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Palliative Care Study Tour in Queensland

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Tour leader
Louise O'Neill
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Dates
1 Sep
8 Sep
2025

This palliative care study tour takes place before the 2025 Oceanic Palliative Care Conference in Brisbane (10 - 12 September). The tour finishes in Brisbane on 8 September, with a one-off study day, run by Palliative Care Queensland on 9 September, with a focus on paediatric palliative care.

Led by Louise O’Neill, CEO Palliative Care Queensland, the tour travels from Cairns, explores the ancient Daintree Rainforest - where reef meets forest - before traveling by train to Townsville. Take the ferry to Magnetic Island for a day tour before embarking on the iconic Spirit of Queensland sleeper train overnight to Noosa. Explore the lovely Sunshine Coast, including the original Eumundi Markets, and take part in a foodie tasting tour before driving to Brisbane.

In addition to the many local scenic and cultural opportunities this tour provides, you will also be provided with extensive insights into how palliative care services are delivered in Queensland, from large regional centres to how delivery occurs in remote locations both on the mainland and in the Torres Strait Islands. This will include guest speakers at tour dinners drawn from Palliative Care specialists and other health professionals; visits to regional palliative care services; hearing firsthand how models of palliative care might differ, and how Voluntary Assisted Dying is supported in these communities.

Finally, you will experience Australia’s first wish fulfilment program for people nearing the end of their lives – Ambulance Wish Queensland – as you travel through two of the program’s hubs and meet with paramedic and community volunteers, as well as clinical partners.

Price (sharing a room)
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0
per person
Price (room to yourself)
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Reference:
AUS0925-2
At a glance
What you need to know
Type of tour
Professional
Profession
Palliative Care
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Nights
7
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Countries
1
Tour grade
Moderate
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Remaining places
0
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Dates and places

Itinerary at a glance

1
Cairns
Monday
,
1
September
Arrive and transfer to the Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort. Hear an overview of the tour from the tour leader. Learn about the Torres Strait Pop Up Clinic with some of their palliative care team. In the evening enjoy a welcome dinner with the Torres Strait team and with local palliative care workers.
2
Cairns
Tuesday
,
2
September
Visit Wuchopperen Health Service and continue to visit Gordonvale Palliative Care Services. Drive up to the Daintree Rainforest and take a cruise along the Daintree River. After lunch take part in a walk in the rainforest and learn of its history. Visit Alexandra Lookout and see where the reef meets the rainforest. Return to Cairns in the afternoon and at leisure.
3
Cairns / Townsville
Wednesday
,
3
September
Early departure by train to Townsville. Cross the Mulgrave River on this scenic journey. Arrive in Townsville and check into the Palmer Collective Hotel. Take part in professional visits in Townsville, including meeting with the local palliative care team, a tour of Townsville Hospital and visit to a community GP. Hear a talk from a doctor on voluntary assisted dying.
4
Townsville
Thursday
,
4
September
Take the ferry to Magnetic Island. Spend the day exploring this beautiful and historic island. Afternoon at leisure, returning to Townsville late afternoon.
5
Townsville / Noosa
Friday
,
5
September
Morning at leisure before embarking on the iconic Spirit of Queensland sleeper train, with all meals included. Overnight and dinner on the train.
6
Noosa
Saturday
,
6
September
Early arrival in Nambour. Visit the original Eumundi Markets. Continue to the Katie Rose Cottage Hospice. Check in to the South Pacific Resort and afternoon at leisure. Dinner with local palliative care workers, including Palmwoods Buddhist-led Community Hospice.
7
Noosa
Sunday
,
7
September
Food tour starting at Padre Coffee with a tasting board of three freshly brewed coffees, with a tour to learn about the coffee roasting machine process. Continue to the Ginger Factory to explore their rainforest gardens and tour the factory with tastings. Onto Nutworks to view the nut production area and sample fresh nuts, finishing at Noosa Chocolate Factory with tastings. Pm at leisure.
8
Noosa / Brisbane
Monday
,
8
September
Drive to Brisbane, visiting Kalandura Sunshine coast University Hospital en route. Meet with SPARTA, which provide remote telehealth services. Arrive in Brisbane and bus drop off at hotels. End of tour.
9
Brisbane
Tuesday
,
9
September
Post tour and pre 25OPCC - a day of paediatric visits in Brisbane, organised by Palliative Care Queensland.
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Tour map

Plot your journey

Explore the dramatically beautiful landscapes of Queensland from Townsville and the Daintree Forest, Magnetic Island, by overnight sleeper to Noosa and the Sunshine Coast to Brisbane.

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What to expect

Tour highlights

Travel overnight on the Spirit of Queensland.
Mulgrave River

Spend a night on the iconic Spirit of Queensland train as you travel through some of the state's most spectacular scenery.

Specialist professional visits
Queensland

Meet with local palliative care teams in Cairns, Townsville, Noosa and en route to Brisbane and learn about their inspiring work.

Food and culture
Eumundi Markets, Noosa

Taste local produce on a food tour, visit local markets and experience Queensland lifestyle.

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Beautiful landscapes

Tour gallery

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Tour exertion grading

Is this tour right for me?

Moderate
Level 3

Some walking between destinations, more time spent standing, and increased travel distances. Requires a reasonable level of fitness.

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Your expert companions

Tour leaders

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Ask us anything

If you have some questions about this particular tour, you can contact the Jon Baines Tours team by phone or email.

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020 7223 9485
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