- Comfort Style
- 14 Day / 13 Night
- $10,750 Shared Accommodation - Adult 18+ over
- $10,750 Private Double/Twin Room - Adult/Child
- $13,000 Private Single Room - Adult 18+ over
- 18:00 - 18:00
- Sydney, New South Wales
The ultimate adventure for those who want to see the best of Australia’s east coast. From Sydney Harbour to the Daintree Rainforest, this tour combines stunning landscapes, authentic cultural experiences and coastal treasures into one trip.
New South Wales, Queensland and everything in between, this boutique small-group tour is for those who value comfort, genuine connections and immersion in nature and local traditions. Whether you’re snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef, tasting wines in the Hunter Valley, or walking through rainforest canopies, this trip has the right balance of relaxation and discovery.
Highlights
- Boutique small-group touring – relaxed pace with a crafted itinerary and a small group of like-minded travellers.
- Conservation Wildlife Park visit – meet kangaroos, wombats, emus and more.
- Hunter Valley – wine, cheese and chocolate tastings.
- Gumbaynggirr First Nations cultural experience.
- Koala Hospital in Port Macquarie – learn how carers protect Australia’s wildlife.
- Byron Bay – soak up the coastal vibes, visit Cape Byron Lighthouse and chill out.
- K’gari (Fraser Island) 4WD adventure – discover the magic of the world’s largest sand island.
- Whitsundays & Whitehaven Beach cruise – snorkel, swim and explore on an all-inclusive day trip.
- Atherton Tablelands – swim in crater lakes, chase waterfalls and look for platypus.
- Great Barrier Reef Ocean Freedom cruise – drift snorkelling and glass bottom boat tour.
- Skyrail Rainforest Cableway – glide over the canopy to the village of Kuranda.
- Guided Daintree Rainforest Walk – follow in the footsteps of Sir David Attenborough into the world’s oldest rainforest.
- Eco-nature cruise – search for crocodiles, tropical birds and marine life.
- Mossman Gorge – a guided rainforest loop walk with gentle adventure.
- Kuku Yalanji First Nations experience.
- Cape Tribulation – where the rainforest meets the reef.
Why Visit 16 Days East Coast Tour
Itinerary
Your journey starts in Sydney’s stunning harbour city. After checking into your hotel, take some time to freshen up before meeting your tour leader and fellow travellers at 6 pm for a welcome get-together. The evening is then a shared dinner – a great way to get to know each other.
Included Activities: Group meeting; welcome dinner.
Meals: Dinner
Driving Distance: None
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Potts Point or similar
Leave Sydney and head into the countryside, stopping at a wildlife park to meet Australia’s most famous animals – kangaroos, koalas, emus and more. Then onto the Hunter Valley for wine, cheese and chocolate tastings. In the afternoon, arrive in the vibrant coastal city of Newcastle for a short orientation tour before checking into your hotel for the night.
Included Activities: Wildlife park entry and animal encounters; wine, cheese & chocolate tasting; Newcastle orientation tour.
Meals: Breakfast
Driving Distance: 170 miles
Walking Distance: Short, easy walks
Accommodation: Lucky Hotel Newcastle or similar
Today, we head north to the lovely Port Macquarie. We visit the famous Koala Hospital, where volunteers care for injured and sick koalas before releasing them back into the wild. Later, we take a gentle foreshore walk with dolphin spotting opportunities and then relax for the evening.
Included Activities: Koala Hospital visit; foreshore walk with dolphin spotting.
Meals: Breakfast
Driving Distance: 250 km
Walking Distance: Easy strolls
Accommodation: El Paso Motor Inn or similar
Start the day with a powerful First Nations cultural experience led by the Gumbaynggirr people and learn about their history, traditions and connection to Country. Then we head to Byron Bay, a coastal haven and surf capital of Australia. At the Cape Byron Lighthouse, the most easterly point of mainland Australia, take in the stunning ocean views and, depending on the season, spot whales or dolphins.
Included Activities: Cultural session with Gumbaynggirr guides; Cape Byron Lighthouse visit.
Meals: Breakfast
Driving Distance: 400 km
Walking Distance: Gentle, scenic walks with lookouts
Accommodation: Beachcomber Byron Bay or similar
Free day to do as you please in Byron Bay. Relax on the beach, browse the shops or cafes or try one of the many optional activities such as surfing lessons, ocean kayaking, whale watching (in season), hot-air balloon ride or local brewery tour.
Included Activities: Free day in Byron Bay; optional paid activities.
