Most of the Coast: Sydney to Cairns
Most of the Coast: Sydney to Cairns
$3599
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable adventure from Sydney to Cairns with the "Most of the Coast" tour, perfect for those aged 18 to thirty-somethings seeking an exhilarating experience. This small group journey offers a blend of surfing at Spot X Surf Camp, exploring the vibrant culture of Byron Bay, and immersing in Indigenous traditions on K'gari (Fraser Island). Travel in style via private vehicles, trains, and ferries, while staying in hostels and unique accommodations. Highlights include a Whitsunday sailing excursion, a visit to Whitehaven Beach, and a thrilling 4x4 adventure on K'gari. With plenty of free time to explore iconic Australian destinations, this tour promises a perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Sydney
Location: Sydney
Accommodation Name: Wake Up! Sydney
Arrive at any time.
There's nothing quite like a night out to get people comfortable with one another. Hit up Side Bar, connected to where you will be staying at the Wake Up Hostel in Sydney. This is the liveliest bar around, sporting a huge young and local crowd. There’s always non-stop action with the entertainment so get ready to have a few drinks, let your hair down, and dance until you drop! ...more ...less
There are no planned activities during the day, so check into the hotel and explore the city.
If you arrive early enough, head down to the harbour's edge to 'The Rocks' historic area.
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.
ACTIVITY: Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.
Day 2: Sydney
Location: Sydney
Accommodation Name: Wake Up! Sydney
Meals Included: Breakfast
Immerse yourself in all things Sydney with a free day to explore the oldest and biggest Australian city. Glide along the harbour on a ferry and gaze at the white sails of the Opera House gleaming in the sun. Get lost as you wander the narrow, cobbled laneways and take in Sydney’s fabled history. Catch some rays on the sand at Bondi Beach or duck out of your comfort zone and surf the green-barrel breaks just off shore, and perhaps treat yourself to a scenic flyover tour of the city. The choice is yours so get as adventurous as you like in the "Land Down Under"!
FREE TIME: FULL DAY There's lots to do and see in Sydney – make the most of a free day to explore.
ACTIVITY: Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she 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.
Day 3: Sydney/Arrawarra
Location: Sydney, Coffs Harbour
Accommodation Name: Spot X Surf Camp
Meals Included: Dinner
It's all aboard today as you take the train north to Coffs Harbour. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the views. After pulling into Coffs Harbour station, the group will travel to Spot X Surf Camp, our base for the next few days.
TRANSPORT: Sit back, relax, and enjoy the train views as you head north.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 4: Arrawarra
Location: Arrawarra
Accommodation Name: Spot X Surf Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
As the sun rises along the ocean hit the beach for an included surf lesson with Spot X. Located in one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the country they are completely devoted to the surf lifestyle.
Spend some time in the sun and laughing in the waves with your travel tribe before heading out on a kangaroo trek. Then it’s time for a free afternoon to enjoy your surroundings. Soak up views of Solitary Islands Marine Park, embark on a rockpool scramble to look for fish traps and sea creatures, or wander over to Mullawarra beach for a picnic. Your only real job today is to have fun!
ACTIVITY: Take to the waves with an included surf lesson at the secret Spot X. Learn to paddle, stand, and ride a wave into shore! With top-notch instructors in the water, get ready to ride the swells like a local in no time.
FREE TIME: AFTERNOON Head out for a swim or simply chill on the beach. The afternoon is yours!
ACTIVITY: Observe kangaroos (and their joeys) in their natural habitat during an hour-long trek through the coastal bushland around Arrawarra. Along the way, pass Indigenous midden sites with fossilized shells. Don't forget your camera!
Day 5: Arrawarra/Byron Bay
Location: Arrawarra, Byron Bay
Accommodation Name: Wake Up! Byron Bay
Meals Included: Breakfast
Adventure through lush national parks, stunning beaches, rolling green hills, and small but vibrant towns full of charm and authentic Australian culture as the group drives from Arrawarra to Byron Bay. Grab lunch in the surf and arts town of Byron Bay, before walking to Cape Byron Lighthouse to see the easternmost point in the country. If luck is on your side you may glimpse migrating whales and pods of resident dolphins.
Travel the coastal road to the stunning surf and arts town of Byron Bay. Enjoy plenty of free time to experience the hippie surfing town.
ACTIVITY: Cape Byron Lighthouse is 3km (1.9 mi) northeast of Byron Bay. The popular white structure emits the most powerful light of all working lighthouses in the country, and it's also located at the most easterly point of the Australian continent. Head up to the top of the tower to scan the ocean for whales (the Southern Cross University's Whale Research Centre is located here).
