Best of The Coast – Sydney to Cairns 16 Day Adventure Tour

We leave behind Sydney’s skyscrapers and sidewalks for sumptuous food and drink in the Hunter Valley, a picturesque area of rolling hills packed with wineries, cheeseries, and breweries. It’s a foodie extravaganza today, so bring your taste buds and a sense of adventure. Well-fed, we head to  the Port Steohens Koala Sanctuary which offers state of the art care to our sick, injured and orphaned koalas and to support their long term rehabilitation and preservation. We also climb the ‘Skywalk” a unique ‘tree top’ perspective into the koala’s natural habitat. Now back on the food front (it’s a foodie sandwich today), we’re heating things up with a top-notch Aussie BBQ this evening.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Accommodation: Eco cabins

If Australia’s east coast has always said ‘sun, sea, sand, and chilling’ to you, then this is the day the dream becomes reality. Introducing one of Australia’s beachy jewels: Port Stephens. Wade in the crystal-clear waters. Come face to fin with dolphins in their natural habitat on a boat cruise. Come with us on the epic Mt Tomaree Walk – just wait till you see the coastal views from the top.

Optional thrills include a 4WD sand dune adventure or surf lesson.

• Meals: None
• Accommodation: Eco cabins

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. But if you are up for it, we’re hitting the awe-inspiring Worimi sand dunes for sunrise – the largest moving coastal dunes in the southern hemisphere. It’s hard to top Worimi’s peaks, but Brisbane is definitely the perfect place to kick back and reflect on the amazing adventures so far. Come for the evening walk along the Brisbane River, stay for the local brewery. Cheers.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Accommodation: Hostel

Here’s an evocative name: We’re headed to Byron Bay, the laid-back surf paradise with boundless coastline, golden sand, and friendly locals. We may meet some more ocean-dwelling locals like dolphins, turtles and maybe even some whales on an afternoon kayaking adventure. Once the sun sets, it’s party time, as we hit the streets of this vibrant town in search of fun.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Accommodation: Hotel

Today we’re talking relaxation, relaxation, and relaxation. Spend the morning on the warm sand, shop for bargains, or indulge in one of the many  Byron Bay optional activities on offer – the choice is yours!. The day is completely up to you  so put your feet up, head to a cosy bar, watch the world go by from one of the local cafes or take a coastal walk to Cape Byron lighthouse, Australia’s most easterly point.

Feeling full of energy? Your guide can book all your optional actvitiies including surfing lessons, skydiving, balloon rides, or snorkelling / scuba diving. 

• Meals: None
• Accommodation: Hotel

Another day, another gorgeous beach experience. What a life. Today sees a visit to sun-kissed Noosa (via one of Australia’s top surf spots and home to some of our champion surfers). We’re crossing into Queensland – the Sunshine State. We’ll go shopping for locally made arts and crafts at Eumundi Markets (Wed/Sat only), and then head for Noosa National Park, where you’ll have the chance to spot koalas and other Aussie critters. The afternoon is yours to enjoy; whether it’s shopping, seafood, or sunbathing, Noose does them all well.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Accommodation: Hotel

Ready, set, go, for a once-in-a-lifetime 4WD K’Gari adventure today. Once known as Fraser Island, the destination has been renamed K’gari, the original Butchulla name for the island, meaning ‘paradise’ – you’ll find out why soon enough. You’ll never want to leave, as we kick things off with a thrilling drive along the world-renowned 75 Mile Beach Road, which is exactly what it sounds like: an actual highway running along the spectacular beach (look out for dingos). Moving from land to water, we’ll take a well-earned dip in Lake McKenzie, famed for its soft sands and crystal-clear waters.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
• Accommodation: Hotel  

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 lagoon, the choice is yours.

• Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
• Accommodation: Hostel

After breakfast, we’re taking a leisurely day cruise through the postcard-perfect islands of the Whitsundays, including a stop at 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 turtles. Afterwards, it’s your chance to relax or seek out the town’s best food and drink options.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
• Accommodation: Hostel

In 1770 Captain Cook noticed a strange magnetic effect on his compass as he passed this gorgeous island. Nowadays, the magnetism is all down to the abundant wildlife, from koalas to wallabies, lush forests, and spectacular ocean views. If ever there was a day to bring your camera, this is the one. After visiting this island, you’ll be dining out on the snaps for years.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Accommodation: Bungalows

It’s another big day on Magnetic Island. Take your pick of an array of once-in-a-lifetime optional adventures. Diving in crystal clear waters? Done. A rewarding hike through the forest? You got it. Jeep hire? No problem. Snorkelling? of course. So, how would you like today to look?

• Meals: Breakfast
• Accommodation: Bungalows

Things are getting pretty tropical now. Enjoy breakfast before we travel into 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 also experience the charming village of Yungaburra, where great food and big adventures are the order of the day. We’ll finish the day in Cairns, one of Australia’s most vibrant, tropical and energetic cities.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Accommodation: Hotel

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!) and you won’t be disappointed. On the way, there’s just time to stop off for a refreshing dip at Mossman Gorge. In the afternoon, it’s a sure-fire highlight: a half-day snorkelling adventure in the Great Barrier Reef, a World Heritage–listed marvel you may have heard of. Expect truly awe-inspiring wildlife and scenery.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Accommodation: Lodge

What’s green, scaly, and makes your day? That’s right, we’re going on a croc-spotting cruise, giving you a chance to catch these ancient (as old as the dinosaurs) reptiles in their natural habitat. Afterwards, we take in a two-hour Indigenous experience, learning about the traditions and culture of the local communities. After what’s sure to be an extraordinary day, we’ll freshen up at the hotel before having our farewell dinner. It’s a chance to compare memories and swap stories of your amazing adventure.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Accommodation: Hotel

After breakfast, it’s time to say farewell to the amazing connections we’ve made and the unforgettable experiences we’ve shared! Thanks for a wonderful adventure together!

• Meals: Breakfast