22 day Australia East Coast Adventure Tour

Finally your big Australian journey begins. We all meet in the reception of our designated hostel around 4pm where for most this will be the first time meeting the group and guide. Some of you may have already met if you have been in Sydney for a few days taking advantage of our pre-tour trips to the Blue Mountains and Hunter Valley.

There is just enough time to slide in to the Side Bar and have a quick beer or soda and ask all those last minute questions – should I have bought an umbrella? (no!) What time does the 11am bus leave?

Then we are picked up and transferred to the man-o-war steps to meet a scheduled departure for a Sunset and Sparkle Sydney harbour Cruise. This is a small group cruise on Sydney Harbour taking in the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House. You will enjoy 360° uninterrupted views of the most beautiful harbour and cityscape in the world. With indoor and outdoor areas for viewing the harbour’s beauty, watch as the sun sets and the city reveals it’s lights. Enjoy a grazing platter and a beverage (non-alcoholic), with the option to BYO alcoholic beverages on board, and spend time cruising and relaxing, as you Sea Sydney Harbour on a boat! It is great opportunity for us to get to know each other.

The hour on board goes really quickly so we head back to the hostel for an early night (ah ha) before our big trip starts proper – or ok twist my rubber arm, I will come for just one drink at the hostel bar.

This evening we will catching an overnight intercity coach to our surf camp, but not until we have worked our legs out with a big walking tour of Sydney. We will use local transport to jump on and off while we explore Sydney, The Rocks, Darling Harbour, Macquaries Chair and then we go the lovely coastal hike from Bronte Beach to Bondi (approximately 3 kms). There is time to swim at the beaches and grab lunch at a local cafe before we catch local transport back to the hostel.

Back at the hostel there is a lounge, kitchen, and bathroom/shower facilities where we can freshen up before the overnight bus journey.

(Breakfast included)

It feels fantastic to get off the bus when we arrive in Spot X Surf Camp and the amazing crew immediately pick us up and fill us full of breakfast before we head out for first surfing lesson. The waters at Spot X are super warm with just the “right” surf for learning in.

Back on beach everything is taken care of with lunch and dinner provided. You are free this afternoon to do as you please – relax on the beach, try surfing again if you are already addicted have a snooze in beach side cabins and teepees.

Your stay included 3 surf lessons with the gnarly dude qualified instructors.

(Breakfast, lunch & dinner included)

Today things are starting to feel normal Aussie style. Wake up as the sun rises over Australia’s east coast with the sounds of the waves lapping the shore line just meters from your accommodation; the weather is already super warm, start the day with a good breakfast, then hit the beach and the surf. Today we have included two more surf lessons with the professional guides at Spot X to really get you setup for the rest of your East Coast adventure.

Tonight we enjoy traditional Aussie dinner (you mean BBQ mate) around an open camp fire.

(Breakfast, lunch & dinner included)

We are sorry but no, you can’t stay at Surf Camp forever. In fact, we are up super early (Sparrow’s fart as they say in Australia) to catch our bus to Byron Bay. An early start means an early arrival in the ultra-hip cool beach town of Byron Bay.

We have a lot of time ahead of us to discover the arts and crafts markets, visit cafes, walk to the lighthouse, which is at Australia’s most eastern point, and explore some of the beaches that make Byron Bay so popular. At the still-active Byron Bay lighthouse, you can explore the maritime museum and interpretive space.

Today your fabulous U.Guide will be preparing your own speciality dishes for dinner back at the hostel.

There is the option to skydive in one of Australia’s most awesome spots of kayaking out in search of the local bottlenose dolphins. There is free-time tomorrow also to do these activities.

(Dinner included)

Today is going to be a great day and is yours to hang out and recharge in Byron Bay. If you are looking for a bit of adventure then we recommend you pre-book either the awesome sea-kayaking or how about skydiving?  Byron Bay is one of the most popular jump zones in the world for a tandem skydive. There is loads other things to do in Byron such as grabbing an e-Bike and visiting Lightening Falls, snorkelling at Jullian Rocks or hiring a surf-board locally if you really have the bug. A hike out to some of the remote beaches you saw yesterday such as Wategoes to work on that tan is highly recommended!

Tonight once everyone is back from their respective adventures we will head in to Byron Bay and you are free to maybe try one of the restaurants or do some shopping and cook for yourself at the hostel.

(Breakfast included)

This is more like it! Another relaxed start today and a slow breakfast organised by your loving U.Guide before we take a short bus trip north to Surfers Paradise and the Gold Coast. Ritzy and glamorous the Gold Coast has everything you might want for shopping plus a beautiful white sand beach where you will see why it is aptly called Surfers Paradise.

