14 Day Sydney to Cairns Tour – Fraser Island, Whitsundays

Days
14
DEPARTS
6:00 pm
RETURNS
10:00 pm
PRICE from
$8490 AUD

The 14 Day Sydney to Cairns Tour | Fraser Island | Whitsundays isn’t just another Aussie road trip — it’s the big one. The full east-coast experience from harbour to reef, told through small-group travel, local stories and the kind of wildlife encounters that make you put the camera down and just watch.
I’ve driven this stretch more times than I can count, and it still surprises me. You’ve got kangaroos at sunrise, coral reefs by afternoon, and rainforest mists rolling over your breakfast view. It’s 2,600 kilometres of changing skies and characters — from winemakers and Indigenous storytellers to reef biologists and barefoot sailors.

Operates

SUN

Tour Map

Age Restriction
From 12 years
Bus Capacity
Up to 16 passengers
Tour Language
English

Highlights

  • Boutique travel – travel in a small group with a relaxed pace, staying in handpicked accommodation along the way.

  • Wildlife conservation park – meet kangaroos, wombats, emus and other native animals in a dedicated sanctuary.

  • Hunter Valley indulgence – taste award-winning wines, creamy artisan cheeses and decadent handmade chocolates.

  • Cultural immersion with Gumbaynggirr First Nations people – connect with local custodians through storytelling and tradition.

  • Koala Hospital in Port Macquarie – learn about the important rescue and rehabilitation work being done for these beloved creatures.

  • Byron Bay’s beaches – explore the town’s famous beaches and visit Cape Byron Lighthouse.

  • 4WD K’gari (Fraser Island) – cross the world’s largest sand island in search of lakes, forests and beaches.

  • Whitsundays and Whitehaven Beach – full day tropical island cruise with snorkelling and guided walks.

  • Atherton Tablelands – crater lakes, rainforest waterfalls and wild platypus sightings.

  • Great Barrier Reef day cruise – snorkelling, glass bottom boat tour and marine education.

Trip Inclusions

  • 13 Nights’ Private or Shared Boutique Style Hotels/Resorts – all rooms with ensuite

  • Includes: 12 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 1 dinner

  • All National Park entry fees included

  • Cape Tribulation

  • Skyrail gondola ride over rainforest to Kuranda

  • Daintree rainforest walk – Off the beaten track interpretive, sustainable walk with a local expert

  • Eco-friendly nature cruise – Spot crocodiles, birds and fish in the wild

  • Mossman Gorge entry and soft adventure walk

  • Kuku Yalanji First Nations local walk experience

  • Guided rainforest & gorge walks (~10 km total)

  • Hosted by an experienced driver-guide, with local tour commentary

  • All transport (private small-group vehicle & boat trips)

  • Cairns meeting point / Cairns drop-off point

What you need to bring?

  • Weather-appropriate clothing
  • Your sense of adventure
  • Waterproof rain jacket
  • Water bottle &/or Camelbak (2L minimum)
  • Comfortable walking or hiking shoes
  • Swimmers and beach towel
  • Hand sanitiser and insect repellent
  • Hat and sunscreen
  • Torch or headlight
  • Snacks for the bus in your day bag
  • Thermals, bed socks, warm clothes, hot water bottle (Oct–Nov, Mar–Apr)
  • Reusable facemasks
  • Money for snacks and meals

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Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Sydney

This 14-day east coast journey takes you from Sydney’s harbour to Cairns’ tropical shores. Along the way, you’ll experience a mix of famous attractions and local secrets — from Whitehaven Beach to the Gumbaynggirr people’s cultural stories, and from koala encounters to snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef. Designed with a balance of adventure and relaxation, this trip shows you the best of Australia’s coast.

Arrive in Australia’s most iconic city. Once you’ve checked in and settled, meet your tour leader and fellow travellers at 6 pm for a welcome meeting. Then share a group dinner, the perfect way to break the ice.

Included:

  • Welcome meeting with the tour leader and the group
  • Group dinner

Meals: Dinner
Driving Distance: None
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Potts Point or similar

Day 2: Hunter Valley & Newcastle

Trade Sydney’s skyscrapers for open spaces as you head to a conservation wildlife park. Meet koalas, kangaroos and other native animals, then head into the Hunter Valley for wine, cheese and chocolate tastings. Finish the day with an orientation of the coastal city of Newcastle.

