Sydney to Cairns Explorer - 14 days

Sydney to Cairns Explorer - 14 days

tourhub | On The Go Tours | Sydney to Cairns Explorer - 14 days | 2883/SYDCEX
tourhub | On The Go Tours | Sydney to Cairns Explorer - 14 days | 2883/SYDCEX tourhub | On The Go Tours | Sydney to Cairns Explorer - 14 days | 2883/SYDCEX

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45 Views
14 Days From

$5775

$4331

Sydney to Cairns Explorer - 14 days

14 Days Starting in Sydney, Australia and ending in Cairns, Australia

Visiting: Sydney, Newcastle, Port Macquarie, Byron Bay, Noosa, Fraser Island, Brisbane, Airlie Beach, Mission Beach, Cairns

Tour operator:

On The Go Tours

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

2 - 16

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

18-

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Adventure Tours

Interests:

Beach Tours, Cultural, Wildlife Tours

Activities:

4WD, Snorkeling

From: $5775 $4331 Operator discount: -$1444 -25%

NB: Prices correct on 21-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on a 14-day adventure from Sydney to Cairns with the Sydney to Cairns Explorer tour, offering an unforgettable journey through Australia's stunning east coast. Begin in Sydney with a welcome dinner and orientation, then explore the wildlife and vineyards of Hunter Valley. Visit the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital and enjoy a First Nations experience in Byron Bay. Discover the natural beauty of Fraser Island with a 4WD adventure, and relax in the vibrant resort town of Airlie Beach. Cruise the Whitsundays, snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, and explore the lush Atherton Tablelands. With expert local guides, comfortable accommodations, and a mix of included and optional activities, this tour promises an enriching and exhilarating experience.

Highlights

  • Hunter Valley - See koalas, kangaroos and enjoy a wine and cheese tour.

  • Port Macquarie Koala Hospital - Learn about koalas and conservation efforts.

  • Byron Bay - Unwind in a famous beach location and enjoy a First Nations experience.

  • Fraser Island - Experience a 4WD adventure, search for dingoes, and swim in a crystal clear lake.

  • Whitsundays - Cruise around the islands, visit Whitehaven Beach, and snorkel in the ocean.

  • Atherton Tablelands - Swim under a waterfall, see Lake Eacham, and admire the Curtain Fig Tree.

  • Great Barrier Reef - Snorkel among corals and tropical fish at this natural wonder.

Itinerary

tourhub | On The Go Tours | Sydney to Cairns Explorer - 14 days | 2883/SYDCEX | Route Map

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Day 1: Sydney

Location: Sydney

Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Potts Point

Meals Included: Dinner

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

Day 2: Newcastle

Location: Newcastle

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

Day 3: Port Macquarie

Location: Port Macquarie

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

Day 4: Byron Bay

Location: Byron Bay

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

Day 5: Byron Bay

Location: Byron Bay

Accommodation Name: hotel

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.

Day 6: Noosa

Location: Noosa

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

Day 7: Fraser Island

Location: Fraser Island

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

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.

Day 8: Brisbane

Location: Brisbane

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

Day 9: Airlie Beach

Location: Airlie Beach

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

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!

Day 10: Airlie Beach

Location: Whitsundays

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

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.

Day 11: Mission Beach

Location: Mission Beach

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

Day 12: Cairns

Location: Cairns

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

Day 13: Cairns

Location: Cairns

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today may go down as the highlight of your Australia tour, as we embark on a cruise aboard a glass-bottomed boat to the UNESCO-protected Great Barrier Reef, 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!





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.

Day 14: Cairns

Location: Cairns

Accommodation Name: Crystalbrook Flynn

Meals Included: Breakfast

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

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    3-4 star hotels

  • 12 breakfasts, 3 lunches & 2 dinners

    Enjoy 12 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 2 dinners during the tour.

  • 13 nights 3-4 star hotels

    Stay in 3-4 star hotels for 13 nights.

  • Escorted by an expert local guide

    The tour is escorted by an expert local guide.

  • All transportation in private, air-conditioned vehicles

    Travel in private, air-conditioned vehicles throughout the tour.

  • Economy class flight from Brisbane - Airlie Beach

    Includes an economy class flight from Brisbane to Airlie Beach.

  • Orientation walking tours in Sydney, Newcastle & Brisbane

    Participate in orientation walking tours in Sydney, Newcastle, and Brisbane.

