Tour Overview
Embark on the "Best of Australia" adventure tour, a thrilling journey through the diverse landscapes of Australia. Begin your exploration in Cairns, where you can opt to visit the Great Barrier Reef or follow an Indigenous guide through the Daintree Rainforest. Cruise the stunning Whitsundays, try surfing in Byron Bay, and hike the majestic Blue Mountains. Discover the iconic Three Sisters and take a scenic railway ride in Jamison Valley. Travel in style with a mix of private vehicles, boats, and planes, and enjoy comfortable accommodations, including a unique stay in a rainforest cabin. With free time in vibrant cities like Sydney and Cairns, this tour offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, ensuring an unforgettable Australian experience. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Cairns
Location: Cairns
Accommodation Name: Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns
Arrive at any time.
There are no activities planned until the evening welcome meeting.
ACTIVITY: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Day 2: Cairns/Cape Tribulation
Location: Cairns, Mossman Gorge, Daintree Rainforest, Cape Tribulation
Accommodation Name: Cape Tribulation Beach House
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Head north to Cape Tribulation. Stop en route to explore Mossman Gorge and take an interpretive walk through the Daintree Rainforest.
TRANSPORT: Travel 1.5 hrs to Mossman Gorge. Later, continue 2 hrs to Cape Tribulation.
ACTIVITY: Take an interpretive walk through the Daintree Rainforest. Follow an Indigenous guide and learn about bush food, medicinal plants and the lasting relationship of the Kuku Yalanji people with their natural environment. Find out how to make bush soap, watch an ochre painting demonstration and sample some bush tea.
Day 3: Cape Tribulation
Location: Cape Tribulation, Great Barrier Reef, Daintree National Park
Accommodation Name: Cape Tribulation Beach House
Meals Included: Breakfast
With a free day, opt for a trip to the Great Barrier Reef or to explore Daintree National Park.
FREE TIME: FULL DAY Head out and start exploring.
Day 4: Cape Tribulation/Cairns
Location: Cape Tribulation, Port Douglas, Cairns
Accommodation Name: Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns
Meals Included: Breakfast
Return to Cairns in the afternoon with free time to explore this laid-back city. En route, stop by Port Douglas and opt to have lunch at a local market.
TRANSPORT: AFTERNOON Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
FREE TIME: AFTERNOON Make the most of a few hours in this city.
Day 5: Cairns/Airlie Beach
Location: Cairns, Airlie Beach
Accommodation Name: Whitsunday Vista Holiday Apartments
Meals Included: Breakfast
Depart early for a full day of travel to reach Airlie Beach, enjoying scenic views along the way.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 6: Airlie Beach
Location: Airlie Beach, Whitsunday Islands, Great Barrier Reef, Whitehaven Beach
Accommodation Name: Whitsunday Vista Holiday Apartments
Meals Included: Lunch
Spend the day out on the water boating around the Whitsunday Islands, visiting the Great Barrier Reef. Opt to swim or snorkel, and hike to an island lookout over Whitehaven Beach, known for its stunning white sand. Return to Airlie Beach for the night.
ACTIVITY: Enjoy a day out on the water amidst some of the 74 tropical islands that make up the Whitsunday archipelago. Visit Whitehaven Beach, jump overboard for a quick refreshing dip, and make friends with the tropical fish that thrive within Australia's Great Barrier Reef.
ACTIVITY: The Whitsunday Islands are in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. Spend the day out on a boat cruising through the waters around the islands. Then, when it gets too hot, pull on a mask and snorkel and dive overboard to check out the variety of brightly coloured marine plants, coral and fish that thrive right in these warm tropical waters.
Day 7: Airlie Beach/Byron Bay
Location: Airlie Beach, Brisbane, Byron Bay
Accommodation Name: Byron Beachcomber
Fly to Brisbane and transfer to Byron Bay for two nights in this "hippie" paradise.
TRANSPORT: Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 8: Byron Bay
Location: Byron Bay
Accommodation Name: Byron Beachcomber
Spend a free morning exploring Byron or opt to prebook a kayaking tour. In the afternoon, you'll head to the beach for a surf lesson with a trained surf instructor. Enjoy a few hours of instruction before hitting the waves for some practice rides.
Pre-book the "Byron Bay Ocean Kayaking" activity on the checkout page ahead of time to include this optional experience on your tour.
ACTIVITY: Hit the beach and get ready to hang ten with a surf lesson from trained surf instructors. Spend some time in the water getting friendly with the waves, practice paddling, then pop up to balance on the wider, softer beginner boards. Too easy.
