Australia Round Trip: from Sydney and Brisbane to Cairns | Australia Itinerary

Route

You begin in Sydney and travel north along the east coast via Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast. Passing through Hervey Bay and K’Gari Island, you continue to Rockhampton and the Whitsundays. From there, you follow the coast via Townsville, Mission Beach and Daintree National Park to Cairns.

Pace

After a few days in Sydney, you take the wheel yourself. Beaches, reef and rainforest alternate, with longer drives in between. In the north, the focus shifts to tropical landscapes and the Great Barrier Reef.

Highlights

Sydney Harbour and the Blue Mountains from the air. Whale watching in Hervey Bay and 4WD exploration on K’Gari Island. The Great Barrier Reef near Hayman Island and Cairns. The Daintree rainforest.

Accommodation

You stay in a centrally located hotel in Sydney, seaside resorts in Queensland and a villa on Hayman Island. In the north, you sleep close to rainforest and ocean, ending with three nights in Cairns.

Profile

For travellers who want to explore the east coast independently, combining coastline, reef and rainforest. You enjoy road trips, nature and comfortable stays along the way.

Important information:

International passport, still valid for 6 months after return
Visa: required. The eVisitor visa is valid for 3 months, free and very easy to apply online. The visa must have the correct passport number on it. A new passport means you have to apply for a new visa.
No vaccinations required. There is no yellow fever risk but vaccination is mandatory if you arrive in Australia from a country where yellow fever is present (or stayed in transit there for more than 12h). Vaccination against DTP (diphtheria, tetanus and polio) and hepatitis A is recommended. We do recommend seeking advice from your family doctor or the Tropical Institute

Day 1: Sydney

You will take the plane to Sydney. Upon arrival, your private driver will be waiting to take you to your first hotel. You will spend your three nights in the historic heart of Sydney.

Day 2: Explore Sydney

Your driver picks you up at your hotel for an exploration of Sydney past some of the most famous neighborhoods and viewpoints. You'll pass The Rocks, Circular Quay, Woolloomooloo, Kings Cross, Double Bay and Rose Bay, among others. In The Gap National Park, take a hike toward the Macquarie Lighthouse. Then stop at Bondi Beach: perfect for a coffee, a walk on the beach or a short swim. Via Oxford Street you drive back towards the center, passing St. Mary's Cathedral, Hyde Park and the Sydney Observatory. You then cross the Harbour Bridge to Milsons Point, where you enjoy a magnificent view of the city. You'll also visit Wendy's Secret Garden, a green oasis on the waterfront. Then you board a luxury vessel for a two-hour lunch cruise through Sydney Harbour. A visit to the Sydney Opera House follows in the afternoon.

Day 3: Helicopter tour

Today you combine a panoramic helicopter tour with an adventurous 4WD tour through the Blue Mountains National Park. From the air you will see Sydney, the Pacific Ocean, the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House from a new perspective. You follow the Parramatta River towards the mountains, where you land for the second part of the day. During the eco-tour by 4x4 you will visit the Three Sisters, Katoomba Waterfall and the valleys of Jamison and Kedumba, among others. In the afternoon you will enjoy a refined lunch overlooking the Megalong and Kanimbla valleys. Along the way there is a good chance of spotting kangaroos. The tour ends with stops at Grose Valley, the Bridal Veil Waterfall and Australia's impressive "Grand Canyon."

Day 4: Flight to Brisbane

You fly from Sydney to the northern city of Brisbane. Here you pick up your rental car and drive towards the Sunshine coast. You will stay here for two nights at Peregian Beach.

Day 5: Sunshine Coast

Welcome to sunny Queensland, where subtropical beaches and green nature reserves alternate. Spend a relaxing day at the beach - ideal for sunbathing, swimming or surfing - or head inland in search of koalas in their natural habitat. This region is also home to the famous Australia Zoo, founded by Steve Irwin and best known for its impressive crocodile shows.

