14-Day Sydney to Cairns

  Australia

• Sydney: 
Sydney
• New South Wales: 
Byron Bay
• Queensland: 
Cairns,  Fraser Island

Description: 14-Day Sydney to Cairns (09/10)

Tour Price: AUD 2645
             : AUD 2115 (child)

Tour Code: SC14

Tour Departs:804 George Street Sydney, 0615
(Other pickups available at Kings Cross or Base Backpackers)

Max People:24

2009 Dates:

April: 5
July: 12, 19, 26
August: 2, 23, 30
September: 20 & 27
October: 18 & 25
November: 8, 15, 22
December: 13 & 27

2010 Dates:

January: 3, 10, 17, 24
February 7
March 7

Twin/Double Upgrade Accommodation:
11 nights (per person twin/double) AUD320

Note: Upgrade accommodation is not available whilst Whitsunday Sailing and is available on a standby basis only at Carnarvon Gorge.

Itinerary:
Day 1: Sydney to Surf Camp
Today we head to our secluded surf camp, located beach side north of Sydney. You may wish to sun bake on the crystal white sands or take a walk around the beautiful headland. This afternoon we relax on the beach and in the evening hang out and have dinner at the Mojo Beach House. (D)

Day 2: Surf Camp to Byron Bay
After a delicious breakfast, hit the beach for your morning surf lesson. The Mojo Professional Surf Instructors are on a mission is to get you standing on a board by the end of this lesson! You will start with a theory lesson on surfing and then its straight out to the beach to get you on a board. After surfing we head north to Byron Bay, Australia's most easterly point. We travel to the Byron Bay lighthouse for amazing views of the East Coast and inland national parks. After checking in to our accommodation you are free to enjoy one of Australia's finest beaches. (B)

Day 3: Byron Bay to Rainbow Beach
Be the first to see the new day in Australia! An option this morning is to go with your guide to the lighthouse for sunrise. You may even see whales or dolphins. After breakfast we head north to Rainbow Beach via Surfers Paradise. Further north we take a short break at the spectacular lookout at Wild Horse Mountain. Enjoy panoramic views of the Sunshine Coast overlooking Noosa and Mooloolaba, before arriving at Rainbow Beach; a vibrant young coastal town, with glistening colored sands and a relaxed atmosphere. This evening relax in our accommodation, located just 100 metres from the beach. (D)

Days 4 - 5 : 2 Day Fraser Island Tour
Spend the next two days exploring Fraser Island on a ranger guided 4WD safari with Fraser Explorer, staying at Eurong Resort. You will drive along Seventy-Five Mile Beach, visit Lakes Wabby and Mackenzie, Eli Creek, the Maheno Wreck and climb Indian Head. Return to Rainbow Beach for an overnight stay. (Day 4: LD   Day 5: BLD)

Day 6: Rainbow Beach to Kroombit Cattle Station
There's an option today to feed wild dolphins at Tin Can Bay. You can take the bus or catch the ferry (ferry is your own expense). After dolphin feeding we head inland through cattle country to Kroombit Cattle Station. Here we experience genuine outback living with the chance to ride a mechanical bull and take a walk of the property. Tonight you will taste a traditional camp oven dinner, cooked in the open fire. (D)

Day 7: Kroombit Cattle Station
Today is jam-packed with wonderful activities also included in the price of your tour. Learn first-hand about Queensland farming life as you participate in a goat muster on horseback, try your skill at trap-shooting and be part of a mini-rodeo as animals are herded into the ring. This evening enjoy another hearty camp-oven dinner and re-live your days experiences around the campfire with a beer from the bush bar. (BLD)

Wet Weather itinerary:
Day 6: Rainbow Beach, Days 7-9: Kroombit Cattle Station, Day 10: Airlie Beach, Days 11-13: Whitsunday Sailing [normal itinerary resumes]

Day 8: Kroombit to Carnarvon Gorge
Start the day with a hearty breakfast before heading further inland through Central Queenslands remote outback to the little known jewel of Carnarvon National Park. Carnarvon Gorge, central to this park is a remarkable natural attraction with 30kms of walking trails, 200 species of birds, ancient plants and Aboriginal rock-art dating back 3,500 years. This afternoon we will get a taste of the gorge with a short walk amongst the numerous kangaroos and wallabies that inhabit the area. Stay tonight in large permanent tents amongst the wilderness. (BD)

