Stray Australia Sydney to Cairns - Freestyle Pass

Stray Australia Sydney to Cairns - Freestyle Pass

Travel from Sydney to Cairns the Stray way, with flexibility, fun and adventure! Hop-on and hop-off anywhere along the way, experiencing amazing off the beaten track locations on the east coast of Australia. Learn about the history, culture and best nightlife spots from your awesome Stray guide, and make new friends from all over the world. Visit remote communities, kayak through a marine reserve and take part in other amazing activities. Learn about Australia's incredible culture, while taking in its mind-blowing scenery from the world's best beaches, historic towns and dense rainforest. You'll visit all the backpacker highlights, as well as some hidden gems that might end up being your favourite spots!

Itinerary

Day 1: Sydney to Barrington Tops

Stop At: Barrington Tops National Park, New South Wales Australia
We depart the big city of Sydney early this morning and head to the Hunter Valley wine region for a tasting at an award-winning vineyard. From there, we carry on through the backcountry to our first stunning Strademark stop right on the edge of the World Heritage-listed Barrington Tops National Park. At our Stray exclusive accommodation overlooking the Barrington River, you can choose to go river tubing on the mild rapids, or play table tennis, pool and darts at the lodge. Finish the day with a shared group dinner and a scenic soak in the massive hot tub.
Duration: 12 hours

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.

Day 2: Barrington Tops to Spot X

Stop At: Spot X Surf, 46 Arrawarra Beach Rd, Arrawarra NSW 2456, Australia
We depart after breakfast and journey north through the remote countryside back towards the coast. Our next stop is the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital, where you can get a closer look at Australia’s laziest (and arguably cutest) marsupials. Check out the information centre to learn all about the hospital’s efforts to rehabilitate, protect and preserve the koalas. After this, we head to Emerald Beach, an iconic kangaroo hangout, where if you’re lucky you can spot them hopping along the beach. We arrive at our beachfront overnight stop Spot X in the early evening.
Duration: 12 hours

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.

Day 3: Spot X to River Retreat

Stop At: Nymboida, Nymboida, New South Wales
The morning at Spot X is all yours. Learn to surf in some of the best beginner waves in Australia, or for those who already know how to 'hang 10,' rent a board and show us what you can do! We recommend staying longer to do a Surf & Stay if you are keen to really hone your surf skills. You can also swim and chill out on the beach or sink into a hammock at the camp. We depart around midday, grabbing a bite to eat in town before travelling to our relaxing, rural River Retreat. Spend the afternoon on a guided canoe trip down the Nymboida River to learn about the area, which is home to amazing birds, snakes, and the incredibly shy platypus, and unwind with a refreshing dip in the river. This evening, we’ll gather round a bonfire and sleep in wilderness cabins or tents beneath the stars.
Duration: 12 hours

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.

Day 4: River Retreat to Byron Bay

Stop At: Byron Bay, Byron Bay, Byron Shire, New South Wales
Next up - Byron Bay, known as the most chilled out town in Australia! On the way there, we stop in the picturesque seaside town of Yamba for lunch. We'll also visit the Angourie Blue Pool, an old quarry that was accidentally (and awesomely) filled by an underground spring, meaning you can now cool off in an epic fresh water pool right on the beach! Upon arriving in Byron Bay, we’ll take you on an orientation drive around town to help you get your bearings, showing you the points of interest and the top spots for food, shopping and nightlife.
Duration: 12 hours

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.

Day 5: Byron Bay

Stop At: Byron Bay, Byron Bay, Byron Shire, New South Wales
You have two full free days in Byron Bay to "cheer up, slow down, and chill out” as the town’s famous welcome sign instructs. And there is plenty to do in this laidback hippy town: practice your surfing skills down at the beach, walk to mainland Australia’s most easterly point at the Cape Byron Lighthouse, search for dolphins and other marine life on a sea kayaking trip, or visit the alternative town of Nimbin. Tonight, get out to experience Byron’s eclectic nightlife – there is always something going on!
Duration: 12 hours

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.

Day 6: Byron Bay

Stop At: Byron Bay, Byron Bay, Byron Shire, New South Wales
You have another free day in Byron Bay today. Tick off any activities you didn’t get the chance to do yet, or pass the day wandering the township and exploring the many boutique shops and cafes. Eating your way around Byron is an experience in itself, and there are plenty of vegetarian options available!
Duration: 12 hours

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.

