Sydney to Cairns Adventure Itinerary

Explore Sydney with a Gadigal guide! Learn Aboriginal history & culture on a walkabout through The Rocks. Enjoy harbor views & visit Sydney's famous Hunter Valley wine region. Sample wines & learn from a sommelier before overnighting in Cessnock.

Meals Included: Dinner

Accommodation: Hunter Valley - Hotel - 1 Night

Special information

Today's welcome meeting will take place at 9 am this morning at the starting point hotel. Please see details in the joining point instructions in the Essential Trip Information document. It’s very important that you’re on time, as the group will head out on the walking tour straight after. It’s highly recommended that you spend a night in Sydney before your trip starts. 

Please note that The Rocks Dreaming Tour is on a join-in basis. Other travellers from outside our Intrepid group may join us.

Head north today! Hike Diamond Head in Crowdy Bay National Park, spotting whales & dolphins along the scenic coastal route. Watch for kangaroos on your trek through forests and marvel at the glistening quartz cliffs. After, relax at your accommodation near Port Macquarie. 

Meals Included: none

Accommodation: Port Macquarie - Cabins  - 1 Night

Special information

Your travel time today will be approximately 3.5 hours. The Diamond Head Loop Walk at Crowdy Bay National Park is 4.3km, Grade 3. Alternatively your leader can suggest a shorter walk if you like.

Start your day at Port Macquarie's Koala Hospital, meeting dedicated volunteers who rescue and rehabilitate these furry icons. After, fuel up with lunch in Bellingen and enjoy some free time. Then, embark on a scenic drive through Waterfall Way, a lush gateway to Dorrigo National Park. Explore the park's ancient rainforest – a remnant of Gondwanaland teeming with unique wildlife. Visit the Rainforest Centre or take a skywalk stroll for an unforgettable rainforest experience.

Meals Included: Dinner

Accommodation: Coffs Harbour - Cabins - 1 Night

Special information Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.

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, songs and the uses of native plants. Walk alongside The Solitary Island Marine Park Waterways and connect with Country as you learn more about the Dreaming and sample some local bush food. After, you’ll stop in Yamba where you might like to grab some lunch, before visiting Byron Bay Lighthouse for a unique photo opportunity and the chance to spot some dolphins, whales and other marine life.

Meals Included: No meals

Accommodation: Byron Bay - Cabins - 2 Nights

Special information Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.

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! Later this morning hit the water with a guided sea kayaking tour of the Byron Bay Marine Park. See the beauty of the coastline while looking out for dolphins, turtles and whales and learning of the marine biology. The afternoon if free to do as you please so maybe hunt down the best cold-brew coffee from one of Byron’s quirky cafes, learn how to ride the waves with a beginner’s surf lesson, or just hang out on the beach. Tonight, why not grab a drink at one of the local pubs or bars?

Meals Included: There are no meals included on this day.

Special information

Please note that Sea Kayaking activity in Byron Bay is on a join-in basis. Other travellers from outside our Intrepid group may join us.

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 National Park and take a short walk to Natural Bridge rock arch which was formed by the force of the waterfall over the basalt cave. This afternoon, head to the famous Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast for some beach time before continuing onto Brisbane where you’ll spend the night.

Meals Included: There are no meals included on this day.

Accommodation: Brisbane - Hotel - 1 Night

Special information Your travel time today will be approximately 4.5 hours.

Welcome to Brisbane! Or Meanjin in the language of the Turrbal and Yuggera peoples, who are the Traditional Owners of the land on which Brisbane is now located. Your adventure starts with a welcome meeting at 10 am. After, you’ll drive straight 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 time here to do part of the Noosa Coastal Walk and look out for local flora and fauna. This afternoon, you’ll hit the road again for the coastal city of Hervey Bay, where you’ll spend the night.

Accommodation: Hervey Bay Cabins - 2 Nights

Special information Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.

In Noosa you have time to complete a short walk along the coast if you wish. Choose from the Palm Grove Walk (Grade 3, 1.1km return/30 mins), Noosa Hill Walk (Grade 4, 2.8km return/90 mins), the 300m path to Boiling Point or Dolphin Point (1.2km one way) - both sealed and barrier free.

This morning, explore K'gari (formerly Fraser Island) - paradise in Butchulla language! Take a ferry for a day of adventure. Cruise along 75 Mile Beach Road, a stunning coastal drive. Dive into crystal-clear Lake McKenzie, famous for its turquoise waters and white sand. Explore Eli Creek, the Maheno shipwreck, and the Pinnacles' colored sands. Witness diverse landscapes - rainforests, beaches, and dunes - all in search of dingoes, the island's iconic residents. Relax in Hervey Bay tonight!

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: K'gari - Cabins - 1 Night

Special information

Please note that your day trip to K'gari today is on a join-in basis. Other travellers from outside our Intrepid group may join us.

Explore Hervey Bay, a whale watcher's paradise! (if in season) Embark on a morning whale watching cruise or cycle the scenic foreshore. Relax with a beach stroll, kayak adventure, or simply soak up the sun. Grab snacks before your overnight train journey on the Spirit of Queensland. Departing Maryborough West tonight, you'll arrive in Proserpine (near Airlie Beach) tomorrow morning.

