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Big cities, surf towns, wineries and wilderness – experience the beauty and diversity of Australia’s east coast.

Explore wilderness, discover wildlife and indulge in wine on this laid-back adventure from the iconic cityscapes of Sydney to Queensland’s capital of Brisbane. Sample cheese and chocolate as you venture through the picturesque Hunter Valley, get up close to cute and cuddly koalas in an animal hospital near Port Macquarie, hike down for a dip in cascading waters at the beautiful Dangar Falls and hang loose in the bustling beachside town of Byron. From city to surf, wineries to waterfalls, take an epic road-trip that hits all the highlights in just one week.

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Terms & Conditions
Start
Sydney, Australia
Finish
Brisbane, Australia
Destination
Australia
Style
Comfort
Theme
Explorer
Code
PVON
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 16

Why you'll love this trip

  • Keep your eye out for kangaroos on your way to a cheese, chocolate and wine tasting in the chilled-out Hunter Valley – a picturesque region in the rural hills of New South Wales.

  • Soak up the beachside vibes of Byron Bay with a free day in this surfer’s haven. Go for a dip in the ocean, listen to buskers by the beach, join a yoga class or just hang loose in a quirky cafe – it’s a hard life!

  • Set sail along the azure waters of Port Macquarie on an incredible sunset cruise. Keep an eagle eye out for local pods of dolphins as you enjoy the perfect end to a scenic day.

  • Get in touch with Australia’s wilderness and wildlife. Meet cute and cuddly koalas at an animal hospital and explore rainforest and waterfalls in Dorrigo National Park.

  • Enjoy amazing local food including a 'farm to plate' experience in beautiful Byron Bay. Head out and collect local ingredients before indulging in a healthy and delicious dinner.

Is this trip right for you?

  • This trip covers around 1000km / 620miles over 7 days. There are some long travelling days but it’s all part of the adventure and a great way to get to know your fellow travellers.

  • This itinerary is the first section of longer combination trips, the 14 day 'Sydney to Cairns Adventure' (trip code PVOSC) and the 18 day 'East Coast Encompassed' (trip code PVSCD)

PVOSB_new-south-wales_byron-bay_watagoes-beach
PVOSB_new-south-wales_dorrigo-national-park
PVOSB_new-south-wales_hunter-valley_vineyard
PVOS_new-south-wales_port-macquarie_koala-hospital

Itinerary
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This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 Apr 2020 to 31 Dec 2022.
 View the 2023 itinerary

Your adventure begins in Sydney (Warrane in the language of the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, who are the traditional owners of the land on which Sydney is now located). This is the iconic harbour city, the glittering jewel in the east coast's crown. Make your own way to the joining hotel where you’ll meet your leader and fellow travellers at 2pm for a welcome meeting in the lobby. Afterwards, head out to explore the historic area around the hotel before heading out for dinner. If you arrive early, there’s plenty to see and do – why not head down to Circular Quay and check out the world-famous Opera House, or if you’re feeling brave, opt to climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge to catch an epic view over this stunning city. Alternatively, you might like to take the ferry over to Manly Beach for some sun, sea and surf – soaking up the panoramic view of the iconic Sydney cityscape as you cruise along the glittering waters.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Sydney - Welcome Dinner
Meals Included
  • Dinner
Special Information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting at 2 pm as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

Leave the hustle and bustle of Sydney behind for the chilled-out Hunter Valley – a picturesque wine region in the rural hills of New South Wales. On your way visit a wildlife sanctuary where a wildlife ranger will be keeping an eye out for koalas and kangaroos for you. Make your way to what the Hunter Valley is best known for – yes, there will be cheese, and wine, and chocolate (the Hunter is famous for it!). Continue your drive to Newcastle. It may only be a fraction the size of Sydney, but this beach side city is jam-packed with trendy bars and a buzzing arts scene. This evening why not head out for a delicious dinner at one of the many restaurants or simply settle in at a friendly pub for a night of live, local music.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Hunter Valley - Wine, Cheese & Chocolate Tasting
  • Hunter Valley - Wildlife Sanctuary Visit with Ranger
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today's driving time will be approximately 3.5 hours (250km).

After a local breakfast, hit the scenic Lakes Way and witness epic coastal views at their best as you drive past spectacular beaches and lakeside communities. Hit the pristine waters of Wallis Lake on a lunch cruise and relax as you explore the waterways and wildlife of the Great Lakes (approx. 2.5 hours). Continue on your way north and in the afternoon stretch your legs on a leisurely walk and climb to a lookout where you can take a moment to soak up panoramic vistas of New South Wales’ breathtaking shoreline. Continue your journey to Port Macquarie where you’ll spend the night.
Accommodation
  • Motel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Forster - Wallis Lake Lunch Cruise
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Special Information
Today's driving time will be approximately 4.5 hours (300km).

