Best of Australia Sydney to Cairns - 15 Day Boutique Tour

Best of Australia Sydney to Cairns - 15 Day Boutique Tour

  • Distinction tour
  • 15 days
  • Sydney to Cairns
  • Feb, Mar
  • Tour code 15SC

About this tour

15 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 glittering harbor, snorkeling with fish at the Great Barrier Reef, the bright sand at Whitehaven beach, and the chance to meet koalas, platypus, crocs and more – but you’ll also get the hidden gems that only locals know. And of course, out-of-this-world wine and seafood. Ready to discover the east coast?

Trip highlights

  • Great Barrier Reef day cruise including snorkeling & glass bottom boat
  • Whitsunday Islands & Whitehaven beach day trip & snorkeling
  • K'gari (Fraser Island) 4WD Experience - the largest sand island in the world
  • Conservation Wildlife Park visit- Get close to koalas, Emus and more
  • Gumbaynggirr First nations experience
  • Koala Hospital Visit with Volunteers in Port Macquarie
  • Visit Cape Tribulation
  • Visit the oldest rainforest in the world (The Daintree)
  • Hunter Valley wine, cheese, chocolate tour
  • Nature cruise - Spot crocodiles, birds, fish in the wild
  • Mossman Gorge entry and soft walk
  • Byron Bay sights

Day by day

  1. 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, and meet your tour leader and new travel mates for a welcome meeting at 6 pm. Then, we are off for a great welcome dinner and the chance to get to know your fellow travellers.

    Overnight: Sydney Meals: Dinner
  2. 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 oc an eclectic day.

    Overnight: Hunter Valley Meals: Breakfast
  3. Day 3 Port Macquarie & The Koala Hospital

    After breakfast, we’re off to Port Macquarie, where we’ll have a chance to meet the
    volunteers at a Port Macquarie 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 fantastic centre's conservation efforts. Relax for the evening with a stroll along the foreshore & a 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!

    Overnight: Port Macquarie Meals: Breakfast
  4. Day 4 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 visit Cape Byron for a unique photo opportunity and the chance for the eagle-eyed to spot dolphins, whales, and other marine life.

    Overnight: Byron Bay Meals: Breakfast
  5. 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 cozy bar, or watch the world go by from one of the local cafes.

    Overnight: Byron Bay
  6. Day 6 Noosa

    We're crossing into Queensland – the Sunshine State. Your first stop is laid-back Noosa and Noosa National Park, where you can 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.

    Overnight: Noosa Meals: Breakfast
  7. 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, of 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.

    Overnight: Noosa Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
  8. 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 – it’s the quintessential Aussie city in many ways. See how wonderful Brisbane is with a walk (or ferry ride) along the aptly named Brisbane River and its surrounds.

    Overnight: Brisbane Meals: Breakfast
  9. Day 9 Brisbane to Airlie Beach

    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.

    Meals: Breakfast
  10. Day 10 Airlie Beach & Whitsunday Islands

    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, playful fish, and maybe even some turtles. Afterwards, you can relax or seek the town's best food and drink options.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
  11. 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!

    Overnight: Mission Beach Meals: Breakfast
  12. 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, Australia's most vibrant, tropical and energetic city.

    Overnight: Mission Beach Meals: Breakfast
  13. Day 13 Snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef

    One of the highlights of any trip to Australia is the Great Barrier Reef. Today, we will cruise to the famed reef, where we’ll go snorkelling to see incredible marine life. Learn about this unique 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 world's seven natural wonders (and the only one seen from space), join us for a farewell dinner to share stories of our adventures!

    Overnight: Cairns Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
  14. Day 14 Daintree Rainforest -Mossman Gorge, 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 ride.
    We’ll explore the ancient rainforest on a light walk, and keep our eyes peeled for ancient
    cassowary birds, crocs, and other tropical wildlife! After a great day exploring, unwind
    over a local farewell meal together.

    Overnight: Cairns Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
  15. Day 15 Cairns

    Start your final day with a delicious breakfast. It’s time to say farewell, return home, or
    continue your travels. Thanks for an excellent adventure together!

    Meals: Breakfast
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What's included

  • 13 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners
  • Friendly & experienced local guide
  • Small Group Tour (Max 16 Guests)
  • All accommodation (As listed in the itinerary)
  • All transport (Private buses, domestic flight & boat trips)
  • No hidden cost on our tours - Look closely at our amazing inclusions & value for money
  • Various attractions (As listed in the itinerary)

What's not included

  • Flights/Airfare
  • Travel insurance (Strongly recommended, ask us for a quote!)
  • Items (attractions and sightseeing & entrance fees) not listed as included in the itinerary
  • Meals not listed
  • Gratuities to guide & drivers
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