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Sydney to Cairns Adventure

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Operated by Intrepid Travel
Tripcode: PZSPC
Overview
Destination:
Australia, 
New South Wales (Australia), 
Queensland (QLD), 
Duration:15 days
Type:Group tour (max 16)
Style:
Adventure,
Explorer,
Travel Period
September 2026 - March 2028
Weave your way from Sydney (Warran) to Cairns (Gimuy) along Australia’s east coast on this 15-day adventure. Start by sampling some of Australia’s best wines in the Hunter Valley, get up close with koalas in Dorrigo National Park and soak up the vibes of Byron Bay. The good times keep rolling over state lines, as Queensland offers the wilderness of the Atherton Tablelands, the white sands of the Whitsundays and the golden beaches of K’gari (formerly Fraser Island). By the time you wrap up in Cairns, you’ll have had a truly all-Australian experience.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

START & END POINT TIME & LOCATION
The trip starts in Sydney with a Welcome Meeting at 9am on Day 1 at our joining point hotel. The trip finishes on arrival in Cairns on Day 14 at our finish point hotel around 5pm. Accommodation is not included on this day but can be booked on request subject to availability.

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
A Single Supplement can be booked if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip, subject to availability.

OVERNIGHT TRAIN
The overnight train is in RailBed class and is not accompanied by a tour leader. Luggage weight (max 20kg for main luggage, 7kg for hand luggage) and size (23cm x 34cm x 48cm) limits apply for our overnight train journey. Please note that throughout the year scheduled railway track works may take place on the route from Hervey Bay to Airlie Beach, sometimes at short notice. Should the train not operate due to track works or other factors outside of our control, you will be driving with your leader instead, with an overnight in Tannum Sands, taking approximately 15 hours split across two days. Currently we are aware of Queensland Rail having track works tentatively scheduled for the following departure dates, likely affecting your departure as described above:
• Sydney to Cairns Adventure, departing Sydney on 14th June 2026 (trip code PZSPC260614) (due to industrial action)
• Sydney to Cairns Adventure, departing Sydney on 21st June 2026 (trip code PZSPC260621) (due to industrial action)
• Sydney to Cairns Adventure, departing Sydney on 18th October 2026 (trip code PZSPC261018)
• Sydney to Cairns Adventure, departing Sydney on 24th January 2027 (trip code PZSPC270124)
This list is not exhaustive and additional departures may be affected at short notice. Please check back here closer to your departure date.

COMBINATION TRIP
This is a combination trip made up of two shorter trips. This means the composition of your group may change in Brisbane as some group members leave and new ones join you. It’s also part of a longer itinerary.