Meals: None
Driving Distance: None
Accommodation: Beachcomber Byron Bay or similar
Cross into Queensland and visit Noosa National Park, where you may see wild koalas in the eucalypts. Walk along Hastings Street, the main street of Noosa and take in the views at Noosa Main Beach. In the afternoon, we head to Rainbow Beach, where we’ll stay for the next two nights.
Included Activities: Noosa National Park visit; orientation walk through Hastings Street and Noosa Main Beach.
Meals: Breakfast
Driving Distance: 420 km
Walking Distance: Short, easy walks and coastal lookouts
Accommodation: Rainbow Getaway Apartments or similar
Go on a 4WD adventure across K’gari, the world’s largest sand island. Swim in the crystal-clear waters of Lake McKenzie, walk through the rainforest and visit the historic S.S. Maheno shipwreck. Drive along the famous 75 Mile Beach, keep an eye out for wild dingoes. Back in Rainbow Beach, you have time to explore the Carlo Sand Blow or just chill out.
Included Activities: Guided 4WD day tour of K’gari.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Driving Distance: 200 km
Walking Distance: Short, easy walks and lookouts (approx. 5 km total)
Accommodation: Rainbow Getaway Apartments or similar
Travel to Brisbane, Queensland’s river city and future Olympic host. Take an orientation tour to get to know the city’s highlights – from riverfront walks to creative neighbourhoods with cafes, galleries and laid-back vibes.
Included Activities: Guided Brisbane orientation.
Meals: Breakfast
Driving Distance: 240 km
Walking Distance: Short urban walks
Accommodation: The Point Hotel Brisbane or similar
This morning, we fly to the Whitsunday Coast. On arrival in Airlie Beach, check in to your accommodation and enjoy a free afternoon. Stroll the foreshore, browse boutiques, cafe hop, or just relax at the lagoon. In the evening, explore the main street with many restaurants and bars.
Included Activities: Flight from Brisbane to Proserpine (Whitsundays); free time in Airlie Beach.
Meals: Breakfast
Driving Distance: 40 km
Domestic Flight: Approx. 1 hr 50 mins (990 km)
Accommodation: Mantra Club Croc or similar
Take a high-speed boat for a full-day Whitsundays cruise. Visit the famous Whitehaven Beach and walk to Hill Inlet Lookout for stunning views. Snorkel the coral reefs teeming with tropical fish – and if you’re lucky, spot a turtle or two. Lunch is on board before returning to Airlie Beach in the afternoon. Free time in the evening.
Included Activities: Whitsundays cruise with Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet lookout, snorkelling and onboard lunch.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Cruise Distance: Approx. 46 km by fast boat (8 hrs total)
Walking Distance: Short, easy walk to Hill Inlet lookout
Accommodation: Mantra Club Croc or similar
After breakfast, we head north through coastal landscapes and sugarcane fields to Mission Beach. A chill-out seaside town with palm-fringed beaches. Spend the arvo by the pool, on the beach or with a book in hand. Keep an eye out for cassowaries, the region’s rare and beautiful flightless birds.
Included: Scenic drive along the Bruce Highway.
Meals: Breakfast
Driving Distance: 505 km (longest drive day)
Walking Distance: Easy strolls and lookouts
Accommodation: Mission Beach Resort or similar
Head inland to explore the lush Atherton Tablelands. Stop at a rainforest waterfall for a swim, then onto Lake Eacham, a volcanic crater lake surrounded by rainforest. Visit the towering Curtain Fig Tree, one of the region’s natural wonders, before arriving in the tropical city of Cairns.
Included: Guided Atherton Tablelands tour with waterfalls, crater lake and wildlife spotting.
Meals: Breakfast
Driving Distance: 220 km
Walking Distance: Short, easy rainforest walks
Accommodation: Flynn Hotel Cairns or similar
A highlight of the trip – a full day on the Great Barrier Reef. Cruise aboard a 20-metre catamaran and snorkel among coral, fish and maybe sea turtles. View the reef from a glass-bottom boat and learn about this incredible ecosystem from marine experts. For those who want to dive deeper, optional introductory or certified scuba diving is available. Back to Cairns for a relaxed evening, maybe dinner with the group.
Included: Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Cruise with snorkelling, glass bottom boat and buffet lunch.
Optional: Introductory or certified scuba dive.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Cruise Distance: Approx. 30 km by boat (8.5 hrs total)
Accommodation: Flynn Hotel Cairns or similar
This morning, we ride the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, above the treetops and past Barron Falls to the mountain village of Kuranda. Explore the local markets, then head north to Port Douglas for a relaxed orientation walk. In the evening, you may like to take a sunset stroll or join the group for dinner by the sea.