Day 9: Carnarvon Gorge
Chances are that your sleep will be broken this morning by the many birds that live amongst trees surrounding the camp. After breakfast you will spend the full day hiking through the many walking trails scattered throughout this magnificent gorge. Walks are mostly of easy grade and therefore suitable for all ages and fitness levels, however the options are varied. You will see 500 year old cycads, grass trees and eucalypts, native wildlife and learn about the indigenous ancestors that inhabited this region for more than 3500 years. See the best examples of rock-art in Queensland, made from the ochre taken from the region. After a days exercise, you will return to your camp for a good nights sleep within this wilderness region. (BLD)

Day 10: Carnarvon Gorge to Airlie Beach
We start early today for our big drive from Carnarvon Gorge to the Mackay region. This is the first time we've hit the coast in four days and we now follow the coast to arrive at the Airlie Beach. Tomorrow you'll be sailing in some of finest sailing waters in the world the Whitsunday Islands. (B)

Days 11-13: Whitsunday Sailing
You will have the opportunity to sun-bathe, snorkel and swim whilst exploring the idyllic Whitsunday Islands on a million dollar yacht. Visit the many beaches, coves and islands on this two night sailing trip, with the opportunity to hoist the sails and even take the wheel. Note that you will sleep on the boat, moored in quiet coves. Cabins are share only; no twin and doubles for these two nights. Back on land, we leave Airlie Beach and head to Townsville. From here we take the ferry to Magnetic Island, so named by Captain Cook because his compass went crazy when he sailed past in 1770. This evening, relax with a cold beer and watch the sunset from the beach bar of the only backpackers resort in Australia located right on the beach. (Day 11: D Day 12: BLD Day 13: B)

Day 14: Magnetic Island to Cairns
After the short ferry trip back to the mainland, we drive to the Johnstone River Crocodile Farm to learn more about the most feared animal in Northern Australia: the estuarine or saltwater crocodile. Learn how this prehistoric animal has survived and flourished in Australia's harsh north and see large crocodiles up close and personal. From here, we stop at Babinda Boulders for a refreshing rainforest walk. As we arrive into Cairns, you will be able to cherish the many great experiences of Australia's East Coast.

What to Bring: Sturdy walking shoes, thongs/sandals, hat & sunscreen, towel & toiletries, swimming gear/beach towel, water bottle, camera & film, money for meals and listed fees. 15kg luggage limit.

Included: Experienced guides, meals as indicated, multi-share accommodation (or upgrade to twin/double), national park fees*, 2 night Whitsunday sailing*, 2 day 4WD Fraser Island tour* and activities as indicated.

Additional Fees*:
* Fraser Island fee is not included and payable upon arrival (AUD22).
* Whitsunday Sailing does not include Environmental Management Charge (Reef Tax) and other fees, which are payable direct (AUD 39). AUD 10-15 stinger suit hire (Oct-May).

Notes:
* The group size of maximum 24 people relates to our buses, but the Whitsunday Sailing and Fraser Island 4WD touring's group size will vary based on demand and boats available.
* Itineraries may vary and/or attractions be substituted due to seasonal conditions, weather extremes. Carnarvon Gorge is known for flooding at random times throughout the year and during these times it is inaccessible by road due to high river crossings. At these times, the Wet Weather itinerary will be followed.
* Upgrade accommodation is subject to availability, must be requested at time of booking and is not available whilst sailing the Whitsundays. Upgrade accommodation is not available in advance at Carnarvon Gorge (however may be available on a standby basis to upgrade passengers on arrival at no additional cost). Double/twin rooms do not feature ensuite facilities at Kroombit or Carnarvon Gorge. Upgrade accommodation is budget style, may be located on different premises to multi-share accommodation and may only be booked by passengers who book and travel together.

Highlights:
* Rainbow Beach
* Fraser Island
* Kroombit Cattle Station
* Carnarvon Gorge
* Whitsunday Sailing
* Airlie Beach
* Magnetic Island
* Crocodile Farm

Cost in US$: from AUD 2645

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Australia Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently