Itinerary
- Day 1
Sydney to Hunter Valley - Cessnock
Hotel pickup at 9am gets you to The Rocks, where an Aboriginal guide walks you through the historic area and shares the Gadigal people's connection to this part of Sydney. After grabbing lunch, you'll head north into Hunter Valley for a wine tasting with a sommelier learning about the region's vineyards. By evening you'll settle into Cessnock, and there's an optional welcome dinner if you want to meet other travelers.
Included Activities
- The Rocks Dreaming Walking Tour with Aboriginal Guide
- Hunter Valley Winery Visit & Wine Tasting
Optional Activities
- Welcome dinner in Cessnock
Landmarks The Rocks Sydney Harbour Bridge Hicksons Reserve Campbells Cove - Day 2
Cessnock to Port Macquarie
This morning you travel north on the scenic coastal route with a stop at Crowdy Bay National Park. The hike through Diamond Head takes you past heath and paperbark forests where you might spot whales, dolphins, or kangaroos. From there it's on to Port Macquarie for the night.
Included Activities
- Crowdy Bay National Park - Diamond Head Hike
Landmarks Crowdy Bay National Park Diamond Head - Day 3
Port Macquarie - Dorrigo National Park - Coffs Harbour
Start the day at Port Macquarie's Koala Hospital to learn about their rehabilitation work. Then drive to Bellingen for lunch and some free time before heading via the scenic Waterfall Way to Dorrigo National Park. You can either take the Skywalk or walk through the ancient rainforest and see plants and animals that haven't changed much since Gondwanaland.
Included Activities
- Port Macquarie - Koala Hospital guided tour
- Dorrigo National Park - Short Hike
- Dorrigo National Park - Rainforest Centre & Skywalk
Optional Activities
- Lunch in Bellingen
Landmarks Koala Hospital Dorrigo National Park Waterfall Way - Day 4
Coffs Harbour to Byron Bay
A Gumbaynggirr First Nations guide leads you on a walking tour of Red Rock, sharing their culture and connection to the land. Later you'll walk along The Solitary Island Marine Park Waterways, then head to Yamba for lunch. Before finishing the day, stop at Byron Bay Lighthouse for photos and a chance to see dolphins, whales, and other marine life.
Included Activities
- Coffs Harbour - Red Rock Gumbaynggirr First Nations experience
- Byron Bay - Lighthouse Walk
Optional Activities
- Lunch in Yamba
Landmarks Red Rock The Solitary Island Marine Park Byron Bay Lighthouse - Day 5
Byron Bay
Today is yours to shape in Byron Bay. Rise early to catch the sunrise from Australia's easternmost point, or sleep in and take it slow. You could try a beginner's surf lesson, take a guided sea kayaking tour through the marine park spotting dolphins and turtles, explore quirky local cafes, or just relax on the beach. Later, head to one of the local pubs or bars to wind down.
Optional Activities
- Sunrise viewing from Australia's most easterly point
- Beginner's surf lesson
- Guided sea kayaking tour of Byron Bay Marine Park
- Beach relaxation
- Evening drinks at local pubs or bars
Landmarks Byron Bay Byron Bay Marine Park - Day 6
Byron Bay to Gold Coast to Brisbane
Start with breakfast at The Farm, a working farm with micro-businesses where you can also grab lunch supplies. Next, head to Springbrook National Park for a short walk to see the Natural Bridge rock arch, formed by waterfall force over a basalt cave. Stop at Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast for some beach time, then continue to Brisbane for the night.
Included Activities
- Byron Bay - The Farm visit
- Springbrook National Park - Natural Bridge
Optional Activities
- Breakfast at The Farm
- Beach time at Surfers Paradise
Landmarks The Farm Springbrook National Park Natural Bridge Surfers Paradise - Day 7
Brisbane to Noosa to Hervey Bay
At 10am there's a welcome meeting to connect with your new group. Then you drive to Noosa Heads, a serene coastal town where you can grab lunch, relax on the beach, or shop at boutique stores. If you're interested, part of the Noosa Coastal Walk is optional and gives you chances to spot local plants and animals. Later you'll continue to coastal Hervey Bay for the night.
