14 Days Cairns to Sydney Explorer

Itinerary: day by day

Day 1 – Cairns

For our first day in the tropics, we head a little further north of Cairns along the coast to the resort town of Port Douglas. Take some time to explore, or just hit the beach. Those of a more cultural bent can join an optional tour with the local Kuku Yalanji people, where a guide will explain the cultural significance of their country, before introducing you to traditional spear fishing. Learn about the edible plants and medicines found around you, make your way through the mangroves and view the magnificent Niau Waterfall. The rest of the group will relax in Port Douglas before heading to the rainforest village of Kuranda, sampling some of their fine arts and crafts – a great way to begin our Eastern Australia adventure together.

Day 2 - Cairns

Where the rainforest meets the reef, that's where you'll find Cairns. Take advantage of these two spectacular natural landscapes with a day free for optional activities (all own expense)! Head out to the Great Barrier Reef for snorkelling or diving, and get an insight into this beautiful part of the world. Get your heart racing with some white water rafting along the Tully River, or tandem skydiving. Take a day trip into the Daintree Rainforest, or even go horse riding, quad biking, bungy jumping or hot air ballooning! As you can see, there's a veritable cavalcade of things to do, and that's without even mentioning the shopping options in Cairns. Tonight we can swap stories over dinner (own expense). (B)

Day 3 – Cairns to Whitsundays (Sailing)

We're up early today, heading south from Cairns, towards the Far North's largest City of Townsville. It's not far through the tropical towns of Sarina and Bowen (Home to the Big Mango) until we reach our gateway to the Whitsunday Islands. Step aboard our yacht and make passage through the inlets. Tonight you'll gaze upon the stars from the deck and enjoy the relaxed vibes. (BD)

Day 4 –Whitsundays (Whitehaven Beach)

Today get ready to chase the sun over the shimmering ocean. Wake up from the shelter of a nearby cove and get ready for a day of sailing! We'll take in beautiful beaches, snorkel through colourful reefs and get a taste of tropical living. Weather permitting; we'll visit Whitehaven Beach (the whitest sand you've ever seen) and Blue Pearl Bay. Then we plot a course for nearby South Molle Island, our home for the next two nights – take a turn on the helm if you're up for it! (BLD)

Day 5 – Whitsundays (South Molle Island)

Back on dry land, explore the idyllic surrounds of South Molle: feed the Rainbow Lorikeets, go snorkelling or swimming, even a quick 9 holes of golf if you feel the urge (own expense). There's plenty of bushwalking tracks available, with scenic views of the Whitsundays and 17 (count 'em) private beaches if you want to get away. A walk up 'Spion Kop' (voted as one of the best island bushwalks) is a must. Either way, the pace is relaxed and the choice is all yours. (BD)

Day 6 – Whitsundays to Emu Park

Our short morning ferry lands us back into Shute Harbour where we jump back on the coach, our destination Rockhampton (or "Rocky" to its mates), Beef Capital of Queensland. It's not far from here to our overnight pit stop, set in the relaxed beach locales of Emu Park. You won't need any help chilling out in a place like this! Go for a swim in the pool, take to the beach, or just enjoy the warm sunshine. Tonight make the most of the locals' hospitality as we tuck into a 'Reef & Beef Dinner', right by the ocean! (BD)

Day 7 – Emu Park to Kroombit Cattle Station

A hearty breakfast greets us today, then a chance to let it settle before our visit to the Sandilands family, and their 10,000 acre cattle station. Breathe in the fresh air and get a feel for the wide open spaces. Try your hand at goat mustering, horse riding, quad bike trailing or even trap shooting this afternoon (own expense). Spot some of the local kangaroos and birds as you enjoy this peaceful taste of the Australian bush. Later get ready for the world-famous 'Goat Rodeo', before we settle in 'round the campfire for a tale or three. Don't forget to try your skills on the Mechanical Bull, either! (BLD)

Day 8 – Kroombit Cattle Station to Noosa

Leaving the farm behind, we journey back to the coast to Noosa, a popular resort town on the Sunshine Coast! Enjoy the endless beaches of the area, or just mosey around town. Tonight we'll share a drink or two with the friendly locals. (B)

Day 9 – Fraser Island

Today we're taking a guided tour around the world's largest sand island, Fraser Island! Join our local guides in a 4WD trip that drinks in the awesome beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage-listed site. We'll traverse the stunning Seventy Five Mile Beach, before entering the tropical part of the isle for a guided rainforest walk. After a "fair dinkum" (read: authentic) Aussie BBQ on the banks of Lake McKenzie, we'll take to the waters for a cooling swim. There's still time to stop off at Central Station, as well as witnessing the multi-coloured sands of Rainbow Beach before returning to Noosa. (BL)

Day 10 – Noosa to Gold Coast

Continuing along the famous Irwin Way, passing the Glasshouse Mountain range and hitting the Australia Zoo, made famous by Steve Irwin, time is available for those who wish to visit the zoo today (own expense). For the rest of us, we will make our way to Queensland's Capitol City Brisbane. We arrive in Brisbane, boarding one of the famed CityCats for a cruise along the river and a chance to gaze up at the city skyline. Cruising through the outer suburbs, we'll get a feel for one of Australia's most popular holiday spots Surfers Paradise! Expect warm beaches and even warmer locals (Google "Meter Maids" if you don't believe us). Tonight we regroup for a frame or two of bowling and some dinner, before getting a taste of the nightlife on offer – it's gonna be a big one! (BD)

Day 11 – Gold Coast to Byron Bay

Today you have a chance to go 'Crazy on the Goldy!' Explore the surrounds on your own time – perhaps visit the nearby theme parks for some thrills and excitement, or just indulge in a spot of shopping, or catch some rays down on the beach. It's only a short hop later this afternoon, as we cross over the Tweed River, into New South Wales. We check in at Byron Bay, a relaxed beach destination that melds fertile rainforest with endless beaches and an alternative culture vibe. So dump your bags at the accommodation and let's go check it out! (BL)

Day 12 – Byron Bay

You've got a free day to explore Byron to your heart's content. There's plenty of activities on hand – adrenalin junkies can skydive, scuba or sea kayak their way across the landscape (all own expense), while others might like to catch some rays and relax beachside. Cultivate your artistic bent with a visit to the local galleries and craft shops, or just unwind at a cafe and people watch for a while. For those after healthier pursuits, take the scenic walk up to the lighthouse at Cape Byron and indulge in some potential dolphin spotting (seasonal) along the way. The choice is yours... (B)

Day 13 – Byron Bay to Central Coast (Surfing)

Another short drive passing through Coffs Harbour (look for the Big Banana), Grafton and Ballina, is an extremely scenic journey and lands us here on to the Central NSW Coast. This will be the final instalment in our love-affair with heavenly Australian beaches. The pristine sands will hold your first surf lesson, before we take to the waves. If you're not up for surfing, take some time to explore the lush landscape and meet some of the friendly wildlife. We'll all meet up around the campfire tonight. (B,D)

Day 14 – Central Coast (Surfing) to Sydney

Today we'll start the day how locals do, with an early morning surf to get the blood pumping. All good surfers need a great lunch after the morning waves. Time to relax, and reflect back on the past days achievements on our afternoon journey to the big smoke of Sydney. Entering the city via the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge with spectacular views, we are sure that you will love this city as much as we do. Our East Coast trip draws to a close in the heart of the CBD where travellers will bid their farewells and continue on their own paths. (B)