The 16 Days East Coast Tour from Sydney – Australia’s most incredible coastal journey, for those who want the ultimate experience. It runs from Sydney to the Daintree Rainforest and never fails to impress with its mix of natural beauty, rich culture & the very best coastal sights that Australia has to offer.
The tour covers both New South Wales and Queensland, plus all the hidden gems in between. And with a focus on small groups, local connections and a truly immersive experience with nature, it’s perfect for anyone looking for a bit of laid-back travel combined with real adventure.
Price options
Departure Time
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*Shared Accommodation - Adult 18+ from 10,750A$
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Private Double/Twin Room - Adult / Child from 10,750A$
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Private Single Room - Adult 18+ from 13,000A$
- 16 Days / 15 Nights
- Departs: 18:00 PM - 18:00 PM
- Sydney, New South Wales
Introduction
- Small group touring for the win – we know how much you hate being herded around like cattle, so we keep the groups small for a much more genuine experience.
- Wildlife park visit – meet the locals! Get up close and personal with kangaroos, wombats and emus and discover the amazing diversity of native Australian wildlife.
- Tasting your way through the Hunter Valley – this iconic wine region has loads to offer, including some of the best wine, cheese and chocolate you’ll ever taste.
- Immerse yourself in First Nations culture – learn about the Gumbaynggirr and the stories and traditions of the First Nations people.
- Meet the Koalas at Port Macquarie – get an insight into conservation efforts and wildlife rehabilitation at this amazing hospital.
- Byron Bay and Cape Byron Lighthouse – this is the ultimate Australian coastal experience – laid-back vibes, stunning scenery and the easternmost point of Australia.
- Rip through the sand islands of K’gari (Fraser Island) – by 4WD, explore the world’s largest sand island and experience the raw beauty of this wild place.
- Whitsundays and Whitehaven Beach – a whole day on this stunning island with snorkelling, crystal-clear waters and a chance to just relax in paradise.
- Swim in volcanic lakes and chase waterfalls in the Atherton Tablelands – a chance to experience the thrill of off-the-beaten track travel – spotting wild platypus along the way.
- Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef – with a full-day cruise, drift snorkel tour, and even a glass-bottom boat experience – this is an adventure you’ll never forget.
- Ride the Skyrail to Kuranda – glide above the rainforest canopy on this amazing gondola ride.
- Guided walk in the rainforest – explore the world’s oldest rainforest with a guide to show you the way.
- Take a river cruise through the heart of the rainforest – a chance to spot crocodiles, birdlife, and native wildlife in their natural habitat.
- Immerse yourself in Mossman Gorge – a culturally significant landscape with a walk that will leave you feeling connected to this beautiful place.
- Learn from the locals on a Kuku Yalanji cultural tour – a chance to learn from the Traditional Owners of this land and get an authentic insight into the culture.
- Visit Cape Tribulation – a place where two worlds collide, the reef and the rainforest, in a rare and unforgettable experience.
Booking
Itinerary
It all starts in Australia’s crown-jewel of a harbour city. Once you’ve settled into your hotel, take a breather before meeting your guide and the rest of the gang at 6 pm for a get-together to kick things off. Then, enjoy a chill vibe at a group dinner – the perfect way to get this trip off to a relaxed start.
- Included Activities: Meeting up with the guide and the crew; group dinner
- Meals: Dinner
- Driving Distance: None
- Accommodation: Holiday Inn Potts Point or the like
Next up, we’re heading inland to a wildlife park to hang out with some of Australia’s unique creatures – expect koalas and emus to be hanging out. Then it’s off to the world-famous Hunter Valley for wine tasting, cheese, of course & chocolate tasting. After all that, we’ll roll into Newcastle for a quick look around the place and a night’s rest.
- Included Activities: Visit the wildlife park; wine, cheese & chocolate tastings; sniffing around Newcastle
- Meals: Breakfast
- Driving Distance: 280 km
- Walking Distance: Easy strolls on the beach or a walk through town
- Accommodation: Lucky Hotel Newcastle – our home for the night
Time to head north to Port Macquarie and visit the Koala Hospital to get a glimpse into conservation efforts and how they take care of wildlife. After that, take a stroll along the foreshore – keep an eye out for dolphins, and see what the evening brings.
