East Coast Encounter

Day 1: Arrive in Cairns. We’ll start our Aussie adventure in the early evening today where you will meet your tour leader and group, before we head out for a warm welcome dinner with a traditional bush food twist! Bush food means anything that is native to the Australian habitat, and you’ll be amazed by the natural flavour palettes. Then the evening is yours to explore!

Day 2: Cairns free day. The sky’s the limit in Cairns, so today’s all about picking whichever optional activities appeal to you the most. From snorkelling and scuba-diving to water rafting, bungee jumping, cable car riding or just doing your own thing, Cairns has something for everyone!

Day 3: To Magnetic Island. This morning we’ll start heading South, but before we say goodbye to Cairns, it’s time for a stop at the beautiful Josephine Falls! After a scenic swim, we’ll head to Townsville and take a ferry to the mesmerising Magnetic Island - known as “Maggie” by the locals. Almost half of the island is national parkland, so expect to find gorgeous wildlife and golden beaches while staying here.

Day 4: Magnetic Island free day. Aside from a scenic walking tour around the historic Forts Complex, today is all yours to explore Magnetic Island at your own pace. It’s hard to choose between lounging on the beaches, going for a swim, putting on some snorkelling gear or hiking along the stunning coastline… But we’re sure you’ll manage.

Day 5: Magnetic Island to Airlie Beach. This morning, we’re heading to the blissful Airlie Beach for some chill time under the sun and at the local bars. This beautiful spot may be famous for being the Whitsundays’ gateway (spoiler, you’re seeing it tomorrow!), but Airlie Beach is beautiful in its own right!

Day 6: The WhitsundaysBefore our main activities start, you have the option to take a scenic helicopter ride above the striking white sand and bright ocean. How’s that for a first impression? Then our day officially begins with a speedboat ride to angelic Whitehaven Beach, before heading to Hill Inlet Beach for an amazing viewpoint.  Then we’ll grab our snorkelling gear and dive into the ocean, only to discover that the Whitsundays is just as gorgeous below the sea as it is above!

Day 7: Airlie Beach to Bundaberg. Our East Coast road trip continues! Stock up on snacks, charge your devices and keep your eyes wide open for the incredible countryside views you’ll discover today. There will be stops to stretch your legs and refresh in between. We aim to reach Bargara - a beachy suburb of Bundaberg - in the evening where you can kick back and dig into the bush-themed BBQ dinner we have planned.

Day 8: Lady Musgrave Island Explorer! Today’s adventure is extra special, so rise and shine early this morning as we’re boarding a deluxe, high-speed boat with a barista-made coffee in hand. That’s nowhere near even the best part, as today you’ll step foot onto an idyllic island that is a secret paradise for wildlife and under-the-sea activities. Today we’ll do some snorkelling (you can even upgrade to scuba diving, if you’d like) and learn more about the island’s Indigenous history from a local guide.

Day 9: Bundaberg to Noosa. Our journey continues toward the Sunshine Coast to spend three unforgettable days glamping near Noosa! We’re ideally located with loads of walking trails to choose from, and not far from here is one out of two of the world’s only Everglades forests. But today’s all about getting settled in and enjoying the local lake for some paddle boarding, canoeing, kayaking and more.

Day 10: Noosa free day. Today we’re giving you the option to plan your activities however you want. You can stay near camp and explore the world-famous Everglades or head into the beachside town of Noosa. Hastings Street is a fantastic choice for hanging out at cafes and doing some shopping,  Or if you'd rather head to the beach then check out the local Noosa Surf Club for lunch!

Day 11: K’gari. K’gari is the world’s largest sand island and today, you’ll see all the highlights! Led by an expert local guide, this tour will take you to the 75-mile beach, a secret shipwreck, an elusive rainforest and the soothing Lake McKenzie. All you have to do is kick back, relax and let nature do the talking.

Day 12: Brisbane and Byron Bay. Our glamping retreat has come to an end, and for those of you who are doing the 12 day trip, this is our last day together! It’s sad to see you go, but we’re delighted that you came along for the ride. Before we say goodbye, we’ll leave Noosa behind and aim to get into Brisbane at around midday. If you’re staying with us for longer, then the road trip continues to Surfer’s Paradise for a few hours of sun and sand, before we call it a day in Byron Bay!

Day 13: Byron Bay free day. Byron Bay’s motto is all about slowing down and chilling out, so that should give you a good idea of what to expect! Start your morning with a swim in the ocean with the whole day ahead of you to explore this beachy destination - from its laidback surfer town and famous lighthouse walk to its adventurous activities and opportunities to go on a bike ride in the heart of nature. As for the food, there are so many brunch spots and restaurants to choose from that you’ll hardly know where to start! 

