East Coast Encompassed - 17 days

East Coast Encompassed - 17 days

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17 Days From

$7975

$5981

East Coast Encompassed - 17 days

17 Days Starting in Sydney, Australia and ending in Cairns, Australia

Visiting: Sydney, Newcastle, Port Macquarie, Byron Bay, Noosa, Fraser Island, Brisbane, Airlie Beach, Mission Beach, Cairns, Kuranda, Port Douglas

Tour operator:

On The Go Tours

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

2 - 16

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

18-

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Adventure Tours

Activities:

4WD, Snorkeling

From: $7975 $5981 Operator discount: -$1994 -25%

NB: Prices correct on 08-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Embark on a 17-day adventure along Australia's stunning east coast with the "East Coast Encompassed" tour. Begin in the iconic city of Sydney, where you'll enjoy a short tour and free time to explore. Experience the wildlife and culinary delights of the Hunter Valley, unwind in the beach paradise of Byron Bay, and thrill in a 4WD adventure on Fraser Island. Discover the vibrant city of Brisbane, relax in the resort towns of Airlie Beach and Mission Beach, and cruise the breathtaking Whitsundays. Dive into the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef, explore the ancient Daintree Rainforest, and immerse yourself in First Nations culture. With expert local guides, comfortable accommodations, and a mix of guided tours and free time, this small group tour offers an unforgettable journey through Australia's diverse landscapes and vibrant cultures.

Highlights

  • Sydney - Begin your adventure in this iconic city, with a short tour and free time to explore

  • Hunter Valley - See koalas, kangaroos and more at a wildlife park and enjoy a wine and cheese tour

  • Byron Bay - Spend a free day unwinding in one of Australia's most famous beach locations and enjoy a First Nations experience

  • Fraser Island - Get the adrenaline pumping on a 4WD adventure, search for dingoes, enjoy a rainforest walk and opt to swim in a crystal clear lake

  • Whitsundays - Cruise around this stunning group of islands, stop at famous Whitehaven Beach and snorkel in the clear ocean

  • Great Barrier Reef - Snorkel amongst the corals and tropical fish at one of the world's most famous and fragile natural wonders

  • Daintree Rainforest - Explore the rainforest on foot and by boat, keeping your eyes peeled for crocodiles and meeting local families

Itinerary

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Day 1: Sydney

Location: Sydney

Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Potts Point

Meals Included: Dinner

Our journey begins in Australia's Harbour City, renowned for its stunning beauty and prominence on the east coast. After settling into your room, join our tour leader and fellow travellers for a welcome meeting in the foyer at the starting point hotel and an orientation walk at 6pm. Following that, we will indulge in a delightful welcome dinner, so you can get to know the group. After dinner, the evening is yours to spend how you wish.





Meeting point: Holiday Inn Potts Point,

203 Victoria St, Potts Point, Sydney, New South Wales



Day 2: Newcastle

Location: Newcastle

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Sydney - Newcastle. We depart Sydney and venture into a wildlife park in the heart of the Hunter Valley. This park is home to a variety of native animals, including koalas, kangaroos, and more. During our visit, we will be accompanied by our own personal wildlife ranger who will guide us through the park.





After our exciting wildlife encounter, we have the perfect opportunity to indulge in a wine, cheese, and chocolate tasting tour in the Hunter Valley. This area is known for its exquisite wines, delicious cheeses, and mouth-watering chocolates, making for a truly delightful experience.





We then complete our journey to Newcastle, where we enjoy a brief orientation tour of this vibrant and sunny port city. The evening is at leisure.

Day 3: Port Macquarie

Location: Port Macquarie

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Newcastle - Port Macquarie. After breakfast, we drive to Port Macquarie, where we visit a local koala hospital and meet the dedicated volunteers and their cuddly patients. During our visit, you will come face to face with rescued and rehabilitated koalas and will learn all about these endangered creatures. By visiting the centre, you are directly helping to support the conservation of this Australian emblem.





The evening is yours to relax and take a leisurely stroll along the foreshore in Port Macquarie. As you walk along, listen to the beautiful sounds of the local bird population and keep an eye out for the wild dolphins that frequent the area.

