The 16 Days East Coast Tour takes you to all the best places along Australia’s famous eastern coastline. This trip combines the beauty of nature, the depth of culture, and the charm of the coast into one smooth experience. From the shimmering shores of Sydney Harbour to the deep greens of the Daintree Rainforest, it has it all.
This small-group trip through New South Wales, Queensland, and the different landscapes in between is perfect for people who value comfort, genuine connections with nature, and real interactions with locals. The schedule strikes a mix between relaxation and adventure at every turn, whether you’re floating over coral gardens on the Great Barrier Reef, tasting the flavours of Hunter Valley, or exploring beneath the canopy of ancient rainforests.
Your voyage starts in the famous harbour city of Australia. After you check into your hotel, take a few minutes to relax before meeting your tour guide and other travellers at 6 p.m. for a welcome briefing. The night continues with a shared meal, a nice way to start the trip together.
Included Activities: Group meeting; shared dinner.
Meals: Dinner
Driving Distance: None
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Potts Point or similar
Leave Sydney and head into the countryside of New South Wales. Start by going to a wildlife park where you can observe native animals like koalas, emus, and kangaroos. Next, head to the Hunter Valley, famous for its boutique wines and gourmet food. There, you can taste wine, cheese, and chocolate. After that, you’ll get to Newcastle and have a short tour to get your bearings before checking into your accommodation.
Included Activities: Wildlife park entry and animal encounters; wine, cheese and chocolate tasting; Newcastle city orientation.
Meals: Breakfast
Driving Distance: 280 km
Walking Distance: Short, easy walks
Accommodation: Lucky Hotel Newcastle or similar
Go north to Port Macquarie, where you’ll meet the committed volunteers at the Koala Hospital and hear about the important work they do to protect koalas. After that, take a leisurely walk down the foreshore. Dolphins are often seen here, so have your camera close by. Then, settle in for a relaxing evening.
Included Activities: A guided tour of the Koala Hospital and a walk along the foreshore.
Meals: Breakfast
Driving Distance: 250 km
Walking Distance: Easy strolls
Accommodation: El Paso Motor Inn or similar
Start the day with a cultural experience led by Gumbaynggirr teachers, who will share their stories, language, and connection to Country. Head north to Byron Bay, where you’ll see the Cape Byron Lighthouse, the easternmost point on the Australian peninsula. If you’re lucky, you might see whales or dolphins from the lookout.
Included Activities: Cultural session with Gumbaynggirr guides; Cape Byron Lighthouse visit.
Meals: Breakfast
Driving Distance: 400 km
Walking Distance: Gentle scenic walks and lookout points
Accommodation: Beachcomber Byron Bay or similar
You have a free day in Byron Bay to do what you want. You can relax on the beach, shop at boutique stores, hop from café to café, or choose optional extras like surf lessons, kayaking with dolphins, whale watching, hot air ballooning, or craft brewery tours.
Included Activities: Free day in Byron Bay.
Meals: None
Driving Distance: None
Accommodation: Beachcomber Byron Bay or similar
Cross into Queensland and stretch your legs in Noosa National Park. It’s a great place for coastal wildlife, and you might even see wild koalas lounging in the trees. Take a walk along Hastings Street and stop by Noosa Main Beach before continuing on to Rainbow Beach, where you’ll be staying for the next two nights.
Included Activities: Noosa National Park visit; Noosa orientation walk.
Meals: Breakfast
Driving Distance: 420 km
Walking Distance: Short, easy walks and lookouts
Accommodation: Rainbow Getaway Apartments or similar
Take a full-day 4WD trip over K’Gari (Fraser Island), the biggest sand island in the world. Swim in Lake McKenzie, walk beneath tall rainforest trees, see the S.S. Maheno shipwreck, and drive along 75 Mile Beach. After returning to Rainbow Beach, you can relax or visit the Carlo Sand Blow.
Included Activities: Guided 4WD day tour of K’Gari with sightseeing stops.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Driving Distance: 200 km
Walking Distance: Approx. 5 km total
Accommodation: Rainbow Getaway Apartments or similar
Go north to Brisbane, the riverside capital of Queensland and host of the upcoming Olympic Games. A guided orientation introduces you to neighbourhoods, river paths, and the city’s laid-back lifestyle.
Included Activities: Guided city orientation.
Meals: Breakfast
Driving Distance: 240 km
Walking Distance: Short urban walks
Accommodation: The Point Hotel Brisbane or similar
Travel north to the Whitsunday Coast. On arrival in Airlie Beach, check into your hotel and enjoy free time exploring the shoreline, local stores, cafés, and lagoon.
Included Activities: Flight from Brisbane to Proserpine (Whitsundays); free time in Airlie Beach.
Meals: Breakfast
Driving Distance: 40 km
Domestic Flight: 1 hour 50 minutes (approx. 990 km)
Accommodation: Mantra Club Croc or similar
Take a full-day trip to the Whitsunday Islands by speedboat. Visit Whitehaven Beach, walk to the Hill Inlet lookout, and snorkel over colourful reefs full of sea life.
Included Activities: Whitsundays cruise including snorkelling and lunch.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Driving Distance: Approx. 46 km by fast boat (8 hours total)
Walking Distance: Short walk to Hill Inlet lookout
Accommodation: Mantra Club Croc or similar
Travel north along the Bruce Highway to Mission Beach, passing coastal scenery and sugarcane fields. Relax by the beach or pool and watch for cassowaries.
Included Activities: Scenic coastal drive.
