Best of Australia

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On sale!

£2,787 was £3279

Discount: 15%

Offer end: Feb 28 2025

Duration: 14 days

Begins: Cairns

Ends: Sydney

Trip Code: OACS

From

£2,787 per person

Angebot anfordern

or Call 01273 099433

    In case you hadn’t noticed, Australia is an awfully big place. So big, in fact, that you’d need to come back a few times to see it all. Don’t have that kind of time? Hop aboard this 14-day trip down Australia’s east coast and make the most of the time you do have. Offering a solid mix of must-do experiences and uncommon adventures, you’ll enjoy a surfing lesson in Byron Bay, a boat ride around the Whitsundays, and a trek through Mossman Gorge in the Daintree Rainforest. The best part: there’s still plenty more to come back for.
    Is this tour for me?
    Travel Style
    Classic
    All of the highlights, culture, access, and I-can’t-believe-we-did-that moments, all at a great price.
    Service Level
    Standard
    Comfortable tourist-class accommodations with character; mix of public and private transport.
    Physical Rating
    2 - Light
    Light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.
    Trip Type
    Small Group
    Small Group experience; Max 16, avg 12
    Age requirement
    12+
    All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
    What's Included
    • Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
    • Guided rainforest walk
    • Whitsunday Islands boating excursion
    • Blue Mountains stay with hikes
    • Scenic Railway
    • Jamison Valley walk
    • Orientation walk in Sydney
    • Free time in Cairns, Byron Bay, and Sydney
    • Internal flight
    • Surf lesson in Byron Bay
    • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
    Accommodations

    Hotels (11 nts), rainforest cabin (2 nts).

    Meals

    5 breakfasts, 2 lunches

    Allow USD705-920 for meals not included.

    Transportation

    Private vehicle, boat, plane, walking, ferry

    Staff & experts

    Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, local guides.

    Day 1 : Cairns

    Arrive at any time.

    There are no activities planned until the evening welcome meeting.

    Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group

    1h

    Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

    Acommodation

    Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns

    Acommodation

    Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns

    Day 2 : Cairns/Cape Tribulation

    Head north to Cape Tribulation. Stop en route to explore Mossman Gorge and take an interpretive walk through the Daintree Rainforest.

    Private Vehicle

    Cairns - Cape Tribulation 3h30m 140km

    Travel 1.5 hrs to Mossman Gorge. Later, continue 2 hrs to Cape Tribulation.

    Indigenous Peoples Interpretive Walk

    Mossman Gorge 2h

    Take an interpretive walk through the Daintree Rainforest. Follow an Indigenous guide and learn about bush food, medicinal plants and the lasting relationship of the Kuku Yalanji people with their natural environment. Find out how to make bush soap, watch an ochre painting demonstration and sample some bush tea.

    Acommodation

    Cape Tribulation Beach House

    Acommodation

    Cape Tribulation Beach House

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast | Lunch

    Day 3 : Cape Tribulation

    With a free day, opt for a trip to the Great Barrier Reef or to explore Daintree National Park.

    Free time:

    Cape Tribulation Full day

    Head out and start exploring.

    Acommodation

    Cape Tribulation Beach House

    Optional Activities - Day 3

    Great Barrier Reef Visit

    Cape Tribulation

    Hop on a boat and head out to sea to reach the world-famous Great Barrier Reef. Don a mask and opt to snorkel the largest coral reef in the world. Say g'day to Nemo, the clown fish, and some of the 1,500 other species of tropical fish that thrive in the warm waters off Australia's east coast.

    Daintree National Park Visit

    Cape Tribulation

    Step back in time in this lush tropical rainforest, reported to be more than 110 million years old! Bring your binoculars to spot some of the 430 species of birds, including the buff-breasted paradise kingfisher and flightless cassowary. On the ground, look for possums, bandicoots, echidna and musky rat kangaroo. Discover why the Eastern Kuku Yalanji people consider this a spiritual and cultural significant place.

    Daintree Rainforest Night Walk

    Cape Tribulation 2h

    Once the sun goes down, grab a torch and head out into the jungle for a guided night walk. With your guide you'll spot various critters who call this region home. Keep your eyes peeled for sleeping bats, birds, lizards and spiders as you listen to the sounds of the rainforest at night.

    Acommodation

    Cape Tribulation Beach House

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast

    Day 4 : Cape Tribulation/Cairns

    Return to Cairns in the afternoon with free time to explore this laid-back city. En route, stop by Port Douglas and opt to have lunch at a local market.

    Private Vehicle

    Cape Tribulation - Cairns 3h30m Afternoon

    Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

    Free time:

    Cairns Afternoon

    Make the most of a few hours in this city.