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 6: Byron Bay
Location: Byron Bay
Accommodation Name: Wake Up! Byron Bay
Welcome to Byron Bay… the city of surfing and sunbathing! The day is yours to explore; walk along hidden beaches, play in the surf, grab a massage. Want to get your adrenaline pumping? Go skydiving, try sea kayaking, or go on a dolphin watch.
At the end of it all hop on that surfboard for one last ride because as the locals say, “You haven’t surfed until you’ve surfed Byron Man!"
Opt to pre-book the "Byron Bay Ocean Kayaking" activity on the checkout page ahead of time, to include this optional on your tour.
FREE TIME: FULL DAY There's plenty to see and do in Byron Bay, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like sea kayaking and skydiving. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!
Day 7: Byron Bay/Brisbane
Location: Byron Bay, Brisbane
Accommodation Name: BUNK Brisbane
Meals Included: Breakfast
Venture north with your group to the capital of Queensland; Brisbane. Pass by national parks, mountains, surfy enclaves, and endless stretches of sand bordering brilliant blue water. Then, stretch those legs one final time on an included walk at the Daisy Hill Koala Centre. Nestled amongst eucalyptus trees, the centre features multi-level viewing of the resident rescue koalas and interactive educational displays, making it a unique place to learn about koalas and their conservation. Tonight, experience a night out with the group in Queensland's capital.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY: Located within the Daisy Hill Conservation Park, the Koala Centre is a dedicated koala education facility and a beautiful spot to see these unique Australian animals.
Day 8: Brisbane/K'gari (Fraser Island)
Location: Brisbane, K'gari (Fraser Island)
Accommodation Name: The Eco Retreat
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
An early rise today starts your journey to K'gari (Fraser Island) World Heritage Area. Upon arrival to the largest sand island in the world, you will go through a traditional welcome by the Butchulla people, setting the tone for what's to come. After the welcome ceremony, get straight into the 4WD adventure. Swim in Boorangoora (Lake Mckenzie), hike beneath the amazing rainforest and walk along the beach during sunset. At night, sit around the campfire with your new found friends.
This unique stay on K'gari is hosted by the Traditional Owners of the land who are keen to share their experiences with you and welcome you. This is an incredibly unique experience and a thrilling opportunity to gain insight into Australia's Indigenous culture-both past and present.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY: Welcome to Paradise and the traditional homeland of the Butchulla people. Start your time on the island with a special welcome ceremony by K'gari's Traditional Owners. K'gari is a UNESCO World Heritage listed site, known for its natural beauty and ongoing geomorphological processes.
ACTIVITY: Hop into an off roading, 4x4 vehicle and explore K'gari from the inside out. Check out inland highlights like Boorangoora (Lake McKenzie) and Central Station. Boorangoora is a gorgeous, crystal lake filled solely by rain water. Visit Central Station and enjoy the island's ancient sub-tropical rainforest while learning some of the islands more modern history.
ACTIVITY: Take a stroll along the beach in K'gari during sunset and watch as this beautiful paradise becomes even more amazing.
ACTIVITY: Join your group around the campfire and look up at the stars.
Day 9: K'gari (Fraser Island)/Noosa
Location: K'gari (Fraser Island), Noosa
Accommodation Name: Bounce Noosa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today you'll climb sand dunes, see the Maheno shipwreck and swim in the crystal clear Eli Creek that pumps millions of litres of spring-fed fresh water into the ocean every hour. In the afternoon, say goodbye to K'gari and head to your next beachy destination, Noosa.
ACTIVITY: Climb into a 4x4 vehicle for a full day tour of K'gari Island. Walk on Kirrar Sandblow, drive along 75 mile beach, and see the towering coloured sand dunes at the Pinnacles. Grab a swim at Eli Creek, the largest freshwater creek on the island.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 10: Noosa
Location: Noosa
Accommodation Name: Bounce Noosa
Picture rocky coast against perfect turquoise water. Now head out with your CEO and see it first hand. Catch the ferry and start your easy hike in Noosa National Park along the waterways to end up at the secluded beach, Hell's Gate. While it sounds intimidating, it is well worth it, and really quite spectacular. Keep your eye out for koalas along the hike too. Enjoy the afternoon free in Noosa. Opt to get lunch on Hastings Street and enjoy some relaxing beach time or rent a surfboard. Then take the ferry back before dinner.
ACTIVITY: Hike as a group along the shoreline between the Noosa Headlands and Hell's Gate, passing by gorgeous scenery along the way. Peer into the trees and try to spot koalas in their natural habitat and visit spots like Boiling Point, Dolphin Point, and Hell's Gates.
