16 Days Australia: Beaches and Reefs

The one that lets you soak up the sun, white sands & glistening shores of the East Coast

Ahh, the famous East Coast, where you can expect wildlife tours and bushwalks between beaches and sunsets. Kicking things off in Sydney, you’ll sleep at an Eco Camp in the Noosa Everglades, breakfast with koalas on Magnetic Island, learn to surf at Byron Bay and gaze out over the Whitsundays from Airlie Beach. This is a one way ticket to wanting to live the Aussie lifestyle for good.

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DAY 1 SYDNEY

Sydney

Welcome to Sydney (Warrane)! Meet up with your brand new travel family and hit the road and head on a day trip to one of Australia's finest: the majestic Blue Mountains (which aren't actually blue, but are still beautiful all the same). Out here in the great Aussie Outdoors we'll be learning about the legends behind the famous Three Sisters rock formation as well as exploring the Jamison Ridge area. We'll head back to the city and the evening is yours to make the most of.

Hotel Wake Up (or similar)

Included Experiences

Day Trip to the Blue Mountains - Dramatic scenery. Fresh mountain air filling your lungs. A World Heritage Site. If that’s your thing, prepare to be impressed.

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DAY 2 SYDNEY

Sydney

This morning set out to explore this sun-drenched, cosmopolitan and eternally cool city. Your Trip Manager will give you the low down on all of the best bits as you get a tour of the highlights. Check out the Opera House, catch the ferry to Watsons Bay to experience the iconic skyline from a different perspective, then venture over to Bondi Beach where you can spend the afternoon lazing about in the sunshine. If you've got a head for heights, an optional Harbour Bridge climb is the best way to see that iconic harbour.

Meals Breakfast

Hotel Wake Up (or similar)

Included Experiences

Guided Walking Tour of Sydney - The Opera House. ANZAC Memorial. Royal Botanic Gardens. It’s all here for you to post on social and make your friends jealous!

Find a Spot on Bondi Beach - Step onto the golden stretch of one of the world’s most famous beaches. The ultimate sandy nirvana for sun worshippers.

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

Harbour Bridge Climb - See the city skyline at its best as you take the climb of your life up the famous Harbour Bridge. (Please note that all prices are in local currency & rates may change according to the time of year, i.e. peak times, during special events & festivals.)

Adult: 285.00 AUD

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DAY 3 SYDNEY

Sydney

With a full free day to choose your own adventure, we have some fab Free Time Add-Ons for you to pick from. Water-lovers can opt for a jetboat across the Harbour or those who prefer the land, can jump on a bike for a tour of the city's best bits.

Meals Breakfast

Hotel Wake Up (or similar)

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

Sydney Harbour Jet Boat Ride - Get a thrill on a jet boat ride whilst making the most of Sydney Harbour. All prices are in local currency.

Adult: 85.00 AUD

Sydney Highlights Bike Tour - Explore Sydney's biggest and best views on two wheels! (Please note that all prices are in local currency. The advertised rate may change depending on the day of the week you're visiting and/or number of participants.)

Adult: 90.00 AUD

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DAY 4 SYDNEY TO BYRON BAY

Sydney

With satisfaction levels at a high this morning we jump on a plane to Byron Bay where all your hippie dreams can come to life.

Byron Bay

Landing in Byron Bay (Cavvanbah), we'll drop off our bags at the accommodation and start as we mean to go on, heading straight to the beach. Here we'll unleash our secret talent for surfing with an included lesson. You'll be a pro in no time!

Hotel Wake Up (or similar)

Included Experiences

Fly to Byron Bay - Passports at the ready folks.

Ride out the Waves with a Surf Lesson - You’re booked in for an aernoon surf lesson. Side note: schedule some chillout time aerwards – you might ache from wrestling the tides.

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DAY 5 BYRON BAY

Byron Bay

We'll continue the surf vibes today with the option to kickstart our morning with sunrise at Australia's most easterly point. Then you have the rest of the day free to explore like a local. With the afternoon stretched out ahead of you, there's kayaking, relaxing on the beach and whale watching (seasonal) all on offer - your time here will be nothing short of magic.

Hotel Wake Up (or similar)

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

Byron Bay Lighthouse at Sunrise - Wipe the sleep from your eyes and get moving - it'll be worth it, promise - it's time to travel upto the Byron Bay Lighthouse. Watch a stunning sunrise from one of the best spots in Byron Bay. All prices are in local currency.

