
Sydney to Cairns K’gari Whitsundays Reef Comfort Tour - Private Double/Twin Ensuite
Duration
14 Days
Departure
Rainbow Beach, Noosa, Brisbane, Sunshine Coast
Group Size
Up to 16
Driving
No
At a Glance
Highlights on this tour
About This Tour
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1 — **Day 1: Sydney **
We start in Australia's Harbour City, the glittering jewel in the east coast's crown. Check into your room, freshen up, then meet your tour leader and new travel mates for a welcome meeting at 6pm. Then we are off for a great welcome dinner, and the chance to get to know your fellow travellers. **Included Activities:** - Get to know your fellow travellers with a welcome meeting and dinner Driving Distance: No driving Accommodation: Holiday Inn Potts Point or similar
Day 2 — **Day 2: Hunter Valley and Newcastle **
We leave behind Sydney's skyscrapers and sidewalks for a wildlife park boasting an all-star cast of koalas, kangaroos, and more. We're in the heart of the Hunter Valley, so there's nothing better to do than a wine, cheese & chocolate tasting. We'll also visit the sunny port city of Newcastle, rounding off an eclectic day. **Included Activities:** - Conservation Wildlife Park visit - Get close to many native / unique australian animals like kangaroos, emus and more - Hunter Valley wine, cheese & chocolate tasting - Newcastle orientation tour Driving Distance: 280 kms Walking Distance: Short easy walks Accommodation – Lucky Hotel Newcastle or similar
Day 3 — **Day 3: Port Macquarie & The Koala Hospital**
After breakfast, we’re off to Port Macquarie, where we’ll have a chance to meet the volunteers at a Port Macquarie Koala Hospital. If you're unable to tear yourself away from the cuddly critters, don’t worry – you’re not the first. Expect to come away with loads more knowledge about these often misunderstood creatures, & how by joining our tour, you are supporting this amazing centre's conservation efforts. Relax for the evening with a stroll along the foreshore & a free night for dinner. Enjoy the sounds of the local bird population and keep your eyes peeled for the local wild dolphins who frequent the area! **Included Activities:** - Visit Port Macquarie Koala Hospital - Foreshore walk and a chance to spot wild dolphins Driving Distance: 250 kms Walking Distance: Short easy walks / look out points Accommodation – El Paso Motor Inn or similar
Day 4 — **Day 4: Niigi Niigi (Sealy Lookout) & Byron Bay **
Take part in an immersive First Nations experience of the Gumbaynggirr nation, that will get you in touch with the traditional custodians of this land. Then we're headed to Byron Bay, a laid-back surf paradise with boundless coastline, sand and friendly locals. We'll pay a visit to Cape Byron, for a unique photo opportunity, and the chance for the eagle-eyed to spot dolphins, whales, and other marine life. **Included Activities:** - Immersive Gumbaynggirr First Nations experience - Visit to Cape Byron to see the famous local lighthouse, the most easterly point of Australia for a unique photo opportunity, and the chance for the eagle-eyed to spot dolphins, whales in season, and other marine life. Driving Distance: 400 kms Walking Distance: Short easy walks / look out points Accommodation – Beachcomber Byron Bay or similar
Day 5 — **Day 5: Byron Bay **
Today we're talking relaxation, relaxation, and relaxation. Spend the morning on the warm sand, shopping for bargains, or indulge in one of our optional activities: surfing or kayaking plus many activities like balloon rides, whale watching, brewery tours etc. The day is all yours – put your feet up, head to a cosy bar, or watch the world go by from one of the local cafes. **Included Activities: ** - Free day to relax, or enjoy optional activities: Surf lesson, kayak experience & more Driving Distance: None Accommodation – Beachcomber Byron Bay or similar
Day 6 — **Day 6: Noosa & Rainbow Beach**
We're crossing into Queensland – the Sunshine State. Your first stop is laid-back Noosa, and Noosa National Park where you will have the chance to spot koalas and other Aussie critters. We continue further up the Sunshine Coast to our base for the next 2 nights, it's time to relax and soak up the atmosphere of the vibrant Rainbow Beach. **Included Activities:** - Noosa National Park & the chance to spot koalas in the wild - Noosa orientation including Noosa Main Beach and Hastings Street Driving Distance: 420 kms Walking Distance: Short easy walks / look out points Accommodation – Rainbow Getaway Apartments or similar
