Home > Australia > New South Wales > Explore Australia: Sydney to Cairns Coastal

EXPLORE AUSTRALIA: SYDNEY TO CAIRNS COASTAL

CODE

CGSC

PLACES VISITED

Hunter Valley, Port Stephens, Coffs Harbour,...

TRIP DESCRIPTION

Travel into small regional communities on this popular coastal route and you will get a great feel for the lifestyle that Australians enjoy.

End Location: Cairns

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SAMPLE ITINERARY (CUSTOMIZABLE)

Day 1: Sydney - Hunter Valley

With the Hunter River winding its way lazily through the grapevine-clad hills, the Hunter Valley is one of Australia's most important wine growing areas. Wineries range from very large estates to smaller boutique wineries, offering something to suit all palates. Fine food, relaxing and country living are all part of the Hunter experience.

Overnight: Hunter Valley

Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Hunter Valley - Port Stephens

From the golden tropical north bordering the banana belt to the soothing south, New South Wales offers extensive coastlines ideal for travellers keen to explore, motor, cruise, swim, surf or relax on the sunny dunes.

Overnight: Port Stephens

Meals: Breakfast

Day 3: Port Stephens - Coffs Harbour

The Coffs Harbour Area is perfect for a family holiday, a romantic getaway or just a tranquil solo journey. There are plenty of things to see and do in the area. Nearby Dorrigo is a nature lover's sanctuary and well worth the visit, take in absolutely breathtaking views of Dorrigo National park at the Skywalk. Go fishing in quiet Macksville, a perfect place to take a break from a long journey or an overnight stop.

Overnight: Coffs Harbour

Meals: Breakfast

Day 4: Coffs Harbour - Byron Bay

Byron Bay's natural credentials are impeccable as humpback whales cruise past the headland, storms create rainbows on the mountains across the bay, hang-gliders ride the thermals above the lighthouse. Australia's most easterly point casts a spell over everyone who goes there.

Overnight: Byron Bay

Meals: Breakfast

Day 5: Byron Bay - Gold Coast

Fast-track fun on the Gold Coast, where the high-rises are built around superb surf beaches like Surfers Paradise. Dive into lively nightlife, international theme parks and designer boutiques, see the coast from a Spitfire plane and cheer on competitors in the Coollangatta Ocean Swim. Experience the opulent Palazzo Versace or head to the hinterland for rainforest walks and spa retreats.

Overnight: Gold Coast

Meals: Breakfast

Day 6: Gold Coast - Sunshine Coast

Considered one of Queensland's premier holiday destinations, the Sunshine Coast is home to both a perfect coastline and beautifully lush hinterland, and has everything you need to relax, shop and dine. From Noosa Heads to Caloundra, the gorgeous Sunshine Coast is the perfect holiday destination for families, backpackers and couples.

Overnight: Sunshine Coast

Meals: Breakfast

Day 7: Sunshine Coast - Fraser Island

Travel north to Gympie and Maryborough and onto Hervey Bay. Continue onto the River Heads village for departure to Fraser Island, the world's largest Sand Island, at 123 kilometres long, and a haven for nature lovers. Check into the mainland terminal, unload luggage and then park your car (choice of car parking available - own expense). Board the Kingfisher Bay Ferry for the transfer across to Fraser Island. On arrival on Fraser Island check-in and then the rest of the day is at leisure to start exploring the Island.

Overnight: Fraser Island

Meals: Breakfast

Day 8: Fraser Island Sightseeing

Today is at your leisure, to explore the natural beauty of Fraser Island.

Overnight: Fraser Island

Meals: Breakfast

Day 9: Fraser Island - Rockhampton

Depart Fraser Island and return to River Heads village by ferry. On arrival, collect your rental car and continue north on the Bruce Highway to Miriam Vale and take a detour to the town of Agnes Waters and 1770 and the Eurimbula National Park. Continue on the highway north to Gladstone and continue travelling a further 108 kilometres to Rockhampton, which marks the exact line of the Tropic of Capricorn. 45 kilometres from Rockhampton is Yeppoon a seaside resort located on the coast overlooking Great Keppel Island.

Overnight: Rockhampton

Meals: Breakfast

Day 10: Rockhampton - Mackay

Depart Rockhampton and return to the Bruce Highway and travel north towards Marlborough and onto Mackay. Just outside of Mackay detour to the Cape Hillsborough National Park, where the rainforest meets the reef. The headland area contains several good walking trails.

