Sydney to Cairns – 14 Day Boutique Tour by Via Travel Australia

14 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

16 peopleMaximum group size

14 - 90 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Easy

Light physical activity suitable for most people with average fitness levels.

Starts

Sydney and NSW, Australia

Ends

Cairns, Australia

Highlights

Visit the gorgeous Whitsunday Islands and Whitehaven beach

Go on a 4WD adventure in K'gari (Fraser Island), the largest sand island in the world

Great Barrier Reef day cruise including snorkelling & glass bottom boat

First Nations (Gumbaynggirr) experience

Itinerary

Explore Australia’s legendary east coast at an unhurried pace with the “Sydney to Cairns – 14 Day Boutique Tour.” Designed for experienced travelers and seniors, this expansive trip takes you from Sydney’s dazzling harbor to the vibrant underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef. Savor the powdery sands of Whitehaven Beach, meet native wildlife like koalas, and discover hidden gems only locals know. The journey is punctuated with exceptional food and wine, ensuring every day is a delight for the senses. The unique selling point? A well-balanced blend of must-see highlights and insider experiences, all wrapped in boutique comfort and transparent value—making this tour package a truly memorable way to discover Australia’s coastal magic.

day 1 - Sydney

We start in Australia's Harbour City, the glittering jewel in the east coast's crown. Check into your room, freshen up, then meet your tour leader and new travel mates for a welcome meeting at 6pm. Then we are off for a great welcome dinner, and the chance to get to know your fellow travellers.

Included Activities

- Get to know your fellow travellers with a welcome meeting and dinner

Accommodation:4 Star Hotel at Holiday Inn Potts Point

Meals:Dinner

day 2 - Hunter Valley and Newcastle

We leave behind Sydney's skyscrapers and sidewalks for a wildlife park boasting an all-star cast of koalas, kangaroos, and more. We're in the heart of the Hunter Valley, so there's nothing better than to take a wine, cheese & chocolate tasting. We'll also visit the sunny port city of Newcastle, rounding off an eclectic day.

Included Activities

- Conservation Wildlife Park visit - Get close to many native / unique australian animals like kangaroos, emus and more

- Hunter Valley wine, cheese & chocolate tasting

- Newcastle orientation tour

Accommodation:4 Star Hotel at Lucky Hotel Newcastle

Meals:Breakfast

day 3 - Port Macquarie & The Koala Hospital

After breakfast, we’re off to Port Macquarie, where we’ll have a chance to meet the volunteers at a Port Macquarie Koala Hospital. If you're unable to tear yourself away from the cuddly critters, don’t worry – you’re not the first. Expect to come away with loads more knowledge about these often misunderstood creatures, & how by joining our tour, you are supporting this amazing centre's conservation efforts. Relax for the evening with a stroll along the foreshore & a free night for dinner. Enjoy the sounds of the local bird population and keep your eyes peeled for the local wild dolphins who frequent the area!

Included Activities

- Visit Port Macquarie Koala Hospital

- Foreshore walk and a chance to spot wild dolphins

Accommodation:4 Star Hotel at El Paso Motor Inn

Meals:Breakfast

day 4 - Niigi Niigi (Sealy Lookout) & Byron Bay

Take part in an immersive First Nations experience of the Gumbaynggirr nation, that will get you in touch with the traditional custodians of this land. Then we're headed to Byron Bay, a laid-back surf paradise with boundless coastline, sand and friendly locals. We'll pay a visit to Cape Byron, for a unique photo opportunity, and the chance for the eagle-eyed to spot dolphins, whales, and other marine life.

Included Activities

- Immersive Gumbaynggirr First Nations experience

- Visit to Cape Byron to see the famous local lighthouse, the most easterly point of Australia for a unique photo opportunity, and the chance for the eagle-eyed to spot dolphins, whales in season, and other marine life.

Accommodation:4 Star Hotel at Beachcomber Byron Bay

Meals:Breakfast

day 5 - Byron Bay

Today we're talking relaxation, relaxation, and relaxation. Spend the morning on the warm sand, shopping for bargains, or indulge in one of our optional activities: surfing or kayaking plus many activities like balloon rides, whale watching, brewery tours etc. The day is all yours – put your feet up, head to a cosy bar, or watch the world go by from one of the local cafes.