Day 7: Byron Bay to Rainbow Beach

Stop At: Rainbow Beach, Rainbow Beach, Gympie Region, Fraser Coast, Queensland
This morning we cross the border from New South Wales into Queensland. Our destination today is Rainbow Beach, but those with more time might want to hop off and explore tourist hot spot Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast, Queensland's capital city of Brisbane, or the upmarket resort town of Noosa. After a big travel day, you'll welcome the chance to stretch your legs this evening with a walk to Carlo Sand Blow in Rainbow Beach to catch a gorgeous sunset. If you want to visit fantastic Fraser Island, the largest sand island in the world, you can depart from Noosa or Rainbow Beach.


Duration: 12 hours

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.

Day 8: Rainbow Beach to Emu Park

Stop At: Emu Park, Emu Park, Queensland
After stopping briefly to pick up those who stayed in Noosa, we depart from Cooroy on our first train journey of the trip. Kick back for a scenic train ride to Rockhampton, where we meet the bus and your Stray Guide to head to our next Strademark destination, Emu Park. While at Emu Park you’ll have the option to visit stunning Great Keppel Island, snorkel with turtles and hike to some secluded white sand beaches (extra cost); or you can choose to do your own thing!

Please Note: Some trips may have an extra night at Emu Park.

Duration: 12 hours

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.

Day 9: Emu Park to Airlie Beach (overnight train)

Stop At: Airlie Beach, Airlie Beach, Queensland
Today we recommend opting to visit the highlight of the area, Great Keppel Island, a tropical island paradise at the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef. Catch the ferry for a day of snorkeling or kayaking (extra cost) before exploring the island itself in search of the perfect white sand beach for a little afternoon rest and relaxation. Tonight, we’ll gather together for dinner at Emu’s Beach Resort before we catch our first overnight train to Airlie Beach.
Duration: 12 hours

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: overnight train

Day 10: Airlie Beach

Stop At: Airlie Beach, Airlie Beach, Queensland
The train arrives in Prosperine early in the morning. Your Airlie-based Stray Guide will meet you at the train and accompany you on the bus into Airlie Beach. They'll help you store your bags, and then grab breakfast (extra cost) and give you a brief orientation of the town to help you get your bearings. You'll have the rest of your day free in Airlie Beach to do as you please. Airlie Beach is the gateway to the famous Whitsunday Islands, another backpacker favourite. Many people choose to hop off here and do a multi-day sailing trip, but it is also possible to do a day tour. You can also choose to join your guide for a hike in the rainforest to see amazing almost 360-degree views of Airlie and the Whitsunday Islands.
Duration: 12 hours

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.

Day 11: Airlie Beach to Magnetic Island

Stop At: Magnetic Island, Magnetic Island, Queensland
You'll be up with the parakeets this morning with a medley of transport to catch today. Travelling by bus, train and ferry (oh my!) we arrive at our destination of Magnetic Island in the late morning. Nearly 50% of ‘Maggie Island’ is national park land, and it's chock-full of amazing beaches and abundant wildlife. Your legendary local guide will meet you at the train station and then join you on a scenic walk to either the beautiful Radical Bay beach or the historic Forts Complex for incredible views and amazing photo opportunities. Join in the group pizza dinner tonight (extra cost).

Please Note: Some trips may have an extra night at Magnetic Island.

Duration: 12 hours

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.

Day 12: Magnetic Island to Rainforest Experience

Stop At: Tully Gorge National Park, Cardstone Road, Tully, Queensland 4854 Australia
We catch the ferry back to the mainland in the morning, and travel by train to Tully, arriving at lunch time. From here you can join our Stray exclusive Rainforest Experience (additional cost) or continue on the train to Cairns. Those who choose the Rainforest Experience will travel by bus into the heart of the stunning Tully Gorge National Park. We’ll cool off in a beautiful swimming hole this afternoon, before heading to our camp for a BBQ dinner (included) and spend the evening sharing stories around the campfire.
Duration: 12 hours

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.

Day 13: Rainforest Experience to Cairns

Stop At: Cairns, Cairns, Cairns Region, Queensland
This morning you can take a guided walk through the forest to learn about the traditional indigenous usage of the land. In the afternoon, we jump on the train to our final destination, Cairns. We arrive by late afternoon, so you'll have time to get ready to celebrate the final night of your epic East Coast adventure. There's heaps to do in Cairns so check out your Stray Mate app for all the best options.
Duration: 12 hours

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.