Sydney to Cairns Explorer - 14 days
Sydney to Cairns Explorer - 14 days
14 Days Starting in Sydney, Australia and ending in Cairns, Australia
Visiting: Sydney, Newcastle, Port Macquarie, Byron Bay, Noosa, Fraser Island, Brisbane, Airlie Beach, Mission Beach, Cairns
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 16
Age range:
18-
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a 14-day adventure from Sydney to Cairns with the Sydney to Cairns Explorer tour, offering an unforgettable journey through Australia's stunning east coast. Begin in Sydney with a welcome dinner and orientation, then explore the wildlife and vineyards of Hunter Valley. Visit the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital and enjoy a First Nations experience in Byron Bay. Discover the natural beauty of Fraser Island with a 4WD adventure, and relax in the vibrant resort town of Airlie Beach. Cruise the Whitsundays, snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, and explore the lush Atherton Tablelands. With expert local guides, comfortable accommodations, and a mix of included and optional activities, this tour promises an enriching and exhilarating experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Sydney
Location: Sydney
Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Potts Point
Meals Included: Dinner
Our trip begins at Australia's lively Harbour City, a stunning city on the east coast. When you arrive, you will check into your room, freshen up, and then join your tour guide and other travellers for a welcome meeting and orientation stroll at 6 p.m. Following that, we will have a delightful welcome dinner, which will allow you to interact and get to know your trip companions better.
Meeting point: Holiday Inn Potts Point,
203 Victoria St, Potts Point, Sydney, New South Wales
Day 2: Newcastle
Location: Newcastle
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Sydney - Hunter Valley - Newcastle. We leave Sydney and head to a wildlife park filled with koalas, kangaroos, and other exotic species. Our tour here will be guided by a local ranger. Next, we head into the Hunter Valley, and take advantage of our surroundings by going on a wine, cheese, and chocolate tasting tour. Arriving in Newcastle, we enjoy a brief orientation tour before the evening is free for you to further explore at leisure.
Day 3: Port Macquarie
Location: Port Macquarie
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Newcastle - Port Macquarie. After breakfast, we'll head to Port Macquarie to meet the volunteers at a local koala hospital. Joining our trip will provide you with vast knowledge about these endangered creatures while also supporting the centre's extraordinary conservation efforts. In the evening, take a leisurely stroll along the Port Macquarie shoreline and find a local restaurant for dinner. Keep a look out for wild dolphins, as they are frequently seen in the vicinity.
Day 4: Byron Bay
Location: Byron Bay
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Port Macquarie - Byron Bay. Today we enjoy an included interactive First Nations experience, allowing you to learn about the Gumbaynggirr people's rich culture. Connect with the land's traditional custodians to obtain a deeper understanding of their heritage.
It's then time to head to Byron Bay, a laid-back surf destination noted for its beautiful coastline, sandy beaches, and friendly residents. Our tour includes a trip to Cape Byron, where you can photograph dolphins, whales (during their season), and other marine species.
Day 5: Byron Bay
Location: Byron Bay
Accommodation Name: hotel
Today is entirely free for you to hit the beach or further explore Byron Bay. You can spend the morning on the warm sand, shopping for bargains, or participating in one of the area's many optional activities. Take some time to unwind, whether it be by putting your feet up, visiting a cosy bar, or taking a seaside walk to the Cape Byron lighthouse.
If you're feeling courageous and full of energy, our guide will help you plan any additional activities you're interested in, such as surfing classes, skydiving, balloon rides, or snorkelling/scuba diving.
Day 6: Noosa
Location: Noosa
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Byron Bay - Noosa - Rainbow Beach. Today we are traveling to Noosa, a stunning beach area famed for its top surf spots and champion surfers. We will begin our day by shopping for locally manufactured arts and crafts at Eumundi Markets.
We will then explore Noosa National Park, a small, 28 square kilometre reserve home to koalas, bandicoot, possums and other Australian species. Depending on the time of year, you may also be able to see humpback whales off the coast. We arrive in the rural coastal town of Rainbow Beach, our base for the next two nights.
Day 7: Fraser Island
Location: Fraser Island
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today we're exploring Fraser Island, recently renamed to its aboriginal name, K'Gari - this translated to 'paradise'. Our included four wheel drive experience sees us drive down the famous 75 Mile Beach Road. Keep a look out for the local dingoes as we travel, and then enjoy a refreshing dip in the clear waters of Lake McKenzie.
Day 8: Brisbane
Location: Brisbane
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Rainbow Beach - Brisbane. Today, we are heading to Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, also known by many locals as Bris-Vegas. The city will host the 2032 Summer Olympics. This relaxed, sunny, and buzzing city truly represents the quintessential Australian spirit. To get a feel of the city, we take a short walk along the Brisbane River and you can then explore its surroundings independently.
Day 9: Airlie Beach
Location: Airlie Beach
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Brisbane - Airlie Beach. This morning we head to the airport for our included flight to Airlie Beach, a beautiful destination in the Whitsundays. The rest of the day is free, and full of possibilities. You can wander around the town, discover a trendy bar, or even explore the nearby local swimming hole, it's up to you!
Day 10: Airlie Beach
Location: Whitsundays
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today we're enjoying a fun and picturesque morning cruise around the picturesque islands of the Whitsundays. Our itinerary includes a visit to the renowned Whitehaven beach, which boasts stunning white sands, crystal clear blue waters, and lush greenery. For a more immersive experience, you can go snorkelling to explore the vibrant coral reefs teeming with colourful fish and turtles. Returning to dry land, the rest of the day is at leisure.
