East Coast Australia Holiday

Day 1 – Welcome to your East Coast Australia Holiday!
Upon arrival at Sydney International Airport, collect your luggage and meet with your transfer, who will drive you to your accommodation. The rest of the day is free time to relax and freshen up after your journey.
Overnight at the Harbour Rocks Hotel Sydney

Day 2 – Discover Sydney
Sydney is a must-do for every Australia holiday, and for good reason: With the dazzling natural harbour, epic beachside walks (not to mention beaches), a cutting-edge restaurant and bar scene, excellent live music and theatre, and an unquenchable thirst for fun, you will never get bored in this city. Today is free for you to explore as you wish. We suggest taking a walk through the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens along the harbour and stop at the iconic Mrs Macquarie's Chair for the best view of the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. In the evening, enjoy a nice dinner, along with exploring the local bar and pub scene—maybe even catch some live music?
Overnight at the Harbour Rocks Hotel Sydney

Day 3 – Aboriginal Dreaming Tour and the Sydney Opera House
This morning, learn about the history and culture of Sydneyʼs Aboriginal people first-hand and join The Rocks Aboriginal Dreaming Tour (Illi Langi). On this leisurely walkabout tour, you will follow an Aboriginal guide to significant cultural sites under the Sydney Harbour Bridge, hear Dreamtime creation stories and explore the deep connection that Sydneyʼs First Peoples have with the sparkling harbour.
Later in the day, you will get to go behind the scenes at the Sydney Opera House for a fascinating look at this Sydney icon. Your knowledgeable guide leads you through the World Heritage–listed building on a walking tour, sharing entertaining stories about the revered performance centre’s history and providing access to off-limits parts of the house.
Overnight at the Harbour Rocks Hotel Sydney

Day 4 – Explore Bondi Beach
Today is time at your leisure to explore Bondi Beach, Australia's most famous beach. The jewel of Sydneyʼs laid- back beach lifestyle is home to one of the oldest surf lifesaving clubs in the world and one of Australia’s oldest swimming clubs, the Bondi Icebergs. Browse the boutique shops along Gould Street and sit down in one of the trendy cafés. Later on venture away from the world-famous sights and explore some of Sydney's best suburbs at your leisure. Enjoy the trendy Surry Hills neighbourhood, then head to Surry Hillsʼ next-door neighbour: Darlinghurst. This part of the city evolved from a similarly gritty suburb into the heart of Sydneyʼs LGBTQ+ community. It's defined by its rainbow-coloured Oxford Street precinct, hosts Sydneyʼs epic Mardi Gras celebration every March, and keeps the party going 12 months a year. Next up, enjoy the boutique shops and craft brews of Newtown, the city's Bohemian university district. King Street is
Newtownʼs street art-caked spine and is lined with independent retailers and offbeat boutiques that are just as eclectic as the residents themselves. You can also explore Centennial Park, which is Sydney's version of Central Park, or the Royal Botanical
Gardens. If you're in the city on a Saturday, sift through Paddington Markets and enjoy the historic architecture of the neighbourhood, including Victorian terraced buildings along Oxford Street.
Overnight at the Harbour Rocks Hotel Sydney

Day 5 – Fraser Island
A driver will pick you up from your accommodation and transfer you to the airport to catch your flight north.
Depart Sydney 1200 arrive Hervey Bay 1345
Upon arrival, collect your luggage and meet with the shuttle transfer, who will drop you off at your ferry departure to take the ferry to Fraser Island. Collect your tickets at the Ticket Hut adjacent to the ferry ramp. Enjoy the ride to Fraser Island and say hello to the worldʼs largest sand island, also known as Kʼgari (meaning paradise) by the traditional owners, the Butchulla people. Once arrived, follow the resort staff to your accommodation, check out the resort and enjoy drinks at the Sunset Bar.
Overnight at the Kingfisher Bay Resort (B)

Day 6 – Fraser Island
Your East Coast Australia holiday continues on Fraser Island with a full day of adventure and exploring of K'Gari (Fraser Island). You’ll meet like- minded travellers, visit the top natural attractions and cool off in watering holes, all from the air-conditioned comfort of custom-designed, four-wheel-drive coaches. Swim in the crystal-clear waters of Lake McKenzie, wander through ancient subtropical rainforests, marvel at the rustic ruins of the Maheno Shipwreck, and cruise along the 75-Mile Beach highway, as you explore the worldʼs largest sand island. Join an expert guide as they navigate the sand tracks and share the history of this World Heritage-listed paradise with you. Discover the pristine native environment, and catch a glimpse of the unique wildlife and protected species that inhabit the island.
Overnight at the Kingfisher Bay Resort (B)

Day 7 – Agnes Water
Take the ferry from Kingfisher Bay Resort on Fraser Island to River Heads (approximately 20 minutes South of Hervey Bay) on the mainland. Here you will pick up your hire car for the next part of your East Coast Australia holiday. Drive north, where you will pass Bundaberg and eventually end up at your next stop of Seventeen Seventy, a small coastal town near Agnes Water. It is the northernmost surf beach along the Australian coast and is considered by many to be one of Australia's best kept secrets. For a leisurely lunch or dinner, head to the 1770 Rusty Pelican for beachfront fish and chips before heading to your accommodation.
Overnight at Sandcastles 1770 Motel & Resort

