- 14 Days / 13 Nights
- PRICE $8,490 AUD
- PRICE $10,440 AUD
- PRICE $10,990 AUD
- DEPARTS 17:00
- RETURNS 10:00
Every Aussie road trip has a story — and this one’s a ripper. Our 14 Day Sydney to Cairns with Fraser Island & Whitsundays Comfort Tour follows the curve of Australia’s East Coast from city skylines to coral reefs, through rainforests, surf beaches, vineyards and red-dirt country towns. It’s a comfort-level journey for those who want the wild without the worry — small groups, quality stays and all the logistics taken care of so you can focus on the good stuff: the real experiences.
I’ve been guiding and designing tours up and down the Aussie coast for years, and this is my all-time favourite route. It’s where koalas meet coral, surf towns meet tropical jungles, and every stop has its own flavour of chill. From tasting world-class wines in the Hunter Valley to snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef, this trip has the best of NSW and Qld without feeling like a mad dash.
Highlights
- Small group touring – travel with a carefully selected group size and a thoughtfully planned itinerary for a relaxed pace and real experiences.
- Wildlife park visit – meet kangaroos, wombats, emus and other Aussie animals in a sanctuary.
- Hunter Valley wine tasting – sample fine wines, local cheeses and handmade chocolates from top producers.
Immersive cultural experience with the - Gumbaynggirr people – learn about traditions, language and stories of
- Australia’s First Nations.
- Port Macquarie Koala Hospital – find out about the rescue, rehabilitation and conservation of this national icon.
- Byron Bay – enjoy the laid back coastal vibe and visit Cape Byron Lighthouse for stunning ocean views.
- 4WD K’gari (Fraser Island) – experience rainforests, freshwater lakes and golden beaches on the world’s largest sand island.
- Whitsundays & Whitehaven Beach full-day cruise – snorkel coral reefs, guided walks and one of the world’s most famous beaches.
- Atherton Tablelands – discover crater lakes, waterfalls and wild platypus.
- Great Barrier Reef Ocean Freedom tour – snorkel, glass bottom boat and learn from the experts.
OPERATED BY
AUTOPIA TOURS (Via Travel)
SEASON
01 April 2025 – 31 March 2027
PRODUCT CODE
SC14-B (twin share room)
SC14-S (private double)
SC14-P (private single)
*Solo travellers who book separately in Twin Share Accommodation will be paired with another solo passenger of the same gender.
Google & TripAdvisor Reviews
- 13 nights boutique-style hotels/resorts (private or shared) with ensuite
- 12 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 1 dinner
- National Park entry fees
- Wine, cheese and chocolate tasting
- First Nations cultural experience
- Wildlife park visit
- Small group 4WD tour of K’gari
- Whitsundays day cruise with snorkelling gear
- Great Barrier Reef cruise with snorkelling & glass bottom boat
- Guided walks (17 km total)
- Experienced driver-guide with local knowledge
- All transport: small group vehicle, transfers, domestic flight and boat travel
- Sydney start / Cairns finish
- 1L Refillable water bottle – Your guide will be monitoring hydration and encouraging water consumption at all times during your daily adventures in order to avoid health concerns arising.
- Wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses & sunscreen
- Beach towel, toiletries
- Bathers or swimwear, flip-flops shoes (beach thongs)
- Comfortable sturdy walking shoes (closed-toe shoes)
- All-weather clothing (In case extreme conditions day/night)
- Overnight bag 20kg & small day pack 5kg
- Personal medicine if required, any pre-existing medical issues, please let us know at time of booking
- Flashlight or torch (optional)
- Insect repellent & camera
- Money for snack and meals
- A sense of adventure!
NIGHT | CONFIGURATION | FACILITIES | INCLUDES |
1-13 | Hotel / Resort Accommodation Twin Share Room | Shared Ensuite Bathroom | Sleeps 2 people, solo travellers paired with another passenger, towel, linen, tv, air-conditioning |
1-13 | Hotel / Resort Accommodation Private Double / Twin / Single | Private Ensuite Bathroom | Towel & bed linen supplied, fridge, tv, lounge, air-conditioning, tea/coffee facilities |
- Meals not specified in the itinerary (plenty of free time to eat out)
- Hotel transfers outside the tour schedule
- Optional activities & extra equipment hire (e.g., scuba diving)
- Travel insurance (highly recommended)
- Personal expenses and spending money
17:00 – The Point Brisbane – Hotel, 21 Lambert St, Brisbane, Queensland
14 Days
Itinerary
You start in Sydney, one of the world’s most famous cities. Check in to your hotel, get settled and meet your tour leader and fellow travellers at 6pm for a welcome meeting. Then enjoy a group dinner together – the first of many to come.
