Intrepid Travel
Real Australia
Real Australia
If you love the ocean, the rainforest and Australian wildlife, this 17-day journey from Sydney to Cairns might just be for you. On this trip, you’ll walk in Crowdy Bay National Park, meet koalas at the Koala Hospital in Port Macquarie and feast on a barbeque in Red Rock. Go stand-up paddleboarding with the Gumbaynggir community and learn about local Aboriginal culture. Chill out in Byron Bay and hike in lush Lamington National Park before some free time to explore Brisbane. Hit the beach in Noosa and spend two-nights sailing the Whitsundays, where you’ll be snorkelling, swimming, visiting secret beaches and chilling in the jacuzzi. Tour Mungalla Station with a First Nations guide, look for more koalas in scenic Magnetic Island and spend a free afternoon on Mission Beach with your feet in the sand. End it all in Cairns and toast to an epic adventure along the East Coast.
Activities
- Crowdy Bay National Park – Mermaid Lookout Track
- Port Macquarie – Koala Hospital guided tour
- Red Rock – Wajaana Yaam Stand Up Paddleboarding
- Springbrook National Park – Natural Bridge Circuit Walk
- Byron Bay – The Farm visit
- Gold Coast – Sobah Brewery Visit
- Noosa – Hell’s Gates Lookout
- Noosa – Coastal Walk
- Whitsunday Islands – Sailing Excursion (2 Nights)
- Whitsunday Islands – Sailing Excursion (2 Nights)
- Magnetic Island – Forts Walking Track
- Mungalla Station – Nywaigi First Nations Guided Tour
Highlights
- Hop aboard for an epic two-night sailing adventure through the stunning Whitsundays. Go snorkelling or scuba diving from the boat, relax in the onboard jacuzzi and soak up the scenery as you cruise through the untouched islands.
- Support the local Gumbaynggirr community with stand-up paddleboarding in Coffs Harbour. Gliding along the river, you’ll take in the natural surroundings with an Aboriginally owned social enterprise focusing on preserving culture and language.
- Breathe in the fresh air and gorgeous scenery at Lamington National Park – home to lush rainforest, waterfalls, creeks and mountains. Take a hike along the way and spend the night in a lodge in the middle of the forest.
- Soak up your free time in iconic east coast spots like Byron Bay, Mission Beach, Magnetic Island and Noosa – why not surf, swim, go hiking, chill out on the beach, watch the sunset or explore these natural landscapes at your own pace.
- Visit the Koala Conservation Hospital in Port Macquarie to meet the volunteers and learn how they provide care and treatment for koalas in need of rehabilitation.
| 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 |
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| 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. |
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| Day 7 |
Australia's Gold Coast is the ideal holiday place for people on the go, or on a go-slow. In one day you can enjoy surfing on golden beaches, bushwalking in subtropical rainforests, cruising down oceanfront boulevards in a fun convertible, or taking a dinner cruise aboard a luxury yacht. |
| Day 8 |
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 9 |
Noosa Heads is located 20 kilometers from Maroochydore Airport. |
| Day 10 |
Noosa Heads is located 20 kilometers from Maroochydore Airport. |
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| Day 12 |
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. |
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| Day 16 |
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 17 |
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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
05/18/25 - 06/03/25 |
Starting At $3,455 |
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|
06/15/25 - 09/07/25 |
Starting At $4,065 |
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|
10/05/25 - 12/07/25 |
Starting At $4,270 |
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|
12/21/25 - 03/01/26 |
Starting At $4,470 |
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|
03/08/26 - 03/24/26 |
Starting At $4,270 |
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|
04/19/26 - 05/05/26 |
Starting At $4,065 |
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|
05/17/26 - 06/14/26 |
Starting At $4,435 |
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|
07/12/26 - 11/15/26 |
Starting At $4,270 |
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|
12/06/26 - 12/20/26 |
Starting At $4,435 |
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|
01/17/27 - 03/07/27 |
Starting At $4,610 |
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Offer subject to availability and change without notice. Some restrictions may apply.
