Intrepid Travel: Sydney to Cairns Adventure

Today, you’ll make tracks north along the scenic coastal route. Along the way, stop at Crowdy Bay National Park for the easy-to-moderate Diamond Head Loop Walk that winds through forests of heath, paperbark and swamp mahogany at Diamond Head. While taking in the views of golden beaches and dramatic rock faces, keep an eye out for the quartz crystals in the cliffs that sparkle in the sun, giving Diamond Head its name. Whales and dolphins can sometimes be spotted off the coast, and you may even come across a mob of kangaroos between the secluded coves, beaches and forest trails. Later, continue your drive to your accommodation in Port Macquarie.

Your travel time today will be approximately 4.5 hours. The Diamond Head Loop Walk at Crowdy Bay National Park is 4.3 km, Grade 3. Alternatively your leader can suggest a shorter walk if you like.

Activities:

• Crowdy Bay National Park - Diamond Head Hike

Staying in:

• Hotel (1 night)

This morning, you’ll visit the Koala Hospital in Port Macquarie, where you’ll meet the volunteers who work there and learn about how this organisation provides care and treatment for koalas needing rehabilitation. Then, drive to Bellingen, where you might like to grab lunch and enjoy some free time. Continue to Dorrigo National Park via the gorgeous Waterfall Way, known for its lush, sub-tropical rainforest – the last piece of the ancient subcontinent Gondwanaland. Few places on Earth contain so many plants and animals relatively unchanged from their ancestors. Pop into the Rainforest Centre in the park, take a stroll along the skywalk or explore the rainforest with your group.

Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.

Activities:

• Port Macquarie - Koala Hospital guided tour
• Dorrigo National Park - Rainforest Centre & Skywalk

Staying in:

• Cabins (1 night)

Next up is Byron Bay – a laid-back surf paradise with boundless coastline, sand and friendly locals. But first, you’ll start your day with a walking tour of Red Rock with a local First Nations guide. Learn about the culture of the Gumbaynggirr people through stories, songs and the uses of native plants. Walk alongside The Solitary Island Marine Park Waterways and connect with Country as you learn more about the Dreaming. After, you’ll stop in Yamba where you might like to grab some lunch, before visiting Byron Bay Lighthouse for a unique photo opportunity and the chance to spot some dolphins, whales and other marine life.

Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.

Activities:

• Coffs Harbour - Red Rock Gumbaynggirr First Nations experience
• Byron Bay - Lighthouse Walk

Staying in:

• Cabins (1 night)

Today is a free day to enjoy the coastal life of Byron Bay. Early risers might enjoy catching the sunrise, while others can enjoy the morning to sleep in. There’s plenty of ways to enjoy the great outdoors in Byron Bay, including a beginner’s surf lesson, a guided sea kayaking tour of the Byron Bay Marine Park, or just relaxing at the beach. You’ll have plenty of options for food and drink today thanks to Byron’s thriving café, bar and pub scene. Perhaps get the group together for a dinner overlooking the water? Your leader can help with some recommendations.

Staying in:

• Cabins (1 night)

This morning, head to The Farm – a collection of micro-businesses on a working farm focusing on growing, feeding and educating through community farming. Maybe grab some breakfast here and add a few extra snacks to have for lunch later on. Continue to Springbrook National Park and take a short walk to Natural Bridge rock arch which was formed by the force of the waterfall over the basalt cave. This afternoon, head to the famous Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast for some beach time before continuing onto Brisbane where you’ll spend the night.

Your travel time today will be approximately 4.5 hours.

Activities:

• Springbrook National Park - Natural Bridge
• Byron Bay - The Farm visit

Staying in:

• Hotel (1 night)

The next part of your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 10 am. Then, drive to Noosa Heads, where you can grab some lunch, relax on the beach or go shopping in the boutique shops. If you’d like, maybe use your free time here to do part of the Noosa Coastal Walk and look for local flora and fauna. This afternoon, you’ll hit the road again for the coastal city of Hervey Bay, where you’ll spend the night.

