Essential Sydney to Cairns - 16 days

We begin our journey in Sydney, Australia's most renowned city with an 8:30am welcome meeting. From here we embark on a day trip to the stunning Blue Mountains, famed for their dramatic blue haze. These ancient mountains are around 10 times older than the Grand Canyon! We have a hike waiting for us to to get to the Wentworth Falls and admire the iconic Three Sisters before returning to Sydney in the evening to experience its renowned nightlife.

Sydney - Hunter Valley - Port Stephens. After breakfast, we bid goodbye to Sydney's urban hustle. We venture to the Hunter Valley, a scenic haven bursting with wineries, cheesemakers, and breweries. It's a culinary adventure. After indulging, we visit the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary, offering advanced care for rescued koalas. We can scale the Skywalk to gain a unique treetop view of their habitat. Then it's on to Port Stephens for the evening.

Today we are exploring Port Stephens, one of Australia's coastal gems. Dip into the pristine waters, encounter dolphins in their natural habitat on an included boat cruise, and hike the epic Mt Tomaree Walk – the coastal views from the summit are truly breath-taking. After our included activities, the rest of the day is free for you to relax - hit the beach or grab a drink at one of the coastal bars.

Port Stephens - Brisbane. Today we take an included flight to Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, which will soon be hosting the summer Olympics. Brisbane is a laidback, sunny, and optimistic city that captures the essence of Australia. We have a thrilling experience at the magnificent Worimi sand dunes. These dunes are the largest moving coastal dunes in the southern hemisphere and offer breath-taking views, especially during sunrise.





This evening, we take an evening stroll along the Brisbane River to unwind and reflect on our day of adventure.

Brisbane - Byron Bay. Today we head off to Byron Bay, the relaxed surf haven boasting endless coastline, golden sands, and welcoming locals. In the afternoon, we enjoy an included kayaking adventure and we hope to encounter marine friends like dolphins, turtles, and perhaps even whales.





The evening is free to head out and enjoy the vibrant nightlife of Byron Bay.

Today brings a day of relaxation. Whether you want to lounge on the warm sand, hunt for bargains at the shops, or alternatively, try one of Byron Bay's optional activities. Kick back, unwind at a cosy bar, soak in the local atmosphere at a café, or embark on a coastal walk to Cape Byron lighthouse, the easternmost point of Australia. The day is yours to enjoy as you please.

Byron Bay - Noosa. Today, we're off to the picturesque beach haven of Noosa, nestled in Queensland, the Sunshine State of Australia. Noosa is celebrated for its breath-taking beaches and is esteemed as one of the country's premier surf destinations, drawing skilled surfers from around the globe. Our first stop is to the Eumundi Markets, a beloved local market renowned for its array of handmade arts and crafts.





Our next stop is Noosa National Park, a pristine natural reserve offering the chance to spot koalas and other native Australian wildlife. This sanctuary provides a serene escape into nature's embrace.





This afternoon is free to enjoy various activities such as shopping, indulging in fresh seafood, or simply sunbathing on the beach. Noosa offers a wide range of options for you to relax and make the most of your day.





Please note: The market is only open on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

This morning, we have an extraordinary 4WD adventure waiting for us on K'gari, formerly known as Fraser Island. Get ready for an unforgettable journey starting with an exhilarating drive along the famous 75 Mile Beach Road, a true highway along the stunning coastline. Then, we take a refreshing swim at Lake McKenzie, renowned for its pristine sands and crystal-clear waters.

Noosa - Airlie Beach. After breakfast, we head to the airport for our included flight to Airlie Beach, a stunning destination nestled within the captivating Whitsundays region. The rest of today offers a wide array of optional activities: you can leisurely wander through the charming town, discover a trendy bar, or explore the delightful local swimming lagoon.

After breakfast, we embark on a leisurely day cruise through the picturesque islands of the Whitsundays. Our first stop is Whitehaven Beach, the beauty of its white sands, azure waters, and lush greenery invites us for an unforgettable day. Dive deeper into the stunning marine life with snorkelling among colourful coral, playful fish, and turtles.





This evening is free to spend at leisure, relax by the hotel or explore the town's finest dining and beverage offerings at your own pace.

Airlie Beach - Magnetic Island. Magnetic Island is so named because in 1770, Captain Cook noticed a strange magnetic pull on his compass as he sailed past the island. Today, the main drawcard of the island is its healthy fauna populations, which includes various species like koalas and wallabies, as well as its lush woods and beautiful views of the huge ocean.





We take the ferry to Magnetic Island and during our stay we enjoy an included walk with our tour leader, during which we hope to spot some of the island's resident wildlife.

Today is an entirely free day. You can explore more of Magnetic Island on foot, head for a swim at the coast, or take a leisurely hike through the lush forests of the island. Your guide will be able to recommend activities for you, and you can do as much or as little as you like!

Magnetic Island - Cairns. Returning to the mainland, we make our way into the tropics of northern Queensland. On our way to the Atherton Tablelands, we will come across a breathtaking waterfall surrounded by lush tropical rainforest. Take advantage of the opportunity to have a relaxing swim in the refreshing water.





Then we'll visit Lake Eacham, a beautiful crater lake known for its crystal-clear water, and we can see the amazing 'Curtain Fig Tree'. In addition, we will have the opportunity to visit the charming settlement of Yungaburra, which is recognized for its delicious cuisine.





To conclude the day, we arrive in Cairns, a dynamic and energetic city famed for its tropical climate. Enjoy a brief orientation tour to get acquainted with the city.

Cairns - Cape Tribulation. Today we're taking in the ancient Daintree Rainforest on foot and exploring Cape Tribulation on a short ferry ride. We also visit spectacular Mossman Gorge. During our tour, we will meet a local family that had the honour of hosting the documentary crew of renowned naturalist David Attenborough.





And we are in for a real treat this afternoon. After exploring the rainforest, it's time to tick off the other UNESCO-listed wonder in this area - the Great Barrier Reef. During our included snorkelling tour, keep your eyes peeled for some of the rich marine life that lives along the reef, including tropical fish, turtles, rays and perhaps even a shark or two!

Cape Tribulation - Cairns. Embark on an enchanting crocodile-spotting cruise today, where we have the chance to encounter these prehistoric reptiles, reminiscent of dinosaurs, thriving in their native environment.





Following this thrilling encounter, we will enjoy a two-hour Indigenous experience that includes a cultural immersion in the local community's traditions, cuisine, and rituals.





After an eventful day, we'll return to Cairns and head out for a group dinner on our final night together.

Following a hearty breakfast, it is time to say farewell to the group as our tour comes to an end.