East Coast Australia Tour & Road Trip: Cairns to Sydney - 15 Days

Highlights

• Explore the rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef from Port Douglas
• Cuddle koalas in Brisbane and climb over the Story Bridge
• Kayak with dolphins in Byron Bay followed by a beginner surf lesson 
• Visit wineries in the Hunter Valley, Australia's oldest wine region

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Cairns, Transfer to Port Douglas, Free Time

Welcome to the Australian tropics! This morning, you'll arrive in Cairns, where a private driver will meet you for the transfer to your hotel in Port Douglas, a beachfront resort town that's ideal for exploring two nearby UNESCO World Heritage sites: the Great Barrier Reef, the world's largest reef system, and the ancient Daintree Rainforest. There are two huge weeks ahead of you where you'll traverse the East Coast of Australia, traveling from north to south, but first—check in and relax.

Port Douglas is the ultimate tropical escape, and the rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your pace. Tomorrow, you'll spend the whole day sailing around the reef, and the following day, you'll dive into the rainforest of a national park. That means you can take it slow this afternoon and shake off any jet lag! Visit Four Mile Beach to laze on the golden sands of this palm-fringed crescent beach, then venture into town to browse charming boutiques, and dine at al fresco restaurants.

Day 2: Full-Day Mackay Cay Outer Reef Tour

Today, you'll dive into one of the world's great natural wonders with a luxury full-day excursion to the Great Barrier Reef. The world's largest coral reef system counts an incredible diversity of marine life, including over 1,500 species of fish, 30 species of whales and dolphins, and six species of sea turtles. Made up of over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands, the protected area spans over 1,430 miles (2,300 km). Pack your swimsuit and sunscreen and drive 20 minutes to the Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina to board your luxury catamaran where you'll set sail to the Coral Cays of Mackay.

Get ready to snorkel and sail around the Great Barrier Reef with this eco-adventure that's perfect for those with a spirit of fun and adventure. Once at the protected reef sites, you'll get to dive into the sea and meet colorful fish, sea turtles, rays, and even sharks. Great Barrier Reef is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, and is an essential ecosystem for the world's oceans, providing vital habitat and protection for marine life. 

Day 3: Full-Day Mossman Gorge Adventure Tour

Immerse yourself in the rainforest today with this full-day tour. You'll travel inland to nearby Mossman Gorge, the gateway to the UNESCO-listed Daintree National Park. Here, you'll have traditional rainforest boy paint applied and join a traditional Kuku Yalanji smoking ceremony designed to cleanse you of bad spirits. Then, you'll enter the Daintree rainforests, estimated to be more than 135 million years old. Enjoy an easy 90-minute hike across boardwalks, tracks, and bridges that offer spectacular views of mountains and waterfalls.

You'll head to the Mossman River in the afternoon for a distinct River Drift Snorkeling tour. You'll literally go with the flow as you drift down the pristine river while admiring what lies beneath. Learn about the local history, flora, and fauna from your guide while looking at freshwater fish, turtles, butterflies, birds, and the elusive platypus. After the tour, you'll return to Port Douglas.

Day 4: Full-Day Classic Kuranda Tour

Explore the UNESCO-listed Kuranda Rainforest and observe native Australian wildlife on today's full-day tour. This morning, you'll take a ride on the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway up to the mountain village of Kuranda, located about 15 miles (25 km) inland. The train snakes along hillside tracks and through 15 tunnels. It offers spectacular views of waterfalls, cane fields, and the Barron Gorge as you rise from sea level to 1,072 feet (327 m). Explore the rainforest village and its colorful Heritage Markets, which offer an array of locally-made souvenirs.

Next, tour the Rainforestation Nature Park in an amphibious vehicle that offers a unique vantage point in the forest, and visit the koalas, kangaroos, and other cute creatures at the Koala and Wildlife Park. Stop for lunch in town, then learn about Australia's Indigenous culture with the Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience. Finally, return via the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and glide over the canopy of one of the world's oldest rainforest ecosystems. See the only place on earth where two UNESCO-listed sites meet. 

Day 5: Fly to Brisbane, Explore the South Bank

This morning, you'll fly two hours south to Brisbane, the sunny capital of the same state, Queensland. Upon arrival, you'll transfer to your hotel with a private driver. Beautiful Brisbane is a modern and diverse sub-tropical metropolis with friendly locals and a rich arts scene. There's always something to do here, from visiting the theater or museums to walking by the river or shopping at Queen Street Mall. Check into your hotel, drop your bags, then explore South Bank, just across the river from the city center.

