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Get ready for an unforgettable 19-day journey along Australia’s East Coast.
This adventure kicks off in the laid-back city of Cairns and winds its way down to the vibrant city of Sydney. This tour promises loads of laughter, lush rainforests, stunning beaches, and hidden gems known only to the locals. You’ll explore with a knowledgeable local guide and a group of fellow travellers, forging lifelong friendships along the way.
- Start
- Cairns, Australia
- Finish
- Sydney, Australia
- Destinations
- East Coast,Fraser Island,New South Wales,Queensland
- Style
- Comfort twin / Double accommodation
- Theme
- Code
- CS19
- Physical rating
- Easy to Medium
- Ages
- 18+
- Group size
- Min 8, Max 20
Why you’ll love this trip?
- Enjoy the relaxed Cairns lifestyle, welcome dinner with a native bush food tutorial and the fun nightlife.
- Embrace your inner nature-lover on Magnetic Island, a wildlife paradise filled with koalas and wallabies.
- Explore the breath-taking Whitsunday Islands on an exhilarating day tour visiting both ends of the famous Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet lookout and snorkelling over amazing fringing reef.
- Stay at an Eco Resort in the relaxed seaside town of Bargara near Bundaberg.
- Head out on a full day tour to the jewel of the Southern Great Barrier Reef – Lady Musgrave Island and Lagoon where you will encounter abundant marine and wildlife.
- Visit Noosa and spend three nights glamping in safari tents at Habitat Noosa Eco Camp – set amongst 65 acres of National Park on the edge of Lake Cootharaba and the gateway to 1 of only 2 everglades in the world.
- Embark on a 4WD day Safari to the largest sand island in the world – K’gari. Visit a shipwreck, rainforest and swim in crystal clear waters.
- Check out the Gold Coast with a stop in Surfers Paradise before arriving in laid-back Byron Bay for the weekend.
- Connect and gain an understanding of the incredible Aboriginal Culture through a bush walk and cultural experience.
- Stay in cabins/villas at a beachside holiday resort on the beautiful Coffs Coast while watching the local kangaroos hop on by.
- Get a closer look at Australia’s laziest (and cutest) marsupials at the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital.
- Stop for a brewery tasting tour then snap the amazing views and beaches in and around Port Stephens.
- Discover your inner wine connoisseur at Hunter Valley and taste award-winning samples fresh from the organic vineyard along with some local cheeses.
- Finish the tour in the harbour city of Sydney with a farewell dinner and night included in a convenient central city hotel.
Is this trip right for you?
- You’ll travel with a driver/ guide (and get their insider knowledge) and a bunch of like-minded travellers (your new lifelong friends) and explore all the amazing places Aussie has to offer!
- If you’re eager to explore diverse landscapes, try new activities, 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
G’day and welcome to your epic East Coast adventure. If you’ve just landed, we recommend hopping on a shuttle bus from the airport to our central accommodation. Check in between 2 and 4.30pm, then gather at 5pm in the lobby to meet your guide and fellow travellers. Join us for a special welcome dinner – a Taste of Australia Experience featuring native foods used by indigenous Australians for thousands of years.
Accommodation
Mercure Cairns in hotel rooms or similar
Meals
- Dinner
Included activities
Native Australian bush food tutorial
Optional activities
Explore Cairns Esplanade and lagoon, have a cocktail at Salt House on the water, visit Cairns Night Markets.
Today is yours to explore Cairns. Walk the Esplanade, visit the tropical Botanical Gardens, or even embark on a Cape Tribulation or Great Barrier Reef adventure (additional cost). Make sure to book early for these popular activities.
Accommodation
Mercure Cairns in hotel rooms or similar
Meals
- Breakfast
Meal options
Local cafes, restaurants
Free activities
Relax around the resort pool, walk the Esplanade, visit the Botanical Gardens.
Optional activities
Cape Tribulation day trip, bungy jump, skydive, rafting, visit Cairns Aquarium, Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, Great Barrier Reef snorkel or scuba trip.
