22 Day Sydney to Cairns

Sydney to Cairns East Coast Tour

22 Day Itinerary

Day 1 – Sydney to Barrington

Today we sample some local wines in the Hunter Valley, one of Australia’s most famous vineyards. We then head through the backcountry to our first overnight stop, a laid-back, secluded lodge overlooking the Karuah River. This afternoon, armed with our tubes, we take a journey down the Barrington River, through the World Heritage listed Barrington Tops National Park, float past kangaroos grazing on the banks, and over platypus who live in this river. We spend the evening relaxing around the campfire.
STAY: Lodge – Riverwood Downs

Day 2 – Barrington to Surf Camp

Enjoy breakfast with an amazing view before heading north to the Surf Camp. On the way we take a short break to visit a koala hospital to learn about their efforts in preserving Koalas, and at a nature reserve to spot wild kangaroos hopping along the incredible coastline. We then travel on to our waterfront accommodation, arriving in the early evening.
STAY: Spot X Surf Camp – quad share accommodation.

Day 3 – Surf Camp to River Retreat

This morning you can take part in the included group surf lesson or just relax on the beach. In the afternoon we travel to our River Retreat and go for a guided canoe trip, spotting wildlife along the way. In the evening have an Aussie BBQ, learn how to cook some damper and toast marshmallows around the campfire.
STAY: Shared Cabins.

Day 4 – River Retreat to Byron Bay

We leave our camp and head north towards Byron Bay, Australia’s famous surf and arts town. We stop in the picturesque town of Yamba along the way and go for a walk or a swim at the Angourie blue pools (weather dependent). We have an orientation drive on the way to Byron Bay to help you get your bearings.
STAY: Backpacker Resort Byron Bay

Day 5 – Free day in Byron Bay

Day 6 – Free Day in Byron Bay

Day 7 – Byron Bay (via Gold Coast & Brisbane) to Rainbow Beach

Day 8 and 9 – Rainbow Beach to Fraser Island

Day 10 – Rainbow Beach

Day 11 – Rainbow Beach (via Noosa) to Emu Park

Day 12 – Emu Park to Myella Farm Stay

Day 13 – Myella Farm Stay to Emu Park

Day 14 – Free day Emu Park

Day 15 – Great Keppel Island and Overnight Train to Airlie Beach

Day 16 – Whitsunday Islands, snorkeling, reef and Whitehaven Beach

Day 17 – Free Day Airlie Beach

Day 18 – Airlie Beach (via Townsville) to Magnetic Island

Day 19 – Free Day Magnetic Island

Day 20 – Magnetic Island to Tully Rainforest Experience

Day 21 – Tully to Cairns

Day 22 – Great Barrier Reef day tour from Cairns

ReefQuest – This luxury vessel takes you to the Great Barrier Reef in only 90 minutes for a full day of snorkeling and/or the chance to do up to three dives (extra cost).

Enjoy exclusive moorings at various reefs and a variety of dive sites to ensure minimal environmental impact to the pristine coral formations we visit. Dive sites are frequented by a myriad of tropical and pelagic fish, rays, turtles, (friendly) sharks and the ever-popular Maori Wrasse. There are swim-throughs, wall and drift dives to appeal to every level of diver. Your tour includes a wetsuit or stinger suit, as well as floatation noodles. Crew keep a constant watch over the snorkelling sites, so you can enjoy the wonders of the reef in complete safety.
IMPORTANT NOTES: A direct payment of AU$20.00 Reef Tax and Fuel Levy is to be paid at check-in.

Return to Cairns where your East Coast adventure comes to an end.

What’s included in your 9 Day Oz Intro Tour?

• Professional guides
• Private bus and Queensland Rail transport
• Accommodation and camping with all bedding
• All sightseeing walks and meals as indicated
• All national park fees and return ferries to Fraser Island, Great Keppel Island and Magnetic Island.
• Activities including:
  • Hunter Valley wine tasting
  • River tubing on the scenic Barrington River
  • Koala hospital visit
  • A surf lesson at a remote surf camp
  • 2 day/1 night Fraser Island tour
  • Half day sea kayaking trip with dolphins
  • Great Keppel Island adventure
  • Horse riding on a cattle station
  • Whitsundays snorkeling
  • Whitehaven Beach boat ride
  • Tully Rainforest Experience
  • Great Barrier Reef Trip.

Flights, all other meals, drinks and travel insurance (compulsory) are not included.

This is an open-aged tour, however, most passengers are between the ages of 18 and 39.

This itinerary is subject to change due to cultural, operational or seasonal conditions. Accommodation included is a guide only and will be confirmed with a personalised itinerary seven days prior to departure.

**Although the group you are traveling with will not exceed 24 passengers (41 during peak periods), a number of the activities including the cruise in the Whitsundays, four-wheel-drive touring on Fraser Island, and rail journey are not exclusive to the group. You will travel with additional people and will have larger group sizes on those days. You will also travel with guides specific to those activities, rather than your Stray guide.

As this is a tour package, your guide and group will change throughout your journey. You will travel on Stray transport with Stray guides. While you will have a fixed pre-arranged itinerary, other Stray customers on a more flexible pass will hop on and off throughout the trip.

Female dorm customers will be placed in single-sex female dorms where possible.

Dietary requirements: Vegetarian diets are generally easily catered for by each of the operators in this tour package if informed before departure. It may not always be possible for more specific dietary needs to be catered for, particularly in more remote areas visited. It is recommended that passengers with specific dietary needs carry snacks and other food items that they are certain will be suitable, as Real Aussie Adventures and its partners cannot be responsible for the ingredients contained in meals provided.