Epic Australia: Sydney to Cairns road trip

Itinerary in brief:

• 3 nights Sydney
• 2 nights Port Macquarie
• 2 nights Byron Bay
• 1 night Brisbane
• 2 nights Noosa
• 2 nights K'gari
• 1 night Rockhampton
• 2 nights Airlie Beach
• 1 night Townsville
• 4 nights Cairns 

Day 1: Depart UK 

Depart the UK from your chosen airport.

Included: International flights

Day 2: Arrive Sydney

On arrival in Sydney you'll be met at the airport and driven to your hotel in the city. Head straight out to explore or settle into your hotel after your long flight.

Included: Transfers, 4* hotel 

Day 3 & 4: Sydney

Spend a couple of days exploring the iconic city of Sydney. Why not head down to the harbour and join one of the many boat cruises to see the Harbour Bridge at its best? Stroll through the Botanic Gardens to Mrs Macquarie's Chair for the best views of the Opera House and the bridge before heading to one of the city's interesting museums. Find the best street food in the markets of the Rocks, hop on a bus to Bondi Beach to walk the famous Bondi to Coogee Trail or take the ferry to explore the beach suburb of Manly.

We've included the Burrawa BridgeClimb, where you'll discover the aboriginal history of Sydney as you climb the iconic Harbour Bridge. Burrawa is a local Aboriginal word that means 'above' or 'upwards'. During this spectacular experience, you can admire unrivalled views of the Indigenous landmarks around Sydney Harbour including Bennelong and Barangaroo, while hearing the stories of Australia's First Nations people. Your guide will tell stories about local history from an Aboriginal perspective whilst looking down on the shores where Patyegarang taught William Dawes the language of Sydney.

Included: Bridgeclimb, 4* hotel 

Day 5: Drive to Port Macquarie 

This morning you'll pick up your hire car and head out of the city to begin your epic journey north. Why not head to the Hunter Valley for lunch - pick some tasty goodies for a picnic from some of Pokolbin's local coffee shops, delis and farm shops. Stop into a local vineyard before heading back to the coast - if you're travelling between July and October, make sure you drop into Port Stephens to embark on a whale watching tour, looking out for dolphins as well in the cresting waves. Finish the day in Port Macquarie, where you can stroll along the white sand beaches and relax in this beachside town. 

Included: Car hire, 4* hotel  

Day 6: Port Macquarie 

Today is yours to explore the picturesque beaches and national parks around Port Macquarie. Why not head out for a hike along the scenic coastal walking trail, soaking up the endless beaches with their crashing surf and enjoying the fresh air in the sunshine. Head to the Koala hospital to meet the cute creatures that are cared for here, or head to Billabong Zoo, where you'll find even more iconic Australian animals. 

Included: Car hire, 4* hotel  

Day 7: Drive to Byron Bay 

Keep driving north - don't miss exploring the Trial Bay Gaol, walking the boardwalks through the Urunga Wetlands and snapping a photo with the Big Banana in Coffs Harbour. Soon you'll arrive in Byron Bay, famous as one of the coolest, laid-back beach towns in Australia. Why not head straight out for dinner by the beach - enjoying a cold beer as the sun goes down is the perfect way to end the day!

Included: Car hire, 4* hotel  

Day 8: Byron Bay 

Spend the day enjoying the coastal scenery of Byron Bay. Head up to Cape Byron Lighthouse - if you make it for sunrise you'll be amongst the first people in Australia to see it that morning. Look out for whales if you're visiting between May and November and just soak up the spectacular views out across the bay. Grab brunch in one of the cool cafes along the beach or head out to try your hand at surfing - if you'd like to add this to your itinerary - just ask.

In the afternoon we've included a sea kayaking tour to look for Dolphins. Spend a couple of hours kayaking out on the water, gazing up at Cape Byron Lighthouse and looking out for dolphins and turtles in the water around you. There's a really high chance of seeing them the wildlife but even if you didn't, it's such a great way to enjoy a few hours - you'll stop on a beautiful beach to feast on tim-tams and learn about the environment of this area of the coast. 

Included: Car hire, kayaking tour, 4* hotel  

Day 9: Drive to Brisbane 

Leaving beautiful Byron Bay behind, today you'll continue north towards Brisbane. You could stick to the coast and soak up the beach city of Gold Coast and Surfer's Paradise, visiting some of the regions iconic theme parks, SeaWorld and even the Warner Bros. Movie World. Alternatively, you could stay inland and explore the best of the Gold Coast hinterland - hike through the rainforest in Lamington National Park and swim in waterfalls at Springbrook National Park. You'll arrive in Brisbane with plenty of time for a wander along the river, and to enjoy a delicious meal in one of the city's famous restaurants.

Day 10: Brisbane to Noosa

Heading out of the big city, you'll continue north towards Noosa. We always recommend spending the morning exploring the Glasshouse Mountains, where endless trails and walks are perfect for those who love hiking. You could also stop in at Australia Zoo, to meet the cute wombats and cuddly koalas! Explore the Noosa Hinterland, where quaint little towns like Pomona are serving up delicious pastries at the local bakery before arriving in Noosa. Spend the evening soaking up the sunset and relaxing by the beach. 