Head south to Magnetic Island. Stop at Josephine Falls for a dip and photos before reaching Townsville. Catch a ferry to ‘Maggie,’ a paradise of beaches and wildlife. Spend two dreamy nights at Selina Magnetic Island.
Accommodation
Selina Magnetic Island in cabins or similar
Meals
- Breakfast, welcome drink
Meal options
Self-cater, onsite restaurant, local restaurants or cafes
Included activities
Magnetic Island ferry, swim, walk, waterfall spotting
Take a day to explore Magnetic Island. Join a scenic walk to the Historic Forts Complex, known for its panoramic views. Keep an eye out for koalas in the wild as you explore this beautiful island.
Accommodation
Selina Magnetic Island in cabins or similar.
Meals
- Breakfast
Meal options
Self-cater, onsite restaurant, local restaurants or cafes.
Included activities
Scenic walk with your guide
Free activities
Walk, swim
Optional activities
Snorkel
Leave behind Maggie and ferry back to the mainland. Journey to Airlie Beach, the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands. Relax, swim, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere.
Accommodation
Colonial Palms Motor Inn in hotel rooms or similar.
Meals
- Breakfast
Meal options
Local cafes, restaurants & bars
Included activities
Magnetic Island ferry
Free activities
Explore Airlie Beach, swim
Take on a Whitsunday Islands adventure. Enjoy an exhilarating ride to Whitehaven Beach, explore Hill Inlet Lookout, and snorkel over vibrant reefs. Take in the breathtaking views before returning to Airlie Beach.
Accommodation
Colonial Palms Motor Inn in hotel rooms or similar.
Meals
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Meal options
Local cafes, restaurants & bars
Included activity
Ocean Rafting Whitsunday Islands day tour including Whitehaven Beach and snorkelling.
Optional activities
Scenic flight over Whitehaven Beach & outer Great Barrier Reef.
Enjoy a scenic drive to Bargara, near Bundaberg. Admire the views and arrive in the evening. Share a bush BBQ dinner at Kelly’s Eco Resort.
Accommodation
Kelly’s Eco Resort in villas or similar.
Meals
- Breakfast
- BBQ dinner
Meal options
Self-cater, onsite restaurant, local cafes, bakery or restaurants.
Experience a memorable day with a journey to Lady Musgrave Island. Learn about the area’s indigenous history and marine conservation efforts. Snorkel in the stunning Lady Musgrave Lagoon.
Accommodation
Kelly’s Eco Resort in villas or similar
Meals
- Morning tea
- Lunch
- Afternoon tea
Included activity
Lady Musgrave Island Day Tour
Optional activity
Scuba dive (must be booked in advance)
Relax as we travel towards the Sunshine Coast. Arrive at Habitat Noosa, set in the Great Sandy National Park. Explore walking trails, enjoy local produce, and maybe even try some beer tasting.
Meals
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Meal options
Local cafes, bakery, restaurants
Free activity
Bush walks
Optional paid activity
Stand up paddle boards, canoes, wave skis, kayaks and tinnie hire. Beer tasting.
Enjoy a day to yourself in Noosa. Explore the Everglades, visit Noosa town and beach, or simply relax at Habitat. The choice is yours.
Accommodation
Habitat Noosa in glamping safari tents or similar.
Meals
- Breakfast
Meal options
Self-cater, local cafes, bakery, restaurants or onsite restaurants.
Free activity
Explore Noosa, swim, bush walks.
Optional paid activity
Stand up paddle board, canoe, wave ski, kayaks or tinnie hire, Beer tasting, Everglades tour.
Get ready for a one-day 4WD adventure on K’gari, the world’s largest sand island. Discover iconic sights like Lake McKenzie, 75 Mile Beach, and the Maheno Shipwreck. Relax at Habitat Noosa under the stars.
Accommodation
Habitat Noosa in glamping safari tents or similar
Meals
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Included activity
K’gari Island Day Tour
Travel south, stopping in Brisbane and Gold Coast. Arrive in the iconic Byron Bay, known for its laid-back atmosphere and stunning beaches.
