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800-781-4040
from $2599.00
Most of the Coast—Sydney to Cairns
Or call 800.781.4040
Day 1 Sydney
Arrive in Sydney at any time. There are no planned activities during the day, so check into the hotel and explore the city. Please try to arrive before 6pm for an important group welcome meeting where you can meet the Chief Experience Officer (CEO) and the other group members. If you arrive early enough, you'll have time to head down to the harbour's edge to 'The Rocks' historic area, the Opera House and visit the Botanical Gardens.
Day 2 Nundle Sheep Station (1B,1D)
Depart in the morning, drive to the famous wine region of the Hunter Valley for an included wine tasting and talk on the history of wine-making in the area. Afterwards, head to a small country town for lunch before continuing to Nundle Sheep Station for the night. At the sheep station you'll have a unique opportunity to meet old sheep shearer and experience a shearing demonstration and talk on sheep farming in the area. At the end of the day enjoy a lamb stew with the locals before sleeping in the historic shearer's quarters. Estimated travel time: 6 hours Travel distance: 380 km
Day 3 Bingara (1B,1D)
After breakfast, drive to the Country and Western music capital of Australia, Tamworth. Take a look around, maybe even grab a CD or two before heading to another small country town for lunch. Arrive in Bingara in the early afternoon for an included visit to a historic gold mine where you can try gold panning and gem grabbing. Then receive an interpretive talk from a local Jackaroo, a man who works on a cattle or sheep ranch. Horseback riding is a great optional activity which is available. At the end of the day, bed down at a hotel on a working farm. Estimated travel time: 3 hours Travel distance: 210 km
Day 4 Yamba (1B,1D)
Travel through the rainforest to the coastal town of Yamba. Opt to play lawn bowls with the locals or fish off the huge sea wall. Enjoy a swim in one of the great holes left by an old quarry. End an active day by savouring the local delicacy of fish and chips on the beach with fellow group members. Note: We originally included a hike to Bald Rock on this day but have removed this in favour of a shorter travel day with more time to explore and relax in Yamba. The itinerary is relatively fast-paced, and this small change allows for a more balanced tour. Estimated travel time: 5 hours Travel distances: 380 km
Day 5-6 Byron Bay (2B,1L)
After breakfast, travel the coastal road to the stunning surf and arts town of Byron Bay. Walk out to the lighthouse on the most easterly point of Australia where there is a chance to see whales swimming off the shore. Hang ten with the locals in an included surf lesson from a local surfer. We use soft big boards that provide more surface area and stability so everyone has a chance to ride a wave. Enjoy a lunch at a local vegetarian restaurant. Accommodation in Byron Bay is in a unique teepee camp in an exclusive section of an old hippy commune, embracing nature and a peaceful way of life. Find your inner zen during during an included morning yoga class on Day 6. The rest of the day is yours to explore—you may wish to walk along the long stunning beach, play in the surf, or simply hang out in the Buddha Bar and people watch. *April 5, 2013: Due to operational reasons, we will be staying in a local hostel instead of teepees for the coming months. Estimated travel time: 2 hours Travel distance: 128 km
Day 7 Brisbane (1B)
This morning head out of the relatively undeveloped area of Byron to Australia's most developed surf beach area 'The Gold Coast'. Famous for its stunning beaches, bronzed locals and meter maids who wear bikinis. We stay for a few hours to let you take it all in before heading an hour further up the road to Brisbane, Queensland's capital city. Our hotel is located in the central business district of Brisbane, take advantage of being in the heart of the city by visiting some local hot spots. Estimated travel time: 4 hours Travel distance: 288 km
Day 8-9 Fraser Island (2B,1L,1D)
A morning guided walking tour of Brisbane is followed by a train ride up the coast. A bus transfer takes us to our ferry for the trip to Fraser Island, the world's biggest sand island. Once settled in enjoy an evening BBQ with good company on the beach. Day 9 offers an included full day 4x4 trip taking in the highlights of this amazing island including; Lake Mckenzie, the rainforest, Pile Valley, 75 Mile Beach, Maheno Shipwreck, Stonetool, Sandblow and the coloured sands. Both nights are spent at a relaxing eco-lodge. Estimated travel time: 5 hours Travel distance: 250 km
Day 10 Cattle Station (1B,1D)
We transfer off the island by boat then catch the train up the 'Capricorn Coast' which is well-known as 'Cattle Country'. Arrive at a remote cattle station, where we will be located for the night. The workers from the property are excellent hosts as they teach about the history of the cattle station, the cattle industry, and some of the challenges of raising cattle in such a harsh environment. Tonight, experience life in Cattle Country the traditional way by sleeping outside in a swag (canvas bedroll) under the stars. This is bound to be one of the most unique and memorable nights of the trip. No worries, there are toilet and shower facilities nearby. Estimated travel time: 6 hours Travel distance: 416 km
Day 11-12 Whitsunday Islands Sailing (2B,1L,2D)
After a traditional Outback-style breakfast, transfer to the town of Mackay and embark on a maxi yacht which will be our home for the next three days. Set sail to a secluded cove in the Whitsunday Islands and enjoy some snorkelling before the anchor drops for the night. We are the only company to sail from south to north through the islands instead of backtracking while starting and finishing in the same point. Take advantage of the included snorkel gear, throw on a mask and see what lives in the Great Barrier Reef. (Note that fins are not provided in order to adhere with local coral conservation efforts.) The sailing route on Day 12 allows us to follow part of Captain Cook's route up through the Whitsunday Islands, stopping for swims and beach visits along the way. Options to SCUBA dive are available also. Again we drop anchor in a secluded bay for the night. Estimated travel time: 4 hours Travel distance: 281 km
Day 13 Whitsundays/Whitehaven Beach/Airlie Beach (1B)
A morning sail takes us to one of the most famous places in the Whitsundays, 'Whitehaven Beach'. Stroll along the impossibly white sand beach and go up to the lookout for a great view of the area. After an afternoon sail we arrive in the town of Airlie Beach for a comfortable stay in a local beach resort. Feel free to relax by the pool at the end of the day.
Day 14 Cairns
Early morning transfer to the train station. Sit back and admire the scenery as we travel along the coast, through sugar cane country, covering a fair amount of terrain up to Cairns. Estimated travel time: 7 hours Travel distance: 650 km
Day 15 Cairns (1B)
Depart at any time.
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