Experience the essence of Australia, travelling through Sydney, up the East Coast to Cairns. Option to visit the Whitsundays.

4 Nights – Sydney
7 Nights – Brisbane & Coast
2 Nights – Whitsundays – optional extension
3 Nights – Cairns/Great Barrier Reef

This itinerary is also popular combined with a stay in Bali, as shown on our Taste of Australia with Bali itinerary.

✈️ UK – Sydney (4 nights): Your antipodean adventure will begin in the dazzling city of Sydney, where you’ll be greeted with an abundance of culture, iconic landmarks, and sunshine. Sydney’s main attraction is the UNESCO-listed Sydney Opera House. Join a guided tour for a backstage glimpse or enjoy stunning views of this architectural masterpiece from the Manly Ferry. For a thrilling experience, scale the Sydney Harbour Bridge on the ‘BridgeClimb’ or opt for the more sedate route on the pedestrian walkway to take in the view. Head to The Rocks for a slice of Sydney’s history with cobblestone lanes, pubs and markets or for more relaxed experience, visit the lush Royal Botanic Gardens. Taronga Zoo is a great place to meet some of Australia’s endemic wildlife and don’t miss a trip to Bondi Beach to soak up the sun and maybe try your hand at surfing!

✈️ Sydney – Brisbane & Coast (7 nights): Next, we’ll fly you to Brisbane, a city with a laid-back vibe and a strong focus on outdoor activities. For a great way to see the city, take a cruise along the Brisbane River where you’ll glide past some of the city’s main attractions include the South Bank Parklands and the Queensland Art Gallery. For wildlife lovers, the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is a must featuring uber cute koalas and other native species.

After two nights in the city, we’ll take you to a beach resort of your choice on the nearby coastline. Popular options include Noosa, known for its luxury hotels, upscale dining, boutique shopping, and the nearby Noosa Everglades in Noosa National Park. Another popular beach resort is the relaxed Byron Bay with its surf culture, bohemian community, and iconic Cape Byron Lighthouse. We can also arrange a hire car for you to explore the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, or both. If you’re considering visiting both, we highly recommend extending your stay to fully experience what each destination has to offer.

If you’d like to squeeze in an extra stop and visit the Whitsunday Islands but are short on time, we can reduce your stay in Brisbane and the Coast to 5 nights instead of 7. This will give you 2 nights to fully enjoy the beauty of the Whitsundays.

✈️ Brisbane – Whitsundays (optional extension) (2 nights): The Whitsunday Islands are an optional extension to your trip, allowing you to soak up this tropical paradise known for its beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters. Between June and September you may spot migrating whales, so don’t forget your binoculars!

✈️ Brisbane – Cairns/Great Barrier Reef (3 nights): Cairns is traditionally known as the gateway to the incredible Great Barrier Reef. Choose from various day or overnight boat trips to dive or snorkel among the vibrant corals teeming with marine life, including tropical fish, dolphins, and sea turtles. The city of Cairns itself also has plenty to offer. Wander along the bustling Esplanade, swim in the lagoon, enjoy the waterfront, and dine at local restaurants. Head to the nearby Daintree Rainforest, a UNESCO World Heritage site, for some wildlife spotting, or explore the Atherton Tablelands, with waterfalls and volcanic crater lakes. Thrill-seekers can also enjoy various extreme sports such as bungee jumping, skydiving, and river rafting.

✈️ Cairns – UK: After your unforgettable journey through Australia, you’ll return home, reflecting on the epic landscapes, unique wildlife, and rich cultural experiences you’ve experienced.