Most of the Coast: Sydney to Cairns

Location: Sydney

Accommodation: Hostel

Accommodation Name: Wake Up - Sydney (or similar)

Meals: No Meals

Arrive at any time. There's nothing quite like a night out to get people comfortable with one another. Hit up Side Bar, connected to where you will be staying at the Wake Up Hostel in Sydney. This is the liveliest bar around, sporting a huge young and local crowd. There’s always non-stop action with the entertainment so get ready to have a few drinks, let your hair down, and dance until you drop!

There are no planned activities during the day, so check into the hotel and explore the city. If you arrive early enough, head down to the harbour's edge to 'The Rocks' historic area and the Opera House.

ACTIVITY: 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.

ACTIVITY: Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.

Location: Sydney

Accommodation: Hostel

Accommodation Name: Wake Up - Sydney (or similar)

Meals: No Meals

Immerse yourself in all things Sydney with a free day to explore the oldest and biggest Australian city. Glide along the harbour on a ferry and gaze at the white sails of the Opera House gleaming in the sun. Get lost as you wander the narrow, cobbled laneways and take in Sydney’s fabled history. Catch some rays on the sand at Bondi Beach or duck out of your comfort zone and surf the green-barrel breaks just off shore, and perhaps treat yourself to a scenic flyover tour of the city. The choice is yours so get as adventurous as you like in the "Land Down Under"!

Opt to pre-book the "Sydney Bridge Climb" or "Sydney Adrenaline Bundle" activity on the checkout page ahead of time, to include one of these optionals on your tour.

FREE TIME: FULL DAY There's lots to do and see in Sydney – make the most of a free day to explore.

ACTIVITY: Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she 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.

Location: Sydney, Arrawarra

Accommodation: Spot X Surf Camp (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Wave goodbye to Sydney as the group travels to Spot X Surf Camp, hidden away in beautiful Arrawarra along the North Coast. Get ready for cuteness overload because you’ll be stopping at the Koala Hospital in Port Macquarie on the way to learn all about the conservation efforts being made to protect this unique native Australian animal. Snap a couple photos for the 'gram' and enjoy the coastal scenery that awaits.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

ACTIVITY: Visit the Koala Hospital, learn about these unique creatures and even adopt your very own Koala!

Location: Arrawarra

Accommodation: Camp

Accommodation Name: Spot X Surf (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

As the sun rises along the ocean hit the beach for an included surf lesson with Spot X. Located in one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the country they are completely devoted to the surf lifestyle. Spend some time in the sun and laughing in the waves with your travel tribe before heading out on a kangaroo trek. Then it’s time for a free afternoon to enjoy your surroundings. Soak up views of Solitary Islands Marine Park, embark on a rockpool scramble to look for fish traps and sea creatures, or wander over to Mullawarra beach for a picnic. Your only real job today is to have fun!

ACTIVITY: Observe kangaroos (and their joeys) in their natural habitat during an hour-long trek through the coastal bushland around Arrawarra. Along the way, pass Indigenous midden sites with fossilized shells. Don't forget your camera!

FREE TIME: AFTERNOON Head out for a swim, rent a kayak or stand-up paddle board, or simply chill on the beach. The afternoon is yours!

ACTIVITY: Take to the waves with an included surf lesson at the secret Spot X. Learn to paddle, stand, and ride a wave into shore! With top-notch instructors in the water, get ready to ride the swells like a local in no time.

Location: Arrawarra, Byron Bay

Accommodation: Hostel

Accommodation Name: Wake Up! Byron Bay (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast

Adventure through lush national parks, stunning beaches, rolling green hills, and small but vibrant towns full of charm and authentic Australian culture as the group drives from Arrawarra to Byron Bay. Make a stop at Cape Byron Lighthouse to see the easternmost point in the country. If luck is on your side you may glimpse migrating whales and pods of resident dolphins. Grab lunch where you wish before arriving in the surf and arts town of Byron Bay.

