25 Day Sydney to Melbourne
Sydney, Melbourne, Fraser Island, the Whitsundays – your crash course in Australia starts now.
Over 24 days’ time, you’ll head up the east coast (and participate in wine tastings, gem mining and sheep shearing), fly to Alice Springs, then go down south for Kings Canyon, Uluru and Adelaide just to name a few destinations. The Great Ocean Road will eventually lead you to Melbourne, and a wide variety of accommodations and transport along the way will keep things exciting. With a competitive price and small tour group, there’s never been a better time to discover the Land Down Under.
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Itinerary
See MapDay 1 Sydney
Arrive in Sydney at any time. There are no planned activities during the day, so check into the hotel and explore the city. Please try to arrive before 7pm for an important group welcome meeting where you can meet the Chief Experience Officer (CEO) and the other group members. If you arrive early enough, you'll have time to head down to the harbour's edge to 'The Rocks' historic area, the Opera House and visit the Botanical Gardens.
Day 2 Nundle Sheep Station (1B,1D)
Depart in the morning, drive to the famous wine region of the Hunter Valley for an included wine tasting and talk on the history of wine-making in the area. Afterwards, head to a small country town for lunch before continuing to Nundle Sheep Station for the night. At the sheep station you'll have a unique opportunity to meet old sheep shearer and experience a shearing demonstration and talk on sheep farming in the area. At the end of the day enjoy a home-cooked meal with the locals before sleeping in the historic shearer's quarters.
Estimated travel time: 6 hours Travel distance: 380 km
Day 3 Bingara (1B,1D)
After breakfast, drive to the Country and Western music capital of Australia, Tamworth. Take a look around, maybe even grab a CD or two before heading to another small country town for lunch. Arrive in Bingara in the early afternoon for an included visit to a historic gold mine where you can try gold panning. Afterwards, listen to a talk from a local Jackaroo, a man who works on a cattle or sheep ranch. At the end of the day, bed down at a hotel on a working farm.
Estimated travel time: 3 hoursTravel distance: 210 km
Day 4 Yamba (1B)
Travel through the rainforest to the coastal town of Yamba, stopping en route at Mile Creek, where you'll learn a bit about Aboriginal culture and the significance of the site to the Aboriginals.
Once in Yamba, enjoy a swim in one of the great holes left by an old quarry. End an active day by savouring the local delicacy of fish and chips on the beach with fellow group members.
Estimated travel time: 5 hoursTravel distances: 380 km
Day 5-6 Byron Bay (2B)
After breakfast, travel the coastal road to the stunning surf and arts town of Byron Bay. There is plenty of free time to experience this hippie surfing town. Options abound—walk out to the lighthouse on the most easterly point of Australia where there is a chance to see whales swimming off the shore or hang ten with the locals after an included surfing lesson. Accommodation in Byron Bay is in a unique and exclusive section of an old hippy commune, embracing nature and a peaceful way of life.
Day 6 is yours to explore—start it off with an included yoga lesson, walk along the long stunning beach, play in the surf, or simply hang out in the Buddha Bar and people watch. If you'd like to get your adrenaline pumping, go skydiving, try sea kayaking or go on a dolphin watch.
Estimated travel time: 2 hoursTravel distance: 128 km
Day 7 Brisbane (1B)
This morning head out of the relatively undeveloped area of Byron to Australia's most developed surf beach area 'The Gold Coast'. Famous for its stunning beaches, bronzed locals and meter maids who wear bikinis. We stay for a few hours to let you take it all in before heading an hour further up the road to Brisbane, Queensland's capital city.
Our hostel is located in the central business district of Brisbane, take advantage of being in the heart of the city by visiting some local hot spots.
Estimated travel time: 4 hoursTravel distance: 288 km
Day 8-9 Fraser Island (2B,2L,2D)
Drive up the coast then switch to 4x4 to drive along the beach to the ferry that heads to Fraser Island. Once on the island, drive along the beach until camp is reached. The camp consists of permanent tents to be shared by up to 4 people and will be exclusive to the G group during the stay. The tents are located in the bush beside the beach. Once settled in, enjoy an evening barbecue with good company on the beach.
