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Best Of Australia
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Length
14 Days
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Quality
This indicates the overall quality of the tour operator's products. A low rating does not mean it is not good - it just means that it does not include as much, or perhaps is of a more standard quality than the higher quality tours. For example, a 3 star quality rating means that it is a more standard/economical tour, while 5 stars is a very luxurious tour that often includes a lot of amenities. -
Starts in
Cairns (Australia)
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Ends in
Sydney (Australia)
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Available Tour Start Dates
NOV 5, 2026 to JAN 6, 2027
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Activity Level
Easy
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Style
Fully-Guided
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Guaranteed Date(s)
Yes means that there is at least one tour date that the vendor guarantees will occur. No means that there is not at least one tour date that the vendor guarantees will occur, which usually means that the vendor wants a certain amount of reservations on each tour in order for each one to occur. Of course, the terms and conditions of the vendor do allow for the vendor to cancel guaranteed tour dates for certain reasons (for example, a natural disaster).Yes
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Special Interest(s)
Small Group
Group trips average 12 travellers per departure, depending on the adventure. The maximum is usually no more than 16, but some can be smaller or bigger, depending on the trip. Check individual trips for details.
From
Pricing listed is per person, based on double occupancy, and is the least expensive price for at least one departure date of this tour. Price is for the tour only. Additional items, including but not limited to, airfare (unless noted otherwise), travel insurance, and more, are additional.
$3,974.25
Contact Us for a Special Price!
Overview
In case you hadn't noticed, Australia is an awfully big place. So big, in fact, that you'd need to come back a few times to see it all. Don't have that kind of time? Hop aboard this 14-day trip down Australia's east coast and make the most of the time you do have. Offering a solid mix of must-do experiences and uncommon adventures, a boat ride around the Whitsundays, and a trek through Mossman Gorge in the Daintree Rainforest. The best part: there's still plenty more to come back for.
Visited During Tour
Airlie Beach (Australia) | Blue Mountains (Australia) | Byron Bay / Cavvanbah (Australia) | Cairns / Gimuy (Australia) | Cape Tribulation (Australia) | Port Macquarie (Australia) | Sydney (Australia)
Dates, Offers & Prices Dates
Tour Itinerary Itinerary
Accommodations Stays
More Details Details
Dates, Offers & Prices
The following are Best Of Australia tour dates available from G Adventures. Select a bonus offer graphic to view its details, including its terms.
There is at least one departure that the vendor is advising is Not Available for the selected year. Click here if you would like such tours to be included below.
Tour Itinerary
G Adventures Tour Code OACS-9083
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Day
1Cairns
Arrive at any time.
There are no activities planned until the evening welcome meeting.
Exclusive Inclusions:
Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Accommodations: Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns -
Day
2Cairns/Cape Tribulation
Head north to Cape Tribulation. Stop en route to explore Mossman Gorge and take a Dreamtime walk through the Daintree Rainforest.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Exclusive Inclusions:
Private Vehicle
Travel 1.5 hrs to Mossman Gorge. Later, continue 2 hrs to Cape Tribulation.
Dreamtime Walk
Take an interpretive walk through the Daintree Rainforest. Your experienced interpretive Indigenous guide demonstrates traditional plant use, identifies bush food sources, and provides an enchanting narrative of the rainforest and the Kuku Yalanji's special relationship with this unique tropical environment. Find out how to make bush soap, watch an ochre painting demonstration and sample some bush tea.
Accommodations: Cape Tribulation Beach House -
Day
3Cape Tribulation
With a free day, opt for a trip to the Great Barrier Reef or to explore Daintree National Park.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Exclusive Inclusions:
Free Time
Head out and start exploring.
Accommodations: Cape Tribulation Beach House3Optional Activities for Day 3
Show -
Day
4Cape Tribulation/Cairns
Depart the Rainforest and return to Cairns in the afternoon with free time to explore this laid-back city. En route, stop by Port Douglas for lunch and opt to check out the local market.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Exclusive Inclusions:
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Free Time
Make the most of a few hours in this city.
Accommodations: Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns -
Day
5Cairns/Airlie Beach
Depart early for a full day of travel to reach Airlie Beach, enjoying scenic views along the way, including some of Australia's 'Big Things' such as Tully's Golden Boot & the Big Mango.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Exclusive Inclusions:
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodations: Whitsunday Vista Holiday Apartments -
Day
6Airlie Beach
Spend the day out on the water boating around the Whitsunday Islands, visiting the Great Barrier Reef. Opt to swim or snorkel, and hike to an island lookout over Whitehaven Beach, known for its stunning white sand. Return to Airlie Beach for the night.
