Sydney to Cairns Vacation Package Itinerary

Welcome to Sydney, the oldest and grandest of Australia's big cities. Dynamic, cosmopolitan and surrounded by stunning natural attractions, Sydney is the ultimate big city getaway. Set on one of the most beautiful harbours in the world and with famous architectural icons such as the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge to explore, Sydney offers plenty of excitement at any time of the year.

Settle in with a stroll along Circular Quay. With the Harbour Bridge at one end and the Opera House at the other, is there any more iconic place to begin your Australian dream vacation?

Accommodation: Sydney - 2 Nights

To help you tick everything off your Sydney bucket list today, we've included a hop-on-hop-off Ferry Pass.

See Sydney by Ferry

Sydney's ferries are an easy way to travel around, and any ferry trip is worth it for the views alone. Hop-On-Hop-Off rocket ferries depart Sydney's main tourist precincts for a 60 to 90-minute cruise around the harbour with 11 famous stopovers along the way. These include the beach town of Manly, pretty Watsons Bay, Luna Park, Taronga Zoo and bustling Darling Harbour.

Collect your car this morning and cross the Sydney Harbour Bridge and drive to the Hunter Valley.

Hunter Valley

Australia’s oldest wine region is home to a staggering 150 wineries, from the biggest names to tiny boutique growers. It’s only a 40-minute drive from one end of the Valley to the other so there's plenty of time to admire the region's sweeping landscapes: you're likely to encounter your first wild kangaroos here too. Many wineries have superb restaurants on-site, making great a scenic lunch stop for drinkers and non-drinkers alike.

Approximate Distance: 175 km | 109 miles   Total Driving Time: 2 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Hunter Valley - 2 Nights

Experience the Hunter Valley total "Winery Experience". The on-site winery is by far the largest, and most advanced in the Hunter Valley. The Wine Tasting Cellars are open everyday to try the fruits of their labour... Crushing some 6.500 tonnes of grapes each year, the winery produces around 6 million litres of wine.

Join the comprehensive winery tour to experience how wine is actually made... right from the grapevine to bottle! The two-hour Hunter Valley Wine School promises an education of wine. Walk through the vineyard and learn how and why a grapevine grows. Then it's off to the crusher, and into the Winery. See the huge vats, the Potter Tanks, the filtration equipment, and the largest Rotovat in the Hunter. From there, the tour then moves through into the Cask Hall, and on into the Wine Tasting Cellars.

Journey to subtropical Coffs Harbour for more fun in the Australian sunshine.

Coffs Harbour

Fringed by forest-covered hills and leafy banana plantations, the uncrowded beaches of Coffs Harbour really are a winner.

For superb views of the city and coastline, head to the Forest Sky Pier: it juts out 21 metres (68 feet) and hovers 15 metres (49 feet) above the forest floor! It's a great way to get acquainted with Coffs Harbour.

Suggested Activity: Swimming with Whales

Extending along 75 kilometres of coastline, Solitary Islands Marine Park is the place to see a huge range of aquatic wildlife. You'll find Nemo here, and Dory too! But the main attractions are the humpback whales - you can even swim with them from June to October.

Local experts Jetty Dive will take you out for a Whale Swim, where you can don a snorkel and see the giant humpbacks passing under the water. They can also help you with dive courses and charters.

Approximate Distance: 420 km | 261 miles   Total Driving Time: 4 hour 30 mins

Accommodation: Coffs Harbour - 2 Night

Despite its inland city centre, Coffs has a string of fabulous safe beaches, bordered by the clear warm waters of the Pacific Ocean and the luxurious rainforests of the Great Dividing Range. Surrounded by National Parks and facing the Solitary Islands Marine Park - there are numerous crescent-shaped beaches for swimming, surfing and relaxing - whale and dolphin watching. Inland are vine-clad rainforests to explore. It also makes an easy base for exploring the quaint towns and beautiful drives of the hinterland.

Today's destination is the hip, free-spirited beach town of Byron Bay.

Byron Bay

Byron is one of Australia's most creative locations, with a huge population of musicians, writers, and designers living here and enjoying the relaxed beach lifestyle. Think chic boutiques, luxury wellness retreats, organic cafes and yoga on the sands.