Day 8 – Agnes Water and 1770
Today you can explore the twin towns of Agnes Water and Seventeen Seventy, the only Australian town with a number for a name, marking the year when Captain Cook found the first place in Queensland in the year 1770. The towns also mark the final place up the East Coast of Australia where you can learn to surf, at the legendary Agnes Water Main Beach. It combines the Southernmost access point to the Great Barrier Reef and the Northernmost surf beach, giving “Agnesˮ, as the locals call it, a great surfer and hippie vibe. You won’t find any traffic lights, roundabouts or parking metres here, no shopping malls or fast-food restaurants, but several beautiful beaches and lots of things to do. It’s as authentic as a classic Aussie beach town gets! What makes the beach in 1770 so special is the fact that you can watch the sun set over the ocean. The calm shallow waters are great for kids, there’s a beautiful playground right next to the beach, a boardwalk and tracks for riding scooters and bikes. We also recommend The Paperbark Forest Boardwalk which is a short and easy walk including fun (and kid- friendly) steppingstones in shallow water. The 1770 Butterfly Walk is incredible between March and May, when you’ll find hundreds of thousands of Blue tiger butterflies, but it’s a great walk in its own right any time of year with amazing ocean-views. It starts from the Captain Cook monument in Seventeen Seventy, which takes you through the bush and along the coast line, up to the 1770 Headland & lookouts.

In the afternoon, join an afternoon cruise which is the perfect introduction to the area. In addition, it is with the first amphibious tour operator in Australia! The cruise crosses Round Hill Creek, cruises along the edge of Eurimbula National Park up to Eurimbula Creek. Then turns around and returns to explore the 1770 sand bar. This one-hour joyride is fun for everyone, with an entertaining running commentary, breathtaking scenery, amazing wildlife and an exciting finale!
Overnight at Sandcastles 1770 Motel & Resort

Day 9 – Rockhampton and Capricorn Caves
Leave the Discovery Coast behind and continue North, first on the leisurely country road to Miriam Vale, past large cattle ranches. Then move on to the Bruce Highway. You can make a detour to the harbour town of Gladstone - ideal for lunch. Then head back towards Rockhampton ("Rocky" to his friends), where the hats, boots and cars are big, and the bulls are even bigger. With more than 2.5 million cattle within a 250 km radius, this riverside town, founded in 1858 on the land of the Darumbal people, does not call itself Australia's cattle capital without good reason. Some 24km north of Rockhampton, is the cave complex of the Capricorn Caves, one of the areas foremost attractions. Technically not subterranean (they were formed by water working on the limestone of an ancient reef, thrust upward by tectonic pressure) they contain cave coral, stalactites, dangling fig-tree roots and little insectivorous bats. The most popular (one-hour) tour showcases their remarkable acoustics with a classical-music recording in Cathedral Cave, and is suitable for all ages and most fitness levels. It is highly recommended to purchase your tickets prior to arriving at Capricorn Caves.
Overnight at Capricorn Caves Accommodation (B)

Day 10 – Airlie Beach
Hit the road and make your way towards Airlie Beach. You will spend most of today driving, so we recommend downloading a great playlist and/or podcasts to entertain you during today's road trip. Stop for ice cream and a coffee at Flaggy Rock, then head further north until you reach Mackay. Have a look around the laid-back town and check out Cape Hillsborough National Park, where wild wallabies and kangaroos are at home. You might be lucky and spot them during the day. In the afternoon, you will arrive at Airlie Beach, a relaxed resort town on Queensland's Whitsunday Coast. It's a gateway to the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef. For dinner, head to the Airlie Beach Hotel or Fish Dʼvine and relax in the tropical atmosphere.
Overnight at Airlie Beach Eco Cabins (B)

Day 11 – Whitsunday’s Sailing Adventure
It is a highlight of the East Coast Australia holiday today, as you harness the wind and sail the azure waters of the Whitsundays on board an impressive 85ft ocean-going catamaran. Departing from Airlie Beach, cruise past Whitsunday Island, passing Daydream, Hamilton and Hook islands en route. On Whitsunday Islandʼs east coast, moors at the northern end of Whitehaven Beach, a 7km arc of dazzling white sand, regularly voted Australiaʼs best beach. On a guided hike to Hill Inlet lookout, follow a path walked by the Whitsundaysʼ traditional owners, the Ngaro people. Back on the beach, swim and stroll along the shore before a BBQ lunch cooked and served on board. After lunch, you will head to one of the Whitsundays fringing reefs for some snorkelling before sailing back to shore. (Lunch included. BBQ lunch, soft drinks and water, beer, and wine from 11am, morning and afternoon tea).
Overnight at Airlie Beach Eco Cabins (B)