- Meals Included:
- Lunch
Exclusive Inclusions:
Whitsunday Islands Boating Excursion
Enjoy a day out on the water amidst some of the 74 tropical islands that make up the Whitsunday archipelago. Visit Whitehaven Beach, jump overboard for a quick refreshing dip, and make friends with the tropical fish that thrive within Australia's Great Barrier Reef.
Barrier Reef Visit
The Whitsunday Islands are in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. Spend the day out on a boat cruising through the waters around the islands. Then, when it gets too hot, pull on a mask and snorkel and dive overboard to check out the variety of brightly coloured marine plants, coral and fish that thrive right in these warm tropical waters.
Accommodations: Whitsunday Vista Holiday Apartments -
Day
7Airlie Beach/Byron Bay
Fly to Brisbane and transfer to Byron Bay for two nights. A blend of laid-back surf culture and stunning natural beauty, it is Australia's easternmost point and the first to see the sun each morning.
Exclusive Inclusions:
Plane
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodations: Byron Beachcomber -
Day
8Byron Bay
Spend a free morning exploring Byron or opt to prebook a kayaking tour. In the afternoon, you'll head to the beach for a surf lesson with a trained surf instructor. Enjoy a few hours of instruction before hitting the waves for some practice rides.
Pre-book the "Byron Bay Ocean Kayaking" activity on the checkout page ahead of time to include this optional experience on your tour.
Exclusive Inclusions:
Surfing Lesson
Hit the beach and get ready to hang ten with a surf lesson from trained surf instructors. Spend some time in the water getting friendly with the waves, practice paddling, then pop up to balance on the wider, softer beginner boards. Too easy.
Accommodations: Byron Beachcomber3Optional Activities for Day 8
Show -
Day
9Byron Bay/Port Macquarie
Spend the morning wandering the town checking out the local shops or having one last coffee on the beach before heading to the coastal township of Port Macquarie, featuring all the beauty of the beach set alongside gorgeous national parks. Enjoy an evening in Port Macquarie.
Exclusive Inclusions:
Free Time
Get out and explore this lazy beach town.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodations: El Motor Inn Port Macquarie -
Day
10Port Macquarie/Blue Mountains
Before departing Port Macquarie stop at the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital to see the work they are doing to protect the local koala population. Then travel from Port Macquarie to the Blue Mountains. These mountains in Australia are best known for their soaring sandstone ridges. As you drive, pass by charming mountain towns, ancient Aboriginal rock art, lush green valleys, and loads of craggy cliffs. It doesn't matter if the journey is shrouded in clouds or glowing in the sinking sun, you'll still spot beauty around every turn.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Exclusive Inclusions:
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Koala Hospital Group Visit
The Guided Group Tour at the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital offers an immersive and educational experience for visitors. Led by experienced volunteers, you'll get a comprehensive look at the work they do in rescuing, treating, and rehabilitating koalas. Observe the koalas up close, hear the stories of the resident koalas, and learn about the threats facing their populations.
Accommodations: Leisure Inn Spires -
Day
11Blue Mountains
Travel deeper into the majestic Blue Mountains and experience the natural beauty of this World Heritage Area. Explore the landscape around Leura and Katoomba, view the Three Sisters, take a walk in Jamison Valley, and ride on the Scenic Railway, the steepest railway in the world.
Exclusive Inclusions:
Blue Mountains Excursion
With charming Leura as your base, explore the major attractions of the Blue Mountains from sightseeing to bushwalking to cafes and more.
Jamison Valley Walk
Take in some amazing lookouts over the Jamison Valley, via the iconic Three Sisters. Descend down the 900 step giant staircase to the valley floor. Walk amongst the beautiful forest to the steepest incline railway in the world - The Katoomba Scenic Railway. Opt to ride its 52-degrees angle or take the Scenic Cableway. If you're keen for more walking, and time permitting, take the 900 stairs back up.
Scenic Railway
This railway is steep and plunges into the rainforest and through the valley. The ride is scenically stunning. At the end, opt to take a rainforest walk or a cable car back to the visitor's centre.
Accommodations: Leisure Inn Spires -
Day
12Blue Mountains/Sydney
This morning, leave the Blue Mountains behind and continue onward to Sydney. Once you arrive head out for an orientation walk before taking advantage of some free time to keep exploring. Opt to rent a bike, stroll the botanical gardens, or visit the iconic Opera House.
Exclusive Inclusions:
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Orientation Walk
Discover the highlights of Sydney on an orientation walk with the CEO. They will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
Free Time
Get out and explore.