Byron is blessed with a world-famous right-hand surf break known as The Pass, where you can watch pro surfers ride the waves or try it yourself. Perched atop Australia's most easterly point, the Cape Byron Lighthouse shines brightly over Byron Bay - in fact, it's the most powerful lighthouse in Australia. Stroll to Cape Byron to check out the expansive views - you'll probably spot a dolphin or two.

Approximate Distance: 235 km | 146 miles   Total Driving Time: 2 hours 45 mins

Accommodation: Byron Bay - 2 Nights

Imagine the thrill of kayaking up close with dolphins, whales (May to October) and turtles at Byron’s beautiful marine park, whilst learning about local history and listening to local Indigenous stories.

So grab a paddle and set out for an exciting sea kayaking adventure around Byron Bay. For about 2.5 hours a local guide will take you paddling around Australia's most easterly point where you'll be on the lookout for dolphins, turtles and even humpback whales during whale season. 

On your way back to shore you'll enjoy an exciting lesson on how to surf your kayak in on a wave so you can finish off your adventure with an extra thrill.

Drive across the state border into Queensland and head to Brisbane via the iconic Gold Coast.

Gold Coast

The glitzy Gold Coast is famed for its long sandy beaches, surfing spots and theme parks such as Dreamworld, Sea World and Wet’n’Wild. The white sand beaches stretch across 57 kilometres (35 miles) of coastline. With a choice of 21 beaches, there's a perfect patch of sand for everyone, from the family-friendly sheltered waters of Coolangatta and Currumbin to the resort strip of Surfers Paradise.

Brisbane

Brisbane is Queensland's capital city. With subtropical weather all year round and a wealth of cultural attractions, world-class arts and impressive natural wonders it's an exciting destination for a city break between beaches!

Approximate Distance: 165 km | 103 miles   Total Driving Time: 2 hours 15 mins

Accommodation: Brisbane - 2 Nights

Today you will enjoy a “must do” Brisbane experience This river cruise has been operating for over 70 years taking locals and visitors to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. The world's first and largest koala sanctuary. Meet over 70 species of Australian native animals including koalas, hand-feed kangaroos and This is the perfect way to get up close and personal with Australia’s cuddliest creatures while enjoying the sights and sounds of Brisbane’s most attractive waterfront suburbs, only accessible by boat.

Leaving the city behind you'll enjoy a scenic drive to Noosa, one of Australia's best-loved beachside destinations.

En route, you may wish to stop at Australia Zoo to cuddle a koala or hand-feed kangaroos. Founded by the late Steve Irwin (known to millions worldwide as TV's Crocodile Hunter), the zoo is passionate about preserving Australia's incredible animal life and introducing them to international visitors.

Noosa

Surrounded by stunning beaches and the lush hinterland of Noosa National Park, the resort town of Noosa is famed for its surf. Home to luxurious day spas, world-class golf courses and stylish shopping, it's a fun destination to explore.

Approximate Distance: 155 km | 96 miles   Total Driving Time: 2 hours

Accommodation: Noosa - 2 Nights

Canoe through ancient landscapes from Fig Tree Point to historic Harrys’ hut or Harrys’ hut to Fig Tree. The canoe experience allows guests to get up close and personal with the unique environment and is known as one of the most spectacular canoeing experiences in Australia! Enjoy a morning tea in the everglades.

Travel to the pristine beaches of Hervey Bay: also known as the Whale Watch Capital of the World.

Hervey Bay

This charming coastal city has a pleasant subtropical climate and some very special "tourists" who return annually. Between July and November whales migrate to the safe, sheltered waters of Hervey Bay here to use the area as their calf nursery.

The calm waters of Hervey Bay make it an ideal watersports location for all the family: swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving and fishing are all popular pastimes.

Approximate Distance: 185 km | 115 miles   Total Driving Time: 2 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Hervey Bay - 2 Nights

There are many ways to enjoy the magic of Fraser Island... But there can be only one best way and we need just a day to give you the very best. Join an award-winning advanced eco accredited Fraser explorer tour. Walkthrough towering rainforest growing in sand, stop off for a swim in the fresh waters of Eli Creek and travel along famous Seventy-Five Mile Beach.

Aside from being a great place and very popular with visitors as a place to chill out, explore Lake Allom, also referred to as 'Turtle Lake', to see freshwater turtles.

