30 Day Australia's East Coast and Outback Package (Sydney to Cairns / Alice Springs to Darwin)

All about the 30 Day Australia's East Coast and Outback Package (Sydney to Cairns / Alice Springs to Darwin)

30 Day Australia's East Coast and Outback Package (Sydney to Cairns / Alice Springs to Darwin)
Tour itinerary - 30 Days

• Day 1 Sydney
  Upon your arrival into Sydney choose to unwind and relax or explore the city. How you spend today is at your choosing, just ensure you make your way to Wake Up Sydney Central, 509 Pitt Street for the night, also where you will be met on the morning of day two. Costs associated with all activities, meals and accommodation transfers on this day are not included.
• Day 2 Sydney to Barrington Tops
  We head to the Hunter Valley wine area to do a tasting at one of Australia’s most famous vineyards. We then head through the backcountry to our stunning stop on the edge of Barrington Tops National Park (a World Heritage Listed Area). We stay in a private lodge overlooking the Barrington River. We have included river tubing down a scenic part of the river for the afternoon. Relax and enjoy the incredible views in the evening.
  STAY: Shared accommodation in hilltop lodge.
  EAT: Dinner
• Day 3 Barrington Tops to Spot X Surf Camp
  In the morning you can go for a walk around the property before we begin our day’s journey. We stop for a visit to a Koala hospital to learn about their efforts in preserving Koalas, and at a nature reserve to spot wild kangaroos hopping along the incredible coastline, then travel on to our waterfront accommodation at the Surf Camp, arriving in the early evening.
  STAY: Surf Camp
  EAT: Breakfast and Dinner
• Day 4 Spot X Surf Camp to River Retreat
  This morning you can take part in a group surf lesson or just relax on the beach. The surf lesson is included in the price of the tour package. In the afternoon we travel to our River Retreat and go for a guided canoeing trip, spotting wildlife along the way. In the evening have an Aussie BBQ, learn how to cook some damper and toast marshmallows around the campfire.
  STAY: Camping in cabins
  EAT: Breakfast and Dinner
• Day 5 River Retreat to Byron Bay
  We leave our camp and head up towards Byron Bay, Australia’s famous surf and arts town. We stop in the picturesque town of Yamba along the way and go for a walk and a swim at the Angourie blue pools (weather dependent). You will have an orientation drive on the way to Byron Bay to help you get your bearings.
  STAY: Nomads Backpacker Resort Byron Bay, 1 Lawson Lane, Byron Bay
  EAT: Breakfast
• Day 6 Free Day in Byron Bay
  Explore, learn to surf, party, visit the alternative town of Nimbin (additional cost), or just relax and take in the laidback, hippy vibe. We recommend taking a walk to the lighthouse to view the Australian mainland’s most easterly point.
  STAY: Nomads Backpacker Resort Byron Bay
  NO MEALS
• Day 7 Byron Bay (via Gold Coast & Brisbane) to Rainbow Beach
  We depart Byron Bay and cruise up to the New South Wales/Queensland border and hop out at Danger Point to stretch our legs and check out the view of one of Australia’s best surf spots, Snapper Rock. We then drive to the Gold Coast, Brisbane and Noosa before we continue onto Rainbow Beach for the night. At Rainbow Beach we take a walk up to Carlo Sand Blow for either the sunset or sunrise.
  STAY: Backpacker Resort Rainbow Beach, 18 Spectrum Street, Rainbow Beach
  EAT: Dinner
• Day 8 and 9 Rainbow Beach to Fraser Island
  Get ready for two full days of exploring World Heritage Fraser Island. After a short 10-minute ferry ride from Rainbow Beach you start your adventure of four-wheel-driving on the roads of sand. During your stay on Fraser you will have the chance to spot dingoes in the wild, swim in crystal clear freshwater lakes and swimming holes and explore the diverse landscapes in this unique habitat.