Day 11: Mission Beach
Location: Mission Beach
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Airlie Beach - Mission Beach. Today, we will experience a change of scenery as we travel through rolling cane fields to the charming coastal resort of Mission Beach. In the afternoon, there is ample time to relax and appreciate the crystal-clear waters and breathtaking vistas. Take advantage of this opportunity to catch up on your reading or simply unwind by the pool with a refreshing drink in hand, immersing yourself in the beauty of this tropical paradise.
Day 12: Cairns
Location: Cairns
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Mission Beach - Cairns. Start your day by enjoying a delicious breakfast before we embark on a journey through the lush wet tropics of Far North Queensland. On our way to the Atherton Tablelands, we will come across a breathtaking plunge waterfall hidden within a dense tropical rainforest. Here, you can take a refreshing dip in the cool water and keep an eye out for the native platypus!
Continuing our adventure, we will visit Lake Eacham, a stunning crater lake known for its crystal-clear water. Don't miss the opportunity to marvel at the impressive 'Curtain Fig Tree' during our visit. We end the day in Cairns.
Day 13: Cairns
Location: Cairns
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today may go down as the highlight of your Australia tour, as we embark on a cruise aboard a glass-bottomed boat to the UNESCO-protected Great Barrier Reef, one of the world's most renowned natural wonders. Don your mask and snorkel and head below the waves to see shoals of colourful fish, rays, turtles and perhaps even a curious shark or two!
Throughout the journey, our knowledgeable guides will offer insights on reef conservation and about the species you see. Our top-notch vessel will provide a comfortable and enjoyable experience, and you can also join optional scuba diving if you would like to go a little deeper down to the reef. Back on dry land, there is an included group dinner tonight in Cairns, where we are sure to reflect on our incredible experience!
Please note: For the optional scuba diving, this will be an introductory dive to about 5-6 metres. If you are already a certified diver, you may dive to depths of up to 15 metres.
Day 14: Cairns
Location: Cairns
Accommodation Name: Crystalbrook Flynn
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our tour concludes at Cairns, marking the end of an unforgettable voyage with your fellow tourists.
Our tour finishes at the Flynn Hotel on Day 14, there are no planned activities, so you are free to leave when you wish.
Finishing Point: Crystalbrook Flynn,
68/72 Abbott St, Cairns, Queensland
What's Included
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Accommodation
3-4 star hotels -
12 breakfasts, 3 lunches & 2 dinners
Enjoy 12 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 2 dinners during the tour.
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13 nights 3-4 star hotels
Stay in 3-4 star hotels for 13 nights.
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Escorted by an expert local guide
The tour is escorted by an expert local guide.
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All transportation in private, air-conditioned vehicles
Travel in private, air-conditioned vehicles throughout the tour.
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Economy class flight from Brisbane - Airlie Beach
Includes an economy class flight from Brisbane to Airlie Beach.
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Orientation walking tours in Sydney, Newcastle & Brisbane
Participate in orientation walking tours in Sydney, Newcastle, and Brisbane.
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Conservation Wildlife Park visit
Visit a Conservation Wildlife Park.
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Hunter Valley wine, cheese & chocolate tasting tour
Enjoy a wine, cheese, and chocolate tasting tour in Hunter Valley.
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Port Macquarie Koala Hospital visit
Visit the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital.
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Byron Bay First Nations experience
Experience the First Nations culture in Byron Bay.
What's Not Included
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International flights and visas
International flights and visas are not included.
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Airport transfers
Airport transfers are not included.
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Additional meals and drinks unless specified
Additional meals and drinks are not included unless specified.
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Tipping - an entirely personal gesture
Tipping is not included and is an entirely personal gesture.
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Optional activities & additional attractions unless specified above
Optional activities and additional attractions are not included unless specified.
Age Policy
Minimum age 18Essentials tours not recommended for pax over 55 - upsell Handpicked
Mode of Transport
Travel in style with all transportation provided in private, air-conditioned vehicles, including an economy class flight from Brisbane to Airlie Beach.
Accommodation
Enjoy 13 nights in comfortable 3-4 star hotels, providing a relaxing retreat after each day's adventures.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of wildlife can I expect to see on this tour?
During the tour, you can expect to see koalas and kangaroos at a wildlife park, and possibly wild dolphins along the Port Macquarie shoreline. You may also encounter dingoes on Fraser Island and have the opportunity to snorkel with colorful fish, rays, turtles, and possibly sharks at the Great Barrier Reef.
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What cultural experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes an interactive First Nations experience in Byron Bay, where you can learn about the Gumbaynggirr people's rich culture and connect with the land's traditional custodians.
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What activities are available on Fraser Island?
On Fraser Island, you will enjoy a four-wheel drive experience along the famous 75 Mile Beach Road and have the opportunity to swim in the clear waters of Lake McKenzie.
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What is included in the Whitsundays cruise?
The Whitsundays cruise includes a visit to the renowned Whitehaven Beach, where you can enjoy the stunning white sands and crystal-clear waters. You will also have the opportunity to snorkel and explore the vibrant coral reefs.
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What can I expect during the Great Barrier Reef excursion?
During the Great Barrier Reef excursion, you will embark on a cruise aboard a glass-bottomed boat, allowing you to view the reef's marine life. You can snorkel to see colorful fish, rays, turtles, and possibly sharks. There is also an option for an introductory scuba dive.
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Are there any optional activities available during the tour?
Yes, there are optional activities available, especially during the free day in Byron Bay. You can choose to participate in surfing classes, skydiving, balloon rides, or additional snorkelling/scuba diving.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Low Deposit
On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 600 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.