Intrepid Travel
East Coast Australia Adventure
East Coast Australia Adventure
Start in Sydney, finish in Cairns and leave no stone unturned on this 19-day adventure along Australia’s diverse east coast. You’ll tour all the postcard-perfect spots – snorkel at the Great Barrier Reef and the corals of the Whitsundays, go on a 4WD drive adventure in K’gari (formerly Fraser Island) and immerse yourself in the ancient wonder of Daintree Rainforest. With stops at wineries in the Hunter Valley, the beachside vibes of Byron Bay, Mission Beach, Hervey Bay and more – this is a true-blue intro to everything Australia.
Activities
- Hunter Valley – Winery Visit & Wine Tasting
- Sydney – The Rocks Dreaming Walking Tour with Aboriginal Guide
- Crowdy Bay National Park – Diamond Head Hike
- Port Macquarie – Koala Hospital guided tour
- Dorrigo National Park – Short Hike
- Dorrigo National Park – Rainforest Centre & Skywalk
- Coffs Harbour – Red Rock Gumbaynggirr First Nations experience
- Byron Bay – Lighthouse Walk
- Springbrook National Park – Natural Bridge
- Byron Bay – The Farm visit
- K’gari – Full day tour
- Airlie Beach – Full day Whitsunday Islands & Whitehaven Beach Tour with Snorkelling
- Paluma Range National Park – Crystal Creek
- Townsville – Castle Hill Lookout
- Mungalla Station – Nywaigi First Nations Guided Tour
- Cairns – Mandingalbay First Nations tour
- Atherton Tablelands – Tolga Bat Hospital
- Mareeba Wetlands – Forever Wild sunset wildlife experience
- Kuranda – Kuranda Markets
- Barron Gorge National Park – Din Din Barron Falls lookout
- Daintree National Park – Mossman Gorge
- Daintree National Park – Nature Walk
- Great Barrier Reef – Half Day Cruise & Snorkelling Experience
- Cape Tribulation – Kulki walk & lookout
- Cape Tribulation – Mason’s Swimming Hole
- Daintree National Park – Nature Walk
Highlights
- Witness the expansive and iconic Great Barrier Reef on a snorkelling adventure and see colourful corals and tropical fish as you swim with turtles off the Daintree coast.
- Take a 4WD adventure through the breathtaking landscape of K’gari (formerly Fraser Island). Ride across sand dunes and vast golden beaches in search of the iconic outback creature – the dingo.
- Visit Daintree Rainforest – the oldest rainforest in the world – and Cape Tribulation on a stunning day that ticks off two UNESCO World Heritage areas (nature lovers rejoice!).
- Soak up the beachside vibes of Byron Bay with a free day in this surfer’s haven. Go for a dip in the ocean, take a kayaking tour, listen to buskers by the beach, join a yoga class or just hang loose in a quirky café.
- Embark on a full-day tour of the Whitsundays, where you’ll head out on a bushwalk to Hill Inlet Lookout, go snorkelling among giant tropical fish and corals and then relax on the 7 km stretch of Whitehaven Beach as the sun descends.
Day 1 |
Sydney, Australia's iconic harbor city, is a dazzling blend of natural beauty and urban sophistication. At the heart of its allure is the world-renowned Sydney Opera House, an architectural marvel that hosts an array of performances from opera to contemporary music. Its distinctive sail-like design makes it one of the most photographed buildings in the world. A tour of the Opera House offers insights into its fascinating history and architectural innovations. Nearby, the Sydney Harbour Bridge provides a thrilling experience for adventure seekers. Visitors can climb to the top of this steel giant for panoramic views of the city and harbor, a breathtaking way to appreciate Sydney’s spectacular waterfront. For those who prefer a more leisurely experience, a walk across the bridge offers equally stunning vistas. Sydney's beaches are legendary, with Bondi Beach standing out as a must-visit destination. Known for its golden sands and surf culture, Bondi is perfect for a day of sunbathing or taking a dip in the Pacific. The Bondi to Coogee coastal walk offers scenic views of the rugged coastline and is a great way to explore other beautiful beaches along the way. Fun fact: Sydney's Taronga Zoo is unique for its conservation efforts and its stunning location overlooking Sydney Harbour. It's one of the few zoos in the world where you can see animals while enjoying views of the iconic skyline. |
Day 2 |
Port Macquarie is situated on the Hastings River and surrounded by several beaches, along its coast. There are plenty of shops around Port Macquarie town centre including a number of different shops including surfing shops, craft and gift shops, antique shops, as well as large shopping malls like Port Central and Settlement Point Peninsula.
