Itinerary

Day 1 - Sydney

Sydney is Australia's oldest city, the economic powerhouse of the nation and the country's capital in everything but name. Visit the Sydney Opera House; an art theater built on the Sydney Harbour is considered one of the seven wonders of the modern world, explore ‘The Rocks’ and then take the BridgeClimb; a 3½ hour adventure that guides you up the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The exhilaration and personal satisfaction achieved by reaching the top of the Bridge is rewarded by the breathtaking view that lies before you. Dine in one of the many superb restaurants available. Stay 2 nights.

Day 2 - Bondi Beach

Bondi Beach is an icon not only of Australia, but of the World! It draws the visitor, captivates them and forges memories of sun, surf and sand. It is a world of lifeguards patrolling between yellow and red flags, surfers riding the waves, bronzed bodies and comfortable cafes. Go to Bronte for breakfast and then walk along the cliff to Bondi via Tamarama Beach. It depends how fast you walk but you should be able to make it to Bondi for lunch before heading back to Bronte (you can take a bus back). Then take in a magical sailing experience on the Sydney Harbour, an evening sunset cruise. Board a fabulous Beneteau yacht, with a maximum of 12 people aboard, relax and enjoy the feeling of the wind in the sails. Take the helm and learn the art of sailing!

Day 3 - Sydney to Hunter Valley

From Sydney, drive 1.5 hrs north along the Pacific Highway to the Central Coast. Explore the region's fabulous beaches and waterways en route, then head inland toward Cessnock to sample the delights of the Hunter Valley; is one of Australia’s iconic wine and food destinations, with renowned wines and food to match. There are numerous boutique and well-known wineries with cellar door tastings and sales. Overnight.

Day 4 – Hunter Valley to Coffs Harbour

Driving day today along the scenic coastal road towards Port Macquarie; located at the mouth of the Hastings River this area boasts some of the most pristine waterways in Australia. This is a great place to stop for lunch. Continue onto Coffs Harbour which is bordered by the clear warm waters of the Pacific Ocean and the luxurious rainforests of the Great Dividing Range. The hillsides around the town are smothered with banana palms and the icon for the city is the Big Banana, one of the most photographed backdrops in the country. Stay 2 nights.

Day 5 - Full day Diving Trip to Fish Rock, Solitary Islands

Today you will dive the Solitary Islands; which are located just south of the Great Barrier Reef. Solitary Islands is comprises of five islands, three pinnacles, and several shallow-water reefs. Underwater the terrain is made up of an exciting surfeit of gutters, boulders, valleys, kelp forests, and caves full of fascinating marine life including manta rays, giant cuttlefishes, Grey Nurse sharks, Leopard sharks, White-tip Reef sharks and turtles. Fish Rock Cave is the best known and most popular dive site. Spend your evening reflecting on an amazing day!

Day 6 – Coffs Harbour to Byron Bay

Drive through Yamba; a wonderful little village, then back on the road to Lennox Head and along the coastal road to Byron Bay; this is the eastern-most point of the continent of Australia, the beautiful beaches and casual lifestyle makes this town a ‘must see’. Take a 3 hour Sea Kayaking with the Dolphins Trip; paddle through the surf and get up close with Bottlenose Dolphins, discover how inquisitive they can be. Spot Sea Turtles as they come up for a breath of air and if you are in the right season marvel at the size of the majestic Humpback Whales as they migrate. Spend the evening meeting the locals and trying the best fish and chips in town at Fishmongers. Overnight.

Day 7 – Byron Bay to Surfers Paradise

Today you will be weaving your way through tracks and trails, firebreaks and single tracks in one of the best mountain biking destinations in Australia. This Full Day Adventure Rainforest Mountain Biking Tour is created for adventure junkies! It is fully customised to your ability and fitness. When recovered and ready to hit the road, drive the 2 hours to Surfers Paradise; one of the most popular holiday destinations in Australia. Here you'll find the perfect fusion of city and beach lifestyles set amidst a spectacular skyline and brilliant stretch of coast. Vibrant and eclectic, Surfers Paradise provides non-stop action. Overnight.

Day 8 - Surfers Paradise to Glasshouse Mountain National Park

Spend the morning exploring the area, then drive along the Coastal Road to Brisbane; The capital of Queensland. This laid-back city is built on the banks of the Brisbane River, and with its wonderful weather it is an easy place to explore on foot. Take a City Cat ride along the Brisbane River or stroll around South Bank, one of the city's liveliest areas with market stalls, cafes, bike paths and a sandy beach. When ready drive to Glasshouse Mountain National Park; the mountains are a series of steep-sided volcanic plugs formed when lava hardened inside the vents of volcanoes, and over the course 25 million years have eroded down. These mountains feature in dreamtime stories from the Aboriginal People. Overnight.

Day 9 – Glasshouse Mountain National Park to Noosa

Spend today Climbing & Abseiling Mount Tibrogargan; one of the ten extinct volcanic mountains of the Glass House Mountains. At 364 metres it is a popular target for bushwalkers and rock climbers; it boosts some of the longest multi pitch climbs in Australia. When you’re back on level ground, drive to the Sunshine Coast; a low-rise and relaxed alternative to the Gold Coast. Overnight in Noosa and enjoy one of the many fabulous restaurants.