Drive onwards to Rockhampton, a heritage-filled town where you can step back in time and discover rich history around every corner.

Rockhampton: Beef Capital of Australia

Rockhampton's long history of beef production is celebrated with 10 Bull statues in key locations across town: see if you can spot them all! With over 2.5 million cattle within a 250km radius of the city, the "Beef Capital" title is well deserved.

Charming Victorian-era architecture reflects the glory days of Rockhampton's 19th-century mining and beef-rearing industries. There are many heritage post offices, historic streetscapes, majestic cathedrals, and quaint homes to admire.

Approximate Distance: 385 km | 239 miles   Total Driving Time: 4 hours 15 mins

Accommodation: Rockhampton - 1 Night

Continue north to Airlie Beach, a relaxed Australian resort town on Queensland's stunning Whitsunday Coast.

Airlie Beach

Palm-fringed beaches and waterfront parks are a staple of this seriously laid-back holiday destination. After your drive, cool off at Airlie Beach Lagoon nestled between the beach and the main street. Here you can swim all year round and there are even Lifeguards on duty in the daylight hours.

Airlie Beach is the perfect launchpad for day trips to the 74 Whitsunday Islands. Only seven of these beautiful islands are developed, and the rest are just begging to be enjoyed by travellers looking for a secluded beach to call their own.

Approximate Distance: 485 km | 301 miles   Total Driving Time: 5 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Airlie Beach - 2 Nights

Spend a full day soaking up the sunshine among the breathtaking Whitsunday Islands with jaw-dropping coastal scenery all around you.

Cruise to Hamilton Island & Whitehaven Beach

Your cruise will take you from Port of Airlie onto Hamilton Island. Shuttle buses circuit the small island all day, stopping at key attractions: you can hop on and off as you please. Or hit the long sandy curve of Catseye Beach for seaside fun.

Wander the waterfront of Hamilton Island's Marina Village taking in the sights, visiting the galleries, doing some shopping and enjoying lunch at Marina Tavern.

After lunch, take a leisurely scenic cruise to remote Whitehaven Beach to sink your toes into the fine white sands and enjoy the warm crystal clear waters. Back on the vessel, sit back, breathe in the sea air, sip a wine or beer and marvel at the 74 Island Wonders of the Whitsundays.

Make your way north to Townsville, Australia's largest tropical city.

Townsville

Townsville's attractions include the world's largest living coral reef aquarium - Reef HQ, a wildlife sanctuary, casino, beaches, museums, theatres, galleries and restaurants. Beautiful Magnetic Island is just 20 minutes from the city centre by Fast Cat ferry.

Approximate Distance: 275 km | 171 miles   Total Driving Time: 3 hours 15 mins

Accommodation: Townsville - 1 Night

Your Pacific Coast road trip continues with a drive to Cairns in Queensland's tropical north.

Cairns

With its close proximity to the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest, Cairns is a haven of scuba diving, snorkelling, reef cruises, all types of fishing, rainforest walks, native bird and wildlife watching.

Sun-seekers and locals alike flock to Cairns Esplanade's swimming lagoon on the city’s foreshore. There are picnic areas, birdwatching viewpoints, free barbecues and fitness equipment along the boardwalk, perfect for unwinding after your drive.

Approximate Distance: 350 km | 217 miles   Total Driving Time: 4 hours 15 mins

Accommodation: Cairns - 2 Nights

Cruise aboard the stylish Passions Catamaran to the incredible Great Barrier Reef.

Outer Great Barrier Reef Day Cruise

On board you can relax with morning tea, get to know the crew and learn all about the marine ecosystem beneath you. Arriving at your first amazing outer reef location, you can snorkel, dive, sunbathe, or chill out on the boat to your heart's content.

After a Tropical buffet lunch you'll sail to another beautiful outer reef location, for more swimming, snorkelling, diving or relaxing in the sun. Wind down with a cold beverage on the sail back to Cairns for 5pm whilst enjoying afternoon tea.

After an amazing holiday, return your rental vehicle at Cairns Airport prior to boarding your onward flight

Today we say farewell. There may be time for some last-minute excursions or shopping before you head home. We know you will enjoy your holiday and our promise to you is to make your travels through Australia as hassle-free and hospitable as possible - ensuring that today you leave with a camera full of photos, and huge smiles on your faces when recalling your holiday!