FREE TIME: AFTERNOON Enjoy a free day in Noosa by taking in the shops along Hasting Street in search of souvenirs, having a coffee on the beach, or a surf in the Ocean.
Day 11: Noosa/Airlie Beach
Location: Noosa, Whitsundays
Accommodation Name: Nomads Airlie Beach Hostel
Enjoy a free day in cute beachfront town of Noosa! Do some shopping along Hasting Street in search of souvenirs, have a coffee on the beach, or go for a surf. Many consider Noosa to be the best place for surfing in all of Australia. You can also choose to spend time back at the hostel or participate in some of the optional activities offered in the area. In the afternoon, we'll pack our bags and head to the train station. Tonight we sleep on an overnight train as we head north to some of the most beautiful parts of the country. Fall asleep in Noosa and wake up by the Whitsundays!
FREE TIME: FULL DAY Enjoy a free day in Noosa by taking in the shops along Hasting Street in search of souvenirs, having a coffee on the beach, or a surf in the Ocean. You can also choose to spend time back at the hostel or participate in some of the optional activities offered in the area.
TRANSPORT: Curl up and catch a snooze en route to the next stop.
Day 12: Airlie Beach
Location: Airlie Beach
Accommodation Name: Nomads Airlie Beach Hostel
Hop off the train and board a bus for a short ride to Airlie Beach, the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier reef. After dropping your bags, do your thing in Airlie Beach. Relax on a gorgeous beach, take a day trip to the Great Barrier Reef or get some shopping in on the town. Airlie Beach is your oyster.
FREE TIME: Enjoy free time in Airlie Beach. Opt to relax by the lagoon, take a scenic flight of cruise on a jetski.
Day 13: Whitsunday Islands/Airlie Beach
Location: Whitsunday Islands
Accommodation Name: Nomads Airlie Beach Hostel
Meals Included: Lunch
Get ready for an amazing day at sea! Today, we'll climb aboard an ocean raft and zoom around the wispy turquoise waters. With time to snorkel, go on bushwalks, and chill on the beach, today will be as close to perfect as one can get.
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.
Day 14: Airlie Beach/Cairns
Location: Airlie Beach, Cairns
Accommodation Name: Cairns Central YHA
With an early morning departure, admire the scenery on the bus ride north to Cairns. We'll make a few pit stops along the way to stretch your legs, see some sights and check out some of Australia big things!
Additional Information: Get ready for an early morning wake-up today for the journey to Cairns. Make sure to stock up on snacks and bring personal entertainment – it may be one of the longer travel days on this trip, but it's worth it to reach The Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef!
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 15: Cairns
Location: Cairns
Accommodation Name: Cairns Central YHA
Cairns is quite the place to visit if you love warm weather (it would be headline news for the city’s temperature to drop much below 20°C (68°F)) and want to visit the Great Barrier Reef. Take advantage of a free day to book one of the many optional activities that will get you out in nature’s playground. Snorkel in the Great Barrier Reef, get that adrenaline pumping by whitewater rafting or skydiving and cap it all off on a Big Night Out in Cairns with your fellow travellers. Drinks all around are well deserved after spending the day escaping your comfort zones.
Opt to pre-book the "Great Barrier Reef Snorkelling" activity on the checkout page ahead of time, to include this optional on your tour.
Additional Information: Depending on availability of Dive Instructors, an upgrade to SCUBA diving from snorkelling may be possible but is by no means guaranteed. Please speak to your CEO to see if this is available.
FREE TIME: FULL DAY Get out and explore Cairns and beyond.
ACTIVITY: Release your inner break dancer and go wild tonight in Cairns with your G travel family. Get ready to bust a move and have the time of your life. Whether it’s a pub crawl, drink specials or a bonfire on the beach, celebrate late into the night with your new best friends.
Day 16: Cairns
Location: Cairns
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
Hostels (13 nts, multi-share with 4-8 people), overnight train (1 nt), remote beach accommodation (1nt multi-share) All nights are multi-share on this trip. -
Meals
6 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners -
Welcome Moment
Meet your CEO and group for a welcome moment.
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First Night Out Moment
Connect with new friends on your first night out.
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Surfing Lesson
Enjoy a hands-on surfing lesson at Spot X.
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Discover Moment: Byron Bay
Experience a discover moment in Byron Bay.
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Discover Moment: Cairns
Experience a discover moment in Cairns.
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Big Night Out Moment
Enjoy a big night out in Cairns.
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Sydney Orientation Walk
Participate in a Sydney orientation walk.
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Beach Time in Byron Bay
Enjoy beach time in Byron Bay.
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Kangaroo Trek
Go on a kangaroo trek.