After breakfast, travel the coastal road to the stunning surf and arts town of Byron Bay. Enjoy plenty of free time to experience the hippie surfing town.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

ACTIVITY: Cape Byron Lighthouse is 3km (1.9 mi) northeast of Byron Bay. The popular white structure emits the most powerful light of all working lighthouses in the country, and it's also located at the most easterly point of the Australian continent. Head up to the top of the tower to scan the ocean for whales (the Southern Cross University's Whale Research Centre is located here).

Location: Byron Bay

Accommodation: Hostel

Accommodation Name: Wake Up! Byron Bay (or similar)

Meals: No Meals

Welcome to Byron Bay… the city of surfing and sunbathing! The day is yours to explore; walk along hidden beaches, play in the surf, grab a massage, or simply hang out at the Byron Bay Brewery and people watch. Want to get your adrenaline pumping? Go skydiving, try sea kayaking, or go on a dolphin watch. There’s so much to see and do from lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and rolling hills to small unique villages totally stuck in the ‘60s like Nimbin and local markets teeming with creativity. At the end of it all hop on that surfboard for one last ride because as the locals say, “You haven’t surfed until you’ve surfed Byron Man!"

The free time is yours to explore. Walk along the long stunning beach, play in the surf, or simply hang out at the Byron Bay Brewery and people watch. Want to get your adrenaline pumping? Go skydiving, try sea kayaking, or go on a dolphin watch. Opt to pre-book the "Byron Bay Ocean Kayaking" activity on the checkout page ahead of time, to include this optional on your tour.

FREE TIME: FULL DAY Do as much or as little as you like in this chilled-out beach town.

Location: Byron Bay, Brisbane

Accommodation: Hostel

Accommodation Name: Brisbane City YHA (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast

Venture north with your group to the capital of Queensland; Brisbane. Pass by national parks, mountains, surfy enclaves, and endless stretches of sand bordering brilliant blue water. Feeling hungry? Grab a delicious pastry creation from the famous Yatala Pie shop, serving hungry patrons for 130 years. Word of advice… make sure those cameras are charged and ready. Experience a night out with the group in Queensland's capital.

Additional Information: Stop along the way to Brisbane for a quick break at one of the many surf spots such as the Gold Coast.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Location: Brisbane, Noosa River

Accommodation: Camp

Accommodation Name: Noosa Everglades (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Escape the city as you journey north up the coast to the Noosa Everglades. Get ready for an evening surrounded by stunning wilderness in one of the most pristine wetlands in the world. Relax as you cruise along this "river of mirrors" and chow down with a delicious Aussie BBQ lunch before further exploring your surroundings. Grab a kayak to get up and personal with the dark, tranquil waters as you paddle through ancient landscapes and sub-tropical rainforest. Then relax around the lake or hike one of the trails to further appreciate the serenity that seeps from this unique landscape.

Additional Information: Please note that due to operational reasons, this night and the following night may be reversed. All activities and inclusions will remain the same.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

ACTIVITY: Relax on a cruise along the pristine Noosa River and into the dark, tranquil, mirrored waterways of the Noosa Everglades. Enjoy a delicious Aussie BBQ lunch at historic Harry’s Hut – a relic of the early timber cutting days. Explore, take a swim in the pristine waters, photograph the abundant wildlife, or simply relax in this unique natural environment.

ACTIVITY: Get up close and personal with the Noosa Everglades. Enjoy approx 1.5 hours paddling through the mirrored waterways of the everglades, taking in the ancient landscapes, sub-tropical rainforest, and serenity of the area. Journey back to the base and enjoy an included lunch.

ACTIVITY: Stay at the edge of the stunning Noosa Everglades, one of only two everglade systems in the world. Take it easy and relax around the lake, or hike one of the nearby trails.