Day 9: Byron Bay/Port Macquarie
Location: Byron Bay, Port Macquarie
Accommodation Name: El Motor Inn Port Macquarie
Spend the morning wandering the town checking out the local shops or having one last coffee on the beach before heading to the coastal township of Port Macquarie, featuring all the beauty of the beach set alongside gorgeous national parks. Enjoy an evening in Port Macquarie.
FREE TIME: MORNING Get out and explore this lazy beach town.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 10: Port Macquarie/Blue Mountains
Location: Port Macquarie, Blue Mountains
Accommodation Name: Leisure Inn Spires
Meals Included: Breakfast
Travel from Port Macquarie to the Blue Mountains today. These mountains in Australia are best known for their soaring sandstone ridges. As you drive, pass by charming mountain towns, ancient Aboriginal rock art, lush green valleys, and loads of craggy cliffs. It doesn’t matter if the journey is shrouded in clouds or glowing in the sinking sun, you’ll still spot beauty around every turn.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 11: Blue Mountains
Location: Blue Mountains, Leura, Katoomba, Three Sisters, Jamison Valley
Accommodation Name: Leisure Inn Spires
Travel deeper into the majestic Blue Mountains and experience the natural beauty of this World Heritage Area. Explore the landscape around Leura and Katoomba, view the Three Sisters, take a walk in Jamison Valley, and ride on the Scenic Railway, the steepest railway in the world.
ACTIVITY: With charming Leura as your base, explore the major attractions of the Blue Mountains from sightseeing to bushwalking to cafés and more.
ACTIVITY: Take in some amazing lookouts over the Jamison Valley, via the iconic Three Sisters. Descend down the 900 step giant staircase to the valley floor. Walk amongst the beautiful forest to the steepest incline railway in the world — The Katoomba Scenic Railway. Opt to ride its 52-degrees angle or take the Scenic Cableway. If you're keen for more walking, and time permitting, take the 900 stairs back up.
ACTIVITY: This railway is steep and plunges into the rainforest and through the valley. The ride is scenically stunning. At the end, opt to take a rainforest walk or a cable car back to the visitor's centre.
Day 12: Blue Mountains/Sydney
Location: Blue Mountains, Sydney, Sydney Opera House
Accommodation Name: Rydges Sydney Central
This morning, leave the Blue Mountains behind and continue onward to Sydney. Once you arrive head out for an orientation walk before taking advantage of some free time to keep exploring. Opt to rent a bike, stroll the botanical gardens, or visit the iconic Opera House.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY: Discover the highlights of Sydney on an orientation walk with the CEO. They will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
FREE TIME: EVENING Get out and explore.
Day 13: Sydney
Location: Sydney, Bondi Beach
Accommodation Name: Rydges Sydney Central
Get a feel for the city. Relax seaside at Bondi Beach. Enjoy an optional night out with the group.
FREE TIME: FULL DAY Enjoy a free day to explore one of Australia's most exciting cities.
Day 14: Sydney
Location: Sydney
Depart at any time.
ACTIVITY: Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Hotels (11 nts), rainforest cabin (2 nts). -
Meals
5 breakfasts, 2 lunches -
Welcome Moment
Your Welcome Moment includes meeting your CEO and group.
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Indigenous Led Rainforest Walk
Experience an Indigenous led rainforest walk.
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Whitsunday Islands Boating Excursion
Enjoy a boating excursion around the Whitsunday Islands.
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Blue Mountains Stay with Hikes
Stay in the Blue Mountains and enjoy hikes.
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Scenic Railway
Ride the Scenic Railway, the steepest railway in the world.
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Jamison Valley Walk
Take a walk in the Jamison Valley.
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Orientation Walk in Sydney
Participate in an orientation walk in Sydney.
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Free Time in Cairns, Byron Bay, and Sydney
Enjoy free time in Cairns, Byron Bay, and Sydney.
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Internal Flight
An internal flight is included in the tour.
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Surf Lesson in Byron Bay
Take a surf lesson in Byron Bay.
What's Not Included
Tipping and Gratuities
Tipping and gratuities are not included.
Transport
Private vehicle, boat, plane, walking, ferry
Meals Included
5 breakfasts, 2 lunches
Accommodation
Enjoy comfortable stays in hotels for 11 nights and immerse yourself in nature with 2 nights in a rainforest cabin.
Group Size
Max 16, avg 12
Solo Travellers
We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price. ...more ...less
Meals
Eating is a big part of traveling. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility. Our groups tend to eat together for most meals but there is no obligation to so. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip.
