Stray Australia Sydney to Cairns - Freestyle Tour

Stray Australia Sydney to Cairns - Freestyle Tour

See the entire East Coast in a unique way with Stray! You'll travel all the way up the coast stopping along the way to learn to surf, see local wildlife, set sail in the Whitsundays, explore hidden waterfalls, rainforests and more. You'll have plenty of time to hang on your own, party with fellow travellers, soak up the sun and have the time of your life.

The best part? It’s flexible adventure travel! You can complete your trip in the minimum amount of time or you can hop off and extend your stay in any destination on the route. Use the Stray Mate App to book extra nights’ accommodation and activities along the way.

Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Stop At: Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales

Check into your centrally located hostel and get ready for your epic East Coast adventure. Start the Tour in Sydney with a day to yourself to discover the city sights and world famous landmarks.

Duration: 12 hours

Stop At: Blue Mountains, Blue Mountains, New South Wales

Prepare for a day of adventure to see some of the most spectacular scenery in Australia. Our first stop out of Sydney is at Euroka to spot wild kangaroos and other wildlife in a natural clearing. Next, we stop off in the local town Glenbrook for a coffee/snack break to fuel up for a 1.5-hour hike to the stunning Wentworth Falls and viewpoints of the beautiful Jamison Valley. Enjoy a light picnic lunch and then trek to a remote waterfall and lookout. We head up to view the famous 3 Sisters lookout to take a couple of selfies, before driving back to central Sydney for a well-earned drink (beer/wine or soft drink). Includes lunch.

Duration: 12 hours

Stop At: Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales

You have a free day in Sydney to explore this beautiful harbourside city. We recommend checking out the Sunday Markets at the famous Rocks district, or for a thrilling view of the city, head out on a bridge climb over the Harbour Bridge. Between June and October, look for humpback whales off the coast – why not jump on a whale watching tour to see these beauties up close? On sunny days, nothing beats the coastal walk from Bondi to Coogee.

Duration: 12 hours

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 o4 pool at the lodge. Finish the day with a shared group dinner and a few drinks around the campfire.

Duration: 12 hours

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, where you’ll have dinner at camp. Includes breakfast and dinner.,

Duration: 12 hours

Stop At: Nymboida, Nymboida, New South Wales

The morning at Spot X you’ll take part in a fun group lesson to learn the basics of surfing on some of the best beginner waves in Australia. If you love the beach or are keen to hone your surf skills, we recommend staying longer to do a Surf & Stay. 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. This evening, we’ll crank up the barbeque for a shared dinner, then gather round the bonfire for a few drinks before bed. Includes breakfast.

Duration: 12 hours

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

Stop At: Byron Bay, Byron Bay, Byron Shire, New South Wales

You have a free day in Byron Bay to "cheer up, slow down, and chill out” as the town’s famous welcome sign instructs. 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, or search for dolphins and other marine life on a sea kayaking trip.

Duration: 12 hours

Stop At: Nimbin, Nimbin, New South Wales

Today you’ll head out on an epic day trip to Nimbin, another hippy town worth exploring. You’ll journey through the beautiful Byron hinterland on an entertaining guided bus trip, and see the sights of Nimbin. Enjoy a traditional Aussie BBQ lunch, visit Nightcap National Park, and see a stunning waterfall. You’ll return to Byron Bay in the early evening. Includes lunch.

Duration: 12 hours

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. Tomorrow you’ll begin your Fraser Island adventure (make sure you’ve booked in the dates in advance with Stray). Once you’ve checked-in, you’ll have a safety briefing for your Fraser Island 4WD trip.

Please Note: $20 insurance fee and $10 linen/sleeping bag hire for Fraser Island is not included. Please pay in cash on arrival.


Duration: 12 hours

Stop At: Fraser Island, Fraser Island, Fraser Coast, Queensland

Wake up early and head out for your 3-day, 2-night Fraser Island adventure. You’ll explore the largest sand island in the world on a 4WD expedition with your mates, and even have the chance to drive! Check out incredible sites to snap epic pictures, swim in lakes, natural pools and the ocean all in paradise. Includes lunch and dinner.

Duration: 12 hours

Stop At: Fraser Island, Fraser Island, Fraser Coast, Queensland

After breakfast we'll drive up to stunning Eli Creek, the largest freshwater creek on the East Coast of the Island, which carves its way through to the beach and pours 80 million litres of water a day into the Pacific Ocean. After spending some time here, we head up to the famous Maheno Shipwreck for photo ops and some history about this Fraser icon. After lunch and another stop or two, we head back to the camp for dinner and drinks. Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Duration: 12 hours

Stop At: Rainbow Beach, Rainbow Beach, Gympie Region, Fraser Coast, Queensland

Today you’ll spend the morning walking through magical sand dunes and soaking up the sun on Fraser Island. You’ll return back to base in the early afternoon. This evening you’ll head out on a short walk with your group to watch a stunning sunset at Carlo Sand Blow. Includes breakfast, lunch.


