East Coast Australia 16 Day Comfort Tour from Sydney to Daintree

16 days (approximately)
Offered in: English

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.

What's Included

Whitsunday Island & Whitehaven beach day trip & snorkel
Wine, cheese, chocolate tasting
Lunch (Optional[5])
Lunch
Dinner
Great Barrier Reef day cruise - incl. snorkeling gear & glass bottom boat
First Nations cultural experience
Breakfast (Optional[14])
Breakfast
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.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Get to know your fellow travellers with a welcome meeting and dinner at 6:00pm.

End point

We return to Cairns after a wonderful East Coast Journey at 6:00pm.

Itinerary

Duration: 16 days (approximately)
    Day 1

    Sydney Meet & Greet

    1 stop
  • 1
    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.

    6 hours Admission ticket free
  • Day 2

    Sydney to Hunter Valley to Newcastle

    3 stops
  • 2

    We leave behind Sydney's skyscrapers and sidewalks for a wildlife park boasting an all-star cast of koalas, kangaroos, and more.

    3 hours Admission ticket included
  • 3

    We're in the heart of the Hunter Valley, so there's nothing better to do than a wine, cheese and chocolate tasting.

    3 hours Admission ticket included
  • 4

    We'll also visit the sunny port city of Newcastle, rounding off an eclectic day and orientation tour.

    3 hours Admission ticket free
  • Day 3

    Newcastle to Port Macquarie via the Koala Hospital

    2 stops
  • 5

    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.

    3 hours Admission ticket free
  • 6

    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.

    2 hours Admission ticket included
  • Day 4

    Port Macquarie to Byron Bay

    2 stops
  • 7

    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.

    2 hours Admission ticket included
  • 8
    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.

    3 hours Admission ticket free
  • Day 5

    Byron Bay (free day to relax)

    1 stop
  • 9
    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

    12 hours Admission ticket free
  • Day 6

    Byron Bay to Noosa to Rainbow Beach

    2 stops
  • 10

    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.

    3 hours Admission ticket not included
  • 11
    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.

    3 hours Admission ticket free
  • Day 7

    K’Gari (Fraser Island)

    1 stop
  • 12
    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.

    8 hours Admission ticket free
  • Day 8

    Rainbow Beach to Brisbane

    1 stop
  • 13

    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.

    12 hours Admission ticket free
  • Day 9

    Brisbane to Airlie Beach

    1 stop
  • 14
    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.

    12 hours Admission ticket free
  • Day 10

    Airlie Beach to Whitsunday Islands

    1 stop
  • 15
    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

    8 hours Admission ticket free
  • Day 11

    Airlie Beach to Mission Beach

    1 stop
  • 16

    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

    6 hours Admission ticket free
  • Day 12

    Mission Beach to Cairns via Atherton Tablelands

    2 stops
  • 17

    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.

    3 hours Admission ticket included
  • 18

    Visit the massive ‘Curtain Fig Tree’. We'll finish the day in Cairns, one of Australia's most vibrant, tropical and energetic cities.

    1 hour Admission ticket included
  • Day 13

    Snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef

    1 stop
  • 19
    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

    8 hours Admission ticket included
  • Day 14

    Kuranda and Port Douglas

    2 stops
  • 20

    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

    3 hours Admission ticket included
  • 21
    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.

    3 hours Admission ticket free
  • Day 15

    Mossman Gorge & Cultural Experience

    2 stops
  • 22

    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.

    1 hour Admission ticket included
  • 23
    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.

    3 hours Admission ticket included
  • Day 16

    Daintree Rainforest Cape Tribulation to Cairns

    1 stop
  • 24
    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!

    8 hours Admission ticket included

Additional info

  • 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.
Supplied by Autopia Tours

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