Included:

  • Conservation wildlife park visit
  • Wine, cheese and chocolate tastings in Hunter Valley
  • Newcastle orientation tour

Meals: Breakfast
Driving Distance: 280 km
Walking Distance: Easy short walks
Accommodation: Lucky Hotel Newcastle or similar

Day 3: Port Macquarie & Koala Hospital

Today you’ll head to Port Macquarie to visit the Koala Hospital. Learn about the rescue, care and rehabilitation of injured and sick koalas and see how your visit helps their conservation efforts. End the day with a peaceful foreshore walk, keep an eye out for wild dolphins.

Included:

  • Visit to Port Macquarie Koala Hospital
  • Foreshore walk with dolphin-spotting opportunity

Meals: Breakfast
Driving Distance: 250 km
Walking Distance: Easy walks and lookouts
Accommodation: El Paso Motor Inn or similar

Day 4: Niigi Niigi Lookout & Byron Bay

Start the day with an immersive cultural experience with the Gumbaynggirr First Nations people. Hear ancient stories, learn about traditional customs and how people connect with the land. Later, visit Byron Bay and Cape Byron Lighthouse — the most easterly point of mainland Australia — with stunning ocean views.

Included Activities:

  • Gumbaynggirr cultural experience
  • Visit to Cape Byron Lighthouse and lookout

Meals: Breakfast
Driving Distance: 400 km
Walking Distance: Short, easy walks/lookouts
Accommodation: Beachcomber Byron Bay or similar

Day 5: Byron Bay

Full day in Byron Bay to relax or explore. Choose to lounge on the beach, shop the boutiques or take part in optional activities like surfing, kayaking, whale watching (seasonal), hot air ballooning or brewery tours.

Included Activities:

  • Free day for self-guided exploration or optional activities

Meals: None
Driving Distance: None
Accommodation: Beachcomber Byron Bay or similar

Day 6: Noosa & Rainbow Beach

Cross into Queensland and stop at Noosa National Park, where you might spot koalas in the wild. Walk along the beachfront at Main Beach and visit Hastings Street before heading north to Rainbow Beach for a 2-night stay.

Included Activities:

  • Visit to Noosa National Park
  • Noosa orientation, including Main Beach and Hastings Street

Meals: Breakfast
Driving Distance: 420 km
Walking Distance: Short, easy walks/lookouts
Accommodation: Rainbow Getaway Apartments or similar

Day 7: K’gari (Fraser Island)

Today you’ll board a 4WD for a full day of exploring K’gari (Fraser Island). Swim in the crystal clear waters of Lake McKenzie, walk through rainforests and visit the S.S. Maheno shipwreck. Drive along 75 Mile Beach and spot wild dingoes.

Included Activities:

  • Guided 4WD tour of K’gari

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Driving Distance: 200 km
Walking Distance: Easy short walks/lookouts (approx. 5 km)
Accommodation: Rainbow Getaway Apartments or similar

Day 8: Brisbane

Travel to Brisbane, Queensland’s capital, for an orientation tour. See the sights of the city before having some free time to explore the riverfront, cafes or galleries.

Included Activities:

  • Brisbane orientation tour

Meals: Breakfast
Driving Distance: 240 km
Walking Distance: Short, easy walks
Accommodation: The Point Hotel Brisbane or similar

Day 9: Brisbane to Airlie Beach

Fly to the Whitsundays region and transfer to Airlie Beach. Free time to explore, relax by the lagoon or enjoy the town’s nightlife.

Included Activities:

  • Flight from Brisbane to Proserpine (Whitsundays)
  • Free time in Airlie Beach

Meals: Breakfast
Driving Distance: 40 km
Accommodation: Mantra Club Croc or similar

Day 10: Whitsunday Islands & Whitehaven Beach

Cruise the turquoise waters of the Whitsundays all day. Visit Whitehaven Beach and walk to Hill Inlet lookout for views of the swirling sands. Snorkel the coral and fish, then back to Airlie Beach.

Included:

  • Whitsundays cruise with snorkelling
  • Whitehaven Beach visit & Hill Inlet walk

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Driving Distance: Full-day fast boat trip. Approx 8 hours. 46 kms
Walking Distance: Short, easy guided walks (2 km total) / Hill Inlet lookout point overlooking Whitehaven Beach
Accommodation – Mantra Club Croc or similar

Day 11: Mission Beach

Drive along the Bruce Highway to Mission Beach. Afternoon at leisure — relax by the pool, stroll along the beach or look for cassowaries in the rainforest.

Included:

  • Scenic Bruce Highway drive

Meals: Breakfast
Driving Distance: 505 km (Biggest drive day)
Walking Distance: Short, easy walks/lookout points
Accommodation – Mission Beach Resort or similar

Day 12: Atherton Tablelands to Cairns

Head into the Atherton Tablelands for a day of natural wonders. Swim in rainforest waterfalls, visit a volcanic crater lake and see the massive Curtain Fig Tree, then onto Cairns.

