14 Days Sydney to Cairns 'Suncatcher'

Itinerary: day by day

DAY 1: SYDNEY TO CENTRAL COAST

Our journey commences bright and early as we depart Sydney via the Harbour Bridge and begin our trek northwards along the Pacific Highway. Crossing the mighty Hawkesbury River, we travel past Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, stopping for lunch along the way (own expense) as we head further north. This afternoon we continue on through the towns of Kempsey, birthplace of the "Akubra" hat, before arriving at our idyllic Surf location. This area is one of the most beautiful and pristine parts of the Australian coast line – a unique location that can't be missed.

Here we jump into the Aussie surf lifestyle and hit the water for our first lesson. If surfing is not your thing, kickback and explore the surrounding area where abundant wildlife roam, a truly unbelievable place for sun, surf, and sand. Tonight we relax "Aussie Style" around the campfire.

OVERNIGHT Meals – Dinner

Beach House - Dorm Style (share facilities)

DAY 2: CENTRAL COAST TO BYRON BAY

This morning we hit the beach again for an early morning surf. Leaving this remote location behind we head north passing through Coffs Harbour, the Banana growing capital! With the Great Dividing Range to our west and the Pacific Ocean on our east, the highway takes us past the Northern Rivers towns of Grafton and Ballina before reaching the resort town of Byron Bay, Australia's most easterly township. Renowned for its surfing beaches, beautiful rainforests and eclectic lifestyle, Byron Bay oozes a relaxed vibe that "hooks" many a traveller. Some have been known to visit and never leave! After checking into our accommodation, we head off to explore the town.

OVERNIGHT Meals – Breakfast

Glen Villa Resort

Byron Bay – Cabins (private facilities)

DAY 3: BYRON BAY

A full day ahead to enjoy what Byron Bay has to offer. Famous for its great beaches and counter culture, we have plenty of optional activities here to keep us busy today. Try surfing*, go diving*, sea kayaking* or just chill out on the beach. The galleries and craft shops are also sure to fascinate, as are the many cafes and alternate cuisines that are available here. Take a great scenic walk to the lighthouse at Cape Byron where the views are breathtaking. It's even possible that you may see some dolphins or whales as they pass by. Whether you do too much or too littler here, you are guaranteed to enjoy it.

OVERNIGHT Meals – Breakfast

Glen Villa Resort

Byron Bay – Cabins (private facilities)

DAY 4: BYRON BAY TO GOLD COAST

Enjoy a relaxed start to the morning with Topdeck's exclusive "Gourmet Picnic Brunch" before we depart Byron Bay. Our short journey takes us inland via Murwillumbah and across the state border beside Lamington National Park. Here we enter Queensland. We will make a stop at the "Natural Arch" – a natural feature where a spectacular waterfall plumets through a stone archway into a rock pool below. The short walk here is a must. We then travel through the Numinbah Valley and Nerang, to Surfers Paradise and the Gold Coast.. This region is one of Australia's most popular holiday destinations with its great climate, famous surf beaches, extreme adventure activities* and well known Theme Parks*. Tonight we regroup & head to the iconic Surfers Paradise Surf Club for dinner. The nightlife here is pumping every night of the week, and we will take you to some of the Gold Coasts' hot Spots!!

OVERNIGHT Meals – Brunch & Dinner

The Vibe Hotel

Surfers Paradise – (private facilities)

DAY 5: GOLD COAST

A full day to take in the sights and sounds of Australia's holiday playground where there is a chance to hit the surf*. Visit one of Australia's theme parks* - Sea World, Movie World, Dreamworld and Wet 'n Wild, take your pick. For the enthused, the chance is also available to visit the world renowned, "Australia Zoo"*, for an ultimate wildlife adventure. Of course there are also the endless beaches that make this stretch of coastline so famous and, as they are only a short walk from our hotel, it makes it all so easy to enjoy.

OVERNIGHT Meals – Breakfast

The Vibe Hotel

Surfers Paradise – (private facilities)

DAY 6: GOLD COAST TO FRASER ISLAND

A short drive this morning to Queensland's capital city of Brisbane. We will make a stop at Kangaroo Point Cliffs lookout for the best view of this river city then crossing the Brisbane River via the Story Bridge we take some time out in the city centre. Hit the Queen Street Mall (last shopping fix for a few 1000 kms!!), relax in a nearby coffee shop or just take a walk around this relaxed city. Heading further north along the Bruce Highway we pass the world famous Glasshouse Mountains, the old gold mining town of Gympie and the heritage township of Maryborough before arriving at River Heads. Here we board our ferry to cross the Great Sandy Straight, bound for Fraser Island. Perfectly located at Kingfisher Bay, the Wilderness Lodge accommodation is set in a Eucalypt forest at Kingfisher Bay Resort, on the western side of the island.

OVERNIGHT Meals – Breakfast & Dinner

Kingfisher Bay Resort Wilderness Lodge

Fraser Island – (share facilities)

DAY 7: FRASER ISLAND – GREAT SANDY NATIONAL PARK

Fraser Island – Great Sandy National Park is World Heritage Listed and is the world's largest sand island. It was home to the Badtjala people for some 5000 years and was known as "K'gari". This special place supports an extraordinarily diverse rainforest, wildflower heath, mangroves, birds and a large population of dingoes. This island has dunes that reach 240 metres in height and about 40 dune lakes – half the numbers in the world. A great way to see this magnificent national park is onboard our guided half day 4-wheel drive bus tour, along the unspoilt surf beaches and to pristine inland freshwater lakes that are ideal for swimming. (The option is also available to upgrade to Full Day Tour). The option is also available between July and November to join a local Whale watching* tour. Here you can see hump back whales in their annual migration. At the end of the day, why not enjoy a cocktail at the jetty bar, while watching the sun set over the bay.