Adult: 10.00 AUD

Byron Bay Sea Kayaking - Get off land & into the water with a guided kayak adventure in Byron Bay. In your two person kayak, you might have the chance paddle along with dolphins, turtles & sometimes even whales (if you're lucky!). You'll also make a stop at a stunning beach for a real Aussie treat of Tim Tam's, tea & maybe a swim if you're up for it! With your fully qualified guide on hand to tell you all about the area & show you the sights, it's the perfect way to experience the beaches & scenery of Byron Bay.

Adult: 85.00 AUD

See Glow Worms IRL on a Bike - We'll head out on our bikes for an exhilarating ride in the dark (don't worry, you'll have experienced guides and lights for your safety). You'll have the chance to see Glow Worms in their natural habitat. Trust us, unforgeable is an understatement.

Adult: 90.00 AUD

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DAY 6 BYRON BAY TO NOOSA EVERGLADES

Byron Bay

It's time to wave goodbye to Byron Bay and head up the coast to Noosa Everglades. But first, why not opt for early morning yoga on the beach as you watch the golden sun stretch over the famous bay?

Noosa Everglades

Relaxed from our morning on the beach, we'll head to our next destination, the Noosa Everglades. Here we'll unpack at our Special Stay Eco Lodge home for the next two nights and relax with a group dinner in the bistro & bar area, surrounded by the chatter and rustling of local birds and kangaroos.

Meals Breakfast, Dinner

Hotel Kangarooms Noosa Everglades (or similar)

Included Experiences

See (and Consume) Things Differently at ‘The Farm’ MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience - We’ll say hey to Scoish cows and English pigs. We’ll explore a unique 80-acre farm, where the farmers share a passion for sustainability. We’ll sample food that’s grown using traditional methods and is 100% chemical-free. What ‘moo’ could you ask for?

Chill at an Eco Lodge in Noosa - The gateway to tree-lined waterways and ancient rainforests of Noosa Everglades. And if that doesn’t tempt you: there’s a micro-brewery onsite.

Spot Kangaroos from your Cabin - Our Special Stay Eco Lodges are in the heart of the action. You may even have a jumping joey as a friendly neighbour.

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

Byron Bay Yoga - Get your zen on with an optional morning yoga session. You'll be le feeling cool, calm & ready to take on the day ahead of you. All prices are in local currency.

Adult: 10.00 AUD

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DAY 7 NOOSA EVERGLADES (INCLUDING K'GARI)

Noosa Everglades

Wake up to the sound of birds chirping at our Eco Camp this morning (you might even spot a kangaroo) and grab a quick brekkie before heading out for a day on K'Gari.

K’Gari (Fraser Island)

Your spirits will be at an all-time high after this day full of sand dunes, scenic lakes and dense rainforests. We'll cruise along the world's longest sand highway before you appease your hunger with a tasty lunch.

Noosa Everglades

It's back to the Eco Camp this evening for our final night here. You have free time to tuck into some food at the bistro, sample the offerings at the CootharaBAR boutique brewery, or just relax and enjoy the lush surroundings of this beautiful protected National Park.

Meals Breakfast, Lunch

Hotel Kangarooms Noosa Everglades (or similar)

Included Experiences

Explore K’Gari (Fraser Island) - Sand dunes. Check. Lakes. Check. Rainforest. Check. World’s longest sand highway. Check. Possibly one of the coolest places we know.

Float around Lake Mackenzie - Thanks to the white sand and turquoise waters, you’ll think you’re stranded on a paradise island.

Eat Lunch on a World Heritage Island - Ready for some true tranquillity? Today you’ll have the chance to dine and unwind on the simply stunning island of K’Gari (Fraser Island).

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DAY 8 NOOSA EVERGLADES TO AIRLIE BEACH

Noosa Everglades

What better way to say goodbye to The Glades than with an optional Canoeing Excursion on one of only two Everglades in the world! Afterwards we're on our way to find coastal nirvana at the pristine beaches of the Whitsundays. We'll hop on a plane for a flight to Airlie Beach.

Airlie Beach

Landing in Airlie Beach, you'll notice everything starting to look a bit more tropical. Hello Whitsundays! This afternoon is yours for the taking. Head out and enjoy the endless cafes, bars and ocean vistas this backpacker hub has to offer.

Meals Breakfast

Hotel Nomads Airlie Beach (or similar)

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

Noosa Everglades Canoe Tour - Want an unforgeable wilderness experience, in one of the only two Everglades in the world? Take our optional Noosa Everglades canoeing excursion, for the opportunity to connect with nature in one of the world's most pristine environments. You'll have the chance to canoe around the glades & take in the stunning River of Mirrors. All prices are in local currency.

