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Real Australia
Operated by Intrepid Travel
Tripcode: PZYSC
Overview
Destination:
Australia,
Start:Sydney, Australia
Finish:Cairns, Australia
Finish:Cairns, Australia
Duration:17 days
Type:Group tour (max 16)
Travel Period
May 2025 - March 2027
If you love the ocean, the rainforest and Australian wildlife, this 17-day journey from Sydney to Cairns might just be for you. On this trip, you’ll walk in Crowdy Bay National Park, meet koalas at the Koala Hospital in Port Macquarie and feast on a barbeque in Red Rock. Go stand-up paddleboarding with the Gumbaynggir community and learn about local Aboriginal culture. Chill out in Byron Bay and hike in lush Lamington National Park before some free time to explore Brisbane. Hit the beach in Noosa and take a two-night sailing experience through the Whitsundays, where you’ll be diving, snorkelling, visiting secret beaches and chilling in the onboard jacuzzi. Tour Mungalla Station with a First Nations guide, look for more koalas in scenic Magnetic Island and spend a free afternoon on Mission Beach with your feet in the sand. End it all in Cairns and toast to an epic adventure along the East Coast.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
1. A single room supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. If you are a single traveller this will give you a single room, if you are travelling as a couple a double/twin room will be allocated to you. The single supplement excludes Day 11 (Overnight Train) and Days 12 & 13 (Whitsundays Sailing) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. Accommodation on this trip is in multi-share hostels. Multishare typically includes 4-8 beds. You may be required to share with non-Intrepid travellers outside of your group. People travelling together may occasionally be separated due to single gender dorms.
3. The overnight train is in economy seats and is not accompanied by a tour leader. Luggage weight allowance is one checked piece (20kgs) and one carry on hand luggage. Throughout the year, scheduled railway track works may take place on this route, sometimes at short notice. Should these tracks works take place, we will travel via overnight bus instead of the train. Currently we are aware of Queensland Rail having track works tentatively scheduled for the following departure dates: 15 Jun 2025 (trip code: PZYSC250615), 7 Sep 2025 (trip code: PZYSC250907).
2. Accommodation on this trip is in multi-share hostels. Multishare typically includes 4-8 beds. You may be required to share with non-Intrepid travellers outside of your group. People travelling together may occasionally be separated due to single gender dorms.
3. The overnight train is in economy seats and is not accompanied by a tour leader. Luggage weight allowance is one checked piece (20kgs) and one carry on hand luggage. Throughout the year, scheduled railway track works may take place on this route, sometimes at short notice. Should these tracks works take place, we will travel via overnight bus instead of the train. Currently we are aware of Queensland Rail having track works tentatively scheduled for the following departure dates: 15 Jun 2025 (trip code: PZYSC250615), 7 Sep 2025 (trip code: PZYSC250907).
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Standard inclusions
- Meals: Meals: 2 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners.
- Transport: Private Vehicle.
- Accommodation: Hostel (Multi-share) (10 nights), Holiday Park (Multi-share) (1 night), Lodge (Multi-share) (1 night), Overnight Train (1 night), Overnight Sailing (2 nights), Rainforest Retreat (1 night).
- Crowdy Bay National Park - Mermaid Lookout Track.
- Port Macquarie - Koala Hospital guided tour.
- Red Rock - Wajaana Yaam Stand Up Paddleboarding.
- Springbrook National Park - Natural Bridge Circuit Walk.
- Byron Bay - The Farm visit.
- Gold Coast - Sobah Brewery Visit.
- Noosa - Hell's Gates Lookout.
- Noosa - Coastal Walk.
- Whitsunday Islands - Sailing Excursion (2 Nights).
- Whitsunday Islands - Sailing Excursion (2 Nights).
- Magnetic Island - Forts Walking Track.
- Mungalla Station - Nywaigi First Nations Guided Tour.
Itinerary
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Collapse allDay 1: Sydney
Welcome to Sydney! Or 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. Your adventure starts with a welcome meeting at 6 pm to meet your local leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early, why not take a self-guided walk to the Harbour Bridge, see the Opera House, wander through the Botanical Gardens and Hyde Park or head up to the Sydney Tower Eye. After the meeting tonight, maybe join your group for a dinner along Darling Harbour and get to know each other.