Included: Skyrail; Kuranda markets; Port Douglas orientation.
Meals: Breakfast
Driving Distance: 100 km
Walking Distance: Short, easy walks
Accommodation: Paradise Links Resort or similar
Spend a leisurely morning in Port Douglas, maybe visit the Sunday markets for crafts, produce and souvenirs. In the afternoon, we head to Mossman Gorge for a guided rainforest walk. Later join a Kuku Yalanji cultural experience, learning about bush foods, traditional medicines and Dreamtime stories from the region’s Traditional Custodians.
Included: Port Douglas markets; guided rainforest walk in Mossman Gorge; Kuku Yalanji cultural experience.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Driving Distance: 25 km
Walking Distance: Approx. 2.5 km / 1.5 hrs (shorter option available)
Accommodation: Paradise Links Resort or similar
Your last day takes you deeper into the World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest. Cross the Daintree River by ferry and enjoy a guided rainforest walk, keep an eye out for cassowaries, tropical birds and other native wildlife. Then onto Cape Tribulation, where the rainforest meets the reef, and relax on an eco-friendly Daintree River cruise looking for crocodiles and other river life. Finish your adventure with a scenic coastal drive back to Cairns, where your tour ends around 6 pm.
Included Activities: Guided Daintree Rainforest walk; eco-cruise on the Daintree River; scenic coastal drive.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Driving Distance: 160 km
Walking Distance: Approx. 7 km / 2 hrs (shorter option available)
Note: Autopia Tours (Via Travel) reserves the right to amend itineraries or routes in response to weather, seasonal changes, or park closures.
Inclusions
- 15 Nights’ Private or Shared Boutique Style Hotels/Resorts – all rooms with ensuite
- Includes: 14 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 1 dinner
- All National Park entry fees included
- First Nations cultural experience
- Wine, cheese, chocolate tasting
- Australian wildlife encounter and rescue center visit
- K’gari Fraser Island 4WD small-group experience
- Whitsunday Island & Whitehaven beach day trip & snorkel
- Great Barrier Reef day cruise – incl. snorkeling gear & glass bottom boat
- Kuranda Skyrail gondola ride over lush rainforest
- Guided rainforest, gorge, river cruise & lookout walks
- Hosted by an experienced driver-guide, with local tour commentary
- All transport (private small-group vehicle, transfers, domestic flight BNE>PPP & boat trips)
- Sydney meeting point / Cairns drop-offs points
Exclusions
- Meals not listed in the itinerary (plenty of opportunities to eat locally).
- Hotel transfers before or after the tour to the designated meeting/drop-off points.
- Optional tours or activities and any hire equipment (e.g. scuba diving, Byron Bay trips).
- Accommodation before or after the tour is available upon request at an extra charge.
- Personal travel insurance (highly recommended).
- Spending money on personal purchases and incidentals.
- International flights not included.
Where to meet
18:00 – Holiday Inn Potts Point, 203 Victoria St, Potts Point, Sydney, New South Wales
What to bring
- 1L Refillable water bottle – Your guide will be monitoring hydration and encouraging water consumption at all times during your daily adventures in order to avoid health concerns arising.
- Wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses & sunscreen
- Beach towel and toiletries
- Bathers or swimwear, flip-flops shoes (beach thongs)
- Comfortable sturdy walking shoes (closed-toe shoes)
- All-weather clothing (In case extreme conditions day/night)
- Overnight bag 20kg & small day pack 5kg
- Personal medicine if required, any pre-existing medical issues, please let us know at time of booking
- Flashlight or torch (optional)
- Insect repellent & camera
- Money for snack and meals
- A sense of adventure!
Room amenities
NIGHT | CONFIGURATION | FACILITIES | INCLUDES |
1-15 | Hotel / Resort Accommodation Twin Share Room | Shared Ensuite Bathroom | Sleeps 2 people, solo travellers paired with another passenger, towel, linen, tv, air-conditioning |
1-15 | Hotel / Resort Accommodation Private Double / Twin / Single | Private Ensuite Bathroom | Towel & bed linen supplied, fridge, tv, lounge, air-conditioning, tea/coffee facilities |
Weather
The weather along the East Coast of Australia varies by region and season. In summer, temperatures can reach the high 30s (°C), while winter days are generally mild, especially in the north. Coastal areas can experience sudden changes, including rainfall and cooler evenings. We recommend checking the average temperatures for the time of year you’ll be travelling and packing accordingly, including sun protection, light layers, and wet weather gear. Tours will proceed in most weather conditions unless otherwise advised by the provider.