Day 4-5: Byron Bay

Location: Byron Bay

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Port Macquarie - Byron Bay. On the morning of day 4, join us in a captivating experience with the Gumbaynggirr nation to learn about their rich First Nations culture. This immersive encounter will allow you to connect with the traditional custodians of this land.





It's then time to make our way to Byron Bay, known for its laid-back surfer vibes and endless stretches of picturesque coastline. We enjoy an included visit to Cape Byron, offering one-of-a-kind photo opportunities. Keep your eyes peeled as you might spot dolphins, whales, and other marine creatures.





The rest of day 4 and all of day 5 are completely free for you to unwind in Byron Bay. You could hit the beach, book a surf lesson, go kayaking or simply kick back with a book and a coffee in one of the beachfront cafes.

Day 6: Noosa

Location: Noosa

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Byron Bay - Noosa - Rainbow Beach. Today we cross into Queensland and make our way to Noosa National Park. Here you will have the chance to spot koalas and other native Australian animals, as well as taking in the stunning scenery. Arriving in Rainbow Beach, the evening is free. Why not head out for a stroll along the beach?

Day 7: Fraser Island

Location: Fraser Island

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Rainbow Beach - Fraser Island - Rainbow Beach. Experience the thrill of a lifetime on an unforgettable 4WD K'Gari adventure today. Formerly known as Fraser Island, this destination has been recently renamed K'gari, reflecting its original Butchulla name meaning "paradise". We will enjoy a 4WD safari across the largest sand island in the world, where you will have the opportunity to relax and admire the breathtaking scenery from some of Queensland's most renowned lookouts. Immerse yourself in the beauty of a lush rainforest, take a refreshing dip in a crystal-clear lake, and embark on a thrilling dingo-discovery adventure along golden beaches.





After a day of discovery on Fraser Island, we make our way back to Rainbow Beach. The evening is free to chill out in the hotel or head out to explore.

Day 8: Brisbane

Location: Brisbane

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Rainbow Beach - Brisbane. Today, we are heading to Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, also known by many locals as Bris-Vegas. The city will host the 2032 Summer Olympics. This relaxed, sunny, and buzzing city truly represents the quintessential Australian spirit. To get a feel of the city, we take a short walk along the Brisbane River and you can then explore its surroundings independently.

Day 9: Airlie Beach

Location: Airlie Beach

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Brisbane - Airlie Beach. This morning we head to the airport for our included flight to Airlie Beach, a beautiful destination in the Whitsundays. The rest of the day is free, and full of possibilities. You can wander around the town, discover a trendy bar, or even explore the nearby local swimming hole, it's up to you!

Day 10: Airlie Beach

Location: Whitsundays

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Today we're enjoying a laid-back morning cruise around the picturesque islands of the Whitsundays. Our itinerary includes a visit to the renowned Whitehaven beach, which boasts stunning white sands, crystal clear blue waters, and lush greenery. For a more immersive experience, you can go snorkelling to explore the vibrant coral reefs teeming with colourful fish and turtles. Returning to dry land, the rest of the day is at leisure.

Day 11: Mission Beach

Location: Mission Beach

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Airlie Beach - Mission Beach. Today, we will experience a change of scenery as we travel through rolling cane fields to the charming coastal resort of Mission Beach. In the afternoon, there is ample time to relax and appreciate the crystal-clear waters and breathtaking vistas. Take advantage of this opportunity to catch up on your reading or simply unwind by the pool with a refreshing drink in hand, immersing yourself in the beauty of this tropical paradise.

Day 12: Mission Beach

Location: Mission Beach

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Start your day by enjoying a delicious breakfast before we embark on a journey through the lush wet tropics of Far North Queensland. On our way to the Atherton Tablelands, we will come across a breathtaking plunge waterfall hidden within a dense tropical rainforest. Here, you can take a refreshing dip in the cool water, and keep an eye out for the native platypus!





Continuing our adventure, we will visit Lake Eacham, a stunning crater lake known for its crystal-clear water. Don't miss the opportunity to marvel at the impressive 'Curtain Fig Tree' during our visit.

Day 13: Cairns

Location: Cairns

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Mission Beach - Cairns. Today may go down as the highlight of your Australia tour, as we embark on a cruise aboard a glass-bottomed boat to the UNESCO-protected Great Barrier Reef, one of the world's most renowned natural wonders. Don your mask and snorkel and head below the waves to see shoals of colourful fish, rays, turtles and perhaps even a curious shark or two!