Day 7 — **Day 7: K’Gari (Fraser Island) **
Ready, steady, go, for a once-in-a-lifetime 4WD K’Gari adventure today. Once known as Fraser Island, the destination has been returned to its original name K’gari. K’gari is the local Butchulla nation’s name for the island, meaning ‘paradise’ – you’ll find out why soon enough. You'll never want to leave, as we explore the largest sand island in the world, kick back at some of Queensland's most renowned lookouts, take a walk on the wild side in a lush rainforest, dive into Boorangoora (Lake McKenzie) a crystal-clear lake, see the famous S.S Maheno shipwreck and course go dingo-spotting along the golden 75 Mile Beach. The fun needn't stop there; after the tour feel free to enjoy Carlo Sand Blow and Rainbow Beach, or put your feet up in your accommodation. **Included Activities:** - Once-in-a-lifetime 4WD bus adventure to K’Gari (Fraser Island). Driving Distance: 200 kms Walking Distance: Short easy walks / look out points (5KM total) Accommodation – Rainbow Getaway Apartments or similar
Day 8 — **Day 8: Brisbane **
It’s Bris-vegas baby! We’re off to Queensland’s capital, Brisbane, soon to be home of the summer Olympics. Laidback, sunny, optimistic, buzzing – in many ways it’s the quintessential Aussie city. See for yourself how wonderful Brisbane is with a walk (or ferry ride) along the aptly named Brisbane river and its surrounds. **Included Activities:** - Orientation tour Driving Distance: 240 kms Walking Distance: Short easy walk Accommodation – The Point Hotel Brisbane or similar
Day 9 — **Day 9: Brisbane to Airlie Beach**
Airport time! It’s up, up, and away, as we take the plane to Airlie beach, the jewel in the magnificent Whitsundays crown. It’s another choose-your-own-adventure day: take a stroll through the town, find a cool little bar, or explore the local swimming hole, the choice is yours. ** Included Activities: ** - Domestic Flight to the Whitsunday Coast - Free afternoon & evening to explore Airlie Beach Driving Distance: 40 kms Domestic Flight: from Brisbane to Proserpine (Whitsundays) included. 1 hour 50 minutes (990 km) Accommodation – Mantra Club Croc or similar
Day 10 — **Day 10: Airlie Beach & Whitsunday Islands **
After breakfast, we’re heading out on a full-day speedboat cruise through the postcard-perfect Whitsunday Islands, including a stop at the iconic Whitehaven Beach aboard the award-winning Red Cat Adventures Thundercat vessel. Words can’t quite capture the dazzling white sands, azure waters, and lush greenery of this incredible corner of the world (so we won’t try!). Get up close by snorkelling among colourful coral, playful fish, and maybe even a sea turtle or two. Afterwards, unwind at your own pace or head into town to discover the best local food and drink spots. **Included Activities:** - Whitsundays Islands day cruise including snorkelling, Whitehaven beach visit, Hill Inlet walk Driving Distance: Full day fast boat trip. Approx 8 hours. 46 kms Walking Distance: Short Easy guided walks (2 km total) / Hill inlet look out point over looking whitehaven beach Accommodation – Mantra Club Croc or similar
Day 11 — **Day 11: Mission Beach**
A change of scenery today as we head through undulating cane fields to picturesque Mission Beach. This afternoon, kick back and enjoy. This is your chance to catch up on some reading, or just sit by the pool with a cold drink and enjoy this tropical paradise. We may be even lucky enough to spot some cassowary in the wild! **Included Activities: ** - Scenic drive along the Bruce Highway Driving Distance: 505kms (Biggest drive day) Walking Distance: Short easy walks / look out points Accommodation – Mission Beach Resort or similar
Day 12 — **Day 12: Cairns via the Atherton Tablelands**
Enjoy breakfast before we travel into the wet tropics of Far North Queensland. We'll discover a magnificent plunge waterfall nestled in dense tropical rainforest en-route to the Atherton Tablelands. Take a dip in the cool water before we head to Lake Eacham, a crater lake with crystal-clear water, and visit the massive ‘Curtain Fig Tree’. We'll finish the day in Cairns, one of Australia's most vibrant, tropical and energetic cities. **Included Activities:** - Scenic Atherton tablelands tour including a volcanic crater lake, stunning waterfalls and a chance to spot wild platypus Driving Distance: 220 kms Accommodation – Crystalbrook Flynn Hotel Cairns or simila
