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Best of Australia

14 Days
From CAD $5,599

Best Rate
Guarantee

Trip Type
Small Group

Activity Level
Light

Rating

(30 reviews)

Experience Overview

In case you hadn’t noticed, Australia is an awfully big place. So big, in fact, that you’d need to come back a few times to see it all. Don’t have that kind of time? Hop aboard this 14-day trip down Australia’s east coast and make the most of the time you do have. Offering a solid mix of must-do experiences and uncommon adventures, you’ll enjoy a surfing lesson in Byron Bay, a boat ride around the Whitsundays, and a trek through Mossman Gorge in the Daintree Rainforest. The best part: there’s still plenty more to come back for.

Highlights

Follow an Indigenous guide through the Daintree Rainforest
Set off on an optional excursion to the Great Barrier Reef
Cruise on a boat around the scenic Whitsundays
Take a surfing lesson in Byron Bay
Hike the Blue Mountains

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Trip Details

Product Code: 2636

Tour Type: Small Group

Accommodation: Budget

Transport: Private vehicle, boat, plane, walking, ferry

Guide Language: English

Travel Styles: Classic

Supplier Code: OACS

Starts: Cairns, Australia

Finishes: Sydney, Australia

Duration: 14 days

Departures: Guaranteed

Physical rating: Light

Includes

Activities

Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Indigenous led rainforest walk
Whitsunday Islands boating excursion
Blue Mountains stay with hikes
Scenic Railway
Jamison Valley walk
Orientation walk in Sydney
Free time in Cairns, Byron Bay, and Sydney
Internal flight
Surf lesson in Byron Bay
All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Internal airfare

Accommodation

Hotels (11 nts), rainforest cabin (2 nts).

5 breakfasts, 2 lunches

Transport

Private vehicle, boat, plane, walking, ferry

Group Leader

Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, local guides.

Price

Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $5599 (CAD $400 /day)

Itinerary

Day 1: Cairns

Arrive at any time.
There are no activities planned until the evening welcome meeting.

Exclusive inclusions: 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.Accommodation - Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns

Day 2: Cairns/Cape Tribulation

Head north to Cape Tribulation. Stop en route to explore Mossman Gorge and take an interpretive walk through the Daintree Rainforest.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch

Exclusive inclusions: 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.Accommodation - Cape Tribulation Beach House

Day 3: Cape Tribulation

With a free day, opt for a trip to the Great Barrier Reef or to explore Daintree National Park.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Head out and start exploring.Accommodation - Cape Tribulation Beach House

Day 4: Cape Tribulation/Cairns

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.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Free_time - Make the most of a few hours in this city.Accommodation - Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns

Day 5: Cairns/Airlie Beach

Depart early for a full day of travel to reach Airlie Beach, enjoying scenic views along the way.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Whitsunday Vista Holiday Apartments

Day 6: Airlie Beach

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.

Meals included: Lunch

Exclusive inclusions: 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.Accommodation - Whitsunday Vista Holiday Apartments

Day 7: Airlie Beach/Byron Bay

Fly to Brisbane and transfer to Byron Bay for two nights in this "hippie" paradise.

Exclusive inclusions: 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.Accommodation - Byron Beachcomber

Day 8: Byron Bay

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.

Exclusive inclusions: 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.Accommodation - Byron Beachcomber

Day 9: Byron Bay/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.

Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Get out and explore this lazy beach town.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - El Motor Inn Port Macquarie

Day 10: Port Macquarie/Blue Mountains

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.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Leisure Inn Spires

Day 11: Blue Mountains

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.

Exclusive inclusions: 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.Accommodation - Leisure Inn Spires

Day 12: Blue Mountains/Sydney

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.

Exclusive inclusions: 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 - Get out and explore.Accommodation - Rydges Sydney Central

Day 13: Sydney

Get a feel for the city. Relax seaside at Bondi Beach. Enjoy an optional night out with the group.

Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Enjoy a free day to explore one of Australia's most exciting cities.Accommodation - Rydges Sydney Central

Day 14: Sydney

Depart at any time.

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.