Throughout the journey, our knowledgeable guides will offer insights on reef conservation and about the species you see. Our top-notch vessel will provide a comfortable and enjoyable experience, and you can also join optional scuba diving if you would like to go a little deeper down to the reef. Back on dry land, there is an included group dinner tonight in Cairns, where we are sure to reflect on our incredible experience!





Please note: For the optional scuba diving, this will be an introductory dive to about 5-6 metres. If you are already a certified diver, you may dive to depths of up to 15 metres.

Day 14: Kuranda

Location: Kuranda

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Cairns - Kuranda - Port Douglas. Departing Cairns, we journey first to Kuranda. Here we enjoy an included ride on the Skyrail gondola, which passes over the world's oldest living tropical rainforest. Soak up the magnificent view over this ancient forest, teeming with life. Next, we continue north to the serene town of Port Douglas, renowned for its captivating sunsets and leisurely atmosphere. The evening is free to head out for dinner and a couple of sundowners.

Day 15: Port Douglas

Location: Port Douglas

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Enjoy a lie in, rise early for a morning jog or grab a fresh coffee from one of Port Douglas' many local brewers - the first part of the day is at leisure.





In the afternoon, an included visit to Mossman Gorge offers an unforgettable opportunity to explore the ancient Daintree Rainforest on a scenic walk. Afterwards, immerse yourself in the fascinating culture, delectable cuisine, and unique customs of the Kuku Yalanji First Nations with an incredible and educational cultural experience.

Day 16: Port Douglas

Location: Port Douglas

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today is a significant day as we venture further into the renowned Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation on a short ferry ride. Keep your eyes peeled for the ancient cassowary, crocodiles and other native wildlife as we explore the rainforest. And you will also have an opportunity to meet the native family who graciously hosted the crew working on David Attenborough's documentary. We enjoy a farewell group dinner back in Port Douglas, as tonight is the final night of our trip.

Day 17: Cairns

Location: Cairns

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Port Douglas - Cairns. Enjoy a final breakfast in Port Douglas before we make the drive south back to Cairns, where our tour comes to an end.





Our tour finishes on arrival at the Flynn Hotel at approximately 11:00 am. Please avoid booking any onward flights from Cairns any earlier than 1 pm.





Finishing Point: Crystalbrook Flynn, 68/72 Abbott St, Cairns, Queensland

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    3-4 star hotels & acommodation

  • 15 breakfasts, 6 lunches & 3 dinners

    Enjoy 15 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 3 dinners during the tour.

  • 16 nights 3-4 star hotels

    Stay in 3-4 star hotels for 16 nights.

  • Escorted by an expert local guide

    The tour is escorted by an expert local guide.

  • All transportation in private, air-conditioned vehicles

    Travel in private, air-conditioned vehicles throughout the tour.

  • Economy class flight from Brisbane - Airlie Beach

    Includes an economy class flight from Brisbane to Airlie Beach.

  • Orientation sightseeing tours in Sydney, Newcastle, Brisbane & Port Douglas

    Participate in orientation sightseeing tours in Sydney, Newcastle, Brisbane, and Port Douglas.

  • Hunter Valley Conservation Wildlife Park visit & wine, cheese & chocolate tour

    Visit the Hunter Valley Conservation Wildlife Park and enjoy a wine, cheese, and chocolate tour.

  • Port Macquarie Koala Hospital visit

    Visit the Koala Hospital in Port Macquarie.

  • Byron Bay First Nations experience

    Experience the First Nations culture in Byron Bay.

  • Noosa National Park visit

    Visit Noosa National Park.

show more

What's Not Included

  • International flights and visas

    International flights and visas are not included.

  • Airport transfers

    Airport transfers are not included.

  • Additional meals and drinks unless specified

    Additional meals and drinks are not included unless specified.

  • Tipping - an entirely personal gesture

    Tipping is not included and is an entirely personal gesture.

  • Optional activities & additional attractions unless specified above

    Optional activities and additional attractions are not included unless specified.

Age Policy

Minimum age 18Essentials tours not recommended for pax over 55 - upsell Handpicked

Mode of Transport

Travel in style with all transportation provided in private, air-conditioned vehicles, including an economy class flight from Brisbane to Airlie Beach, ensuring a seamless journey throughout the tour.

