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Oz east coast escapeThis itinerary was created for those who would who would like to experience an active east coast Australia adventure, but who don't want to drive. Travel along the east coast from Sydney to Cairns (or vice versa) in a group of, mostly young, international travellers for 14 days. Visit Fraser Island and the Whitsundays, go horseback riding on an Australian farm, hike through Carnarvon Gorge and spend the night on a tropical island. You'll even get a chance to brave the waves of the Pacific Ocean with a professional surfer at your side. Every day of this east coast Australia adventure is filled with genuine Aussie experiences that you'll never forget. Accommodation is based on shared facilities; however in several locations you can stay in your own room for a surcharge. After completing this module, you can end east coast Australia adventure with a relaxing beach getaway in Cairns. |
| Duration |
14 days / 13 nights Departs twice a month on Sunday and Monday from Sydney - ask for exact dates. It's also possible to do the tour in reverse order from Cairns to Sydney. This departs more frequently. |
Accommodation |
Permanent camps and hostels (shared rooms and facilities) |
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Price |
£1695 per person Upgrade to twin or double for 10 nights: £ per person |
Includes |
Accommodation and transport and meals as described. Activities and excursions mentioned in the itinerary description. |
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Transport |
Minibus (maximum 24 people) |
Excludes |
Fraser Island entrance fee AU$ 24, Whitsundays National Park entrance fee AU$ 39 |
Day 1: Sydney - Surf campYou'll want to set your alarm clock to wake you up early on this first day of your trip. After meeting your fellow travellers you'll head out for a long drive. After about 5 hours of driving along the coast you'll arrive at a surf camp; one of the best surf schools in Australia. You'll have the rest of the afternoon to spend as you wish. Stretch your legs after the long drive with a long walk or spend time perfecting your tan on the white sands of the beach. At the end of the afternoon you'll head towards the Mojo Beach House where you'll dine with your fellow travellers before heading off to bed. Dinner is included today on the East coast Australia adventure. |
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Day 2: Surf camp - Byron BayAfter breakfast you'll hit the waves for your surfing lesson. The surf school instructors will teach you how to ride a board. It's their task to see you ride a wave by the end of the day. First things first, you'll start out with by learning the basics. If you're not much of a water rat, enjoy the warm rays of sunshine on the beach.After the surf lesson you'll head towards Byron Bay. During the afternoon you'll have time to visit the most eastern point of Australia, Byron Lighthouse, or to just relax and enjoy the beach. Byron Bay is a well known surfing area; surfers from all over the world come here to hang ten on spectacular waves. If you enjoyed yesterday's surfing lesson, you can put your lessons into practice and show the locals what you got. Breakfast is included. In the evening you'll have time to sit back and relax at your accommodation, only 100m from the beach. The bars at Rainbow Beach are also a great place to unwind and make friends at the end of the day. Dinner is included. |
Day 3: Byron Bay - Rainbow BeachWake up early for an unforgettable sunrise at the lighthouse on Day 3 of your east coast Australia adventure. With a little luck you'll see dolphins and whales swim by. After breakfast you'll continue on to Rainbow Beach, 1 of 2 gateways to Fraser Island. On the way you'll stop off at the famous surf town, Surfer's Paradise. After a nice ride along the Sunshine Coast, and towns such as Noosa, you'll arrive in Rainbow Beach. This town is popular backpacker destination and has a very mellow, laidback atmosphere. In the evening you'll have time to sit back and relax at your accommodation, only 100m from the beach. The bars at Rainbow Beach are also a great place to unwind and make friends at the end of the day. Dinner is included. |
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Day 4 - 5: Fraser IslandThe following 2 days you will visit the largest sand island in the world by 4x4, Fraser Island. You'll be driven across the 75-Mile Beach, which doubles as a landing strip for air planes during low-tide. You'll also visit some of the most well known and beautiful spots on the island. You'll have a swim in Lake Wabby and you may do so again in Lake McKenzie with its turquoise waters and powdery white beaches. You'll visit Maheno Wreck which has been a part of the Fraser coastline forever, Eli Creek and last but not least Indian Head. Standing on top of Indian Head you'll look down upon over the sea and the sheer rock cliffs below you. At times you may even see sharks and manta rays swimming below you. Depending on the time of year you're visiting, you may even see whales (they are common here between July and November). Whilst at Fraser Island it won't be long before you spot a dingo (wild dog) or two. At the end of day 5 you'll arrive back at Rainbow Beach. Lunch and dinner are included on day 4 and breakfast, lunch and dinner are included on day 5. |
