Sydney to Cairns – 14 Day Boutique Tour

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 and orientation walk at 6pm. Then we are off for a great welcome dinner, and the chance to get to know your fellow travellers. (D)

Accommodation; Holiday Inn Potts Point

We leave behind Sydney’s skyscrapers and sidewalks for a wildlife park boasting an all-star cast of koalas, kangaroos, and more guided by our own personal wildlife ranger. We’re in the heart of the Hunter Valley, so there’s nothing better than to take a wine, cheese & chocolate tasting tour.. We’ll also visit the sunny port city Newcastle, rounding off an eclectic day. (B)

After breakfast, we’re off to Port Macquarie, where we’ll meet the volunteers at a local koala hospital. If you’re unable to tear yourself away from the cuddly critters, don’t worry – you’re not the first. Expect to come away with loads more knowledge about these often misunderstood creatures, & how by joining our tour, you are supporting this amazing centre’s conservation efforts. Relax for the evening with a stroll along the foreshore & free night for dinner. Enjoy the sounds of the local bird population and keep your eyes peeled for the local wild dolphins who frequent the area! (B)

Take part in an immersive First Nations experience with 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 the local lighthouse for a unique photo opportunity, and the chance for the eagle-eyed to spot dolphins, whales, and other marine life. (B)

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. 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. 

Optional: Surf lesson, kayak experience

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. Your first stop is laid-back Noosa, and Noosa National Park where you will have the chance to spot koalas and other Aussie critters. After checking into our accommodation for the next 2 nights, it’s time to relax and soak up the atmosphere of vibrant Noosa.(B).

Ready, steady, 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 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 a crystal-clear lake, and go dingo-discovering across golden beaches. The fun needn’t stop there; after the tour feel free to enjoy Noosa’s nightlife, or put your feet up in your accommodation. (B, L)

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 with a walk along the Brisbane river to orient yourself in the city (B).

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. (B)

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. (B, L)

A change of scenery today as we head through undulating cane fields to picturesque Mission Beach. Time? We have plenty of it this afternoon, so kick back and enjoy the clear waters and stunning views. 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. (B)

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. (B)

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 boat. This is the big one, so get the camera ready! After a great day on the reef, join us for a farewell dinner (B, D)

Optional: Scuba dive on the Great Barrier Reef

Your tour ends after breakfast. Time to say farewell to your travel buddies after a great adventure together (B)