Cairns to Sydney Tour - 14 Days

Itinerary

Day 1 - Cairns

Welcome to the Tropical North! We meet and greet at our hotel in the heart of Carins before we head off to explore the nearby tropical Rainforest and Kuranda before returning via the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. The Skyrail Experience, spanning 7.5kms travels over heritage listed, pristine rainforest, allows you to explore the wonders of an ancient tropical rainforest and learn about one of the most botanically fascinating and diverse areas on earth. Gliding just metres above the rainforest canopy, the Skyrail journey immerses you in an intimate rainforest experience where you’ll see, hear, smell and become part of the tropical rainforest environment.

Tonight you're in for a real treat! Meet the local Tjapukai people and see how they showcase their culture in an evening tailor. You will be joined by a member of the Tjapukai dance troupe as they engage you in a discussion of the evening’s highlight event– Tjapukai by Night where you will witness fire explosions, spectacular special effects, music, dance and spiritual ceremony. The evening finishes with a sumptuous buffet dinner and performance by the world famous Tjapukai dancers. This is a pretty special and unique way to spend your first night on tour.

Overnight : Hides Resort, Cairns
Meals : Dinner

Day 2 - Cairns (Optional Great Barrier Reef)  

Today you have the option to discover the world’s largest coral reef aboard a maxi catamaran. The day includes lunch, all snorkelling equipment, optional introductory and certified Scuba Diving plus the thrill of sailing on a thoroughbred machine. The Great Barrier Reef is a fascinating maze of coral reefs and cays extending over 2000 kilometres along the Queensland Coast. Once anchored at the reef, slip over the side and explore this underwater paradise at your own pace. You’ll be amazed by the wonders of the reef that is brimming with life - the brilliant colours of the coral and varieties of fish makes this experience unforgettable! On the return journey, stop at a natural coral cay – a fragile and unique ecosystem of brilliant white sand and warm shallow water for some more snorkelling, swimming or diving, or just chill out – where else would you rather be!! This evening you're free to visit the night markets, or if you prefer, kick back, relax and enjoy tropical North Queensland in one of the many nearby restaurants, bars or cafes!

Overnight : Hides Resort, Cairns
Meals : Breakfast

Day 3 - Cairns

Another fabulous day to explore all that tropical North Queensland has to offer – the world is your oyster! Cairns is the perfect base to explore North Queensland, with a load of activities to suit everyone. With both the reef and the rainforest at your doorstep, you choose from a range of optional activities from adventurous white water rafting* on the Tully River or Tandem Skydiving*, to a day trip*to the World Heritage listed Daintree Region.

There’s Horse Riding, Quad Biking, Bungy Jumping, Hot Air Ballooning – the list goes on and on!! If you want some time out, the centre of Cairns has some great cafes and shopping. The swimming lagoon is close by and is a great place to cool off. At the day’s end, we can exchange our adventure stories over dinner (own expense).

Overnight : Hides Resort, Cairns
Meals : Breakfast

Day 4 - Cairns to The Whitsundays

Leaving Cairns behind, we make tracks south along the Bruce Highway to the Whitsundays. We stop in the coastal village of Cardwell, overlooking Hinchinbrook Island National Park. We pass the highest mountains in Queensland, Mt Bartle Frere (1622m) and Mt Bellenden Ker (1580m) as the Great Dividing Range looms closer to the coast. Situated on Cleveland Bay, Townsville is North Queensland’s largest city. Here we break our journey for some lunch (own expense) before checking out The Strand which is made up of 2.5km of beaches, parks and cafes! If time permits we will take a scenic drive up Castle Hill for breathtaking views overlooking the city and Magnetic Island.

It's then on to Airlie Beach, the heart of the thriving Whitsundays. The town overlooks the beautiful Whitsunday Passage and the 74 nearby tropical islands. If there's a heaven on earth, it's definitely in the Whitsundays so prepare to enjoy! And the best way to experience this gorgeous region is onboard a boat - your home for the next 2 nights! You'll be watching the sunset over the water tonight from the heart of paradise.