Accommodation

Enjoy 16 nights in comfortable 3-4 star hotels, providing a relaxing retreat after each day's adventure across Australia's stunning east coast.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of wildlife can I expect to see during the tour?

    During the tour, you can expect to see a variety of wildlife including koalas and kangaroos at the Hunter Valley wildlife park, dolphins and possibly whales at Cape Byron, dingoes on Fraser Island, and crocodiles in the Daintree Rainforest. You may also spot the ancient cassowary and other native wildlife in the rainforest.

  • What cultural experiences are included in the tour?

    The tour includes several cultural experiences such as a First Nations experience in Byron Bay with the Gumbaynggirr nation, and a Kuku Yalanji cultural experience in the Daintree Rainforest. These experiences offer insights into the rich cultures and traditions of the First Nations people.

  • What activities are available on Fraser Island?

    On Fraser Island, you will enjoy a 4WD safari adventure across the island, with opportunities to relax and admire the scenery from renowned lookouts, take a rainforest walk, swim in a crystal-clear lake, and go on a dingo-discovery adventure along the beaches.

  • What is the highlight of the Great Barrier Reef visit?

    The highlight of the Great Barrier Reef visit is a cruise aboard a glass-bottomed boat, where you can snorkel to see colorful fish, rays, turtles, and possibly sharks. There is also an option for an introductory scuba dive for those interested in exploring the reef further.

  • What is the significance of the Skyrail gondola ride in Kuranda?

    The Skyrail gondola ride in Kuranda offers a unique opportunity to pass over the world's oldest living tropical rainforest, providing magnificent views and a chance to appreciate the ancient forest teeming with life.

  • What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour provides accommodation in 3-4 star hotels for 16 nights, ensuring a comfortable stay throughout the journey.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    Yes, the tour package includes 15 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 3 dinners. Additional meals and drinks are not included unless specified.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1998

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

Reviews of this operator

Nicola Hodgkinson (Google Reviewer)  

Recently returned from Greece, a...

07-May-2024

Recently returned from Greece, a 5 day tour with OTG. Unfortunately, I had a negative experience on day 2 where I needed local support to get me out of a tricky situation. Thank you to Alexandra Z from Hetco Tours in Athens for helping me continue on with the trip, to the Hotel Zafolia staffing team and to Danielle and team here in the UK for supporting me with the aftermath. Your kindness will not be forgotten and I will pay it forward. I've now booked 3 trips with yourselves and will continue to go back. Thank you all. Honestly, I am SO grateful. Blessings to you all. Nicola

Calvin  

Wonderful experience

05-Jan-2023

Jamal is our tour guide. Right from the start, he created a group chat in whatsapp and if any issues to make sure we contact him. He was on the ball with every issue thrown at him. Luggage being left behind, stragglers wondered off in a different path, hotel room etc. He explains the various site along our route to give us a better understanding of the local cultures. We had a great time, thanks to Jamal.

Trustpilot
Norma Sullivan  

Land of the Northern Lights 5 day tour of Iceland

10-Sep-2021

The Land of Northern Lights tour was a triumph! My tour of Southern Iceland was absolutely wonderful. The venues chosen, the timing allotted at each venue and the variety of things to experience was nearly perfect. Our guide, "Thor", was smart, amusing, full of history and anecdotal stories as well as being incredibly hospitable and helpful. This small group experience was my first, but not my last thanks to On the Go.

Trawls (Google Reviewer)  

On The Go Tours Sri...

05-Feb-2024

On The Go Tours Sri Lanka was an incredible experience that was made even better by our tour guide Akthar. He was incredibly knowledgeable about his country and he loved sharing it with us. The tour covers a wide range of activities so you can truly experience what Sri Lanka is all about. The beautiful 4-5 star hotels at the end of every day was an absolute bonus. Thanks for a great trip OTGT I’m sure this won’t be my last

Xtreme Floor Care (Google Reviewer)  

Traveled through Egypt with On...