Fraser Island is the world's biggest sand island. Depending on the tides, we will explore the island either via an inland road or right on the beach. After a good night of sleep by the beach, the second day on the island offers an included private full day 4x4 trip taking in the highlights of this amazing island including Lake Mckenzie, the rainforest, Pile Valley, 75 Mile Beach, Maheno Shipwreck, Stonetool, Sandblow and the coloured sands.
Estimated travel time: 5 hoursTravel distance: 250 km
Day 10 Cattle Station (1B,1D)
We transfer off the island by boat then catch the train up the 'Capricorn Coast' which is well-known as 'Cattle Country'. Arrive at a cattle station, where we will be located for the night. The workers from the property are excellent hosts as they teach about the history of the cattle station, the cattle industry, and some of the challenges of raising cattle in such a harsh environment.
Tonight, experience life in Cattle Country the traditional way by sleeping outside in a swag (canvas bedroll) under the stars. This is bound to be one of the most unique and memorable nights of the trip. No worries, there are toilet and shower facilities nearby.
Estimated travel time: 6 hoursTravel distance: 416 km
Day 11-12 Whitsunday Islands Sailing (2B,1L,2D)
After a traditional Outback-style breakfast, transfer to the town of Mackay and embark on a maxi yacht which will be our home for the next three days. Set sail to a secluded cove in the Whitsunday Islands and enjoy some snorkelling before the anchor drops for the night. We are the only company to sail from south to north through the islands instead of backtracking while starting and finishing in the same point.
Take advantage of the included snorkel gear, throw on a mask and see what lives in the Great Barrier Reef. (Note that fins are not provided in order to adhere with local coral conservation efforts.) The sailing route on Day 12 allows us to follow part of Captain Cook's route up through the Whitsunday Islands, stopping for swims and beach visits along the way. Options to SCUBA dive are available also. Again we drop anchor in a secluded bay for the night.
Estimated travel time: 4 hoursTravel distance: 281 km
Day 13 Whitsundays/Whitehaven Beach/Airlie Beach (1B)
A morning sail takes us to one of the most famous places in the Whitsundays, 'Whitehaven Beach'. Stroll along the impossibly white sand beach and go up to the lookout for a great view of the area. After an afternoon sail we arrive in the town of Airlie Beach for a comfortable stay in a local beach resort. Feel free to relax by the pool at the end of the day.
Day 14-15 Cairns (1B)
Early morning transfer to the train station. Sit back and admire the scenery as we travel along the coast, through sugar cane country, covering a fair amount of terrain up to Cairns.
Enjoy a free day to explore this popular northern Queensland city. Cairns is a popular jumping off point for snorkel and diving day trips out to the Great Barrier Reef. Other popular excursions include skydiving, hang gliding, ballooning and whitewater rafting.
There is a vibrant nightlife in Cairns with many high quality restaurants and bars that are open late, make sure to spend a night on the town.
Estimated travel time: 10 hoursTravel distance: 650 km
Day 16 Alice Springs (1B)
Embark on a mid-morning flight to Australia's interior and transfer to the hostel.
Spend the night in a centrally-located hotel in Alice Springs. Located halfway between Adelaide and Darwin, Alice Springs is the base for all trips through the Red Centre.
Estimated travel time: 2 hoursTravel distance: 20 kms driving
Day 17 Kings Creek/Uluru (1B)
Travel to Kings Canyon and embark on an optional walk, weather permitting, through the gorges and valleys of Watarrka National Park, including the natural Amphitheatre, the North and South Walls and the Garden of Eden.
Continue on to the Uluru camp ground for the night.
Estimated travel time - 8 hoursApproximate travel distance - 700km
Day 18 Uluru (1B,1D)
Visit the Aboriginal Cultural Centre to get a better understanding of the area before embarking on the Mala Walk around part of the base of Uluru (Ayers Rock). Learn the significance behind this iconic destination for the local people.
