating back over 100 million years. Experience the spectacular beauty of Springbrook, viewing 5 stunning waterfalls including Purling Brook Falls and Natural Bridge. Visit a world heritage listed National Park with some of the most ancient trees on the planet. Travel through Numinbah Valley with its high cliffs and green country pastures and learn about the history, culture and stories of the region on a fully guided rainforest walk to Natural Bridge. Stand on the edge of an extinct 23 million year old volcano. Take in the view at our most famous lookouts with views across to the Gold Coast, Mt Warning and Green Cauldron of Northern NSW.

Full Day Mt Tamborine Winery Tour
Tantalise your tastebuds to the max with this idyllic full-day winery tour in Mount Tamborine. Indulge in the best food, wine and views as you visit 4 family-run wineries, an award-winning restaurant for lunch and a lookout point over the Scenic Rim. You’ll have the chance to taste a selection of wines produced by seasoned wine-makers and boutique wineries, such as Hampton Estate Winery and Cedar Creek Estate Winery, as well as a selection of locally made cheeses and fudge.

Online Enquiry
Terms & Conditions

Prices listed are per person in Australian/New Zealand Dollars, based on twin occupancy, including all discounts unless otherwise stated. The offer is subject to availability at time of booking.  Fares are capacity controlled and are subject to change at any time without notice. Prices/Offers are correct as at 20 July 2022 and can be withdrawn without notice. Cabin categories include prepaid government fees and port taxes unless otherwise stated. Hotels may charge resort fees not included in this package, payable direct upon check in. Hotel location and inclusions may vary depending on availability and alternative dates of travel. Visas are not included. Airfares are based on economy class flights from Sydney and are subject to the carriers’ flight schedules and conditions, please call us for prices from other cities. Payments made by credit card will incur a surcharge.