Day 2: Port Macquarie
Today, you’ll head to Port Macquarie, known for its natural beauty, sandy beaches and abundance of wildlife. Grab lunch along the way, then soak up the picturesque drive along the coastline. You’ll make a few stops to stretch your legs and take photos, including at Crowdy Bay National Park. Here, go on a walk along the leafy Mermaid Lookout Track to a viewpoint overlooking where the ocean meets the forest below. Keep your eyes peeled for whales and dolphins off the coast – you may even encounter a mob of kangaroos on your walk! Carry on to Port Macquarie, where you’ll have a free night to relax at your accommodation or watch the sunset on the beach.
Day 3: Red Rock
This morning, 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 Red Rock in Coffs Harbour, stopping for lunch along the way. The northernmost village on the Coffs Coast, Red Rock sits between the beach and the Corindi River and is popular for water activities like kayaking and boating. When you arrive, you’ll enjoy a barbeque dinner with your group as the sun goes down, with all the typical Aussie fare.
Day 4: Byron Bay
Today you’ll head out on the harbour for a special stand-up paddleboarding experience with the Gumbaynggirr community. This social enterprise supports the local Aboriginal community by ensuring intergenerational cultural knowledge is passed on and by providing employment opportunities. A portion of the proceeds also goes to the Bularri Muurlay Nyanggan Aboriginal Corporation, which provides after-school learning centres, cultural camps and revitalisation initiatives for the Gumbaynggirr language. With your local guides, glide along the river, soaking up the ambiance. After, head to Byron Bay – one of Australia’s most iconic destinations, known for its beaches, surfing and scuba diving. Check out the Byron Lighthouse for a unique photo opportunity and the chance to spot some dolphins, whales and other marine life if you’re lucky.
Day 5: Byron Bay
Get up early this morning if you want to catch the sunrise (it’s a pretty cool sight from Australia's most easterly point). Today is free to explore this surfer's paradise however you like. Maybe hunt down the best cold-brew coffee from one of Byron’s local cafes, then learn how to ride the waves with a beginner’s surf lesson. You can hit the water with a guided sea kayaking tour of the Byron Bay Marine Park to see the beauty of the coastline while looking out for dolphins, turtles and whales. Or, just hang out on the beach! Tonight, why not grab a drink at one of the pubs or bars with a few of your fellow travellers.
Day 6: Lamington National Park
This morning, head to The Farm – a collection of micro-businesses on a working farm that focuses on growing, feeding and educating the community through farming. Maybe grab some breakfast here and pick up a few things to have for lunch later on. Continue to Springbrook National Park and take a walk to the Natural Bridge rock arch, which was formed by the force of the waterfall over the basalt cave. This afternoon, head to Lamington National Park – a Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area and home to lush rainforest, ancient trees, walking tracks and waterfalls to explore. Maybe head out on one of the tracks to see the forest, creeks and falls on foot (don’t forget to snap some lush pics!). Your lodge accommodation tonight sits right in the middle of the sub-tropical rainforest.
Day 7: Gold Coast / Brisbane
If you’re game, maybe wake up early this morning and watch the sunrise over the rainforest. Today, you’ll head to The Gold Coast, famous for its long stretch of beach and surf spots. When you arrive, you'll visit Sobah - an Aboriginal-owned non-alcoholic craft beer company that aims to break the stigma of socialising sober. This afternoon, carry on to Brisbane for your last night. Your evening is free, so why not grab your group and head out to a local restaurant – your leader will always have the best recommendations for delicious eats and hang-out spots.
Day 8: Brisbane
Today is a free day to explore Brisbane however you like. You’ll have a second meeting at 6 pm tonight to meet the new travellers joining you for the second leg of the adventure. Until then, why not explore the Botanic Gardens, Roma Street Parklands or chase views overlooking the city at the Mount Coot-Tha Summit Lookout. After your meeting, maybe head to dinner with your group and get to know each other better.
Day 9: Noosa
This morning, you’ll head for Noosa – a serene town along the Sunshine Coast and home to Sunshine Beach (popular for surfing) and Noosa National Park. You’ll head straight for the park’s lush surroundings and take on part of the Coastal Walk hike. Walk along the shoreline and the headlands, which make way for sweeping ocean views, rocky bays and sandy beaches. Look out for marine life cruising by and if you’re lucky, spot some koalas in the trees munching on eucalyptus. The pinnacle of the walk will be Hell’s Gate Lookout, which offers 270-degree views of the ocean beyond. Look for ospreys soaring above or pods of dolphins playing below. Maybe grab some lunch, then check into your accommodation for the night, getting ready for a free evening to spend however you like. You could take on an afternoon surf lesson, go for another walk or maybe just relax at the beach and watch the sunset.
