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384 hours
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Discover Australia’s East Coast in comfort on this 16-day journey filled with culture, coastlines, and adventure. From the iconic sights of Sydney to the ancient Daintree Rainforest, this small-group tour combines must-see highlights with meaningful local experiences. Taste your way through the Hunter Valley, meet the wildlife heroes at the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital, and connect with First Nations culture in Coffs Harbour and Mossman Gorge. Explore K'gari (Fraser Island) by 4WD, cruise the Whitsundays to Whitehaven Beach, and snorkel the vibrant Great Barrier Reef. With boutique accommodations, expert local guides, and a relaxed pace, this comfort-level trip blends discovery with downtime. It’s the ultimate east coast escape—perfect for curious travellers who want more than just the highlights. Join us for an unforgettable adventure from Sydney to Cairns.
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Travellers can expect some light physical activities. Guests should be mobile enough to walk unaided.
A medical clearance or doctor’s certificate is required for participants over 70 years old, submitted at least 30 days prior to travel.
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Whitsunday Island & Whitehaven beach day trip & snorkel
Wine, cheese, chocolate tasting
Dinner
Great Barrier Reef day cruise - incl. snorkeling gear & glass bottom boat
First Nations cultural experience
Sydney meeting point / Cairns drop-off points
All transport (private small-group vehicle, transfers, domestic flight BNE>PPP & boat trips)
Guided rainforest, gorge, lookout walks & river cruise
K’gari Fraser Island 4WD small-group day trip
Kuranda Skyrail gondola ride over lush rainforest
Meals not listed in the itinerary can be purchased along the way and supporting local businesses.
Personal travel insurance is highly recommended
International flights are not included.
Guests stay at Holiday Inn Potts Point in a Standard Queen Room with a comfy bed and bath-shower combo.
DINNER
Dinner
Welcome dinner: guests will meet in the hotel foyer before heading out to explore and enjoy the local cuisine.
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.
Guests stay at The Lucky Hotel in Newcastle’s East End in boutique rooms with king or twin beds and modern furnishings.
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
Guests enjoy a buffet breakfast at the hotel to start their day before heading out on an exciting tour.
Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary
We leave behind Sydney's skyscrapers and sidewalks for a wildlife park boasting an all-star cast of koalas, kangaroos, and more.
Hunter Valley
We're in the heart of the Hunter Valley, so there's nothing better to do than a wine, cheese and chocolate tasting.
Newcastle
We'll also visit the sunny port city of Newcastle, rounding off an eclectic day and orientation tour.
Guests stay at El Motor Inn Port Macquarie in a newly renovated Standard Room with modern comforts and ensuite bathroom.
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
Your guide will take you to a local favourite café in Newcastle to enjoy breakfast before heading out on your tour.
Port Macquarie
After breakfast, we’re off to Port Macquarie, where we’ll have a chance to meet the volunteers at a Port Macquarie Koala Hospital. Relax for the evening with a stroll along the foreshore and a free night for dinner. Enjoy the sounds of the local bird population and keep your eyes peeled for the local wild dolphins. Included Activities: • Visit Port Macquarie Koala Hospital. • Foreshore walk and a chance to spot wild dolphins.
Guests will 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 center's conservation efforts.
Guests stay at Beachcomber Byron Bay in studio apartments with a king bed, kitchenette, and modern comforts.
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
Start your day at El Paso Motor Inn Port Macquarie with a hearty breakfast featuring fresh local produce.
On the morning of Day 4, guests take part in the Giingan Gumbaynggirr Cultural Experience, immersing in language, stories, and song on sacred Gumbaynggirr Country, supporting the revitalisation of local culture and community.
Byron Bay
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: • 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.
Guests stay at Beachcomber Byron Bay in studio apartments with a king bed, kitchenette, and modern comforts.
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 your 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
Guests stay at Rainbow Getaway Apartments in a studio rooms with kitchenette, large ensuite, and private balcony.
