Coastal Adventure Sydney to Cairns

Itinerary

Day 1 Sydney

Trek start and welcome meeting at 8:00 a.m. at our hotel in Sydney. Sightseeing and shopping in Sydney. We're off to the popular resort town Port Macquarie on teh North Coast of New South Wales. We visit the Koala Hospital, which is Australia's oldest koala hospital, and learn more about the adorable koalas.Sydney Sydney is the most populous city in Australia with a metropolitan area population of over 4.2 million people. Sydney is the state capital of New South Wales and is located on the country's south-east coast. The first European colony in Australia, Sydney was established in 1788 at Sydney Cove by Arthur Phillip who led the First Fleet from Britain. Built around Port Jackson, which includes Sydney Harbour, the city of Sydney has been called the "Harbour City". It is Australia's largest financial center and a major international tourist destination, notable for its beaches and twin andmarks: the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge.

Day 2-3 Byron Bay

Our next stop is Byron Bay, Australia‘s most easterly point, with numerous beaches, unspoilt countryside, and relaxed lifestyle. Here we can enjoy the fantastic views from the lighthouse and try to spot some dolphins. We have the opportunity to go sea kayaking, surfing or just relax at the beautiful sandy beaches.Byron Bay Byron Bay is the largest town in Byron Shire, located at the most Easterly point on Australia's main land, in the Northern Rivers Region of New South Wales. Byron Bay is located 790 km north of Sydney and 173 km south of Brisbane. It has the distinction of being one of the many places along the East Coast of Australia which was named by Captain James Cook as he sailed up the coast in 1770. Byron Bay has gained a reputation of having a relaxed and often alternative atmosphere. Its atmosphere coupled with its many beaches, Julian Rocks marine reserve, Cape Byron lighthouse, unspoiled hinterland, and nearby world heritage listed national parks has helped cement Byron Bay as a world renowned place to live and visit.

Day 4 Hervey Bay

Journeying north we reach Queensland. Along its coast stretches the Great Barrier Reef, one of the seven natural world wonders and home to thousands of shimmering coral, colorful fish and marine species. On our way to Hervey Bay, we pass by the trendy Gold Coast and Brisbane, Australia’s fourth largest metropolis.

Day 5-6 Fraser Island (B,2L,D)

In the morning we cross the sheltered waters of the Great Sandy Strait to Fraser Island, the largest sand island in the world. We start our two-day 4 wheel-drive adventure checking out some of Fraser Island’s inland sights including Hammerstone Sand Blow, the ghostly remainders of the Maheno Shipwreck, the Coloured Sands, and the magnificent rainforest. We will learn about the island’s history, fauna and flora and can swim in freshwater creeks and crystal clear lakes.Fraser Island World Heritage Area (Great Sandy N.P.) Fraser Island is the largest sand island in the world at 1630 km². It was inscribed as a World Heritage site in 1992. Fraser Island is located off the east coast of Australia approximately 200 km north of Brisbane, Queensland. The island is separated from the mainland by the Great Sandy Strait. With Cooloola, the island forms the Great Sandy Region, stretching 175 km north to south, varying in width up to 25 km, with the highest elevation of 260 m. The Fraser Island area is protected in the name of Great Sandy National Park. Fraser Island has over 100 dune lakes, as well as the second highest concentration of lakes in Australia after Tasmania.The freshwater lakes on Fraser Island are some of the cleanest lakes in the world.

Day 7 Baralaba, Queensland (D)

Today we head inland to Cania Gorge National Park, which boasts 30 km2 of spectacular landscape, sandstone cliffs, caves, eucalypt and dry rain forest. This secluded ara is home to kangoroos, wallabies and over 100 species of birds.

Day 8-9 Myella Farm/Airlie Beach (Day 9B)

We continue inland to Myella Farm to experience outback life on a working cattle ranch. At the farm we help feeding the horses, milk the cows and enjoy authentic ranchstyle meals. We have the opportunity to explore the farm on horseback or on a motorbike.Passing countless cane fields and sugar mills, we make our way to Airlie Beach, the lively harbor town situated on the Whitsunday Coast. The Whitsundays consist of over 90 islands and waterways, which fall within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Many optional activities to explore the idyllic Whitsunday Islands and the underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef are offered here: helicopter flights, boat trips, snorkeling, or scuba diving over the coral reefs.

Day 10 Airlie Beach

Today you have free time to experience all what the Whitsundays has to offer. Take a day sail through these fascinating islands or just relax on the beach the day is yours to discover.

Day 11 Mission Beach

Today we head further north. We drive past the busy towns of Townsville and Ingham, a sugarfarming country town. We visit the magnificent Wallaman Falls, Australia’s largest sheer drop waterfall, tumbling 305m down to a large pool. Afterwards we drive to the relaxed beachfront town of Mission Beach.

Day 12 Cairns

On our way to Cairns we stop at the picturesque Millaa Millaa Falls, a popular swimming spot. Then we arrive at Curtain Fig Tree National Park, which includes the renowned giant Curtain Fig Tree. It is one of the largest trees in North Queensland and one of the best known attractions on the Tablelands. Its “curtain” of aerial roots drops 15 m to the ground. Afterwards we drive to Cairns, known for its lush tropical setting close to the Great Barrier Reef. Curtain Fig N.P. The Curtain Fig Tree is one of the largest trees in Tropical North Queensland, and one of the best known attractions on the Atherton Tableland. It is located just out of Yungaburra. The large fig tree found in this park is unique because the extensive aerial roots, that drop 15m to the forest floor, have formed a "curtain". Starting from a seed dropped high in the canopy, this strangler fig grew vertical roots, which gradually became thicker and interwoven. Over hundreds of years these roots have strangled the host causing it to fall into a neighboring tree — a stage unique to the development of this fig. Vertical fig roots then formed a curtain-like appearance and the host trees rotted away, leaving the freestanding fig tree. The tree is thought to be nearly 50m tall, with a trunk circumference of 39m, and is estimated to be over 500 years old. An elevated boardwalk protects the tree while allowing visitors uninterrupted views of the fig from all angles.

Day 13 Depart Cairns

A last opportunity for city sightseeing and shopping in Cairns.

Trip Details

Accommodation	Paticipation Camping (10 nts), Tented camp (1 nt), Hotel (1 nt)
Brochure Notes	This is not a dedicated G.A.P Adventures tour and you will be pooled with non G.A.P Adventures passengers.
Group Size	Min 6, Max 13.
Included Highlights	Fraser Island 4x4 excursion, Cania Gorge National Park, Farmstay, Wallaaman Falls, Millaa Millaa Falls, Fig Tree National Park.
Local Payment	There is not local payment for this program.
Meals Included	2 Breakfast, 2 lunch, 2 dinner.
Recommendation	Want to see more of the outback of Queensland check out Queesnland Outback Experience, OAQP.
StartFinish	Sydney to Cairns
Transport	Van, 4WD, walking.
Brochure Intro	Move up the fabulous Queensland coast in this wonderful adventure. Observe the majesty of spectacular waterfalls, deep gorges and beautiful white sand beaches. Take an optional excursion to the Great Barrier Reef, or just kick back, relax and let the world go by. With beaches, farmstays and a visit to Sydney, this is a truly well-rounded Aussie experience!

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