Experience the colourful sunset at Uluru, while enjoying a glass of bubbly. Marvel at the night sky while bunking down in a swag (canvas bedroll) for the night.
Between November and March, there is extreme heat with temperatures averaging between 43-46°C in the middle of Australia, especially around Uluru and Kings Canyon. This can lead to heat exhaustion and potentially become very dangerous. Be sure to drink plenty of water and replenish electrolytes by drinking sports drinks, coconut water or water mixed with electrolyte powder packets.
The Mala Walk at Uluru is not permitted if temperatures exceed 40°C. During these hot months, we will endeavour to offer all walks early in the day to avoid the heat. Our CEOs will monitor the weather conditions to gauge the safety of any included walks and may need to call off a given day's walk due to extreme heat.
Estimated travel time: 6 hoursTravel distance: 450 km
Day 19 Coober Pedy (1B)
Travel across the Outback to the unique opal mining town of Coober Pedy, where people live underground to avoid the heat. A guided mine tour gives insight to the mining process and then importance of opal to the area. Overnight like the locals by sleeping in an underground hostel, a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Estimated travel time: 9 hoursTravel distance: 780 km
Day 20 William Creek (1B)
We follow the Oodnadatta Track, strewn with ruins of failed early settler activity, along the route of the equally unsuccessful original Ghan Railway route. We cross the dingo fence and stop to explore a number of historic settler sites along the way.
Estimated travel time: 3 hoursTravel distance: 180 km
Day 21 Beltana Station (1B,1D)
Today we continue along the Oodnadatta track exploring the original Ghan Railway and historic settler sites. View the salt lake of Lake Eyre and enjoy a dip in a remote thermal spring. Learn of the importance of the local Indigenous people at the Arabunna Aboriginal Centre. Learn about the European history of the region before settling into the Historic Beltana Sheep Station.
Estimated travel time: 6 hoursTravel distance: 365km
Day 22 Adelaide (1B)
Depart Beltana and take one of the gorges into the Flinders Ranges, stopping to absorb the magnificent views along the drive.From Hawker take the famous RM Williams drive. Travel through the Clare Valley wine area, making a stop for a wine tasting and demonstration to learn about the development of the vineyards in the area. South Australia has earned its place as one of the top wine regions in the world. Arrive in Adelaide, known as the "city of churches'.
Estimated travel time: 7.5 hoursTravel distance: 550 km
Day 23 Grampians National Park (1B,1D)
Early start to explore Grampians National Park. Walk to the stunning Jaws of Death Balconies, visit Mc Kenzie's Falls. End the day (depending on the time) with an evening walk in the Grampians NP, lush with vegetation and wildlife, before staying overnight in Halls Gap.
Estimated travel time: 5 hoursTravel distance: 531 km
Day 24 Port Campbell (1B)
Drive along the Great Ocean road, viewing sites including The Arch and the now broken London Bridge. Visit Tower Hill National Park for a chance to see animals endemic to Australia such as koalas, emus and kangaroos. Visit an Aboriginal Cultural Centre to learn about the significance of the area to the indigenous people.
Estimated travel time: 3 hoursTravel distance: 260 km
Day 25 Great Ocean Road/Melbourne (1B)
Explore the scenic attractions of the Great Ocean Road including the picturesque Tweleve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge. Make a stop at the Great Otway National Park for an included rainforest walk and check out the famous surf town of Torquay, Bells Beach and Lorne en route to Melbourne.
Tour ends upon arrival in Melbourne at approximately 5pm, please book ongoing travel after 8pm.
Estimated travel time: 5 hoursTravel distance: 300 km
- Trip length:
- 25 Days
- Group size:
- Max 21
- Start:
- Sydney
- End:
- Melbourne
- Vehicle:
- Bus, Boat, Train, 4x4, Ferry
- Sleep:
- Hostel, Boat, Camping
- Physical Demand:
- Comfortlevel:
- What's included:
- Operator:
- G Adventures
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