Included Activities:
- Welcome meeting with tour leader and group introductions
- Group welcome dinner
Meals: Dinner
Driving Distance: No driving
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Potts Point or similar
Leave Sydney’s city behind and head to a conservation wildlife park where you’ll meet kangaroos, emus, wombats and more. Then into the Hunter Valley to taste local wines, cheeses and chocolates. In the afternoon, a brief orientation of Newcastle before checking in to your accommodation.
Included Activities:
- Wildlife park visit
- Wine, cheese and chocolate tasting in Hunter Valley
- Newcastle orientation tour
Meals: Breakfast
Driving Distance: 280 km
Walking Distance: Short, easy walks
Accommodation: Lucky Hotel Newcastle or similar
After breakfast travel north to Port Macquarie and visit the famous Koala Hospital. Here you’ll learn about the challenges these marsupials face and how the dedicated volunteers care for them. Then enjoy a peaceful foreshore walk with potential dolphin sightings and a free evening for dinner.
Included Activities:
- Port Macquarie Koala Hospital
- Foreshore walk with dolphin sightings
Meals: Breakfast
Driving Distance: 250 km
Walking Distance: Short, easy walks/lookout points
Accommodation: El Paso Motor Inn or similar
Start the day with a cultural experience led by Gumbaynggirr First Nations guides. Learn about their connection to the land, hear ancient stories and discover traditional customs. Then travel to Byron Bay and visit Cape Byron Lighthouse, the easternmost point on mainland Australia with ocean views and potential dolphin and whale sightings (seasonal).
Included Activities:
- Gumbaynggirr First Nations cultural experience
- Cape Byron Lighthouse
Meals: Breakfast
Driving Distance: 400 km
Walking Distance: Short, easy walks/lookout points
Accommodation: Beachcomber Byron Bay or similar
Spend the day as you like in Byron Bay. Relax on the beach, browse the boutiques or choose from optional activities like a surf lesson, kayak tour, hot air balloon flight, whale watching (seasonal) or a local brewery visit.
Included Activities:
- Free day for self guided exploration or optional activities
Meals: None
Driving Distance: None
Accommodation: Beachcomber Byron Bay or similar
Today you’ll cross into Queensland and head to Noosa National Park, where you might spot wild koalas. Explore Noosa Main Beach and Hastings Street before heading north to Rainbow Beach for the next two nights.
Included:
- Noosa National Park visit
- Noosa orientation including Main Beach and Hastings Street
Meals: Breakfast
Driving Distance: 420 km
Walking Distance: Short, easy walks/lookout points
Accommodation: Rainbow Getaway Apartments or similar
Board a 4WD for a full day on K’gari. Swim in the turquoise waters of Lake McKenzie, walk through rainforest, visit the rusting S.S. Maheno shipwreck and drive along 75 Mile Beach looking for dingoes. Back to Rainbow Beach tonight.
Included:
- Full day guided 4WD tour of K’gari
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Driving Distance: 200 km
Walking Distance: Short, easy walks/lookout points (approx. 5 km total)
Accommodation: Rainbow Getaway Apartments or similar
Head south to Brisbane, Queensland’s capital. Join an orientation tour to see the city’s main sights before free time to explore the river, cafes or parks.
Included:
- Brisbane orientation tour
Meals: Breakfast
Driving Distance: 240 km
Walking Distance: Short, easy walks
Accommodation: The Point Hotel Brisbane or similar
Fly from Brisbane to the Whitsunday Coast and transfer to Airlie Beach. Afternoon free to explore the town, relax by the lagoon or find a local bar for sunset drinks.
Included:
- Domestic flight from Brisbane to
- Proserpine (Whitsundays)
- Free time in Airlie Beach
Meals: Breakfast
Driving Distance: 40 km
Accommodation: Mantra Club Croc or similar
Cruise the Whitsundays for a full day, visiting Whitehaven Beach for a walk to Hill Inlet lookout. Snorkel the coral reefs and return to Airlie Beach in the late afternoon.
Included:
- Whitsundays full day cruise with snorkelling
- Whitehaven Beach visit & Hill Inlet walk
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Driving Distance: Boat travel approx. 8 hours (46 km)
Walking Distance: Short, easy walks (2 km total)
Accommodation: Mantra Club Croc or similar
Drive along the Bruce Highway to Mission Beach, a chill seaside town. Spend the afternoon at your leisure, with cassowaries in the surrounding rainforest.