Overnight: Mackay

Meals: Breakfast

Day 11: Mackay - Hamilton Island, Whitsundays

Drive from Mackay to Airlie Beach and take a vessel transfer to Hamilton Island. Part of the Whitsundays, and in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, Hamilton Island is one of Australia's most spectacular and sought-after holiday destinations. On a holiday to Hamilton Island, you'll be surrounded by pristine white beaches, and a kaleidoscope of coral and marine life. Hamilton Island is a perfect base for exploring the Great Barrier Reef and world-famous Whitehaven Beach.There's plenty to do during your Great Barrier Reef holiday on Hamilton Island. You can enjoy a wide selection of bars and restaurants, year-round cultural exhibitions and performances, an abundance of water sports and activities - and that's just the start. For sailing enthusiasts, there's the Hamilton Island Yacht Club, and for keen golfers, the Hamilton Island Golf Club is the only Australian 18-hole championship course on its own island. Plus, with six different levels of accommodation to choose from across the island - ranging from plush, couples' suites, to family-friendly apartments and holiday homes, a holiday on Hamilton Island really does offer something for everyone.

Overnight: Hamilton Island, Whitsundays

Meals: Breakfast

Day 12: Great Barrier Reef Cruise

Cruise through the stunning Whitsunday Islands to Cruise Whitsundays' innovative pontoon -Reefworld'. Tailor-made for the reef, the pontoon has numerous features with a choice of areas to relax and a great range of activities to enhance your time at the reef. There is undercover seating and tables, sun decks, freshwater showers, change rooms and full access to the air-conditioned comfort of the reef vessel.The pontoon is ideally situated in shallower waters with protection from the surrounding sea conditions. The best coral is a short distance away from the pontoon. Marker buoys and ropes clearly indicate the areas to explore and staff will be happy to provide directions.The highlight is getting into the water to discover what lies beneath. All snorkelling gear is provided. Take a guided Reef Safari or an intro or certified dive, or stay dry and discover the amazing underwater world from spectacular underwater viewing chambers.

Overnight: Hamilton Island, Whitsundays

Meals: Breakfast

Day 13: Hamilton Island - Townsville

Return back to the mainland and drive to Townsville.

Overnight: Townsville

Meals: Breakfast

Day 14: Townsville - Cairns

Today your journey takes you to the far North, into the heart of the tropics and gateway to the Great Barrier Reef - Cairns and Palm Cove. Take the ferry back to the mainland at Townsville and then head north to pass through Ingham and Tully, the wettest place in Australia. Travel via Innisfail to Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, the tropical rainforest of the World Heritage region and the rugged outback of the Cape York Peninsula and the Gulf of Carpentaria.

Meals: Breakfast

DATES & PRICES

Availability:

AVAILABLE ALL YEAR

Interested in this trip? Contact Us for 2025 dates and prices

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Applicable taxes vary depending on travel destination and are not included. Please ask your sales agent what extra taxes will be payable for your tour.

WHY CHOOSE ANDERSON VACATIONS?

Anderson Vacations

Other Companies

Independent Travel

See what you want, where you want, how you want. Solo, with a friend, or with a group of friends.

Canadian Travel Experts

With at least 30 years of experience.

Min. 95% Satisfaction Rate

From past guests.

Accreditation and Consumer Protection

Feel confident booking because of a membership in all the following organizations:

Sustainability

Planting one tree for every passenger that travels with us.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

13 nights of accommodation
14 day mid-size car rental (conditions apply)
Return transfers to Fraser Island & 4WD ECO tour
Return transfers to Hamilton Island
Reef cruise

EXCLUSIONS

Airfare unless specified as included within the itinerary
Taxes as applicable
Travel Insurance and Cancellation Protection (strongly recommended, ask us for a quote!)
Gratuities for Local Guides, Tour Managers, and/or Bus Drivers
Meals not specifically mentioned as included in the itinerary
Items (attractions and sightseeing & entrance fees) not listed as included in the itinerary

Why Take An Anderson Tour?

Seasoned Tour Guides Get a deeper understanding with storytelling tailored to your interests.

Space To Breathe We never max out buses even if we use the same size bus as the competition.

All Inclusive No hidden expenses along the way. Competitors offer activities as an extra - we don't

Our guide training manual is accredited by ACTA/CITC Canadian Educational Standard Inc. Now used as the standard in educational college programs.

Can't find what you're looking for? Our specialists can take away the stress and create a custom trip tailored to your exact interests and budget.

