BEST OF AUSTRALIA
Australia is an awfully big place. So big, in fact, that you’d need to come back a few times to see it all. Don’t have that kind of time? Hop aboard this 14-day trip down Australia’s East Coast and make the most of your time. Offering a solid mix of must-do experiences and uncommon adventures, you’ll learn to surf at Byron Bay, sail the Whitsundays and trek through Mossman Gorge in the Daintree Rainforest.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Interpretive walk through the Daintree Rainforest with an Aboriginal guide
- Explore the laid back city of Cairns and the hippie vibes of Byron Bay
- Ingan Cultural Centre, Airlie Beach, where you can participate in a painting activity with traditional Jirrbal Aboriginal artists
- Sail in the Whitsunday Islands and to the Great Barrier Reef
- Visit the Jenolan Caves and walk in Jamison Valley, both in the Blue Mountains near Sydney
AT A GLANCE
ITINERARY DETAIL
DAY 1: START IN CAIRNS
Arrive at any time. There are no activities planned until the evening welcome meeting at 7:00 pm for about an hour. 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.
DAY 2: CAIRNS TO CAPE TRIBULATION VIA MOSSMAN GORGE
Indigenous Peoples Interpretive Walk
Head north to Cape Tribulation. Stop en route to explore Mossman Gorge and 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.
| Daily Summary |
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| our: Indigenous Peoples Interpretive Walk Meals: B, L |
DAY 3: FREE DAY TO EXPLORE CAPE TRIBULATION
With a free day, opt for a trip to the Great Barrier Reef or to explore Daintree National Park.
| Daily Summary |
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| Meals: B |
Additional Options For Day 3
Great Barrier Reef Visit – 149AUD per person
Hop on a boat and head out to sea to reach the world-famous Great Barrier Reef. Don a mask and opt to snorkel the largest coral reef in the world. Say g’day to Nemo, the clownfish, and some of the 1,500 other species of tropical fish that thrive in the warm waters off Australia’s east coast.
Cape Tribulation Horseback Riding – 110AUD per person
Hop in the saddle and explore the rainforest on your trusty steed. Ride through lush canopy floors and crystal clear streams, ending up on the stunning Myall beach. Cap off this adventure by galloping through the ocean spray!
Daintree National Park Visit – Free
Step back in time in this lush tropical rainforest, reported to be more than 110 million years old! Bring your binoculars to spot some of the 430 species of birds, including the buff-breasted paradise kingfisher and flightless cassowary. On the ground, look for possums, bandicoots, echidna and musky rat kangaroo. Discover why the Aborigines consider this a spiritual place.
Daintree Rainforest Night Walk – 45AUD per person
Once the sun goes down, grab a torch and head out into the jungle for a guided night walk. With your guide, you’ll spot various critters who call this region home. Keep your eyes peeled for sleeping bats, birds, lizards, and spiders as you listen to the sounds of the rainforest at night.
DAY 4: ENJOY CAIRNS AND ALL IT HAS TO OFFER
Return to Cairns in the afternoon with free time to explore this laid-back city.
| Daily Summary |
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| Meals: B |
DAY 5: CAIRNS – AIRLIE BEACH
Ingan Cultural Centre
Depart early for a full day of travel to reach Airlie Beach with time to explore the town. Stop en route for lunch and a tour of the Ingan Cultural Centre. Participate in a painting activity with traditional Jirrbal Aboriginal artists – an excellent opportunity to see the diversity of Aboriginal people from a local perspective!
| Daily Summary |
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| Tour: Ingan Cultural Centre Meals: B |
DAY 6: SET SAIL TO WHITSUNDAY ISLANDS AND SWIM OR SNORKEL IN THE GREAT BARRIER REEF
Sail, Swim, Snorkel and Hike
Set sail for a day in the Whitsunday Islands, visiting the Great Barrier Reef. Opt to swim or snorkel, and hike to an island lookout over Whitehaven Beach, known for its stunning white sand. Return to Airlie Beach for the night.
Whitsunday Island
Enjoy a day sailing amidst some of the 74 tropical islands that make up the Whitsunday archipelago. Visit Whitehaven Beach, jump overboard for a quick refreshing dip, and make friends with the tropical fish that thrive within Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.
| Daily Summary |
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| Tour: Sail, Swim, Snorkel and Hike Meals: L |
Barrier Reef Visit
The Whitsunday Islands are in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. Spend the day sailing, then when it gets too hot, pull on a mask and snorkel and dive overboard to check out the variety of brightly coloured marine plants, coral and fish that thrive right in these warm tropical waters. 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 to local coral conservation efforts.)