Know before you book
- Mandatory Details: Passenger details are required at the time of booking, including date of birth, food allergies, title or gender for rooming configuration, a contact phone number, passport details.
- Dietary Requirements: While we endeavour to cater to most dietary needs, passengers must inform their booking agent of any specific dietary requirements or food allergies when booking.
- Medical Conditions: The tour operator must be notified of any known medical conditions at the time of booking. This is a physically demanding tour requiring an easy level of fitness and mobility.
- Fitness Level: Travellers can expect some light physical activities.
- Travellers should be mobile enough to walk unaided. A doctor’s certificate is required for participants over 70 years old, submitted at least 30 days prior to travel.
- Age Restrictions: Children aged 12 to 17 must be accompanied by an adult or legal guardian at all times. The tour is not suitable for infants or children aged 11 and under due to the nature of the tour.
- Solo Travellers: Solo travellers who book separately in a Twin Share Accommodation (SD16-B) will be paired with another solo traveller in a twin room or with someone of the same gender.
- Fare Type Options:
– Shared Accommodation (SD16-B) is restricted to Adults only 18+ years and over, as travellers stay in a shared room with shared ensuite. Not suitable for children.
– Private Double/Twin Room (SD16-S): For Adults and Children staying in a double or twin room with ensuite and must be purchased by Qty2 people staying together.
– Private Single Room (SD16-P): Restricted to Adults only (18+ years old and over) with ensuite. - Mobility Considerations: This tour is not suitable for mobility-impaired travellers, including those using wheelchairs, walking aids or mobility scooters.
- Baggage Limitations: Limited storage space is available on our vehicle. Each traveller may bring 1 x 20 kg travel bag and 1 x 5 kg day bag. Larger or multiple suitcases are by request only.
- Itinerary Variations: Itineraries may change due to seasonal weather conditions, and occasionally sites in the parks may close for cultural or safety reasons or restricted swimming access. We prioritise safety and plan accordingly to ensure the best experience for our guests.
- Reconfirmation of Details: All travellers are asked to reconfirm their tour details within 7 days prior to departure by calling 02 72291083 or 03 9393 1333 or via email.
- Private Tours: Private touring groups are available upon request at [email protected].
Check Availability & Book
FAQs
What details do I need to provide when booking?
At the time of booking, please supply your full name as it appears on your passport, date of birth, any dietary requirements, your title or gender for rooming purposes, a contact phone number and passport details (required for domestic flight bookings).
How active is the daily schedule?
This tour is designed with a balance of sightseeing and relaxation. Most days involve light to moderate walking (1–7 km) with regular rest breaks and free time. Travellers should be able to walk without assistance.
Are national park fees included in the price?
Yes. All listed national park entries, wildlife parks and guided cultural experiences are included in your tour package.
What standard of accommodation is provided?
You’ll stay in boutique-style hotels or resorts with private en-suites, chosen for their comfort, convenient locations and local character.
Can dietary requirements be accommodated?
Yes. Most included meals can be tailored to suit dietary needs if notified at the time of booking. Local dining venues also offer a wide variety of options.
How much luggage can I bring?
Due to limited space on the vehicle and domestic flights, guests may bring one travel bag (max 23 kg) and one day pack (max 5 kg). Larger or multiple bags may be accepted by prior request only.
How big is the group?
This is a small-group experience with a maximum of 16 people, so you’ll have a more personal pace and closer interaction with your guide.
What is the minimum age for children?
The minimum age is 12 years, and children 12–17 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. This tour is not suitable for infants or children under 12 due to the pace and activities.
Is the tour suitable for solo travellers?
Yes. Solo guests who choose Twin Share (SD16-B) will be paired with another solo traveller of the same gender in a twin room with a shared bathroom. If you prefer more privacy, you can book a Private Single Room (SD16-P) for an additional supplement.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes. Medical and emergency repatriation insurance is compulsory. It’s recommended that your policy also covers cancellations, liability, force majeure events and loss or theft of belongings. Proof of insurance and an emergency contact number must be provided before travel.
If you’re relying on credit card insurance, you’ll need to provide the insurer’s contact details, policy number and confirmation of coverage. Travel insurance is not compulsory for EU, Swiss or US citizens but highly recommended. Guests who decline coverage must sign a waiver accepting full financial responsibility for any emergencies.