Highlights:
  • START & END POINT TIME & LOCATION The trip starts in Sydney with a Welcome Meeting at 9am on Day 1 at our joining point hotel. The trip finishes on arrival in Cairns on Day 14 at our finish point hotel around 5pm. Accommodation is not included on this day but can be booked on request subject to availability. SINGLE SUPPLEMENT A Single Supplement can be booked if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip, subject to availability. OVERNIGHT TRAIN The overnight train is in RailBed class and is not accompanied by a tour leader. Luggage weight (max 20kg for main luggage, 7kg for hand luggage) and size (23cm x 34cm x 48cm) limits apply for our overnight train journey. Please note that throughout the year scheduled railway track works may take place on the route from Hervey Bay to Airlie Beach, sometimes at short notice. Should the train not operate due to track works or other factors outside of our control, you will be driving with your leader instead, with an overnight in Tannum Sands, taking approximately 15 hours split across two days. Currently we are aware of Queensland Rail having track works tentatively scheduled for the following departure dates, likely affecting your departure as described above: • Sydney to Cairns Adventure, departing Sydney on 14th June 2026 (trip code PZSPC260614) (due to industrial action) • Sydney to Cairns Adventure, departing Sydney on 21st June 2026 (trip code PZSPC260621) (due to industrial action) • Sydney to Cairns Adventure, departing Sydney on 18th October 2026 (trip code PZSPC261018) • Sydney to Cairns Adventure, departing Sydney on 24th January 2027 (trip code PZSPC270124) This list is not exhaustive and additional departures may be affected at short notice. Please check back here closer to your departure date. COMBINATION TRIP This is a combination trip made up of two shorter trips. This means the composition of your group may change in Brisbane as some group members leave and new ones join you. It’s also part of a longer itinerary.
Standard inclusions
  • Meals: Meals: 3 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner.
  • Transport: Private vehicle, Ferry, Overnight train, Boat, 4WD.
  • Accommodation: Hotel (8 nights), Cabins (3 nights), Overnight train (1 night), Holiday Apartments (2 nights).
  • Hunter Valley - Winery Visit & Wine Tasting.
  • Crowdy Bay National Park - Diamond Head Hike.
  • Port Macquarie - Koala Hospital guided tour.
  • Dorrigo National Park - Rainforest Centre & Skywalk.
  • Coffs Harbour - Red Rock Gumbaynggirr First Nations experience.
  • Byron Bay - Lighthouse Walk.
  • Springbrook National Park - Natural Bridge.
  • Byron Bay - The Farm visit.
  • K'gari - Full day tour.
  • Airlie Beach - Full day Whitsunday Islands & Whitehaven Beach Tour with Snorkelling.
  • Paluma Range National Park - Crystal Creek.
  • Townsville - Castle Hill Lookout.
  • Mungalla Station - Nywaigi First Nations Guided Tour.
  • Atherton Tablelands - Curtain Tree boardwalk.
  • Atherton Tablelands - Lake Eacham walk.
  • Atherton Tablelands - Millaa Millaa Falls.
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Itinerary
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Day 1: Sydney
Welcome to Sydney! Or Warrane, in the language of the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, who are the Traditional Custodians of the land on which Sydney is now located. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm, where you’ll meet your local leader and fellow travellers. After the meeting, get to know your group over an optional welcome dinner. If you arrive early, you could visit the iconic Opera House for a guided tour (advance bookings are recommended), to catch a show or to simply pose for a classic photo on the stairs. Right next door, you’ll find the Royal Botanic Gardens – the perfect spot for a picnic, if the weather’s right – plus plenty of restaurants where you can have lunch with a view of Sydney Harbour or grab some ice cream and go for a stroll along the waterfront.
Day 2: Sydney to Hunter Valley
Head out for a walking tour around The Rocks with your local leader. Wander through sites like Campbells Cove and along the Cumberland Walk while you learn about the area's history and seek out great views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. You’ll then have time to grab lunch before heading north to the famous Hunter Valley wine region. When you arrive, sit down for a sommelier-led wine tasting where you’ll hear about the winery’s history and varieties. Finish your tasting and depart for Cessnock, where you’ll check into your accommodation for tonight in the heart of the valley. This evening, maybe head out for dinner with your group.
Day 3: Hunter Valley to Port Macquarie
Today, you’ll make tracks north along the scenic coastal route. Along the way, stop at Crowdy Bay National Park for the easy-to-moderate Diamond Head Loop Walk that winds through forests of heath, paperbark and swamp mahogany at Diamond Head. While taking in the views of golden beaches and dramatic rock faces, keep an eye out for the quartz crystals in the cliffs that sparkle in the sun, giving Diamond Head its name. Whales and dolphins can sometimes be spotted off the coast, and you may even come across a mob of kangaroos between the secluded coves, beaches and forest trails. Later, continue your drive to your accommodation in Port Macquarie.
Day 4: Port Macquarie to 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 Bellingen, where you might like to grab lunch and enjoy some free time. Continue to Dorrigo National Park via the gorgeous Waterfall Way, known for its lush, sub-tropical rainforest – the last piece of the ancient subcontinent Gondwanaland. Few places on Earth contain so many plants and animals relatively unchanged from their ancestors. Pop into the Rainforest Centre in the park, take a stroll along the skywalk or explore the rainforest with your group. Continue to your overnight location at Moonee Beach.
Day 5: Red Rock to Byron Bay
Next up is Byron Bay – a laid-back surf paradise with boundless coastline, sand and friendly locals. But first, you’ll start your day with a walking tour of Red Rock with a local First Nations guide. Learn about the culture of the Gumbaynggirr people through stories, songs and the uses of native plants. Walk alongside The Solitary Island Marine Park Waterways and connect with Country as you learn more about the Dreaming. After, you’ll stop in Yamba where you might like to grab some lunch, before visiting Byron Bay Lighthouse for a unique photo opportunity and the chance to spot some dolphins, whales and other marine life.