- Included Activities: Check out the Koala Hospital; take a coastal walk
- Meals: Breakfast to keep you going
- Driving Distance: 250 km
- Walking Distance: Easy going – just a gentle stroll
- Accommodation: El Paso Motor Inn – our digs for the night
Get ready for an adventure with a First Nations cultural experience led by some amazing Gumbaynggirr guides – you’ll get to see their deep connection to the land in a whole new light. Then it’s off to Byron Bay, which is all about laid-back vibes, and we’ll check out Cape Byron Lighthouse. That’s Australia’s easternmost point – you might even get a glimpse of some dolphins or, if we’re lucky, whales too.
- Included Activities: Cultural experience; lighthouse visit
- Meals: Breakfast to get us going
- Driving Distance: 400 km
- Walking Distance: Easy strolls with great views – just a gentle walk
- Accommodation: Beachcomber Byron Bay – our home for the next few
Today is all about you – take a break and do whatever you like. That could be hanging out on the beach, browsing some shops, checking out cafes, or even getting into something more adventurous like surfing, kayaking or hot air ballooning. We’ve got loads of options if you want to book something in.
- Included Activities: Free day to do as you please
- Meals: Whatever you fancy
- Driving Distance: Not a mile
- Accommodation: Beachcomber Byron Bay – still our home
Off to Queensland now, where we’ll explore Noosa National Park and see if we can spot any wild koalas. Then it’s off to stroll along Hastings Street and Noosa Main Beach, before we hit Rainbow Beach for a couple of nights.
- Included Activities: Noosa National Park visit; Noosa orientation
- Meals: Breakfast to keep us going
- Driving Distance: 420 km
- Walking Distance: Easy strolls with great views – just a gentle walk
- Accommodation: Rainbow Getaway Apartments – our new home
Today you’ll be hitting the sand with a guided 4WD adventure. You’ll be getting wet in Lake McKenzie, taking a leisurely stroll through the rainforest, checking out the S.S. Maheno shipwreck, and keeping an eye out for some feral dingo friends on 75 Mile Beach. After that, you’ll be heading back to Rainbow Beach with plenty of time to either kick back and relax or check out the Carlo Sand Blow.
- Included Activities: Full-day 4WD tour
- Meals: Breakfast and a packed lunch
- Driving Distance: 200 km, pretty straightforward
- Walking Distance: Easy as can be (about 5 km)
- Accommodation: Rainbow Getaway Apartments or similar hotels
Time to make the move to Brisbane, the beautiful riverside capital of Queensland. We’ve organised an orientation tour to give you the lowdown on its mellow vibe, the scenic riverfront parks, and the lively neighbourhoods.
- Included Activities: City orientation tour
- Meals: Breakfast, to keep you going
- Driving Distance: a relatively easy 240 km
- Walking Distance: short strolls around the city
- Accommodation: The Point Hotel Brisbane or similar
We’ve swapped out the car for a flight to the Whitsundays. Once you land in Airlie Beach, you’ve got an entire day to yourself to explore – why not take a leisurely amble along the foreshore, relax by the lagoon, or throw back a coffee at one of the local cafes?
- Included in the day: Flight; plenty of free time
- Meals: Breakfast to keep you energised
- Driving distance today: a quick 40 km
- Staying Overnight at: Mantra Club Croc or similar places to stay
Get ready for an epic full-day boat trip through the Whitsundays. We’ll have you visiting Whitehaven Beach, walking to the fantastic views at Hill Inlet lookout, and snorkelling through some of the most vibrant coral in the country. Lunch will be served on the boat, and you can enjoy a free evening back in Airlie Beach.
- Included Activities: Island cruise, snorkelling, walking to a lookout
- Driving Distance: Approx. 46 km by fast boat
- Meals: Breakfast and lunch
- Accommodation: Mantra Club Croc or similar places
We’re off to Mission Beach next, a lovely little coastal town that’s all about relaxation. Spend the afternoon just lounging by the beach or pool, with a good chance of spotting a cassowary or two in the area.