This morning, meet the volunteers at a local koala hospital (cute!). If you’re able to tear yourself away from the cuddly critters, continue to the country town of Dorrigo via the spectacular Waterfall Way and Dorrigo National Park, known for its lush, sub-tropical rainforest, a remainder of the forests that once covered the ancient supercontinent of Gondwanaland. Few places on Earth contain so many plants and animals which remained relatively unchanged from their ancestors over such a long period. See Dangar Falls and if time allows, take a refreshing dip in its cascading waters. Finish the day in true Aussie style in Dorrigo at a traditional pub where you can relax, order some grub, have a few drinks and even play some pool. Why not opt for an Aussie classic like a chicken ‘parma’, or the quintessential meat pie (tomato sauce optional, but recommended!).
Accommodation
  • Pub Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Port Macquaire - Meet Volunteers at the Koala Hospital
  • Dorrigo National Park - Dangar Falls
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today's driving time will be approximately 2.5 hours (200km).

This morning head back towards the coast and be rewarded with a stop in Orara East State Forest (Niigi Niigi) to share in the unique and immersive Giingan Gumbaynggirr Cultural Experience that will get you in touch with the traditional custodians of this land, lore and ancient cultural knowledge. Enjoy 360 degree views, experience speaking language and practice culture on Country. Next up is Byron Bay, a laid-back surf paradise with boundless coastline, sand and friendly locals. On arrival, pay a visit to the local lighthouse for a unique photo opportunity and the chance to spot dolphins, whales, and other marine life (Get your eagle eye ready, or perhaps just bring binoculars). Then discover a side to Byron bay that not many visitors have the chance to experience: Enjoy a walk with Cockatoo Paul, a colourful local character, and learn about useful plants found in an urban environment: edible, medicinal and more. If you are lucky on the day, you can spot a small bat colony, and will also have the chance to learn how to make a fire by friction, and a useful demo on how to make a palm frond basket in the wild
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Byron Bay - Walking Tour with Cockatoo Paul
  • Orara East State Forest (Niigi Niigi)- Giingan Gumbaynggirr Cultural Experience
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today's driving time will be approximately 5 hours (400km).

Get up early or sleep late, sunrises are pretty ace at from Australia's most easterly point, but the choice is yours. It’s a free day today so perhaps kick-start the morning with a swim in the ocean or hunt down the best cold-brew coffee from one of Byron’s quirky cafes. Stroll along the streets and check out the trendy boutiques or stretch out your limbs at an optional yoga class. If you’re a seafood fan, head to The Balcony Bar for some delicious oysters or simply enjoy a cocktail or two as you people-watch from the outdoor terrace. If the waves are right, why not try your hand at surfing or just loll about on the one of the endless beaches. It’s a hard life.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Byron Bay - Yoga Lessons - AUD70
  • Byron Bay - Learn to Surf - AUD70
  • Byron Bay - Sea Kayaking Tour - AUD64
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Rise and shine as you begin your adventure along the sun-kissed coast from Byron Bay to Brisbane (Meeanjin in the language of the Turrbal and Yuggera peoples, who are the traditional owners of the land on which Brisbane is now located) where your trip will come to an end on arrival at around 10am.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today's driving time will be approximately 2.5 hours (200km), depending on traffic.
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

5 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

Transport

Private vehicle

Accommodation

Hotel (4 nights), Pub (1 night) Motel (1 night)

Included activities

  • Sydney - Welcome Dinner
  • Hunter Valley - Wine, Cheese & Chocolate Tasting
  • Hunter Valley - Wildlife Sanctuary Visit with Ranger
  • Forster - Wallis Lake Lunch Cruise
  • Port Macquaire - Meet Volunteers at the Koala Hospital
  • Dorrigo National Park - Dangar Falls
  • Byron Bay - Walking Tour with Cockatoo Paul
  • Orara East State Forest (Niigi Niigi)- Giingan Gumbaynggirr Cultural Experience

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Sydney to Brisbane Adventure trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

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Important notes

Travellers on Intrepid trips that start on or before 31 December 2022 are required to produce proof of full vaccination against COVID-19. Learn more about Intrepid’s COVID-19 policy.

START & END TIMES
The trip starts with a welcome meeting at 2pm on day 1 and finishes upon arrival into Brisbane on the last day at approximately 10am.

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip, and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

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