Intrepid Travel - Sydney to Brisbane Adventure Itinerary

Welcome to Sydney! Or Warrane, in the language of the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, who are the Traditional Owners of the land on which Sydney is now located. Your adventure starts with a welcome meeting at 9am at the starting point hotel.  After, you’ll head out for a walking tour around The Rocks with a local Aboriginal guide. Walk through Hicksons Reserve, Campbells Cove and Cumberland Walk as your guide teaches you about this area's history, land and water use, and spiritual connection with the First Nations peoples. You’ll have amazing views of the harbour along the way, including Sydney Harbour Bridge and the CBD across the water. 

After your journey into the Dreaming, grab some lunch before heading north to the famous winery region – the beautiful Hunter Valley. Once there, you’ll visit one of the oldest wineries in the valley. Sit down for a wine tasting with a sommelier and listen to the history of the various wines and the winery. Next, head to Cessnock in the heart of the valley, our overnight location for tonight. Perhaps head out for an optional welcome dinner in Cessnock to get to know your fellow travellers.

Note: As this tour begins at 9am we recommend booking pre-tour accommodation. We can help you with these arrangements.

Accommodation: Cessnock - 1 Night

Today, you’ll make tracks north along the scenic coastal route. Stop at Crowdy Bay National Park along the way and embark on a scenic hike through forests of heath, paperbark and swamp mahogany at Diamond Head (4.3km), taking in views of golden beaches and dramatic rock faces (alternative shorter walks available). The quartz crystals in the cliffs sparkle in the sun, giving Diamond Head its name. Keep your eyes peeled for whales and dolphins off the coast as you wind your way by secluded coves, beaches, and mountains, and you may even encounter a mob of kangaroos on your walk. Later, continue your drive to your accommodation in Port Macquarie.

Approximate Travel Time: 3 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Port Macquarie - 1 Night

Start your day at Port Macquarie's Koala Hospital, meeting dedicated volunteers who rescue and rehabilitate these furry icons. After, fuel up with lunch in Bellingen and enjoy some free time. Then, embark on a scenic drive through Waterfall Way, a lush gateway to Dorrigo National Park. Explore the park's ancient rainforest – a remnant of Gondwanaland teeming with unique wildlife. Visit the Rainforest Centre or take a skywalk stroll for an unforgettable rainforest experience.

Included Meals : Dinner

Approximate Travel Time: 2 hours

Accommodation: Moonee Beach - 1 Night

Next up is Byron Bay – a laid-back surf paradise with boundless coastline, sand and friendly locals. But first, you’ll start your day with a walking tour of Red Rock with a local First Nations guide. Learn about the culture of the Gumbaynggirr people through stories, songs and the uses of native plants. Walk alongside The Solitary Island Marine Park Waterways and connect with Country as you learn more about the Dreaming and sample some local bush food. After, you’ll stop in Yamba where you might like to grab some lunch, before visiting Byron Bay Lighthouse for a unique photo opportunity and the chance to spot some dolphins, whales and other marine life.

Approximate Travel Time: 3 hours

Accommodation: Byron Bay - 2 Nights

Get up early this morning if you want to catch the sunrise – they are pretty ace from Australia's most easterly point – but if you prefer, you can sleep in too! Today is free to do as you please so maybe hunt down the best cold-brew coffee from one of Byron’s quirky cafes, learn how to ride the waves with a beginner’s surf lesson, or hit the water with a guided sea kayaking tour of the Byron Bay Marine Park to see the beauty of the coastline while looking out for dolphins, turtles and whales and learning of the marine biology. Alternatively just hang out on the beach. Tonight, why not grab a drink at one of the local pubs or bars?

This morning, head to The Farm – a collection of micro-businesses on a working farm focusing on growing, feeding and educating through community farming. Maybe grab some breakfast here and pick up a few things to have for lunch later on. Continue to Springbrook National Park and take a short walk to Natural Bridge rock arch which was formed by the force of the waterfall over the basalt cave. This afternoon, head to the famous Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast for some beach time before continuing onto Brisbane where you’ll spend the night.

Approximate Travel Time: 4 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Brisbane - 1 Night

After a group breakfast this morning, your trip comes to an end in Brisbane. If you’d like to stay longer, just speak to us at First Light Travel and we can make your arrangements.

Meals: Breakfast

Start & End Time & Location
The trip starts at our joining point hotel in Sydney with a Welcome Meeting at 9am. The trip finishes in Brisbane on Day 7 at our finish point hotel. You are free to depart at any time on this day. Accommodation is not included on this day but can be booked on request subject to availability.

Single Supplement
A Single Supplement can be booked if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip, subject to availability.

Itinerary Variations:
The provider strives to improve trip itineraries. If improvements can be made, or if circumstances beyond their control make changes necessary, the provider reserves the right to vary itineraries and to make substitutions.