EAST COAST ENCOMPASSED–SYDNEY TO CAIRNS

Overview

Rugged landscapes, crashing surf, and Indigenous culture stretching back through time and beyond – Australia’s East Coast possesses a truly otherworldly allure. This trip offers you a comprehensive, authentic, and wholly affordable experience in one of the country’s most popular regions. Raw thrills and refined pleasures abound out here. In the space of a few days, you’ll sample wines in the Hunter Valley, snorkel the Whitsundays, and catch a few waves. When people back home ask what you did on your trip, just tell ‘em: “Everything.”

Itinerary
Day 1 Sydney
Arrive at any time.

There are no planned activities during the day, so check into the hotel and explore the city.

If you arrive early enough, head down to the harbor’s edge to ‘The Rocks’ historic area and the Opera House.

Want to start your Down Under adventure with an adrenaline rush? Add the ‘Sydney Adrenaline Bundle’ or ‘Sydney Bridge Climb’ extra to your tour. Get an incredible view of the iconic Sydney Harbour from the top of the Harbour Bridge, then zip through the waterways on a jet boat ride if you book the ‘Adrenaline Bundle’. PLEASE NOTE: If booking either of these extras, a pre-night in Sydney is highly recommended as the Bridge Climb starts early in the morning on Day 1.

Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting 1h19:00
The adventure begins tonight. Feel free to explore before your welcome meeting, but make sure you’re back in time to meet the group. After introductions, your CEO will review the details of your tour. Please note that normal check-in times apply at our start hotels, but you can usually store your luggage for the day if you arrive early.

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Optional Activities – Day 1
Accommodation
Base Sydney (or similar)Hostel
Day 2Sydney
Enjoy a free day to explore Sydney. Opt to climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge, hop on a jet boat ride through the harbor, or chill out at Bondi Beach.

Orientation Walk 30m-1h
Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.

Free Time Sydney Full Day
There are lots to do and see in Sydney – make the most of a free day to explore.

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Optional Activities – Day 2
Accommodation
Base Sydney (or similar)Hostel
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 3Sydney/Tamworth
Travel to the Hunter Valley for a wine tasting before continuing on to Tamworth for a taste of Australian country living.

Due to operational reasons, tours that are scheduled to visit Tamworth between January 23-27, 2018 will be rerouted to Coffs Harbour for the night.

Private Vehicle Sydney – Hunter valley2h-3h170km
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Hands-On: Wine Tour
Drive to the famous wine region of Hunter Valley for an included wine tasting. Sample some reds and whites, and find a new favorite (the area is known for its Semillon and Shiraz). Learn about the history of wine-making in the oldest wine region in Australia.

Private Vehicle Hunter valley – Tamworth3h-4h240km
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Accommodation
Tamworth YHA (or similar)Hostel
Meals included: Breakfast | Dinner
Day 4Tamworth/Yamba
Travel over the Great Dividing Range to Yamba, a quaint beach town. Go for a swim at the beach, relax, and enjoy the view.

Continue north, visiting Raspberry Lookout and Boundary Falls in Gibraltar National Park en route. Once in Yamba, head to the beach for a swim.

Private Vehicle Tamworth – Yamba4h30m-5h30m360km
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

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Optional Activities – Day 4
Swimming
Grab your bathing suit and go for a refreshing swim.

Accommodation
Pacific Hotel (or similar)Lodge
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 5Yamba/Byron Bay
Continue up the coast to Byron Bay, an alternative hippie paradise. Hit the beach and enjoy an included surf lesson.

After breakfast, travel the coastal road to the stunning surf and arts town of Byron Bay. Enjoy plenty of free time to experience the hippie surfing town. Options abound — walk to the lighthouse (located on Australia’s most easterly point) for a chance to see whales swimming offshore or hang ten with the locals after an included surfing lesson.

Private Vehicle Yamba – Byron Bay2h128km
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Hands-On: Surfing Lesson
Hit the beach and get ready to hang ten with a surf lesson from trained surf instructors. Spend some time in the water getting friendly with the waves, practice paddling, then pop up to balance on the wider, softer beginner boards. Too easy.

Accommodation
Arts Factory (or similar)Hostel
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 6Byron Bay
Enjoy free time to hit the beach, get a massage, or try sea kayaking.

The free time is yours to explore. Walk along the long stunning beach, play in the surf, or simply hang out at the Byron Bay Brewery and people watch. Want to get your adrenaline pumping? Go skydiving, try sea kayaking, or go on a dolphin watch.

Carte BlancheByron Bay Full Day
There’s plenty to see and do in Byron Bay, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like sea kayaking, yoga, and skydiving. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!

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Optional Activities – Day 6
Accommodation
Arts Factory (or similar)Hostel
Day 7Byron Bay/Brisbane
Travel north, and opt for a night out in Queensland’s capital.

Stop along the way to Brisbane for a quick break at one of the many surf spots such as the Gold Coast.