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K'gari Overnight Experience
Experience an overnight stay on K'gari.
What's Not Included
International Travel
International travel is not included.
Accommodation
Hostels (13 nts, multi-share with 4-8 people), overnight train (1 nt), remote beach accommodation (1nt multi-share) All nights are multi-share on this trip.
Transport
Private vehicle, train, maxi yacht, 4x4 vehicle, ferry, walking, bus
Meals Included
6 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners
Group Size
Max 20, avg 16
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. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. 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, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip.
Please note that most included breakfasts will consist of cereal, milk, bread and spreads, juice, tea and instant coffee. Having a simple breakfast together most days allows us the flexibility to get on the road early and get from point A to B all that much faster.
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Mode of Transport
Travel includes private vehicle, train, maxi yacht, 4x4 vehicle, ferry, walking, and bus, ensuring a diverse and scenic journey along the coast.
Minimum Age
Minimum age of 18 years for this trip.
Important Notes
1) COMBO TRIP
Please note that this trip is a combination of multiple G Adventures tours. As such, the staff and/or particular vehicles operating your tour may change between tour segments. You may also expect some group members to join or leave the tour, between tour segments.
2) Note that only 1 piece of luggage and 1 carry on are allowed on the NSW train. If you exceed this allowance, AUD15 may be charged upon boarding the train. Hand luggage can weigh up to 5kg and must be no larger than 30cm high x 50cm long x 30cm wide. Checked luggage 2 x 5-20kg, no larger than 60cm high x 70cm long x 50cm wide.
3) 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.
4) 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.
5) Scuba Diving Optional Activity
Please be aware that if you decide to book the optional scuba diving activity in the Great Barrier Reef and are taking any prescription medications, you will need a doctor’s release giving you permission to dive.
6) Please note that all multi-share accommodation in Australia is generally split by gender.
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Group Leader
This G Adventures group trip is accompanied by one of our group leaders, otherwise known as a Chief Experience Officer (CEO). The CEO will be the group manager, leader and driver - this person is experienced in the routes travelled and will organize and lead the meal preparations and has experience in cooking a variety of local and international dishes for large groups.
As the group coordinator and manager, the aim of the CEO is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. 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. They will also offer suggestions for things to do and to see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends.
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.
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About Accommodation
Please note that multi-share accommodation is very popular in Australia and is the way you will be spending most of your nights.
This may involve 4-6 group members sharing and even (on rare occasions) dormitory-style rooms for the whole group. It is also worth noting that all multi-share accommodation is generally split by gender in Australia. The majority of accommodation will have shared bathroom facilities. We have specifically chosen unique accommodations to give local flavour to your trip.
Where we use multi-share hostels, rooming requests of any kind cannot be taken. For private accommodation please see tours in our Classic Travel Style.
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What to Take
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.
You will need a smaller bag for the K'gari overnight excursion, as we will leave big bags on the mainland due to space constraints.
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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 uses a variety of transportation methods including private vehicles, trains, a maxi yacht, 4x4 vehicles, ferries, walking, and buses.
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What type of accommodation can I expect on this tour?
Accommodation includes hostels with multi-share rooms for 4-8 people, an overnight train, and remote beach accommodation. All nights are multi-share.
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Are there any unique cultural experiences included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes a traditional welcome ceremony by the Butchulla people on K'gari (Fraser Island) and an overnight stay hosted by the Traditional Owners of the land.
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What activities are included on K'gari (Fraser Island)?
Activities on K'gari include a traditional welcome ceremony, a 4WD adventure, swimming in Boorangoora (Lake McKenzie), hiking in the rainforest, and a beach walk during sunset.
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What is the group size for this tour?
The maximum group size is 20, with an average of 16 participants.
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What meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes 6 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 4 dinners.
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Is there a minimum age requirement for this tour?
Yes, the minimum age for this trip is 18 years.
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What should I pack for the tour?
It is recommended to pack lightly, using a backpack or medium-sized suitcase. A day-pack is essential for carrying personal gear during the day. A smaller bag is needed for the K'gari overnight excursion.
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Are there any special notes regarding luggage on the tour?
Yes, only one piece of luggage and one carry-on are allowed on the NSW train. Exceeding this allowance may incur a charge. Hand luggage can weigh up to 5kg, and checked luggage can be 5-20kg.
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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
Most of the Coast: Sydney to Cairns
16 Days Starting in Sydney, Australia and ending in Cairns, Australia
Visiting: Sydney, Coffs Harbour, Arrawarra, Byron Bay, Brisbane, K'gari (Fraser Island), Noosa, Airlie Beach, Cairns ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
24225
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 20
Age range:
18-39
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
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