Best of East Coast Australia
16 Day Boutique Tour
16 Days
Age 18+
All months
Avail: 16
Explore iconic landmarks, snorkel alongside vibrant sea life, connect with locals, and savor extraordinary food and wine, over 16 fabulous days
Why this tour is great for you!
16 days. Countless memories. This ultra-indulgent Sydney to Cairns trip is designed to give you a leisurely, expansive view of one of the world’s great coastlines, all with a small group. You’ll explore all the iconic hot spots, of course – Sydney’s famous harbour, snorkelling with sea-life at the Great Barrier Reef, the glittering sand at Whitehaven beach, and meeting koalas, platypus, crocs and more – but you’ll also get the hidden gems that only locals know about. And of course, out-of-this-world food and wine. Ready to discover the east coast?
No hidden cost on our tours. Look closely at the value for money with our amazing inclusions below!
INCLUDED!!
- Great Barrier Reef day cruise including snorkelling & glass bottom boat
- Whitsunday Islands & Whitehaven beach day trip & snorkelling
- K’gari (Fraser Island) 4WD Experience – the largest sand island in the world
- Hunter Valley wine, cheese, chocolate tastings
- Conservation Wildlife Park visit – Get close to many native / unique australian animals like kangaroos, emus, wombats and more
- Gumbaynggirr First nations experience
- Koala Hospital visit in Port Macquarie
- Visit Cape Tribulation
- Skyrail gondola ride over lush rainforest to the town of Kuranda
- Daintree rainforest walk – Off the beaten track interpretive, sustainable walk with a local passionate expert
- Eco-friendly nature cruise – Spot crocodiles, birds, fish in the wild
- Mossman Gorge entry and soft adventure walk
- Kuku Yalanji First nations local walk experience
- Enjoy the wonderful Byron Bay and it’s famous Cape Byron Lighthouse
- Atherton tablelands tour – Volcanic crater lake, stunning waterfalls and a chance to spot wild platypus
- Small Group Tour (Max 16 Guests)
- All transport (Private buses, transfers, domestic flight, ferry & boat trips)
- All accommodation (Boutique locally owned hotels/resorts)
- Friendly & experienced local guide
- 14 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 1 dinner
Day 1: Sydney
We start in Australia’s Harbour City, the glittering jewel in the east coast’s crown. Check into your room, freshen up, then meet your tour leader and new travel mates for a welcome meeting at 6pm. Then we are off for a great welcome dinner, and the chance to get to know your fellow travellers.
Included activities
- Get to know your fellow travellers with a welcome meeting and dinner
Included Meals
- Welcome Dinner
Accommodation:
Holiday Inn Potts Point
Day 2: Hunter Valley and Newcastle
We leave behind Sydney’s skyscrapers and sidewalks for a wildlife park boasting an all-star cast of koalas, kangaroos, and more. We’re in the heart of the Hunter Valley, so there’s nothing better than to take a wine, cheese & chocolate tasting. We’ll also visit the sunny port city of Newcastle, rounding off an eclectic day.
Included activities
- Conservation Wildlife Park visit- Get close to Koalas, Kangaroos, Emus, and more
- Hunter Valley wine, cheese, & chocolate tasting
- Newcastle orientation tour
Included Meals
- Breakfast
Accommodation:
Lucky Hotel Newcastle
Day 3: Port Macquarie & The Koala Hospital
We start in Australia’s Harbour City, the glittering jewel in the east coast’s crown. Check into your room, freshen up, then meet your tour leader and new travel mates for a welcome meeting at 6pm. Then we are off for a great welcome dinner, and the chance to get to know your fellow travellers.
Included activities
- Visit Port Macquarie Koala Hospital
- Port Macquarie foreshore walk and a chance to spot wild dolphins
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Accommodation:
El Paso Motor Inn
Day 4: Niigi Niigi (Sealy Lookout) & Byron Bay
Take part in an immersive First Nations experience of the Gumbaynggirr nation, that will get you in touch with the traditional custodians of this land. Then we’re headed to Byron Bay, a laid-back surf paradise with boundless coastline, sand and friendly locals. We’ll pay a visit to Cape Byron, for a unique photo opportunity, and the chance for the eagle-eyed to spot dolphins, whales, and other marine life.
Included activities
- Immersive First Nations experience
- Visit to the local lighthouse for a unique photo opportunity, and the chance for the eagle-eyed to spot dolphins, whales in season, and other marine life.
Included Meals
- Breakfast
Accommodation:
Beachcomber Byron Bay
Day 5: Byron Bay
Today we’re talking relaxation, relaxation, and relaxation. Spend the morning on the warm sand, shopping for bargains, or indulge in one of our optional activities: surfing or kayaking plus many activities like balloon rides, whale watching, brewery tours etc. The day is all yours – put your feet up, head to a cosy bar, or watch the world go by from one of the local cafes.