Optional Activities
- Lunch in Noosa Heads
- Beach relaxation in Noosa Heads
- Shopping in Noosa Heads boutique shops
- Partial Noosa Coastal Walk
Landmarks Noosa Heads Noosa Coastal Walk - Day 8
K'gari (Fraser Island)
After breakfast, take the ferry to K'gari, the Butchulla people's 'paradise'. The drive along 75 Mile Beach Road is one of the country's best coastal drives. You'll swim in the turquoise waters of Boorangoora (Lake McKenzie) with its 92% pure silica sand, refresh at Eli Creek, check out the Maheno shipwreck, and explore the coloured sands of the pinnacles. There's time to search for dingoes across the dunes and golden beaches before heading back to Hervey Bay in the evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- K'gari - Full day tour
Landmarks K'gari (Fraser Island) 75 Mile Beach Road Boorangoora (Lake McKenzie) Eli Creek Maheno shipwreck 
- Day 9
Hervey Bay to Proserpine (Overnight Train)
You have a free day in Hervey Bay, one of the world's best spots for watching humpback whales during migration season. Optionally go whale watching, cycle along the foreshore, stroll by the water, kayak, or relax on one of the beaches. Before boarding the 'Spirit of Queensland' overnight train from Maryborough West to Proserpine, pick up any snacks you'll need.
Optional Activities
- Whale watching (Jul-Oct) - AUD130
- Bike rental and cycling along foreshore
- Leisurely stroll along water's edge
- Kayaking
- Beach time
Landmarks Hervey Bay - Day 10
Airlie Beach
Your new trip leader meets you at Proserpine train station early this morning. There's an optional breakfast and coffee at a local cafe in Airlie Beach afterward. Spend your free day in this tropical coastal hub with palm trees, beer gardens, trendy cafes, and a lagoon. Swim at local spots or relax at a bar watching the water sparkle. An optional group dinner lets you get to know your new leader.
Optional Activities
- Optional breakfast and coffee at local café
- Exploring Airlie Beach
- Swimming at local spots
- Relaxation at bars
- Optional group dinner
Landmarks Airlie Beach - Day 11
Whitsunday Islands - Whitehaven Beach
You'll head out on a full-day Whitsunday Islands tour to Whitehaven Beach in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. Start with a walk to Hill Inlet Lookout for sweeping ocean views. Snorkel at secret spots to see coral reefs, colorful fish, turtles, and clams. Lunch is included, then you'll have time to relax on the 7km stretch of white sand beach. Return to Airlie Beach and enjoy a cocktail at a local bar while watching the sunset.
- Meals
- Lunch
Included Activities
- Airlie Beach - Full day Whitsunday Islands & Whitehaven Beach Tour with Snorkelling
Optional Activities
- Evening cocktails at local bars
Landmarks Whitehaven Beach Hill Inlet Lookout Great Barrier Reef Whitsunday Islands 
- Day 12
Airlie Beach to Townsville - Paluma Range - Lucinda
This is a long travel day with scenic stops to stretch your legs. Visit Townsville's Castle Hill lookout for beautiful views of the town and ocean. You'll have free time for lunch and to relax by the water. Then continue to Big Crystal Creek in Paluma Range National Park to stroll, swim, or relax among local birdlife. The day ends in Lucinda for the night.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Townsville - Castle Hill Lookout
- Paluma Range National Park - Crystal Creek
Optional Activities
- Lunch in Townsville
- Swimming or relaxation at Big Crystal Creek
Landmarks Castle Hill Paluma Range National Park Big Crystal Creek - Day 13
Mungalla Station to Mission Beach
After breakfast, visit Mungalla Station to meet the Nywaigi people, the Traditional Owners of this land. An exhibition in the historic homestead teaches you about their culture, history, and conflicts with European settlers. You'll explore Mungalla wetlands searching for aquatic birdlife. Drive to Mission Beach, a small coastal town with expansive palm-lined beaches. Stop in Tully to stretch your legs and ask your leader for local tips.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Mungalla Station - Nywaigi First Nations Guided Tour
Optional Activities
- Exploring Mungalla wetlands for birdlife
- Stop in Tully
Landmarks Mungalla Station Mungalla wetlands Mission Beach - Day 14
Mission Beach to Atherton Tablelands to Cairns
