The 14-day Sydney to Cairns Tour takes you down Australia’s famous east coast, stopping at lively cities, sunny beaches, lush rainforests, and memorable reef encounters. As you drive north, you’ll travel from Sydney’s famed harbour via communities in New South Wales that love to surf. You’ll see native animals and slowly become used to Queensland’s warm, tropical pace. By the time you get to Cairns, you’ll have seen ancient rainforests, island getaways, and the Great Barrier Reef. This will change how you see Australia and inspire your next voyage.
*If you’re travelling alone and choose Twin Share Accommodation, you’ll be paired with another solitary traveller of the same sex.
Sydney, the famous harbour city at the top of the New South Wales coast, is where your trip down Australia’s East Coast begins. After you check in and settle into your accommodation, meet your tour guide and other travellers at 6 p.m. for a welcome meeting. You all will go out to dinner together, which is a great way to get to know each other and break the ice.
Included:
Meals: Dinner
Driving Distance: None
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Potts Point or similar
Say goodbye to the big city and start your day at a wildlife conservation park. There, you can see unique Australian animals like kangaroos, koalas, and emus. Go on to the Hunter Valley wine region, where you may taste wines, cheeses, and handmade chocolates. At the end of the day in Newcastle, you will take a short orientation tour before settling into your hotel.
Included:
Meals: Breakfast
Driving Distance: 280 km
Walking Distance: Easy short walks
Accommodation: Lucky Hotel Newcastle or similar
After breakfast, head north to Port Macquarie for a stop at the Koala Hospital, where you may learn a lot. Find out more about their important rescue and rehabilitation work and how your visit supports ongoing conservation efforts. You have a free night to explore and pick your own places to eat.
Included:
Meals: Breakfast
Driving Distance: 250 km
Walking Distance: Easy walks and lookout points
Accommodation: El Paso Motor Inn or similar
Start with a meaningful Gumbaynggirr First Nations cultural experience, where you may learn about the stories, language, and customs that still shape this area. Then, go to Byron Bay. Go to the Cape Byron Lighthouse, which is the easternmost point of mainland Australia. From there, you can see a long way and have a good chance of seeing whales in season or dolphins year-round.
Included:
Meals: Breakfast
Driving Distance: 400 km
Walking Distance: Short walks/lookout points
Accommodation: Beachcomber Byron Bay or similar
Have a whole day off at Byron Bay. You can spend your day lounging on the beach, perusing boutique shops, or doing optional activities like surfing lessons, kayaking excursions, observing whales in the wild, going up in a hot air balloon, or visiting a brewery.
Included: Free day for optional activities and self-guided exploration
Meals: None
Driving Distance: None
Accommodation: Beachcomber Byron Bay or similar
Cross into Queensland and get to Noosa, where you’ll visit Noosa National Park. Look for wild koalas in the trees. Stop by Main Beach and Hastings Street before heading to Rainbow Beach, where you’ll stay for the following two nights.
Included Activities:
Meals: Breakfast
Driving Distance: 420 km
Walking Distance: Easy short walks/lookouts
Accommodation: Rainbow Getaway Apartments or similar
Take a guided 4WD trip to K’gari (Fraser Island) for a whole day. Walk through old rainforests, relax by the beautiful blue water of Lake McKenzie, check out the S.S. Maheno shipwreck, and drive along 75 Mile Beach. You might even see wild dingoes walking along the coast.
Included Activities:
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Driving Distance: 200 km
Walking Distance: Easy walks/lookouts (approx. 5 km)
Accommodation: Rainbow Getaway Apartments or similar
Go south to Brisbane, Queensland’s welcoming capital on the river. Take a short tour to get your bearings, then have some time to explore on your own. Walk down the riverbank, take a ferry, or just relax and take in the sights and sounds of the city.
Included Activities:
Meals: Breakfast
Driving Distance: 240 km
Walking Distance: Easy strolls
Accommodation: The Point Hotel Brisbane or similar
Fly from Brisbane to Proserpine, which is the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands and the busy coastal city of Airlie Beach. Once you’ve checked in, you may explore the town at your own speed.
Included Activities:
Meals: Breakfast
Driving Distance: 40 km
Accommodation: Mantra Club Croc or similar
Eat breakfast before getting on the award-winning Red Cat Adventures Thundercat for a full day of fun in the Whitsundays. Spend time on the famous sands of Whitehaven Beach, go on a guided walk to Hill Inlet Lookout, and enjoy the wide vistas of its turquoise waters. Before going back to Airlie Beach, snorkel in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
Included Activities:
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Driving Distance: Boat journey approx. 8 hours (46 km)
Walking Distance: Short guided walks (2 km total)
Accommodation: Mantra Club Croc or similar
Take the Bruce Highway north, passing through beautiful sugarcane land on your way to peaceful Mission Beach. Have a quiet afternoon by the pool or on the long, golden beach.
