Cairns to Sydney Adventure

Welcome to Cairns! Or Gimuy, in the language of the Gimuy-Walubarra Yidinji people who are the Traditional Custodians of the land on which Cairns is now located. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 9 am this morning, then hit the road to Lake Eacham – the site of an old volcano and home to Australia’s largest python. Maybe go for a swim or walk the rainforest tracks, looking for native wildlife like the musky rat-kangaroo. Then, drive to Curtain Fig boardwalk to see the heritage-listed tree this park was named after – this park protects endangered mabi forest and a large green fig tree with extensive aerial roots that drop 15 m (49 ft) to the forest floor, forming a ‘curtain.’ Stop for lunch at a local cafe at Yungaburra then make your way to Millaa Millaa Falls for a nature walk and optional swim in the cascades. This afternoon, you’ll drive to Mission Beach – a small coastal town on the Cassowary Coast known for its beaches lined by palm trees and rainforests filled with cassowaries.

After breakfast, you’ll make your way from Mission Beach to Mungalla Station, stopping in Tully along the way to stretch your legs. Once at Mungalla, you’ll meet the Traditional Custodians of the land, the Nywaigi people and learn about their culture and history, including the brutal conflicts with European settlers. The story you’ve been told will come to life as you visit an exhibition in the historic homestead. Then, head out and explore the Mungalla Wetlands in search of aquatic birdlife like spoonbills, magpie geese and egrets. After, move on to Lucinda and check into your hotel. Tonight, maybe ask your leader for their favourite local restaurant.

Today is a long day of travel with some stops to stretch your legs. From Lucinda, head to Big Crystal Creek in the Paluma Range National Park for a stroll, swim in the creek or some quiet time relaxing to the sounds of local birdlife. After, head to Castle Hill lookout to walk the track up to the 360-degree viewpoint of the town, Coral Sea and Magnetic Island. Then, move on to Townsville for lunch before your big drive to Airlie Beach, where you’ll spend the night.

Today you’ll head out on a full-day tour to Whitehaven Beach in the heart of the Whitsunday Islands and the centre of the Great Barrier Reef. Start with a walk to the Hill Inlet Lookout – one of the most famous lookout spots for wide spanning views of the Whitsundays’ white sands and blue waters. Then, maybe throw your swimsuit on to go snorkelling at one of the secret spots that your guide will show you. See coral reefs, tropical fish, turtles, clams and other marine life. Have lunch and take a boat to the southern end of the 7 km (4.3 mi) stretch of Whitehaven Beach, taking the chance to kick back and relax in the sun after a day of outdoor adventures. Tonight, back in Airlie Beach, maybe head to one of the local bars for a toast at sunset.

You’ll have a free day in Airlie Beach today before your overnight train in the early evening. Explore this hub town of the popular Whitsundays in your own way. Maybe have a pint at one of the many beer gardens, go people-watching at one of the trendy cafes or have a dip at the local swimming lagoon. Whether you want to just kick back by the water or get out into nature on a coastal hike, there’s plenty on offer. Make sure you pick up some snacks for tonight’s overnight train journey on the famous ‘Spirit of Queensland’ to Hervey Bay.

Enjoy a free day in Hervey Bay today – a prime location for observing humpback whales during migration season and the world’s first certified Whale Heritage Area. If the month is right, maybe spend the morning whale-watching on the water, or rent a bike to cycle along the foreshore. You could also take a leisurely stroll along the water’s edge, go kayaking or just enjoy one of the many Queensland beaches nearby.

After breakfast this morning, you’ll head to the island of K’gari (previously known as Fraser Island) by ferry for a daytrip. The name change is a major milestone in a long-running campaign by the Butchulla people, whose original name for this place means ‘paradise’ – and you’ll soon see why. Set off on an adventure through the landscape, starting with an adventurous drive along the sand roads of 75 Mile Beach Road. Then, take a dive into the clear rainwater lake of Boorangoora (Lake McKenzie), famous for its turquoise water filtered by its 92 percent pure silica sand. Head over to another of the island’s safe swimming spots, the fresh waters of Eli Creek, before a visit to the Maheno shipwreck. Tonight, head back to Hervey Bay for a free evening to rest and recharge. 