On this trip we include one local breakfast experience. We love checking out what the locals are doing and what makes up their daily routines. In Italy that could be starting the day with an espresso and cornetto standing at the bar in a local café. in Australia it might include an iced coffee and sausage roll by the beach and in Vietnam it could be slurping a steaming bowl of pho sitting on a plastic stool on a busy street corner. Hey, variety is the spice of life!
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Mode of Transport
Travel in style with a mix of private vehicles, boats, planes, walking, and ferries to explore the stunning landscapes of Australia.
Minimum Age
You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.
Important Notes
1. Please note that this tour combines with other G Adventures tours. As such, the staff and some travel companions on your tour may have previously been traveling together with G Adventures, prior to Day 1 of your tour. Likewise, some staff and travel companions may be continuing together on another G Adventures tour, after your trip concludes.
2. Please be aware that wifi and internet access is not as readily available in Australia as in other parts of the world. There are often additional charges to connect to the internet, and speeds may be slower than what you are used to.
3. Over public holidays in Australia and New Zealand (such as Christmas, New Years Day, Easter, and Anzac Day) there may be some limitations of services and disruptions to schedules. In general our tours still operate effectively over public holidays, but there may be closures of optional activities and restaurants, and slight itinerary adjustments in order to provide all tour inclusions.
4. ACCOMMODATION NOTE:
Please be aware that properties we stay in with only two stories may not have elevators installed and climbing the stairs with your luggage will be necessary.
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Group Leader
All G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our Chief Experience Officers (CEO). The aim of the CEO is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds. ...more ...less
What to Take
The max luggage allowance on domestic flights within Australia is 1 checked bag (20 kgs) and 1 carry on (7 kgs) per person.
You will be on the move a lot, so our advice is to pack as lightly as possible.
We recommend using a backpack for your convenience, or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. Heavy luggage is not recommended for the health of the CEO, who will take a lead in loading the storage trailer. Due to space in the trailer, we will not be able to accommodate more than one piece of main luggage per person. A good size day-pack (20-35L) is also essential to carry your personal gear for the day, as access to luggage between destinations will be limited. This daypack will be used to carry your personal gear for the day, your lunch and a water bottle.
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Spending Money
Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip. ...more ...less
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of transportation is used during the tour?
The tour includes a mix of private vehicles, boats, planes, walking, and ferries to explore the stunning landscapes of Australia.
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour offers comfortable stays in hotels for 11 nights and 2 nights in a rainforest cabin to immerse yourself in nature.
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Are there any meals included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes 5 breakfasts and 2 lunches.
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Is there a minimum age requirement for this tour?
Yes, you must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors traveling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.
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What activities are included in the Blue Mountains visit?
In the Blue Mountains, you will explore the landscape around Leura and Katoomba, view the Three Sisters, take a walk in Jamison Valley, and ride on the Scenic Railway, the steepest railway in the world.
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What can I expect during the Indigenous led rainforest walk?
During the Indigenous led rainforest walk, you will follow an Indigenous guide and learn about bush food, medicinal plants, and the lasting relationship of the Kuku Yalanji people with their natural environment. You will also find out how to make bush soap, watch an ochre painting demonstration, and sample some bush tea.
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What is the group size for this tour?
The maximum group size is 16, with an average of 12 participants.
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Is tipping included in the tour price?
No, tipping and gratuities are not included in the tour price.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
G Adventures was established in 1990
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Most of our trips do not have a single supplement. This means that the accommodation is on a twin share basis and, if travelling on your own, you will be sharing a room with another G Adventures traveller of the same sex. Some tours have an optional single supplement. An optional service that may be available is called "My Own Room". This service allows solo travellers to request their own room.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
It's extremely difficult if not impossible to join a tour after it has begun. It is possible to leave a tour early however you will be responsible for your own arrangements from the moment you decide to leave the tour. You would also be responsible for all costs associated with joining a tour late or leaving one early. If you feel this may be necessary, please consult us before you book.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
https://www.gadventures.com/travel-with-confidence/
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
https://www.gadventures.com/about-us/core-values/
Reviews of this operator
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Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
G Adventures allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
G Adventures requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of g adventures charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Best of Australia
14 Days Starting in Cairns, Australia and ending in Sydney, Australia
Visiting: Cairns, Mossman Gorge, Daintree Rainforest, Cape Tribulation, Great Barrier Reef, Daintree National Park, Port Douglas, Airlie Beach, Whitehaven Beach, Brisbane, Byron Bay, Port Macquarie, Blue Mountains, Leura, Katoomba, Three Sisters, Jamison Valley, Sydney, Sydney Opera House, Bondi Beach ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
24251
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 16
Age range:
12-
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
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