Sydney to Cairns Adventure

14 days
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Small Group Tour
Weave your way from Sydney to Cairns along Australia’s breathtaking east coast on this 14-day adventure. Start by sampling some of Australia’s best wines in the Hunter Valley, get up close and cuddly with koalas in Dorrigo National Park and soak up the vibes of Byron Bay. The good times keep rolling over state lines, as Queensland offers the beautiful Whitsun...
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$5,783
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate

Highlights

    • Take a guided walkabout tour around Sydney Harbour with a local Aboriginal guide who will teach you about local First Nations history, Dreaming and the spiritual connection to Country, while you soak in gorgeous iconic views.
    • Get in touch with Australia’s wilderness and wildlife. Meet cute and cuddly koalas at an animal hospital, look out for whales if the seaosn is right and explore the rainforest and waterfalls in Dorrigo National Park.
    • Plenty of beachtime awaits with stays in Hervey Bay, Byron Bay, Airlie Beach, Mission Beach and afull-day tour of the Whitsundays, including Whitehaven Beach, where you will go snorkelling among giant tropical fish and corals and then relax on the 7 km stretch of beach as the sun descends.
    • Take an incredible 4WD adventure through the breathtaking landscape of K'gari (formerly Fraser Island). Ride across sand dunes and vast golden beaches in search of the iconic outback creature, the dingo.
    • Explore Mungalla Wetlands with a First Nations guide as you search for aquatic birdlife and learn about the history and culture of the Nywaigi people.
    • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Greening Australia. Donations help them tackle Australia’s complex environmental challenges, restoring landscapes at scale – in ways that work for communities, economies and nature.

What's this trip about?

    Weave your way from Sydney to Cairns along Australia’s breathtaking east coast on this 14-day adventure. Start by sampling some of Australia’s best wines in the Hunter Valley, get up close and cuddly with koalas in Dorrigo National Park and soak up the vibes of Byron Bay. The good times keep rolling over state lines, as Queensland offers the beautiful Whitsundays, the wilderness of the Atherton Tablelands and the sublime scenery and vast golden beaches of K’gari (formerly Fraser Island). By the time you wrap up in Cairns, you’ll have had a truly all-Australian experience.

Details

Itinerary focusOperator does not provide
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 16 people
Age range15 years and up
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CitySydney
End CityCairns

Travel Themes

  • High Adventure

Destinations

  • Australia

Attractions

  • Brisbane
  • Cairns
  • Great Barrier Reef
  • Queensland
  • Sydney

Trip includes

    • Hunter Valley - Winery Visit & Wine Tasting
    • Sydney - The Rocks Dreaming Walking Tour with Aboriginal Guide
    • Crowdy Bay National Park - Diamond Head Hike
    • Port Macquarie - Koala Hospital guided tour
    • Dorrigo National Park - Short Hike
    • Dorrigo National Park - Rainforest Centre & Skywalk
    • Coffs Harbour - Red Rock Gumbaynggirr First Nations experience
    • Byron Bay - Lighthouse Walk
    • Springbrook National Park - Natural Bridge
    • Byron Bay - The Farm visit
    • K'gari - Full day 4WD tour
    • Airlie Beach - Full day Whitsunday Islands & Whitehaven Beach Tour with Snorkelling
    • Paluma Range National Park - Crystal Creek
    • Townsville - Castle Hill Lookout
    • Mungalla Station - Nywaigi First Nations Guided Day Tour
    • Atherton Tablelands - Curtain Tree boardwalk
    • Atherton Tablelands - Lake Eacham walk
    • Atherton Tablelands - Millaa Millaa Falls

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Sydney / Hunter Valley / Cessnock

Welcome to Sydney! Or Warrane, in the language of the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, who are the Traditional Owners of the land on which Sydney is now located. Your adventure starts with a welcome meeting at 9 am at the starting point hotel. After, you’ll head out...

Day 2 Crowdy Bay National Park / Port Macquarie

Today, you’ll make tracks north along the scenic coastal route. Stop at Crowdy Bay National Park along the way and embark on a scenic hike through forests of heath, paperbark and swamp mahogany at Diamond Head, taking in views of golden beaches and dramatic rock faces...

Day 3 Port Macquarie / Dorrigo National Park / Coffs Harbour

This morning, you’ll visit the Koala Hospital in Port Macquarie, where you’ll meet the volunteers who work there and and learn about how this organisation provides care and treatment for koalas needing rehabilitation. Then, drive to Bellingen, where you might like to ...

Day 4 Coffs Harbour / Byron Bay

Next up is Byron Bay – a laid-back surf paradise with boundless coastline, sand and friendly locals. But first, you’ll start your day with a walking tour of Red Rock with a local First Nations guide. Learn about the culture of the Gumbaynggirr people through stories, ...

Day 5 Byron Bay

Get up early this morning if you want to catch the sunrise – they are pretty ace from Australia's most easterly point – but if you prefer, you can sleep in too! Today is free to do as you please so maybe hunt down the best cold-brew coffee from one of Byron’s quirky c...