    Acommodation

    Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns

    Acommodation

    Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast

    Day 5 : Cairns/Airlie Beach

    Depart early for a full day of travel to reach Airlie Beach, enjoying scenic views along the way.

    Private Vehicle

    Cairns - Airlie Beach 9h - 10h 623km

    Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

    Acommodation

    Whitsunday Vista Holiday Apartments

    Acommodation

    Whitsunday Vista Holiday Apartments

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast

    Day 6 : Airlie Beach

    Spend the day out on the water boating around the Whitsunday Islands, visiting the Great Barrier Reef. Opt to swim or snorkel, and hike to an island lookout over Whitehaven Beach, known for its stunning white sand. Return to Airlie Beach for the night.

    Whitsunday Islands Boating Excursion

    Whitsunday Island 8h 08:00 17:30

    Enjoy a day out on the water amidst some of the 74 tropical islands that make up the Whitsunday archipelago. Visit Whitehaven Beach, jump overboard for a quick refreshing dip, and make friends with the tropical fish that thrive within Australia's Great Barrier Reef.

    Barrier Reef Visit

    Whitsunday Island

    The Whitsunday Islands are in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. Spend the day out on a boat cruising through the waters around the islands. Then, when it gets too hot, pull on a mask and snorkel and dive overboard to check out the variety of brightly coloured marine plants, coral and fish that thrive right in these warm tropical waters.

    Acommodation

    Whitsunday Vista Holiday Apartments

    Optional Activities - Day 6

    Whitsunday Islands Snorkelling

    Whitsunday Islands 0h30m - 1h

    Take advantage of the included snorkel gear, throw on a mask and see what lives in the Great Barrier Reef. (Note that fins are not provided in order to adhere with local coral conservation efforts.)

    Acommodation

    Whitsunday Vista Holiday Apartments

    Meals Included:

    Lunch

    Day 7 : Airlie Beach/Byron Bay

    Fly to Brisbane and transfer to Byron Bay for two nights in this "hippie" paradise.

    Plane

    Airlie Beach - Brisbane 2h30m

    Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.

    Private Vehicle

    Brisbane - Byron Bay 2h - 2h30m 200km

    Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

    Acommodation

    Byron Beachcomber

    Acommodation

    Byron Beachcomber

    Day 8 : Byron Bay

    Spend a free morning exploring Byron or opt to prebook a kayaking tour. In the afternoon, you'll head to the beach for a surf lesson with a trained surf instructor. Enjoy a few hours of instruction before hitting the waves for some practice rides.

    Pre-book the "Byron Bay Ocean Kayaking" activity on the checkout page ahead of time to include this optional experience on your tour.

    Surfing Lesson

    Byron Bay 3h

    Hit the beach and get ready to hang ten with a surf lesson from trained surf instructors. Spend some time in the water getting friendly with the waves, practice paddling, then pop up to balance on the wider, softer beginner boards. Too easy.

    Acommodation

    Byron Beachcomber

    Optional Activities - Day 8

    Skydiving

    Byron Bay 2h - 5h

    Enjoy the awe-inspiring beauty of Byron Bay from an eagle's perspective this morning. Suit up, get briefed, and board the prop plane to soar high about the land and sea. Strap onto your instructor, take a breath, and leap into a once-in-a-lifetime free fall. This is what a natural high truly feels like!

    Please note: There is a $35.00 AUD fee paid locally (Australian Parachute Federation Levy)

    Cape Byron Lighthouse Visit

    Cape Byron 0h30m - 2h

    Cape Byron Lighthouse is 3km (1.9 mi) northeast of Byron Bay. The popular white structure emits the most powerful light of all working lighthouses in the country, and it's also located at the most easterly point of the Australian continent. Head up to the top of the tower to scan the ocean for whales (the Southern Cross University's Whale Research Centre is located here).

    Byron Bay Ocean Kayaking

    Byron Bay

    Slice through the waters of the iconic Byron Bay in the morning on this half-day kayaking adventure. Paddle past the most easterly point of the Australian mainland, see the Julian Rocks Marine Reserve, and ride the waves into shore. On top of it all, keep a close eye for dolphins and whales (in season) who call these waters home. Epic? Definitely. This activity is in the ocean and conditions can sometimes be rough due to weather. This is a very fun activity but first time kayakers may find this challenging.

    Acommodation

    Byron Beachcomber

    Day 9 : Byron Bay/Port Macquarie

    Spend the morning wandering the town checking out the local shops or having one last coffee on the beach before heading to the coastal township of Port Macquarie, featuring all the beauty of the beach set alongside gorgeous national parks. Enjoy an evening in Port Macquarie.

    Free time:

    Byron Bay Morning

    Get out and explore this lazy beach town.

