17 Days | Uncover the natural wonders of the East Coast of Australia, from Sydney to Cairns
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 take a two-night sailing experience through the Whitsundays, where you’ll be diving, snorkelling, visiting secret beaches and chilling in the onboard 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.
Trip overview
- Start
- Sydney, Australia
- Finish
- Cairns, Australia
- Theme
- 18 to 35s
- Destinations
- Australia
- Physical rating
- Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
- Style
- Basix
- Ages
- Min 18 - Max 35
- Group size
- Min 1 - Max 16
- Trip code
- PZYSC
Tick off all the popular spots and enjoy unique local experiences
Affordable trips with the freedom to choose how you spend your time
Connect to the places you go and the communities at the heart of every Intrepid experience
- 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.
- This trip includes accommodation in multi-share dormitories, where you won't be staying in twin share hotels, but rather cool hangouts with shared facilities. This means travellers on the same booking may be split between rooms due to the single gender dormitories. You may also be required to share with non-Intrepid travellers outside of your group.Single room supplements are available (on request).
- This trip is made for travellers who value their independence but also want the benefit of a local leader and a group of like-minded travellers. The itinerary has plenty of free time where your leader will offer suggestions. Please budget spending money for optional activities you want to partake in and public transport to those activities.
- There are some long travel days on this trip, but it’s all part of the adventure and a great way to get to know your fellow travellers. The overnight train is in comfortable economy seats and is not accompanied by a tour leader.
Itinerary
Inclusions
2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners
Private Vehicle
Hostel (Multi-share) (10 nights), Holiday Park (Multi-share) (1 night), Lodge (Multi-share) (1 night), Overnight Train (1 night), Overnight Sailing (2 nights), Rainforest Retreat (1 night)
- 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
- Noosa - Hell's Gates Lookout
- Noosa - Coastal Walk
- Whitsunday Islands - Sailing Excursion (2 Nights)
- Magnetic Island - Forts Walking Track
- Mungalla Station - Nywaigi First Nations Guided Tour
Dates and availability
Important notes
1. A single room supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. If you are a single traveller this will give you a single room, if you are travelling as a couple a double/twin room will be allocated to you. The single supplement excludes Day 11 (Overnight Train) and Days 12 & 13 (Whitsundays Sailing) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. Accommodation on this trip is in multi-share hostels. Multishare typically includes 4-8 beds. You may be required to share with non-Intrepid travellers outside of your group. People travelling together may occasionally be separated due to single gender dorms.
3. The overnight train is in economy seats and is not accompanied by a tour leader. Luggage weight allowance is one checked piece (20kgs) and one carry on hand luggage.
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