We will head out for a walking tour of the area and you are free to explore as you please – check out the famous Surfers Paradise Beachfront markets on the esplanade. Maybe you have the bug and you just want to surf?!?! Your U.Guide can give you a hand to get hold of a surfboard locally. Alternatively there is the option to explore the canals around the city by standup paddle board (must be pre-booked).

(Breakfast included)

The first part of today’s scenic journey includes a short Greyhound bus ride from Surfers Paradise to Australia’s most liveable city – Brisbane. You’ll have an hour or so to stretch your legs, grab a bite to eat and explore the city close to the train station before departing on the midday bus to Hervey Bay. Keep your eyes open and on the coastline as this is a memorable trip in itself!

This evening join in with your travel mates to help your U.Guide to prepare a traditional Aussie BBQ for dinner this evening.

(Dinner included)

It’s the early bird who catches the grub this morning as we have an early breakfast call before being picked up from the hostel for our Fraser Island tour.  You will have sorted your gear out the night before – leaving what you don’t need securely in the hostel and bringing just enough for the 3 days.

Of course, you will absolutely need your swimming costume because we are heading to the world’s largest sand island. First we will organise into the 4WDs (if you are over 21 you will have the option of driving), make a quick stop at the shops for snacks, coffee, and other things you might need, then we take the vehicles on a barge that will take us to Wangoolba Creek on Fraser Island.

We’ll 4WD across the island and up 75 mile beach to our accommodation, unpack our gear, and have a BBQ lunch. From basecamp we will explore amazing spots such as Eli Creek, Maheno Shipwreck, and Pinnacles or Lake Garrawongerra (depending on the tide). Plus there will be more than enough time for some afternoon relaxation. You can enjoy a drink, play some volleyball on the beach, or just take it easy. In the evening join in some fun local games and a night walk.

Please note that due to weather conditions, changing sand conditions, access closures the actual itinerary we follow on the island will be constantly changing and evolving.

(Breakfast, lunch & dinner included)

Today there is the option to get up early for a stunning sunrise walk – highly recommended – before sharing a continental breakfast. Then we’ll head to the beach to take our 4WDs to Indian Head and the Champagne Pools, with a stop at Lake Allom on the way.

We’ll have lunch at the Cathedrals before returning back to our basecamp mid afternoon. There will be free time for afternoon relaxation, a few drinks, and volleyball on the beach etc. Tonight is another great island dinner, more games, or go for a night walk on the beach.

(Breakfast, lunch & dinner included)

This morning we stock up early with a hot breakfast to maximise our exploring energy. We will take the 4WDs for a day of sightseeing and adventure. We begin over at Lake Wabby, before heading out to Central Station, Pile Valley and Lake McKenzie or Lake Birrabeen.

We’ll have lunch at Eurong before heading back to Kingfisher Resort, where we’ll have snacks and afternoon drinks (not provided). You can also take a walk or swim in a bit of luxury at the resort while we’re there. We take the 4WDs back across the barge in the evening to get back to the mainland and our gear at Hervey Bay.

(Breakfast & lunch included)

Today is a free day to relax, kick back or explore the town of Hervey Bay. We will also stock up on snack for our overnight bus to Airlie Beach.

We leave Hervey Bay in the evening with a plan to be in the awesome resort town of Airlie Beach in time for breakfast.

(Breakfast included)

We arrive at Airlie Beach around 8:00 am as the town is just getting going. Dropping our luggage off at the hostel we will wander into the village and grab breakfast and look around. Today you are free to explore the coastal township or laze by the man-made lagoon which is fantastic for swimming.

For those with some extra energy, your U.Guide can help you find different activities which can be booked locally.

Remember to get some rest, because tomorrow we hit the Whitsunday Islands for another U.Special experience, sailing on a maxi yacht.

We check in at the amazing maxi sailing yacht Siska early for our two days sailing experience – sailing away in to the sunset never to be seen again. Well, sailing in to the Whitsunday Islands sunset anyway. Over the next 2 days/1 night you will have as much opportunity to be as active as you want. Soak away the island life on the front deck sipping a few beers, sleep under the stars (or in a cabin), or get involved in sailing the boat.

After departing the Coral Sea Marina the route our captain takes is dependent on weather and tides, but hey, what do we care – it is all beautiful. For the active ones (all of us) we hike up through the bush to Hill Inlet Lookout to get the insta-worthy photo of the famous Whitehaven Beach, before sinking our toes into the incredible silica sand – climb the driftwood tree, say hello to the local marine critters or try beach combing for shells. After more sailing in the afternoon we will aim to overnight in Tongue Bay in time for a pre-dinner drink before an amazing home cooked meal on board under the Queensland setting sun.

(Lunch & dinner included)

Groundhog day – not really, but certainly, paradise found. We wake up in a stunning, calm Whitsunday Island bay and it’s time to kit up, as they say in Australia, with some snorkelling gear to go explore the fringing coral reefs. Swim amongst incredible marine and coral life and if we are lucky we might even meet up with a passing turtle.

