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.
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.
Google & TripAdvisor Reviews
Tour Description
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.
Day 1: Sydney
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
Details
Exclusions
- Any meals not indicated within the itinerary – plenty of opportunity to purchase food along the way or dine out with the group
- Hotel transfers pre/post tour itinerary to a nominated pickup point
- Optional activities and/or tours, and hire equipment extra
- Personal travel insurance is highly recommended
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
Weather
What To Bring
- 1L Refillable water bottle – Your guide will be monitoring hydration and encouraging water
consumption at all times during your daily adventures in order to avoid health concerns arising. - Wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses & sunscreen
- Beach towel, toiletries
- Bathers or swimwear, flip-flops shoes (beach thongs)
- Comfortable sturdy walking shoes (closed-toe shoes)
- All-weather clothing (In case extreme conditions day/night)
- Overnight bag 20kg & small day pack 5kg
- Personal medicine if required, any pre-existing medical issues, please let us know at time of booking
- Flashlight or torch (optional)
- Insect repellent & camera
- Money for snack and meals
- A sense of adventure!
Comprehensive Pickup List
18:00PM – Holiday Inn Potts Point, 203 Victoria St, Potts Point, Sydney, New South Wales
Important Information
- Mandatory Details: Passenger details are required at the time of booking, including date of birth, food allergies, title or gender for rooming configuration, a contact phone number, passport details.
- Dietary Requirements: While we endeavour to cater to most dietary needs, passengers must inform their booking agent of any specific dietary requirements or food allergies when booking.
- Medical Conditions: The tour operator must be notified of any known medical conditions at the time of booking. This is a physically demanding tour requiring an easy level of fitness and mobility.
- Fitness Level: Travellers can expect some light physical activities. Travellers should be mobile enough to walk unaided. A doctor’s certificate is required for participants over 70 years old, submitted at least 30 days prior to travel.
- Age Restrictions: Children aged 12 to 17 must be accompanied by an adult or legal guardian at all times. The tour is not suitable for infants or children aged 11 and under due to the nature of the tour.
- Solo Travellers: Solo travellers who book separately in a Twin Share Accommodation (SC14-B) will be paired with another solo traveller in a twin room or with someone of the same gender.
- Fare Type Options:
- Shared Accommodation (SC14-B) is restricted to Adults only 18+ years and over, as travellers stay in a shared room with shared ensuite. Not suitable for children.
- Private Double/Twin Room (SC14-S): For Adults and Children staying in a double or twin room with ensuite and must be purchased by Qty2 people staying together.
- Private Single Room (SC14-P): Restricted to Adults only (18+ years old and over) with ensuite.
- Mobility Considerations: This tour is not suitable for mobility-impaired travellers, including those using wheelchairs, walking aids or mobility scooters.
- Baggage Limitations: Limited storage space is available on our vehicle. Each traveller may bring 1 x 20 kg travel bag and 1 x 5 kg day bag. Larger or multiple suitcases are by request only.
- Itinerary Variations: Itineraries may change due to seasonal weather conditions, and occasionally sites in the parks may close for cultural or safety reasons or restricted swimming access. We prioritise safety and plan accordingly to ensure the best experience for our guests.
- Reconfirmation of Details: All travellers are asked to reconfirm their tour details within 7 days prior to departure by calling 02 72291083 or 03 9393 1333 or via email.
- Private Tours: Private touring groups are available upon request at charters@gltg.com.au.
Safe Travel Measures
Room Amenities
NIGHT | CONFIGURATION | FACILITIES | INCLUDES |
1-13 | Hotel / Resort Accommodation Twin Share Room | Shared Ensuite Bathroom | Sleeps 2 people, solo travellers paired with another passenger, towel, linen, tv, air-conditioning |
1-13 | Hotel / Resort Accommodation Private Double / Twin / Single | Private Ensuite Bathroom | Towel & bed linen supplied, fridge, tv, lounge, air-conditioning, tea/coffee facilities |
Check Availability & Book Now!
FAQ
How many people are in the group?
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.