Day 6 Springbrook National Park / Gold Coast / Brisbane

This morning, head to The Farm – a collection of micro-businesses on a working farm focusing on growing, feeding and educating through community farming. Maybe grab some breakfast here and pick up a few things to have for lunch later on. Continue to Springbrook Nation...

Day 7 Brisbane / Noosa / Hervey Bay

The next part of your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 10 am. Then drive to Noosa Heads – a serene town in Queensland by the sea – where you can grab some lunch, relax on the beach or go shopping in the cute boutique shops. If you’d like, maybe use your free...

Day 8 K'gari (Fraser Island) / Hervey Bay

After breakfast this morning, you’ll head to the stunning K'gari (previously known as Fraser Island) by ferry for a day trip. The name change is a major milestone in a long-running campaign by the Butchulla people, whose original name for this place means ‘paradise’ –...

Day 9 Hervey Bay / Overnight Train

Enjoy a free day in Hervey Bay today – one of the best sites for observing humpback whales during migration season. If the month is right, maybe spend the morning whale watching on the water, or rent a bike to cycle along the foreshore. Or you could take a leisurely s...

Day 10 Airlie Beach

Your new leader will meet you at Proserpine train station early this morning. Head to their favourite sunrise spot as a group – the best way to start your day – and watch the land come alive. Then, you’ll head for an optional breakfast and caffeine hit at a local café...

Day 11 Whitsunday Islands / Whitehaven Beach / Airlie Beach

Today you’ll head out on a full-day tour to Whitehaven Beach, in the heart of the Whitsunday Islands and in the centre of the Great Barrier Reef. Start with a walk to the spectacular Hill Inlet Lookout, where you can take photos of the sweeping ocean views. Then, hit ...

Day 12 Townsville / Paluma Range National Park / Lucinda

Today is a long day of travel, interspersed with some stops to stretch your legs. Your first stop is Townsville. Head to Castle Hill lookout when you arrive and take some photos of the gorgeous views of the town and ocean below. You’ll have some free time for lunch an...

Day 13 Mungalla Station / Mission Beach

This morning after breakfast, drive to Mungalla station, where you’ll meet the First Nations owners of the land – the Nywaigi people – and learn about their culture and history, including about the brutal conflicts with European settlers. The story you’ve been told wi...

Day 14 Atherton Tablelands / Cairns

This morning after breakfast, drive to Millaa Millaa Falls for a nature walk and a quick swim in the cascades. Stop in for lunch at a local cafe near Atherton. Take the Curtain Fig boardwalk to see the iconic tree this park was named after – this park protects endange...

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Dates & Availability

Price From $4,284
Price per day$306
Last Updated: 9/10/2024
Departure Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Availability
08 Nov 2024
21 Nov 2024
$4,815
22 Nov 2024
05 Dec 2024
$5,040
06 Dec 2024
19 Dec 2024
$5,040
13 Dec 2024
26 Dec 2024
$5,040
03 Jan 2025
16 Jan 2025
$5,440
17 Jan 2025
30 Jan 2025
$5,190
24 Jan 2025
06 Feb 2025
$5,040
07 Feb 2025
20 Feb 2025
$4,815
14 Feb 2025
27 Feb 2025
$4,815
28 Feb 2025
13 Mar 2025
$4,815

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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The intrepid group were excellent to…

The intrepid group were excellent to work with and were very helpful at all times and made organising the trip a breeze. This was an excellent trip, and was enjoyed ...

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Aug 2024

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Awful waste of time and money.

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Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel

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The Intrepid Travel Experience

If you’re looking for adventure, you’ve come to the right place. For the past 25 years, we’ve been taking small groups of travelers on unforgettable trips around the world. What makes them unforgettable? Take a look for yourself and discover the Intrepid experience.

Our travelers have three styles of tour to choose from: Basix, Original and Comfort. Each has a different level of inclusions and accommodation, but all have unforgettable real life experiences as part of the package. Travellers can also choose themed trips, such as Family, Sailing or Food, to suit their interests.

Our group size has an average of just ten travellers, which allows us to get off the beaten track, use local accommodation and transport, and really get to know the culture. It also ensures we are contributing to the local economy; by choosing local suppliers we were able to keep AUD 60 million in local economies in 2012. We’re also working hard to reduce our carbon footprint and were the first in our sector to introduce carbon offset trips. This, along with our many corporate sustainability activities, has meant we’re one of the travel industry’s leaders in responsible travel.

Why Intrepid?

  •   Small groups - average of 10 people per trip
  •   Sustainability - pioneers for the industry
  •   Local leaders - authentic perspectives
  •   Local transport - get close and personal
  •   Local accommodation - experience real living
  •   Intrepid travelers - like-minded companions 

History

Intrepid Travel has come a long way since its beginnings in 1989. From two university friends, a typewriter and a kitchen desk, it is now a proud member of The Intrepid Group, taking over 100,000 travelers every year.

Intrepid Travel is part of The Intrepid Group of companies, alongside leading small group adventure companies Peregrine, Urban Adventures and PEAK DMC.

Despite growing into a global business with over 1,000 staff based all over the world and over 800 different trips across every continent, we’ve remained devoted to the same grassroots values and responsible travel philosophies that we had at the very beginning.