Included:

  • Atherton Tablelands tour with crater lake, waterfalls and wildlife spotting

Meals: Breakfast
Driving Distance: 220 km
Accommodation – Flynn Hotel Cairns or similar

Day 13: Great Barrier Reef

Board a catamaran for a day on the Great Barrier Reef. Snorkel the coral gardens, take a glass-bottom boat ride and learn about the reef from the experts. Optional scuba diving.

Included:

  • Great Barrier Reef day cruise with snorkelling & glass bottom boat
  • Optional scuba diving

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Driving Distance: Full-day fast boat trip. Approx 6.5 hours. 30 kms
Walking Distance: Short, easy walks / look out points*
Accommodation – Flynn Hotel Cairns or similar

Day 14: Cairns

Tour ends after breakfast. Farewell, your fellow travellers, and continue your journey from Cairns.

Meals: Breakfast

Download Pre-Departure Trip Notes

Download our Pre-Departure Trip Notes for essential travel information, packing tips, meeting details, accommodation information, and answers to frequently asked questions.

Route details

Our Contract

All bookings are made with Get Lost Travel Pty Ltd (ABN 94 143 929 962) (us/we). By booking a trip with us you have agreed to be bound by the terms and conditions set out in these booking conditions. Your booking will be accepted by us on this basis. The services to be provided are those referred to in your booking confirmation and/or invoice. Accredited Bus Number: AC003612.

Validity

Dates and itineraries are valid until 31 March 2026, effective from 01 June 2024 dates and itineraries are indicative only.

Standard Conditions

Any references to ‘GLT’, ‘we’, ‘our’ and ‘us’ equates to Get Lost Travel Pty Ltd, which applies to the following GLT brands and entities below Autopia Tours, Wildlife Tours Australia, Walking Country, Wayoutback Australian Safaris, Australian Bus Charters & Tailormade Touring, Boutique Touring Company and Geelong & Bellarine Tours.

Please take the time to read and understand the conditions of booking set out below before booking a trip with us.

We strongly recommend that you also read the information relating to your product or service before booking to ensure that you understand the itinerary, style, and physical demands of the tour you are undertaking. GLT will not be held responsible for passengers failing to familiarise themselves with the booking terms and conditions.

Although every effort is made, GLT shall not be liable for any illness, injury, damages, loss, delay, or failure to join the tour that may occur due to factors beyond our control. We highly recommend all passengers have travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage, should they have to cancel a trip at the last minute.

GLT reserves the right to modify routes or itineraries, vehicle types, fares, days of operation, or even cancel tours when unforeseen circumstances arise. This is especially true during seasonal weather fluctuations and/or during park closures due to traditional landowner ceremonies. Other accredited tour operators may be used from time to time on some tours.

Fares are shown in Australian Currency and are correct at time of printing but are subject to change.

Traveller Information

For us to confirm your travel arrangements, you must provide all requested details at the time of booking. Your full name, contact details, email address, dietary requirements (if applicable), nationality, or Australian postcode and any pre-existing medical conditions you have that may affect your ability to complete your travel arrangements.

For more information about how we treat your personal information, please refer to our Privacy Policy.

Booking Terms and Conditions

Customers Responsible Travel

The customer shall comply with all Government (Federal, State, and Territory) conditions of entry into Australia and/or at the time of travel for tour and transport services.

In the event that a traveler needs to cancel unexpectedly due to visa restrictions, a medical condition, family reasons, or changes to regulations imposed by the government, the operator shall apply discretion when applying cancellation policies in these circumstances. The operator reserves the right to withhold such a reasonable sum to cover administrative expenses and other losses, dependent on when notice of cancellation is given by the customer.

It was previously recommended by the Department of Health that commercial passenger vehicle drivers and passengers wear fitted face masks whilst in transit to minimise the spread of the virus. This is no longer mandatory, but rather at the driver’s or traveller’s own discretion. Some remote regions have limited access to RAT tests, so multi-day travelers are still advised to bring some along.

In the unlikely event that a traveller must leave a tour midway after it has commenced, or attempt to join a tour after departure, the operator is not required to reimburse any aspects of the tour that they did not participate in. As part of this, the traveler is responsible for any relocation expenses incurred from the point of departure to their nominated destination and is the traveller’s responsibility and will not be reimbursed.

Note: Different cancellation conditions may apply if/when booked through third-party agents. Your travel consultant will advise if differences apply. Travelers are strongly advised to purchase personal cancellation insurance at the time of booking.

