Days
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You’ll explore golden beaches, mountains and rainforests, meet the cheeky wildlife and friendly locals and discover some off-the-beaten-track highlights that aren’t on the usual tourist trail.
Led by local guides and shared with fellow travellers, this tour promises to be an unforgettable blend of exploration, relaxation, and lifetime friendships.
- Start
- Sydney, Australia
- Finish
- Cairns, Australia
- Destinations
- East Coast,Fraser Island,New South Wales,Queensland
- Style
- Shared Dorm
- Theme
- Code
- SC21
- Physical rating
- Medium
- Ages
- 18+
- Group size
- Min 8, Max 22
Why you’ll love this trip?
- Discover your inner wine connoisseur at Hunter Valley and taste award-winning samples fresh from the vineyard
- Catch a glimpse of local wildlife and snap the amazing views at Port Stephens
- Get a closer look at Australia’s laziest (and cutest) marsupials at the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital
- Visit the quirky towns of Bellingen and Eumundi for a taste of alternative lifestyles
- Connect and gain an understanding of the incredible Aboriginal Culture through a bush walk and cultural experience in Coffs Harbour
- Centre yourself with a yoga class in laid-back Byron Bay
- Drop into the iconic Surfers Paradise and a local conservation park
- Spend a night exploring the buzzing riverside city of Brisbane
- Visit the Sunshine Coast and live it up in the resort town of Noosa
- Embark on a 3-day 4WD Safari to K’gari (formerly Fraser Island). Camp under the stars. Visit a shipwreck and swim in crystal clear waters before enjoying sundowners and stargazing at Eco Retreat
- Stay in the relaxed seaside town of Bargara and taste some of Bundaberg‘s famous rum
- Explore the breath-taking Whitsunday Islands during a 2-days/2-night sailing trip. Snorkel over vibrant fringing reefs and visit some of the world’s most pristine beaches
- Embrace your inner nature-lover on Magnetic Island, a wildlife paradise filled with koalas and wallabies
- Discover the magic of the Atherton Tablelands – from amazing waterfalls and lush rainforest to a pristine crater lake!
- Enjoy the relaxed Cairns lifestyle and the fun nightlife that it’s famous for!
Is this trip right for you?
- If you’re eager to explore diverse landscapes, try new activities, and step out of your comfort zone, this trip offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.
- If you’re a nature enthusiast who wants to experience Australia’s unique wildlife, stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and pristine islands, this journey has been tailored for you.
- If you’re curious about the local culture, history, and hidden gems, having knowledgeable local guides will provide you with authentic insights that enhance your travel experience.
Gallery
Itinerary
Your adventure kicks off in the vibrant city of Sydney. After arriving, take some time to explore the iconic landmarks and vibrant neighbourhoods. We recommend visiting Circular Quay and the Opera Bar for breathtaking views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. In the evening, gather at the hostel bar for pizza night and to meet your guide and fellow travellers.
Accommodation
Wake Up Sydney or similar
Meal options
Head down to the hostel bar for Pizza Night
Optional activities
Bondi to Coogee beach walk, visit Darling Harbour, explore King Street Wharf, Royal Botanic Gardens, Taronga Zoo, walk around the Opera House and the Rocks, the oldest area of Sydney. You can also take the ferry from Circular Quay to Manly.
Leave Sydney behind and head north to the Hunter Valley wine region for a delightful wine and cheese tasting experience. Continue to Port Stephens to witness its stunning landscapes and wildlife. Stay at Surfside Hostel, nestled in native bushland, and enjoy an Aussie BBQ dinner and socializing.
Accommodation
Surfside Hostel
Meals
BBQ Dinner
Meal options
Self-cater, local cafes, restaurants
Included activity
Wine and Cheese Tasting
Free activities
Wildlife spotting at our accommodation, beach swim
Choose between sandboarding down Stockton Sand Dunes or hiking to Tomaree Head for panoramic views. Visit Port Macquarie Koala Hospital and learn about these adorable creatures’ conservation efforts.
Accommodation
Port Macquarie YHA or similar
Meals
- Breakfast
Meal options
Self-cater, local cafes, restaurants
Included activity
Koala Hospital visit
Free activities
Sleep in, swim, relax on the beach, Headland Walk
Optional paid activities
Sandboarding
Travel to Byron Bay through the charming village of Bellingen. Experience an Aboriginal Cultural Experience at Niigi Niigi (Sealy Lookout) and immerse yourself in indigenous culture. Arrive in Byron Bay, explore the town, and settle into The Surf House.