Day 6: Hervey Bay

You drive on to Hervey Bay, known as the whale capital of the world. Between July and November, thousands of humpback whales make a stop here in the calm, sheltered waters along the coast - a unique natural spectacle. Also visit the small-scale Reef World Aquarium. You will stay two nights at a resort overlooking the sea.

Day 7: K'Gari Island

Today you will explore K'Gari Island (formerly Fraser Island) with a guide. In a Land Rover you will explore the island and visit impressive places like the ancient rainforest, the endless 75 Mile Beach, Eli Creek, the colored sands of The Pinnacles and the iconic Maheno shipwreck. Don't forget your swimwear: the crystal-clear freshwater lake Lake McKenzie invites you to take a refreshing dip.

Day 8: Rockhampton

You travel further north to Rockhampton, a historic town on the Fitzroy River. Visit the open-air museum that brings the colonial past to life or stroll through the charming downtown with its heritage buildings. Rockhampton is known as Australia's beef capital - ideal for ending the day with a perfectly fried steak at one of the local restaurants.

Day 9-11: Airlie Beach, Hayman Island and Great Barrier Reef

From Airlie Beach you take the ferry to the exclusive Hayman Island, located on the edge of the Great Barrier Reef - a paradise for divers and snorkelers. You stay three nights in a beachfront villa, with a private pool directly adjacent to your room. From the air, discover the impressive scale of the reef on a helicopter flight over its turquoise waters and colorful coral formations. An iconic piece of Australia, perfectly wrapped in luxury.

Day 12-13: Townsville and Great Barrier Reef

After the ferry crossing, return to the mainland and drive on to Townsville, where you will stay for two nights. This coastal town is known as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and is a popular spot for wreck diving and snorkeling. Be sure to visit the Museum of Tropical Queensland and the unique underwater museum featuring sculptures on the sea floor. Also take a trip to Magnetic Island, where you'll spot wild koalas among the eucalyptus and discover snorkel trails in secluded bays.

Day 14: Mission Beach

Today you arrive in Mission Beach, a relaxed coastal town where rainforest meets ocean. Stroll the vast, pristine beach or opt for an adrenaline rush with a skydive over the reef. Kayaking, paddleboarding and scuba diving are also among the options. In the surrounding nature, with any luck you will spot rare cassowaries or crocodiles in the wild.

Day 15-16: Daintree National Park

Over the next two days you will explore Daintree NP, the world's oldest tropical rainforest with an impressive age of 180 million years. This area is home to a unique ecosystem and is a nature lover's paradise. Explore a network of trails suitable for both novice and experienced hikers. Along the way, you will have a chance to spot rare animal species, such as cassowaries, tree kangaroos, saltwater crocodiles, giant tortoises and flying foxes.

Day 17: Cairns

You'll drive on to Cairns, where you'll spend three nights in the lively waterfront restaurant district. This tropical city is the perfect base for adventures in the Great Barrier Reef and surrounding World Heritage-listed rainforests.

Day 18: Port Douglas

Today you'll fly by helicopter to the Great Adventures Outer Reef platform, a floating activity center on the edge of the reef. You'll discover marine life while snorkeling or diving, or stay dry in the underwater observatory. Listen to an engaging Eco Reef Talk by a local marine biologist and learn more about this fascinating ecosystem. The semi-submersible with panoramic windows offers a unique view below sea level - ideal for those who prefer to admire the reef from a comfortable chair.

Day 19: Cairns

Today enjoy your last full day on Australian soil. Explore the city on foot, stroll along the Esplanade or dive into the water one last time for a closing activity in the tropical reef area.

Day 20: Return home

After an unforgettable trip, it's time to say goodbye. You return home with a head full of impressions and a heart full of memories.

What is the price tag?

For this trip, you can expect a budget starting from 13.000 euros per person, depending on the season, the chosen accommodations, and any additional extras. This way, you know exactly what to expect.