Cancellations & Refund Policy

Cancellation by the Traveller

We understand that travel plans can sometimes change, if you cancel some or all portions of your booking the cancellation terms set out below will apply. A cancellation will only take effect when we receive written confirmation that you have sent to your relevant booking agent notifying them of your cancellation.

If you wish to change or cancel a trip:

Day Trips

(a) 0 to 1 day / within 24-hrs from the experience start time or failure to board on tour:
● will result in a 100% cancellation fee / full fare forfeiture of the ticket price and not eligible for a refund; or
(b) 2+ days prior to the departure:
● we will refund the full balance paid by you in connection with your booking; or
● flexible date changes – unlimited supply of free date changes available; or
● alternatively, we can issue a credit voucher for the amount paid to travel on another day

Short Break / Extended Tours

(a) 0 to 14 days before the departure date or failure to board on tour:
● will result in a 100% cancellation fee / full fare forfeiture of the ticket price and not eligible for a refund; or
(b) 15+ days prior to the departure:
● we will refund the full balance paid by you in connection with your booking; or
● flexible date changes – unlimited supply of free date changes available; or
● alternatively, we can issue a credit voucher for the amount paid to travel on another day

Any credit travel voucher resulting from a cancellation under (Cancellation by the Traveller) has an expiry date of 3 years and may be applied towards any other available trip offered by us. This credit is transferable on experience, however not redeemable for cash.

Note different cancellation conditions may apply if/when booked through third-party agents, your travel consultant will advise if differences apply. We strongly advise travellers to take out personal cancellation insurance at the time of booking.

Cancellation by the Operator

Our trips are guaranteed to depart once minimum group sizes have been met for the tour, unless it specifically states otherwise (refer to Product Fact Sheets) or in the event of a Force Majeure (refer below) resulting in the cancellation of a trip.

We have the right to cancel a trip at any time prior to departure if external events occur that deem it not viable for us to operate the planned itinerary.

Standard Cancellation

If we the tour operator cancel your trip, we can offer you a choice of:
(a) a 100% reimbursement of monies paid for your trip
(b) transfer amounts paid to an alternative departure date or tour operated by GLT; or
(c) issued with a credit travel voucher to the amount paid for your trip, valid for 3-years

Force Majeure Cancellation

If a trip is cancelled due to a ‘Force Majeure Event’, we can offer you a choice of:
(a) a 100% credit voucher of monies paid for your trip; or
(b) a refund minus unrecoverable costs.

If the cancellation due to a ‘Force Majeure Event’ occurs after a trip has commenced, we can offer you a choice of a pro-rata:
(a) 110% credit voucher for the days that remain on your trip; or
(b) refund minus unrecoverable costs of the days that remain on your trip.

Any credit travel voucher resulting from a cancellation as mentioned in (Cancellation by the Traveller):
● 3-year expiry date and may be applied towards any other available trip offered by GLT;
● are not redeemable for cash;
● excludes flights or insurance as they will have their own booking conditions

In circumstances where the cancellation is due to external events outside our reasonable control, refunds will be less than any unrecoverable costs. GLT cannot be held responsible for any incidental expenses that you may have incurred as a result of your booking including but not limited to visas, vaccinations, travel insurance excess, or non-refundable flights.

A “Force Majeure Event” includes but is not limited to: acts of God; war; civil commotion; riot; blockade or embargo; fire; explosion; breakdown; union dispute; earthquake; epidemic, pandemic or other health emergency; flood; windstorm or other extreme weather event; lack or failure of courses of supply; passage of any law, order, proclamation, regulation, ordinance, demand, requisition or requirement or any other act of any government authority, beyond the reasonable control of the parties, whether or not foreseeable, which would make it dangerous or not viable for a trip to commence or continue.

Acceptance of Risk

Australia is home to a wide range of dangerous animals, extreme weather conditions, and varied terrain. Experiencing these dangers while camping, hiking, or passing time outside may increase your personal risk. Safety is our number one priority and our guides are highly trained to ensure passenger safety at all times. Get Lost Travel Pty Ltd cannot accept responsibility for any loss, injury, or accident caused by passengers onboard our tours.

Travel Insurance

We recommend all guests have personal travel insurance which should be taken out at the time of booking prior to tour departure. Your travel insurance must provide cover against personal accident death, 24/7 medical expenses, and emergency repatriation with a recommended minimum coverage of US$ 200,000 for each of the categories of cover.

We also strongly recommend it covers cancellation curtailment, COVID-19 cover, personal liability, and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have travel insurance connected to your credit card or bank account please ensure you have details of the participating insurer, the insurance policy number, and the emergency contact number with you rather than the bank’s name and credit card details.