Accommodation
The Surf House or similar
Meals
- Breakfast
Meal options
Self-cater, local cafes, restaurants, BBQ at the rooftop of the hostel
Included activities
Historic town and Aboriginal Cultural Experience
Spend two days in Byron Bay at your own pace. Enjoy morning yoga classes, visit the Cape Byron Lighthouse, try sea kayaking, snorkelling, or surfing. Explore boutiques, cafes, and the famous Byron Bay entertainment at the twilight markets.
Accommodation
The Surf House or similar
Meal options
Self-cater, local cafes, restaurants
Included activity
Morning yoga class
Optional activities
Surf lesson, dolphin kayak, snorkel, dive, and more
Spend two days in Byron Bay at your own pace. Enjoy morning yoga classes, visit the Cape Byron Lighthouse, try sea kayaking, snorkelling, or surfing. Explore boutiques, cafes, and the famous Byron Bay entertainment at the twilight markets.
Accommodation
The Surf House or similar
Meal options
Self-cater, local cafes, restaurants
Included activity
Morning yoga class
Optional activities
Surf lesson, dolphin kayak, snorkel, dive, and more
Time to say goodbye to Byron and hop on the bus to Surfers Paradise in Queensland. Marvel at the scenic views as we cross the border and catch a glimpse of wild kangaroos at a local nature reserve. Then, off to Brisbane, where you’ll have a night to explore the city’s buzzing riverside scene.
Accommodation
Selina Brisbane or similar
Meal options
Self-cater, local cafes, restaurants
Free activities
Surfers Paradise, kangaroo spotting, catch the Brisbane city ferry
Depart Brisbane for Noosa. Settle into resort-style accommodation and enjoy leisure time by the pool or exploring the town.
Accommodation
Bounce
Meals
Breakfast, drink on arrival
Meal options
Self-cater, local cafes, dinner at hostel
Free activities
Swim, walks, lookouts
Experience a free day in Noosa. Choose from coastal walks, kayaking, snorkelling, or simply relaxing on the beach.
Accommodation
Bounce
Optional paid activities
Everglades Kayak, Skydive, Surf Lesson
Meal options
Self-cater, local cafes, restaurants
Free activities
Chilling by the resort pool, going for a walk in the National Park, visiting the famous beach or checking out the local boutiques and cafes
Embark on a 3-day Fraser Island adventure. Explore the world’s largest sand island, with freshwater lakes, shipwrecks, and breathtaking landscapes. Stay at Eco Retreat and enjoy campfire stories under the stars.
Accommodation
Eco Retreat K’gari in cabins
Meals
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner & Snacks
Included activities
K’gari adventure tour
Discover Fraser Island’s treasures, swim in pristine lakes, and embrace the island life. Enjoy nights filled with stories, stargazing, and socialising.
Accommodation
Eco Retreat K’gari in cabins
Included activities
K’gari adventure tour
After breakfast today you’ll hit the inland tracks to discover towering trees and take one last refreshing
dip, enjoy lunch in the forest and then begin your journey back to the mainland, arriving into Rainbow
Beach around mid-afternoon ready for your next journey north up to Bundaberg. Your accommodation in Bundaberg is a relaxed eco-resort, this time you’ll be located by a nature reserve and have access to a spa, sauna, tennis courts and more (we know, we treat you good!). Tonight, we’ll have a group BBQ dinner and enjoy a chilled evening.
Accommodation
Kelly’s Eco Resort in villas or similar
Meals
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner & Snacks
Included activities
K’gari adventure tour
Today you get to have a relaxing morning in Bundaberg. Enjoy a sleep in, go for a swim at the resort pool or why not play a game of tennis? We’ll have breakfast at the resort and then head to Bundaberg for lunch and to explore the area.
After lunch, we’ll head to the Bundaberg Rum Centre for a tour of their distillery and a tasting of their iconic rum. Or, if you’d prefer a full day out on the water and the chance to visit the Southern part of the
Great Barrier Reef, your guide can book you onto the incredible Lady Musgrave Full Day Tour for a day of snorkelling, a boat cruise, island walk and delicious food.
Accommodation
Kelly’s Eco Resort or similar
Meals
Breakfast
Meal options
Self-cater, local cafes, restaurants
Included activities
Rum Tasting
Optional paid activities
Lady Musgrave Full Day Snorkel Tour
Free activities
Swimming, tennis or checking out Bargara Beach
Today is a big travelling day to Airlie Beach, the gateway to the amazing Whitsunday Islands, so load up on snacks and we’ll get the tunes going to get us through the day. We’ll make some stops to stretch our legs and arrive in Airlie in the evening.