Day 10: Noosa
Today is a free day to explore Noosa and the surrounding areas. Consider taking a day trip to K’gari (formerly known as Fraser Island). This guided 4WD tour around the world's largest sand island takes you to Lake McKenzie, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed rainforest, 75 Mile Beach, Eli Creek and the Maheno Shipwreck. Alternatively, you can hit the waters on a boat tour through the Noosa Everglades. This eco-safari will take you on a guided cruise through the everglades, where a vast array of birdlife call home. From the boat, you can also opt to jump in canoes and paddle among the mirrored waterways to the historic Harry’s Hut.
Day 11: Noosa / Overnight Train
Today is free to take the everglades eco-safari if you didn’t get the chance to yesterday. Alternatively, just chill out in Noosa, explore the town or hit the beach. Tonight, you’ll take an overnight train to the Whitsundays region – maybe grab some bits to have for dinner and snacks on board and settle in for a fun night with your bunkmates (cards, anyone?).
Day 12: Airlie Beach / Whitsunday Sailing
Arrive in Proserpine early this morning and meet your new leader at the station. From here, you’ll drive to Airlie Beach for some free time to go for a dip, grab breakfast or chill out on the sand. This afternoon, you’ll embark on a special two-night sailing trip in the Whitsundays – a group of islands in the Coral Sea, popular for the gorgeous natural scenery, bright blue waters and white sands. Climb aboard the boat, your home for the next two days, and set sail! During your time aboard, you’ll have the luxury of an onboard jacuzzi (is there a better spot to watch the sunset?) and opportunities to go scuba diving, snorkelling and stand-up paddleboarding.
Day 13: Whitsunday Sailing
Wake up early this morning to make the most of your day at sea – take in the gorgeous landscapes and seascapes of the Whitsundays and make stops at the gorgeous Whitehaven Beach, – in the heart of the Whitsunday Islands, this beach also sits in the centre of the Great Barrier Reef – Hill Inlet lookout, and some of the best scuba diving and snorkelling spots in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Enjoy deliciously fresh meals on the boat, meet some new friends and soak up the beauty of this scenic area. Tonight, you might even head to a secret beach for sunset drinks!
Day 14: Magnetic Island
Soak up the bliss of your last morning on the boat, then disembark in Airlie. After some free time to relax on the beach or grab some lunch, you’ll drive to Townsville. As soon as you arrive, hop on the ferry to Magnetic Island – this mountainous island in Cleveland Bay is known for its scenic national park, abundance of koalas, secluded beaches and hiking opportunities.
Day 15: Magnetic Island
Today is dedicated to soaking up all the natural scenery of Magnetic Island. Explore at your own pace – maybe go in search of a secluded beach and set up shop, take on a hike or just chill out with a drink. Later, hike along the Forts Walking Track with your group, looking out for the resident koalas and enjoying the gorgeous views. There are even some World War II relics to see among the tropical landscape.
Day 16: Mission Beach
Say goodbye to the island as you take the morning ferry back to Townsville. From here, drive to Mungalla station, where you’ll meet the First Nations owners 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 of pictures within the historic homestead. Then head out and explore the Mungalla wetlands in search of aquatic birdlife. Drive to Mission Beach this afternoon – a small coastal town with expansive beaches, lined with palm trees.
Day 17: Cairns
Your last day of adventure begins with a drive to Cairns, where your trip will come to an end. Along the way, maybe stop by some waterfalls and swimming holes, soaking in the last of the gorgeous natural scenery. When you arrive, it’s time to say goodbye to an awesome adventure! If you’d like to extend your stay and explore Cairns further, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
Departure dates
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Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid is a small group tour travel company with humble beginnings that now sends over 100,000 travellers a year on grassroots and responsible travel tours.
Important Information
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Please note: We are proud to be an independent agent to travel providers of hotels, flights and other related services. We are not a tour operator. Details and information on the offer are provided by 3rd party businesses and although we do our best to verify the information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy on all occasions. These offers are not available in conjunction with any other offer unless otherwise stated. Pricing and availability are subject to change without notice.
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