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.
Day 1: CairnsArrive at any time.
Day 2: Cairns/Cape TribulationHead north to Cape Tribulation. Stop en route to explore Mossman Gorge and take an interpretive walk through the Daintree Rainforest.
Day 3: Cape TribulationWith a free day, opt for a trip to the Great Barrier Reef or to explore Daintree National Park.
Day 4: Cape Tribulation/CairnsReturn 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.
Day 5: Cairns/Airlie BeachDepart early for a full day of travel to reach Airlie Beach, enjoying scenic views along the way.
Day 6: Airlie BeachSpend 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.
Day 7: Airlie Beach/Byron BayFly to Brisbane and transfer to Byron Bay for two nights in this "hippie" paradise.
Day 8: Byron BaySpend 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.
Day 9: Byron Bay/Port MacquarieSpend 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.
Day 10: Port Macquarie/Blue MountainsTravel 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.
Day 11: Blue MountainsTravel 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.
Day 12: Blue Mountains/SydneyThis 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.
Day 13: SydneyGet a feel for the city. Relax seaside at Bondi Beach. Enjoy an optional night out with the group.
Day 14: SydneyDepart at any time.
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