Day 13 — **Day 13: Snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef **
It’s one of the highlights of any trip to Australia: the Great Barrier Reef. Today, we will take a cruise to the famed reef, where we’ll go snorkelling to see incredible marine life. Learn about this special reef with conservation commentary, onboard a 20 metre luxury motor catamaran. This is the big one, so get the camera ready! After a great day at one of the seven natural wonders of the world (and the only one seen from space), join us for an optional dinner to share stories of our adventures together! **Included Activities: ** - Great Barrier Reef day cruise with Ocean Freedom - including snorkelling, glass bottom boat and buffet lunch - Optional Activity – Scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef Driving Distance: Full day fast boat trip. Approx 6.5 hours. 30 kms Walking Distance: Short easy walks / look out points Accommodation – Crystalbrook Flynn Hotel Cairns or similar
Day 14 — **Day 14: Ends in Cairns**
Your tour ends after breakfast. Time to say farewell to your travel buddies after a great trip together. _*Autopia Tours (Via Travel) reserves the right to alter the route or itinerary stops during seasonal weather fluctuations and/or during park closures._
What's Included
- 13 Nights’ Private Boutique Style Hotels/Resorts - all rooms with ensuite
- Includes: 12 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 1 dinner
- All National Park entry fees included
- Wine, cheese, chocolate tasting
- First Nations cultural experience
- Australian wildlife encounter and rescue centre visit
- K’gari Fraser Island 4WD small-group experience
- Whitsunday Island & Whitehaven beach day trip & snorkel
- Great Barrier Reef day cruise - incl. snorkelling gear & glass bottom boat
- Guided rainforest, gorge & lookout short-easy walks
- Hosted by an experienced driver-guide, with local tour commentary
- All transport (private small-group vehicle, transfers, domestic flight BNE>PPP & boat trips)
- Sydney meeting point / Cairns drop-offs points
Not Included
- Any meals not indicated within the itinerary - plenty of opportunity will be provided to purchase food along the way or dine out with the group
- Hotel transfers pre/post tour itinerary to a nominated pickup point.
- Optional activities and/or tours, and hire equipment extra. Optional Activity – Scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef. Byron bay optional activities: Surf lesson, kayak experience.
- Personal travel insurance is highly recommended.
- Spending money for personal items and expenses.
- International flights are not included.
Accommodation
resort — included
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included.
What to Bring
- 1L Refillable water bottle - Your guide will be monitoring hydration and encouraging water consumption at all times during your daily adventures in order to avoid health concerns arising.
- Wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses & sunscreen
- Beach towel and toiletries
- Bathers or swimwear, flip-flops shoes (beach thongs)
- Comfortable sturdy walking shoes (closed-toe shoes)
- All-weather clothing (In case extreme conditions day/night)
- Overnight bag 20kg & small day pack 5kg
- Personal medicine if required, any pre-existing medical issues, please let us know at time of booking
- Flashlight or torch (optional)
- Insect repellent & camera
- Money for snack and meals
- A sense of adventure!
Know Before You Go
Pick-up & Meeting Point
This tour departs from Rainbow Beach, Noosa, Brisbane, Sunshine Coast. Pick-up from selected local accommodation is included — exact details are confirmed with your booking.
About Via Travel
Sydney to Cairns - 14 Day Boutique Tour. Locally owned & operated in small groups. Amazing wildlife and nature experiences daily. Real local experiences including first nations culture. Sleep well in handpicked accommodation.
View all Via Travel tours →Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this tour depart from?
This tour departs from Rainbow Beach, Noosa, Brisbane, Sunshine Coast.
Do I need to drive?
No. This is a guided tour, so you can sit back while an experienced guide does the driving.
Are national park fees and the ferry included?
National park fees are not included in the base price. The ferry to K’gari is included.
Not sure this is the right tour?
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