Included Activities

- Free day to relax, or enjoy optional activities: Surf lesson, kayak experience & more

Accommodation:4 Star Hotel at Beachcomber Byron Bay

day 6 - Noosa & Rainbow Beach

We're crossing into Queensland – the Sunshine State. Your first stop is laid-back Noosa, and Noosa National Park where you will have the chance to spot koalas and other Aussie critters. We continue further up the Sunshine Coast to our base for the next 2 nights, it's time to relax and soak up the atmosphere of the vibrant Rainbow Beach.

Included Activities

- Noosa National Park & the chance to spot koalas in the wild

- Noosa orientation including Noosa Main Beach and Hastings Street

Accommodation:Rainbow Getaway Apartments Other

Meals:Breakfast

day 7 - K’Gari (Fraser Island)

Ready, steady, go, for a once-in-a-lifetime 4WD K’Gari adventure today. Once known as Fraser Island, the destination has been returned to its original name K’gari. K’gari is the local Butchulla nation’s name for the island, meaning ‘paradise’ – you’ll find out why soon enough.

You'll never want to leave, as we explore the largest sand island in the world, kick back at some of Queensland's most renowned lookouts, take a walk on the wild side in a lush rainforest, dive into Boorangoora (Lake McKenzie) a crystal-clear lake, see the famous S.S Maheno shipwreck and course go dingo-spotting along the golden 75 Mile Beach. The fun needn't stop there; after the tour feel free to enjoy Carlo Sand Blow and Rainbow Beach, or put your feet up in your accommodation.

Included Activities

- Once-in-a-lifetime 4WD bus adventure to K’Gari (Fraser Island).

Accommodation:Rainbow Getaway Apartments Other

Meals:Breakfast, Lunch

day 8 - Brisbane

It’s Bris-vegas baby! We’re off to Queensland’s capital, Brisbane, soon to be home of the summer Olympics. Laidback, sunny, optimistic, buzzing – in many ways it’s the quintessential Aussie city. See for yourself how wonderful Brisbane is with a walk (or ferry ride) along the aptly named Brisbane river and its surrounds.

Included Activities

- Orientation tour

Accommodation:4 Star Hotel at The Point Hotel Brisbane

Meals:Breakfast

day 9 - Brisbane to Airlie Beach

Airport time! It’s up, up, and away, as we take the plane to Airlie beach, the jewel in the magnificent Whitsundays crown. It’s another choose-your-own-adventure day: take a stroll through the town, find a cool little bar, or explore the local swimming hole, the choice is yours.

Included Activities

- Free afternoon & evening to explore Airlie Beach

- Domestic Flight to the Whitsunday Coast

Accommodation:Mantra Club Croc Other

Meals:Breakfast

day 10 - Airlie Beach and Whitsunday Islands

After breakfast, we're taking a day cruise through the postcard-perfect islands of the Whitsundays, including a stop at the famed Whitehaven beach. Words can't do justice to the dazzling white sands, azure waters, and densely verdant vegetation of this incredible corner of the world (so we won’t try!). Get a closer look by snorkelling with colourful coral, and an array of playful fish and maybe even some turtles. Afterwards, it's your chance to relax or seek out the town's best food and drink options.

Included Activities

- Whitsundays Islands day cruise including snorkelling, Whitehaven beach visit, Hill Inlet walk and lunch

Accommodation:Mantra Club Croc Other

Meals:Breakfast, Lunch

day 11 - Mission Beach

A change of scenery today as we head through undulating cane fields to picturesque Mission Beach. This afternoon, kick back and enjoy. This is your chance to catch up on some reading, or just sit by the pool with a cold drink and enjoy this tropical paradise. We may be even lucky enough to spot some cassowary in the wild!

