14 DAY SYDNEY TO CAIRNS EXPLORER

Pack your sunscreen for this trip, as we meet the group and travel over the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Heading up the coast, we’ll pass through Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park and stop in Kempsey (where the Akubra hat comes from) for lunch (own expense). It’s not far from here to the Central Coast and the start of our love-affair with heavenly Australian beaches. The pristine sands will hold your first surf lesson, before we take to the waves.

If you’re not up for surfing, take some time to explore the lush landscape and meet some of the friendly wildlife. We’ll all meet up around the campfire tonight. (D)

Today we’ll start the day how locals do, with an early morning surf to get the blood pumping.

Then it’s time to head up the coast on our way towards Northern New South Wales. Passing through Coffs Harbour (look for the Big Banana), Grafton and Ballina, it’s an extremely scenic journey!

We check in at Byron Bay, a relaxed beach destination that melds fertile rainforest with endless beaches and an alternative culture vibe. So dump your bags at the accommodation and let’s go check it out! (BL)

You’ve got a free day to explore Byron to your heart’s content.

There’s plenty of activities on hand – adrenalin junkies can skydive, scuba or sea kayak their way across the landscape (all own expense), while others might like to catch some rays and relax beachside. Cultivate your artistic bent with a visit to the local galleries and craft shops, or just unwind at a cafe and people watch for a while.

For those after healthier pursuits, take the scenic walk up to the lighthouse at Cape Byron and indulge in some potential dolphin spotting (seasonal) along the way (seasonal). The choice is yours… (B)

It’s a short hop today, as we cross over the Tweed River, into Queensland and the Gold Coast.

Cruising through the suburbs, we’ll get a feel for one of Australia’s most popular holiday spots. Expect warm beaches and even warmer locals (Google ‘Meter Maids’ if you don’t believe us).

Once we’ve arrived explore the surrounds on your own time – perhaps visit the nearby theme parks for some excitement, or just indulge in a spot of shopping. Tonight we regroup for a frame or two of bowling and some dinner, before getting a taste of the nightlife on offer – it’s gonna be a big one! (BD)

An hour’s drive north of the Gold Coast, we arrive in Brisbane, boarding one of the famed CityCats for a cruise along the river and a chance to gaze up at the skyline. Then we head onwards and upwards along the Bruce Highway, passing the Glasshouse Mountain range and hitting the Australia Zoo, made famous by Steve Irwin. There is time available to visit the zoo this afternoon (own expense). For the rest of us, we will make our way to Noosa, a popular resort town on the Sunshine Coast. Enjoy the endless beaches of the area, or just mosey around town. Tonight we’ll share a drink or two with the friendly locals. (B)

Today we’re taking a guided tour around the world’s largest sand island, Fraser Island! Join our local guides in a 4WD trip that drinks in the awesome beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage-listed site.

We’ll traverse the stunning Seventy Five Mile Beach, before entering the tropical part of the isle for a guided rainforest walk.

After a ‘fair dinkum’ (read: authentic) Aussie BBQ on the banks of Lake McKenzie, we’ll take to the waters for a cooling swim. There’s still time to stop off at Central Station, as well as witnessing the multi-coloured sands of Rainbow Beach before returning to Noosa. (BL)

Leaving the beach behind, we head inland and get a taste of country Australia! First stop is a visit to the Sandilands family, and their 10,000 acre cattle station. Breathe in the fresh air and get a feel for the wide open spaces. Spot some of the local kangaroos, enjoy this peaceful taste of the Australian bush. This afternoon get ready for the world-famous ‘Goat Rodeo’, before we settle in ’round the campfire for a tale or three. Don’t forget to try your skills on the Mechanical Bull, either! (BD)

Try your hand at goat mustering, horse riding, quad bike trailing or even trap shooting this morning. Then we jump on the bus and zoom up to Rockhampton (or ‘Rocky’ to its mates), Beef Capital of Queensland.

It’s not far from here to our overnight pit stop, set in the relaxed beach locales of Emu Park. You won’t need any help chilling out in a place like this! Go for a swim in the pool, take to the beach, or just enjoy the warm sunshine.

Tonight make the most of the locals’ hospitality as we tuck into a ‘Reef & Beef Dinner’, right by the ocean! (BLD)

Today get ready to chase the sun over the shimmering ocean. We arrive at Airlie Beach, resort town par excellence and gateway to the Whitsunday Islands. Think of the best tropical island you’ve visited, multiply it by 10 and you’re still nowhere near it – this place is paradise on earth. Step aboard our yacht and make passage through the inlets. Tonight you’ll gaze upon the stars from the deck and enjoy the relaxed vibes. (BD)

Wake up from the shelter of a nearby cove and get ready for a day of sailing! We’ll take in beautiful beaches, snorkel through colourful reefs and get a taste of tropical living. Weather permitting; we’ll visit Whitehaven Beach (the whitest sand you’ve ever seen) and Blue Pearl Bay. Then we plot a course for nearby South Molle Island, our home for the next two nights – take a turn on the helm if you’re up for it! (BLD)

Back on dry land, explore the idyllic surrounds of South Molle: feed the Rainbow Lorikeets, go snorkelling or swimming, even a quick 9 holes of golf if you feel the urge (own expense). There’s plenty of bushwalking tracks available, with scenic views of the Whitsundays and 17 (count ’em) private beaches if you want to get away. A walk up ‘Spion Kop’ (voted as one of the best island bushwalks) is a must. Either way, the pace is relaxed and the choice is all yours. (BD)

We’re up sailing early today, heading back to the mainland and Airlie Beach. From here, we head north and further up towards Far North Queensland (or FNQ as it’s sometimes known). Passing through the charming Townsville, it’s not far to the adventurous city of Cairns. The destination for many a traveller, it’s somewhat of a party town, which we’ll find out tonight after dinner (own expense). Having said that, you’re more than welcome to relax at the resort should the mood strike you? (B)

Where the rainforest meets the reef, that’s where you’ll find Cairns. Take advantage of these two spectacular natural landscapes with a day free for optional activities (all own expense)! Head out to the Great Barrier Reef for snorkelling or diving, and get an insight into this beautiful part of the world. Get your heart racing with some white water rafting along the Tully River, or tandem skydiving. Take a day trip into the Daintree Rainforest, or even go horse riding, quad biking, bungy jumping or hot air ballooning! As you can see, there’s a veritable cavalcade of things to do, and that’s without even mentioning the shopping options in Cairns. Tonight we can swap stories over dinner (own expense). (B)

For our last day in the tropics, we head further north along the coast to the resort town of Port Douglas. Take some time to explore, or just hit the beach. Those of a more cultural bent can join an optional tour with the local Kuku Yalanji people, where a guide will explain the cultural significance of their country, before introducing you to traditional spear fishing. Learn about the edible plants and medicines found around you, make your way through the mangroves and view the magnificent Niau Waterfall. The rest of the group will relax in Port Douglas before heading to the rainforest village of Kuranda, sampling some of their fine arts and crafts – a great way to end our adventure together. (B)