Included: Car hire, 4* hotel

Day 11: Noosa

Today is yours to explore the picturesque region of Noosa. Why not start your day with a hike in Noosa National Park, where coastal trails take you to secluded beaches and scenic spots with panoramic views over the ocean. Visit one of the popular beaches to hire a paddleboard or enjoy a swim before heading into town for a fresh seafood lunch at one of the stylish cafes. In the afternoon you could visit the nearby Everglades to kayak amongst the mangroves before enjoying a beer on the beach at the end of the day.

During your day in Noosa, we've included a two hour surfing lesson - it's a great place to try it out, with gentle surf that's perfect for beginners. It's a great to really embrace the Aussie lifestyle and enjoy the waves.

Included: Car hire, 4* hotel

Day 12: Noosa to K'gari      

Head off early this morning for your drive up to Hervey Bay, 2 and a half hours away. On arrival head straight to the ferry terminal to connect with your boat over to K'gari. You will be greeted off the ferry and taken to your hotel where you will check in for the next 2 nights.

Included: Car hire, ferry, 4* hotel

Day 13: K'gari

After breakfast you will be taken on a full day 4WD explorer tour of the island, visit the main beauty spots on the island including Lake Mackenzie, known for its clear waters and silicone sands and Seventy Mile Beach, a vast expanse of golden sands and home to the Maheno shipwreck, a perfect photo opportunity. K'gari offers a rare combination of beach, bush and unique biodiversity which you can experience all in one unforgettable day.

Included: Breakfast, 4WD tour of K'gari, lunch, 4* hotel

Day 14: K'gari to Rockhampton

After breakfast, depart the island at your chosen ferry time, pick up your car and do the 4-hour drive up to Rockhampton where you will spend tonight to break up your journey. Visit the famous Bundaberg Rum Distillery and the Mon Repos Turtle Centre on the road north before stopping in Seventeen Seventy for lunch. This charming seaside town is famous for the second landing site of Captain Cook in Australia and is a lovely little side trip on your way up the coast to Rockhampton. 

Included: Breakfast, ferry, car hire, 4* hotel

Day 15: Rockhampton to Airlie Beach

Head off bright and early today as you have a 5-hour drive to your next destination, Airlie Beach. After checking in head to the lagoon for an afternoon relaxing by the pool and enjoying a swim. You will check in for your sailing trip this evening and be given all the information you need to set sail in the morning.

Included: Car hire, 4* hotel 

Day 16: Whitsundays sailing

Depart on your maxi yacht today on a Whitsundays sailing adventure, you will get the opportunity to snorkel and if you wish, dive off the boat, the waters here are rich in marine life from tiny orange clownfish to dolphins and even turtles. Visit the iconic Whitehaven Beach and be taken to 2 different spots at the end of the reef to get into the water and check out the tropical marine life.

If you want to, you can get involved with the sailing of the boat, so this can be a perfect time to brush up on your sailing skills as well as relax on the deck and enjoy the sunshine.

Included: All meals, Double Cabin on Prima Yacht

Day 17: Airlie Beach to Cairns

Wake early this morning to spot dolphins swimming by the boat. Make sure you take part in an early morning snorkel, the best way to start any day! You will arrive back in Airlie Beach at 11am this morning, hop in your car and head off on your final journey up to Cairns. The journey is a long one, taking 7 hours. If you feel this is too long, we can break the journey along the way – just let your consultant know.

Included: Breakfast, car hire, 4* hotel 

Day 18: Great Barrier Reef snorkelling tour

Today you'll head off on a tour to snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef. This unique tour will take you out to the reef to swim amongst the colourful coral and shimmering fish where you'll be joined by both marine biologists and Indigenous Cultural Guides to learn about the Aboriginal culture and Dreamtime stories about the creation of the Great Barrier Reef. It's the perfect way to experience this wonder of the world whilst also learning about native Australian history and storytelling.

Included: Car hire, snorkelling tour, 4* hotel 

Day 19: Daintree Rainforest tour

This immersive day tour through the Daintree region blends rainforest adventure with local flavour. Begin with morning tea at Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre before a guided walk through ancient rainforest. Cruise the Daintree River to spot wildlife like crocodiles and tropical birds, then enjoy a relaxed lunch at Heritage Lodge by Cooper Creek. Explore Cape Tribulation’s iconic beach, indulge in exotic fruit ice cream at the Daintree Ice Cream Company, and finish with sweeping views from Alexandra Lookout over the rainforest and Coral Sea.

Included: Car hire, Daintree tour, 4* hotel 

Day 20: Port Douglas

Today is yours to relax or explore - why not drive up to Port Douglas to enjoy the vast Four Mile Beach, stroll around the quaint town and have a mosey in the shops, stopping in at the beaches of Palm Cove on the way. If you'd rather stay near Cairns - why not head up to Kuranda, a charming rainforest village that you can access either by cable car or the scenic railway. You'll find markets, wildlife and a full day of fun to be found. It's a great way to spend your last day in Australia after this epic Sydney to Cairns road trip.

Included: Car hire, 4* hotel 

Day 21: Depart Cairns

This morning you'll drive your hire car to the airport, dropping off with plenty of time to catch your flight home. 

Included: Car hire, international flights 

Day 22: Arrive UK