Private Vehicle Byron Bay – Brisbane4h288km
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

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Optional Activities – Day 7
Optional Welcome Meeting for Travellers on Combos
You may be a seasoned pro at group travel by now, but there will likely be some new travellers joining the group. Sit in on the welcome meeting to meet the newest members of your group and learn about the next leg of your tour.

Accommodation
Base Brisbane Uptown (or similar)Hostel
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 8Brisbane/Noosa Everglades
Head north to Noosa, and enjoy a free afternoon for surfing or strolling the boardwalk to Noosa National Park, where koala sightings are common.

Private Vehicle Brisbane – Noosa2h135km
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Free Time Noosa Afternoon
Hit the beach, visit the national park, or rent a surfboard to hang ten like the locals!

Noosa Everglades Overnight Excursion Noosa Everglades
Enjoy a two-night stay at the edge of the stunning Noosa Everglades, one of only two everglade systems in the world. Take it easy and relax around the lake, or opt for a nature boat tour, canoe excursion, or hike one of the nearby trails.

Accommodation
Noosa Everglades (or similar)Campground
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 9Fraser Island/Noosa Everglades
Travel by private 4×4 and ferry to reach Fraser Island, the world’s largest sand island. Walk through the rainforest, visit Lake Mackenzie, and drive along Australia’s only sand highway.

22-seat 4×4 truck Noosa Everglades – Rainbow Beach
Roads? Where this rough-and-ready vehicle’s going, we don’t need roads.

Ferry Rainbow Beach – Fraser Island
Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.

4×4 Excursion Fraser Island
Embark on a private 4×4 excursion taking in the highlights of this amazing island including Eli Creek and Maheno Shipwreck.

Ferry Fraser Island – Rainbow Beach
Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.

22-seat 4×4 truck Rainbow Beach – Noosa Everglades
Roads? Where this rough-and-ready vehicle’s going, we don’t need roads.

Noosa Everglades Overnight Excursion Noosa Everglades
Enjoy a two-night stay at the edge of the stunning Noosa Everglades, one of only two everglade systems in the world. Take it easy and relax around the lake, or opt for a nature boat tour, canoe excursion, or hike one of the nearby trails.

Accommodation
Noosa Everglades (or similar)Campground
Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch
Day 10Noosa Everglades/Airlie Beach
Enjoy a free day in the Noosa Everglades. Opt to go canoeing or kayaking along the calm waters before hopping an overnight train north to Airlie Beach.

Free Time Noosa Everglades Full Day
Enjoy the natural beauty of the Everglades. Spend some time paddling through the waterways, or take it easy back at camp.

Overnight train (airplane seats) Noosa Everglades – Airlie Beach12h-14h
Curl up and catch a snooze en route to the next stop.

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Optional Activities – Day 10
Day 11Airlie Beach/Whitsunday Islands
Embark on a 3-day maxi yacht sailing adventure. Enjoy beach visits, island bush walks, and time to snorkel the reefs. Anchor off of secluded tropical islands at night.

After arriving in Airlie Beach, transfer to the marina and embark on a maxi yacht which will be our home for the next three days. Set sail to a secluded cove in the Whitsunday Islands where you will drop anchor for the night.

Maxi yacht Airlie Beach – Whitsunday Islands
Climb aboard a speedy racing yacht (and hang on to your hat).

Whitsunday Islands Sailing Trip, Day 1 Whitsunday Islands Afternoon
Board a maxi-yacht formerly used to circumnavigate the globe, and get used to being on the water. Lend a hand hoisting the sails or just sit back and enjoy the breeze.

Accommodation
Whitsunday Islands Boat (or similar)Yacht
Meals included: Dinner
Day 12Whitsunday Islands
Hike to an island lookout over Whitehaven Beach, known for its stunning white sand, then enjoy free time on the famous beach. Anchor off of a secluded tropical island at night.

The sailing route today allows us to follow part of Captain Cook’s route up through the Whitsunday Islands. Again we drop anchor in a secluded bay for the night.

Maxi yacht Whitsunday Islands
Climb aboard a speedy racing yacht (and hang on to your hat).

Whitsunday Islands Sailing Trip, Day 2 Whitsunday Islands
Set off towards Whitehaven Beach, and hike to a lookout over the beautiful white-sand beach and shallow turquoise waters off its coast. Take advantage of the included snorkel gear, throw on a mask and see what lives in the Great Barrier Reef.

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Optional Activities – Day 12
Whitsunday Islands Snorkelling Whitsunday Islands30m-1h Free
Take advantage of the included snorkel gear, throw on a mask and see what lives in the Great Barrier Reef. (Note that fins are not provided in order to adhere with local coral conservation efforts.)

Accommodation
Whitsunday Islands Boat (or similar)Yacht
Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 13Whitsunday Islands/Airlie Beach
Continue sailing through the gorgeous backdrop of the Whitsunday Islands. Sail to the resort town of Airlie Beach for a night on the town.