Day 14: Byron Bay to Darlington Beach. Next on the agenda is the dazzling Darlington Beach, but before we get there, we’ll stop at the scenic town of Yamba for lunch. For the next two nights, we’ll stay inside a beachfront holiday resort with so many activities, from sports to a spa!

Day 15: Coffs Harbour and Cultural Experience. Start the morning with an exploration day inside the Niigi Niigi (Sealy Lookout). Learn more about the Gumbaynggirr community through songs and stories. Then, we'll head for lunch at Coffs Harbour before having a chilled-ourt afternoon. 

Day 16: Koalas and Brewery. Visit a Koala Hospital today to see the amazing work done to support injured or rehabilitated koalas. Then, spend some time touring Murray’s Brewery: one of Australia’s top spots for craft beer. Once we’ve arrived at Port Stephens in the evening, enjoy some time to unwind.

Day 17: Port Stephens free day. Port Stephens is one of those destinations that instantly makes you feel relaxed, and it’s almost unbelievable that there could be so many beaches, natural wildlife spots and adventure activities in just one place. Go for a hike, try some sandboarding, join a dolphin discovery cruise or sleep in and lounge by the giant resort pool!

Day 18: Port Stephens to Sydney. It’s time for one last Aussie road trip together, and on the way, we’ll spend some time in the Hunter Valley region sampling cheeses and wines at an organic vineyard tour. Once we’ve checked into our accommodation in Sydney, we’ll head to a local restaurant to celebrate our final evening!

Day 19: End trip in Sydney. Say goodbye to your trip friends and check out of your accommodation in the morning after one last breakfast together.

Arrive at Cairns on the morning of Day 1. We recommend taking a shuttle bus from the airport to the first accommodation stop so you can get settled in before the trip starts at 5pm. 

If you are doing the 12-day option, this trip finishes at 12pm on day 12 in central Brisbane. 

The 19-day version of this trip finishes on the morning of day 19 in Sydney and finshes at around 12pm so please book flights after 4pm. 

We recommend people arrive a day early and depart a day later in case of delays. 

Accommodation

This trip includes 11 or 18 nights of accommodation depending on which tour option you go for. The accommodation is one of the greatest highlights of this trip, as you stay in a collection of 3-star hotels, resort villas, exotic cabins, stunning studio rooms and even the chance to glamping in comfortable safari tents! Most of your accommodation will be in twin-share rooms with a private ensuite; for Magnetic Island and Darlington Beach, the bathrooms are shared between up to 4 people. You can upgrade to your own private room, please contact one of our travel advisors for more information. Below is a taster of all the places you’ll stay, subject to change:

• Cairns: 2 nights in a chic, centrally located 4-star hotel with a pool and bar
• Magnetic Island: 2 nights in beautiful, peaceful cabins surrounded by incredible tropical wildlife
• Airlie Beach: 2 nights in a sophisticated 3-star hotel with two pools, tropical garden views and an amazing location
• Bundaberg: 2 nights in soothing, well-facilitated villas in the heart of nature
• Noosa: 3 nights glamping, featuring comfortable beds, a private ensuite and gorgeous safari views 
• Byron Bay: 2 nights in secluded studio rooms with a pool and hot tub, with direct beach access plus only a short walk to the nightlife and town centre
• Darlington Beach: 2 nights in cosy villas inside an exciting beachside resort with activities like tennis courts, bowling green, pool and nearby golf course
• Port Stephens: 2 nights in a relaxing 4-star hotel with gigantic pools, gym, tennis courts, steam room and spa pools
• Sydney: 1 night in a stylish 4-star hotel with a swimming pool on the sun terrace and ideal location

Meals

13 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 5 dinners are included in this trip if you are doing the 19 day trip. If you are doing the 12 day trip, you will have 10 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 4 dinners. Enjoy incredible inclusions like a Hunter Valley wine and cheese tasting and a Cairns bush food dinner! In your free time, feast on and explore Australia’s deliciously varied cuisine. Brunch is a way of life here, and everyone knows how much the Aussies love a good BBQ!

You must be 18 or over to do this trip. 

British passport holders will need a visa to visit Australia. This can be applied for online or in person at the Australian embassy in the UK. Please ensure that your passport is valid for the duration of your stay. For up-to-date information, please check FCDO advice before travelling.

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