Accommodations: Rydges Sydney Central1Optional Activities for Day 12
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Day
13Sydney
Get a feel for the city. Relax seaside at Bondi Beach. Enjoy an optional night out with the group.
Exclusive Inclusions:
Free Time
Enjoy a free day to explore one of Australia's most exciting cities.
Accommodations: Rydges Sydney Central3Optional Activities for Day 13
Show -
Day
14Sydney
Depart at any time.
Exclusive Inclusions:
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
Accommodations
Select a destination below to to view the hotel(s) included by G Adventures in their Best Of Australia tour:
Airlie Beach
Whitsunday Vista Holiday Apartments
Location
1 Hermitage Drive Airlie Beach, Whitsundays QLD 4802
Airlie Beach, Australia-4802
Other Details
- Hotel as shown or similar (G Adventures may replace it with a similar property)
Byron Bay
Byron Beachcomber
Location
23-25 Shirley St
Byron Bay, Australia-2481
Other Details
- Hotel as shown or similar (G Adventures may replace it with a similar property)
Cairns
Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns
Location
209-217 Abbott St, Cairns City
Cairns, Australia-4870
Other Details
- Hotel as shown or similar (G Adventures may replace it with a similar property)
Cape Tribulation
Cape Tribulation Beach House
Location
152 Rykers Road
Cape Tribulation, Australia-QLD 4873
Other Details
- Outdoor Pool, Laundry, Restaurant, Smoke Free, Wifi, Parking
- Hotel as shown or similar (G Adventures may replace it with a similar property)
Leura
Leisure Inn Spires
Location
Leura, Australia
Other Details
- Hotel as shown or similar (G Adventures may replace it with a similar property)
Leisure Inn Spires
Location
100 Leura Mall
Leura, Australia-2780
Other Details
- Hotel as shown or similar (G Adventures may replace it with a similar property)
Port Macquarie
El Motor Inn Port Macquarie
Location
29 Clarence St
Port Macquarie, Australia-2444
Other Details
- Hotel as shown or similar (G Adventures may replace it with a similar property)
Sydney
Rydges Sydney Central
Location
28 Albion St, Surry Hills NSW 2010
Sydney, Australia-2010
Other Details
- Hotel as shown or similar (G Adventures may replace it with a similar property)
More Details
G Adventures is informing us of the following additional details regarding their Best Of Australia tour:
Group Size
Max 16, avg 12
What's Included
Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group. Indigenous led rainforest walk. Whitsunday Islands boating excursion. Blue Mountains stay with hikes. Scenic Railway. Jamison Valley walk. Orientation walk in Sydney. Free time in Cairns, Byron Bay, and Sydney. Internal flight. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities. Internal airfare.
Highlights
Follow an Indigenous guide through the Daintree Rainforest, Set off on an optional excursion to the Great Barrier Reef, Cruise on a boat around the scenic Whitsundays, Hike the Blue Mountains
Optional Activities
G Adventures is offering the following optional activities at an additional cost, subject to availability:
Cape Tribulation- Great Barrier Reef Visit (217AUD per person)- Daintree National Park Visit (Free)- Daintree Rainforest Night Walk (55AUD per person)Byron Bay- Skydiving (409AUD per person)- Ocean Kayaking in Byron BayCape Byron- Cape Byron Lighthouse Visit (Free)Sydney- Sydney Opera House Visit (50-199AUD per person)- Jet Boat Ride (85AUD per person)Coogee Beach- Coogee Beach to Bondi Beach Coastal Walk
What are the mandatory travel insurance requirements for this trip?
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Accommodation Summary
Hotels (11 nts), rainforest cabin (2 nts).
Meals Included
5 breakfasts, 2 lunches
What are the meals like on this trip?
Eating is a big part of traveling. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility. Our groups tend to eat together for most meals but there is no obligation to so. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. On this trip we include one local breakfast experience. We love checking out what the locals are doing and what makes up their daily routines. In Italy that could be starting the day with an espresso and cornetto standing at the bar in a local café. in Australia it might include an iced coffee and sausage roll by the beach and in Vietnam it could be slurping a steaming bowl of pho sitting on a plastic stool on a busy street corner. Hey, variety is the spice of life!
Group Leader
Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, local guides.
What is the role of the group leader during this trip?
All G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our Chief Experience Officers (CEO). The aim of the CEO is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds.
International Flights
No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour. However, on some tours travelling between two different countries, international flights are included as part of the itinerary and price of the tour. Please speak to your GCO or booking agent for further details. In addition, check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.