Location: Noosa Everglades, Fraser Island

Accommodation: Camp

Accommodation Name: Fraser Island Beach Camp Eco Retreat (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast

On your mark...get set.... go! Travel by private vehicle and ferry with your group to reach Fraser Island; for a true Aussie experience. Fraser Island is the largest sand island in the world and the only known place where rainforest grows on sand. Think pure paradise; with striking blue lakes, crystal clear creeks, giant dunes, and dense rainforests in a place truly unlike any other. Once on the island the group will go for a 4x4 tour, driving along over 100km of beach to get a sense of your surroundings. Then take a swim in Lake Mckenzie, or be on the lookout for wild Dingoes (this is one of the few places in Australia where you are able to see them).

Once on the island, enjoy a 4x4 tour of Fraser Island, driving along over 100km of beach. Go for a swim in Lake McKenzie, and enjoy a rainforest walk along the way.

Additional Information: While on Fraser Island, main luggage will be stored in a secure storage facility. Each person will need to pack an overnight bag with max weight of 5kg, as access to main luggage will not be available again until the next day. This is due to luggage capacity restrictions in 4x4 vehicles.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

TRANSPORT: Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.

ACTIVITY: Embark on a private excursion taking in the highlights of this amazing island including Lake McKenzie and Pile Valley.

Location: Fraser Island, Airlie Beach

Accommodation: Overnight Train (airplane seats)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Your second day on Fraser Island comes with more free time to enjoy this paradise. In the morning continue exploring by 4x4 along wide stretches of pearly white beach and then duck into the shade of the forest to really appreciate the peaceful solitude that surrounds you. In the afternoon board an overnight train (get ready to post some ‘grams) north to Airlie Beach, where more sand, sun, and fun await you.

ACTIVITY: Embark on a private excursion taking in the highlights of this amazing island including Lake McKenzie and Pile Valley.

FREE TIME: Enjoy the natural beauty of Fraser Island.

TRANSPORT: Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

TRANSPORT: Curl up and catch a snooze en route to the next stop.

Location: Airlie Beach, Whitsunday Islands

Accommodation: Whitsunday Islands Boat (or similar)

Meals: Dinner

Awake as the train pulls to a stop in your next destination. Hop out, stretch those legs, and head out for brunch with the group in Airlie Beach; home to the Whitsunday Islands and located on the Great Barrier Reef. Then head to the marina and embark on a maxi yacht which will be your home for the next two nights. Set sail to a secluded cove (we’re so excited for you) in the Whitsunday islands where you will drop anchor for the night. Our only advice; try not to pinch yourself too many times because no, this is not a dream, it is reality and we want you to experience it as best you can!

After arriving in Airlie Beach and some time for brunch, head to the marina and embark on a maxi yacht which will be our home for the next two nights. Set==---==== sail to a secluded cove in the Whitsunday Islands where you will drop anchor for the night.

TRANSPORT: Climb aboard a speedy racing yacht (and hang on to your hat).

ACTIVITY: AFTERNOON Board a maxi-yacht formerly used to circumnavigate the globe, and get used to being on the water. Lend a hand hoisting the sails or just sit back and enjoy the breeze.

Location: Whitsunday Islands

Accommodation: Whitsunday Islands Boat (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Remember those stranded-on-a-deserted island fantasies that we all had growing up? (no, just us?) Either way get ready to relive that castaway dream as you hike to an island lookout over Whitehaven Beach (one of the most famous beaches in the world) and enjoy the views of powdery sand and the Coral Sea’s azure waters. You probably won’t ever want to leave. And you haven’t even gone below the surface yet! After some free time on the beach basking in the sun you’ll spend time as a group learning about the community efforts to protect and restore coral in the Great Barrier Reef before heading out to snorkel; over a Planeterra-supported coral garden. Then it’s off to another secluded tropical island spot where the group will anchor for the night. (Skinny dipping anyone?)

The sailing route today allows us to follow part of Captain Cook's route up through the Whitsunday Islands. Planeterra has partnered with Reef Ecologic, a nonprofit specialized in creating innovative solutions to challenges facing coral reefs. In the Whitsundays they are working to engage the community and travellers to restore the reef following the 2017 cyclone. Reef Ecologic's new coral gardens in the Whitsundays foster natural coral fragments to be replanted into the reef for a healthy marine environment.

