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Map of Blue Mountains to Cairns Adventure including Australia

Wilderness, wildlife, waterfalls, wine, pristine beaches and delicious food – experience it all on this epic east coast adventure

Escape the everyday with this laid-back adventure from the iconic cityscapes of Sydney to tropical Cairns. In the Blue Mountains, hike to dramatic falls and support bushfire affected areas bouncing back. Enjoy memorable food experiences, from cheese and cholate in the Hunter Valley to farm-to-plate in Byron Bay. Overload yourself with wildlife, from spotting a platypus and meeting koalas in an animal hospital, to spotting dolphins on a nature cruise and snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef. Add in off-road adventures across Fraser Island, sailing through the picture-perfect islands of the Whitsundays, and dropping on the palm-fringed sands of Mission Beach, and you’ve got an epic road-trip that hits all the highlights.

Start
Sydney, Australia
Finish
Cairns, Australia
Destination
Australia
Style
Comfort
Theme
Explorer
Code
PVCBB
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 4, Max 16

Why you'll love this trip

  • Support the recovery of bushfire-affected towns, and enjoy the bounty of a Southern Highlands harvest with wine, cider and mead tastings, plus a gourmet lunch, at local producers.

  • Enjoy amazing local food experiences, including a 'farm to plate' experience in beautiful Byron Bay, and an immersive Indigenous food experience around the campfire under the stars.

  • Get back to nature with waterfall walks, a koala hospital visit, and nature spotting wildlife cruises on Jervis Bay and the azure waters of Port Macquarie, not to mention cruising through the postcard-perfect islands of the Whitsundays

  • Witness the magnificence of the Great Barrier Reef on a bucket-list ticking snorkelling adventure. Brimming with colourful coral and tropical fish, enjoy an included cruise from Cairns to explore this underwater paradise.

  • Take an incredible 4WD adventure through the breathtaking landscape of Fraser Island. Venture across undulating sand dunes and vast golden beach in search of that iconic outback creature, the dingo!

Is this trip right for you?

  • This trip covers a large distance over 17 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, The Blue Mountains and Cairns. 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.

  • This trip is new to our range this year. And while we have thoroughly researched every detail of the logistics, new destinations and working with new partners can sometimes throw us some unexpected surprises. More often than not, it’ll be a great surprise. But every now and again there might be a hiccup. We like to think that’s what puts the ‘adventure’ in ‘adventure travel’.

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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
PVKB_Australia_NSW_blue-mountains-walking
PVKB_Australia_NSW_fitzroy-falls
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Itinerary
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Your journey begins today with a welcome meeting and 8 am departure from Sydney CBD, heading inland to the Blue Mountains National Park. Make your way through Western Sydney’s suburbs, then help support the local community with a stop for morning tea in one of the towns along the highway. Walk off that morning pastry with a hike to the double drop Wentworth Falls, one of the Mountains’ most spectacular cascades. Refuel with lunch in the heritage town of Leura – chat with local store owners and maybe choose one of the cafes along The Mall that has views across the valley to Katoomba. Check into your hotel this afternoon, then set off for an easy walk to see one of the Blue Mountains’ most famous geological formation – the Three Sisters. Learn the Gundungurra story behind the rocks, then round off your first day back in town with an included welcome dinner and drinks.
Included Activities
  • Three Sisters Walk
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time.

After breakfast turn your attention south and stretch the legs with a morning nature walk along the way. The Southern Highlands is known for its wine, so today there’ll be a tasting tour of local produce. Begin with a sampling of local drops at the cellar door of a nearby vineyard, then try some other beverages, including locally made mead, at a winery where you’ll also enjoy a gourmet lunch overlooking the vines. Continue south towards tonight’s accommodation, stopping in some of the small towns en route and maybe supporting local businesses with some shopping. Freshen up in the hotel, then this evening’s free for dinner in Bundanoon, where it feels like not much has changed since the early 20th century.
Included Activities
  • Centennial Winery Tasting
  • Artemis Wines Cellar Door Visit
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

