Best of Australia Sydney to Cairns - 15 Day Boutique Tour

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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