Emu Select Sydney to Cairns Tour - From Sept 2025

Head down to the hotel restaurant for breakfast before joining the rest of the group for our first day of adventure.

Today we’ll say goodbye to Sydney as we depart the harbour city and head west to see some of the most spectacular scenery in Australia! Our first stop is the local town of Glenbrook where we’ll have a short break to grab a coffee or a snack.  From there, we continue on to Katoomba in the heart of the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains, stopping at the iconic Echo Point and a walk to view the famous Three Sisters rock formation.

After a picnic lunch we’ll head off for a 1.5-2 hour hike in the mountains.  Along the walk we’ll visit the stunning Wentworth Falls, view lush rainforest and dramatic clifftops, and enjoy breathtaking views over the Jamison Valley. Tonight, we’ll enjoy dinner together and get to know each other better.

This morning we’ll start our journey north by way of the famous Hunter Valley wine region where we’ll stop for lunch and to taste some of the local wine and cheese (non-alcoholic options available). We’ll then continue to our destination for the night - the coastal town of Port Macquarie, known for its wildlife, beaches and penal colony past!  

After the drive if you’re feeling energetic, we recommend walking a section of the stunning Port Macquarie Coastal Walk.

Today we’re heading to the iconic surfing town of Byron Bay, known for its relaxed vibes and no worries attitude. Before we depart, we’ll visit the Guulabaa Wild Breeding Centre, where we’ll get a closer look at Australia’s laziest (and arguably cutest) marsupials - Koalas! Learn about the hospital’s efforts to rehabilitate, protect and preserve the koalas and the new breeding centre’s important efforts to save these iconic animals from extinction.

We’ll then hit the road with a stop in Coffs Harbour for lunch, followed by a special experience learning about the First Nations people of Australia.

Your cultural experience takes place at an important site of the Gumbaynggirr people, the stunning location of “Niigi Niigi” (Sealy Lookout) within the Orara East State Forest. You’ll go for a 1.5-hour tour and see 360-degree views, as well as getting the opportunity to immerse yourself in culture through stories, songs, language and the uses of native plants. This will be an unforgettable experience with an emphasis on authentic connection and contributing to helping a community regain their culture and identity.

Do More:By taking part in the experience, you’re making a direct contribution to the revitalisation of Gumbaynggirr language and culture with a percentage of the tour price going towards the local bilingual school to help foster cultural identity and education success.

When we arrive in Byron Bay, we’ll take you on an orientation drive around town to help you get your bearings, showing you points of interest and the top spots for food, shopping and nightlife. For the next few nights, we’re staying at boutique hostel The Surf House, located right in the heart of Byron and just a couple of hundred metres from the main beach - heaven!

Today you have a full day in Byron Bay to really embrace the Byron Bay motto: "cheer up, slow down, and chill out”. Start your day off with a morning yoga class on the rooftop of your hostel and then spend your day exploring the laidback hippy town. 

Take a walk up to Cape Byron Lighthouse, mainland Australia’s most easterly point, with your Stray guide.  Check out the many eclectic boutiques and cafes around town. You could join a sea kayaking tour and search for dolphins and other marine life, or even go for an iconic Australian activity - learning to surf.

You lucky thing - you have ANOTHER free day to explore Byron Bay today. Tick off any activities you didn’t get the chance to do yesterday or pass the day wandering the township or relaxing on the beach. Hone your surf skills with more lessons or borrow one of the free surfboards at your hostel to try it out by yourself. 

If you’re a foodie then you’re in luck, as eating your way around Byron is an experience in itself. There are heaps of vegetarian and vegan options available, a couple of our favourites are the Cardamom Pod for lunch and No Bones for dinner, both of which are super close to your hostel. This evening, head to the Saturday twilight markets for some live music and lots of boutique stalls showcasing local arts, crafts and some incredible food.

This morning, meet your guide and group outside the Surf House hostel at 8:50am and we’ll depart north across the NSW border to Queensland, stopping for some lunch and a walk around the famous Surfers Paradise. Next, we’ll head to a nearby nature reserve to spot some wild kangaroos, before continuing to Brisbane, the capital city of Queensland for the night. This evening, we recommend going for a stroll down to Southbank for a walk along the Brisbane River and then check out some of the many bars and restaurants.

This morning we say farewell to the city and head back to the Coast and the boutique beach town of Noosa. We’ll stop along the way to stretch our legs and see the amazing panoramic views of the Glasshouse Mountains and the Sunshine Coast before enjoying some lunch in the quirky town of Eumundi, known for its artisanal crafts. We’ll go for another walk to see some views of Noosa and the gorgeous Noosa headlands before arriving at our accommodation in the afternoon.

Today you have a completely free day to spend doing whatever you like. Noosa is home to Australia’s Everglades (one of only two on the planet). Consider taking an adventure canoe or a relaxing afternoon cruise to explore this special place.  

Other options include: relaxing by the pool, going for a walk around the incredible headland, visiting the beach or having a long, lazy lunch in the sun. The Noosa Surf Club is one of our faves so if you’d like to go out for dinner, you can’t go wrong with this local hotspot!

It’s an early start this morning as you head out for your 3-day, 2-night K’gari (formerly Fraser Island) adventure. During this amazing experience you’ll explore the largest sand island in the world on a 4WD expedition, see the magical Lake Boorangoora (McKenzie), discover towering rainforests, spot a wild dingo, cruise along endless sandy beaches and lose yourself in the magic of stargazing. If you fancy learning how to drive a 4WD, you can do that! This is going to be one of the best experiences of your whole trip and is definitely the coolest way to explore this world-heritage listed National Park.

