Sydney and Australia’s East Coast

Start your East Coast adventure in Sydney.

Built on a natural harbour, Sydney is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Whether you are relaxing on its famous beaches, or soaking up its world class culture, there is no shortage of things to see and do here. Visit the famous Opera House, wander around the historic rocks district where this city has grown up around or head to Darling Harbour for a wealth of entertainment. The city has a plethora of museums to discover, or explore the beautiful Botanical Gardens, a green oasis with majestic views across the harbour. The relaxed beach suburbs of Coogee, Bondi and Manly are a bus or ferry ride away from the city and are the perfect place to while away an afternoon on golden sands. The scenic Blue mountains and their picturesque country villages are just a day trip away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Alternatively travel out to the scenic Hunter Valley, one of Australia’s oldest wine regions.

Includes a day trip to The Blue mountains or The Hunter Valley

Say goodbye to Sydney and fly to Ballina. Upon arrival pick up a hire car and drive to Byron Bay, a relaxed surf town and the most Eastern point in Australia.

Look back a few decades and Byron Bay was best known for its alternative culture, easy-going surfers and off-the-grid hippies. Now, Byron may be a bit more refined, but it’s no less beautiful. You’ll still find incredible surf breaks and tranquil yoga retreats that give a nod to Byron’s hippie history. You’ll also find newcomers including award-winning restaurants, luxurious beach houses and craft breweries.

With miles of beaches, top draw surfing, towering hotels and a collection of hair-raising experiences, the Gold Coast blends the cutting-edge cool of Miami, with the thrills of Las Vegas, yet still offers a uniquely Australian experience. Glitzy Surfers Paradise is the place to see and be seen, offering miles of beach front bars, shopping and dining. Thrill-seeking families will love the collection of theme parks and water parks or may even want to skydive above the famous sands! The chilled suburbs of Burleigh and Coolangatta and Currumbin offer a retreat from the action and a more authentic experience. Discover Burleigh’s hip bars, boutiques and microbreweries, or learn more about the area’s spiritual significance at the Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre. Meet a furry friend at the Currumbin wildlife sanctuary or simply laze on these beautiful white sands.

Depart The Gold Coast and continue North to Noosa.

Noosa is where Australia slows down — in the best possible way. Tucked between lush national park and golden beaches, it offers a perfect mix of natural beauty and effortless style. You can spend the morning spotting koalas on coastal walking trails, the afternoon paddling in warm, clear waters, and the evening dining in one of Hastings Street’s relaxed, upmarket restaurants.

Unlike more built-up resorts, Noosa has held onto its charm. There are no high-rises here, just low-key elegance and that irresistible sense of calm that makes you want to stay longer than planned.

Depart Noosa and drive to Hervey Bay. From here you will take a ferry across to Fraser Island, the largest sand island in the world.

Fraser Island — or K’gari, as it’s known by its Aboriginal custodians— is unlike anywhere else on Earth. It’s the world’s largest sand island, but it’s far more than just beaches. Picture crystal-clear freshwater lakes sunken into ancient dunes, rainforests growing straight out of the sand, and 4WD tracks that double as your main road.

Wild and wonderfully remote, Fraser Island is an adventure — whether you’re floating in the impossibly blue waters of Lake McKenzie, driving along the wave-battered 75 Mile Beach, or spotting dingoes in their natural habitat. There are no cities here, just raw nature and the kind of silence you didn’t know you were missing. If you’re after something truly different — rugged, beautiful, and unforgettable — Fraser Island is a must.

Your K’gari adventure includes:

• 2 nights’ resort hotel or villa accommodation
• Daily buffet breakfast
• Return passenger ferry transfers
• Full-day Ranger guided 4WD tour including morning tea, lunch and National Park Fees*

Depart Fraser Island and take the ferry to Hervey Bay. From there travel South to Brisbane.

Brisbane revels in its year-round tropical climate. Spend a few days here and the reasons behind its laid-back culture, will soon become apparent. Enjoy beautiful city parks, a wealth of alfresco dining options, riverside views and Australia’s only inner-city beach. Take a river cruise to enjoy the city from the water or enjoy a day wandering the South Bank with its world class museums and galleries.

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Depart Brisbane and fly to Cairns.

The tropical city of Cairns is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. A variety of cruises offering day trips or longer itineraries to the longest coral reef in the world. The Esplanade is a lovely place to wander, with its saltwater lagoon, providing a safe place to swim in the city. At night you’ll want to sample the cities burgeoning food scene and bustling nightlife. Get off the beaten track and pay a visit to The Crystal Cascades, a series of waterfalls and croc-free swimming holes hidden away in the forest.

Includes a day trip the Great Barrier Reef

Sandwiched between the Rainforest and The Great Barrier Reef, the town of Port Douglas enchants visitors with its laid-back charms. Macrossan Street, the colourful main drag which runs through the centre, is lined with boutique shops and restaurants which add to the relaxed feel of this resort town.

Set sail for the Great Barrier Reef and immerse yourself in a tropical underwater paradise, as you snorkel or dive amongst a kaleidoscope of fish and coral. The rest of your holiday is free to unwind on the golden sands or why not pay a visit to the Kurunda Scenic railway.