After three days at sea, we sail back to Airlie Beach for a night on land in a local beach hostel. Feel free to relax by the pool at the end of the day.

Maxi yacht Whitsunday Islands
Climb aboard a speedy racing yacht (and hang on to your hat).

Whitsunday Islands Sailing Trip, Day 3 Whitsunday Islands
It’s the final half-day at sea! Enjoy sailing through the gorgeous Whitsunday Islands in the morning, passing by secluded coves and tiny islands. After some free time, sail in style back into Airlie Beach.

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Optional Activities – Day 13
Whitsunday Islands Snorkelling Whitsunday Islands30m-1h Free
Take advantage of the included snorkel gear, throw on a mask and see what lives in the Great Barrier Reef. (Note that fins are not provided in order to adhere with local coral conservation efforts.)

Accommodation
Base Airlie Beach (or similar)Hostel
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 14Airlie Beach/Cairns
Admire the scenery on the train north to Tully. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch and a tour of the G Adventures-supported Ingan Cultural Centre. Participate in a painting activity with traditional Jirrbal Aboriginal artists before continuing on to Cairns.

Get ready for an early morning wake-up today for the journey to Cairns. Make sure to stock up on snacks and bring personal entertainment – it may be one of the longer travel days on this trip, but it’s worth it to reach The Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef!

Local bus Airlie Beach – Proserpine45m-1h
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.

Train Proserpine – Tully6h30m-7h482km
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.

Private Vehicle Tully – Cairns2h140km
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

G Adventures for Good: Cafe Chloe
Enjoy a tour of the G Adventures-supported Ingan Cultural Centre and have an opportunity to participate in a painting activity with traditional Jirrbal Aboriginal artists – an excellent opportunity to see the diversity of an Aboriginal people from a local perspective!

Accommodation
Nomads Serpent Hostel (or similar)Hostel
Meals included: Lunch
Day 15Cairns
Enjoy a free day to visit the Great Barrier Reef or get the adrenaline pumping by whitewater rafting or bungee jumping. Cap it all off with a Big Night Out in Cairns.

Big Night Out:
Whether it’s a pub crawl, drink specials or a bonfire on the beach, celebrate late into the night with your new best friends.

Carte BlancheCairns Full Day
There’s plenty to see and do in Cairns, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef, whitewater rafting, and skydiving. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!

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Optional Activities – Day 15
Accommodation
Nomads Serpent Hostel (or similar)Hostel
Day 16Cape Tribulation
Depart early and head north. Learn about the flora and fauna with local Aboriginals, before exploring Daintree National Park.

Head north to Cape Tribulation. Stop en route to explore Mossman Gorge and take an interpretive walk through the Daintree Rainforest.

Private Vehicle Cairns – Cape Tribulation3h140km
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Aboriginal Interpretive Walk Mossman Gorge2h
Take an interpretive walk through the Daintree Rainforest. Follow the Aboriginal guide and learn about bush food, medicinal plants and the lasting relationship of the Kuku Yalanji people with their natural environment. Find out how to make bush soap, watch an ochre painting demonstration and sample some bush tea.

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Optional Activities – Day 16
Accommodation
Cape Tribulation Beach House (or similar)Hostel
Day 17Cape Tribulation/Yungaburra
Enjoy a free morning to further explore the rainforest or chill out poolside. Head towards Yungaburra in the Atherton Tablelands for the night, and enjoy additional free time to explore the area.

Free Time Cape Tribulation Morning
Kick back and relax in the rainforest.

Private Vehicle Cape Tribulation – Yungaburra3h30m185km
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

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Optional Activities – Day 17
Accommodation
On the Wallaby (or similar)Hostel
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 18Yungaburra/Cairns
Stop at Lake Eacham, a volcanic crater lake, before continuing on to visit some of the waterfalls in the Atherton Tablelands, including Josephine Falls and the famous Millaa Millaa Falls. Later, go for a swim in the waters of Babinda Boulders before traveling back to Cairns where the tour ends upon arrival.

Ask your GCO about booking post night accommodation in Cairns, as this trip arrives back late in the evening.

Lake Eacham Visit Atherton
Lake Eacham is a volcanic crater lake, formed over 12,000 years ago. The lake is protected, with no motorized boats allowed, making the clear, tranquil waters perfect for a dip.

Babinda Boulders Visit Babinda
The oddly shaped Babinda Boulders line a cool mountain stream, causing a beautiful cascade of clear water. An important site to the Bunna Binda aboriginals, take a swim and learn about the myth behind this sacred spot.

Millaa Millaa Falls Visit Millaa Millaa
Stop for photos and a dip in the Millaa Millaa Falls. This stunning cascade has been the backdrop for a number of music videos and tv commercials – try your own hair flip and catch that perfect shot!

Private Vehicle Yungaburra – Cairns2h70km
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Departure Day (Activities)
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with any onward travel arrangements you require.

Meals included: Breakfast