Day 6: Byron Bay
Today is a free day to enjoy the coastal life of Byron Bay. Early risers might enjoy catching the sunrise, while others can enjoy the morning to sleep in. There’s plenty of ways to enjoy the great outdoors in Byron Bay, including a beginner’s surf lesson, a guided sea kayaking tour of the Byron Bay Marine Park, or just relaxing at the beach. You’ll have plenty of options for food and drink today thanks to Byron’s thriving café, bar and pub scene. Perhaps get the group together for a dinner overlooking the water? Your leader can help with some recommendations.
Day 7: Gold Coast to Brisbane
This morning, head to The Farm – a collection of micro-businesses on a working farm focusing on growing, feeding and educating through community farming. Maybe grab some breakfast here and add a few extra snacks to have for lunch later on. Continue to Springbrook National Park and take a short walk to Natural Bridge rock arch which was formed by the force of the waterfall over the basalt cave. This afternoon, head to the famous Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast for some beach time before continuing onto Brisbane where you’ll spend the night.
Day 8: Hervey Bay
The next part of your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 10 am. After, drive to Noosa Heads, where you can grab some lunch, relax on the beach or browse the boutique shops. If you like, maybe use your free time here to do part of the Noosa Coastal Walk and look for local flora and fauna. This afternoon, you’ll hit the road again for the coastal city of Hervey Bay, where you’ll spend the night.
Day 9: Hervey Bay
After breakfast this morning, you’ll head to the island of K'gari (previously known as Fraser Island) by ferry for a daytrip. The name change is a major milestone in a long-running campaign by the Butchulla people, whose original name for this place means ‘paradise’ – and you’ll soon see why. Set off on an adventure through the landscape, starting with an adventurous drive along the sand roads of 75 Mile Beach Road. Then, take a dive into the clear rainwater lake of Boorangoora (Lake McKenzie), famous for its turqouise water filtered by its 92 per cent pure silica sand. Head over to another of the island’s safe swimming spots, the fresh waters of Eli Creek, before a visit to the Maheno shipwreck and coloured sands of the pinnacles. Tonight, head back to Hervey Bay for a free evening to rest and recharge.
Day 10: Hervey Bay
Enjoy a free day in Hervey Bay today – a prime location for observing humpback whales during migration season and the world’s first certified Whale Heritage Area. If the month is right, maybe spend the morning whale-watching on the water, or rent a bike to cycle along the foreshore. You could also take a leisurely stroll along the water’s edge, go kayaking or just enjoy one of the many Queensland beaches nearby. Make sure you pick up some snacks for tonight's overnight train journey north on the famous 'Spirit of Queensland.' Depart from the train station at Maryborough West and arrive in Proserpine, south-west of Airlie Beach, arriving early tomorrow morning.
Day 11: Airlie Beach
Your new leader will meet you at Proserpine train station early this morning. Head for an optional breakfast and caffeine hit at a local café in Airlie Beach. Your day is free to explore this hub town of the popular Whitsundays, which has plenty of beer gardens, trendy cafes and a lawn-fringed swimming lagoon. Whether you want to just kick back by the water or get out into nature on a coastal hike, there’s plenty on offer. Get to know your new leader tonight with an optional group dinner.
Day 12: Airlie Beach
Today you’ll head out on a full-day tour to Whitehaven Beach in the heart of the Whitsunday Islands and the centre of the Great Barrier Reef. Start with a walk to the Hill Inlet Lookout – one of the most famous lookout spots for wide spanning views of the Whitsundays’ white sands and blue waters. Then, throw your swimsuit on to go snorkelling at one of the secret spots that your guide will show you. See coral reefs, tropical fish, turtles, clams and other marine life. Then, enjoy an included lunch and take a boat to the southern end of the 7 km stretch of Whitehaven Beach, taking the chance to kick back and relax in the sun after a day of outdoor adventures. Tonight, back in Airlie Beach, maybe head to one of the local bars for a toast at sunset.
Day 13: Lucinda
Today is a long day of travel with some stops to stretch your legs. Your first stop is Townsville, where you’ll head to Castle Hill lookout, walking the track up to the 360-degree viewpoint of the town, Coral Sea and Magnetic Island. You’ll have some free time for lunch and to chill by the water. Then, carry on to Big Crystal Creek in the Paluma Range National Park for a stroll, swim in the creek or quiet time relaxing to the sounds of local birdlife. This afternoon, depart for Lucinda, your location for the night.
Day 14: Mission Beach
This morning after breakfast, drive to Mungalla Station to meet the Traditional Custodians of the land, the Nywaigi people. Learn about their culture and history, including the brutal conflicts with European settlers, during a guided tour. 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 like spoonbills, magpie geese and egrets. Drive to Mission Beach this afternoon – a small coastal town on the Cassowary Coast known for its beaches lined by palm trees and rainforests filled with cassowaries. Stop in Tully along the way to stretch your legs and tonight, maybe ask your leader for their favourite local restaurant.
Day 15: Cairns
Have breakfast before driving to Millaa Millaa Falls for a nature walk and optional swim in the cascades. Stop for lunch at a local cafe at Yungaburra, then walk along the Curtain Fig boardwalk to see the heritage-listed tree this park was named after – this park protects endangered mabi forest and a large green fig tree with extensive aerial roots that drop 15 m to the forest floor, forming a ‘curtain’. After, head to Lake Eacham – the site of an old volcano and home to Australia’s largest python! Here, maybe go for a swim or walk the rainforest tracks, looking for native wildlife like the musky rat-kangaroo. This afternoon, you’ll drive to Cairns, where your trip will come to an end at approximately 5 pm. If you’d like to stay longer, just speak to your booking agent.
Dates

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Travellers

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.

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