Wander around the gorgeous South Bank Parklands, a huge riverfront garden with playgrounds, rainforest, restaurants, barbecue, picnic tables, and Australia's only inner-city man-made beach. Take a dip at Streets Beach, then submerge yourself in culture at the world-class QAGOMA galleries. Stay on after dusk for a Ferris wheel ride on the Wheel of Brisbane, and check out the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) to see if any concerts take your fancy. For dinner, go for wood-fired pizza and fresh pasta at Julius Pizzeria, or try contemporary Chinese at Donna Chang.

Day 6: Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary & River Cruise, Story Bridge Adventure Climb

Board a cruise headed upstream on the Brisbane River to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. Listen to commentary as you pass by glistening skyscrapers and into the leafy suburbs with waterside mansions. Lone Pine is the world's largest koala sanctuary, with more than 130 koalas, and here you can cuddle a koala, take photos with marsupials, and catch keeper talks like the popular Birds of Prey show. Discover the Platypus House, hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies, and watch a sheepdog show. After, take a return relaxing 75-minute cruise back to the city.

Later, get ready to scale to the top of Brisbane's iconic Story Bridge. After a short briefing, ascend a staircase, follow a suspended walkway, and start the climb straight up the cantilever arm that stretches over the Brisbane River. It won't be long before you're celebrating on the top platform while enjoying amazing 360-degree views of Brisbane and the surrounding area and hearing some fun facts about the bridge and the city. After, drop into Felon's Brewing at Howard Smith Wharves for a craft beer.

Day 7: Full-Day Private Springbrook Rainforest & Waterfall Tour

This morning, you'll journey out of the city and into the heart of the UNESCO-listed ancient Gondwana Rainforest in Australia's "Green Cauldron." Set on a high plateau, atop the remains of an ancient 23 million-year-old volcano, Springbrook National Park lies 62 miles (100 km) south of Brisbane and covers 16,617 acres (6,725 ha). On today's full-day tour, you'll explore this area of important ecological significance and outstanding natural beauty as you travel through lush valleys, hike behind cascading waterfalls to panoramic views, and spot a wide range of rare wildlife.

After lunch, drive through the Numinbah Valley to discover the famous Natural Bridge—an amazing rock formation where water tumbles through the open roof of a basalt cave formed over millions of years. When your adventure draws to a close in the afternoon, a transfer takes you back to Brisbane, where the rest of the evening is free.

Day 8: Full-Day Australia Zoo Guided Tour

Meet more of Australia's native wildlife with today's adventure to Australia Zoo. Made famous by Steve and Terri Irwin, of "Crocodile Hunter" fame, the zoo is now a living legacy of Steve and his wildlife conservation efforts. A guide will take you an hour north to the park, which is home to over 1,200 native and exotic species of wildlife. Here, you'll come close to plenty of Australia's weird and wonderful fauna, and your guide will share facts and stories about each species. There will be plenty to learn from your tour guide during this visit.

If time allows, you might venture into a charming mountain village called Montville, where you can wander the main street and enjoy afternoon tea. Or you could pop by the white sandy beaches of the Sunshine Coast before for a quick swim returning to the city. 

Day 9: Drive to Byron Bay, Guided Kayak & Dolphin Tour, Surf Lesson

Today, you'll collect a rental car and hit the road south toward the state of New South Wales, the famous town of Byron Bay, and Australia's most easterly point. The easy, direct route rips down the highway in two hours, but along the way, you could stop at the theme parks of the Gold Coast or have lunch at Coolangatta Beach, close to the border. Byron Bay is one of the world's most famous coastal towns. Check out the incredible beaches, spectacular coastal trails, and a hip food scene.

You'll get out on the water this afternoon on a three-hour guided sea kayak tour. Paddle out through the surf, around Cape Byron, and later ride some of Byron's famous waves. Feel the thrill of paddling your kayak with dolphins, turtles, and whales that frequent the waters near Byron Bay. On return to the beach, relax and enjoy all the Tim Tams you can eat! They'll provide the fuel you need for your surf lesson. If you have the energy, join a beginner surf class with a local coach. After your warm-up, you'll learn how to paddle, then get out there to catch some waves and stand up!

Day 10: Full-Day Byron & Beyond Tour

After all the sea, sand, and sun yesterday, today you'll get to know the area on a full-day guided tour. You'll start with a drive to the iconic Cape Bay Lighthouse. From here soak up 360-degree panoramic views over the Pacific Ocean and mountain landscape. If it's between May and October, keep an eye out for humpback whales on their annual migration—this is one of the best vantage points. Then, pop by The Farm, a beautiful estate, café, and restaurant on the fringe of town for a coffee.

Continue inland to the mystical Crystal Castle, where you can marvel at the massive natural crystals and get lost in a garden labyrinth. Enjoy the winding drive through the lush and green beautiful Byron hinterland to Bangalow, a small historic town with an old-world charm. The main street is packed with chic boutiques, eateries, and galleries, plus a beautiful and historic pub. At the end of the day, you'll return to your accommodation in Byron Bay.