DAY 7: FLY TO BYRON BAY
Travel Day
Fly to Brisbane and transfer to Byron Bay for two nights in this “hippie” paradise. 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.
DAY 8: DO IT ALL IN BYRON BAY
Spend the day wandering the town or taking part in a multitude of optional activities like sea kayaking, visiting Cape Byron Lighthouse, or relaxing on the beach.
Additional Options For Day 8
Hinterland and Minyon Falls Tour – 139AUD per person
Head inland to Nightcap National Park, a subtropical rainforest in part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area, for a 2-hour guided walk through the rainforest to beautiful Minyon Falls. After a refreshing swim at the base of the 100m falls, visit the quaint town of Bangalow, the oldest town in the region and known for its historic storefronts. After perusing local shops and cafés, enjoy the drive back to Byron Bay, passing through historic towns and beautiful scenery. Locally sourced barbecue lunch included.
Whale Watching – 89AUD per person
Enjoy a thrilling excursion on the water in search of the magnificent Humpback whales. Between June and November, they migrate north from their feeding grounds in Antarctica to breed and birth in the tropics. See the distinctive flukes (tails), and also look for dolphins, turtles and a variety of sea birds.
Byron Bay Ocean Kayaking – Price to TBD
Slice through the waters of the iconic Byron Bay on this half-day kayaking adventure. Paddle past the most easterly point of the Australian mainland, see the Julian Rocks Marine Reserve, and ride the waves into shore. On top of it all, keep a close eye for dolphins and whales (in season) who call these waters home. Epic? Definitely.
Cape Byron Lighthouse Visit – Free
Cape Byron Lighthouse is 3km (1.9 mi) northeast of Byron Bay. The popular white structure emits the most powerful light of all working lighthouses in the country, and it’s also located at the most easterly point of the Australian continent. Head up to the top of the tower to scan the ocean for whales (the Southern Cross University’s Whale Research Centre is located here).
DAY 9: ORGANIC BYRON BAY OR SURF IN PORT MACQUARIE
Pick-to-Plate Lunch
Tour an organic farm in the heart of Byron Bay before sitting down to a delicious lunch featuring local produce. Tour the grounds, learn about organic gardening, and help gather some ingredients needed to make lunch. Get a true taste of Australia and fuel up for the afternoon with a delicious lunch of fresh, organic ingredients.
Head to the coastal township of Port Macquarie, featuring all the beauty of the beach set alongside gorgeous national parks. Enjoy an evening in Port Macquarie.
| Daily Summary |
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| Tour: Pick-to-Plate Lunch Meals: L |
Additional Options For Day 9
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.
DAY 10: LEARN ABOUT KOALAS IN PORT MACQUARIE DRIVE TO BLUE MOUNTAINS
En route to the Blue Mountains, opt to stop at the Koala Hospital to learn about vital wildlife conservation work in the area.
Additional Options For Day 10
Koala Hospital Visit – 2AUD per person
Visit the Koala Hospital, learn about these unique creatures, and even adopt your very own Koala!
DAY 11: MAJESTIC BLUE MOUNTAINS
Explore Blue Mountains
Travel to the majestic Blue Mountains and experience the natural beauty of this World Heritage Area. Explore the area around Leura and Katoomba and view the Three Sisters. Take a guided tour of Jenolan Caves, filled with striking limestone rock formations.
Blue Mountains Excursion
With charming Leura as your base, explore the major attractions of the Blue Mountains from sightseeing to bushwalking to cafés and more.
Jenolan Caves Tour, 1 1/2 – 2 hours
Jenolan Caves are a protected feature of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains. These limestone karst caves are the world’s oldest caves and are significant from both a scientific and sightseeing perspective. Enjoy a guided tour in the cool climes of this fascinating underworld.
| Daily Summary |
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| Tour: Explore Blue Mountains Tour: Jenolan Caves Tour, 1 1/2 – 2 hours |
DAY 12: ENJOY BLUE MOUNTAINS BEFORE HEADING TO SYDNEY
This morning, take a walk in Jamison Valley, and ride on the Scenic Railway, the steepest railway in the world. Continue to Sydney and head out for an orientation walk. With some free time, opt to rent a bike, stroll the botanical gardens, or visit the iconic Opera House.
| Daily Summary |
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| Tour: Jamison Valley Walk, 2 1/2 hrs, 1-3km Tour: Scenic Railway Tour: Orientation Walk 30m-1h |
Jamison Valley Walk, 2 1/2 hrs, 1-3km
Take in some amazing lookouts over the Jamison Valley, via the iconic Three Sisters. Descend down the 900 step giant staircase to the valley floor. Walk amongst the beautiful forest to the steepest incline railway in the world — The Katoomba Scenic Railway. Opt to ride its 52-degrees angle or take the Scenic Cableway. If you’re keen for more walking, and time permitting, take the 900 stairs back up.