It’s a short drive this morning to the edge of Morton National Park and Fitzroy Falls, an 81-metre cascade that drops into the upper reaches of Kangaroo Valley. Take a walk with a local ranger to view the falls, learn about the area, and maybe spot a platypus in the wild if the season is right. Head towards the coast, making your way through towns that were largely affected by the bushfires at the beginning of 2020. Use some free time to see how the locals are bouncing back, and maybe help support the community by buying local goods. Head out to the gorgeous Kangaroo Valley, crossed by creeks and carpeted with rainforest and neat farms, and lookout for a wombat or two as you look across the surrounding mountains. Later tonight is a real treat for the tastebuds with a First Nations food experience, where you’ll try incredible dishes made with local native ingredients under the stars. You will also learn how, when the land is managed in the way it was for thousands of years, fire and traditional knowledge plays an important part in the management of the land.
Included Activities
  • Fitzroy Falls Local Ranger Talk
  • Bodaree National Park Botanic Gardens
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Begin the day with a nature focused cruise out into Jervis Bay, where the chances are high that a pod of dolphins might jump from the water and race alongside the boat. This is one of the best dolphin and whale watching areas along the whole NSW coast, and from May to November you might just spot a number of these big beautiful creatures breach the blue waters. Take your time returning to Sydney in road trip style – enjoy a slow pace to drop into the regional towns that have been affected by the bushfires, and take in the beautiful coastal cliff lookouts that dot the route back to the city. You’ll arrive at tonight’s included hotel – conveniently located near to the Royal Botanic Gardens – in the early evening, with the rest of your night free to check out the restaurants in areas like Darlinghurst or along the harbour front.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Eat, Drink, Walk Sydney - Urban Adventure - AUD109
Meals Included
  • Dinner
Special Information
As this is a combination trip, the travellers in your group and your group leader are likely to change today. There will be a welcome meeting to discuss the next stage of your itinerary and to meet new travellers joining you. It’s important that you attend the meeting as your new leader will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where and when 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 Orara East State Forest 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. Enjoy 360 degree views and experience speaking traditional language and practice culture on Country. 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
  • 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
  • Giingan Cultural Experience
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.

Make your way from Byron Bay to Brisbane this morning, where you'll pick up any new additions to your group. Travel through to sun-kissed Noosa, visiting one of Australia’s top surf locations on the way. Go koala-spotting in a national park before enjoying a glorious sunset over the Sunshine Coast’s hinterland. In the evening stay on the stunning Fraser Island – the local Butchulla people call it K’gari (paradise), and you’ll find out why soon enough. This incredible slice of land is the largest sand island in the world, stretching some 123 kilometres down Queensland's southern coast and tomorrow you’ll have the chance to explore it, so get a good night’s rest ready for a day of adventure – oh, and look out for dingoes!
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
As this is a combination trip, the travellers in your group and your group leader are likely to change today.

After a delicious buffet breakfast, set off on a 4WD adventure through the breathtaking landscape of Fraser Island. Visit some of the renowned lookout points – perhaps Indian Head or the Cathedrals – for incredible views of the coast, then take a refreshing dive into the crystal-clear water of Lake McKenzie – an island icon. Visit the Maheno shipwreck and the coloured sands of the pinnacles, Pile Valley’s awe-inspiring Satinay and Brush Box forests as well as Central Station and Wanggoolba, before adventuring along 75 Mile Beach Road – one of the best coastal drives in the country – and taking a dip in the fresh waters of Eli Creek. From tropical dense rainforest to wild offshore waters – witness the contrasting fauna and terrain of this truly unique island as you venture across undulating sand dunes and vast golden beach, in search of that iconic outback creature, the dingo. This evening, relax at your accommodation and perhaps join the rest of your group for dinner at one of the resort’s restaurants.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Fraser Island 4WD day trip
Meals Included
  • Lunch

Transfer back to Brisbane before boarding a flight to Airlie Beach, the hub town of the magnificent Whitsundays and home to endless beer gardens, trendy cafes and a lawn-fringed swimming lagoon. You’ll arrive late in the afternoon, so after settling into your lodgings the evening is yours to spend as you please. Perhaps stroll around and explore, or if the sun is still up why not visit some local swimming spots for a refreshing dip. Alternatively, you might feel more at home finding a seat at one of the many bars, grabbing a cocktail or two, and watching the sun set on the shimmering blue water.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Flight Brisbane to Airlie Beach
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today's flight departs approx. 1:40pm from Brisbane to Proserpine