30-Nov-2023

Traveled through Egypt with On the Go Tours, professional service, very informative and helpful tour guides. The choice of hotels was excellent... Definitely recommend this company

Gavin Harrigan  

King Tutankhamun 10 day tour of Egypt

16-Sep-2021

I have just returned from my tour with On The Go and it was an amazing trip! From arriving at the airport and meeting the OTG representative, everything was well organised and hassle free.  Our tour guide was Amir. He is awesome!! From the beginning he was so friendly and enthusiastic about showing us around Egypt, giving us loads of information at each place and time to explore ourselves. Learnt so much from him about this fascinating place, and he was always happy to answer more questions.   The trip itself was amazing. There's lots of travelling on this trip, but it's really not too bad, and the sights you see when you get to where you are going are worth it. I'm not a big fan of boats, but the Felluca ride across the Nile was pretty fun too.  On the first day I also did the optional tour of Cairo with Ahmed Helal - another excellent guide from OTG. It's worth doing this add on as you don't spend much time in Cairo, and you go to three very different places.  I'm so glad that I decided to do this trip. It was just ace.  If you're thinking about it too, you should probably just book it. And hopefully you get Amir as your guide.

Paul Kelly (Google Reviewer)  

TOTALLY MOROCCO We booked a 9...

26-Feb-2023

TOTALLY MOROCCO We booked a 9 day tour of Morocco visiting many main cities and places of interest. The coach was very comfortable and we felt safe with the driver Suliman. The guide was Hicham Touraouine and he was fantastic. He spoke perfect English as well as French, Arabic and Berber. He was so kind and considerate and made a good tour great. We particularly enjoyed ‘glamming in the Sahara Desert. So much to see and do and great food and company. We would definitely use On The Go Tours again, especially if Hicham was the guide. Paul & Penny

Joyce Heitler (Google Reviewer)  

I would give this tour...

09-May-2024

I would give this tour group no stars if possible. The tour was not guaranteed but they did not inform me when I booked and they did not have enough people. Way after I booked they said I needed a doctors letter because I was over 70. Also way after booking I was informed I needed travel insurance. They knew my age when I booked. They would not refund my tour even though it was 4 months away.

Sarah Paterson (Google Reviewer)  

Terrible tour of India. For...

27-Dec-2023

Terrible tour of India. For some reason On the Go hadn't realised that my room mate had booked her own room for the first night of tour. So the hotel in Delhi had tried to put me in her room after midnight, by wheeling in an extra bed. She went Crazy!! I then had to sit in hotel reception for hours. While the tour guide said he couldn't find me a room. Throughout the tour the guide consistently ask me and my room mate for money for my room, causing more friction between us. Don't book with this company had the worst experience ever. Go with Intrepid or G Adventure

brandy hoffman (Google Reviewer)  

I had used them once...

09-Aug-2023

I had used them once before and loved them. I decided to try them again for a Baltic tour not knowing that they put me on another Tour group- Baltic vision. Loved that tour but was not impressed they marked up the cost for me over 100%. I understand taking some for yourself because of paperwork, but over double the cost everyone else paid on the tour. Just double check before you book with them that you’re not over paying.

1 Select your preferred date

Sunday - Tuesday

Nov 17, 2024 - Dec 03, 2024
$7975 $5981

Operator discount: -$1994

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Jan 12, 2025 - Jan 28, 2025
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Jan 26, 2025 - Feb 11, 2025
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Sep 21, 2025 - Oct 07, 2025
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Oct 05, 2025 - Oct 21, 2025
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Oct 19, 2025 - Nov 04, 2025
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Nov 02, 2025 - Nov 18, 2025
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Nov 16, 2025 - Dec 02, 2025
$7975

Sunday - Tuesday

Nov 30, 2025 - Dec 16, 2025
$7975

Sunday - Tuesday

Dec 14, 2025 - Dec 30, 2025
$7975

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Dec 28, 2025 - Jan 13, 2026
$7975

Sunday - Tuesday

Jan 11, 2026 - Jan 27, 2026
$7975

Sunday - Tuesday

Jan 25, 2026 - Feb 10, 2026
$7975

Sunday - Tuesday

Feb 08, 2026 - Feb 24, 2026
$7975

Sunday - Tuesday

Feb 22, 2026 - Mar 10, 2026
$7975

Sunday - Tuesday

Mar 08, 2026 - Mar 24, 2026
$7975

Sunday - Tuesday

Mar 22, 2026 - Apr 07, 2026
$7975
Prices last published on 08-Nov-2024

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 600 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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