Get A Custom Quote

OR CALL 1.866.814.7378

Custom Trip Plans You can see what you want, when you want, how you want.

Unique Experiences Experiences that help you take in the region in a different way.

Freedom To Explore Time to take in each place with only the tours you want to do.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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Tour Questions

What is the maximum number of travellers in a group?

Anderson Vacations specializes in Small Group Fully Escorted tours. If the tour is classified as a ‘Classic Tour’ up to 24 persons may join the tour although tours commonly travel with anywhere between 18 to 24 travellers. If the tour is classified as a 'Tour of Distinction’ only up to 18 persons may join the tour and many 'Tours of Distinction' travel with 12 to 18 travellers.

What are Guaranteed Departures?

After dreaming about travel to an exciting destination, arranging for time off work, booking your flights the last thing you need is for your trip to be cancelled. Anderson vacation's pre-Guaranteed tours take the uncertainty away from planning your travel and give you peace of mind to book our tours. Pre-Guaranteed Tours are group tours that we have already confirmed as certain to travel on the specified date. All 'Guaranteed Tours' will travel except in the event of a natural disaster or a catastrophic event that is beyond our control. They may already have the minimum number of people booked or else are tours that are known to be popular. Only select departures of tours are 'pre-Guaranteed'.

What happens if I book on a tour that is not Guaranteed?

We pride ourselves on providing “a small shared group experience.” In the event that we have fewer than ten participants on a tour we will offer a “small-group surcharge” to ensure that the tour runs as scheduled. This fee, which is up to 15% of the “land” portion of the tour, will be offered to you as an option to continue with the trip. This fee will cover the costs associated with handling a smaller group.

What is the average age of passengers for this tour?

Our tours are suitable for all age demographics. The average age of travelers is typically 45+.

How physically demanding is this tour? Are you able to accommodate people with mobility restrictions/limitations?

Some tours are mainly coach based and may not be physically demanding while others may require walking inclines or on rough surfaces to access interesting locations. Please check with us and your booking agent carefully and discuss your mobility restrictions before completing any tour booking to ensure this style of travel is right for you.

Can you accommodate passengers with dietary restrictions (food allergies, vegan, vegetarian etc.)?

Yes, we do accommodate dietary restrictions (within reason) such as, food allergies, vegan, vegetarian, etc. There are many meals included on our fully escorted tours. Please inform us of any dietary restrictions at the time of booking so we can ensure there are alternative meal choices.

Booking & Flight Questions

Do you arrange airport transfers?

Yes, we can assist you with airport transfers for you in most locations at a reasonable extra cost. Several tours have airport transfers already included. Please contact us for more details.

Can you assist with booking additional accommodation?

Yes, we can certainly assist with booking additional nights of hotel accommodation for you before and after your fully escorted tour. This is available upon request and subject to availability. Please inquire for further information and prices.

How much luggage should I bring?

Each passenger may bring one large suitcase and one carry-on bag. The weight limit for baggage is 20 kilograms or about 40 pounds. Baggage handling is provided at the hotels in our tour packages but there may be places where you will be required to wheel in your bags for quicker access. Be sure to advise our reservations staff if you will be bringing additional items such as a cane, walker, or wheelchair. You may also bring one small soft-sided carry-on bag, which should easily fit into the overhead shelf of a coach. Each person is responsible for his/her own carryon luggage. Remember to check your airline baggage restrictions if you are flying, as they may differ from Anderson Vacations guidelines.

I am a solo traveller. Is there a single surcharge?

There are options for single travelers to join most tours. Solo travellers can choose to pay a Single Supplement and have their own room throughout the tour. For those willing to share with a co-traveller of the same gender, we have a Twin Share option that is offered for most tours where you share a hotel room with another same gender traveller. In this case, you will not be charged for Single Supplement.

Is it possible to book a triple share accommodation?

Yes, it is possible to book triple share accommodations on select trips. Please inquire or contact us regarding this option, as prices and availability vary from tour to tour.

Can we book this tour with our exclusive group?

Yes, you can! Anderson Vacations works with many private groups and helps to customize a tour to traveller’s needs. Please contact us for more details.

Are gratuities included in the tour cost?

For convenience, gratuities for local guides and meals that are specified in the itinerary are included in the tour price. For meals not included in your tour package please remember that it is customary to tip your server 10-20% in North America. Gratuities for your Coach Driver (where appropriate) and Tour Director are entirely at your discretion. We recommend about CDN $5.00 per person, per day, for your Driver and CDN$7.00 per person, per day for your Tour Leader.

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