Silhouette of a couple walking on a beach at sunset framed by a large leaning coconut palm.
Beaches & Islands

Intrepid Travel: Sydney to Cairns Adventure

Sydney

Cairns

14 days, 13 nights

Guided Small Group Tours

From: $7,452 pp

Tour overview

Weave your way from Sydney (Warran) to Cairns (Gimuy) along Australia’s East Coast. Start by sampling some of Australia’s best wines in the Hunter Valley, get up close with koalas in Dorrigo National Park and soak up the vibes of Byron Bay. The good times keep rolling over state lines, as Queensland offers the wilderness of the Atherton Tablelands, the white sands of the Whitsundays, and the golden beaches of K’gari (formerly Fraser Island). By the time you wrap up in Cairns, you’ll have had a truly all-Australian experience.

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 transportation and an additional night stay in a destination enroute.
- 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.
- This trip forms part of a longer combination tour. You might be joining travellers who have already spent some time together.
- 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.*

Tour highlights & inclusion

14 days / 13 nights
3 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner

Sydney

Cairns

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Price pp from

NZD $7,452

Trip itinerary

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:

  • Hunter Valley - Winery Visit & Wine Tasting
  • Sydney - The Rocks Dreaming Walking Tour with Aboriginal Guide

Staying in:

  • Hotel (1 night)
A view of the Sydney Opera House white sails seen through the pylons and beams of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

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Departure dates and prices

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Inclusions

Atherton Tablelands

Byron Bay - Lighthouse Walk

Byron Bay - The Farm visit

Coffs Harbour - Red Rock Gumbaynggirr First Nations experience

Crowdy Bay National Park - Diamond Head Hike

Dorrigo National Park - Rainforest Centre & Skywalk

Hunter Valley - winery visit & wine tasting

K'Gari (Fraser Island) 4WD tour

Koala Hospital visit in Port Macquarie

Paluma Range National Park

Springbrook National Park - Natural Bridge

Sydney - The Rocks Dreaming Walking Tour with Aboriginal Guide

Townsville - Castle Hill Lookout

Whitehaven Beach

Whitsunday Islands tour with Snorkelling - full day from Airlie Beach

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