Included activities
- Free day to relax, or enjoy optional activities: Surf lesson, kayak experience, & more
Included Meals
- None
Accommodation:
Beachcomber Byron Bay
Day 6: Noosa & Rainbow Beach
We’re crossing into Queensland – the Sunshine State. Your first stop is laid-back Noosa, and Noosa National Park where you will have the chance to spot koalas and other Aussie critters. We continue further up the Sunshine Coast to our base for the next 2 nights, it’s time to relax and soak up the atmosphere of the vibrant Rainbow Beach.
Included activities
- Noosa orientation including Noosa Main Beach and Hastings Street
- Noosa drive
Included Meals
- Breakfast
Accommodation:
Rainbow Getaway Apartments
Day 7: K’Gari (Fraser Island)
Ready, steady, go, for a once-in-a-lifetime 4WD K’Gari adventure today. Once known as Fraser Island, the destination has been returned to its original name K’gari. K’gari is the local Butchulla nation’s name for the island, meaning ‘paradise’ – you’ll find out why soon enough.
You’ll never want to leave, as we explore the largest sand island in the world, kick back at some of Queensland’s most renowned lookouts, take a walk on the wild side in a lush rainforest, dive into Boorangoora (Lake McKenzie) a crystal-clear lake, see the famous S.S Maheno shipwreck and course go dingo-spotting along the golden 75 Mile Beach. The fun needn’t stop there; after the tour feel free to enjoy Carlo Sand Blow and Rainbow Beach, or put your feet up in your accommodation.
Included activities
- Once-in-a-lifetime 4WD bus adventure to K’Gari (Fraser Island) in the world.
Included Meals
- Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation:
Rainbow Getaway Apartments
Day 8: Brisbane
It’s Bris-vegas baby! We’re off to Queensland’s capital, Brisbane, soon to be home of the summer Olympics. Laidback, sunny, optimistic, buzzing – in many ways it’s the quintessential Aussie city. See for yourself how wonderful Brisbane is with a walk (or ferry ride) along the aptly named Brisbane river and its surrounds.
Included activities
- Orientation tour
Included Meals
- Breakfast
Accommodation:
The Point Hotel Brisbane
Day 9: Brisbane to Airlie Beach (Monday)
Airport time! It’s up, up, and away, as we take the plane to Airlie beach, the jewel in the magnificent Whitsundays crown. It’s another choose-your-own-adventure day: take a stroll through the town, find a cool little bar, or explore the local swimming hole. The choice is yours.
Included activities
- Domestic Flight to the Whitsunday Coast
- Free afternoon & evening to explore Airlie Beach
Included Meals
- Breakfast
Accommodation:
Mantra Club Croc
Day 10: Airlie Beach & Whitsunday Islands (Tuesday)
After breakfast, we’re taking a day cruise through the postcard-perfect islands of the Whitsundays, including a stop at the famed Whitehaven beach. Words can’t do justice to the dazzling white sands, azure waters, and densely verdant vegetation of this incredible corner of the world (so we won’t try!). Get a closer look by snorkelling with colourful coral, and an array of playful fish and maybe even some turtles. Afterwards, it’s your chance to relax or seek out the town’s best food and drink options.
Included activities
- Whitsundays Islands day cruise including snorkelling, Whitehaven beach visit, Hill Inlet walk and lunch
Included Meals
- Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation:
Mantra Club Croc
Day 11: Mission Beach
A change of scenery today as we head through undulating cane fields to picturesque Mission Beach. This afternoon, kick back and enjoy. This is your chance to catch up on some reading, or just sit by the pool with a cold drink and enjoy this tropical paradise. We may be even lucky enough to spot some cassowary in the wild!
Included activities
- Scenic drive along the Bruce Highway
Included Meals
- Breakfast
Accommodation:
Mission Beach Resort
Day 12: Cairns via the Atherton Tablelands
Enjoy breakfast before we travel into the wet tropics of Far North Queensland. We’ll discover a magnificent plunge waterfall nestled in dense tropical rainforest en-route to the Atherton Tablelands. Take a dip in the cool water before we head to Lake Eacham, a crater lake with crystal-clear water, and visit the massive ‘Curtain Fig Tree’. We’ll finish the day in Cairns, one of Australia’s most vibrant, tropical and energetic cities.
Included activities
- Atherton Tablelands Tour – Volcanic crater lakes, stunning waterfalls, and a chance to spot wild platypus
Included Meals
- Breakfast
Accommodation:
Flynn Hotel Cairns
Day 13: Snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef
It’s one of the highlights of any trip to Australia: the Great Barrier Reef. Today, we will take a cruise to the famed reef, where we’ll go snorkelling to see incredible marine life. Learn about this special reef with conservation commentary, onboard a fantastic catamaran. This is the big one, so get the camera ready! After a great day at one of the seven natural wonders of the world (and the only one seen from space), join us for a farewell dinner to share stories of our adventures together!
Included activities
- Great Barrier Reef day cruise including snorkelling, glass bottom boat, and lunch. If you want to try scuba diving you can pay for a optional intro to scuba diving.
