Sydney to Cairns Explorer - 14 days
Sydney to Cairns Explorer - 14 days
Sydney to Cairns Explorer - 14 days
14 Days Starting in Sydney and ending in Cairns
Visiting: Sydney, Newcastle, Port Macquarie, Byron Bay, Noosa Shire, K'gari, Brisbane, Airlie Beach, Mission Beach, Cairns
Tour operator:
Group size:
2 - 16
Age range:
Min:18 / Max:88
Trip Styles:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey from Sydney to Cairns, where you'll snorkel along the Great Barrier Reef, cruise the Whitsundays and see cuddly koalas up close. In the Hunter Valley, indulge in wine, cheese & chocolate tasting, hit the beach at Byron Bay and take an adrenalin-fuelled 4WD drive on Fraser Island. Opt for surfing or kayaking, relax on vibrant beaches, and venture into lush rainforests to spot wildlife. Dive into crystal-clear lakes and soak up the beauty of the Australian coastline.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Sydney
Location: Sydney
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.
Day 2: Newcastle
Location: Newcastle
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
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
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
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 Shire
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: K'gari
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
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
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: Airlie Beach
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
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
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 13: Cairns
Location: Cairns
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mission Beach - Cairns. 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!
Day 14: Cairns
Location: Cairns
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our tour concludes at Cairns, marking the end of an unforgettable voyage with your fellow tourists.
What's Included
-
Accommodation
3-4 star hotels -
12 breakfasts, 3 lunches & 2 dinners
-
13 nights 3-4 star hotels
-
Escorted by an expert local guide
-
All transportation in private, air-conditioned vehicles
-
Economy class flight from Brisbane - Airlie Beach
-
Orientation walking tours in Sydney, Newcastle & Brisbane
-
Conservation Wildlife Park visit
-
Hunter Valley wine, cheese & chocolate tasting tour
-
Port Macquarie Koala Hospital visit
-
Noosa National Park visit
What's Not Included
-
International flights and visas
-
Airport transfers
-
Additional meals and drinks unless specified
-
Tipping - an entirely personal gesture
-
Optional activities & additional attractions unless specified above
Check out our Q&As
-
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
1 Select your preferred date
2024 Nov
2024 Dec
2024 Jan
2025 Feb
2025 Mar
2025 Apr
2025 May
2025 Jun
2025 Jul
2025 Aug
2025 Sep
2025 Oct
2025 Nov
2025 Dec
2025 Jan
2026 Feb
2026 Mar
2026
Sunday - Saturday
Oct 06, 2024 - Oct 19, 2024Sunday - Saturday
Nov 03, 2024 - Nov 16, 2024Sunday - Saturday
Nov 17, 2024 - Nov 30, 2024Sunday - Saturday
Dec 29, 2024 - Jan 11, 2025Sunday - Saturday
Jan 26, 2025 - Feb 08, 2025Sunday - Saturday
Feb 09, 2025 - Feb 22, 2025Sunday - Saturday
Feb 23, 2025 - Mar 08, 2025Sunday - Saturday
Mar 02, 2025 - Mar 15, 2025Sunday - Saturday
Mar 30, 2025 - Apr 12, 2025Sunday - Saturday
Apr 20, 2025 - May 03, 2025Sunday - Saturday
May 18, 2025 - May 31, 2025Sunday - Saturday
Jun 15, 2025 - Jun 28, 2025Sunday - Saturday
Jul 13, 2025 - Jul 26, 2025Sunday - Saturday
Aug 10, 2025 - Aug 23, 2025Sunday - Saturday
Sep 07, 2025 - Sep 20, 2025Sunday - Saturday
Sep 21, 2025 - Oct 04, 2025Sunday - Saturday
Oct 05, 2025 - Oct 18, 2025Sunday - Saturday
Oct 19, 2025 - Nov 01, 2025Sunday - Saturday
Nov 02, 2025 - Nov 15, 2025Sunday - Saturday
Nov 16, 2025 - Nov 29, 2025Sunday - Saturday
Nov 30, 2025 - Dec 13, 2025Sunday - Saturday
Dec 14, 2025 - Dec 27, 2025Sunday - Saturday
Dec 21, 2025 - Jan 03, 2026Sunday - Saturday
Dec 28, 2025 - Jan 10, 2026Sunday - Saturday
Jan 11, 2026 - Jan 24, 2026Sunday - Saturday
Jan 25, 2026 - Feb 07, 2026Sunday - Saturday
Feb 08, 2026 - Feb 21, 2026Sunday - Saturday
Feb 22, 2026 - Mar 07, 2026Sunday - Saturday
Mar 08, 2026 - Mar 21, 2026Sunday - Saturday
Mar 22, 2026 - Apr 04, 2026Book with Confidence
-
Transfer as credit to Future Tours
On The Go Tours allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform on the go tours, 60 days before departure.
-
Low Deposit
On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 500 GBP 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.