 

Values

On every trip we operate and in every interaction we have with a client, supplier or local, we live our core values everyday:

  • Integrity – Doing the right thing
  • Responsible – Think global, act local
  • Growth – Stakeholders in our own success
  • Innovation – Thriving on new ideas and embracing change
  • Fun – It’s engrained into who we are and what we do
  • Passion – We are inspired by the work we do and the trips we offer

 

Why we love this operator
They're highly committed to sustainable tourism and contribute to crucial initiatives like climate action, focusing on local cultures and more.
What they’re known for
Small group tours for all types of travelers at a range of different price points and trips to off-the-beaten-path destinations.

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Logistics

Accommodation

Hotel (4 nights),Cabins (6 nights),Overnight train (1 night),Holiday Apartments (2 nights),

Transportation & Flights

Private vehicle,Ferry,Overnight train,Boat,4WD,

Transportation & flights

Private vehicle,Ferry,Overnight train,Boat,4WD
Guides
AUSTRALIA LEADERS All group trips are accompanied by a group leader. In Australia your group leader is often also your driver, taking you from start to finish. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Your leader will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, as well as recommend great local eating venues. They will also introduce you to our local friends along the way. Please be aware they will be juggling many things on your tour and on some days may have less time to spend with you. But they will always be working hard to ensure you and your group have a fantastic time exploring Australia!
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those travelling internationally. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. If you are travelling within your home country or region please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your group leader or local representative. If you have credit card insurance your group leader or local representative will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country. For travellers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or USA the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory. However the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and travellers from these regions who decline travel insurance when travelling outside of their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting, recognizing personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise. For assistance with travel insurance or other services, please visit the link below: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-resources/our-services
Visa requirements
PASSPORT You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date. We need your passport information to get everything ready for your trip so it’s important that the information on your booking matches your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends. VISAS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your trip and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your trip. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the entry requirements for your nationality on your government's foreign travel advisories, consular websites or on our page here:  www.intrepidtravel.com/visa-entry-requirements
Health & Safety
Most national governments provide regularly updated foreign travel advice on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all destinations and activities on your trip. Please refer to our website's safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trips here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/travel-alerts We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, flight tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. Your group leader or local representative will accompany you on all included activities, however, during your trip you'll have some free time to pursue your own interests or relax and take it easy. While your group leader or local representative will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your Intrepid itinerary, and Intrepid makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your group leader or local representative has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Intrepid's operational safety policies can be viewed on our website at the link below. We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any feedback on how safety is being managed on our trips. https://www.intrepidtravel.com/safety-guidelines BEACH SAFETY Rip currents are the leading hazard for all beach users. They can occur at any beach and can sweep even the strongest swimmer out to sea. Rip currents are responsible for around 15,000 beach rescues each year in Australia. To enjoy Australia's beaches safely, take the following simple precautions: - Always swim between the red and yellow flags. These indicate that it is a supervised location where a lifesaving service is currently on duty. - Do not swim at unsupervised locations. - Observe and obey safety signage, which indicates current and typical hazards for that location. - Ask a lifeguard or lifesaver for advice on conditions. They are there to make your experience safer and more enjoyable. - Always swim with a friend – never swim alone. - If you get into trouble, stay calm and signal for help by calling and waving your arm above your head. - Be aware of your own limitations in terms of your physical health and your swimming ability in the given conditions. Never swim while, or after, consuming alcohol. SNORKELLING Never dive or snorkel alone. Stay in a group when snorkelling, so someone knows where you are and when you are expected back. Check local conditions, tides, local currents, swells, current weather. Do not get caught out by tides or strong currents. Avoid heat exhaustion and sunburn. Wear dive shoes to protect your feet from sharp shells, broken coral and beach rock. Treat coral cuts with disinfectant. Don't delay treating coral cuts, as the even the smallest scratch can quickly become infected. SWIMMING Always swim with another member of your group. Do not go beyond your swimming abilities. Wear a life jacket at all times if you are not a confident swimmer and stay where it is shallow enough to touch the ground. Be aware of the real risk of stingers (jellyfish), particularly from November to March and wear a stinger suit if in the water. STINGERS & OTHER MARINE WILDLIFE Marine stingers, also known as irukandji, or stinging jellyfish, can cause extremely painful, burn-like, stinging welts, which need urgent medical attention. Wear 'stinger suits' (essentially full-body lycra suits) or protective clothing when snorkelling or entering the water. If stung: - Leave the water immediately and move into shade. - Douse the affected area with vinegar. - Continue to dribble vinegar over the area for several minutes, or until the pain eases. - If you run out of vinegar, use sea water not fresh water. - Do not rub sand into the welts. - Arrange urgent medical help and monitor the patient constantly. - Look but do NOT touch Some marine creatures are deadly. Cone shells, blue-ringed octopus, and stonefish will sting. It's painful and can be fatal. Never touch, take or tamper with any marine animals or plants. Everything is protected by law and penalties apply.
Age Requirements
15 years and up
Additional Information

Finish point

  • Bay Village Tropical Retreat
  • 227 Lake St
  • Cairns
  • AUSTRALIA
Trip ID
intrepid-PZSPC

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