Accommodation
Base Airlie Beach or similar
Meals
Breakfast
Meal options
Self-cater, local cafes, bakery, restaurants
This morning, enjoy a sleep in or take a stroll down to the Airlie lagoon for a dip. After lunch, head down to Coral Sea Marina to meet your crew and jump onboard a 76-foot, maxi sailing yacht which will be your home for the next two days. As you leave the marina and Airlie Beach behind you, watch your crew hoist the sails for an exhilarating trip out to the Whitsunday Islands – part of the World Heritage Listed Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
Once you arrive out around the Islands, jump in for a swim or snorkel amongst the fringing reef and then enjoy the sunset with a drink in hand on one of the crew’s favourite little beaches. In the evening relax on deck, have a few drinks, get to know the crew, stargaze and let the calm waters gently rock you to sleep – for the adventurous, mats are provided to sleep on deck under the stars or if you prefer a bit more comfort, a bed awaits you below deck.
Accommodation
Open shared dorm style accommodation on a maxi sailing yacht
Meals
- Breakfast
- Afternoon Snacks
- Dinner & Dessert (BYO drinks)
Meal options
Self-cater, local cafes
Included activities
Sailing, snorkelling and exploring the Whitsunday Islands
This morning you’ll be forgiven for thinking you’re in paradise, as you wake up on a yacht surrounded by beautiful islands and enjoy a delicious breakfast on deck as you sail towards Whitsunday Island, home to the best beach in the world – Whitehaven Beach. You’ll disembark and enjoy a bush-walk to Hill Inlet
Lookout and then spend the rest of the day exploring and relaxing on Whitehaven Beach. You can also go snorkelling today, enjoy a sunset beach session and another fun evening onboard with your group and the crew.
Accommodation
Open shared dorm style accommodation on a maxi sailing yacht
Meals
- Breakfast
- Morning Tea
- Lunch
- Afternoon Snacks
- Dinner & Dessert
Included activities
Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet Lookout, bush-walk, sailing, snorkelling
Enjoy your final morning on-board the yacht, have one last magical swim or snorkel and then sail on back to Airlie Beach. This afternoon we’ll jump back on the bus and head to Townsville. We’ll then catch the ferry over to our next destination of Magnetic Island in the late afternoon.
Nearly 50% of ‘Maggie Island’ is national parkland, and it’s surrounded by amazing beaches and abundant wildlife. Your guide will fill you in on the activities you can do around the island over the next couple of days.
Accommodation
Selina or similar
Meals
- Breakfast
- Morning Tea
Meal options
Self-cater, local cafes, restaurants
Included activities
Sailing, snorkelling, Magnetic Island Ferry
Today you will wake up in paradise and have a full free day to explore. This beautiful island is home to the historic Forts Complex, which you see in a scenic walk with your Guide. At the end, you’ll be rewarded with some incredible views over the island and ocean beyond. Spend the rest of your day relaxing on the secluded beaches, hiking through native bush or searching for wildlife! Top tip: stay alert and keep your eyes on the trees, Maggie Island is one of the best places in Australia to see koalas in the wild!
Accommodation
Selina or similar
Meals
Breakfast
Meal options
Self-cater, bakery or cafes
Free activities
Walk
Included activities
Snorkel
We catch the ferry back to the mainland in the morning and then we’ll get on the road again and head up to the stunning Atherton Tablelands. We’ll stop at the famous Millaa Millaa Falls along the way for a swim and some amazing photo ops.
We’ll go for a walk and a swim in Lake Eacham – a beautiful crater lake, and visit the heritage-listed Curtain Fig Tree, before making our way to Cairns. Tonight, we’re staying at an amazing resort with its own person-made beach! We’ll have a group dinner at the resort and then check out the legendary Cairns nightlife.
Accommodation
Gilligans Cairns or similar
Meals
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Meal options
Self-cater, local cafes, restaurants
Included activities
Magnetic Island ferry, swim, walk, waterfalls
Today is a completely free day so if you had a few too many cocktails last night, enjoy a lazy sleep-in and perhaps some hair-of-the-dog by the pool in the afternoon. If you’re ready for another day of adventure, why not book a tour of Cape Tribulation or go to see the iconic Great Barrier Reef?
Accommodation
Gilligans Cairns or similar
Meal options
Self-cater, local cafes, restaurants
Free activities
Hang out at the amazing resort pool, walk the Esplanade, visit the Botanical gardens
Optional activities
Cape Tribulation Day trip, bungy jump, Great Barrier Reef trip, skydive, rafting
Your 21-day Australian Adventure concludes. Share breakfast and memories with newfound friends before checking out.
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Important notes
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Luggage is limited to one piece per person with a maximum weight of 20kg plus a day pack
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A basic level of fitness is required for medium length walk
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Accommodation is in 4-8 shared dorms in a range of hostels, backpacker resorts, eco-lodges.
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25 meals are included. We make regular supermarket stops so you can self-cater for other meals, or there are usually quite a few cafe/restaurant options in each location.
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Subject to minimum numbers
Essential trip information
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