    Private Vehicle

    Byron Bay - Port Macquarie 5h 397km

    Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

    Acommodation

    El Paso Motor Inn

    Acommodation

    El Paso Motor Inn

    Day 10 : Port Macquarie/Blue Mountains

    Travel from Port Macquarie to the Blue Mountains today. These mountains in Australia are best known for their soaring sandstone ridges. As you drive, pass by charming mountain towns, ancient Aboriginal rock art, lush green valleys, and loads of craggy cliffs. It doesn’t matter if the journey is shrouded in clouds or glowing in the sinking sun, you’ll still spot beauty around every turn.

    Private Vehicle

    Port Macquarie - Blue Mountains 6h - 7h 500km

    Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

    Acommodation

    Leisure Inn Spires

    Acommodation

    Leisure Inn Spires

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast

    Day 11 : Blue Mountains

    Travel deeper into the majestic Blue Mountains and experience the natural beauty of this World Heritage Area. Explore the landscape around Leura and Katoomba, view the Three Sisters, take a walk in Jamison Valley, and ride on the Scenic Railway, the steepest railway in the world.

    Blue Mountains Excursion

    Blue Mountains

    With charming Leura as your base, explore the major attractions of the Blue Mountains from sightseeing to bushwalking to cafés and more.

    Jamison Valley Walk

    Blue Mountains 1h - 2h30m 1km

    Take in some amazing lookouts over the Jamison Valley, via the iconic Three Sisters. Descend down the 900 step giant staircase to the valley floor. Walk amongst the beautiful forest to the steepest incline railway in the world — The Katoomba Scenic Railway. Opt to ride its 52-degrees angle or take the Scenic Cableway. If you're keen for more walking, and time permitting, take the 900 stairs back up.

    Scenic Railway

    Blue Mountains

    This railway is steep and plunges into the rainforest and through the valley. The ride is scenically stunning. At the end, opt to take a rainforest walk or a cable car back to the visitor's centre.

    Acommodation

    Leisure Inn Spires

    Acommodation

    Leisure Inn Spires

    Day 12 : Blue Mountains/Sydney

    This morning, leave the Blue Mountains behind and continue onward to Sydney. Once you arrive head out for an orientation walk before taking advantage of some free time to keep exploring. Opt to rent a bike, stroll the botanical gardens, or visit the iconic Opera House.

    Private Vehicle

    Blue Mountains - Sydney 2h

    Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

    Orientation Walk

    Sydney 2h30m - 3h

    Discover the highlights of Sydney on an orientation walk with the CEO. They will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.

    Free time:

    Sydney Evening

    Get out and explore.

    Acommodation

    Rydges Sydney Central

    Optional Activities - Day 12

    Sydney Opera House Visit

    Sydney 2h

    Stroll along the waterfront to admire Sydney's most iconic landmark, designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon and opened by Queen Elizabeth 11 in 1973. Take a guided tour of this UNESCO World Heritage site to discover its history, folklore, and more. Some two million people a year come to see concerts and cultural performances Opera House. Catch the boom of the grand organ–with more than 10,000 pipes, it took 10 years to build and is the largest mechanical organ in the world.

    Acommodation

    Rydges Sydney Central

    Day 13 : Sydney

    Get a feel for the city. Relax seaside at Bondi Beach. Enjoy an optional night out with the group.

    Free time:

    Sydney Full day

    Enjoy a free day to explore one of Australia's most exciting cities.

    Acommodation

    Rydges Sydney Central

    Optional Activities - Day 13

    Coogee Beach to Bondi Beach Coastal Walk

    Coogee Beach - Bondi Beach 2h

    Go for a walk along one of the most iconic trails in Australia. Pass by secluded beaches, massive cliffs, and more breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean than imaginable – all before arriving at the world-famous Bondi Beach. From May to December, keep a keen eye on the ocean to try and spot migrating humpback whales.

    Jet Boat Ride

    Sydney 0h30m

    Want an adrenaline rush? A jet boat is the way to go. Hold on and get ready for a white-water thrill while gorgeous scenery whizzes past. Explore Sydney Harbour, jetting by the Opera House, Harbour Islands and more!

    Sydney Opera House Visit

    Sydney 2h

    Stroll along the waterfront to admire Sydney's most iconic landmark, designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon and opened by Queen Elizabeth 11 in 1973. Take a guided tour of this UNESCO World Heritage site to discover its history, folklore, and more. Some two million people a year come to see concerts and cultural performances Opera House. Catch the boom of the grand organ–with more than 10,000 pipes, it took 10 years to build and is the largest mechanical organ in the world.

    Acommodation

    Rydges Sydney Central

    Day 14 : Sydney

    Depart at any time.

    Departure Day

    Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.

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