Around Port Macquarie town are several historic buildings, including the Courthouse, Roto House, St Thomas Church and the Wesleyan Church. You can also visit the Maritime Museum which has some interesting displays. The many beaches around Port Macquarie include Flynn's Beach, Lighthouse Beach, Nobby's Beach, Oxley Beach, Rocky Beach, Shelly Beach and Town Beach. Flynn's Beach, Lighthouse Beach and Town Beach all offer free parking and barbecues, and are patrolled during high season. |
Day 3 |
Port Macquarie is situated on the Hastings River and surrounded by several beaches, along its coast. There are plenty of shops around Port Macquarie town centre including a number of different shops including surfing shops, craft and gift shops, antique shops, as well as large shopping malls like Port Central and Settlement Point Peninsula.
Around Port Macquarie town are several historic buildings, including the Courthouse, Roto House, St Thomas Church and the Wesleyan Church. You can also visit the Maritime Museum which has some interesting displays. The many beaches around Port Macquarie include Flynn's Beach, Lighthouse Beach, Nobby's Beach, Oxley Beach, Rocky Beach, Shelly Beach and Town Beach. Flynn's Beach, Lighthouse Beach and Town Beach all offer free parking and barbecues, and are patrolled during high season. |
Day 4 |
If you are looking for a great surfing spot along the east coast or just a pleasant beach to sit down and relax then Byron Bay could be the place for you. Byron Bays unique and colourful town attracts many visitors to the area, so be prepared for congestion especially in the summer months. But it is definitely worth visiting Byron.
Byron Bay has plenty of cafes and bars as well as some great music venues. And of course surf shops which sell surf products as well as hire boards and give surfing lessons. If you want a change of scenery then all you have to do is head inland towards the hinterland and nearby bush. There are a wide range of activities to keep you amused. |
Day 5 |
If you are looking for a great surfing spot along the east coast or just a pleasant beach to sit down and relax then Byron Bay could be the place for you. Byron Bays unique and colourful town attracts many visitors to the area, so be prepared for congestion especially in the summer months. But it is definitely worth visiting Byron.
Byron Bay has plenty of cafes and bars as well as some great music venues. And of course surf shops which sell surf products as well as hire boards and give surfing lessons. If you want a change of scenery then all you have to do is head inland towards the hinterland and nearby bush. There are a wide range of activities to keep you amused. |
Day 6 |
Culture, dining and nightlife are just a few of the reasons to find yourself in sunny Brisbane. This sprawling, constantly-evolving river city is for the young and the young at heart. Shop at the outdoor markets, where you'll find fashion, crafts and produce. Beaches are the order of the day here, too, with North Stradbroke Island and Moreton Island attracting hordes of sunbathers. The more city-adjacent South Bank precinct is a recreational paradise, with beaches, cafes and museums to explore. Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, the earth's largest koala sanctuary is a Brisbane attraction, as is the famous Story Bridge, offering breathtaking views of the city. With over 280 days of sunshine each year, Brisbane is a warm, welcoming destination for all. |
Day 7 |
Hervey Bay , a rapidly expanding city of 40,000 people, situated in sub tropical Queensland, is one of Australia's favourite holiday destinations. With a marvellous climate and wonderful calm water beaches ideal for swimming all year round , it is a well known aquatic playground. Whatever your needs may be: water sports tours of adjacent world heritage Fraser Island, fishing trips, coral viewing trips, diving, scenic flights, whale watching (August to October), or just relaxing, Hervey Bay is ideally situated to provide these services.