- Included Activities: A scenic drive
- Meals: Breakfast
- Driving Distance: a big one, 505 km
- Accommodation: Mission Beach Resort or similar
Time to head inland to the Atherton Tablelands. Get ready for some real adventure – you’ll be swimming in waterfalls, visiting Lake Eacham, and being left in awe by the Curtain Fig Tree. We’ll end the day in Cairns.
- Included Activities: Tablelands tour
- Meals: Breakfast
- Driving Distance: a manageable 220 km
- Accommodation: Flynn Hotel Cairns or similar
Spend the day as a part of the Great Barrier Reef experience. You’ll get to snorkel amongst the vibrant coral, catch a glimpse of marine life from the comfort of a glass-bottom boat and learn all about it from the experts on board. If you’re up for it, there’s even the option to go scuba diving.
- Included Activities: Reef cruise, snorkelling, lunch
- Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
- Driving Distance: Approx. 13 km by boat
- Accommodation: We’ve got you covered at the Flynn Hotel Cairns or one of its similar hotels.
Take the Skyrail cable car over the rainforest canopy and get to Kuranda – a great place to browse the local markets. After that, it’s on to Port Douglas for an evening to do as you please.
- Included Activities: Skyrail, a visit to Kuranda
- Meals: Breakfast
- Driving Distance: About 100 km
- Accommodation: We’ve got you signed up at Paradise Links Resort or something similar.
Take it easy in the morning, and then we’ll head to Mossman Gorge for a leisurely guided rainforest walk. Later that day, you’ll join in on a Kuku Yalanji cultural experience where you’ll get to learn a little bit about bush foods, the local way of life and some of the Dreamtime stories that are part of the region’s history.
- Included Activities: Rainforest walk; cultural experience
- Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
- Driving Distance: Just 25 km
- Accommodation: Same as the night before at the Paradise Links Resort or something similar.
We’re off into the Daintree Rainforest, a World Heritage-listed area. We’ll take a ferry across the river, do a guided walk and then head to Cape Tribulation, where the reef meets the rainforest. Finish off the day with an eco-river cruise where we might spot some crocodiles and other wildlife. That will round off the tour, which concludes back in Cairns around 6 pm.
- Included Activities: Rainforest walk; eco cruise
- Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
- Driving Distance: 160 km in total
- 15 nights in some really nice boutique-style accommodation (either on your own or with someone else) – all of it with an ensuite bathroom
- 14 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 1 dinner are all taken care of
- National Park entry fees won’t be a worry for you
- An authentic First Nations cultural experience is part of the package
- We’ll sort out wine, cheese & chocolate tastings for you
- A visit to an Aussie wildlife sanctuary & rescue centre is also included
- A guided 4WD small-group adventure to K’gari (Fraser Island) is part of it
- Full-day Whitsundays cruise where you can visit Whitehaven Beach and go snorkelling
- Great Barrier Reef day cruise with snorkelling gear and a glass-bottom boat to check it all out from underwater
- A scenic journey over the rainforest in Skyrail’s gondola
- Guided walks through the rainforest & gorges, plus visits to scenic lookouts and an eco river cruise
- Our driver-guide will be with you the whole time, keeping you informed and educated on local stuff.
- You won’t need to worry about transport either – we’ve got that covered. We’ll sort out a private small-group vehicle, transfers, a domestic flight (Brisbane to Proserpine), and boat journeys
- We start in Sydney and drop you off in Cairns
- Any meals that aren’t on the itinerary, plenty of opportunities to try what the locals love to eat
- Transfers to get to or from your hotels right before or after the tour at the designated meeting points
- Any of the extra activities we offer that you might be interested in trying out – think scuba diving, or a trip to Byron Bay, for instance
- If you want to stay a night or two before or after the tour, that’s no problem – we can arrange it for a little extra cost
- Travel insurance? It’s really important to get your own
- Any other expenses that might pop up on your trip, like snacks, souvenirs or tips
- Getting here from overseas
- Make sure you bring a refillable water bottle – staying hydrated is a must, and we really encourage it
- A hat with a good brim, some sunglasses and plenty of sunscreen – protection from the sun is vital out here
- A beach towel and your personal toiletries should be in your luggage, too
- A swimsuit and some flip-flops (or thongs, as we call them around here) will come in handy at the beach stops
- Comfortable shoes, something that can handle light walking – we’ll be doing some short hikes
- Pack clothes that will keep you warm or cool, depending on the weather – it’s a good idea to be prepared
- An overnight bag (about 20kg if that’s what you’re used to) and a small daypack (about 5kg) should be fine
- If you need to bring any medication, be sure to let us know before you book your spot
- A torch or flashlight can come in handy, but it’s not essential
- Some insect repellent and a camera won’t go astray
- It’s a good idea to bring some spending money for meals, snacks and any other extras you want to treat yourself to
- And don’t forget to bring a sense of adventure!