OVERNIGHT Meals – Breakfast

Kingfisher Bay Resort Wilderness Lodge

Fraser Island – (share facilities)

DAY 8: FRASER ISLAND TO KROOMBIT PARK

This morning we say our last goodbyes to Fraser Island, board our ferry and return to the mainland. We head for Central Queensland where we will experience true "Australian Outback hospitality" as we join a local farming family where the Sandilands rule their 10,000 acre cattle station. Natural experiences, kangaroos, wide-open spaces, and the casual relaxed lifestyle are all to be enjoyed in this tranquil bush setting. Late afternoon we enjoy the renowned "Goat Rodeo", before enjoying an evening around the campfire for a yarn or two! You may even like to try your skills on the Mechanical Bull!

OVERNIGHT Meals – Breakfast & Dinner

Kroombit Cattle Station

Via Biloela – (share facilities)

DAY 9: KROOMBIT TO EMU PARK

Goat mustering, horse riding, quad bike riding or trap shooting are just a few of the activities available this morning before we say farewell. We make a stop in the beef capital of QLD – Rockhampton "Rocky" before making our way to our overnight accommodation - Emu's Beach Resort, nestled in the casual stress-free coastal town of Emu Park. A perfect place to sit back, relax and take it easy. Maybe a walk on the beach is more your style or a dip in the resort pool. Tonight enjoy some local hospitality as we enjoy a seaside 'Reef & Beef Dinner'!

OVERNIGHT Meals – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Emu's Beach Resort

Emu Park – (private facilities)

DAY 10: EMU PARK TO THE WHITSUNDAYS

Today we head off for the gorgeous Whitsundays where you're in for a real treat. We arrive in Airlie Beach, the heart of this thriving tropical paradise. The town overlooks the beautiful Whitsunday Passage and the 74 nearby tropical islands. If there's a heaven on earth, it's definitely in the Whitsundays so prepare to enjoy! The best way by far to experience this gorgeous region is onboard our yacht – your home for the next 2 nights!

OVERNIGHT Meals – Breakfast & Dinner

Liveaboard Sailing – Multi-share (bunk) accommodation

Whitsundays

DAY 11: THE WHITSUNDAY ISLANDS

Wake up in one of the many sheltered coves that make up the Whitsundays. You'll set sail for golden sandy beaches, snorkel over island coral reefs and soak up the sun in this tropical wonderland. A visit to the famous Whitehaven Beach and Blue Pearl Bay will also hopefully be an option – depending on the weather. For the budding sailors, help set the sails and have a turn on the helm as we explore the islands. By night you'll star gaze the Milky Way and forget about your life back home. You're in heaven.

OVERNIGHT Meals – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Liveaboard Sailing – Multi-share (bunk) accommodation

Whitsundays

DAY 12: THE WHITSUNDAYS TO CAIRNS

Early this morning we set sail for the mainland and the busy resort town of Airlie Beach. Bidding farewell to this "paradise" we head north via Townsville to Cairns.

The final stretch of the Bruce Highway unfolds before us on our way to colourful Cairns. On arrival we'll check in to our resort and enjoy some dinner (own expense). This evening visit one of the many local bars or cafes! Maybe a visit to the local night markets, or if you prefer, kick back and relax at the resort.

OVERNIGHT Meals – Breakfast

Gilligans Hotel and Resort

Cairns – (private facilities)

DAY 13: CAIRNS

Cairns is located on the edge of two extraordinary natural environments, the reef and the rainforest, and is the perfect base for a load of activities to suit everyone. Explore all that tropical North Queensland has to offer – the world is your oyster! Go wild with optional activities ranging from Day trip snorkelling, diving on the Great Barrier Reef*, adventurous white water rafting* on the Tully River or Tandem Skydiving*, to a day trip* to the World Heritage listed Daintree Region. There's Horse Riding*, Quad Biking*, bungy Jumping*, Hot Air Ballooning* - the list goes on and on! Alternatively If you want some time out, Cairns has some great cafes and shopping precincts. At the day's end, we can exchange our adventure stories as we enjoy a farewell dinner (own expense).

OVERNIGHT Meals – Breakfast

Gilligans Hotel and Resort

Cairns – (private facilities)

DAY 14: CAIRNS

Today we head up to Kuranda where you can explore the local arts and crafts of this village before we visit Koala Gardens – wildlife in the rainforest! From Koala's, Crocodiles, Kangaroos, Snakes & Wombats, a chance for us to see some of Australia's most unique wildlife up close. Take the opportunity to "Cuddle a Koala" (own expense) - one of only a handful of places in the world where you can actually do this! The option is available to glide metres above the rainforest canopy in comfortable six-person gondola cabins as you join Skyrail's one-way intimate rainforest experience. Hear, smell and become part of the tropical rainforest environment. We make our way back into Cairns where our journey ends.

 Meals – Breakfast