Meals: Breakfast
Driving Distance: 505 km
Walking Distance: Easy strolls
Accommodation: Mission Beach Resort or similar
Head inland to the Atherton Tablelands. Swim beneath a rainforest waterfall, visit Lake Eacham, and admire the ancient Curtain Fig Tree before arriving in Cairns.
Included Activities: Guided Atherton Tablelands tour.
Meals: Breakfast
Driving Distance: 220 km
Walking Distance: Short rainforest walks
Accommodation: Flynn Hotel Cairns or similar
Explore the Great Barrier Reef aboard a 20-meter catamaran. Snorkel over coral gardens, view marine life from a glass-bottom boat, and learn from marine experts.
Included Activities: Ocean Freedom cruise with snorkelling and buffet lunch.
Optional Activity: Scuba diving.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Driving Distance: Approx. 30 km by boat (8.5 hours total)
Accommodation: Flynn Hotel Cairns or similar
Ride the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway to Kuranda, gliding above rainforest canopy and waterfalls. Continue to Port Douglas for beach time and evening dining.
Included Activities: Skyrail experience; Kuranda markets; Port Douglas orientation.
Meals: Breakfast
Driving Distance: 100 km
Walking Distance: Short walks
Accommodation: Paradise Links Resort or similar
Visit Mossman Gorge for a guided rainforest walk, then join a Kuku Yalanji cultural experience to learn about bush foods, medicinal plants, and Dreamtime stories.
Included Activities: Guided rainforest walk; Kuku Yalanji cultural session.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Driving Distance: 25 km
Walking Distance: Approx. 2.5 km / 1.5 hours
Accommodation: Paradise Links Resort or similar
Cross the Daintree River and explore the ancient Daintree Rainforest. Continue to Cape Tribulation, where the reef meets the rainforest, then enjoy an eco-cruise searching for birds and crocodiles.
Included Activities: Guided rainforest walk; Daintree River cruise; scenic coastal drive.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Driving Distance: 160 km
Walking Distance: Approx. 7 km / 2 hours
203 Victoria St., Potts Point, Sydney, New South Wales; Holiday Inn Potts Point, 18:00 PM.
Weather patterns on Australia’s East Coast change a lot depending on where you are and what time of year it is. Temperatures in the summer can reach the upper 30s (°C), but winters are usually pleasant, especially in the north. There may be dramatic changes in the weather around the coast, such as rain showers and cooler evenings.
We suggest checking the weather for the time of year you plan to visit and bringing clothes that protect you from the sun, let air flow, and keep you dry. Most of the time, tours go ahead as planned unless the supplier says otherwise.
Required Information: At the time of booking, the passenger must provide the following details: date of birth, food allergies, gender or rooming configuration title, phone number, and passport data.
Dietary Requirements: Although we try our best to accommodate most dietary requirements, travellers must disclose any special dietary needs or food allergies to their booking agent.
Medical Issues: Any known medical conditions must be disclosed to the tour operator at the time of booking. A moderate level of mobility and fitness is required for this physically demanding tour.
Level of Fitness: Light physical activity is to be expected. Travellers should be able to walk without assistance. For participants aged 70 or older, a medical certificate must be submitted at least 30 days before departure.
Age Restrictions: Children ages 12-17 must always be accompanied by an adult or legal guardian. Due to the nature of the tour, it is not appropriate for newborns or children under 11.
Solo Travellers: When a single traveller makes a separate reservation at Twin Share Accommodation (SD16-B), they will be paired with either a fellow solo traveller or a person of the same gender in a twin room.
Fare Type Options:
Mobility Considerations: Travellers using wheelchairs, walking aids, or mobility scooters should not take this tour.
Baggage Limitations: Each passenger may bring one 20-kg journey bag and one 5-kg day bag. Multiple or larger luggage items are only available upon request.
Itinerary Variations: Seasonal weather patterns, safety closures, or cultural considerations may cause itinerary changes. Guest safety is our top priority.
Reconfirmation of Information: All travellers must confirm their tour information seven days before departure.
Quality stays with ensuite bathrooms (private or shared options).
Daily breakfast plus select group lunches and dinner.
All park entry fees covered throughout the journey.
Full-day trip including glass-bottom boat and snorkel gear.
Full-day snorkeling adventure in the Whitsunday Islands.
Guided small-group off-road island exploration.
Gondola travel over the Kuranda rainforest canopy.
Domestic flight from Brisbane (BNE) to Proserpine (PPP).
First Nations immersion and wildlife rescue facility visit.
Curated wine, cheese, and chocolate sessions.
Private vehicles, boat trips, and all tour transfers.
Knowledgeable host providing local insights and commentary.
Central Sydney meeting point with Cairns drop-offs.
Ample time to explore local cafés and neighborhood eateries.
Transfers to/from meeting points and extra nights of lodging.
Optional Byron Bay surfing/kayaking or scuba diving fees.
Comprehensive individual coverage is highly advised.
International flights, snacks, drinks, and incidentals.
Since domestic flights will be organised on their behalf, guests must provide their full passport name, date of birth, dietary notes or allergies, rooming title or gender, a phone number, and passport data.
A mix of supervised activities and relaxation is to be expected. Easy-to-moderate walks (1–7 km) are included on most days, with optional rest breaks. It should be possible for travellers to walk on their own.
Yes, the tour cost includes admission to all national parks, wildlife facilities, and cultural events listed.
Accommodations include private en-suite rooms in boutique-style hotels or resorts, conveniently located and comfortable.
When you book, you can let them know about any dietary needs you have, and most meals will accommodate them. choices as well.
