Sydney to Cairns Explorer

Our trip begins at Australia's lively Harbour City, a stunning city on the east coast. When you arrive, you will check into your room, freshen up, and then join your tour guide and other travellers for a welcome meeting and orientation stroll at 6 p.m. Following that, we will have a delightful welcome dinner, which will allow you to interact and get to know your trip companions better.

Meeting point: Holiday Inn Potts Point, 203 Victoria St, Potts Point, Sydney, New South Wales

Sydney - Hunter Valley - Newcastle. We leave Sydney and head to a wildlife park filled with koalas, kangaroos, and other exotic species. Our tour here will be guided by a local ranger. Next, we head into the Hunter Valley, and take advantage of our surroundings by going on a wine, cheese, and chocolate tasting tour. Arriving in Newcastle, we enjoy a brief orientation tour before the evening is free for you to further explore at leisure.

Newcastle - Port Macquarie. After breakfast, we'll head to Port Macquarie to meet the volunteers at a local koala hospital. Joining our trip will provide you with vast knowledge about these endangered creatures while also supporting the centre's extraordinary conservation efforts. In the evening, take a leisurely stroll along the Port Macquarie shoreline and find a local restaurant for dinner. Keep a look out for wild dolphins, as they are frequently seen in the vicinity.

Port Macquarie - Byron Bay. Today we enjoy an included interactive First Nations experience, allowing you to learn about the Gumbaynggirr people's rich culture. Connect with the land's traditional custodians to obtain a deeper understanding of their heritage.

It's then time to head to Byron Bay, a laid-back surf destination noted for its beautiful coastline, sandy beaches, and friendly residents. Our tour includes a trip to Cape Byron, where you can photograph dolphins, whales (during their season), and other marine species.

Today is entirely free for you to hit the beach or further explore Byron Bay. You can spend the morning on the warm sand, shopping for bargains, or participating in one of the area's many optional activities. Take some time to unwind, whether it be by putting your feet up, visiting a cosy bar, or taking a seaside walk to the Cape Byron lighthouse.

If you're feeling courageous and full of energy, our guide will help you plan any additional activities you're interested in, such as surfing classes, skydiving, balloon rides, or snorkelling/scuba diving.

Byron Bay - Noosa - Rainbow Beach. Today we are traveling to Noosa, a stunning beach area famed for its top surf spots and champion surfers. We will begin our day by shopping for locally manufactured arts and crafts at Eumundi Markets.

We will then explore Noosa National Park, a small, 28 square kilometre reserve home to koalas, bandicoot, possums and other Australian species. Depending on the time of year, you may also be able to see humpback whales off the coast. We arrive in the rural coastal town of Rainbow Beach, our base for the next two nights.

Today we're exploring Fraser Island, recently renamed to its aboriginal name, K'Gari - this translated to 'paradise'. Our included four wheel drive experience sees us drive down the famous 75 Mile Beach Road. Keep a look out for the local dingoes as we travel, and then enjoy a refreshing dip in the clear waters of Lake McKenzie.

Rainbow Beach - Brisbane. Today, we are heading to Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, also known by many locals as Bris-Vegas. The city will host the 2032 Summer Olympics. This relaxed, sunny, and buzzing city truly represents the quintessential Australian spirit. To get a feel of the city, we take a short walk along the Brisbane River and you can then explore its surroundings independently.

Brisbane - Airlie Beach. This morning we head to the airport for our included flight to Airlie Beach, a beautiful destination in the Whitsundays. The rest of the day is free, and full of possibilities. You can wander around the town, discover a trendy bar, or even explore the nearby local swimming hole, it's up to you!

Today we're enjoying a fun and picturesque morning cruise around the picturesque islands of the Whitsundays. Our itinerary includes a visit to the renowned Whitehaven beach, which boasts stunning white sands, crystal clear blue waters, and lush greenery. For a more immersive experience, you can go snorkelling to explore the vibrant coral reefs teeming with colourful fish and turtles. Returning to dry land, the rest of the day is at leisure.

Airlie Beach - Mission Beach. Today, we will experience a change of scenery as we travel through rolling cane fields to the charming coastal resort of Mission Beach. In the afternoon, there is ample time to relax and appreciate the crystal-clear waters and breathtaking vistas. Take advantage of this opportunity to catch up on your reading or simply unwind by the pool with a refreshing drink in hand, immersing yourself in the beauty of this tropical paradise.

Mission Beach - Cairns. Start your day by enjoying a delicious breakfast before we embark on a journey through the lush wet tropics of Far North Queensland. On our way to the Atherton Tablelands, we will come across a breathtaking plunge waterfall hidden within a dense tropical rainforest. Here, you can take a refreshing dip in the cool water and keep an eye out for the native platypus!

Continuing our adventure, we will visit Lake Eacham, a stunning crater lake known for its crystal-clear water. Don't miss the opportunity to marvel at the impressive 'Curtain Fig Tree' during our visit. We end the day in Cairns.

Today may go down as the highlight of your Australia tour, as we embark on a cruise to the UNESCO-protected Great Barrier Reef from Cairns. The reef is one of the world's most renowned natural wonders. Don your mask and snorkel and head below the waves to see shoals of colourful fish, rays, turtles and perhaps even a curious shark or two! We cruise out to the reef on a larger vessel and once at the snorkelling site, we can jump aboard a smaller vessel to explore the reef. This smaller boat features a glass bottom, so you can see the colourful life of the reef from above the water.

Throughout the journey, our knowledgeable guides will offer insights on reef conservation and about the species you see. Our top-notch vessel will provide a comfortable and enjoyable experience, and you can also join optional scuba diving if you would like to go a little deeper down to the reef. Back on dry land, there is an included group dinner tonight in Cairns, where we are sure to reflect on our incredible experience!

Please note: For the optional scuba diving, this will be an introductory dive to about 5-6 metres. If you are already a certified diver, you may dive to depths of up to 15 metres.

Our tour concludes at Cairns, marking the end of an unforgettable voyage with your fellow tourists.

Our tour finishes at the Flynn Hotel on Day 14, there are no planned activities, so you are free to leave when you wish.

Finishing Point: Crystalbrook Flynn,68/72 Abbott St, Cairns, Queensland