14 Day Tour from Sydney to Cairns Fraser Island and Whitsundays

5.0
(4 reviews)

14 days (approximately)
Offered in: English

From iconic cities to tropical islands, wildlife encounters to Indigenous culture, this 14-day small-group tour from Sydney to Cairns is your ultimate East Coast adventure – designed for the comfort traveller who wants more than just the highlights, but authentic moments, local insights, and a deeper connection to the places visited.

Enjoy a boutique travel experience with a relaxed pace and a carefully crafted itinerary. You’ll stay in quality accommodation, travel with a friendly group of like-minded explorers, and experience the very best of Australia – from sparkling beaches to lush rainforests, charming coastal towns, and the world-famous Great Barrier Reef.

Whether it’s tasting wine in the Hunter Valley, 4WD adventuring on K’gari (Fraser Island), learning about First Nations culture, or snorkelling in the Whitsundays, this is the trip that will leave you feeling well-travelled, well-fed, and wonderfully connected to the heart and soul of Australia's east coast.

What's Included

Australian wildlife encounter and rescue centre visit
Whitsunday Island & Whitehaven beach day trip & snorkel
Wine, cheese, chocolate tasting
Lunch (Optional[3])
Lunch
All transport (private small-group vehicle, domestic flight BNE>PPP & boat trips)
Dinner
Great Barrier Reef day cruise - incl. snorkeling gear & glass bottom boat
First Nations cultural experience
Breakfast (Optional[12])
Breakfast
Sydney meeting point / Cairns drop-off points
K’gari Fraser Island 4WD small-group day trip
Guided rainforest, gorge & lookout short-easy walks
International flights are not included.
Meals not listed in the itinerary can be purchased along the way and supporting local businesses.
Personal travel insurance is highly recommended

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 10:00am after check out from your accommodation.

Itinerary

Duration: 14 days (approximately)
    Day 1

    Sydney Meet & Greet

    1 stop
  • 1

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    Ends in Cairns

    1 stop
  • 20

    After breakfast, your unforgettable adventure comes to an end. It's time to say goodbye to your fellow travellers and reflect on the incredible experiences you've shared. Please ensure you check out of your accommodation, as your journey concludes here. Safe travels!

    3 hours Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • A medical clearance or doctor’s certificate is required for participants over 70 years old, submitted at least 30 days prior to travel.
Supplied by Autopia Tours

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Nature and Wildlife Tours
Multi-day Tours
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Jet Boat Rentals
Cultural Tours
Catamaran Cruises
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5.0 Based on 4 4 reviews
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