- If you are experienced, you can pay extra to join a dive master to explore the reef in depth.
Included Meals
- Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation:
Flynn Hotel Cairns
Day 14: Kuranda and Port Douglas
It’s go, go gondola, as we take an incredible gondola ride over ancient rainforest, the Barron River, and the surrounding mountains on our way to picturesque Kuranda with its colourful markets. Then, it’s a trip north to the chilled out village of Port Douglas, where you can choose to join the group for dinner, drinks and the stunning sunset.
Included activities
- Scenic Gondola ride over the rainforest canopy
- Kuranda markets
- Port Douglas orientation tour
Included Meals
- Breakfast
Accommodation:
Paradise Links Resort
Day 15: Mossman Gorge & immersive first nations experience
It’s a slow kinda morning, which is just how it should be in Port Douglas. Our suggestion: take a stroll around the Sunday markets, drinking in the ocean views, and grab a coffee from local brewers. Well rested we’ll visit the Mossman Gorge for an incredible walk through the rainforest. Later, we’ll learn about Kuku Yalanji (First Nations) culture, foods and customs with an amazing immersive experience.
Included activities
- Visit to vibrant local markets
- Visit Mossman Gorge for an incredible walk through the rainforest
- Kuku Yalanji (First Nations) immersive cultural experience
Included Meals
- Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation:
Paradise Links Resort
Day 16: Daintree Rainforest walk, Cape tribulation & nature/crocodile cruise
It’s another big day – we’re going deeper into the tropical World Heritage listed Daintree Rainforest, and Cape Tribulation (don’t worry, it’s just a name!) on a short ferry. We’ll take a walk through the ancient rainforest and meet the local family who hosted David Attenborough’s documentary crew whilst keeping our eyes peeled for ancient cassowary, birds and other wildlife.
In the afternoon we cruise the Daintree River (Julaymba) on the eco-friendly Solar Whisper, a quiet solar-powered boat, for an immersive wildlife experience. Spot crocodiles, birds, frogs, snakes, and more with the help of your expert guide and the unique “CROC CAM”.
We take a wonderful coastal drive back to Cairns, where your tour ends on arrival around 6pm. If you need help with post tour accommodation, please let us know as we can help! Thanks for a wonderful adventure together!
Included activities
- Guided rainforest walk & chance to spot ancient cassowary birds and other wildlife
- Eco-friendly crocodile and nature cruise on the Daintree RiverScenic coastal drive back to Cairns
Included Meals
- Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation Configuration
Adult Twin Share
Suited for a single traveller who wants to share a room with someone of the same gender (If we can not match you, you will receive a single private room upgrade for free)
Private Single
Suited for a single traveller who wants their own Private Single Room with your own bathroom
Double Room
Suited for a couple or friends/family travelling together (Tell us if you want to share a bed together, or you want 2 single beds)
The prices below are listed based on an Adult Twin Share. Please click on the ‘Book Now’ button to see prices for Private Single (our most popular option), and Double rooms
Absolutely! Just drop us a line and we’ll get a quote to you!
Ultimately the choice is yours. You can bring whatever makes you feel comfortable. As we specialise in Boutique Tours, roller suitcases are manageable across all of our tours. However, due to luggage restrictions on some of our transport networks, there is a maximum weight of 20kgs.
In most cases, yes you can. However, we will need to confirm this on a trip by trip basis, so please contact us if you’d like to consider an early departure or a late arrival. Due to bedding configurations, the price is most likely to be the same as the full tour.
Yes, but just your normal travel ones. You will be in and out of the ocean, mixing with the local wildlife and trekking through some cool nature parks – so we highly suggest you contact the Australian Government Department of Health & Aged Care
Why Choose Our Boutique Tours?
Quality Accommodation
Locally owned and unique to their specific location
Real Wildlife
Meet the real locals with a number of wildlife experiences
Authentic Experiences
Experience, learn and share from First Nations cultural experiences
Professional Guides
Passionate, knowledgeable & professional
Small Groups
Ensuring the best interactive experiences very time!
Value for Money
No hidden costs, and more inclusions than all our competitors
You may also like
these boutique East Coast Australia tours
Sydney to Cairns 14 Day Boutique Tour 14 Days Age 18+ All months Avail: 16 14 days of endless memories. This Sydney-to-Cairns journey offers a ...
Brisbane to Cairns 7 Day Boutique Tour 7 Days Age 18+ All months Avail: 16 7 days through Australia’s tropical North, featuring lush landscapes and ...
Sydney to Brisbane 8 Day Boutique Tour 8 Days Age 18+ All months Avail: 16 Australia’s east coast, perfectly captured in eight unforgettable days, including ...
Brisbane to Daintree Rainforest 9 Day Boutique Tour 9 Days Age 18+ All months Avail: 16 Experience Australia’s must-see attractions and hidden gems, from family-run ...