Adult: 70.00 AUD

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DAY 9 AIRLIE BEACH

Airlie Beach

Is there anywhere in the world more beautiful than the Whitsundays? We think not. With 74 perfect islands at your fingertips, an open sea calling your name, today you'll get to explore one of the worlds most lusted-after holiday destinations with a day trip to the spotless Whitehaven Beach, including snorkelling. This is as close to heaven as you can find on planet earth.

Meals Lunch

Hotel Nomads Airlie Beach (or similar)

Included Experiences

Day Trip to the Whitsundays - Grab your new buddies, snorkel round the reef, see ‘the world’s best beach’ and eat lunch on a boat. A proper ‘pinch yourself’ moment.

Snorkel Australia’s Best Reefs - The Great Barrier Reef is home to nearly 9,000 species of sea creatures. This means it’ll impress even the saltiest ‘sea dogs’

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DAY 10 AIRLIE BEACH

Airlie Beach

We've got a free day in Airlie Beach today! This vibrant hub of the Whitsundays is ours to explore. We could get out onto the waters with an optional sea kayaking adventure, take to the sky with a Skydive over Australia's most beautiful drop zone or even a relaxing scenic flight over the Whitsunday islands including Whitehaven Beach and Heart Reef. For those looking for a more relaxed option, kick back on the beach sipping something sweet or explore the cute boutiques, bistros and alfresco restaurants that adorn the seafront. It's a hard life.

Hotel Nomads Airlie Beach (or similar)

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

Skydive from 8,500/15,000 - Got skydiving on your bucket list? Wanna push yourself to the very limits? Take the plunge on a 8,500 or 15,000 skydive in Airlie Beach. (Please note that all prices are in local currency. The cost is $279 for a 8,500 skydive and $339 for a 15,000 skydive.)

Adult: 279.00 AUD

Half Day Sea Kayaking - Get off land & into the water on a half day kayak adventure in Arlie Beach. All prices are in local currency.

Adult: 115.00 AUD

Reef & Island Scenic Flight - Soar across the reefs and islands on a scenic flight. All prices are in local currency.

Adult: 299.00 AUD 

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DAY 11 AIRLIE BEACH TO MAGNETIC ISLAND VIA TOWNSVILLE

Airlie Beach

Is there anything better than the Whitsundays? We think our next destination definitely comes close! We'll board a coach this morning heading for Townsville. Townsville Here we'll board the ferry to our next destination. Magnetic Island Magnetic Island (Yunbenun) is an apt name for this captivating isle, with its coastal walking trails and gum trees teeming with lazy koala bears. We'll have plenty of time to explore, partake in watersports in the bright turqouise waters or meet some of the local marsupials. But this evening, we'll enjoy some champagne and watch the sun set over the bay.

Meals Dinner

Hotel Nomads Magnetic Island (or similar)

Included Experiences

Catch a Local Ferry to Magnetic Island - Catch a boat from the mainland to Magnetic Island.

Watch a Magnetic Island Sunset - Pack some comfy shoes and climb up to Hawking's Point for sundown. Yoga poses for Insta: optional.

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DAY 12 MAGNETIC ISLAND

Magnetic Island

We have a whole day on this paradise island - lucky us! Check out some of the walking trails - such as the Forts Walk which offers up stunning views of the Palm Island Group as well as WWII fortifications, and the chance to see koalas in the wild - or enjoy some free time at Horseshoe bay, taking a dip on the azure waters and relaxing on the beach. See Magnetic Island's resident Rock Wallabies at dusk before a free evening, where we can watch the sunset and check out some of the local bars.

Meals Breakfast

Hotel Nomads Magnetic Island (or similar)

Included Experiences

Hike Magnetic Island Fort Walk - Go koala-spoing, see WWII fortifications, or just have a beer in the sun. There’s something for everyone on this trail.

Spot Rock Wallabies at Dusk - Mingle with Magnetic Island's resident Rock Wallabies at dusk. Just watch these cheeky lile guys don’t steal your wallet!

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DAY 13 MAGNETIC ISLAND TO CAIRNS VIA TOWNSVILLE

Magnetic Island

This morning we'll say farewell to our koala friends and depart Magnetic Island on a ferry. But we'll never forget its singular beauty.

Townsville

Back in Townsville we won't hang around too long, as we're hopping on a train headed to Cairns, where we'll arrive late afternoon after a gloriously scenic journey along Australia's East Coast.

