Sydney to Cairns Explorer - 14 days Tour by On The Go Tours

14 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

16 peopleMaximum group size

18 - 80 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

Hunter Valley - See koalas, kangaroos and more at a wildlife park and enjoy a wine and cheese tour

Port Macquarie Koala Hospital - Tour the hospital to learn about the cuddly critters and the amazing centre’s conservation efforts

Byron Bay - Spend a free day unwinding in one of Australia's most famous beach locations and enjoy a First Nations experience

Fraser Island - Get the adrenalin pumping on a 4WD adventure, search for dingoes, enjoy a rainforest walk and opt to swim in a crystal clear lake

Airlie Beach - Unwind with free time to soak up some sun and explore this famous resort town

Whitsundays - Cruise around this stunning group of islands, stop at famous Whitehaven Beach and snorkel in the clear ocean

Atherton Tablelands - Take a dip under a plunging waterfall, see the crater Lake Eacham and admire the famous Curtain Fig Tree

Great Barrier Reef - Snorkel amongst the corals and tropical fish at one of the world's more famous and fragile natural wonders

Whitsundays - Cruise around this stunning group of islands, stop at famous Whitehaven Beach and snorkel in the clear ocean

Atherton Tablelands - Take a dip under a plunging waterfall, see the crater Lake Eacham and admire the famous Curtain Fig Tree

Great Barrier Reef - Snorkel amongst the corals and tropical fish at one of the world's more famous and fragile natural wonders

Itinerary

Experience the ultimate Aussie road trip with the 'Sydney to Cairns Explorer – 14 days.' This easy-paced sightseeing journey is perfect for experienced travelers and seniors eager to discover Australia’s legendary east coast—with everything from tropical reefs to rainforests and cosmopolitan cities.

Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, cruise the dazzling Whitsundays, and meet koalas up close. Sample wine, cheese, and chocolate in the Hunter Valley, catch waves or kayak at Byron Bay, and take an adrenaline-fueled 4WD adventure on Fraser Island. Relax on world-class beaches and venture into lush rainforests, spotting unique wildlife along the way.

Guided by local experts, with top-notch accommodation, meals, and seamless transport, this trip prioritizes comfort without sacrificing adventure. The unique selling point? The chance to explore Australia’s iconic coastline and natural wonders in one expertly curated tour package.

day 1 - Welcome to Australia!

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

Meals:1 Dinner

OverNight:Sydney

day 2 - Aussie wildlife, Hunter Valley & Newcastle

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.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Newcastle

day 3 - Port Macquarie koalas

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.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Port Macquarie

day 4 - Byron Bay

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.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Byron Bay

day 5 - Byron Bay free time

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.

OverNight:Byron Bay

day 6 - Noosa National Park

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.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Rainbow Beach

day 7 - K'Gari (Fraser island)

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.

Meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch

OverNight:Rainbow Beach

day 8 - Brisbane

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.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Brisbane

day 9 - Fly to Airlie Beach

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!

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Airlie Beach

day 10 - Whitsundays cruise

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.

Meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch

OverNight:Airlie Beach

day 11 - Mission Beach

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.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Mission Beach

day 12 - Atherton Tablelands

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.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Cairns

day 13 - Great Barrier Reef snorkelling

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.

Meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

OverNight:Cairns

day 14 - Cairns Farewell

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

Meals:1 Breakfast

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What's Included

Accommodation

13 nights 3-4 star hotels

Meals

12 breakfasts, 3 lunches & 2 dinners

Transport

All transportation in private, air-conditioned vehicles

Guide

Escorted by an expert local guide

Others

Economy class flight from Brisbane - Airlie BeachOrientation walking tours in Sydney, Newcastle & BrisbaneConservation Wildlife Park visitHunter Valley wine, cheese & chocolate tasting tourPort Macquarie Koala Hospital visitByron Bay First Nations experienceNoosa National Park visitFraser Island 4WD adventureWhitsundays Island day cruise with snorkellingAtherton Tablelands tourGreat Barrier Reef day cruise on a glass bottomed boat, including snorkellingNote: This tour is operated in conjunction with our trusted partner and you will join travellers from different operators, not solely On The Go.

What's Excluded

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