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Tour Operator

G Adventures

G Adventures, founded in 1990 by Bruce Poon Tip, is a global adventure travel company specializing in small-group tours that emphasize authentic, sustainable, and culturally immersive experiences. Originally launched as GAP Adventures (“Great Adventure People”), the company pioneered the concept of community-driven travel by offering affordable trips that connect travelers with local communities while minimizing environmental impact. Today, G Adventures operates in more than 100 countries, offering a wide range of itineraries across themes such as active adventures, wildlife, wellness, family, and National Geographic–partnered tours, while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible tourism and social enterprise through its Planeterra Foundation.

In Business Since 1990

Reserve Now

Reviews

Catherine R. - Traveled, December 2023

Good itinerary, excellent CEO.

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/20/2023

Janice G. - Traveled, November 2023

All went smoothly, saw and did so much,

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/06/2023

Gerard C. - Traveled, November 2023

Well organised and leader wa

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/06/2023

Sharon T. - Traveled, November 2023

small group of multi national experienced travelers who are mostly undemanding, laid back and up for anything.

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/22/2023

Britt P. - Traveled, November 2023

I felt that the accommodation could have been much better overall. In a couple of ?hotels/guest houses? there were no lifts and one had to manage to navigate some steep stairs with the suitcase. Also several places had serious Wi-Fi problems which made it difficult to even access the next day plans communications from our guide. I also had a serious hiccup with my single room booking which was fortunately sorted after causing a very stressful situation for me. Not sure who was responsible for that. If it was my agent or G Adventures. The itinerary of the tour was excellent and our group of 16 travellers plus guide Sue were really nice.

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/22/2023

Lynda C. - Traveled, December 2023

It was such an amazing experience, we saw new things, made new friends from the group and gained understanding and knowledge of the Australian culture.

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/20/2023

Nivethan J. - Traveled, November 2023

Most of the tour leaders have been amazing. But the Planeterra/G for Good days would be a waste of their time where their money and vacation days could be spent exploring more of the country

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/15/2023

Ann T. - Traveled, November 2023

The accommodations were good overall except for the Ramada Inn . Our tour guide, Sam, was exceptional. He was extremely responsible, accommodating, and friendly. He showed us little gems along the trip and gave great recommendations for our free time

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/15/2023

Vanessa S. - Traveled, October 2023

It was well organized with free times for yourself too. The app is also a plus.

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/08/2023

R P. - Traveled, October 2023

I like the emphasis on nature and activities

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/08/2023

Linda M. - Traveled, October 2023

I have always been happy with my G Adventures trips The accommodations could be better some times and there is less and less breakfast?s included

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/08/2023

Margaret S. - Traveled, October 2023

G Adventures combines a great trip with a great price.

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/01/2023

Stephen P. - Traveled, October 2023

Some disappointment

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/01/2023

Jacob C. - Traveled, October 2023

Great for me but may not be the type of travel for others I know.

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/01/2023

Frank K. - Traveled, October 2023

The select destinations of the tour are awsome ant the Tour Guide Emily did a perfect job.

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/01/2023

Clare R. - Traveled, October 2023

I think group travel is a great way to see the world and meet different people whether your travelling alone or with someone, and G Adventures made the process smooth and easy, the trip was amazing, great fun, Emily out tour guide was brilliant and the group got along great!

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/01/2023

Emma P. - Traveled, October 2023

This is my 3rd G Adventures tour and I recommend it to anyone and everyone looking for a tour. Emily was amazing and the activities always cover exactly what I want!

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/01/2023

Hayley R. - Traveled, September 2023

I had the absolute time of my life

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/04/2023

Dominic B. - Traveled, September 2023

I've now done 6 trips with you and it's always a great way to travel/experience a country and it's culture

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/04/2023

Pamela D. - Traveled, September 2023

Good value for money Collected by G Adventures

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/04/2023

Valerie B. - Traveled, September 2023

Great combination/balance of destinations and experiences and calibre of guides.

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/04/2023

Samantha B. - Traveled, September 2023

The itinerary

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/04/2023

Loes B. - Traveled, September 2023

Well organized, good mix of activities, very knowledgeable CEO/tour guide

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/04/2023

Emilie F. - Traveled, September 2023

Dax our tour guide was awesome. It was wonderful to have someone who could share tons of knowledge about Australia. I learned so much about Australian traditions and wildlife have been inspired to incorporate it into my artwork.