Cairns

Welcome to the city of Cairns (Gimuy), where rainforests meet reefs. We'll enjoy one of the most memorable meals you've ever experienced today with our interactive Bush Food MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® tutorial and dinner. An experienced chef will guide us through a history of Bush Food as you sample a variety of native spices and fruits, explaining their tastes, origins, and traditional uses before we enjoy our dinner, which features native game. It's an incredible cultural feast, and the perfect way to start our adventure in Cairns.

Meals Lunch, Dinner

Hotel Gilligans (or similar)

Included Experiences

Catch a Local Ferry to Townsville - Catch a boat from Magnetic Island to the mainland. Wave goodbye to your new BFF Reggie the Koala and promise you’ll write.

Ride the Railway to Cairns - Things heat up as the landscape gets even more tropical. Soak up the scenery on this train trip from Townsville to Cairns.

Dig into Quality ‘Bush Tucker’ MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience - Eat like a local with this chef-guided bush food tutorial and dinner (thankfully, not a witchey grub in sight!)

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DAY 14 CAIRNS

Cairns

Rise and shine, our entire day today is an unforgettable MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experience, packed with history, heritage and natural beauty, as we enjoy a spectacular a day trip to the oldest tropical rainforest in the world: Daintree. With its ancient ferns and vibrant canopies, this place will take our breath away. There's a reason David Attenborough called it 'the most extraordinary place on earth.' As well as admiring the lush rainforest, we'll also meet the local Kuku Yalanji people and learn about their rich Aboriginal culture and history. We'll get the chance to view a smoking ceremony and take an art class with an Aboriginal artist. We'll also learn about ancient Dreamtime stories, local history and how these are shared through art. Then, we'll get to create our own unique souvenir to take home in the form of a canvas that tells our own stories. What a day; and we're not done yet.

Meals Breakfast, Lunch

Hotel Gilligans (or similar)

Included Experiences

Discover Daintree Rainforest - Check out the oldest rainforest in the world, home to frogs, buerflies, bats and more.

Do Daintree with a Guide MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience - Tour the world’s oldest rainforest with an expert. Sir David Aenborough called Daintree: ‘the most extraordinary place on earth’.

Immerse yourself in Aboriginal Art MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience - Learn how ancient ‘Dreamtime’ stories were shared through art. Then unleash your inner Banksy and create a masterpiece at the Janbal Gallery.

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DAY 15 CAIRNS

Cairns

Today you'll have the option to board a catamaran out to the reef to snorkel or dive in the crystal waters and gaze at the colourful coral and even more vibrant marine life. Back on board, the expert marine crew will tell us all there is to know about this stunning, but vulnerable, natural miracle.

Meals Breakfast

Hotel Gilligans (or similar)

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

Great Barrier Reef Cruise MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience - Make the most of a full day out to Australia’s most famous natural wonder on board a luxury catamaran. Have a go snorkelling, check out the colourful coral in a semi-submersible & listen to a marine biologist’s presentation. Lunch & snacks are included, so all you have to do is enjoy yourself. All prices are in local currency. 

Adult: 255.00 AUD

Scuba Diving (In Addition to Outer Barrier Reef Cruise)

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DAY 16 CAIRNS

Cairns

Our adventure ends this afternoon, but not before we have a chance to escape our comfort zones and try some of the adventurous activities that Cairns is famous for. Anyone for bungy jumping?

Meals Breakfast

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

Jump Off the AJ Hacke Bungy Tower - Experience the sensation of free-falling when you jump from the world-famous AJ Hacke Bungy Tower. Otherwise, you can have a go on the Giant Jungle Swing & swing through the gorgeous rainforest at speeds of up to 100kph. (Please note that all prices are in local currency & will depend on your choice of a bungy, swing or both. The price advertised is for a bungy jump.)

Adult: 165.00 AUD

Skyrail Experience MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience - They call it scenic for a reason! Enjoy amazing views of the rainforest from the Skyrail. To get the lowdown on the different options available, just speak to your Trip Manager. (Please note that all prices are in local currency, and that the advertised price is an indication only.)

Adult: 120.00 AUD

Raging Thunder - Barron River Raing - Row, row, row your boat not so gently down the Barron River...on this half a day White Water Raing experience. All prices are in local currency.

Adult: 165.00 AUD

Jump from 15,000 in Cairns - Got skydiving on your bucket list? Love to push yourself to the limits? Take the plunge on a skydive in Cairns, where you'll enjoy incredible views of both the rainforest and the ocean. (Please note that all prices are in local currency, the advertised price is for the 15.000 jump, and may change based on the season/day of the week of your visit.)

Adult: 349.00 AUD