Laurel Thachuk
Travel Specialist
Specialist areas
Honeymoons
Start in Sydney, finish in Cairns and leave no stone unturned along Australia’s diverse east coast. You’ll adventure through all the postcard-perfect spots – snorkel at the Great Barrier Reef, swim in the waters of the Whitsundays, go on a 4WD drive adventure in K’gari (formerly Fraser Island) and explore the ancient wonders of the Daintree Rainforest. With tasty stops at wineries in the Hunter Valley, city walkabouts in Sydney, coastal hikes and chilled-out beachside vibes in Byron Bay, Mission Beach, Hervey Bay and more – this is a true-blue intro to everything Australia.
Is this trip right for you?
- This trip covers around 2500 km (1550 miles). There are some long travelling days but it’s all part of the adventure and a great way to get to know your fellow travellers.
- This trip includes an overnight train, which is super comfortable and features RailBeds, charging stations and USB ports. The overnight train is in RailBed class and is not accompanied by a tour leader. Should the train not operate due to track works or other factors outside of our control, it will be replaced with alternative transport and an additional overnight stay. Please see the daily itinerary for more details.
- Multiple activities on this trip are subject to weather and water conditions and on occasion, may be cancelled for safety or operational reasons. In the case of cancellation, we will endeavour to find a suitable replacement activity.
- Minimum age: 15 years old.
*This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 April 2026 to 31 March 2027. Please consult your Travel Specialist for details on itinerary variations outside these dates.*
Sydney
Cairns
Price pp from
NZD $10,142Welcome to Sydney! Or Warrane, in the language of the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, who are the Traditional Custodians of the land on which Sydney is now located. Your adventure begins with a pickup at 9 am in front of the starting point hotel. After, you’ll head out for a walkabout around The Rocks with a local Aboriginal guide and great views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Wander through sites like Campbells Cove and along the Cumberland Walk while your guide teaches you about the area's history, land and water use, as well as its spiritual connection for First Nations people. You’ll then have time to grab lunch before heading north to the famous Hunter Valley winery region. Once there, sit down for a sommelier-led wine tasting where you’ll hear about the winery’s history and varieties. Finish your tasting and depart for Cessnock, your accommodation for tonight in the heart of the valley. Perhaps head out for an optional welcome dinner in Cessnock to get to know your fellow travellers.
Today's pick up will take place at 9 am this morning in front of the starting point hotel. Please see details in the joining point section in the Essential Trip Information document. It’s very important that you’re on time, as the group will head out on the walking tour straight after. It’s highly recommended that you spend a night in Sydney before your trip starts. Please note that The Rocks Dreaming Tour is on a join-in basis. Other travellers from outside our Intrepid group may join us.
Activities:
Staying in:
Welcome to Sydney! Or Warrane, in the language of the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, who are the Traditional Custodians of the land on which Sydney is now located. Your adventure begins with a pickup at 9 am in front of the starting point hotel. After, you’ll head out for a walkabout around The Rocks with a local Aboriginal guide and great views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Wander through sites like Campbells Cove and along the Cumberland Walk while your guide teaches you about the area's history, land and water use, as well as its spiritual connection for First Nations people. You’ll then have time to grab lunch before heading north to the famous Hunter Valley winery region. Once there, sit down for a sommelier-led wine tasting where you’ll hear about the winery’s history and varieties. Finish your tasting and depart for Cessnock, your accommodation for tonight in the heart of the valley. Perhaps head out for an optional welcome dinner in Cessnock to get to know your fellow travellers.
Today's pick up will take place at 9 am this morning in front of the starting point hotel. Please see details in the joining point section in the Essential Trip Information document. It’s very important that you’re on time, as the group will head out on the walking tour straight after. It’s highly recommended that you spend a night in Sydney before your trip starts. Please note that The Rocks Dreaming Tour is on a join-in basis. Other travellers from outside our Intrepid group may join us.
Activities:
Staying in:
Atherton Tablelands
Byron Bay - The Farm visit
Cape Tribulation - Kulki walk & lookout
Coffs Harbour - Red Rock Gumbaynggirr First Nations experience
Crowdy Bay National Park - Diamond Head Hike
Daintree National Park - Mossman Gorge
Daintree Rainforest guided nature walk
Dorrigo National Park - Rainforest Centre & Skywalk
Hunter Valley - winery visit & wine tasting
K'Gari (Fraser Island) 4WD tour
Koala Hospital visit in Port Macquarie
Mandingalbay First Nations tour
Mason’s Swimming Hole at Cape Tribulation
Paluma Range National Park
Springbrook National Park - Natural Bridge
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