Transportation
Private vehicle, boat, plane, walking, ferry
Minimum Age
You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.
Notes
Whitsunday Islands Boating Excursion – Important InformationThis high-speed catamaran excursion may not be suitable for all travellers. If you have any medical conditions, injuries, or physical disabilities, please contact us to ensure this activity is suitable for you.For safety reasons, our Local Operator Whitsunday Bullet no longer permits pregnant guests on this excursion.
Checklist
Documents:o Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)o Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)o Passport (required) (With photocopies)o Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)o Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)Essentials:o Footwear (required) (Closed toe suggested)o Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)o Binoculars (optional)o Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)o Cash, credit and debit cardso Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)o Ear plugso First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)o Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)o Fleece top/sweatero Hato Headphones (Noise-cancelling recommended)o Locks for bagso Long pants/jeanso Moneybelto Outlet adaptero Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)o Reusable water bottleo Shirts/t-shirtso Sleepwearo Small travel towelo Sunglasseso Swimwearo Watch and alarm clocko Waterproof backpack covero Windproof rain jacketHealth & Safety:o Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)o Hand sanitizero Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)Warm Weather:o Sandals/flip-flopso Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)o Sturdy water shoes/sandalso Sun hat/bandanao Swimwear
What are the packing guidelines and luggage restrictions?
The max luggage allowance on domestic flights within Australia is 1 checked bag (20 kgs) and 1 carry on (7 kgs) per person.You will be on the move a lot, so our advice is to pack as lightly as possible. We recommend using a backpack for your convenience, or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. Heavy luggage is not recommended for the health of the CEO, who will take a lead in loading the storage trailer. Due to space in the trailer, we will not be able to accommodate more than one piece of main luggage per person. A good size day-pack (20-35L) is also essential to carry your personal gear for the day, as access to luggage between destinations will be limited. This daypack will be used to carry your personal gear for the day, your lunch and a water bottle.
Service Level
Standard: Comfortable tourist-class accommodations with character; mix of public and private transport.
What are the tipping guidelines for this trip?
It is not customary in Australia to tip service providers, but if you do experience outstanding service it is good to do so. Such service would only usually be in places like quality restaurants and it would be very rare that you would tip more than 10%. Unless specifically asked to do so at the time (by your CEO) - do not tip your local guides. At the end of each trip if you felt your G Adventures CEO did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline 5-10 AUD per person, per day can be used.
Pricing and availability are subject to change and must be confirmed by one of our travel advisors, who can contact the vendor to do so. Intra-vacation air (also referred to as internal air) is usually based on economy class seating (do not assume otherwise, unless explicity noted otherwise) and may be 100% non-refundable at time of final payment. Air quotes (including intra-vacation airfare) may be subject to change until final payment has been received by the vendor. Flight confirmation may be based on availability. Air reservations may not be able to be confirmed until a passport copy is received by the vendor. The following charges are not included in the vacation price unless otherwise noted: airfare to and from the start of your vacation; airline baggage fees including checked and/or excess baggage fees; Federal inspection fees for the Federal U.S. Customs and Immigrations; International Air Transportation tax; agricultural tax; other per person taxes imposed by government entities; airport taxes and fees, including the September 11th Security fee, passenger facility charges, Federal domestic flight segment fees, and U.S. and international arrival and departure and other government-imposed fees added by the airline and applicable at time of booking; port taxes; passports; visas and vaccinations; tips to your Cruise Director, Local Host, driver, Local Guides, and/or ship's crew; gratuities on ferries, trains, and cruise ships; laundry; telephone; minibar; alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant or onboard your vessel (these extra items will be billed to you before leaving the hotel, ship, or restaurant); airport transfers on non-qualifying flights; optional excursions; additional activities and excursions purchased online; porterage at airports and train stations; Travel Protection; and all other items of a personal nature. Itinerary details are provided by the vendor. Vendors may reserve the right to change itineraries, even on existing reservations. There may be instances where the name of a tour contains a tour length in it, but where there is a version of the tour that is a different number of days in length. You can check the true length of a tour by referring to the length value listed in association with that tour. Destination images displayed on this web page, some which are supplied by the related vendor and some which are not, are intended to simply give a general representation of the region of the world being visited during the tour. Such images are not necessarily of the exact areas being visited during the tour. Hotel details (including, but not limited to: rating/class, descriptions, images, amenities and addresses) are provided by G Adventures. Hotel amenities may be communicated in shorthand by G Adventures (for example, if "Laundry" is listed that may only mean that the hotel has an optional fee-based service that would allow for your laundry to be done by their staff). We reserve the right to correct errors.