Small groups, very big experiences – the hidden holidays of Queensland
Port Douglas is an idyllic place to escape the winter cold. Photo: Supplied. Photo: Intrepid
Think a Queensland holiday and most people think theme parks and resorts.
And there’s no doubt that’s an excellent choice for many travellers.
But what if you wanted to see more — more out of the way spots, more deserted beaches, more remote hiking trails and more indigenous culture — with fewer people?
A $1 deposit can secure your place on one of Intrepid’s thoughtfully curated small group tours. Designed to provide a richer and more authentic tourism experience, Intrepid’s Queensland tours are for a maximum of 12 participants hosted by a knowledgeable local guide.
All the logistics, from accommodation, equipment, transfers and most meals, are taken care of, meaning the guests can concentrate on relaxing, learning and having fun.
The seven-day Queensland Coast and Islands Adventure is the perfect encapsulation of what Intrepid is all about.
While the hordes flock to island resorts, Intrepid guests will be taken to pristine and untouched island locations as they make their way north from Townsville to Cairns.
Small groups, very big experiences with Intrepid’s Queensland holidays. Photo: Intrepid
The trip begins with a ferry ride to Magnetic Island, off Townsville, then a bus trip to gorgeous Horseshoe Bay for some snorkelling off the golden sand beach with a guide from Reef Check Australia.
Following the marked snorkelling trail above giant clams, coral gardens and the wreck of the Moltke guests will learn about the ongoing efforts to save the Great Barrier Reef.
The afternoon is for a walk along the newly opened 5km trail between Nelly Bay and Arcadia, or for exploring Arcadia Village before retiring to bungalow accommodation.
Day three starts with a ferry trip back to the mainland for swim in Big Crystal Creek en route to Mungalla Station where guests will meet the First Nations owners and learn about their culture and history.
Day four is a trip to Hinchinbrook Island. It may be the largest on the Great Barrier Reef, but only 40 people are permitted on this national park at a time so guests will feel like they have the place to themselves as they walk up Zoe Creek to hidden waterholes through rainforest.
Daintree National Park, Queensland. Photo: Intrepid
The following day it’s time for a trip to Dunk Island and some hiking and swimming. Keep an eye out for dugongs and sea turtles, as well as the island’s famous blue Ulysses butterflies.
Head inland on day six for some hiking in the Atherton Tablelands and Millaa Millaa Falls before a visit to the Tolga Bat Hospital, Australia’s largest bat rehab centre.
The final day is for a drive into Cairns via the famous Kuranda Markets with a stop at a distillery and lookouts along the way.
If you want to head even further north, the eight-day Daintree and Cape Tribulation Adventure is a brilliant way to see this stunning part of Australia.
Starting and ending in Cairns the itinerary includes a ride on the 7.5km Skyrail through the rainforest at Kuranda, a visit to the Mossman Gorge for a smoking ceremony and Dreamtime walk with a local First Nations guide, learning about bush tucker along the way, a sailing trip to a pontoon on the outer Great Barrier Reef and a showstopping 4WD trip along the Bloomfield Track through the Daintree National Park.
Cross the Daintree River via a cruise, spotting saltwater crocs as you go, and head for Cooktown, then, on the way back to Cairns visit Aboriginal rock art galleries near Laura. The paintings and stencils are believed to be between 15,000 and 40,000 years old.
Further south, Intrepid offers a five-day hiking trip exploring the famous Scenic Rim, inland from the Gold Coast.
Full of national parks, mountains, ancient volcanic plateaus and vineyards, the Queensland Scenic Rim is a World Heritage Area and part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia.
Guests will hike the Mt Mitchell extinct volcano for incredible views that on a clear day stretch as far as the Brisbane CBD, 100km away, join a First Nations guide for a smoking ceremony and cultural walk on Mt Barney and stay in an eco-conscious homestead in a 1900s farmhouse with magnificent mountain views.
Discover the tumbling waterfalls of the World Heritage Lamington National Park, and of course, among the hiking and exploring, there will be time to pop into a vineyard along the way.
A $1 deposit secures your spot on all of these brilliant Queensland trips, with the remaining payment required 56 days prior to departure.
Intrepid’s $1 deposit is on now and ends 1st May, 2023 – so go on, book it in for a buck!