Sydney to Cairns Explorer - 14 days

14 days
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
Additional images not provided by operator
Video not provided by operator
4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
98%
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
Small Group Tour
Embark on an unforgettable journey from Sydney to Cairns, where you'll snorkel along the Great Barrier Reef, cruise the Whitsundays and see cuddly koalas up close. In the Hunter Valley, indulge in wine, cheese & chocolate tasting, hit the beach at Byron Bay and take an adrenalin-fuelled 4WD drive on Fraser Island. Opt for surfing or kayaking, relax on vib...
From$4,655
See departure dates

Member Savings

Save up to $700!

Sign in to see which companies give additional
savings to Travelstride Members (it’s free)

Unlock Savings

Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Hunter Valley - See koalas, kangaroos and more at a wildlife park and enjoy a wine and cheese tour
    • Port Macquarie Koala Hospital - Tour the hospital to learn about the cuddly critters and the amazing centre’s conservation efforts
    • Byron Bay - Spend a free day unwinding in one of Australia's most famous beach locations and enjoy a First Nations experience
    • Fraser Island - Get the adrenalin pumping on a 4WD adventure, search for dingoes, enjoy a rainforest walk and opt to swim in a crystal clear lake
    • Airlie Beach - Unwind with free time to soak up some sun and explore this famous resort town
    • Whitsundays - Cruise around this stunning group of islands, stop at famous Whitehaven Beach and snorkel in the clear ocean
    • Atherton Tablelands - Take a dip under a plunging waterfall, see the crater Lake Eacham and admire the famous Curtain Fig Tree
    • Great Barrier Reef - Snorkel amongst the corals and tropical fish at one of the world's more famous and fragile natural wonders

What's this trip about?

    Embark on an unforgettable journey from Sydney to Cairns, where you'll snorkel along the Great Barrier Reef, cruise the Whitsundays and see cuddly koalas up close. In the Hunter Valley, indulge in wine, cheese & chocolate tasting, hit the beach at Byron Bay and take an adrenalin-fuelled 4WD drive on Fraser Island. Opt for surfing or kayaking, relax on vibrant beaches, and venture into lush rainforests to spot wildlife. Dive into crystal-clear lakes and soak up the beauty of the Australian coastline.

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 16 people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CitySydney
End CityCairns

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Nature & Wildlife

Destinations

Attractions

  • Brisbane
  • Cairns
  • Sydney

Min Group Size

  • Min Group Size: 16

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 16

Trip includes

    • 12 breakfasts, 3 lunches & 2 dinners
    • 13 nights 3-4 star hotels
    • Escorted by an expert local guide
    • All transportation in private, air-conditioned vehicles
    • Economy class flight from Brisbane - Airlie Beach
    • Orientation walking tours in Sydney, Newcastle & Brisbane
    • Conservation Wildlife Park visit
    • Hunter Valley wine, cheese & chocolate tasting tour
    • Port Macquarie Koala Hospital visit
    • Byron Bay First Nations experience
    • Noosa National Park visit
    • Fraser Island 4WD adventure
    • Whitsundays Island day cruise with snorkelling
    • Atherton Tablelands tour
    • Great Barrier Reef day cruise on a glass bottomed boat, including snorkelling
    • Note: This tour is operated in conjunction with our trusted partner and you will join travellers from different operators, not solely On The Go.

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day : 1 Sydney

Our trip begins at Australia's lively Harbour City, a stunning city on the east coast. When you arrive, you will check into your room, freshen up, and then join your tour guide and other travellers for a welcome meeting and orientation stroll at 6 p.m. Following that,...

Day : 2 Newcastle

Sydney - Hunter Valley - Newcastle. We leave Sydney and head to a wildlife park filled with koalas, kangaroos, and other exotic species. Our tour here will be guided by a local ranger. Next, we head into the Hunter Valley, and take advantage of our surroundings by goi...

Day : 3 Port Macquarie

Newcastle - Port Macquarie. After breakfast, we'll head to Port Macquarie to meet the volunteers at a local koala hospital. Joining our trip will provide you with vast knowledge about these endangered creatures while also supporting the centre's extraordinary conserva...

Day : 4 Byron Bay

Port Macquarie - Byron Bay. Today we enjoy an included interactive First Nations experience, allowing you to learn about the Gumbaynggirr people's rich culture. Connect with the land's traditional custodians to obtain a deeper understanding of their heritage. It's...

Day : 5 Byron Bay

Today is entirely free for you to hit the beach or further explore Byron Bay. You can spend the morning on the warm sand, shopping for bargains, or participating in one of the area's many optional activities. Take some time to unwind, whether it be by putting your fee...

Day : 6 Noosa

Byron Bay - Noosa - Rainbow Beach. Today we are traveling to Noosa, a stunning beach area famed for its top surf spots and champion surfers. We will begin our day by shopping for locally manufactured arts and crafts at Eumundi Markets. We will then explore Noosa Na...

Day : 7 Fraser Island

Today we're exploring Fraser Island, recently renamed to its aboriginal name, K'Gari - this translated to 'paradise'. Our included four wheel drive experience sees us drive down the famous 75 Mile Beach Road. Keep a look out for the local dingoes as we travel, and then enjoy a refreshing dip in the clear waters of Lake McKenzie.

