East Coast Encompassed - 16 days

Our journey begins in Australia's Harbour City, renowned for its stunning beauty and prominence on the east coast. After settling into your room, join our tour leader and fellow travellers for a welcome meeting in the foyer at the starting point hotel and an orientation walk at 6pm. Following that, we will indulge in a delightful welcome dinner, so you can get to know the group. After dinner, the evening is yours to spend how you wish.

Meeting point: Holiday Inn Potts Point,

203 Victoria St, Potts Point, Sydney, New South Wales

Sydney - Newcastle. We depart Sydney and venture into a wildlife park in the heart of the Hunter Valley. This park is home to a variety of native animals, including koalas, kangaroos, and more. During our visit, we will be accompanied by our own personal wildlife ranger who will guide us through the park.

After our exciting wildlife encounter, we have the perfect opportunity to indulge in a wine, cheese, and chocolate tasting tour in the Hunter Valley. This area is known for its exquisite wines, delicious cheeses, and mouth-watering chocolates, making for a truly delightful experience.

We then complete our journey to Newcastle, where we enjoy a brief orientation tour of this vibrant and sunny port city. The evening is at leisure.

Newcastle - Port Macquarie. After breakfast, we drive to Port Macquarie, where we visit a local koala hospital and meet the dedicated volunteers and their cuddly patients. During our visit, you will come face to face with rescued and rehabilitated koalas and will learn all about these endangered creatures. By visiting the centre, you are directly helping to support the conservation of this Australian emblem.

The evening is yours to relax and take a leisurely stroll along the foreshore in Port Macquarie. As you walk along, listen to the beautiful sounds of the local bird population and keep an eye out for the wild dolphins that frequent the area.

Port Macquarie - Byron Bay. On the morning of day 4, join us in a captivating experience with the Gumbaynggirr nation to learn about their rich First Nations culture. This immersive encounter will allow you to connect with the traditional custodians of this land.

It's then time to make our way to Byron Bay, known for its laid-back surfer vibes and endless stretches of picturesque coastline. We enjoy an included visit to Cape Byron, offering one-of-a-kind photo opportunities. Keep your eyes peeled as you might spot dolphins, whales, and other marine creatures.

The rest of day 4 and all of day 5 are completely free for you to unwind in Byron Bay. You could hit the beach, book a surf lesson, go kayaking or simply kick back with a book and a coffee in one of the beachfront cafes.

Byron Bay - Noosa - Rainbow Beach. Today we cross into Queensland and make our way to Noosa National Park. Here you will have the chance to spot koalas and other native Australian animals, as well as taking in the stunning scenery. Arriving in Rainbow Beach, the evening is free. Why not head out for a stroll along the beach?

Rainbow Beach - Fraser Island - Rainbow Beach. Experience the thrill of a lifetime on an unforgettable 4WD K'Gari adventure today. Formerly known as Fraser Island, this destination has been recently renamed K'gari, reflecting its original Butchulla name meaning "paradise". We will enjoy a 4WD safari across the largest sand island in the world, where you will have the opportunity to relax and admire the breathtaking scenery from some of Queensland's most renowned lookouts. Immerse yourself in the beauty of a lush rainforest, take a refreshing dip in a crystal-clear lake, and embark on a thrilling dingo-discovery adventure along golden beaches.

After a day of discovery on Fraser Island, we make our way back to Rainbow Beach. The evening is free to chill out in the hotel or head out to explore.

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 laid-back 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 arrive in Cairns, where we are spending the night.

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.

Cairns - Kuranda - Port Douglas. Departing Cairns, we journey first to Kuranda. Here we enjoy an included ride on the Skyrail gondola, which passes over the world's oldest living tropical rainforest. Soak up the magnificent view over this ancient forest, teeming with life. Next, we continue north to the serene town of Port Douglas, renowned for its captivating sunsets and leisurely atmosphere. The evening is free to head out for dinner and a couple of sundowners.

Enjoy a lie in, rise early for a morning jog or grab a fresh coffee from one of Port Douglas' many local brewers - the first part of the day is at leisure.

In the afternoon, an included visit to Mossman Gorge offers an unforgettable opportunity to explore the ancient Daintree Rainforest on a scenic walk. Afterwards, immerse yourself in the fascinating culture, delectable cuisine, and unique customs of the Kuku Yalanji First Nations with an incredible and educational cultural experience.

Today, we delve deeper into the tropical World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation. After a short ferry crossing, we’ll explore the ancient rainforest on foot, learning about its unique ecosystem and meeting the local family who once hosted David Attenborough’s documentary crew. Keep an eye out for cassowaries, rare birds, and other fascinating wildlife as you wander through this wonderland.

In the afternoon, embark on an eco-friendly cruise along the Daintree River (Julaymba) aboard the Solar Whisper, a quiet, solar-powered boat. This immersive wildlife experience offers the chance to spot crocodiles, birds, snakes, frogs, and more, with the help of your expert guide and the innovative “CROC CAM” technology.

As the day winds down, enjoy a scenic coastal drive back to Cairns, where your tour concludes upon arrival at approximately 6 pm.

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

Your tour finishes on arrival at the Flynn Hotel at approximately 6:00 pm. Please avoid booking any onward flights from Cairns any earlier than 8pm or contact us to book post-tour accommodation.