  Before heading to bed don’t forget to look up to enjoy the millions of stars and maybe even spot the five stars on the Aussie flag – the Southern Cross. In the late afternoon of day eight your guide will return you to your Rainbow accommodation where you have dinner included. DAY 8 – (L,D). Day 9 – (B,L,D)
• Day 10 Rainbow Beach
  Today you will have the chance to witness some of the spectacular marine wildlife the Fraser Coast is famous for. You will be treated to a dolphin-watching kayak tour and Great Beach 4WD ride within the Great Sandy National Park.
  On this three-hour tour you have the chance of seeing Bottlenose dolphins, Humpback whales (May to November), turtles, manta rays, sting rays, soldier crabs and an array of marine birdlife.
  Make sure you bring along your swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, water, camera, a dry change of clothes and any snacks you may wish to eat.
  STAY: Backpacker Resort Rainbow Beach,
  EAT: Breakfast and Dinner
• Day 11 Rainbow Beach (via Noosa) to Emu Park
  We hop in our bus in Rainbow Beach and head to Tin Can Bay to see wild dolphins up close. We then head to Cooroy where we start our train journey. We travel to Rockhampton then get met by a private bus, which takes us to Emus Beach Resort. We get welcomed onto the resort and find out more about our Loka Treasure Island Experience for the next day. We travel to Rockhampton then get met by a local bus, which takes you to Emus Beach Resort. We get welcomed onto the resort and find out more about our Loka Treasure Island Experience for the next day.
  STAY: Emus Beach Resort, 92 Pattison Street, Emu Park
  EAT: Breakfast
• Day 12 Emu Park to Airlie Beach
  We have an awesome “Treasure Island” trip today with return ferry transfers to Great Keppel Island with its 17 stunning beaches, Treasure Hunt, Bluff Point Turtle Walk & evening meal before we catch the train in the evening and travel overnight to Airlie Beach. We travel in a modern train with large reclining seats, a bar and a dining carriage. We get into a town called Proserpine in the morning then take a local bus in to Airlie Beach – the gateway to the beautiful Whitsunday Islands where you will have time to store your luggage before your Whitsundays day trip.
  STAY: Overnight train in reclining seats
  EAT: Lunch and Dinner
• Day 13 Whitsunday Islands, snorkelling, coral reef and Whitehaven Beach
  Today provides an exhilarating ride to world famous Whitehaven Beach, pristine snorkeling reefs and guided Whitsunday Island National Park walks.
  Visit the Northern and Southern ends of Whitehaven Beach, spending at least two hours relaxing or exploring the 7km of white silica sand.
  Walk to the Southern Whitehaven lookout with breathtaking views of Pentecost Island, join the guided walks to Hill Inlet lookout and snorkel for an hour enjoying the amazing hard and soft corals of the fringing reefs. Upon completion of your Whitsundays day trip, you will have the night free to explore Airlie’s great nightlife and choice of restaurants.
  STAY: Backpacker Resort Airlie Beach, 336 Shute Harbour Road, Airlie Beach
  EAT: Lunch
• Day 14 Airlie Beach (via Townsville) to Magnetic Island
  We start early with a local bus to the train, a ferry out to tropical ‘Maggie Island’, and a local transfer to the accommodation. There is much to explore on the island, as nearly 50% of it is National Park with amazing beaches and abundant wildlife. Your guide will join you on a walk around the Island; otherwise you can do more exploring or just relax by the pool.
  STAY: Bungalow Bay Koala Village, 40 Horseshoe Bay Road, YHA Magnetic Island
  NO MEALS
• Day 15 Free day Magnetic Island
  Today is at your choosing! Opt to relax or meet Koala’s, Kangaroo's and more of Australia’s unique wildlife at the Resorts Wildlife centre (additional cost). Your guide will not be with you on this day.