As this trip is a combination of shorter itineraries, the travellers in your group and your group leader are likely to change today. Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours. In Noosa, you have time to complete a short walk along the coast if you wish. Choose from the Palm Grove Walk (Grade 3, 1.1 km return taking about 30 minutes), Noosa Hill Walk (Grade 4, 2.8 km return, taking about 1.5 hours), or the 300 m path to Boiling Point or Dolphin Point (1.2 km one way) - both sealed and barrier free.

Staying in:

• Cabins (1 night)

After breakfast this morning, you’ll head to the island of K'gari (previously known as Fraser Island) by ferry for a daytrip. The name change is a major milestone in a long-running campaign by the Butchulla people, whose original name for this place means ‘paradise’ – and you’ll soon see why. Set off on an adventure through the landscape, starting with an adventurous drive along the sand roads of 75 Mile Beach Road. Then, take a dive into the clear rainwater lake of Boorangoora (Lake McKenzie), famous for its turqouise water filtered by its 92 per cent pure silica sand. Head over to another of the island’s safe swimming spots, the fresh waters of Eli Creek, before a visit to the Maheno shipwreck and coloured sands of the pinnacles. Tonight, head back to Hervey Bay for a free evening to rest and recharge. 

Please note that your day trip to K'gari today is on a join-in basis. Other travellers from outside our Intrepid group may join us.

Activities:

• K'gari - Full day tour

Staying in:

• Cabins (1 night)

Enjoy a free day in Hervey Bay today – a prime location for observing humpback whales during migration season and the world’s first certified Whale Heritage Area. If the month is right, maybe spend the morning whale-watching on the water, or rent a bike to cycle along the foreshore. You could also take a leisurely stroll along the water’s edge, go kayaking or just enjoy one of the many Queensland beaches nearby. Make sure you pick up some snacks for tonight's overnight train journey north on the famous 'Spirit of Queensland.' Depart from the train station at Maryborough West and arrive in Proserpine, south-west of Airlie Beach, arriving early tomorrow morning.

From July to October you have the opportunity to participate in a whale watching excursion. This is not included in the price of this trip and is an optional activity at your own expense. As whale watching tours can sell out far in advance, you can opt to book this service with us or your booking agent (subject to availability). This will guarantee you a spot. Please let us know well ahead of time if you would like to add this option to your booking. If you would rather wait and try to get a better price by booking this locally on the ground with the supplier, you are welcome to, but keep in mind that this is a popular activity and places are limited. Please keep in mind that whale migration season is from July to October. Please choose your departure date accordingly if you would like to take advantage of the opportunity to see whales. Tonight you will take the 'Spirit of Queensland' overnight train to Proserpine. An Australian first, the revolutionary 'RailBed' is a spacious and comfortable seat by day that includes a state-of-the-art personal entertainment system, a 240v power point and a USB point. In the evening, the onboard team convert the seat to a lie-flat bed with all linen provided. The train journey will be unaccompanied by your leader. You'll say goodbye to your first leader at the train station tonight and your new trip leader will meet you at the other end upon arrival of the train in the morning. IMPORTANT NOTE: Throughout the year scheduled railway track works may take place on the route from Hervey Bay to Airlie Beach, sometimes at short notice. If the train happens not to run on your departure you will be driving with your leader instead, with an overnight in Tannum Sands. The total distance is around 900km, taking approximately 15 hours, split across two days. The drive to Tannum Sands will take around 5 hours. Please see the Important Notes section of your trip notes to see the departure dates that will likely be affected as described above.

Staying in:

• Overnight train (1 night)

Your new leader will meet you at Proserpine train station early this morning. Head for an optional breakfast and caffeine hit at a local café in Airlie Beach. Your day is free to explore this hub town of the popular Whitsundays, which has plenty of beer gardens, trendy cafes and a lawn-fringed swimming lagoon. Whether you want to just kick back by the water or get out into nature on a coastal hike, there’s plenty on offer. Get to know your new leader tonight with an optional group dinner. 

