Check in to your hotel and head straight out into Sydney. From the high-energy downtown area to its popular beaches, Sydney has something for everyone.

• Hotel

Meet up with your fellow travellers and Tour Manager in
Sydney. From the high-energy downtown area to its popular beaches, Sydney has something for everyone.

Start your trip with a sightseeing tour around the city with your Tour Manager. First up, we head into the historic district where you’ll get an overview of the glistening harbour from Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, a famous sandstone seat carved by convicts. You’ll soon understand why this is one the world’s most beautiful harbour cities. See the sails of the UNESCO World Heritage listed Sydney Opera House and the iconic Harbour Bridge and maybe even get a feel for the sun and surf lifestyle of Bondi Beach.

This afternoon, we arrive in the popular holiday spot of Port Stephens, known for its boating, fishing and warm hospitality. Here, you can join our optional dolphin cruise tour and get up close to some bottlenose dolphins, or choose our sand-boarding optional and hit the massive dunes.

Otherwise stretch your legs with a walk along the beach. Tonight, get to know your group, Tour Manager and Driver over a typical Aussie BBQ dinner and kick back with a few local beers.

• Resort

• Dinner

Chill out on the coach today and chat with your travel buddies as we head north. We stop by the seaside town of Port Macquarie for lunch before heading to Coffs Harbour, home to surf beaches, fishing and banana plantations.

This is a chance for a real Aussie experience as we arrive at our Surf Camp. Hit the waves & learn to surf with some professional instructors as you have a go at Australia’s national sport in this fun optional activity.

Our cabins are right on the beach, so soak up the surf vibes and relax by the open fire under the stars.

• Surf Village

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First up, we visit gorgeous Byron Bay. With a laid-back lifestyle, cute little shops, organic food, alternative therapies and around 30km of pretty beaches, it’s a must see. Byron Bay is also known for its incredible marine life. Head out to Cape Byron, Australia’s most easterly point and see dolphins and humpback whales if you’re lucky, then grab some lunch back in town and maybe take a swim at the beach.

Later, we cross over into Queensland and visit the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, where you’ll get up close to Australia’s amazing native animals. Cuddle a koala, feed the kangaroos and see wombats, emus, crocodiles, dingoes, Tasmanian devils and colourful birds. You can feel good about doing this too, as our visits to this not-for-profit organisation go towards the sanctuary’s animal hospital and help over 4000 injured animals every year.

Tonight, we pull into legendary Surfers Paradise, the Gold Coast’s party hot spot and home to some of the best surfing beaches in the world.

Grab some of your new friends and join the party atmosphere of Surfers Paradise tonight. With loads of restaurants and buzzing nightlife, there’s something for everybody. Head to the happening Orchid or Cavill Avenues, where clubs and bars line the street or shoot some pool at the pub.

• Hotel

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With a free day, hang out among the bronzed bodies and surfers on the golden sands. Our hotel is only a short walk from the beach.

For adrenaline-junkies, there’s an optional tandem skydive, where you can get your thrills and an amazing bird’s eye view over the area. Otherwise, try out some kayaking or even a Harley Davidson ride – your Tour Manager can help you get the most out of your time here.

You could also hit the shops – Surfers has some great places to shop and a huge outlet mall for bargains, so get some tips from your Tour Manager.

Tonight, there’s the chance to experience ‘Draculas’ – a fun vampire-themed cabaret show and dinner. Watch dancers, singers and comedians perform as you tuck into a three course meal.

• Hotel

We stop off in Brisbane today. You’ll get a feel for the capital of Queensland’s laid-back atmosphere when we have a look around town.

There’s an opal carving demonstration here where you’ll learn all about Australia’s national gemstone. Have a go at rock-cracking and maybe even pick up a piece of opal to take back home.

Then we continue up the Sunshine Coast to Noosa, a trendy beach resort town. You could go local and grab some fish’n’chips to take down to the beach for lunch or head to the Surf Club for a bite to eat.

This evening, we jump on board a ferry and cruise out to famous Fraser Island, where we’ll stay at an eco-lodge for our time here. Each cabin has its own kitchenette and living room, as well as a balcony – perfect for hanging out & watching the sunset on.

Tonight, feast on our included buffet dinner at the Dingo Bar with the group and follow it up with some dancing or even some karaoke.

• Eco Lodge

• Breakfast
• Dinner

Experience a slice of paradise on Fraser Island today. This UNESCO World Heritage listed site is the largest sand island in the world and is 800,000 years old. Packed with around 40 fresh-water lakes, lush rainforests and diverse wildlife, Fraser Island lives up to its amazing reputation.

There’s a regular shuttle from our accommodation down to the main resort area, so you can take off and explore at your own pace.

With optional Fraser Island day tours, our Eco-Rangers will show you some of the island’s best spots and hidden treasures – make sure you keep your camera handy – this is one of Australia’s most beautiful regions. Head along 75 Mile Beach and make a stop at the gorgeous freshwater lake, Lake McKenzie, where you can have a swim.

