Koala Select Sydney to Brisbane 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.