Alcohol Policy

Alcohol is not permitted on board our vehicles. We reserve the right to refuse re-entry if passengers are overly intoxicated and pose a threat to other passengers, our driver, or our vehicle. We also reserve the right to advise at any time prior to departure and whilst in operation, that alcohol is no longer permitted. The legal drinking age in Australia is 18 years old, photo ID is required.

Child Policy (Age Requirements)

Our child and infant policy, as well as pricing, vary depending on the specific trip due to the diversity of our product offerings. Please refer to the tour page for detailed information. All travellers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult or guardian. Infants aged 0 to 4 may be able to join select sightseeing tours, though some day tours may not be suitable due to the terrain or duration. A child ticket is required for infants, as they are included in the head count. Child safety seats can be requested at the time of booking, subject to availability but are not guaranteed.

Important Note: Due to the type of experiences we operate throughout Australia, some may require a medium to high level of fitness and a doctor’s certificate is required for people over 70 years old (30 days before travel).

Prices and surcharges

Our tour prices are subject to variable and seasonal pricing, both of which are standard practice within the travel industry. Depending on the trip, passengers are likely to be charged different prices, so booking at that time is the best option if you like the price. Any reduced pricing or discounts that may become available after you have paid your fare price will not apply. If you wish to cancel your booking to take advantage of a cheaper price, full cancellation conditions apply as set out below in (Cancellation by the Traveller). The most up-to-date pricing is available on our websites. Please note that a surcharge may be applied to a purchase made by credit card.

Luggage Policy

To maximize the comfort of your journey no luggage storage facilities are provided on our (Day Trips): It is recommended you bring a small day pack no bigger than 5-7kg. (Short-Break / Extended Tours): Maximum baggage allowance per person is 15-20kg preferably a soft travelling pack.
Excessive amounts of luggage may incur a surcharge fee. Inappropriate luggage presented on the day of departure such as surfboards, bikes, and an excessive amount of luggage may result in refusal to board unless previously arranged. Other: mobility scooters, wheelchairs, pushers, prams, walking frames, and other walking aids cannot be stored safely on our vehicles. Please advise prior to booking if there are any of these aids required.

Pick-up & Drop-offs

GLT may offer complimentary inner-city pick-up and drop-off services to selected accommodation providers. Please note it is the customer’s responsibility to be waiting out the front of your selected pickup location (accommodation provider) at least 10 minutes before departure. Failure to wait out the front of your selected accommodation or nominated meeting point may result in the tour guide being unable to locate you causing failure to load. GLT cannot be held responsible for passengers who fail to load.

Weather Policy

The weather conditions throughout Australia can vary significantly. While we strive to operate our tours as planned, tours will only be cancelled in the event of extreme weather conditions that pose a safety risk, such as storms, floods, lightning or extreme temperatures. Tours will not be cancelled due to rain, fog, or similar weather occurrences unless they significantly impact safety or accessibility. If a tour is cancelled due to extreme weather, we will notify you as soon as possible and offer the option to reschedule or provide a full refund, depending on availability and your preferences.

We recommend checking the average temperatures for your travel dates and packing accordingly. Please note that we are not responsible for any additional costs or inconvenience caused by weather-related changes, including accommodation, travel, or other expenses. We advise all travellers to come prepared for varying weather conditions to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

Special Requirements

Please notify the tour operator of any food allergies or special dietary requirements, and/or medical conditions at the time of booking or 7 days prior to the tour departure. While we endeavor to cater to most dietary needs, there are limited food options in some regions we visit on extended tours, so forward planning is required to ensure we can accommodate but it is not guaranteed. For those with special dietaries, we recommend you bring snacks along.

Booking Confirmations & Enquiries

All reservations must be confirmed within 48 hours of departure via email to [email protected].

Updated June 2024.

Check Availability & Book Now!

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FAQ

How hard is this tour?

This itinerary is relaxed and easy. Most walking is short and on paths, lookouts or beaches. The longest day is 5km on K’gari (Fraser Island), and you have several days with optional activities, so you can choose how active you want to be.

Are meals included?

12 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 1 dinner are included. Meals not listed are at your own expense, so you can try local cafes, markets and restaurants. Your tour leader can recommend great options along the way.

Do I need to bring my activities snorkelling gear?

No – all snorkelling gear is provided for the Whitsunday Islands day trip and the Great Barrier Reef cruise. Wetsuits and flotation devices are also available. You can bring your mask or fins if you prefer.

What should I pack?

Pack for city, coastal and tropical climates. Lightweight clothing, swimwear, comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent and a reusable water bottle are recommended. Bring layers for cooler evenings and your own beach towel for swimming days.

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