Included:
- Bruce Highway drive
Meals: Breakfast
Driving Distance: 505 km
Walking Distance: Short, easy walks/lookout points
Accommodation: Mission Beach Resort or similar
Head inland to the Atherton Tablelands. Swim at a rainforest waterfall, visit a volcanic crater lake, and see the Curtain Fig Tree before arriving in Cairns tonight.
Included:
- Atherton Tablelands tour with crater lake, waterfalls and wildlife spotting
Meals: Breakfast
Driving Distance: 220 km
Accommodation: Flynn Hotel Cairns or similar
Board a catamaran for a full day on the Great Barrier Reef. Snorkel in the coral gardens, take a glass bottom boat ride and learn about the reef from marine experts. Optional scuba diving.
Included:
- Great Barrier Reef day cruise with snorkelling & glass bottom boat
- Optional scuba diving
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Driving Distance: Boat travel approx. 6.5 hours (30 km)
Accommodation: Flynn Hotel Cairns or similar
Last breakfast together before the tour ends in Cairns. Say goodbye to your fellow travellers and continue on your way.
Meals: Breakfast
Important Information
- Mandatory Details: Passenger details are required at the time of booking, including date of birth, food allergies, title or gender for rooming configuration, and a contact phone number.
- Dietary Requirements: While we endeavour to cater to most dietary needs, passengers must inform their booking agent of any specific dietary requirements or food allergies when booking.
- Medical Conditions: The tour operator must be notified of any known medical conditions at the time of booking. This is a physically demanding tour requiring an easy level of fitness and mobility.
- Fitness Level: Travellers can expect some light physical activities. Travellers should be mobile enough to walk unaided. A doctor’s certificate is required for participants over 70 years old, submitted at least 30 days prior to travel.
- Age Restrictions: Children aged 12 to 17 must be accompanied by an adult or legal guardian at all times. The tour is not suitable for infants or children aged 11 and under due to the nature of the tour.
- Solo Travellers: Solo travellers who book separately in a Twin Share Accommodation (SC14-B) will be paired with another solo traveller in a twin room or with someone of the same gender.
- Fare Type Options: Shared Accommodation (SC14-B) is restricted to Adults only 18+ years and over, as travellers stay in a shared room with shared ensuite. Not suitable for children. Private Double/Twin Room (SC14-S): For Adults and Children staying in a double or twin room with ensuite and must be purchased by Qty2 people staying together. Private Single Room (SC14-P): Restricted to Adults only (18+ years old and over) with ensuite.
- Mobility Considerations: This tour is not suitable for mobility-impaired travellers, including those using wheelchairs, walking aids or mobility scooters.
- Baggage Limitations: Limited storage space is available on our vehicle. Each traveller may bring 1 x 20 kg travel bag and 1 x 5 kg day bag. Larger or multiple suitcases are by request only.
- Itinerary Variations: Itineraries may change due to seasonal weather conditions, and occasionally sites in the parks may close for cultural or safety reasons or restricted swimming access. We prioritise safety and plan accordingly to ensure the best experience for our guests.
- Reconfirmation of Details: All travellers are asked to reconfirm their tour details within 7 days prior to departure by calling 02 72291083 or 03 9393 1333 or via email.
- Private Tours: Private touring groups are available upon request at [email protected].
Online Booking
FAQ
How active is this tour?
What type of accommodation is included?
You’ll stay in boutique-style hotels and resorts chosen for comfort, location and character. All rooms have private bathrooms, and the itinerary allows for shared twin rooms or private doubles/singles. Locations range from city hotels in Sydney and Brisbane to coastal resorts in Byron Bay, Airlie Beach and Mission Beach.
Are meals included in the price?
Yes — 12 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 1 dinner are included. Other meals are free time, so you can explore local cafes, restaurants or markets at your own pace. Dietary requirements can be catered for if advised in advance.
What’s included in the activities?
The price includes entry fees, guided experiences and major excursions such as a 4WD day tour of K’gari (Fraser Island), a full day Whitsundays cruise with snorkelling, a Great Barrier Reef catamaran trip with snorkelling and glass bottom boat and wine and cheese tasting in the Hunter Valley, a First Nations cultural experience, wildlife park entry and guided walks.
What should I bring?
Pack comfortable clothing for warm to tropical climates, swimwear, sturdy walking shoes, a light rain jacket, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen) and a small daypack. For water activities, bring quick-dry clothing and a reusable water bottle. Snorkelling gear is provided, but you can bring your own mask and fins if you prefer.