Additional Information: Please note that snorkelling over the Reef Ecologic Coral Restoration project may occur on the first or last day of your Whitsunday Islands excursion, if weather conditions or tides are not ideal on this day.

TRANSPORT: Climb aboard a speedy racing yacht (and hang on to your hat).

ACTIVITY: Set off towards Whitehaven Beach, and hike to a lookout over the beautiful white-sand beach and shallow turquoise waters off its coast. Take advantage of the included snorkel gear, throw on a mask and see what lives in the Great Barrier Reef.

ACTIVITY: Learn about community efforts to protect and restore coral in the Great Barrier Reef before heading out to snorkel over a Planeterra-supported coral garden. Planeterra has partnered with Reef Ecologic, a nonprofit specialized in creating innovative solutions to challenges facing coral reefs. In the Whitsundays they are working to engage the community and travellers to restore the reef following the 2017 cyclone. Reef Ecologic's new coral gardens in the Whitsundays foster natural coral fragments to be replanted into the reef for a healthy marine environment.

Location: Whitsunday Islands, Airlie Beach

Accommodation: Hostel

Accommodation Name: Base Airlie Beach (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast

Expected forecast today is; peace, serenity, paradise, and lots of gorgeous views. You may want to pull out your phone or camera every chance you get, but try to refrain and simply enjoy the moment as you and the group continue sailing through the picturesque backdrop of the Whitsunday Islands. Swim, snorkel, or lounge on the boat deck before sailing to the resort town of Airlie Beach for a night on the town with your best adventure buds! Live it up because let’s face it, how often are you really in this kind of paradise?

After three days at sea, we sail back to Airlie Beach for a night on land in a local beach hostel. Feel free to relax by the pool at the end of the day.

TRANSPORT: Climb aboard a speedy racing yacht (and hang on to your hat).

ACTIVITY: It's the final half-day at sea! Enjoy sailing through the gorgeous Whitsunday Islands in the morning, passing by secluded coves and tiny islands. After some free time, sail in style back into Airlie Beach.

Location: Airlie Beach, Cairns

Accommodation: Hostel

Accommodation Name: Cairns Central YHA (or similar)

Meals: No Meals

With an early morning departure, admire the scenery on the train ride north to Cairns.

Additional Information: Get ready for an early morning wake-up today for the journey to Cairns. Make sure to stock up on snacks and bring personal entertainment – it may be one of the longer travel days on this trip, but it's worth it to reach The Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef!

TRANSPORT: Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.

TRANSPORT: Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.

Location: Cairns

Accommodation: Hostel

Accommodation Name: Cairns Central YHA (or similar)

Meals: No Meals

Cairns is quite the place to visit if you love warm weather (it would be headline news for the city’s temperature to drop much below 20°C (68°F)) and want to visit the Great Barrier Reef. Take advantage of a free day to book one of the many optional activities that will get you out in nature’s playground. Snorkel or dive in the Great Barrier Reef, get that adrenaline pumping by whitewater rafting, skydiving, or bungee jumping and cap it all off on a Big Night Out In Cairns with your travel tribe. Drinks all around are well deserved after spending the day escaping your comfort zones.

Opt to pre-book the "Great Barrier Reef Snorkelling" activity on the checkout page ahead of time, to include this optional on your tour.

Additional Information: Please be aware that if you decide to book the optional scuba diving activity in the Great Barrier Reef and are taking any prescription medications, you will need a doctor’s release giving you permission to dive.

FREE TIME: FULL DAY Get out and explore Cairns and beyond.

ACTIVITY: Release your inner break dancer and go wild tonight in Cairns with your G travel family. Get ready to bust a move and have the time of your life (table top dancing anyone?) Whether it’s a pub crawl, drink specials or a bonfire on the beach, celebrate late into the night with your new best friends.

Location: Cairns

Meals: No Meals

Depart at any time. We know it's time for this tour to end, but what if you don't want to go home just yet? (We would want to stay too... trust us). Well the good news is you can keep exploring Australia by extending or adding on to your trip... so let the adventures continue.

ACTIVITY: Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.