Day 12 – Mission Beach
Queensland is Australia's second-largest state, distances are far, which means today's drive will take up most of your day. But fear not, there are a few nice stops along the way if you want to take your time. Leave Airlie Beach in the morning and head north, after an hour's drive you will get to Bowen. Home to the Big Mango as well as secret beaches like Horseshoe Bay. Then continue along the coast to reach Townsville, another of Queensland's eye-catching coastal cities. The town has both a fascinating military history and significant Aboriginal heritage. For an early lunch, visit The Beet Bar which offers healthy eats and lots of treats. Pass through Ingham, often referred to as “Little Italyˮ which isn't surprising given more than half of Ingham's population being of Italian descent. Just a short drive southwest of Ingham provides an opportunity to discover the awe-inspiring Wallaman Falls, Australia's highest permanent single drop waterfall. In the afternoon you will reach Mission Beach, a quiet stretch of the Tropical North Queensland coast which is also the closest point to the Great Barrier Reef on the mainland. Enjoy the absence of traffic lights, chain stores, and crowds. For dinner, check out the delights of BUKO restaurant at Castaways.
Overnight at Castaways Resort and Spa

Day 13 – Mission Beach to Palm Cove
Great food, good vibes and even better coffee is the mantra at Shanti Café. The perfect way to start the day, today's drive is only about 3 hours plus any additional stops you might like. And let me tell you, there are a few very nice ones along the way. Just 45mins north of Mission Beach lies Paronella Park, a magical moss-covered pleasure garden that has enough nooks, crannies and sources of fascination to keep you delighted for hours. It was built by Spanish immigrant José Paronella as a gift to his wife Margarita. Continue further and take a quick detour to check out Etty Bay which is frequented by the famous Southern Cassowary, seen patrolling the area most days with sightings more common during the early morning and late afternoon. Back on the road, you will soon arrive at Wooroonooran National Park, we recommend checking out Josephine Falls. Carry on and arrive at Babinda Boulders (1 hour south of Cairns) and cool off in crystal clear water amid granite boulders. The water is refreshing year-round.

Your East Coast Australia holiday continues as you will pass through the laid-back city and gateway to Queensland's tropical north; Cairns. Stroll along the esplanade and take in the tranquil views of the Cairns Marina. About 30 minutes north of Cairns lies
today's destination: Palm Cove. A tiny beachside village centred around an esplanade lined with 500-year-old melaleuca trees. Check in to your accommodation and choose one of the many restaurants, ranging from fish and chips on the beach to high-end, award-winning restaurants.
Overnight at Peppers Palm Cove (B)

Day 14 – Daintree, Cape Tribulation & Bloomfield
Sit back and relax in comfort in a custom-built 4WD air-conditioned vehicle while listening to informative and entertaining commentary by your local naturalist guide. The group size is limited for a more personalised experience. As one of the few tour operators to travel on the Bloomfield Track, your experience will be like no other. Spot crocodiles on a Daintree River cruise, learn about flora, fauna and the history of the Daintree on a guided boardwalk tour, take a 4WD ride through a World Heritage-listed rainforest on the rugged Bloomfield Track, visit Cape Tribulation Beach and enjoy a homemade Daintree ice-cream on your journey home (not included!).
Overnight at Peppers Palm Cove (B)

Day 15 – The Great Barrier Reef
Board a high-speed catamaran for a full-day cruise to the Great Barrier Reef. One of Australiaʼs most remarkable natural gifts, the Great Barrier Reef is the worldʼs largest coral reef. The reef contains an abundance of marine life and is home to more than 3,000 individual reef systems and coral cays. Your reef adventure begins with an informative briefing by an eco-guide before exploring two pristine Great Barrier Reef locations at one of the 24 exclusive moorings. The trip includes all snorkelling equipment, a hot and cold buffet lunch freshly prepared by the onboard chef plus friendly trained staff to teach snorkelling techniques and educate you about the Great Barrier Reef.
Overnight at Peppers Palm Cove (B)

Note: This tour departs from Cairns. You will have to make your own way to Cairns (approx. 30min drive / 25 km / 15 miles one way). Transfers can be added on request.

Day 16 – Explore Palm Cove
A free day to explore Palm Cove's collection of cafés, boutiques, spas and surrounds at your leisure. Palm Cove is everything youʼd imagine it to be; calm swells, shady palms and an incredible backdrop to your getaway plans. Relaxation is often top of the list of things to do in Palm Cove. For a mix of both downtime and discovery, take a stroll along the sand at Clifton Beach. Unlike most other beaches on the east coast, Clifton Beach is netted year-round, so you can enjoy a dip in the waters no matter what month you visit. While Palm Cove is all about indulging in nature’s top offerings, there’s always a little time to indulge in some self-care as well. Enjoy a Spa treatment or join Hartig Yoga at the palm-fringed beachfront, pop your matt on the grass and salute the Tropical North Queensland sun. With classes at holiday-appropriate hours (no 6 am starts, thank you!), we recommend booking your spot online as classes are small and quite popular. For dinner treat yourself to Nu Nu Restaurant, few places come close to this gem with views as memorable as the food served.
Overnight at Peppers Palm Cove (B)

Day 17 – The end of the East Coast Australia Holiday
Today, at an appropriate time, drive back down from Palm Cove to Cairns and the international airport. Drop your car off and make your way to the terminal for your flight home. Take with you all the new memories from your trip Down Under, and come back soon!