In recent years, the region has become famous as the playground of the majestic Humpback Whales on their return to the Antarctic. From August to October, the whales frolic in the warm sheltered waters of the bay, putting on a spectacular display for their admirers. Celebrating the return of the Humpback Whales each year, Hervey Bay stages a Whale Festival for two weeks in August. An aquatic carnival, including an illuminated procession of floats, is the highlight of this But there is much more to Hervey Bay, with its many attractions centring around its safe and sheltered waters and golden beaches. Boating and fishing enthusiasts will find estuary, beach, jetty or reef fishing, and a variety of water sports including diving, water and jet skiing, wind surfing and snorkelling. Fishing from one of Hervey Hay's landmarks, the Urangan Pier, is a popular pastime, and glass bottom boats providing great viewing of the coral reefs. |
Day 8 |
Fraser Island, or K’gari as it is known to its Traditional Owners, the Butchulla people, is a gem off the coast of Queensland, Australia. The world's largest sand island, stretching over 120 kilometers, is a place where nature dazzles and adventure beckons. Renowned for its unique ecosystems, Fraser Island offers a diverse landscape of lush rainforests growing on sand, crystal-clear freshwater lakes, and expansive sand dunes. One of the island's most famous spots, Lake McKenzie, is a perched lake filled only with rainwater and surrounded by pure white silica sand, offering a pristine setting for swimming and relaxation. Fraser Island is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, boasting more than 350 species of birds and the purest strain of dingo found in Australia. The island's vibrant flora and fauna make it a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site. A must-see is the Maheno Shipwreck, a rusted relic lying on the island's eastern beach, where waves crash dramatically against its skeletal remains. The ship's story, from luxury ocean liner to wartime hospital ship to a picturesque ruin, adds a layer of historical intrigue to Fraser Island's natural beauty. Adventure seekers will find a playground of opportunities here. The island is famous for its off-road driving experiences along 75 Mile Beach, a stretch of sand that doubles as a highway and landing strip for scenic flights. As you traverse the beach, be sure to stop at Eli Creek, where you can float down a gentle freshwater stream, or explore the Champagne Pools, natural rock pools bubbling like a Jacuzzi when waves crash over them. For hikers, the Fraser Island Great Walk offers a multi-day trek through dense rainforests, coastal heathlands, and past ancient sand dunes, providing a deeper connection to the island's incredible landscapes. Fun fact: Fraser Island is home to the world’s only sand-based rainforest, where giant satinay and brush box trees tower over 200 feet high. The island’s diverse ecosystems and rich indigenous history make it a unique destination that offers both serenity and adventure. The best time to visit is from May to September when the weather is cooler and drier, providing the perfect conditions for exploring all that this natural wonderland has to offer. |
Day 9 |
Hervey Bay , a rapidly expanding city of 40,000 people, situated in sub tropical Queensland, is one of Australia's favourite holiday destinations. With a marvellous climate and wonderful calm water beaches ideal for swimming all year round , it is a well known aquatic playground. Whatever your needs may be: water sports tours of adjacent world heritage Fraser Island, fishing trips, coral viewing trips, diving, scenic flights, whale watching (August to October), or just relaxing, Hervey Bay is ideally situated to provide these services.