Day 11: Drive to Coffs Harbour, Explore

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast in Byron, then hit the road 148 miles (239 km) south toward Coffs Harbour. Along the 2.5-hour drive, you could stop at Bundjalung National Park for tranquil river scenery, quiet beaches, and freshwater lagoons. Close by, Yamba would make a great lunch stop. The relaxed town has great cafés and restaurants, and you can walk to the Yamba Lighthouse, built in 1880. Around 20 minutes north of Coffs, you might like to stop at Emerald Beach. Eastern gray kangaroos are often spotted nibbling grass along the Look At Me Now Headland Walk.

Finally, you'll reach Coffs Harbour, a relaxed coastal resort town that's known for its banana plantations. Here, mountains tumble down to the sea, and the subtropical climate makes it a popular destination for sun-seekers and holiday-makers. Check into your accommodation, then set out to explore the coastal town and snap a photo with the Big Banana monument. As you'd expect, fresh local seafood is big here, so grab an early dinner from the Coffs Harbor Fishermen's Co-op or try one of the chic restaurants in town. 

Day 12: Giingan Cultural Walking Tour, Drive to Hunter Valley

Connect with Indigenous culture on today's walking tour, which takes place on the homelands of the Gumbaynggirr Tribal Nation. Your guide will have strong familial ties to the Gumbaynggirr country, and over 2.5 hours you'll explore the area together. Admire 360-degree views at Sealy Lookout in Orara State Forest and hear traditional Gumbaynggirr stories connected to the land and seascape. Learn about traditional Gumbaynggirr eco-practices known as 'caring for country', including the use of fire-stick farming.

Then it's time to hit the road south—there's a 4.5-hour drive ahead. Today, your final destination is Australia's oldest wine-growing region, the Hunter Valley. Follow the Pacific Highway (A1) and the legendary Pacific Coast Drive. Stop and stretch your legs at Nambucca Heads for a quick lunch and to browse galleries and markets. If you're making good time, squeeze in stops to historic Trial Bay Gaol, built in the 1880s, and Smoky Cape Lighthouse. Consider a pitstop at Port Stephens, a lovely seaside town that's home to a large pod of dolphins and the amazing Stockton Sand Dunes.

Finally, reach the Hunter Valley. If you arrive early enough, sneak in a cellar door visit or two or visit the beautiful Hunter Valley Gardens. 

Day 13: Full-Day Hunter Valley Tour

Australia's oldest wine-growing region is home to more than 150 vineyards, and on today's full-day Hunter Valley tour, you'll sip, swill, and sample your way through all things local. Today, you'll get to relax and let your driver take care of everything. They'll collect you for today's all-inclusive, small-group tour that showcases the very best of the Hunter Valley. Across the day you'll visit well-known vineyards along with small, family-run estates where you'll taste award-winning drops and get to know the terroir.

For lunch, you'll experience one of the region's most renowned and award-winning restaurants, with wine (of course). Beyond cellar doors, the Hunter Valley is a beautiful countryside destination to explore, promising a great day out. At the end of your tour, you'll return to your accommodation. 

Day 14: Drive to Sydney, City Sights Tour, Sunset Dinner Cruise

It's your final morning on the road! The last stretch of your East Coast road trip is a three-hour drive that takes you past Newcastle and the Central Coast to Sydney. On arrival in the buzzing big city, check into your accommodation and drop off your bags before ditching the rental car. Refresh ahead of this afternoon's half-day sightseeing tour that ticks off the best of Sydney's iconic landmarks. Start inside the Sydney Opera House, where a guided tour will take you behind the scenes within the famous arts center.

Then, see the sprawling landscape of Hyde Park, the twin spires of St Mary's Cathedral, the Georgian facade of New South Wales's Parliament House, and the columns of the Art Gallery of New South Wales. Pass through the neighborhoods of Woolloomooloo, Kings Cross, and Paddington before visiting Bondi Beach. After, return to the city and dress up! You'll set sail on a delightful sunset cruise on Sydney Harbour tonight. From the water, admire the city's iconic sights as you tuck into dinner. Watch as the sky shimmers at sunset and the city skyline lights up.

Day 15: Aboriginal Bush Tucker Tour, Depart Sydney

Kick off your final day in Australia by getting to know the traditional owners of the land. On an Aboriginal bush tucker tour, you'll join an Indigenous guide on an hourlong tour through the Royal Botanic Gardens. Learn more about local bush foods and taste some for yourself!

Finally, your great Australian adventure comes to an end! When the time is right, a driver will transfer you to Sydney's airport in time for your flight home. Safe travels!

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