After breakfast, drive to Millaa Millaa Falls for a nature walk and refreshing swim in the cascades. Stop for lunch at a local cafe in Yungaburra. Walk the Curtain Fig boardwalk to see the iconic tree with aerial roots dropping 15m, forming a natural 'curtain'. Visit Lake Eacham, an old volcano home to Australia's largest python, for swimming (watch for freshwater crocodiles). By evening you'll drive to Cairns and attend a 6pm Welcome Meeting to meet new group members.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Atherton Tablelands - Tolga Bat Hospital
Optional Activities
- Millaa Millaa Falls nature walk and swimming
- Lunch at Yungaburra
- Curtain Fig boardwalk
- Lake Eacham swimming
Landmarks Millaa Millaa Falls Curtain Fig Lake Eacham Tolga Bat Hospital - Day 15
Cairns
After breakfast, go on a First Nations-guided eco-tour of Mandingal Bay. Traditional Owners teach you about Country as mountains give way to rainforests and vast wetlands filled with local birdlife. You'll walk to Hills Creek where sea meets fresh water for a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony. A rainforest trail lets you discover ancient Aboriginal traditions, customs, and artefacts. The free afternoon gives you time to grab lunch, visit a local art gallery, check out the aquarium, or soak up sun on the promenade.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Cairns - Mandingalbay First Nations tour
Optional Activities
- Lunch in Cairns
- Art gallery visit - Free
- Aquarium visit
- Promenade time
Landmarks Mandingal Bay Hills Creek - Day 16
Kuranda to Mareeba
Enjoy breakfast then drive to Kuranda, perched atop a mountain. Visit Barron Falls lookout for the best photo spots, then explore this charming rainforest town at your own pace. Browse the famous Kuranda Markets or dine at one of the many restaurants and cafes with outdoor seating. Stop at Tolga Bat Hospital, Australia's largest bat rehabilitation facility, to learn about their research and community education work. Tonight, head to Mareeba Wetlands for sunset wildlife spotting with Forever Wild, an organisation focused on climate and biodiversity solutions.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Barron Gorge National Park - Din Din Barron Falls lookout
- Kuranda - Kuranda Markets
- Atherton Tablelands - Tolga Bat Hospital
- Mareeba Wetlands - Forever Wild sunset wildlife experience
Optional Activities
- Dining at Kuranda restaurants and cafes
Landmarks Kuranda Barron Falls Kuranda Markets Tolga Bat Hospital Mareeba Wetlands 
- Day 17
Mareeba - Mossman Gorge - Daintree Rainforest - Cape Tribulation
Head to Mossman Gorge for a refreshing morning swim and nature walk. Continue to two UNESCO World Heritage areas: Cape Tribulation and Daintree Rainforest, over 135 million years old and the world's oldest rainforest. Take another nature walk immersed in rainforest sounds and smells while spotting local birdlife. Spend the afternoon exploring the area or relaxing at your accommodation.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Daintree National Park - Mossman Gorge
- Daintree National Park - Nature Walk
Optional Activities
- Afternoon exploration or relaxation
Landmarks Mossman Gorge Daintree National Park Daintree Rainforest Cape Tribulation 
- Day 18
Great Barrier Reef - Cape Tribulation
After breakfast, head out on an early morning Great Barrier Reef tour where you'll swim with turtles and snorkel in pristine waters off the Daintree Coast at two different locations. The rest of the day is free to relax on the beach, swim, hike, or find a good spot to people-watch. This nature-lover's paradise offers plenty of laid-back options.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Great Barrier Reef - Half Day Cruise & Snorkelling Experience
Optional Activities
- Beach relaxation
- Swimming
- Hiking
- People-watching
Landmarks Great Barrier Reef Daintree Coast - Day 19
Daintree Rainforest - Palm Cove - Cairns
Visit Kulki Lookout and stroll the boardwalk for views of Cape Tribulation and steep rainforest-covered slopes meeting sandy beaches. Explore another scenic boardwalk through dense lowland forests and mangrove-lined creeks. Stop at Mason's Swimming Hole for a tropical swim among lush flora with friendly fish and turtles, where you'll have lunch. Continue to Cairns via the idyllic Palm Cove, arriving around 5pm to end your trip. If you'd like, extend your stay and explore Cairns further.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (At Mason's Swimming Hole)
Included Activities
- Cape Tribulation - Kulki walk & lookout
- Cape Tribulation - Mason's Swimming Hole
Optional Activities
- Exploring Palm Cove
Landmarks Kulki Lookout Cape Tribulation Mason's Swimming Hole Palm Cove