Accommodation
Eco Beach Resort Byron in studio rooms or similar
Meals
- Breakfast
Meal options
Local cafes, bakery, restaurants
Free activities
Visit Surfers Paradise, explore Byron Bay, swimming.
Spend a day taking in Byron Bay’s charm. Explore, relax on the beach, take a surf lesson, or enjoy local boutiques and cafes.
Accommodation
Eco Beach Resort Byron in studio rooms or similar.
Meal options
Local cafes, bakery, restaurants
Free activities
Explore Byron Bay, relax on the beach, Cape Byron lighthouse walk, swimming
Optional paid activities
Surf lesson, Dolphin Kayak tour, Skydive, Rail Trail.
Enjoy more of Byron Bay before heading to Coffs Coast. Stop in picturesque Yamba for lunch and take a dip in the Angourie Blue Pool. Stay at Darlington Beach Resort, surrounded by beachside rainforest.
Accommodation
Darlington Beach Resort in Villas or similar
Meal options
Self-cater, onsite restaurant, local cafes, bakery or restaurants
Free activities
Explore Byron Bay, relax on the beach, swimming
Optional activities
Push bike hire, golf
Today we’ll have a relaxed morning followed by a stop in Coffs Harbour for lunch and then enjoy a special Aboriginal experience learning about the First Nations people of Australia
Accommodation
Darlington Beach Resort in Villas or similar.
Meals
- Breakfast
Meal options
Self-cater, onsite restaurant, local cafes, bakery or restaurants.
Included activities
Aboriginal Cultural Experience
We’ll depart Darlington Beach this morning and make a stop at the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital to see the amazing work being done to protect koalas from loss of habitat and injury. On the way into Port Stephens we’ll stop at Murray’s Brewery, one of Australia’s leading craft beer brewers, where we’ll enjoy a tour and beer tasting.
Accommodation
Oaks Port Stephens Pacific Blue Resort in a hotel room or similar.
Meals
- Breakfast
Meal options
Local cafes, bakery, restaurants or onsite restaurants.
Included activities
Koala hospital visit, Brewery tour & tasting.
This morning, you have the option of sleeping in, going sandboarding down the Stockton Sand Dunes (at an additional cost), or joining your guide for an energetic walk to the peak of Tomaree Head, which sits 161 metres above the Port Stephens entrance. This 2.2km return road provides stunning views of the coastline as well as panoramic views of Yacaaba Head, Cabbage Tree, and Boondelbah islands.
Accommodation
Oaks Port Stephens Pacific Blue Resort in a hotel room or similar
Meal options
Onsite restaurant, local cafes, bakery, restaurants, self cater
Free activities
Sleep in, swim, relax on the beach, Headland Walk
Optional paid activities
Sandboarding or Dolphin discovery cruise
We’re off to Sydney today. We’ll stop along the trip in the famed Hunter Valley wine region for a tour of an organic vineyard. Discover how they grew to become one of Australia’s leading makers of award-winning organic, vegan-friendly wines. When we arrive in Sydney’s magnificent harbour city, we’ll check in and then travel to a local restaurant for dinner and drinks to celebrate our final night on tour.
Accommodation
Vibe Sydney in a hotel room or similar
Meals
- Farewell Dinner
Meal options
Onsite restaurant, local cafes, bakery, restaurants, self-cater
Included activities
Hunter Valley organic winery tour with wine & cheese tasting
Your East Coast journey ends after breakfast. Check-out time is usually around 10am. If you’re extending your stay, have a great time exploring more of Sydney.
Meals
- Breakfast
Dates & availability
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Important notes
- Luggage is limited to one piece per person with a maximum weight of 20kg plus a day pack.
- A basic level of fitness is required for medium length walks.
- All accommodation rooms are twin/double share (unless you purchase a solo upgrade) and include a private ensuite or bathroom with the exception of the following:
- your accommodation at Selina Magnetic Island where bathrooms are separate and shared between up to 4 people.
- your accommodation at Darlington Beach Holiday Park (Coffs Harbour) where you stay in villas with bathrooms that are shared between up to 4 people.
- 21 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.
Essential trip information
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