East Coast Encompassed

18 Days | Experience the very best of the east coast, from Australia’s oldest city to the world’s oldest rainforest.

5 out of 5 based on 3 reviews submitted.
Explorer
From
USD $6,490
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Explore Australia’s stunning east coast from the iconic cityscapes of Sydney to the eco-paradise of the Daintree on an epic trip that hits all the highlights in under three weeks. Sample wine and cheese in the picturesque Hunter Valley, meet cute and cuddly koalas in an animal hospital near Port Macquarie and hang loose in the bustling beachside town of Byron. Next, follow the sun-kissed coastline to Queensland and take an off-road adventure across K'gari, sail through the picture-perfect islands of the Whitsundays and explore the colourful underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef. Finally venture deep into the world’s oldest tropical rainforest to understand the power of native plants from a First Nations guide, encounter crocodiles on a cruise through mangrove thickets, and stroll along the rainforest-rimmed beach of Cape Tribulation.

Trip overview

Map of East Coast Encompassed including Australia
Start
Sydney, Australia
Finish
Cairns, Australia
Theme
Explorer
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
Comfort
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 16
Trip code
PVSCD
We’re in the process of figuring out how much CO2-e this trip generates. In the meantime, find out more about our climate commitments and carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip
  • 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.
  • Take an incredible 4WD adventure through the breathtaking landscape of K'gari. Venture across undulating sand dunes in search of that iconic outback creature, the dingo!
  • Cruise through the postcard-perfect islands of the Whitsundays – surround yourself with dazzling white sands and azure waters as you discover this idyllic corner of Queensland.
  • Experience the Great Barrier Reef on a snorkelling adventure. Brimming with colourful coral and tropical fish, enjoy an included cruise from Cairns to explore this underwater paradise.
  • Learn how to spear fish and gather medicine on Kuyu Kuyu (Cooya Beach) with Kuku Yalanji guides who are committed to maintaining their ancestral traditions and way of life.

Is this trip right for you?
  • This trip requires a moderate level of fitness as it involves a lot of walking, allowing you to really get among nature. Please bring sturdy, comfortable walking shoes and comfortable clothing.
  • This trip covers a lot of ground and there are some long travelling days. (An included flight between Brisbane and Proserpine speeds things up) but it’s all part of the adventure and a great way to get to know your fellow travellers.

Itinerary

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2023 to 31 March 2024.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 April 2024 - 31 March 2025

Map of East Coast Encompassed including Australia

Inclusions

Meals

16 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle, Plane

Accommodation

Hotel (7 nights), Motel (1 night), Pub hotel (1 night), Resort (8 nights)

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
  • Rainbow Beach - Carlo Sandblow walk
  • Noosa - Noosa National Park visit
  • K'gari - Highlights tour by 4WD, including Eli Creek, Lake McKenzie & 75-Mile Beach
  • Great Barrier Reef - Day Cruise & Snorkelling Adventure
  • Atherton Tablelands - Highlights Tour
  • Barron Gorge National Park - Din Din Barron Falls lookout
  • Port Douglas - Local Dinner
  • Port Douglas - Leader-lead Orientation Walk
  • Port Douglas - Trinity Bay lookout
  • Kuranda - Kuranda Village Visit
  • Daintree National Park - Cape Tribulation Lookout & Beach Walk
  • Daintree Rainforest - Nature Walk with Local Guide
  • Daintree National Park - Cooper Creek wildlife cruise
  • Daintree National Park - Heritage Restaurant lunch
  • Mossman Gorge - Guided rainforest walk
  • Kuyu Kuyu (Cooya Beach) - Kuku Yalanji Cultural Habitat tour
  • Kuyu Kuyu (Cooya Beach) - Aboriginal Painting Class
Add on activities
  • Sydney - Burrawa Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb with Indigenous Storyteller - from - AUD328
  • Byron Bay - Yoga Lessons - AUD70
  • Byron Bay - Learn to Surf - AUD70
  • Byron Bay - Sea Kayaking Tour - AUD64
  • Airlie Beach - Whitsunday Islands Full Day Cruise - AUD195
  • Airlie Beach - Cedar Creek Falls Waterfall Tour - AUD149

Dates and availability

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Important notes

START & END TIMES
The trip starts with a welcome meeting at 2pm (for departures up until and including May 2023) or 6pm (for departures from June 2023) in Sydney, and finishes on the last day upon arrival back into Cairns at around 12pm. Please take this into consideration when booking your arrival and departure flights.

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.

COMBINATION TRIP
As this is a combination trip, the composition of your group may change on Day 7 in Brisbane and on day 14 in Cairns.

LUGGAGE LIMIT
Checked luggage limit for the internal flight on this trip is 20kg.

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.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

5 out of 5 based on 3 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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ROBERT · Traveled February 2024
Super guides. Super itinerary. Would recommend this trip to anyone.
Review submitted 24 Feb 2024

Robin · Traveled October 2023
Outstanding trip giving us a very comprehensive experience of the East Coast of Australia. Accommodation standards were high, transport arrangements were flawless. We took away many special memories. Our Tour Guide was thoughtful, kind and very knowledgable. He went out of his way to ensure everyone was included in the activities, irrespective of age, ability etc.
Review submitted 13 Nov 2023

Rachel · Traveled July 2023
East coast encompassed was an outstanding trip. Although a lot of distance is covered in the time, you get to experience so many varied activities and learn a huge amount about the culture. The entire east coast is beautiful and a must do trip! Thanks intrepid for providing such a well organised experience
Review submitted 31 Jul 2023
East Coast Encompassed
From
USD $6,490