Meals Included: There are no meals included on this day.

Accommodation: Overnight train (1 night)

Special information

Tonight you will take the 'Spirit of Queensland' overnight train to Proserpine. An Australian first, the revolutionary 'RailBed' is a spacious and comfortable seat by day that includes a state-of-the-art personal entertainment system, a 240v power point and a USB point. In the evening, the onboard team convert the seat to a lie-flat bed with all linen provided. The train journey will be unaccompanied by your leader. You'll say goodbye to your first leader at the train station tonight and your new trip leader will meet you at the other end upon arrival of the train in the morning.

Please note that throughout the year scheduled railway track works may take place on the route from Hervey Bay to Airlie Beach. If the train happens not to run on your departure you will be driving with your leader instead, with an overnight in or around Gladstone. The total distance is around 900km, taking approximately 10 hours, split across two days.

Please note that whale migration season is from July to October. Please choose your departure date accordingly if you would like to take advantage of the opportunity to see whales.

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 in Airlie Beach. Your day is free to explore this coastal paradise dotted with palm trees. This hub town of the popular Whitsundays has beer gardens, trendy cafes and a lawn-fringed swimming lagoon. Maybe stroll around and explore, visit some local swimming spots for a refreshing dip or find a seat at one of the many bars and watch the sun sparkle on the water. Get to know your new leader tonight with an optional group dinner. 

Meals Included: There are no meals included on this day.

Accommodation: Holiday Apartments - Airlie Beach - 2 nights

Special information

We request that our property in Airlie Beach prepare rooms in time for our arrival. However as we're arriving prior to normal check-in time this isn't always possible. This means we may not be able to check-in immediately on arrival. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination, or head straight for the pool or the beach.

The Coral Beach trail is a Grade 3, 2.2km return/90 min walk in Conway National Park.

Whitsunday Islands adventure! Explore Hill Inlet Lookout for panoramic views, then snorkel vibrant coral reefs at Border or Dumbell Island (or a secret spot!). Enjoy lunch and relax on iconic Whitehaven Beach. Back in Airlie Beach, unwind with sunset cocktails!

Meals Included: Lunch

Special information

Please note that your day trip to Whitehaven Beach today is on a join-in basis. Other travellers from outside our Intrepid group may join us. Additionally, please note that today's activity is not suitable for travellers with pre-existing back, neck or hip injuries or who are pregnant. A signed release will be required from all participants on departure.

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 and to chill by the water. Carry on to Big Crystal Creek in the Paluma Range National Park, where you can take a stroll, swim in the creek or just relax among the sounds of local birdlife. This afternoon, you’ll head to Lucinda, where you’ll spend the night. Ask your leader for the best seaside spots for dinner and maybe enjoy a night walk to watch the sun go down.

Meals Included: There are no meals included on this day.

Accommodation: Hotel - Lucinda - 1 night

Special information: Your travel time today will be approximately 6.5 hours.

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 will come to life as you visit an exhibition of pictures within the historic homestead. Then head out and explore the Mungalla wetlands in search of aquatic birdlife. Drive to Mission Beach this afternoon – a small coastal town with expansive beaches, lined with palm trees. Stop in Tully along the way to stretch your legs, then ask your leader for the best way to spend your night.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodation: Mission Beach - Hotel - 1 Night

Special information Your travel time today will be approximately 2.5 hours.

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 Tablelands. Take the Curtain Fig boardwalk to see the iconic tree this park was named after – this park protects endangered mabi forest and a large green fig tree with extensive aerial roots that drop 15 m to the forest floor, forming a ‘curtain’. After, walk to Lake Eacham – the site of an old volcano and home to Australia’s largest python! Here, maybe take a swim (just keep an eye out for the resident freshwater crocodile). This afternoon, you’ll drive to Cairns, where your trip will come to an end at approximately 5pm. If you’d like to stay longer, First Light Travel can arrange your accommodation.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodation: Cairns - 1 Night

Special information Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.

The Curtain Fig boardwalk is a Grade 2, 180m circuit taking around 10 min. The Lake Eacham circuit track in Crater Lakes National Park is a Grade 2, 3km circuit taking around 1 hour.

START & END POINT TIME & LOCATION
The trip starts in Sydney with a Welcome Meeting at 9am on Day 1 at our joining point hotel. The trip finishes on arrival in Cairns on Day 14 at our finish point hotel around 5pm. Accommodation is not included on this day but can be booked on request subject to availability.

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
A Single Supplement can be booked if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip, subject to availability.

OVERNIGHT TRAIN JOURNEY
The overnight train is in RailBed class and is not accompanied by a tour leader. Should the train not operate due to track works or other factors outside of our control, it will be replaced with alternative transportation and an additional night stay in a destination enroute. Please note that luggage weight (max 20kg for main luggage, 7kg for hand luggage) and size (23cm x 34cm x 48cm) limits apply for our overnight train journey.

COMBINATION TRIP
This is a combination trip made up of two shorter trips. This means the composition of your group may change in Brisbane as some group members leave and new ones join you.