If its whale season and the conditions are right, there’s a half day tour out on Hervey Bay, where you can see these incredible animals in their natural habitat.

With a free night, you could join your Tour Manager for drinks at sunset and a meal down by the water.

• Eco Lodge

Back on the mainland this morning, we continue inland to an authentic country homestead, right in the heart of Queensland’s cattle country. During our time at Langmorn, a working cattle station, you’ll experience a taste of real Aussie country life.

The farmer will show you around the enormous property in a behind-the-scenes look at daily life on the farm. Then taste local hospitality tonight as your warm hosts pile your table high with a hearty roast dinner.

Later, have a go at whip cracking under night lights and if it’s cool, settle in around the bonfire, kick back with a drink and hang out with your new friends.

• Country Homestead

• Breakfast
• Dinner

This morning, we stop off in Rockhampton, the beef-farming capital of Australia that spans the Tropic of Capricorn.

As we make our way up the Capricorn Coast, the landscape becomes more tropical. Plug in your MP3 or chat with friends as we drive through scenic Mackay, with countryside full of vibrant green vegetation and sugar cane plantations.

In the afternoon, visit the backpackers’ hub Airlie Beach with its turquoise waters and busy café scene before boarding a boat out to stunning Daydream Island in the Whitsundays.

As we cruise, soak up the crystal clear waters, white sands and mountain peaks of the islands.

• Resort

• Breakfast
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After an included continental breakfast, day 1 is a free day to enjoy the picture-perfect Whitsundays.

If you’re keen to explore further afield and see the UNESCO listed Great Barrier Reef first hand, choose our optional trip to the Outer Barrier Reef. Our fun Local Guides will kit you out with snorkel gear and show you around this natural wonder.

Otherwise, slow the pace down, kick back and make the most of the fantastic facilities available at the resort. Go for a rainforest walk, swim in the pool, get into some beach or water sports, try your hand at fish-feeding, catch a film at the big outdoor cinema or laze about on the beach. Resort (B)

On day 2, get away from it all with our optional day sail. Check out some of the Whitsunday’s 74 islands from the boat – you’ll soon understand why this region is so famous. Experience what is known as one of the top ten beaches in the world, the uninhabited Whitehaven Beach.

Swim off the boat and play beach volleyball or cricket with the local skipper and crew before enjoying a tasty lunch and a few drinks on the way back to Daydream Island.

• Resort

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After a ferry back to the mainland, we catch a quick flight to the popular traveller’s hub of Cairns. With a colourful tropical setting, vibrant restaurant scene and happening nightlife, this gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and rainforests is one of Australia’s hottest destinations.

• Resort

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It’s another flight this morning to world-famous Uluru and into the remote red rock country of Australia’s outback.

Tonight, catch the sun set over the UNESCO World Heritage listed Uluru (Ayers Rock. If you all put in some change, you can grab some nibbles and a bottle of champagne to toast this amazing view.

• Lodge

• Breakfast

Start off the morning nice and early and watch the sun rise over this iconic natural wonder from the viewing area.

Get familiar with Uluru when your Tour Manager takes you around its base and gives you the background of the spiritual significance of this site for Aboriginal people.

For something different, choose an optional Harley Davidson ride or scenic flight.

Learn more about indigenous culture at the Cultural Centre before visiting Kata Tjuta, which means “many heads” – this spot is famous for its 36 different rock formations.

After sunset, you can kick back beside the pool at the resort, wander around town or just hang out with your friends.

• Lodge

• Breakfast

It’s an easy-going start to the day today. Your Tour Manager will cook up a storm for breakfast, so load up on bacon and eggs.

We swing by a traditional Australian roadhouse and then pull back into Alice Springs.

Tonight, join the group for an optional dinner at the Overlander Steakhouse, where you can try out kangaroo, crocodile, camel and steak while listening to live Aussie folk songs.

• Hotel

• Breakfast

You’ll get a real feel for this rustic and remote outpost as your Tour Manager introduces you to the local area. We visit the Desert Park where you’ll walk through different habitats found in the Northern Territory, including creeks, woodlands and sand dunes and learn about the plant and wildlife that survive in some of the world’s toughest conditions. You’ll also see animals from the Central Australian deserts that are almost impossible to see in the wild.

Later, we head into the stunning West MacDonnell National Park. We’ll stop at the important spiritual site for Aborigines, Simpsons Gap, where you’ll see rock-climbing wallabies, gum trees and a small water hole. Don’t forget to bring your swimming gear.

Use your free time this afternoon to check out the galleries and local Aboriginal art scene – this is the perfect opportunity to pick up some different gifts for back home.

Later, you’ll understand just how remote Alice Springs is and get an insider’s view on life in the outback at the Royal Flying Doctors. Our Local Guide will fill us in on the distances these doctors travel! We also visit the Old Telegraph Station, the original European settlement in the area, then head to Anzac Hill for full blown views over the desert.

The tour ends this afternoon and it’s time to farewell your new friends and Tour Manager.