Day : 8 Brisbane

Rainbow Beach - Brisbane. Today, we are heading to Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, also known by many locals as Bris-Vegas. The city will host the 2032 Summer Olympics. This relaxed, sunny, and buzzing city truly represents the quintessential Australian spirit. To get a feel of the city, we take a short walk along the Brisbane River and you can then explore its surroundings independently.

Day : 9 Airlie Beach

Brisbane - Airlie Beach. This morning we head to the airport for our included flight to Airlie Beach, a beautiful destination in the Whitsundays. The rest of the day is free, and full of possibilities. You can wander around the town, discover a trendy bar, or even explore the nearby local swimming hole, it's up to you!

Day : 10 Airlie Beach

Today we're enjoying a fun and picturesque morning cruise around the picturesque islands of the Whitsundays. Our itinerary includes a visit to the renowned Whitehaven beach, which boasts stunning white sands, crystal clear blue waters, and lush greenery. For a more im...

Day : 11 Mission Beach

Airlie Beach - Mission Beach. Today, we will experience a change of scenery as we travel through rolling cane fields to the charming coastal resort of Mission Beach. In the afternoon, there is ample time to relax and appreciate the crystal-clear waters and breathtakin...

Day : 12 Cairns

Mission Beach - Cairns. Start your day by enjoying a delicious breakfast before we embark on a journey through the lush wet tropics of Far North Queensland. On our way to the Atherton Tablelands, we will come across a breathtaking plunge waterfall hidden within a den...

Day : 13 Cairns

Today may go down as the highlight of your Australia tour, as we embark on a cruise to the UNESCO-protected Great Barrier Reef from Cairns. The reef is one of the world's most renowned natural wonders. Don your mask and snorkel and head below the waves to see shoals o...

Day : 14 Cairns

Our tour concludes at Cairns, marking the end of an unforgettable voyage with your fellow tourists. Our tour finishes at the Flynn Hotel on Day 14, there are no planned activities, so you are free to leave when you wish. Finishing Point: Crystalbrook Flynn, 68/72 Abbott St, Cairns, Queensland

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:

  • You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
  • Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Design custom trip

Dates & Availability

Price From $4,655
Price per day$333
Last Updated: 3/26/2025
Departure Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Availability
30 Mar 2025
12 Apr 2025
$6,015
20 Apr 2025
03 May 2025
$6,015
18 May 2025
31 May 2025
$6,015
15 Jun 2025
28 Jun 2025
$6,015
13 Jul 2025
26 Jul 2025
$6,015
10 Aug 2025
23 Aug 2025
$6,015
07 Sep 2025
20 Sep 2025
$6,015
21 Sep 2025
04 Oct 2025
$6,015
05 Oct 2025
18 Oct 2025
$6,015
19 Oct 2025
01 Nov 2025
$6,015

Departure dates are guaranteed with 4 travellers. 'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers wanting the privacy of their own room or if your booking party cannot reach the minimum of 2 persons in a room. Room sharing is not available on this tour.

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with On The Go Tours.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Travelstride Gift Card
One card, thousands of extraordinary trips
Gifts Card

On The Go Tours Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
Excellent
1,478
Great
398
Average
25
Disappointing
11
Terrible
34
Write a Review

Other On The Go Tours Reviews

W

WYETH

Jan 2025

Written on

Over all fantastic

Over all fantastic Excellent service, great prices, sup...

P

PW

Jan 2025

Written on

Magical Morocco

The Magical Morocco tour is definitely one to remember (for all the right reasons), it's amazing how much can be packed into 13 days with some savvy planning. Our gu...

A

Alexa Ribeiro-Pretorius

Jan 2025

Written on

Jade has been such a help and is always…

Jade has been such a help and is always friendly - even when I had to change things several times. Thanks for your patience and your kindness, Jade. You are a st...

Write a Review

Tour Operator

About Travelstride

Find your perfect trip

An epic selection of pre-planned trips on every continent, for every style. Thousands of itineraries from over 1,000 trusted travel companies.

Save time

Use simple search and comparison tools to easily find the best trip. Don't sweat the logistics — travel providers plan for you.

Save money

Book directly with the operator. See inclusive packages for the best values, and get access to amazing deals.

Travel confidently

Read unbiased user reviews, pick the operator that suits your needs, and connect with them directly.

Logistics

What's excluded

    • International flights and visas
    • Airport transfers
    • Additional meals and drinks unless specified
    • Tipping - an entirely personal gesture
    • Optional activities & additional attractions unless specified above

Accommodation

3-4 star hotels
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Minimum age 18Essentials tours not recommended for pax over 55 - upsell Handpicked
Additional Information
[object Object]
Trip ID
onthegotours-SYDCEX

Become a member

(it's free)
  • Save up to $700 per person
  • Access members-only specials
  • Personalize trip recommendations
Sign up and save
Top Tour Companies on Travelstride:
All 1,600+ companies >
Sign in to reveal savings up to $700 per person!