Day 10 – Noosa to Fraser Island

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast in the trendy Hastings Street then drive along the Coastal Road to Fraser Island; The Largest Sand Island in the World. Fraser Island is a precious part of Australia's natural and cultural heritage, with long uninterrupted white beaches, strikingly coloured sand cliffs, over 100 freshwater lakes and ancient rainforests that grow in sand along the banks of fast-flowing, crystal-clear creeks. Not to forget that they have the purest breed of dingo in Australia. To access Fraser Island you will need a 4WD vehicle, and a permit. Overnight.

Day 11 – Fraser Island to Rockhampton

Follow the road to Rockhampton, stopping in Bundaberg; heart of Australia's sugar industry and home to the famous Bundaberg Rum. Pass through Rockhampton or ‘Rocky’ as the locals call it and head for the spectacular Capricorn Caves; unique above-ground caves in a limestone ridge. Take the adrenalin rushing Wild Caving Tour, a complete caving experience. Challenges are many and varied to suit the individual including Fat Man's Misery, the Rebirth hole, Entrapment or the Commando crawl. Bats are likely to be seen as they prefer these quieter, darker caves. Back into the light head back to ‘Rocky’ which is the capital of beef farming in Australia, enjoy a good steak and perhaps a rodeo. Overnight.

Day 12 – Rockhampton to Airlie Beach

This is the longest stretch of your drive (481kms), you will notice the scenery beginning to get more tropical as you proceed. Stretch you legs in Mackay; situated amidst some of the most fertile plains of sugar cane plantations. Then drive for another 2 hours to Airlie Beach, this is known as the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands. Airlie is a popular tourist town; it has a buzzing nightlife and wide range of water activities on offer. Overnight.

Day 13 - Airlie Beach to Ayr

The Whitsunday Islands comprise of 74 Islands and are surrounded by one of the world’s seven natural wonders, the Great Barrier Reef. Spend today on a Full Day Snorkeling Tour; enjoy an exhilarating ride to Whitehaven Beach, snorkel the pristine reefs and experience the “Wild Side” of the Whitsunday Islands, the uninhabited Islands with beautiful natural scenery brimming with marine, bird and animal life. Drive 2 hours to Ayr. Overnight.

Day 14 - Ayr to Cairns

Today Dive the SS Yongala; this coastal steamship SS Yongala went down in 1911 during a cyclone 90km southeast of Townsville, with the loss of all 121 passengers and crew. This 110m wreck rests on a sandy seabed in 15-30m of water. On your descent you will witness to what makes this location so famous, eagle rays, sea snakes, queen fish, turtles, giant Queensland gropers and batfish are abundant. There is also a huge diversity of hard and soft corals growing on the skeleton of this elegant, well-preserved ship. After your dive continue driving from Ayr to Cairns; a city framed by the spectacular twin backdrops of rainforest mountain ranges and the sparkling Coral Sea. Stay 2 nights.

Day 15 - Cairns

Explore this interesting city before heading 20 minutes north of Cairns to the Bungy Tower; here whether you are a first time jumper and happy with just getting off the edge or a seasoned thrill seeker you will enjoy this Bungy Jump and Minjin Combo, it will give you the adrenaline hit to wake up your senses! From the top you look out over the Northern Beaches and to the Great Barrier Reef, so when you’re on the edge ready to jump suck in the view as it looks quite different on the rebound! The Minjin roars in the shape of the Jungle Swing, at speeds of up to 120 kph in 3.5 seconds. One, two or three people at a time can face the challenge of the Minjin. Spend the rest of the day recovering and mingling with the locals.

Day 16 - Whitewater Rafting the Famous Tully River

Spend today white water rafting the Tully River; the North's ultimate white water, white knuckle adventure, with up to 5 hours of rafting over more than 45 rapids through World Heritage Rainforest. The white water rafting on the Tully River is rated moderate to challenging, offering mainly grade 3 and 4 rapids. Your trained and experienced white water rafting guides will offer all the tuition needed to enjoy the white water rafting. Dine at one of the many restaurants Cairns has to offer.

Day 17, 18, 19 – 3 day/2 night Live aboard Diving

One of the "must do" things in Queensland is to dive the Great Barrier Reef. The Great Barrier Reef is a natural wonder of the world and a declared World Heritage site. It is made up of approximately 2900 separate reefs stretching as far north as Cape York and south to Bundaberg along the Queensland Coast. There is no doubt that the best way to really experience the Great Barrier Reef is to stay out there for a few days. On this trip you get much more time to relax, enjoy yourself and ultimately spend more time diving and snorkeling.

On return from your diving excursion; spend your final evening enjoying entertainment in the middle of the worlds oldest rainforest; this is a unique and unforgettable experience. The cuisine is exotic and the entertainment authentic Aboriginal. This evening will become a lifetime memory. Overnight.

Day 20 - Depart Australia

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