Day 1: Arrival day into Sydney
Your East Coast Australia tour experience starts in Australia's Harbour City, the glittering jewel in the east coast Make your own way to the joining hotel where you’ll meet your leader and fellow travellers for a welcome meeting in the lobby. Afterwards, head out to explore the historic area around the hotel before heading out for dinner. 's crown.
Welcome Dinner Included
Day 2: Hunter Valley and Newcastle
Leave the hustle and bustle of Sydney behind for the chilled out Hunter Valley. Our own personal wildlife ranger will point out koalas and kangaroos as we make our way to a gourmet lunch – yes, there will be cheese, and wine, and chocolate (the Hunter is famous for it!). Visit Newcastle and at your own leisure head out for an evening of live music or a delicious dinner.
Breakfast included.
Day 3: Port Macquarie via Forster
After breakfast, head to Lakes Way. Hit the pristine waters of Wallis Lake on a lunch cruise and relax as you explore the waterways and wildlife of the Great Lakes.
Continue on your way north and in the afternoon stretch your legs on a leisurely walk and climb to a lookout where you can take a moment to soak up panoramic vistas of New South Wales’ breathtaking shoreline. Continue your journey to Port Macquarie where you’ll spend the night.
Breakfast & Lunch included.
Day 4: Dorrigo National Park
Meet the fuzzy patients at the local koala hospital, then travel to Dorrigo National Park, an area famous for its lush rainforest and waterfalls. End the day in true Australian style – at a traditional Aussie pub.
Breakfast included.
Day 5: – Orara East State Forest / Byron Bay
This morning head back towards the coast and be rewarded with a stop in Orara East State Forest (Niigi Niigi) to share in the unique and immersive Giingan Gumbaynggirr Cultural Experience that will get you in touch with the traditional custodians of this land, lore and ancient cultural knowledge. Enjoy 360 degree views, experience speaking language and practice culture on Country. Next up is Byron Bay, a laid-back surf paradise with boundless coastline, sand and friendly locals. On arrival, pay a visit to the local lighthouse for a unique photo opportunity and the chance to spot dolphins, whales, and other marine life (Get your eagle eye ready, or perhaps just bring binoculars). Then discover a side to Byron bay that not many visitors have the chance to experience: Enjoy a walk with Cockatoo Paul, a colourful local character, and learn about useful plants found in an urban environment: edible, medicinal and more.
Breakfast included.
Day 6: Byron Bay
It’s a free day today. Perhaps start the day with a swim in the ocean, indulge in a massage, or stretch out your limbs at an optional yoga class. Visit an organic farm, where we’ll pick our own veggies and herbs for a healthy lunch, then the rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy.
Day 7: Brisbane / Noosa / Rainbow Beach
Head from Byron Bay to Brisban. From Brisbane you'll head through to sun-kissed Noosa, visiting one of Australia’s top surf locations on the way. Go koala-spotting in a national park before heading to Rainbow Beach, our overnight location for the next two nights. Explore Rainbow Beach's massive Carlo Sandblow. Take a path through eucalypt stands and rainforest to reach this huge accumulation of windblown sand known as the Cooloola sandmass. As you cross the sandblow, marvel at this ever-changing landscape, transformed by wind. From the top you'll enjoy stunning 180-degree views over Rainbow Beach and K'Gari.
Breakfast included
Day 8: K'gari/ Rainbow Beach
After breakfast, head over to stunning K'gari (formerly named Fraser Island) by ferry. Set off on a 4WD adventure through the breathtaking landscape of K'gari. Start off with an adventurous drive along the 75 Mile Beach Road – one of the best coastal drives in the country. Take a refreshing dive into the crystal-clear water of Lake McKenzie (Boorangoora) – an island icon.The lake is world famous for its turquoise colours and fine dazzling white 92% pure silica sands. Next up is Wanggoolba Creek, a pristine rainforest with prehistoric ferns and a luxuriant canopy of palms and vines. Take another dip, this time in the fresh waters of Eli Creek. Visit the Maheno shipwreck and the coloured sands of the pinnacles. From tropical dense rainforest to wild offshore waters – witness the contrasting fauna and terrain of this truly unique island as you venture across undulating sand dunes and vast golden beach, in search of that iconic outback creature, the dingo. This evening return by ferry back to Rainbow Beach.
Breakfast & Lunch included.
Day 9: Airlie Beach
Set off on a 4WD adventure through the breathtaking landscape of K'gari. Start off with an adventurous drive along the 75 Mile Beach Road – one of the best coastal drives in the country. Take a refreshing dive into the crystal-clear water of Lake McKenzie (Boorangoora) – an island icon.The lake is world famous for its turquoise colours and fine dazzling white 92% pure silica sands. Next up is Wanggoolba Creek, a pristine rainforest with prehistoric ferns and a luxuriant canopy of palms and vines. Take another dip, this time in the fresh waters of Eli Creek. Visit the Maheno shipwreck and the coloured sands of the pinnacles. From tropical dense rainforest to wild offshore waters – witness the contrasting fauna and terrain of this truly unique island as you venture across undulating sand dunes and vast golden beach, in search of that iconic outback creature, the dingo. This evening return by ferry back to Rainbow Beach.
Breakfast included.
Day 10: Whitsunday Islands and Airlie Beach
Today is entirely free for you to choose your own adventure. Perhaps take a leisurely day cruise through the postcard-perfect islands of the Whitsundays, including a stop at the world-renowned Whitehaven Beach.
Breakfast included
Day 11: Mission Beach
Admire the change of scenery on today's long drive as you jump into your private vehicle and head through undulating cane fields to picturesque Mission Beach, where World Heritage rainforest meets the colourful Coral Sea. Be welcomed by crystal-clear waters, stunning views and a large population of cassowaries – a flightless bird that thrives in the tropical forests of north-eastern Australia. This afternoon you can enjoy plenty of free time to soak up paradise and do as you please. You might like to wind down with an optional yoga class or go for a swim in the pool. Alternatively, head out in search of the famous cassowary or simply grab a book and find a shady spot to sit and enjoy the tropical bliss.
Breakfast included.
Please note driving time today is approx 7 hours
Day 12: Great Barrier Reef / Misson Beach
Cruise out to this famous reef this morning as you hear a marine conservation commentary about the importance of preserving the World Heritage-listed region and how you can do your bit. Then, it’s time to put on your snorkelling gear and dive into the dazzling waters, where you can freely explore a wonderfully rich ecosystem. After an incredible day, head back to the hotel, where you can freshen up and get ready for dinner. Compare memories, swap stories, and celebrate your east coast journey with your travel companions.
Breakfast & Lunch included.
Day 13: Atherton Tablelands / Cairns
Enjoy breakfast in a local cafe before venturing into the wet tropics of far north Queensland. Stop off en route to your next destination and discover a magnificent plunge waterfall nestled in dense tropical rainforest. Take a dip in the cool water, then continue on to Lake Eacham, a crater lake with beautiful blue-green hues in the heart of the Atherton Tablelands. Next, visit the unusual yet fascinating Curtain Fig Tree, a magnificent tree with extensive aerial roots that drop 15 metres to the forest floor, forming a curtain-like appearance. The day draws to a close as you head to your next stop, Cairns, one of Australia’s most lively tropical towns.
Breakfast and dinner included.
Day 14: Cairns
Your east coast experience comes to an end after breakfast. Travel home or contact us for more ideas to continiue your adventure