Day 6 - 7: Rainbow Beach - Kroombit Cattle StationIn the morning you'll have the opportunity to catch a ferry or a bus to Tin Can Bay, where wild dolphins are fed at the beach. After feeding the dolphins you'll be driven to "Cattle Country" where you'll stay at Kroombit Cattle Station. Once you arrive, you'll be a guest at a local farm.... this is one of those undeniably Aussie experiences that you will never forget. In the evening a typically Australian dinner made above a campfire will certainly quench your appetite after a long day. The following day is also entirely dedicated to your 'Queensland farming experience'. There are several activities you can participate in. Choose from horseback goat herding, practice clay pigeon shooting or participate in a mini-rodeo. At the end of the day you'll once again have a traditional campfire dinner with perhaps an Australian beer at the bush bar.As part of this east coast Australia adventure, dinner is included on day 6 and breakfast, lunch and dinner are included on day 7. |
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Day 8 - 9: Kroombit Cattle Station - Carnarvon GorgeToday you'll trek even further into the countryside, towards central Queensland's remote Outback. The most stunning feature in this area is the incredibly large Carnarvon National Park (approximately 300,000 acres) and the gorge with the same name. The park is made up of steep, white stone pillars surrounded by dense subtropical rainforest. This afternoon you'll go on a short walk through the gorge, so be sure you keep an eye open for the local inhabitants: kangaroos and wallies. You'll spend the night at the park's campsite.Day 9 of this East Coast Australia adventure is completely devoted to exploring the park, overgrown with eucalyptus and other indigenous tree species. Your guide will take you to locations of Aboriginal cultural importance such as the 30m high Cathedral Cave. After a busy day of sightseeing you'll return to camp for a hearty meal and spend your last night in the heart of nature. Breakfast and dinner are included on Day 8 and breakfast, lunch and dinner on Day 9. |
Day 10: Carnarvon Gorge - Airlie BeachRise and shine early today for another day of road travel back to the coast. Naturally you'll stop along the way to stretch your legs a few times. At the end of the day you'll finally be reacquainted with Australia's addictively beautiful east coast beaches. You'll drive along the coast until you reach Airlie Beach, the starting point for trips to the famous Whitsunday archipelago. Your sailing trip to the Whitsundays is planned for tomorrow. Breakfast is included. |
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Day 11 - 13: Whitsunday Islands - Magnetic IslandDuring the sailing trip through the (often inhabited) Whitsunday Islands, you'll have plenty of time to relax and tan on deck or on one of the pristine white sandy beaches. Go snorkelling during one of the boat stops at the islands or explore the mainland. The islands have amazing beaches and plenty of opportunities to go for walks. Naturally you'll also visit the famous, pearly white 'Whitehaven Beach'.After spending 2 nights onboard you'll sail back to the mainland and the trip will continue along the coastline towards Cairns. You'll be driven towards Townsville, the second city of 'Tropical North Queensland', where you'll board a boat to Magnetic Island; a triangular island 12km from the coast. You'll spend the night on Magnetic Island which was named so by Captain Cook because his compass went berserk when he sailed past the island in 1771. In the evening you'll have plenty of time to relax with a cold beer or glass of wine at your accommodation's beach bar while watching a breathtaking sunset. Dinner is included on day 11, Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included on day 12 and breakfast is included on day 13. |
Day 14: Magnetic Island - Atherton TablelandsOn this last day of your itinerary you'll visit the ferocious salties at South Johnstone's Crocodile Farm. A ranger will tell you about their natural habitat and about the history of these feared animals. After your visit to the crocodile farm you'll visit the Atherton Tablelands, a natural reserve west of Cairns. Here you'll go on a bush walk to the Babinda Boulders, a beautiful lake in the heart of the rainforest. You'll return to Cairns in the evening after a lifetime of East Coast Australia memories. Meals are not included today. |
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At the end of this trip you can end your East Coast Australia adventure in Cairns or at the beach north of Cairns in for instance Palm Cove or Port Douglas. You could also extend your journey and take a domestic flight to Darwin and take our Kakadu National Park tour or visit Alice Springs and take the Ayers Rock camping tour. This trip can also be upgraded by booking double occupancy rooms instead of shared rooms.
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