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
Your guide will take you to a local hot spot café in Byron Bay to enjoy breakfast before setting off to Sunshine State.
Noosa National Park
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. Included Activities: • Noosa National Park and the chance to spot koalas in the wild. • Noosa orientation including Noosa Main Beach and Hastings Street.
Rainbow Beach
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.
Guests stay at Rainbow Getaway Apartments in a studio rooms with kitchenette, large ensuite, and private balcony.
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
Your guide will take you to a local café in Rainbow Beach to enjoy breakfast before beginning your island adventure.
LUNCH
Lunch
Lunch will be included as part of your K'Gari Fraser Island 4WD Adventure tour.
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.
Guests stay at The Point Hotel Brisbane in deluxe guest rooms with king bed or twin beds, and modern contemporary decor.
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
Start your island adventure with breakfast at a local café in Rainbow Beach, guided by your knowledgeable tour leader.
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.
Guests stay at Mantra Club Croc Airlie Beach in resort rooms with king or twin beds, coastal-inspired decor and ensuite.
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
Guests enjoy a buffet breakfast at the hotel to start their day before heading to the airport for their onward journey.
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: • Domestic Flight from Brisbane to Proserpine (Whitsundays) included. • Free afternoon and evening to explore Airlie Beach.
Guests stay at Mantra Club Croc Airlie Beach in resort rooms with king or twin beds, coastal-inspired decor and ensuite.
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
Guests enjoy a breakfast at the hotel before cruising out to the postcard-perfect Whitsunday Islands a coastal escape.
LUNCH
Lunch
Lunch will be provided aboard the award-winning Red Cat Adventures Thundercat vessel while exploring the Whitsundays,
Whitsunday Islands
After breakfast, we’re heading out on a full-day speedboat cruise through the postcard-perfect Whitsunday Islands, including a stop at the iconic Whitehaven Beach aboard the award-winning Red Cat Adventures Thundercat vessel. Words can’t quite capture the dazzling white sands, azure waters, and lush greenery of this incredible corner of the world (so we won’t try!). Get up close by snorkeling among colourful coral, playful fish, and maybe even a sea turtle or two. Afterwards, unwind at your own pace or head into town to discover the best local food and drink spots. Included Activities Whitsundays Islands day cruise including snorkeling, Whitehaven beach visit, Hill Inlet walk and lunch
Guests stay at Mission Beach Resort in comfortable rooms with amenities, set in lush tropical surrounds near the beach.
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
Guests enjoy a breakfast at the hotel in preparation for our biggest day of driving 505km along the scenic Bruce Highway
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
Guests stay at Crystalbrook Flynn Cairns in bold, luxurious rooms with plush bedding, vibrant energy, and stylish views.
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
Guests enjoy a relaxing hotel breakfast before travelling to tropical Cairns, where exciting adventures await.
Lake Eacham Crater Lakes National Park
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. Included Activities: • Scenic Atherton tablelands tour including a volcanic crater lake, stunning waterfalls and a chance to spot wild platypus.
Atherton Tablelands
Visit the massive ‘Curtain Fig Tree’. We'll finish the day in Cairns, one of Australia's most vibrant, tropical and energetic cities.
Guests stay at Crystalbrook Flynn Cairns in bold, luxurious rooms with plush bedding, vibrant energy, and stylish views.
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
Enjoy a delicious hotel breakfast before we head out on a coral coast adventure on the Great Barrier Reef.
LUNCH
Lunch
Enjoy lunch on your Ocean Freedom reef tour aboard a 20m luxury motor catamaran as part of your full-day package.
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 snorkeling to see incredible marine life. Learn about this special reef with conservation commentary, onboard a 20 metre luxury motor 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 an optional dinner to share stories of our adventures together! Included Activities: • Great Barrier Reef day cruise with Ocean Freedom - including snorkeling, glass bottom boat and buffet lunch • Optional Activity – Scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef
Guests stay at Paradise Links Resort in stylish, spacious rooms with lush tropical surrounds and relax coastal vibes.
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
Start your day at the hotel with a vibrant breakfast spread featuring fresh, local flavours and waterfront vibes.
It’s go, go gondola, as we take an incredible gondola ride over ancient rainforest, the Barron River, and the surrounding mountains on our way to picturesque Kuranda with its colourful markets. Included Activities: • Skyrail gondola ride over the rainforest canopy • Kuranda markets
Port Douglas
Then, it’s a trip north to the chilled out village of Port Douglas, where you can choose to join the group for dinner, drinks and the stunning sunset. Included Activities: • Port Douglas orientation tour.
Guests stay at Paradise Links Resort in stylish, spacious rooms with lush tropical surrounds and relax coastal vibes.
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
Your guide will take you to a local Sunday Market to enjoy some of the local produce and support local businesses.
LUNCH
Lunch
Sunday At The Port Douglas Market
Ease into the day with a relaxed morning in beautiful Port Douglas — exactly as it should be. Stroll through the vibrant Sunday markets, grab a locally brewed coffee, and soak up the ocean views.
Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre
Later, we’ll head to Mossman Gorge in the ancient Daintree Rainforest for a guided walk through lush jungle, flowing streams, and towering trees. In the afternoon, connect with the land and its people during an immersive cultural experience with the Kuku Yalanji people. Learn about traditional customs, bush foods, and the deep spiritual ties they hold to Country — a truly memorable encounter. Included Activities: • Visit Mossman Gorge for an incredible walk through the rainforest • Kuku Yalanji (First Nations) immersive cultural experience.
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
Your guide will take you to a local favourite café in Port Douglas to enjoy breakfast and support the community.
LUNCH
Lunch
Daintree National Park
It’s another big day – we’re going deeper into the tropical World Heritage listed Daintree Rainforest, and Cape Tribulation (don’t worry, it’s just a name!) on a short ferry. We’ll take a walk through the ancient rainforest and meet the local family who hosted David Attenborough’s documentary crew whilst keeping our eyes peeled for ancient cassowary, birds and other wildlife. In the afternoon we cruise the Daintree River (Julaymba) on the eco-friendly Solar Whisper, a quiet solar-powered boat, for an immersive wildlife experience. Spot crocodiles, birds, frogs, snakes, and more with the help of your expert guide and the unique "CROC CAM”. We take a wonderful coastal drive back to Cairns, where your tour ends on arrival around 6pm. If you need help with post tour accommodation, please let us know as we can help! Thanks for a wonderful adventure together!
Private Double/Twin Ensuite: Hotel/Resort style rooms - this fare is available for Adults + Children travelling together. Must be booked for 2 ppl.
Comfort-level Touring: Boutique touring style – small-group experience, relaxed pace, and bespoke itinerary tailored for a comfort-level traveller.
Duration: 16 days: 16 Days / 15 Nights the best of the East Coast highlights
Tour Code: SD16-S
Private Single Ensuite Room: Hotel/Resort style room - this fare is available for Adults 18+ over, ideal for a solo traveller looking for privacy.
Comfort-level Touring: Boutique touring style – small-group experience, relaxed pace, and bespoke itinerary tailored for a comfort-level traveller.
Duration: 16 days: 16 Days / 15 Nights the best of the East Coast highlights
Tour Code: SD16-P
Twin Share Ensuite Room: Hotel/Resort style rooms - this fare is available for Adults 18+ over. Solo travellers will be paired with another passenger.
Comfort-level Touring: Boutique touring style – small-group experience, relaxed pace, and bespoke itinerary tailored for a comfort-level traveller.
Duration: 16 days: 16 Days / 15 Nights the best of the East Coast highlights
Tour Code: SD16-B
Operated by Autopia Tours