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14 Day East Coast Cairns - Sydney Road Trip, Australia

The Australia East Coast road trip baby! An Australia gap year staple diet of learning to surf, partying in great cities, incredible beaches, off–roading on Fraser Island, sailing the Whitsundays, cattle stations, wrestling crocodiles (ok we made that up but we’ll take you to see some), Aborigines, seeing The Great Barrier Reef and the stunning magnetic island. Let the good times roll...

Our East Coast tour will take you to destinations you would never get to on a self drive or express bus pass. We will take you to the hotspots as well as the hidden gems along the coast. Prepare to be totally immersed in the Australian environment and have the time of your life!

TOUR ITINERARY:

Also available in the other direction

Day 1: Cairns to Magnetic Island

Leaving Cairns our first stop is Babinda Boulders for an early morning rainforest walk. We then visit the Johnstone River Crocodile Farm to learn more about the most feared animal in Northern Australia; the estuarine or saltwater crocodile. Spend time learning how this prehistoric animal has survived and flourished in Australia’s harsh north and see large crocodiles up close and personal. We then drive to Townsville where we take the ferry to Magnetic Island, so named by Captain Cook because his compass went crazy when he sailed past in 1770. This afternoon we take you back in time on the historical forts walk, keeping an eye out for the Koalas in their natural habitat and taking in the stunning panoramic views of the Coral Sea. Tonight, relax with a cold beer and watch the sunset from the beach bar of the only backpackers resort in Australia located right on the beach.

Day 2-4: Whitsunday Sailing

We jump aboard the ferry first thing this morning to head back to the mainland. We soon reach Airlie Beach where the next adventure awaits – Whitsunday sailing. You will have the opportunity to sun-bathe, snorkel and swim whilst exploring the idyllic Whitsunday Islands on a million dollar yacht. Visit the many beaches, coves and islands on this two night sailing trip, with the opportunity to hoist the sails and even take the wheel. Note that you will sleep on the boat, moored in quiet coves. Cabins are share only; no twin and doubles for these two nights. We disembark in the afternoon of Day 4 and stay overnight in Airlie Beach. (Day 2: D Day 3: BLD Day 4: B)

Day 5: Airlie Beach to Carnarvon National Park

We start early today for our big drive to Carnarvon National Park. Carnarvon National Park is a little known jewel located in the remote Queensland outback and home to Carnarvon Gorge. This remarkable natural attraction features 30km of walking trails, 200 species of birds, ancient plants and Aboriginal rock-art dating back 3500 years. Stay tonight in large permanent tents among the wilderness. (D)

Wet Weather itinerary:

Days 5-7 Kroombit Cattle Station, Day 8 Rainbow Beach, Days 9-10 Fraser Island, Days 11-12 Byron Bay, [normal itinerary resumes]

Day 6: Carnarvon Gorge

Chances are that your sleep will be broken this morning by the many birds that live amongst the trees surrounding the camp. After breakfast you will spend the full day hiking through the many walking trails scattered throughout this magnificent gorge. Walks are mostly of easy grade and therefore suitable for all ages and fitness levels, however the options are varied. You will see 500 year old cycads, grass trees and eucalypts, native wildlife and learn about the indigenous ancestors that inhabited this region for more than 3500 years. See the best examples of rock-art in Queensland, made from the ochre taken from the region. After a days exercise, you will return to your camp for a good nights sleep within this wilderness region. (BL D)

Day 7: Carnarvon National Park to Kroombit Cattle Station

Today we travel through cattle country to Kroombit Cattle Station. Here we experience genuine outback living with the chance to ride a mechanical bull and take a walk of the property. Tonight you will taste a traditional camp oven dinner, cooked in the open fire. (BD)

Day 8: Kroombit Cattle Station

Today is jam-packed with wonderful activities included in the price of your tour. Learn first-hand about Queensland farming life as you participate in a “goat muster” on horseback, try your skill at trap-shooting and be part of a mini-rodeo as animals are herded into the ring. This evening enjoy another hearty camp-oven dinner and re-live your day’s experiences around the campfire with a beer from the bush bar. (BLD)

Day 9: Kroombit to Rainbow Beach

After a hearty breakfast we head eastwards to Rainbow Beach where we hit the coast for the first time in four days! Rainbow Beach is a vibrant young coastal town, with glistening coloured sands and a relaxed atmosphere. In the afternoon we can take a walk to view the coloured sands that give Rainbow its name, and learn about the Rainbow Serpent. We may also visit the spectacular Carlo Sand Blow. This evening relax in our accommodation, located just 100 meters from the beach. (BD)

Day 10-11: 2 Day Fraser Island Tour

Spend the next two days exploring Fraser Island on a ranger guided 4WD safari with Fraser Explorer, staying at Eurong Resort. You will drive along Seventy-Five Mile Beach, visit Lakes’ Wabby and Mackenzie, Eli Creek, the Maheno Wreck and climb Indian Head. Return to Rainbow Beach for an overnight stay. (Day 10: LD Day 11: BLD)

Day 12: Rainbow Beach to Byron Bay

There’s an option today to feed wild dolphins at Tin Can Bay. You can take the bus or catch the ferry (ferry is your own expense). After dolphin feeding we travel south and take a short break at the spectacular lookout at Wild Horse Mountain to enjoy panoramic views of the Sunshine Coast overlooking Noosa and Mooloolaba before continuing on to the coastal paradise of Byron Bay. This evening we’ll head to one of the local bars to chill out Byron style!

Day 13: Byron Bay to Surf Camp

Be the first to see the new day in Australia! An option this morning is to go with your guide to the Byron lighthouse for sunrise. You may even see whales or dolphins. After breakfast we head south to Spot X surf camp for our surf lesson. Arriving at lunchtime we get kitted up and ready to hit the surf. The Mojo Professional Surf Instructors are on a mission is to get you standing on a board by the end of this lesson! You will start with a theory lesson on surfing and then it’s straight out to the beach to get you on a board. After surfing you can chill out on the beach, or kick back and relax at surf camp. (D)

Day 14: Surf Camp to Sydney

After a delicious breakfast we travel down the east coast to the stunning city of Sydney. We make a brief stop at the Big Banana for a final group photo. (B)

What to Bring: Sturdy walking shoes, thongs/sandals, hat & sunscreen, towel & toiletries, swimming gear/beach towel, water bottle, camera & film, money for meals and listed fees. 15kg luggage limit.

Included:

Experienced guides,

meals as indicated,

multi-share accommodation (or upgrade to twin/double),

national park fees*,

2 night Whitsunday sailing*, 2 day 4WD Fraser Island tour* and activities as indicated.

Additional Fees*:

• Fraser Island fee is not included and payable upon arrival (AUD$22).

· Whitsunday Sailing does not include Environmental Management Charge (Reef Tax) and other fees, which are payable direct (AUD $39). AUD $10-$15 stinger suit hire (Oct-May).