Included Activities

- Scenic drive along the Bruce Highway

Accommodation:Mission Beach Resort Other

Meals:Breakfast

day 12 - Cairns via the Atherton Tablelands

Enjoy breakfast before we travel into the wet tropics of Far North Queensland. We'll discover a magnificent plunge waterfall nestled in dense tropical rainforest en-route to the Atherton Tablelands. Take a dip in the cool water before we head to Lake Eacham, a crater lake with crystal-clear water, and visit the massive ‘Curtain Fig Tree’. We'll finish the day in Cairns, one of Australia's most vibrant, tropical and energetic cities.

Included Activities

- Scenic Atherton tablelands tour including a volcanic crater lake, stunning waterfalls and a chance to spot wild platypus

Accommodation:4 Star Hotel at Flynn Hotel Cairns

Meals:Breakfast

day 13 - Snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef

It’s one of the highlights of any trip to Australia: the Great Barrier Reef. Today, we will take a cruise to the famed reef, where we’ll go snorkelling to see incredible marine life. Learn about this special reef with conservation commentary, onboard a fantastic catamaran. This is the big one, so get the camera ready! After a great day at one of the seven natural wonders of the world (and the only one seen from space), join us for a farewell dinner to share stories of our adventures together!

Included Activities

- Great Barrier Reef day cruise including snorkelling, glass bottom boat and buffet lunch

- Optional Activity – Scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef

Accommodation:4 Star Hotel at Flynn Hotel Cairns

Meals:Breakfast, Lunch

day 14 - Cairns

Your tour ends after breakfast. Time to say farewell to your travel buddies after a great trip together

Meals:Breakfast

Get Trip Brochure & Exclusive Discount

Download a detailed PDF brochure and unlock an exclusive discount for this tour

What's Included

Great Barrier Reef day cruise including snorkelling & glass bottom boatWhitsunday Islands & Whitehaven beach day trip & snorkellingK'gari (Fraser Island) 4WD Experience - the largest sand island in the worldHunter Valley wine, cheese, chocolate tastingsConservation Wildlife Park visit - Get close to many native / unique australian animals like kangaroos, emus, wombats and moreGumbaynggirr First nations experienceKoala Hospital visit in Port MacquarieEnjoy the wonderful Byron Bay and it’s famous Cape Byron LighthouseAtherton tablelands tour – Volcanic crater lake, stunning waterfalls and a chance to spot wild platypusSmall Group Tour (Max 16 Guests)All transport (Private buses, transfers, domestic flight & boat trips)All accommodation (boutique locally owned hotels/resorts)Friendly & experienced local guide12 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 1 dinners

Optional Add-ons Available during check-out

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

This tour has not received any customer reviews yet. However, you can expect a good tour as it is run by a trusted travel specialist who has received 2 reviews for other tours with an average 5.0rating.

Tour Availability

Select your preferred departure date and secure your spot

Loading availability...

Good to Know

Cancellation

Payment

Travel Insurance

Other Practical Information

Do you need help from our trip consultants?

If you have any question about this tour or need help with planning a trip, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.

Our travel experts are ready to help.

Why Book with Bookmundi

Earn USD 196+ in travel credits.

Best price guaranteed.

No credit card or booking fees.

100% financial protection.Bookmundi is a member of the Danish Travel Fund which guarantees for any payment made via us. Our guarantee covers all travelers, irrespective of nationality.

Carbon neutral tours.Algorithms and machine learning enables Bookmundi to calculate the carbon footprint for each tour. We then subsequently offset carbon emissions for all tour bookings on Bookmundi via investments in carbon reduction projects to help combat climate change.

25,000+ trip reviews, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5.

What are customers saying about Bookmundi

4.66/5

Excellent based on 805 customer reviews from

Karen

Excellent booking process. Easy to do online - simple and straightforward plus the 1 query I did have was quicckly solved due to customer service being on hand to help

9 hours ago

Europe

Asia

South America

Africa

North America

Oceania

Polar

Food, wine, events and nightlife

Adventure and sport

Wildlife, landscapes and nature

Boat tours, water sports and marine wildlife

Sightseeing, attractions, culture and history

Air tours, road trips and transfers

Beach, romance, getaways and relaxation

Special interests and hobbies

Hi there

Highlights