In recent years, the region has become famous as the playground of the majestic Humpback Whales on their return to the Antarctic. From August to October, the whales frolic in the warm sheltered waters of the bay, putting on a spectacular display for their admirers. Celebrating the return of the Humpback Whales each year, Hervey Bay stages a Whale Festival for two weeks in August. An aquatic carnival, including an illuminated procession of floats, is the highlight of this But there is much more to Hervey Bay, with its many attractions centring around its safe and sheltered waters and golden beaches. Boating and fishing enthusiasts will find estuary, beach, jetty or reef fishing, and a variety of water sports including diving, water and jet skiing, wind surfing and snorkelling. Fishing from one of Hervey Hay's landmarks, the Urangan Pier, is a popular pastime, and glass bottom boats providing great viewing of the coral reefs. |
Day 10 |
Located on the coast of Queensland, Australia, Airlie Beach is a favorite stop for cruises along the Great Barrier Reef. This coastal paradise offers spectacular beaches and easy access to the Whitsunday Islands, Conway National Park, and, of course, the Great Barrier Reef. |
Day 11 |
Located on the coast of Queensland, Australia, Airlie Beach is a favorite stop for cruises along the Great Barrier Reef. This coastal paradise offers spectacular beaches and easy access to the Whitsunday Islands, Conway National Park, and, of course, the Great Barrier Reef. |
Day 12 |
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Day 13 |
One of the most unspoilt and undeveloped tourism destinations in the area - ideal for the visitor looking for both pristine natural beauty and a relaxed quiet getaway. The coastal fringe has wide sandy beaches, lined with small resorts and more than 25 offshore islands, while bushwalking and camping opportunities abound throughout the adjacent Wet Tropics rainforest areas.
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Day 14 |
Cairns is the majestic entrance to Australia's Great Barrier Reef. This warm, tropical destination is located in Far North Queensland. Must-see attractions in Cairns include the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park, which educates tourists about indigenous peoples, and restaurant and bar-dotted Cairns Esplanade, which has a lagoon for swimming. Also, Daintree National Park, northwest of Cairns, has beautiful beaches, rainforests and canyons. |
Day 15 |
Cairns is the majestic entrance to Australia's Great Barrier Reef. This warm, tropical destination is located in Far North Queensland. Must-see attractions in Cairns include the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park, which educates tourists about indigenous peoples, and restaurant and bar-dotted Cairns Esplanade, which has a lagoon for swimming. Also, Daintree National Park, northwest of Cairns, has beautiful beaches, rainforests and canyons. |
Day 16 |
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Day 17 |
The largest virgin tract of rainforest in Australia (and the second largest in the world), this lush, tropical World Heritage area is a living testimonial to the ancient rainforests which once covered the earth's surface. Cool forest streams, primitive rainforests, stunning mountain scenery and abundant wildlife - a naturalists and bird watchers paradise.
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Day 18 |
The largest virgin tract of rainforest in Australia (and the second largest in the world), this lush, tropical World Heritage area is a living testimonial to the ancient rainforests which once covered the earth's surface. Cool forest streams, primitive rainforests, stunning mountain scenery and abundant wildlife - a naturalists and bird watchers paradise.
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Day 19 |
Cairns is the majestic entrance to Australia's Great Barrier Reef. This warm, tropical destination is located in Far North Queensland. Must-see attractions in Cairns include the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park, which educates tourists about indigenous peoples, and restaurant and bar-dotted Cairns Esplanade, which has a lagoon for swimming. Also, Daintree National Park, northwest of Cairns, has beautiful beaches, rainforests and canyons. |
Travel Dates | Price | ||
---|---|---|---|
05/25/25 - 06/12/25 |
Starting At $6,230 |
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06/08/25 - 06/22/25 |
Starting At $6,636 |
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07/06/25 - 07/20/25 |
Starting At $6,286 |
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08/03/25 - 08/31/25 |
Starting At $5,937 |
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09/14/25 - 10/02/25 |
Starting At $6,286 |
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10/12/25 - 10/30/25 |
Starting At $6,597 |
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11/09/25 - 11/27/25 |
Starting At $6,964 |
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11/23/25 - 12/07/25 |
Starting At $7,301 |
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01/04/26 - 03/15/26 |
Starting At $7,685 |
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03/29/26 - 04/16/26 |
Starting At $6,950 |
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04/12/26 - 12/06/26 |
Starting At $6,090 |
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01/03/27 - 01/31/27 |
Starting At $6,195 |
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02/14/27 - 03/14/27 |
Starting At $6,090 |
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Offer subject to availability and change without notice. Some restrictions may apply.