• Day 16 Magnetic Island to Tully Rainforest
  We travel back to the mainland on the ferry, travel by train to Tully – getting in at around lunchtime. We travel by bus into the amazing rainforest of Tully Gorge National Park. Cool off with a swim in a beautiful swimming hole, before a BBQ dinner and stories about the campfire.
  STAY: Swag Camping in a campground in a World Heritage Listed rainforest
  EAT: Dinner
• Day 17 Tully to Cairns
  We wake early at our rainforest camp for breakfast and then have an interpretative walk through the forest, learning about the traditional indigenous use of the land. We then travel back to Tully to catch the train north, arriving into Cairns central train station at approximately 4.05pm, where your East Coast adventure comes to an end.
  EAT: Breakfast
• Day 18 Free day Cairns
  Capture the essence of Cairns and enjoy a day of exploration. If visiting one of the seven wonders of the natural word sounds like your kind of day; take a boat trip to the gorgeous Great Barrier Reef and snorkel or dive amongst tropical corals and fish. Adrenalin junkies can zip line through the tropical rainforests, skydive, try white water rafting or even give hot air ballooning a go! Book any of these tours through Real Aussie Adventures before your arrival or purchase on the day for a spontaneous adventure! Your guide will not be present on this day in Cairns. All meals and activities are at your own expense.
• Day 19 Fly from Cairns to Alice Springs
  We leave behind the pristine white sands for the renowned red dirt of the Australian Outback today! Today's flight will need to be pre-purchased and secured on your own behalf. Present your travel voucher at Alice Springs airport to get to Haven Alice Springs by transfer for just 13 AUD. All meals, activities and your flight are not included today and you will not be accompanied by your guide on this day.
• Day 20 Alice Springs to Uluru
  It’s an early rise if you are joining us in Alice Springs where you will make the journey to Ayers Rock and meet our fellow travelers joining us there. This afternoon embark on an interpretive walk at the base of Uluru. The Cultural Centre is impressive and well worth a visit before watching the ever-changing colours of Uluru at sunset. After dinner, some stories and stargazing, it’s time for a good night’s rest at our private campsite before another active day tomorrow.
  (L, D)
• Day 21 Uluru to Kings Creek Station
  Your guide will wake you bright and early to experience a mesmerizing Uluru sunrise which can be viewed close-by our campsite, early mornings being such a magical time in the desert. Then it’s a short drive to Kata Tjuta (the Olgas), an Aboriginal word for “many heads”, to explore its domes of which there are 36 in total. Pull on your hiking boots and take the Valley of the Winds to walk through creek beds, domes, and beautiful wilderness. After lunch, it’s farewell to Uluru – Kata Tjuta National
  Park as we travel to Kings Creek Station where we camp for the night.
  (B, L, D)
• Day 22 Kings Creek Station to Alice Springs via Kings Canyon
  This morning we enter the Watarrka (Kings Canyon) National Park, home of a mighty chasm with sheer red rock faces which soar over 100 metres above lush palm forests. The rim of Kings Canyon is a 6km round trip walk. You will visit the Amphitheatre, Lost City and tranquil Garden of Eden. After our final meal together we begin our journey back to Alice Springs arriving in the late afternoon. Two nights dorm accommodation in Alice Springs is included (For passengers on 2 nights Alice Springs Option only). Dinner at own expense.
  (B, L)
• Day 23 Alice Springs to Banka Banka via Devils Marbles
  You will be collected from your Alice Springs accommodation at approximately 6.00 am and then our adventure through the ‘Territory’ to Darwin begins. Just north of Alice Springs is the Tropic of Capricorn (80% of the Northern Territory lays north of this point). Further along the track are the Devils Marbles (Karlu Karlu) which are a collection of gigantic granite boulders magically balanced on top of one another. Our day winds to a close just north of Tennant Creek at historic Banka Banka Cattle Station where we camp for the night.
  ( L, D).