Included Activities: Bruce Highway coastal drive
Meals: Breakfast
Driving Distance: 505 km
Walking Distance: Short walks/lookouts
Accommodation: Mission Beach Resort or similar
After breakfast, go to the Wet Tropics, where you’ll find a rainforest waterfall that’s perfect for a cool dip. After that, go to Lake Eacham, a peaceful volcanic crater lake, and then to the amazing Curtain Fig Tree. Your trip culminates in Cairns.
Included Activities:
Meals: Breakfast
Driving Distance: 220 km
Accommodation: Flynn Hotel Cairns or similar
Take a day to explore the Great Barrier Reef on a 20-meter motor catamaran. You may snorkel through colourful coral gardens, see marine life through a glass-bottom boat, and learn about the reef’s unique ecosystem.
Included Activities:
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Driving Distance: Boat journey approx. 6.5 hours (30 km)
Accommodation: Flynn Hotel Cairns or similar
Enjoy your last breakfast before your journey ends in Cairns. Say goodbye to your guide and other travellers, and then go on your way.
Meals: Breakfast
There are noticeable seasonal and regional variations in the weather throughout Australia’s East Coast. While winter typically brings pleasant days, especially in the northern regions, summer temperatures can reach the high 30s (°C).
Abrupt weather changes, such as rain or cool evening winds, are possible in coastal places. We advise researching the average weather for the month you are travelling and packing appropriately, including alternatives for wet weather, light clothing, and sun protection.
Unless the provider specifies otherwise, tours run in most situations.
Required Information: When making a reservation, travellers must include basic personal information such as their date of birth, any dietary restrictions, their title or gender (for room assignment), a working phone number, and their passport information.
Dietary Requirements: Although we try our best to accommodate a variety of dietary requirements, you must inform your booking agent of any dietary restrictions or allergies at the time of booking.
Medical problems: Guests must disclose any current medical conditions to the operator when making a reservation. A basic level of mobility and general fitness is necessary for this excursion, which entails physical exercise.
Fitness Level: Throughout the tour, there will be minimal physical activity. Participants should be able to walk unassisted. A doctor’s certificate must be presented by travellers aged 70 or over at least 30 days before departure.
Age Restrictions: Children ages 12-17 may travel as long as they are always accompanied by an adult or legal guardian. Due to the strenuous nature of the program, the tour is not appropriate for newborns or children under 11.
Travellers travelling alone: Those who select the Twin Share option (BC7-B) will be placed in a shared twin room with another single traveller, usually of the same gender.
Fare Type Options:
Mobility Considerations: This schedule is not intended for travellers who use wheelchairs, mobility scooters, or walking aids, or who have restricted mobility.
Limitations on Baggage: Each passenger is allowed to bring one major bag (up to 20 kg) and one day pack (up to 5 kg) due to limited vehicle storage.
Itinerary Variations: Weather trends, cultural customs, safety concerns, or modifications to swimming access may all influence itineraries. The welfare of the guests always comes first while making changes.
Details Reconfirmation: At least seven days before departure, all visitors must confirm their travel plans.
Private Tours: Charters@gltg.com.au can be contacted for information on private group tours.
All Federal, State, and Territory entry requirements—including any immunisation or testing requirements that may be in effect at the time of travel—must be adhered to by travellers. Regardless of immunisation status, we advise all visitors to bring a few RAT tests in case someone gets sick while travelling. Refunds are not available if a traveller must leave the tour early due to illness; all related relocation costs are the guest’s responsibility. Personal travel insurance should be used to cover any expenses
Quality accommodation with private ensuite bathrooms.
Select group meals provided throughout the journey.
All internal airfare, boat trips, and ground transport included.
Includes snorkeling gear and a glass-bottom boat tour.
Full-day excursion with snorkeling equipment provided.
Small-group off-road adventure on the world’s largest sand island.
Local wine, cheese, and chocolate tasting sessions.
First Nations cultural immersion and wildlife park visit.
All park entry fees covered for the entire route.
Total distance of scenic coastal and bush walks.
Knowledgeable local leader for the duration of the trip.
Comprehensive East Coast itinerary.
Most lunches and dinners (for culinary flexibility).
Optional surfing, kayaking, or scuba diving fees.
Airport transfers and extra nights of accommodation.
Comprehensive personal coverage highly advised.
International airfare, laundry, and spending money.
Small-group travellers who value a relaxed pace combined with a good mix of natural landmarks, cultural insights, and cozy lodging will find this trip ideal.
Since domestic flights are included in the package, you will need to supply your full legal name (as it appears on your passport), date of birth, any dietary restrictions, preferred title or gender for rooming arrangements, a phone number, and passport information in order to complete your reservation.
Indeed. Walks are optional, and most activities are easy to moderate. It should be possible for travellers to walk on their own.
Of course. Most meals and boutique-style lodging are included in the package; dietary needs can be met with previous notice.
Due to space constraints, each passenger is allowed one main bag up to 23 kg and one small day bag up to 5 kg on domestic flights and in cars. Please get in touch with us in advance to get permission if you need to carry more or larger bags.