The weather along Australia’s east coast can change in a heartbeat. It’s a good idea to have a look at the seasonal averages before you come and pack accordingly. Hot summers can see temperatures hit the high 30s, but even in winter, it remains pretty mild up north. Don’t be surprised if we get some rain, or the wind picks up, or the temperature drops a bit; it’s all part of the package. We do venture out in all sorts of weather unless we tell you otherwise.
Things You Need to Know Before Booking
Important Details:
You need to provide all passenger details at the time of booking – that’s date of birth, dietary requirements or allergies, gender or title to sort out room allocation, your contact number, and all that passport info.
Dietary Needs:
We try to cater for most dietary preferences – just let us know when you book so we can get that sorted. We can’t promise to accommodate it if you don’t tell us, though.
Medical Conditions:
When you book, you need to tell us about any pre-existing medical conditions you might have. This tour is pretty relaxed, but it does involve a bit of light exercise, and you’ll need to be able to move around on your own.
Fitness Level:
People joining the tour need to be okay with short walks and not need too much help getting around. If you’re over 70, you might need to show us a doctor’s note within 30 days of heading out.
Age Policy:
Kids between 12 and 17 have to travel with a parent or guardian – this tour isn’t suitable for anyone under 12. Sorry about that.
Solo Travellers:
If you’re booking the twin-share option, we’ll try to pair you up with another solo traveller of the same sex if possible.
Accommodation Options
Shared (SD16-B): This is for adults 18+ only – you’ll be sharing a room with someone else in a twin room with an ensuite.
Private Double/Twin (SD16-S): This is perfect for two people travelling together who want their own private room.
Private Single (SD16-P): This is for adults 18+ only, and you’ll have a private room all to yourself with an ensuite.
Who Won't Find This Tour Suitable:
Unfortunately, because of the kinds of places we visit and the activities we do, this tour isn’t a good fit for people with mobility issues or those who need walking aids.
Luggage:
You’re allowed to bring one main bag (up to 20kg) and one small day pack (up to 5kg) – any extra luggage needs to be sorted ahead of time.
Changing Itineraries:
Sometimes we have to make changes to the tour due to weather, park closures, or other unexpected issues. But don’t worry, we’ll always put your safety and experience first.
Booking:
All guests need to get in touch with us within 7 days of the tour start date to confirm all the details.
Private Charters:
If you want to book a private tour for your group, just let us know – we can arrange it for you.
FAQ
How tough is this tour going to be?
It’s pretty easy, to be honest, we’ll be doing some short walks and light activities, nothing too intense.
Is this tour right for solo travellers?
Absolutely, yes. We welcome solo travellers, and you can choose between shared and private rooms.
Are flights included in the tour price?
Yes, the domestic flight from Brisbane to the Whitsundays is part of the tour cost.
Can we get our dietary requirements catered for?
Most dietary needs can be sorted out if you let us know when you book.
What's the size of the group?
We keep the group small to make sure you get a really personal and comfortable experience.
What happens in bad weather?
We can still go ahead with the tour most of the time, but we might change the itinerary if it’s not safe.
Do I need to get travel insurance?
Yeah, that’s a good idea. Comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended.
Are there any optional activities we can do?
Yeah, there are heaps of options like scuba diving or Byron Bay experiences that you can book on top of the tour.
What kind of luggage am I allowed to bring?
You can bring one main bag of 20kg and one small day bag of 5kg.
Where does the tour start and finish?
It kicks off in Sydney and wraps up in Cairns.