After breakfast, take a leisurely day cruise through the postcard-perfect islands of the Whitsundays, including a stop at the world-renowned Whitehaven Beach. Words can’t do justice to the dazzling white sands, azure waters and densely verdant vegetation of this incredible corner of the world – Whitehaven is about as impressive as a beach can get, and at 98% pure silica, it’s about as white as a beach can get too. Peel your eyes away from the pristine sands and explore the colourful underwater world surrounding the Whitsundays on a snorkelling adventure. Get up close to a beautiful array of rainbow coral, playful fish and, if you’re lucky, maybe even some friendly turtles. Head back to Airlie Beach and enjoy one last drink in this lively town
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Whitsunday Islands sailing
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

Admire the change of scenery today as you jump into your private vehicle and head through undulating cane fields to picturesque Mission Beach, where World Heritage rainforest meets the colourful Coral Sea. Be welcomed by crystal-clear waters, stunning views and a large population of cassowaries – a flightless bird that thrives in the tropical forests of north-eastern Australia. This afternoon you can enjoy plenty of free time to soak up paradise and do as you please. You might like to wind down with an optional yoga class or go for a swim in the pool. Alternately, head out in search of the famous cassowary or simply grab a book and find a shady spot to sit and enjoy the tropical bliss.
Accommodation
  • Resort (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Enjoy breakfast in a local cafe before venturing into the wet tropics of far north Queensland. Stop off en route to your next destination and discover a magnificent plunge waterfall nestled in dense tropical rainforest. Take a dip in the cool water, then continue on to Lake Eacham, a crater lake with beautiful blue-green hues in the heart of the Atherton Tablelands. Next, visit the unusual yet fascinating Curtain Fig Tree, a magnificent tree with extensive aerial roots that drop 15 metres to the forest floor, forming a curtain-like appearance. The day draws to a close as you head to your final stop, Cairns, one of Australia’s most lively tropical towns.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

The breathtaking beauty of the world’s largest coral reef is on the bucket list of many travellers who venture to this incredible corner of Australia. The Great Barrier Reef is brimming with colourful coral and an amazing array of tropical fish, and today you’ll get to witness its magnificence with your own eyes on a snorkelling adventure through this underwater paradise. Cruise out to this famous reef this morning as you hear a marine conservation commentary about the importance of preserving the World Heritage-listed region and how you can do your bit. Then, it’s time to put on your snorkelling gear and dive into the dazzling waters, where you can freely explore a wonderfully rich ecosystem. After an incredible day, head back to the hotel, where you can freshen up and get ready for dinner. Compare memories, swap stories, and celebrate your east coast journey with your travel companions.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Great Barrier Reef day cruise
Optional Activities
  • Beautiful Cairns: Hiking, Nature & Epic Views - Urban Adventure - AUD79
  • Cairns by Night - Urban Adventure - AUD90
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Your east coast experience comes to an end after breakfast. With so much to do in this bustling hub, enquire about booking some extra nights in Cairns for further exploration of this tropical paradise.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

13 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle

Accommodation

Hotel (14 nights), Pub (1 night) Motel (1 night)

Included activities

  • Three Sisters Walk
  • Centennial Winery Tasting
  • Artemis Wines Cellar Door Visit
  • Fitzroy Falls Local Ranger Talk
  • Bodaree National Park Botanic Gardens
  • Hunter Valley wine, cheese, chocolate and organic vodka distillery tour
  • Wildlife Park
  • Port Macquarie sunset cruise
  • Dangar Falls
  • Koala Hospital - Port Macquaire
  • Byron Bay farm to plate organic dinner
  • Giingan Cultural Experience
  • Fraser Island 4WD day trip
  • Flight Brisbane to Airlie Beach
  • Whitsunday Islands sailing
  • Great Barrier Reef day cruise

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

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

Prices may go up, so secure your trip today!
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Important notes

1. Minimum numbers: this trip requires a minimum of 4 clients booked and confirmed in order to depart
2. Please meet your guide in the lobby of your Sydney hotel at 8 am on day one for a brief joining meeting.
3. A single supplement is available for each night of this trip.
4. To save you money and the hassle of booking multiple trips, this journey is a combination of some of our most popular adventures. Your leader and the composition of your group may change with the start of each adventure.

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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