We request that our property in Airlie Beach prepare rooms in time for our arrival. However as we're arriving prior to normal check-in time this isn't always possible. This means we may not be able to check-in immediately on arrival. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination, or head straight for the pool or the beach. If your departure is affected by railway track works you will drive to Airlie Beach today. The total travel time today is approximately 10 hours (including rest stops), and arrival into Airlie Beach can be expected at around 5pm.

Staying in:

• Holiday Apartments (1 night)

Today you’ll head out on a full-day tour to Whitehaven Beach in the heart of the Whitsunday Islands and the centre of the Great Barrier Reef. Start with a walk to the Hill Inlet Lookout – one of the most famous lookout spots for wide spanning views of the Whitsundays’ white sands and blue waters. Then, throw your swimsuit on to go snorkelling at one of the secret spots that your guide will show you. See coral reefs, tropical fish, turtles, clams and other marine life. Then, enjoy an included lunch and take a boat to the southern end of the 7 km stretch of Whitehaven Beach, taking the chance to kick back and relax in the sun after a day of outdoor adventures. Tonight, back in Airlie Beach, maybe head to one of the local bars for a toast at sunset.

Your day trip to Whitehaven Beach today is on a join-in basis. Other travellers from outside our Intrepid group may join us. Additionally, please note that today's activity is not suitable for travellers with pre-existing back, neck or hip injuries or who are pregnant. A signed release will be required from all participants on departure. Depending on the tides the locations mentioned above may be visited in a different order.

Activities:

• Airlie Beach - Full day Whitsunday Islands & Whitehaven Beach Tour with Snorkelling

Staying in:

• Holiday Apartments (1 night)

Today is a long day of travel with some stops to stretch your legs. Your first stop is Townsville, where you’ll head to Castle Hill lookout, walking the track up to the 360-degree viewpoint of the town, Coral Sea and Magnetic Island. You’ll have some free time for lunch and to chill by the water. Then, carry on to Big Crystal Creek in the Paluma Range National Park for a stroll, swim in the creek or quiet time relaxing to the sounds of local birdlife. This afternoon, depart for Lucinda, your location for the night.

Your travel time today will be approximately 6.5 hours.

Activities:

• Paluma Range National Park - Crystal Creek
• Townsville - Castle Hill Lookout

Staying in:

• Hotel (1 night)

This morning after breakfast, drive to Mungalla Station to meet the Traditional Custodians of the land, the Nywaigi people. Learn about their culture and history, including the brutal conflicts with European settlers, during a guided tour. The story you’ve been told will come to life as you visit an exhibition of pictures within the historic homestead. Then, head out and explore the Mungalla wetlands in search of aquatic birdlife like spoonbills, magpie geese and egrets. Drive to Mission Beach this afternoon – a small coastal town on the Cassowary Coast known for its beaches lined by palm trees and rainforests filled with cassowaries. Stop in Tully along the way to stretch your legs and tonight, maybe ask your leader for their favourite local restaurant.

Your travel time today will be approximately 2.5 hours.

Activities:

• Mungalla Station - Nywaigi First Nations Guided Tour

Staying in:

• Hotel (1 night)

Have breakfast before driving to Millaa Millaa Falls for a nature walk and optional swim in the cascades. Stop for lunch at a local cafe at Yungaburra, then walk along the Curtain Fig boardwalk to see the heritage-listed tree this park was named after – this park protects endangered mabi forest and a large green fig tree with extensive aerial roots that drop 15 m to the forest floor, forming a ‘curtain’. After, head to Lake Eacham – the site of an old volcano and home to Australia’s largest python! Here, maybe go for a swim or walk the rainforest tracks, looking for native wildlife like the musky rat-kangaroo. This afternoon, you’ll drive to Cairns, where your trip will come to an end at approximately 5 pm. If you’d like to stay longer, just speak to your booking agent.

Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours. The Curtain Fig boardwalk is a Grade 2, 180 m circuit taking around 10 minutes. The Lake Eacham circuit track in Crater Lakes National Park is a Grade 2, 3 km circuit taking around 1 hour.

Activities:

• Atherton Tablelands - Curtain Tree boardwalk
• Atherton Tablelands - Lake Eacham walk
• Atherton Tablelands - Millaa Millaa Falls