Scenic Railway
This railway is steep and plunges into the rainforest and through the valley. The ride is scenically stunning. At the end, opt to take a rainforest walk or a cable car back to the visitor’s centre.
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.
Additional Options For Day 12
Sydney Opera House Visit – 37 to 165AUD per person
Stroll along the waterfront to admire Sydney’s most iconic landmark, designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon and opened by Queen Elizabeth 11 in 1973. Take a guided tour of this UNESCO World Heritage site to discover its history, folklore, and more.
Some two million people a year come to see concerts and cultural performances Opera House. Catch the boom of the grand organ–with more than 10,000 pipes, it took 10 years to build and is the largest mechanical organ in the world.
DAY 13: EXPLORE SYDNEY, ONE OF AUSTRALIA’S MOST EXCITING CITIES
Get a feel for the city. Relax seaside at Bondi Beach. Enjoy an optional final night out with the group.
Additional Options For Day 13
Jet Boat Ride – 85AUD per person
Want an adrenaline rush? A jet boat is the way to go. Hold on and get ready for a white-water thrill while gorgeous scenery whizzes past. Explore Sydney Harbour, jetting by the Opera House, Harbour Islands and more!
Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb 3h-4h – Price TBD
Climb one of the most famous bridges in the world – the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Soak in amazing panoramic city views of Sydney at the top – a perfect photo opp and memory to take home with you!
Sydney Adrenaline Bundle – Price TBD
Admire the city from new perspectives with this Adrenaline Bundle. Start with a climb to the top of Sydney Harbour Bridge – 134m (440 ft) above sea level! Learn the story of the bridge from an expert guide and soak in the epic views. Next, board a jet boat and enjoy the thrill of spins, slides, and fish tails, spotting iconic landmarks like the Opera House, Taronga Zoo, and Shark Island along the way. Book this Adrenaline Bundle and save on both activities.
Sydney Opera House Visit – 37-165AUD per person
Stroll along the waterfront to admire Sydney’s most iconic landmark, designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon and opened by Queen Elizabeth 11 in 1973. Take a guided tour of this UNESCO World Heritage site to discover its history, folklore, and more.
Some two million people a year come to see concerts and cultural performances Opera House. Catch the boom of the grand organ–with more than 10,000 pipes, it took 10 years to build and is the largest mechanical organ in the world.
Coogee Beach to Bondi Beach Coastal Walk
Go for a walk along one of the most iconic trails in Australia. Pass by secluded beaches, massive cliffs, and more breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean than imaginable – all before arriving at the world-famous Bondi Beach. From May to December, keep a keen eye on the ocean to try and spot migrating humpback whales.
DAY 14: DEPART FROM SYDNEY
Depart at any time today or extend your stay for a few more days of exploration.
TRIP DETAILS
Optional Add-ons
Great Barrier Reef Snorkelling – You haven’t truly visited Australia until you’ve experienced the Great Barrier Reef. Climb aboard a 25m (82 ft) catamaran and take the journey out to the largest coral reef system in the world, spending time snorkelling in search of colourful fish, majestic coral, and Nemo (of course). With the option to upgrade to go diving locally, get up close and personal with this natural wonder of the world.
Jungle Surfing through the Daintree Rainforest – Soar above the Daintree Rainforest, learning about the impressive flora and fauna of the world’s oldest surviving rainforest. This isn’t your typical zip lining tour: Slowly glide between platforms to take in the impressive views of the rainforest and Great Barrier Reef. Led by extremely knowledgable guides, learn more about this stunning part of the world from the top of the canopy. Please note that passengers must weigh less than 120kg (265 lbs) to participate.
Byron Bay Ocean Kayaking – Slice through the waters of the iconic Byron Bay on this half-day kayaking adventure. Paddle past the most easterly point of the Australian mainland, see the Julian Rocks Marine Reserve, and ride the waves into shore. On top of it all, keep a close eye for dolphins and whales (in season) who call these waters home. Epic? Definitely.
Sydney Bridge Climb (Pre/Post Tour) – Climb to the summit of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, 134m above sea level, while an expert guide tells you stories about the history and construction of the bridge. The panoramic view of Australia’s central city will take your breath away. Soak in amazing panoramic city views of Sydney at the top!
Call for dates and pricing
Disclaimer: We do our utmost to ensure that information posted on our website is correct at the time of publication, however trip details are subject to change without notice by the suppliers and operators involved. We update the information as soon as possible when changes are advised to us, however, we cannot assume responsibility for such changes made by the suppliers and operators.