Depart Hervey Bay this morning for Noosa Heads, where you can grab some lunch, relax on the beach or go shopping in the boutique shops. If you’d like, maybe use your free time here to explore part of the Noosa Coastal Walk and look out for local flora and fauna. Then, continue on to Brisbane. You’ll have a second welcome meeting at 6 pm, where you’ll meet your new leader and the travellers joining you for the next leg of your trip. After your meeting, maybe head out and get to know your new group over dinner.

This morning, head to the famous Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast for some beach time. Brush off the sand and continue to Springbrook National Park for a short walk to the Natural Bridge rock arch, which was formed by the force of the waterfall over the basalt cave. Move on to Byron Bay, visiting Byron Bay Lighthouse for a unique photo opportunity and the chance to spot some dolphins, whales and other marine life. Reach Byron Bay and settle into your accommodation for the next two nights.

Today is a free day to enjoy the coastal life of Byron Bay. Early risers might enjoy catching the sunrise, while others can enjoy the morning to sleep in. There are plenty of ways to enjoy the great outdoors in Byron Bay, including a beginner’s surf lesson, a guided sea kayaking tour of the Byron Bay Marine Park or just relaxing at the beach. You’ll have plenty of options for food and drink today thanks to Byron’s thriving cafe, bar and pub scene. Perhaps get the group together for a dinner overlooking the water. Your trip leader can help with some recommendations.

This morning, head The Farm – a collection of micro-businesses on a working farm focusing on growing, feeding and educating through community farming. Maybe grab some breakfast here and add a few extra snacks for later. Move on to Yamba, where you might like to grab some lunch. After, you’ll take a walking tour of Red Rock with a local First Nations guide. Learn about the culture of the Gumbaynggirr people through stories, songs and the uses of native plants. Walk alongside The Solitary Island Marine Park Waterways and connect with Country as you learn more about Dreaming. After your walk, you’ll move on to Moonee Beach, where you’ll spend the night. Settle in, then head out to a dinner with your trip leader and group tonight.

This morning, you’ll visit Dorrigo National Park via the gorgeous Waterfall Way, known for its lush, subtropical rainforest – the last piece of the ancient subcontinent Gondwanaland. Few places on Earth contain so many plants and animals relatively unchanged from their ancestors. Pop into the Rainforest Centre in the park, take a stroll along the skywalk or, if it’s better for you, explore the rainforest with your group. After, you’ll visit the Koala Hospital in Port Macquarie, where you’ll meet the volunteers who work there and learn about how this organisation provides care and treatment for koalas needing rehabilitation. Then, drive to Port Macquarie, where you’ll spend the night.

Today, you’ll continue along the scenic coastal route. Along the way, stop at Crowdy Bay National Park for the easy-to-moderate Diamond Head Loop Walk that winds through forests of heath, paperbark and swamp mahogany at Diamond Head. While taking in the views of golden beaches and dramatic rock faces, keep an eye out for the quartz crystals in the cliffs that sparkle in the sun, giving Diamond Head its name. Whales and dolphins can sometimes be spotted off the coast, and you may even come across a mob of kangaroos between the secluded coves, beaches and forest trails. You’ll then have time to grab lunch before heading north to the famous Hunter Valley winery region. Once there, sit down for a sommelier-led wine tasting where you’ll hear about the winery’s history and varieties. Depart for Cessnock, your accommodation for tonight in the heart of the valley. When you arrive, maybe head out for dinner and chat about your adventures.

Leave your accommodation in Cessnock in the morning and travel south toward Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. On arrival, take in the sweeping coastal views from West Head Lookout and spend some time exploring the area’s beautiful short walking tracks, including viewing the fascinating Aboriginal rock carvings that highlight the region’s cultural heritage. Continue on to Akuna Bay for an optional lunch by the water, then make your way into Sydney. Finish the day with a leader-led orientation walk through the historic Rocks district, discovering its charming laneways, rich history and vibrant harbour-side atmosphere.