Duration: 12 hours

Stop At: Emu Park, Emu Park, Queensland

After stopping briefly to pick up those who stayed in Noosa, you will depart from Cooroy on your first train journey of the trip. Kick back for a scenic train ride to Rockhampton, where you’ll meet the bus and your Stray Guide and head to your next Strademark destination - Emu Park. After getting settled in at the resort, you'll find out more about tomorrow's adventure to the stunning Great Keppel Island.

Duration: 12 hours

Stop At: Great Keppel Island, Great Keppel Island, Queensland

This morning you head to a tropical paradise with your awesome local guide. Great Keppel Island is located on the southern of the Great Barrier Reef with untouched coral, turtles, reef fish and manta rays all straight off the beach. Relax or have a go at snorkeling or kayaking (both at extra cost) before exploring the island in search of the perfect white sand beach. Tonight, we’ll return to the mainland and gather together for dinner at Emu’s Beach Resort before we catch the overnight train to Airlie Beach. Includes lunch and dinner.

Duration: 12 hours

Stop At: Airlie Beach, Airlie Beach, Queensland

The train arrives into Prosperine early in the morning. Your Airlie-based Stray Guide will meet you off 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. You can choose to join your guide for an easy rainforest hike. See panoramic views of the swirling Whitsundays from above and then head down a secluded beach for a splash.

Airlie Beach is the gateway to the famous Whitsunday Islands, another backpacker favourite, and that's where you'll be heading tomorrow.


Duration: 12 hours

Stop At: Whitsunday Islands, Whitsunday Islands, Queensland

There’s no better day of the week for it - wake up early and head down to the marina in time for a 2-day, 1-night adventure through the breathtaking Whitsunday Islands. These picturesque islands are set in the Great Barrier Reef and are home to some of the world’s most pristine beaches. Get ready for an epic sailing adventure that includes the highlights of this incredible area and spending the night at sea. Includes lunch and dinner.

Duration: 12 hours

Stop At: Airlie Beach, Airlie Beach, Queensland

The exact order of activities will vary, but your Whitsunday sailing tour includes a visit to Whitehaven Beach, renowned for having some of the softest sand in the world, and Hill Inlet, where the shifting tides swirl the sand and water together in a dazzling effect. You'll also sail around the reef with various stops to get out for a swim and snorkel, allowing plenty of opportunities to see marine life along the way. At the end of the second day of sailing, you'll return to Airlie Beach to spend the night back on shore. Includes breakfast and lunch.

Duration: 12 hours

Stop At: Airlie Beach, Airlie Beach, Queensland

You’ll have another free day in Airlie Beach to relax and explore at your leisure. Your Airlie Guide will have lots of ideas of what you can do. If you can’t get enough of the big blue, why not get some karma points and volunteer your time with Eco Barge Clean Seas – a non-profit organisation that often takes volunteers out on a barge to the bays and beaches of the Whitsunday region. You’ll help to collect rubbish washed up onto these beaches (of course with a side of sightseeing!). If the barge isn’t going out, you may be able to help with valuable sorting of the debris.

Duration: 12 hours

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 parkland, and it's chock-full of amazing beaches and abundant wildlife. Your legendary local guide will fill you on the activities you can do around the island over the next couple of days. Includes dinner.

Duration: 12 hours

Stop At: Magnetic Island, Magnetic Island, Queensland

Join your guide today for a scenic walk. You might head off the beaten track to beautiful Radical Bay beach for an ocean dip and amazing photo opportunities. Alternatively, your guide will take you up to the historic Forts Complex, where you’ll see incredible views over the island and ocean beyond. Whichever way you go, don’t forget to look up, as Maggie Island is one of the best places to see koalas in the wild!

Duration: 12 hours

Stop At: Magnetic Island, Magnetic Island, Queensland

Today you can explore at your own pace - find a secluded bay to park up with a picnic, rent a snorkel and tackle one of the marked trails, or get out on the water and take a kayak or sailing trip around the island. With so many awesome activities on offer, the hardest part of your day will be choosing which one to do!

Duration: 12 hours

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 we embark on our Stray exclusive Rainforest Experience, travelling 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 and an evening sharing stories around the campfire. Includes dinner.

Duration: 12 hours

Stop At: Cairns, Cairns, Cairns Region, Queensland

Start your day with an early breakfast followed by an interpretative walk through the forest, learning about the traditional indigenous usage of the land. In the afternoon, we return to Tully to 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. Includes breakfast.

Duration: 12 hours