  • Conservation Wildlife Park visit

    Visit a Conservation Wildlife Park.

  • Hunter Valley wine, cheese & chocolate tasting tour

    Enjoy a wine, cheese, and chocolate tasting tour in Hunter Valley.

  • Port Macquarie Koala Hospital visit

    Visit the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital.

  • Byron Bay First Nations experience

    Experience the First Nations culture in Byron Bay.

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What's Not Included

  • International flights and visas

    International flights and visas are not included.

  • Airport transfers

    Airport transfers are not included.

  • Additional meals and drinks unless specified

    Additional meals and drinks are not included unless specified.

  • Tipping - an entirely personal gesture

    Tipping is not included and is an entirely personal gesture.

  • Optional activities & additional attractions unless specified above

    Optional activities and additional attractions are not included unless specified.

Age Policy

Minimum age 18Essentials tours not recommended for pax over 55 - upsell Handpicked

Mode of Transport

Travel in style with all transportation provided in private, air-conditioned vehicles, including an economy class flight from Brisbane to Airlie Beach.

Accommodation

Enjoy 13 nights in comfortable 3-4 star hotels, providing a relaxing retreat after each day's adventures.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of wildlife can I expect to see on this tour?

    During the tour, you can expect to see koalas and kangaroos at a wildlife park, and possibly wild dolphins along the Port Macquarie shoreline. You may also encounter dingoes on Fraser Island and have the opportunity to snorkel with colorful fish, rays, turtles, and possibly sharks at the Great Barrier Reef.

  • What cultural experiences are included in the tour?

    The tour includes an interactive First Nations experience in Byron Bay, where you can learn about the Gumbaynggirr people's rich culture and connect with the land's traditional custodians.

  • What activities are available on Fraser Island?

    On Fraser Island, you will enjoy a four-wheel drive experience along the famous 75 Mile Beach Road and have the opportunity to swim in the clear waters of Lake McKenzie.

  • What is included in the Whitsundays cruise?

    The Whitsundays cruise includes a visit to the renowned Whitehaven Beach, where you can enjoy the stunning white sands and crystal-clear waters. You will also have the opportunity to snorkel and explore the vibrant coral reefs.

  • What can I expect during the Great Barrier Reef excursion?

    During the Great Barrier Reef excursion, you will embark on a cruise aboard a glass-bottomed boat, allowing you to view the reef's marine life. You can snorkel to see colorful fish, rays, turtles, and possibly sharks. There is also an option for an introductory scuba dive.

  • Are there any optional activities available during the tour?

    Yes, there are optional activities available, especially during the free day in Byron Bay. You can choose to participate in surfing classes, skydiving, balloon rides, or additional snorkelling/scuba diving.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1998

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

Reviews of this operator

Nicola Hodgkinson (Google Reviewer)  

Recently returned from Greece, a...

07-May-2024

Recently returned from Greece, a 5 day tour with OTG. Unfortunately, I had a negative experience on day 2 where I needed local support to get me out of a tricky situation. Thank you to Alexandra Z from Hetco Tours in Athens for helping me continue on with the trip, to the Hotel Zafolia staffing team and to Danielle and team here in the UK for supporting me with the aftermath. Your kindness will not be forgotten and I will pay it forward. I've now booked 3 trips with yourselves and will continue to go back. Thank you all. Honestly, I am SO grateful. Blessings to you all. Nicola

Calvin  

Wonderful experience

05-Jan-2023

Jamal is our tour guide. Right from the start, he created a group chat in whatsapp and if any issues to make sure we contact him. He was on the ball with every issue thrown at him. Luggage being left behind, stragglers wondered off in a different path, hotel room etc. He explains the various site along our route to give us a better understanding of the local cultures. We had a great time, thanks to Jamal.

Trustpilot
Norma Sullivan  

Land of the Northern Lights 5 day tour of Iceland

10-Sep-2021

The Land of Northern Lights tour was a triumph! My tour of Southern Iceland was absolutely wonderful. The venues chosen, the timing allotted at each venue and the variety of things to experience was nearly perfect. Our guide, "Thor", was smart, amusing, full of history and anecdotal stories as well as being incredibly hospitable and helpful. This small group experience was my first, but not my last thanks to On the Go.

