One Week from Sydney to Brisbane
One Week from Sydney to Brisbane
One Week from Sydney to Brisbane
8 Days Starting in Sydney, Australia and ending in Brisbane, Australia
Visiting: Sydney, Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour, Byron Bay, Lamington National Park, Gold Coast, Brisbane
Tour operator:
Tour code:
PZYS
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 16
Age range:
18-35
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable one-week adventure from Sydney to Brisbane, exploring Australia's stunning east coast. Begin your journey in vibrant Sydney, then head to Port Macquarie to visit the Koala Conservation Hospital. Experience the beauty of Coffs Harbour with a stand-up paddleboarding session led by the Gumbaynggirr community. Enjoy the laid-back vibes of Byron Bay, where you can surf, kayak, or simply relax on the beach. Discover the lush landscapes of Lamington National Park, staying overnight in a rainforest lodge. Conclude your trip with a visit to the Gold Coast's Sobah Brewery before reaching Brisbane. This tour offers a perfect blend of cultural experiences, wildlife encounters, and breathtaking natural scenery, all while supporting local communities. With carefully selected accommodations and a private vehicle for transport, this adventure promises an enriching and memorable experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Sydney
Location: Sydney
Accommodation: Hostel (Multi-share)
Accommodation Name: Hostel
Welcome to Sydney! Or Warrane, in the language of the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, who are the Traditional Owners of the land on which Sydney is now located. Your adventure starts with a welcome meeting at 6 pm to meet your local leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early, why not take a self-guided walk to the Harbour Bridge, see the Opera House, wander through the Botanical Gardens and Hyde Park or head up to the Sydney Tower Eye. After the meeting tonight, maybe join your group for a dinner along Darling Harbour and get to know each other.
Day 2: Port Macquarie
Location: Port Macquarie
Accommodation: Hostel (Multi-share)
Accommodation Name: Hostel
Meals Included: Lunch
Today, you’ll head to Port Macquarie, known for its natural beauty, sandy beaches and abundance of wildlife. Grab lunch along the way, then soak up the picturesque drive along the coastline. You’ll make a few stops to stretch your legs and take photos, including at Crowdy Bay National Park. Here, go on a walk along the leafy Mermaid Lookout Track to a viewpoint overlooking where the ocean meets the forest below. Keep your eyes peeled for whales and dolphins off the coast – you may even encounter a mob of kangaroos on your walk! Carry on to Port Macquarie, where you’ll have a free night to relax at your accommodation or watch the sunset on the beach.
Included Activities:
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Day 3: Red Rock
Location: Coffs Harbour
Accommodation: Holiday Park (Multi-share)
Accommodation Name: Holiday Park
Meals Included: Dinner
This morning, you’ll visit the Koala Hospital in Port Macquarie, where you’ll meet the volunteers who work there and learn about how this organisation provides care and treatment for koalas needing rehabilitation. Then, drive to Red Rock in Coffs Harbour, stopping for lunch along the way. The northernmost village on the Coffs Coast, Red Rock sits between the beach and the Corindi River and is popular for water activities like kayaking and boating. When you arrive, you’ll enjoy a barbeque dinner with your group as the sun goes down, with all the typical Aussie fare.
Included Activities:
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Day 4: Byron Bay
Location: Byron Bay
Accommodation: Hostel (Multi-share)
Accommodation Name: Hostel
Today you’ll head out on the harbour for a special stand-up paddleboarding experience with the Gumbaynggirr community. This social enterprise supports the local Aboriginal community by ensuring intergenerational cultural knowledge is passed on and by providing employment opportunities. A portion of the proceeds also goes to the Bularri Muurlay Nyanggan Aboriginal Corporation, which provides after-school learning centres, cultural camps and revitalisation initiatives for the Gumbaynggirr language. With your local guides, glide along the river, soaking up the ambiance. After, head to Byron Bay – one of Australia’s most iconic destinations, known for its beaches, surfing and scuba diving. Check out the Byron Lighthouse for a unique photo opportunity and the chance to spot some dolphins, whales and other marine life if you’re lucky.
Included Activities:
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Day 5: Byron Bay
Location: Byron Bay
Accommodation: Hostel (Multi-share)
Accommodation Name: Hostel
Get up early this morning if you want to catch the sunrise (it’s a pretty cool sight from Australia's most easterly point). Today is free to explore this surfer's paradise however you like. Maybe hunt down the best cold-brew coffee from one of Byron’s local cafes, then learn how to ride the waves with a beginner’s surf lesson. You can hit the water with a guided sea kayaking tour of the Byron Bay Marine Park to see the beauty of the coastline while looking out for dolphins, turtles and whales. Or, just hang out on the beach! Tonight, why not grab a drink at one of the pubs or bars with a few of your fellow travellers.
Optional Activities:
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Day 6: Lamington National Park
Location: Lamington National Park
Accommodation: Lodge (Multi-share)
Accommodation Name: Lodge
This morning, head to The Farm – a collection of micro-businesses on a working farm that focuses on growing, feeding and educating the community through farming. Maybe grab some breakfast here and pick up a few things to have for lunch later on. Continue to Springbrook National Park and take a walk to the Natural Bridge rock arch, which was formed by the force of the waterfall over the basalt cave. This afternoon, head to Lamington National Park – a Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area and home to lush rainforest, ancient trees, walking tracks and waterfalls to explore. Maybe head out on one of the tracks to see the forest, creeks and falls on foot (don’t forget to snap some lush pics!). Your lodge accommodation tonight sits right in the middle of the sub-tropical rainforest.