Overnight : Liveaboard Sailing - Multi-share bunk – Share Facilities
Meals : Breakfast & Dinner

NB: Landlubbers Option
If you’re certain you can’t stay onboard for 2 nights, you do have the option to stay on the mainland and enjoy Airlie Beach, and Club Crocodile Resort. You’ll have the chance to experience a day cruise to Whitehaven Beach onboard Camira – otherwise you can hang with locals at the gorgeous man-made lagoon and make the most of this idyllic location. (Inc. 2xB, 1xL, 1xD)

Day 5 - the Whitsunday Islands

Wake up in one of the many sheltered coves that make up the Whitsundays. You’ll set sail for golden sandy beaches, snorkel over island coral reefs and soak up the sun in this tropical wonderland. A visit to the famous Whitehaven Beach and Blue Pearl Bay will also hopefully be an option – depending on the weather. For the budding sailors, help set the sails and have a turn on the helm as we explore the islands. By night you’ll star gaze the Milky Way and forget about your life back home.

Overnight : Liveaboard Sailing, Multi-share bunk – Share Facilities
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6 - The Whitsunday to Airlie Beach

This morning we set sail again for another idyllic location before returning to the mainland and the resort town of Airlie Beach. Tonight we’ll get to experience a night out in “Airlie” with plenty of bars and clubs so you can dance the night away.

Overnight : Club Crocodile Resort Airlie Beach (Resort), Airlie Beach
Meals : Breakfast

Day 7 - Airlie Beach to Rockhampton  

We make a morning drive to Mackay - commercial centre of Queensland’s huge sugar industry. Here we'll stop for an early lunch (own expense) for your last real chance to enjoy North Queensland. After a short break to stretch your legs then it’s on Rockhampton the beef capital of Australia and “Rocky” to the locals. Tonight we explore the local “Rocky” nightlife – if we’re lucky we’ll check out a real life Rodeo! Giddy up!!!

Overnight : Travelodge Rockhampton Hotel
Meals : Breakfast & Dinner

Day 8 - Rockhampton to Fraser Island   

Today we reunite with the Bruce Highway and travel south through more beef and sugar cane country towards the Fraser Coast. We make a short stop for lunch and back on the road again to Hervey Bay – beachside resort town and stepping off point for the largest sand island in the world, Fraser Island. Here we board our ferry to cross the Great Sandy Straight, bound for Fraser Island. Perfectly located at Kingfisher Bay, the Wilderness Lodge accommodation is set in a eucalypt forest on the western side of the island.

Overnight : Kingfisher Bay Resort – Wilderness Lodges (Share Facilities)
Meals : Breakfast & Dinner

Day 9 - Fraser Island 

Fraser Island – Great Sandy National Park is World Heritage Listed and is the world’s largest sand island. This special place supports an extraordinarily diverse rainforest, wildflower heath, mangroves, birds and a large population of dingos. The island has dunes that reach 240 metres in height and about 40 dune lakes – half the number in the world. A great way to see this magnificent national park is on an optional 4-wheel drive bus tour*, along the unspoilt surf beaches and to pristine inland freshwater lakes that are ideal for swimming. Whale watching* is also an option usually between the months of July and November where you can see hump back whales on their annual migration. At the end of the day, enjoy a cocktail at the bar, while watching the sun set over the bay.

Overnight : Kingfisher Bay Resort – Wilderness Lodges (Share Facilities)
Meals : Breakfast

Day 10 - Fraser Island to the Gold Coast 

This morning we say our last goodbyes to Fraser Island, board our ferry and return to the mainland, where we continue our journey south through the old gold mining town of Gympie and past the world famous Glasshouse Mountains. It’s not long before reach Queensland’s capital city, Brisbane. Hit the shops at Queen Street Mall, stroll along the Brisbane River or kick back in a coffee shop and watch the world go by at a relaxed pace. Heading further south it’s only a short trip down the freeway to Australia’s holiday playground – The Gold Coast, Queensland’s second largest city. This region is one of Australia’s most popular holiday destinations with its great climate and famous surf beaches. The restaurants and nightlife here are pumping every night of the week, and tonight we head out to enjoy a local meal together and check out the local Hot Spots!

Overnight : Vibe Hotel Gold Coast (Hotel)
Meals : Breakfast & Dinner

Day 11 - Gold Coast (Surfers Paradise)

A full day to take in the sights and thrills of Australia’s holiday playground. Take a scenic flight or grab a board and hit the surf*. There are a number of theme parks here to visit if you choose – Sea World, Movie World, Dreamworld and Wet ‘n Wild; as well as great shopping and cafes. Visit Australia Zoo for an ultimate wildlife adventure. Cuddle a koala, hand-feed elephants, walk with a Tiger and watch a crocodile launch from the waters edge. Of course there are also the endless beaches that make this stretch of coastline so famous and, as they are only a short walk from our resort, it makes it all so easy to enjoy.

Overnight : Vibe Hotel Gold Coast (Hotel), 
Meals : Breakfast

Day 12 - Gold Coast to Byron Bay

Enjoy a relaxed start to the morning before we depart Surfers Paradise for the Gold Coast’s
Hinterland and Springbrook National Park. We will make a stop at the Natural Arch – a natural feature where a spectacular waterfall plummets through a stone archway into a rock pool below.

The short walk here is a must. We then leave this tranquil environment and travel south, crossing the New South Wales border towards the popular resort town of Byron Bay, Australia’s most easterly township. Renowned for its surfing beaches and beautiful rainforests, Byron Bay enjoys a relaxed and informal lifestyle that has become a favourite for many travellers. Tonight you have the option to explore this vibrant town and grab some dinner (own expense).

Overnight : Glen Villa Resort (Cabins), Byron Bay
Meals : Breakfast

Day 13 - Byron Bay

A full day ahead to enjoy what Byron Bay has to offer. Renowned for its great surf beaches and counter culture, we have plenty of optional activities here to keep us busy. Try a surfing lesson*, go diving* sea kayaking* or just chill out on the beach. The galleries and craft shops are also sure to fascinate, as are the many cafes and alternate cuisines that are available here. Take a great scenic walk to the lighthouse at Cape Byron where the views are breathtaking. It’s even possible that you may see some dolphins or whales as they pass by. No matter if you do too much or too little here, you are certain to enjoy it.

Overnight : Glen Villa Resort (Cabins), Byron Bay
Meals : Breakfast

Day 14 - Byron Bay to Sydney 

Our journey commences bright and early when we depart Byron Bay southwards along the Pacific Highway. With the Great Dividing Range to our west and the Pacific Ocean on our east, the highway takes us past the Northern River towns of Ballina and Grafton. This morning we continue on through the towns of Coffs Harbour, the Banana growing capital and Kempsey, birthplace of the “Akubra” stopping for lunch along the way! We travel on the edge of the Hunter Region before crossing the mighty Hawkesbury River, passing the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Sydney looms large as we travel across the Harbour Bridge before it’s time to bid our travelling companions farewell as our tour reaches its completion in this great city.

Meals : Breakfast

Further Information

What's Included

• 13 Breakfasts (B), 1 Lunch (L), 6 Dinners (D)
• 7 Nights Hotel, 4 Nights Cabins, 2 Nights Liveaboard Sailing ship in the Whitsundays
• Return Ferry to Fraser Island
• Modern Air-Conditioned Coach
• Springbrook National Park
• Guided Tour of Brisbane
• Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Experience
• Tjupukai by night Dinner & Show
• Escorted Services of a fully trained Trip Leader & Driver