Trawls (Google Reviewer)  

On The Go Tours Sri...

05-Feb-2024

On The Go Tours Sri Lanka was an incredible experience that was made even better by our tour guide Akthar. He was incredibly knowledgeable about his country and he loved sharing it with us. The tour covers a wide range of activities so you can truly experience what Sri Lanka is all about. The beautiful 4-5 star hotels at the end of every day was an absolute bonus. Thanks for a great trip OTGT I’m sure this won’t be my last

Xtreme Floor Care (Google Reviewer)  

Traveled through Egypt with On...

30-Nov-2023

Traveled through Egypt with On the Go Tours, professional service, very informative and helpful tour guides. The choice of hotels was excellent... Definitely recommend this company

Gavin Harrigan  

King Tutankhamun 10 day tour of Egypt

16-Sep-2021

I have just returned from my tour with On The Go and it was an amazing trip! From arriving at the airport and meeting the OTG representative, everything was well organised and hassle free.  Our tour guide was Amir. He is awesome!! From the beginning he was so friendly and enthusiastic about showing us around Egypt, giving us loads of information at each place and time to explore ourselves. Learnt so much from him about this fascinating place, and he was always happy to answer more questions.   The trip itself was amazing. There's lots of travelling on this trip, but it's really not too bad, and the sights you see when you get to where you are going are worth it. I'm not a big fan of boats, but the Felluca ride across the Nile was pretty fun too.  On the first day I also did the optional tour of Cairo with Ahmed Helal - another excellent guide from OTG. It's worth doing this add on as you don't spend much time in Cairo, and you go to three very different places.  I'm so glad that I decided to do this trip. It was just ace.  If you're thinking about it too, you should probably just book it. And hopefully you get Amir as your guide.

Joyce Heitler (Google Reviewer)  

I would give this tour...

09-May-2024

I would give this tour group no stars if possible. The tour was not guaranteed but they did not inform me when I booked and they did not have enough people. Way after I booked they said I needed a doctors letter because I was over 70. Also way after booking I was informed I needed travel insurance. They knew my age when I booked. They would not refund my tour even though it was 4 months away.

Simla Patel (Google Reviewer)  

This company doesn’t deserve even...

26-Nov-2024

This company doesn’t deserve even 1 star. I would not recommend this company. There are hidden fees which means the cost of the holiday ends up being very expensive. We recently came back from our trip to China where it is not customary to tip in restaurants & hotel staff. Yet we had to make a payment upfront in cash to to the guide for more than £100. The hotel service was appalling. Just think £100 from each person. The trip was suppose to be a Tour yet we had to pay for all entrance fees. We complained about the poor condition of the hotels but no one responded to our emails to date. The after sales service is non existent. Do not use this company. Far far too expensive for what you get. Not competitive at all. They messed up our booking; repeatedly asked for the same information. We spent so much time correcting their errors. Very difficult to get hold of anyone because they all work in S Africa or New Zealand. Absolute nightmare

Sarah Paterson (Google Reviewer)  

Terrible tour of India. For...

27-Dec-2023

Terrible tour of India. For some reason On the Go hadn't realised that my room mate had booked her own room for the first night of tour. So the hotel in Delhi had tried to put me in her room after midnight, by wheeling in an extra bed. She went Crazy!! I then had to sit in hotel reception for hours. While the tour guide said he couldn't find me a room. Throughout the tour the guide consistently ask me and my room mate for money for my room, causing more friction between us. Don't book with this company had the worst experience ever. Go with Intrepid or G Adventure

brandy hoffman (Google Reviewer)  

I had used them once...

09-Aug-2023

I had used them once before and loved them. I decided to try them again for a Baltic tour not knowing that they put me on another Tour group- Baltic vision. Loved that tour but was not impressed they marked up the cost for me over 100%. I understand taking some for yourself because of paperwork, but over double the cost everyone else paid on the tour. Just double check before you book with them that you’re not over paying.

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Feb 22, 2026 - Mar 07, 2026
$7235

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Mar 08, 2026 - Mar 21, 2026
$7235

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Mar 22, 2026 - Apr 04, 2026
$7235

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 600 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

Not what you're looking for?

People that have booked this tour have also searched for the following:

Adventure tours in Australia Adventure tours Tours in Australia Wildlife tours 4WD tours Snorkeling tours Beach tours Cultural tours

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