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  3. Sydney to Cairns Adventure
Days
21
Price from
6595AUD
SC21_ATA_2023_V2-01

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.

 

Destination_Sydney Harbour Bridge_SC21
Destination_Airlie Beach_SC21
Destination_Milaa Milaa Falls_2_SC21
Destination_Koala_Hospital_SC21
Accommodation_Whitsundays Broomstick Interior
Experience_Whitsundays Prosail Fleet Sailing Past Hayman Island_SC21
Mar-21
STRAY AUS_Magnetic Island3_CS19
Destination_Byron Bay_CS19
Sailing through the Whitsunday Islands to the white silica sands of Whitehaven Beach is a popular activity in Australia. A woman takes in the beautiful view.

Itinerary
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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

  • 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 walk

  • Accommodation is in 4-8 shared dorms in a range of hostels, backpacker resorts, eco-lodges.

  • 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.

  • Subject to minimum numbers

Essential trip information

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