Australian Escape

15 days from £2,849

Travellers standing on the beach by their vehicles on K'gari Island.

Pathway leading up to Cape Byron lighthouse, Byron Bay.

A group photo on a beach on the East Coast of Australia.

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Trip Photos

Group of travellers on a boat tour on the East Coast, of Australia.

Women travellers taking a group photo in the clear ocean water.

Women smiling whilst sat on the white sand beach.

Man posing on the shore of a white sand beach.

Girl posing and smiling along the coastal walk.

Women sat in front of the Sydney Harbour bridge.

Women smiling in front of the Opera house.

Women posing in front of the Sydney Opera house.

Group pyramid in the ocean of Fraser Island.

Women looking out at the Whitsunday Islands.

Two travellers doing a yoga pose on Fraser Island.

Vehicles riding past the maheno shipwreck at sunset.

Group photo taken on a tree branch in the Whitsundays.

Group photo taken on a boat trip in the Whitsundays.

Women posing on a boat trip in the Whitsundays.

Group photo of girls sat on Whitehaven Beach.

Vehicle leading a tour along the beach of K'gari Island.

Travellers looking at the Maheno shipwreck on K'gari Island.

Tour group walking down the sand dunes on Rainbow Beach, Australia.

Sun, sea and surf, from Sydney to Cairns

Nowhere says ‘beach life’ quite like Australia, and from the sun-kissed sands of Bondi to the tropical shores of Cairns, the East Coast does it best. Travel the length of the coast over 15 amazing days, stopping at beaches, reefs, and rainforests. Stroll down the whitest sand in the world in Jervis Bay, take a 4WD tour of freshwater lakes and epic sand dunes on K'gari, and spend the day on Whitehaven Beach – officially one of the world’s most beautiful. Oh, and did we mention the day you’ll spend snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef? It doesn’t get better than this.

Highlights include

Great Barrier Reef

K'gari day trip

Whitsundays sailing

Whitehaven Beach

Jervis Bay day trip

Moreton Island boat trip

Sydney city tour

Noosa National Park

Internal flight

Itinerary

Girl walking in front of the Sydney Opera House.

Day 1: Hello Sydney

Arrive in sun-drenched Sydney. Drop your bags and head out to explore the city, or just relax by the hotel pool after your flight. This evening, meet your group for a delicious welcome dinner and your first taste of Sydney's vibrant nightlife.

Man walking along the shore of Jervis Bay.

Day 2: Jervis Bay

We're up early today on a full-day adventure to Jervis Bay, famed for its dazzling beaches, crystal-clear waters, and abundant wildlife. Sink your toes into the world's whitest sand on Hyams Beach, spot some kangaroos, wallabies and dolphins, and tuck into a picnic before heading back to Sydney.

People swimming in the Bondi Iceberg pools.

Day 3: Sydney Free Day

Enjoy a free day in Sydney. Dine on a classic Aussie brunch, bronze yourself on Bondi, explore the lush Botanical Gardens, take a cruise round the harbour, or explore iconic landmarks from the Opera House to the Harbour Bridge. Tonight, go large in Sydney's cocktail bars and backpacker pubs.

Girl group taking photo on the beach at Surfers Paradise.

Day 4: Surfers Paradise

Take the short flight to the golden shores of Surfers Paradise. Hit the famous blonde beach, get a bird's eye view on the city's high rise heart from the Skypoint Observation Deck, or give your credit card a workout in the malls. Let loose later in Surfers' hottest bars and clubs.

Girl group photo on a boat trip to Moreton Island.

Day 5: Island Boat Trip

Take a boat trip to Moreton Island, home to some of the most spectacular beaches in Queensland. Spend your day snorkelling over shipwrecks teeming with marine life, kayaking, and paddle boarding on the bluest water you've ever seen. Sail back with salt in your hair after the most amazing day.

Panoramic view of Noosa beach, Australia.

Day 6: Noosa

Travel north to lovely Noosa. Boasting jaw-dropping beaches, sparkling lakes, and tropical everglades, it's no wonder it's one of the Gold Coast's top destinations. Spend the afternoon exploring the town, meeting the friendly locals, and relaxing into the beach town pace of life.

Line of 4x4 vehicles parked along K'gari Island.

Day 7: K'Gari

Take a ferry to the largest sand island in the world. Known for its freshwater lakes, lush rainforest, and rolling dunes, K'gari is an Aussie must do. Take a 4WD tour to the island's most breathtaking attractions, including the bright blue waters of Lake McKenzie, before heading back to Noosa.

Tour group leaving Noosa Beach, Australia.

Day 8: Noosa & Night Train

Today's yours to enjoy Noosa at your own pace. Take in far-reaching coastal views from Noosa National Park, browse the local boutiques, canoe through the Everglades, or just chill on the gorgeous sandy beaches. Then board a sleeper train to Airlie Beach at around 4pm.

Girl entering the beach walk along Airlie beach.