Included Activities:
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Day 7: Gold Coast / Brisbane
Location: Gold Coast
Accommodation: Hostel (Multi-share)
Accommodation Name: Hostel
Meals Included: Lunch
If you’re game, maybe wake up early this morning and watch the sunrise over the rainforest. Today, you’ll head to The Gold Coast, famous for its long stretch of beach and surf spots. When you arrive, you'll visit Sobah - an Aboriginal-owned non-alcoholic craft beer company that aims to break the stigma of socialising sober. This afternoon, carry on to Brisbane for your last night. Your evening is free, so why not grab your group and head out to a local restaurant – your leader will always have the best recommendations for delicious eats and hang-out spots.
Included Activities:
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Day 8: Brisbane
Location: Brisbane
With no activities planned today, your adventure along the coast comes to an end. It’s recommended that you spend a few extra days to explore Brisbane properly – if you need help organising extra accommodation, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Hostel (Multi-share) (5 nights), Holiday Park (Multi-share) (1 night), Lodge (Multi-share) (1 night) -
Meals
2 lunches, 1 dinners -
Crowdy Bay National Park - Mermaid Lookout Track
Experience the scenic Mermaid Lookout Track at Crowdy Bay National Park.
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Port Macquarie - Koala Hospital guided tour
Enjoy a guided tour of the Koala Hospital in Port Macquarie.
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Red Rock - Wajaana Yaam Stand Up Paddleboarding
Participate in a stand-up paddleboarding experience with the Gumbaynggirr community at Red Rock.
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Springbrook National Park - Natural Bridge Circuit Walk
Take a walk along the Natural Bridge Circuit in Springbrook National Park.
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Byron Bay - The Farm visit
Visit The Farm in Byron Bay, a collection of micro-businesses on a working farm.
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Gold Coast - Sobah Brewery Visit
Visit Sobah Brewery, an Aboriginal-owned non-alcoholic craft beer company on the Gold Coast.
What's Not Included
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as surfing lessons and sea kayak tours in Byron Bay are not included.
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Pre/Post Trip Accommodation
Accommodation before or after the trip is not included unless purchased separately.
Transport
Private vehicle
Accommodation
We've sourced our accommodation very carefully and picked the best possible properties in line with the Intrepid 18 to 35s style of travel. Our first accommodation choice is always as close to the main attraction of the destination as possible, however, sometimes we are not in the right centre of action, which means you may need to hop on a public transport to get to the city centre. Your accommodation will not always have private ensuite facilities or air-conditioning.OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATIONThe style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances.ROOMING ALLOCATIONAccommodation on this trip is on a multi-share basis. We pair up solo travellers with other travellers of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports.CHECK-IN TIMEThroughout the trip we request that our accommodation prepares rooms in time for your arrival, especially if you're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn't always possible which means you won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some properties. Instead, you can store your luggage and go exploring.PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATIONIf you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (if available), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights.
Important Information
1. A single room supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip and is subject to availability. If you are a single traveller this will give you a single room, if you are travelling as a couple a double/twin room will be allocated to you. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.2. Accommodation on this trip is in multi-share hostels. Multishare typically includes 4-8 beds. You may be required to share with non-Intrepid travellers outside of your group. People travelling together may occasionally be separated due to single gender dorms.
Mode of Transport
Travel between destinations in a private vehicle, ensuring comfort and convenience as you explore the scenic route from Sydney to Brisbane.
Accommodation
Accommodation is carefully selected to align with the Intrepid 18 to 35s style, often close to main attractions. Expect multi-share hostels without private ensuite facilities or air-conditioning, with occasional alternative arrangements due to availability. Solo travelers are paired with same-gender roommates.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of cultural experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a stand-up paddleboarding experience with the Gumbaynggirr community, which supports the local Aboriginal community by ensuring intergenerational cultural knowledge is passed on and by providing employment opportunities. A portion of the proceeds also goes to the Bularri Muurlay Nyanggan Aboriginal Corporation.
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Will I have the opportunity to see wildlife during the tour?
Yes, you will visit the Koala Conservation Hospital in Port Macquarie to learn about the care and treatment of koalas. Additionally, during the walk at Crowdy Bay National Park, you may spot whales, dolphins, and kangaroos.
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What activities are available in Byron Bay during the free day?
In Byron Bay, you can take a surfing lesson, go on a guided sea kayaking tour to see dolphins, turtles, and whales, or simply relax on the beach. You can also explore local cafes and bars.
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What is the accommodation like during the tour?
Accommodation is on a multi-share basis, typically in hostels or holiday parks. Rooms may not have private ensuite facilities or air-conditioning, and you may need to use public transport to reach city centers. Occasionally, alternative accommodation of a similar standard may be used.
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Are there any unique food experiences included in the tour?
Yes, you will visit The Farm, a collection of micro-businesses on a working farm that focuses on growing organic food and educating the community. You can also enjoy a barbeque dinner with typical Aussie fare in Red Rock.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions