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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.

Start
Sydney, Australia
Finish
Brisbane, Australia
Destination
Australia
Style
Comfort
Theme
Explorer
Code
PVON
Physical rating
Ages
Min 8
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-filled lunch 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.

  • The weather can change considerably between Sydney and Brisbane. Please check out the weather info in this document and pack accordingly.

  • This trip visits some amazing beaches along the way. Please consider your swimming competency before getting in the water.

Map of Sydney to Brisbane Northbound including Australia
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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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Your Australia adventure begins in the iconic harbour city of Sydney, the glittering jewel in the east coast's crown. Make your own way to the joining hotel where you’ll meet your expert leader and fellow travellers at 2 pm 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)
Optional Activities
  • Eat, Drink, Walk Sydney - Urban Adventure - AUD109
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. Your own personal wildlife ranger will be keeping an eye out for koalas and kangaroos as you make your way to lunch – yes, there will be cheese, and wine, and chocolate (the Hunter is famous for it!). After you’ve gorged yourself on a delicious feast, sleep off the food coma as you 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 and organic vodka distillery tour
  • Wildlife Park
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

After an amazing local breakfast, hit the scenic Lakes Way and witness epic coastal views at their best as you drive past pristine beaches and lakeside communities. 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. Afterwards, continue your journey to Port Macquarie in time for a sunset cruise – keep an eagle eye out for local pods of dolphins as you enjoy the perfect end to a scenic day.
Accommodation
  • Motel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Port Macquarie sunset cruise
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

This morning, meet the volunteers at a local koala hospital (cute!). If you’re able to tear yourself away from the cuddly critters, you’ll be rewarded with a stop in Nambucca Heads to share in a unique and immersive Gumbaynggirr First Nations experience that will get you in touch with the traditional custodians of this land, lore and ancient cultural knowledge. Finish the day in true Aussie style in the Dorrigo National Park, 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
  • Dangar Falls
  • Gumbaynggirr Aboriginal experience
  • Koala Hospital - Port Macquaire
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

This morning, check out the beautiful surrounds of Dorrigo National Park, known for its lush, sub-tropical rainforest and waterfalls. Check out Dangar Falls and opt for a refreshing dip in its cascading waters, accessed by a short walking trail (approximately 20 minutes) leading down to the base of the falls. Alternatively, stay dry and appreciate its mammoth beauty from a small viewing platform. Next, head to 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 for the chance to spot dolphins, whales, and other marine life (Get your eagle eye ready, or perhaps just bring binoculars). Finish the afternoon by popping to an organic farm where you’ll pick and prepare a healthy and delicious dinner.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Byron Bay farm to plate organic dinner
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

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
  • Yoga in Byron Bay - AUD70
  • Learn to Surf Byron Bay - AUD70
  • Kayak Tour Byron Bay - 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 where your trip will come to an end on arrival around 10am.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Meals

5 breakfasts, 2 dinners

Transport

Bus

Accommodation

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

Included activities

  • Hunter Valley wine, cheese, chocolate and organic vodka distillery tour
  • Wildlife Park
  • Port Macquarie sunset cruise
  • Dangar Falls
  • Gumbaynggirr Aboriginal experience
  • Koala Hospital - Port Macquaire
  • Byron Bay farm to plate organic dinner

Dates & availability

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Travel lightly with Intrepid. We’ve offset the main sources of carbon emissions from this trip on your behalf, including transport, accommodation & waste. Read more

Important notes

1. Please meet your guide in the lobby of your Sydney hotel at approx. 2pm on day one for a brief joining meeting.
2. A single supplement is available for each night of this trip.
3. This itinerary is the first section of a longer 14 day Sydney to Cairns trip. Please see trip code PVOSC
4. This itinerary is the first section of a longer 18 day East Coast Encompassed trip. Please see trip code PVSCD

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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