Day 9: Airlie Beach

Wake up as the train rolls into Airlie Beach and drop your bag before exploring the town. More than just the gateway to the dazzling Whitsundays, Airlie has its own gorgeous beaches, the Airlie Beach Lagoon, bustling markets, and a range of purse-friendly bars and restaurants.

Tour group smiling on the Driftwood tree in the Whitsundays.

Day 10: Whitehaven Beach

We're headed to the stunning Whitsundays today for a full-day cruise to Whitehaven Beach, one of the most beautiful stretches of sand in the world. Snorkel in crystalline waters, sun yourself on deck, enjoy a picnic lunch, and pad down the pristine shoreline. Sail back to buzzing Airlie for the evening.

People swimming in the Airlie lagoon pool on a sunny day.

Day 11: Airlie Beach Fun

You've got a free day to enjoy Airlie. Take a dip in the Lagoon, jet-ski round the harbour, hire a stand-up paddle board, or just bum around on the beach. We'll enjoy a group dinner tonight before a last night in Airlie's bars and pubs.

People swimming in the Cairns lagoon pool.

Day 12: Train to Cairns

Stock up on snacks and download your favourite playlists before boarding the train to Cairns this morning. It's a 12-hour journey through the scenic heart of Queensland so just sit back and enjoy the ride. Arrive in Cairns and check into your hotel before heading out to explore the vibrant city.

Two travellers taking a picture whilst snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef.

Day 13: Great Barrier Reef

It's a bucket list big one today with a full-day snorkelling tour on the one-and-only Great Barrier Reef. Swim with tropical fish, marvel at colourful coral, enjoy a tasty buffet lunch on deck, and keep your eyes peeled for mantas and turtles. Sail back to Cairns as the sun dips below the horizon.

Cairns Esplanade fish sculpture in Australia

Day 14: Cairns Free Day

Explore Cairns at your own pace today. Stroll along the boardwalk, pick up some souvenirs in the markets, explore the lush Botanical Gardens, or see some more marine life at the Cairns Aquarium. Toast to your amazing adventure over a farewell dinner tonight.

Two girl travellers sat overlooking Cairns beach.

Day 15: Goodbye Australia

Say your goodbyes and check out of our Cairns hotel for 10am before making your way to the airport, or continuing your travels Down Under. We've loved having you!

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Accommodation & Meals

Accommodation

This trip features a hand-picked range of accommodation, from modern city hotels with rooftop pools, to traditional Queensland style resorts with decor inspired by the sea. All rooms are on a twin share basis with en suite.

Lots of our travellers are solo travellers, so when you book with us, we’ll pair you up with a like-minded roommate of the same sex. Our trips are great for couples or friends as well - just let us know you’re together, so we can be sure to put you in the same room.

Sydney (3 nights): Modern hotel with city centre views, heated rooftop pool, fitness centre, and award-winning restaurant and bar.
Surfers Paradise (2 nights): Newly renovated, boutique hotel with outdoor pool, rooftop bar, and a stylish, natural aesthetic, inspired by the beach.
Noosa (2 nights): Modern motel-style hotel with lagoon pool, and central location.
Overnight train (1 night): Sleeper train from Noosa to Airlie Beach
Airlie Beach (3 nights): Traditional Queensland style hotel with coastal inspired decor, large tropical pool, and fully equipped gym.
Cairns (3 nights): Award-winning adventure hotel with swimming pool, 3 bars, beer hall, nightclub, restaurant, and gaming lounge.

The above information is only intended to be used as a guide, giving you a flavour of some of our accommodation providers, and the style of accommodation you may be staying in. Please note that all nights are subject to change.

Meals

2 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 3 dinners are included on this trip. You’ll have the freedom to eat wherever and whenever you like the rest of the time. Thanks to the country’s vast multicultural population, food here is more than just the iconic Aussie barbecue. From sushi and curry to fish and chips, there’s barely a cuisine that’s not on the menu. Coffee lovers will be in heaven as well, with one of the world’s great cafe cultures. Wine buffs will be blown away by Australia’s winemaking regions, and those who love to brunch will be all over the Aussie breakfast like avo on sourdough!

Dates & Prices

Flights

To get a flight quote use the buttons below or call our fantastic flights team on 01892 277037.

Cheapest flights between London and Sydney for the next 6 months.

Cheapest: £574 November, 2023
Most expensive: £1,252 December, 2023

Extra information

This trip begins on day 1 in Sydney. You’ll need to fly into Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) and to make your own way to our starting accommodation in the heart of the city. There are no activities planned until a welcome dinner tonight so arrive at a time that suits you. Airport transfers are not included but it’s easy to make your way into the city centre. The Airport Link Train whizzes you into the centre in 13 minutes, or you can get a taxi, which takes around 20 minutes.

The trip ends on day 15 in Cairns. Return airport transfers are not included but your tour guide can help you book onward travel. Cairns Airport (CNS) is easily reached by taxi in 10 - 15 minutes depending on traffic.

The maximum group size is 20.

This trip is designed for travellers aged 18-35.