Then it is time for morning tea and off sailing to explore some of the other amazing islands around the Whitsundays. Maybe you are keen on more snorkelling amongst the fringing Great Barrier Reef, just a swim or some serious beach time to work on the tan. We sail back to Airlie Beach that evening arriving around late-afternoon – enough time to get checked in to our hostel, where your guide will be waiting for you, ready to cook up a storm and a group meal, before heading into town for a bit of an after-party. Just suggesting!

(Breakfast, lunch & dinner included)

You will find that the two days of sailing are quite energy-sapping, plus maybe a few of us danced on the tables a bit late last night, so today is a day to take care of the little things. Sleep in, do some laundry maybe, answer emails or social media. Then head down to the lagoon for a swim and some relaxing time. Today is really about recharging your batteries, getting some sleep, sun, and maybe a flash coffee at one of the many amazing cafes.

Tonight you can choose if you would like to try some of the restaurants in town or perhaps stock up at the supermarket and cook for yourself in the hostel.

(Breakfast included)

We are on the march north today heading to another U.Special experience staying on Magnetic Island. We catch the local bus in the morning from Airlie Beach to connect with a short ferry ride to the island itself from the city of Townsville.

Magnetic Island is a haven for wildlife with over 75% of the island declared a National Park. There are estimated to be over 1000 Koalas inhabiting the island. Of course, it is not good to cuddle them – but man they are so cute you just want to snuggle them up and take them home.

Relax and chill in tropical island style. Today you can hang by the pool or try some of the great walks that are on the island. The 1.2 kilometre Hawkings Track is an amazing way to see the island. For those wanting to immerse in the incredible marine life around here we have the option of joining a local discovery tour where we can grab snorkelling gear, stand-up paddle boards, glass bottom boogie boards (yup, they are a thing) and head in to the marine reserve. We can even try our hand at catch and release fishing.

It is our final bit travel day as we head to our last overnight stop of Cairns. After a leisurely start we catch a local bus to Cairns arriving just in time for dinner in the hostel or locally on the Esplanade.

Cairns is lively on any night of the week so maybe we have a wander around the night markets or try some of the unlimited number of bars in town. But, just because this is our last destination it is by far not the end of our experiences and tomorrow is another early start!!!

Today continues when we link up with a local guided tour to the UNESCO World Heritage area of the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation.

This is an incredibly scenic journey along the Great Barrier Reef driving from Cairns to Port Douglas, visiting the famous Wildlife Habitat, crossing the Daintree River by cable ferry, walking amongst the rainforest on a boardwalk, taking a boat cruise on the Daintree River and exploring Cape Tribulation Beach and Alexandra Lookout. All wrapped around a wonderful tropical lunch!

We return back to Cairns early evening and you are free to explore the town or have a meal at the hostel.

(Breakfast & lunch included)

Back on to the water today we are heading out on our penultimate day with a day trip to the marine wonderland of the outer Great Barrier Reef. Snorkelling in incredible clear waters amongst diverse marine life, from colourful corals to inquisitive Nemos, turtles, stingrays and giant Maori Wrasse fish. All equipment is provided.

With just a 90-minute boat trip on our fast boat from Cairns you will get to spend five hours exploring the the reef and visit two stunning dive sites. These are expertly chosen from our exclusive moorings on the Norman, Saxon and Hastings reefs to bring you the best quality conditions based on tide and weather.

Lunch, morning tea and afternoon are all provided on board and there is even fresh hot water showers for after your underwater adventures – how luxe is that?!?! For any qualified divers we have on board there is the chance to upgrade to scuba dives on board.

Like yesterday we arrive back in Cairns in the later afternoon with loads of time to explore, have a swim at the hostel or grab a drink on the Esplanade. Tonight is our last night with your U. Guide so maybe a bit of a boogey is in order?

(Breakfast, lunch, morning & afternoon tea included)

And with that, it is our last day together. Today we have a range of optional activities that we recommend to close out your incredible Australia adventure with. You can start your scuba diving course, go on a one-day tour to the Queensland hinterland and the Atherton Tablelands, skydive over the incredible rainforest with views over the Great Barrier Reef, white-water rafting on the famous Tully River, or how about a legendary brewery tour to check out the thriving craft beer scene in Cairns.

If all that sounds a bit much how about just lazing your day away at the lagoon or hostel pool – that sounds pretty good to us.

For many of you, this is not the end as you connect on with your U.Trips in Thailand, Bali, New Zealand or Fiji. For others, you might be staying in Cairns to complete your PADI Scuba Diving Certificate or getting involved in our awesome Marine Conservation Project.

(Breakfast included)