• Day 24 Banka Banka to Mataranka Hot Springs
  No trip to the ‘Territory’ is complete without a visit to the Daly Waters Pub, an important watering hole for explorers and drovers in days gone by and now a great spot for a cold beer, a bit of history and a ‘fair dinkum outback experience’! Later in the day you can take a soak in the Mataranka Thermal Pools, a lush oasis fringed by paperbark trees and nearby where we camp overnight.
  (B,L,D).
• Day 25 Mataranka to Darwin
  Your guide will wake you early this morning for the short drive to the Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park which is owned by the Jawoyn Aboriginal people. Ancient sandstone has been carved away by the Katherine River to create a deep and picturesque gorge. You may like to take a boat cruise, paddle a canoe (all optional, seasonal and at additional cost) through the peaceful water or enjoy a breathtaking hike. In the afternoon, relax and watch the changing landscape as we travel to cosmopolitan Darwin. Overnight dorm accommodation in Darwin is included.
  . (B,L)
• Day 26 Free day Darwin
  Discover Darwin by exploring its natural landscapes, enjoying the vibrant cafe culture, hitting the shops or relaxing in a swimming lagoon- it’s up to you! Please note that your guide will not be available on this day and that todays meal and activity costs are not included in the tour.
• Day 27 Darwin to Kakadu National Park via Mary River Wetlands
  You will be collected from your Darwin accommodation bright and early where our Top End adventure begins as we travel to the Mary River Wetlands for our cruise. This region is home to over 250 bird species and has the highest concentration of saltwater crocodiles in the Southern Hemisphere. Search for the mighty crocs who rule this waterway, buffalo, birds and other wildlife. Our entrance to Kakadu National Park is at the South Alligator River, a picturesque location for a picnic lunch. There’s the opportunity to purchase Aboriginal arts and crafts at the Bowali Visitor Centre before our late afternoon arrival at Ubirr. Here you will view a wide range of ancient Aboriginal art which will be interpreted by your guide. Learn the story of the Rainbow Serpent and climb the Nadab Lookout for panoramic views over the floodplain and beyond into Arnhem Land. As the day draws to a close we head to our private campsite for dinner and our overnight stay.
  (L,D)
• Dy 28 Kakadu National Park to Mount Bundy
  This morning the jewels of Kakadu National Park await. After breakfast and departing camp we travel off road to the majestic Twin and Jim Jim Falls* for a day of adventure and exploration. Travelling into Twin Falls by 4WD track, a boat shuttle and finally a rocky track and boardwalk we will be rewarded by the beauty of this remote waterfall deep within Kakadu National Park. Afterwards we stay off the beaten track where a walk through monsoon forests and over boulders lead us to Jim Jim Falls. Surrounded by 150 metre cliffs, we spend some time soaking up the natural beauty of this majestic location. This afternoon we depart Kakadu National Park and travel towards Litchfield National Park where we will stop along the way at our private campsite. Tonight, enjoy a hearty meal with your fellow adventurers.
  . (B,L,D)
• Day 29 Litchfield National Park to Darwin
  Today is spent exploring the waterfalls, spring-fed streams and rugged sandstone escarpments of Litchfield National Park. Marvel at the intriguing magnetic and cathedral termite mounds and swim, hike and explore Florence and Wangi Falls*. Discover the many rock holes and cascading waterfalls of Buley Rockhole before our early evening arrival back in Darwin.
  (B, L).
• Day 30 Darwin
  Your journey with us ends today! Choose to have some downtime in Darwin or depart to your next destination. Any activities, meals or accommodation on this day will be at your own expense. We hope Australia has been a memorable experience for you and wish you safe travels in your departure.

Real Aussie Says:

If you are visiting Australia for a month this tour is perfect for you. You get to see the East Coast; Sydney to Cairns, PLUS the outback; Alice Springs to Darwin through the Northern Territory. Great for those 18-35 who want to meet new friends and see the absolute best destinations in Australia.

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Departure information