After a bus, ferry and 4WD transfer, you’ll arrive at The Eco Retreat on K’gari (your accommodation for the next 2 nights). You’ll have some tasty lunch and then you can check out the retreat’s ocean views before heading out for your first adventure to see some of the Island highlights. This evening, you’ll arrive back at The Eco Retreat to enjoy dinner, practice throwing a boomerang, share stories and learn to play the didgeridoo around the campfire. Tonight, you’ll be lulled to sleep by the sound of the waves as you settle into your beautiful glamping accommodation.

Do More: Take part in a beach clean up on the island of K’gari and contribute to keeping this piece of paradise as nature intended.

This morning, wake up to the gorgeous golden sunrise over the ocean, enjoy breakfast and get ready for a fun-filled morning exploring K’gari and her hidden treasures. Enjoy lunch on the beach and then spend the afternoon discovering more lakes (there are over 100!) and epic views before arriving back at The Eco Retreat in time for another dinner under the stars and some fun evening activities.

After breakfast today you’ll hit the inland tracks to discover towering trees and take one last refreshing dip, enjoy lunch in the forest and then begin your journey back to the mainland, arriving into Rainbow Beach around mid-afternoon ready for your next journey north up to Bundaberg. 

Bundaberg is well-known for sugarcane, rum, ginger beer and more recently has been called the ‘Bundaberg Bowl’ for its reputation of growing and producing fresh food that’s served across the country. Your accommodation in Bundaberg is a relaxed eco-resort, this time you’ll be located by a nature reserve in the coastal suburb of Bargara and have access to a spa, sauna, tennis courts and more (we know, we treat you good!).

This morning we’ll have breakfast at the resort and then head to a nearby Coral Farm for a special land-based reef experience. Have a behind-the-scenes look at the incredible beauty and science of coral cultivation and the future of reef restoration.  There are over 70,000 individual corals and 200 marine species for you to view! 

We’ll then head to Bundaberg township for lunch, after which we’ll visit the Bundaberg Rum Distillery and if you’re keen, a tasting of their iconic rum (extra cost). In the afternoon, relax, take a walk on the beach or why not play a game of tennis at the resort?

If you’d prefer a full day out on the water and the chance to visit the Southern part of the Great Barrier Reef, your guide can book you onto the incredible Lady Musgrave Experience for a full day of snorkelling, a boat cruise, guided island walk and delicious food. 

Tonight, we’ll have a traditional Aussie BBQ dinner at the resort.

Today is a big travelling day to Airlie Beach, the gateway to the amazing Whitsunday Islands, so load up on snacks and we’ll get the tunes going to get us through the day. We’ll make some stops to stretch our legs and arrive in Airlie in the evening.

Today you’ll head out on the water to see the spectacular Whitsundays Islands up close. Sit back and enjoy the sea air on-board the largest sailing catamaran in The Whitsundays. Sail through the Islands, visit Whitehaven Beach, snorkel the fringing reef and enjoy a delicious BBQ lunch with all-inclusive drinks.

Today is yours to explore.  Enjoy a sleep in, relax by the pool, take a stroll around Airlie’s boutique shops or along the 4km waterfront Bicentennial Boardwalk. If you’d like to see the Whitsundays Islands from above, book in for a skydive or scenic flight (optional extra) over the Islands and outer Great Barrier Reef (including Heart Reef).

Enjoy your final morning in Airlie Beach. Your 'Adventure Tour' buddies will join you again around lunch time and we’ll jump back on the bus and head north to Townsville.  We’ll then catch the ferry over to our next destination of Magnetic Island in the late afternoon. Nearly 50% of ‘Maggie Island’ is national parkland, and it's surrounded by amazing beaches and abundant wildlife. Your guide will fill you in on the activities you can do around the island over the next couple of days.

See More: This island paradise is your best chance on the East Coast to see koalas in the wild. Keep your eyes out for these sleepy marsupials, rock wallabies, and colourful birds as you explore the forested island.

Today you will wake up in paradise and have a full free day to explore. This beautiful island is home to the historic Forts Complex, which you see in a scenic walk with your Guide. At the end, you’ll be rewarded with some incredible views over the island and ocean beyond. Spend the rest of your day relaxing on the secluded beaches, hiking through native bush or searching for wildlife! Top tip: stay alert and keep your eyes on the trees, Maggie Island is one of the best places in Australia to see koalas in the wild!

This morning we’ll catch the ferry back to the mainland and then we’ll get on the road again and head to our final destination of our tour, Cairns - the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.

On the way, we’ll stop in Tully (home of the giant Gumboot), for a lunch break, then head to the beautiful Josephine Falls for a walk through lush rainforest and, if conditions allow, a refreshing swim.

Tonight, we’re staying at an amazing resort that has its own person-made beach! We’ll have a group dinner at the resort before heading out to experience the legendary Cairns nightlife.

Today is a completely free day so if you were dancing into the early hours, enjoy a lazy sleep-in and perhaps a dip in the pool in the afternoon. If you’re ready for another day of adventure, why not book a tour of Cape Tribulation or go to see the iconic Great Barrier Reef?

Today is the final day of your Stray adventure. Give a hug or a wave to your new mates and head off for the next leg of your adventure, taking with you the most incredible memories, everything you’ve learned about Australia’s special culture and wildlife, and of course some classic Aussie lingo - G’DAY MATES!