South Australia & the East Coast image
Operated by G Adventures

South Australia & the East Coast

From
Price on request
Duration
23 days
Countries
Australia
Activity
easy

The adventure

Australia is over 7 million sq km (4.35 sq mi) of sand, reef, rock, wildlife, wine, sailing, ocean, city, culture, Dreamtime, and so much more than we could possibly list here. It would take several lifetimes to explore it all. This sprawling 23-day adventure comes pretty close, though. Kick things off in Adelaide, the capital of South Australia discovering the city’s famed churches and gardens. Then head to the Grampians National Park in Halls Gap to explore this ancient landscape. Travel along the Great Ocean Road on the way to the Mornington Peninsula and Melbourne. Next, meet the Great Barrier Reef from Cape Tribulation, cruise the glorious Whitsundays, learn to surf, and explore Sydney. Exhausted yet? Just wait ’till you’re actually here!

At a glance

Duration
23 days
Route
Adelaide → Sydney
Countries
Australia
Activity level
easy
Style
Beach & Islands, Culture & History, Cycling, Food & Drink, National Parks & Wilderness, Sailing & Marine, Trekking & Hiking, Wildlife & Safari
Group size
Ask
Flights
Not included
Solo travellers
Welcome

Where you'll go

South Australia & the East Coast image

Day by day

A picturesque rural road winds through the rolling hills of the Australian countryside under a cloudy sky.
Your journey through

Australia

Day 1Arrival dayArrivalThere are no planned activities during the day, so check into the hotel and explore your surroundings.
There are no planned activities during the day, so check into the hotel and explore your surroundings.
Day 2Travel inland to Grampians National Park
Travel inland to Grampians National Park, known for its sandstone mountain range.
Day 3Trek through the forest
Trek through the forest, lush with vegetation and wildlife. Visit the culturally significant MacKenzie Falls for a short hike. Walk to the stunning Balconies, then spend the afternoon relaxing with the locals - our resident wild kangaroos and emus.
Day 4Travel south to the ancient volcanic crater…
Travel south to the ancient volcanic crater of Tower Hill, with the opportunity to spot some of Australia’s most iconic wildlife. Afterwards, begin your journey along the Great Ocean Road as far as the township of Port Campbell.
Day 5Spend the day exploring the Twelve Apostles
Spend the day exploring the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and surrounding natural attractions. Opt for a walk along any number of short paths available to immerse yourself in nature. If the luck of weather is on your side, round out the day by watching the light become golden over the Twelve Apostles on the drive to Port Campbell.
Day 6Spend the day travelling along the Great Ocean Road
Spend the day travelling along the Great Ocean Road. Pass world-famous surf beaches, and walk through the rainforest in Great Otway National Park. Travel by ferry across Port Phillip to the Mornington Peninsula.
Day 7Spend the morning exploring the Mornington PeninsulaAlthough fairly small in size, the Mornington Peninsula packs a big punch with the amount of things to do here. Be awed with the stunning coastal scenery while driving through quaint towns and past stunning beaches.
Although fairly small in size, the Mornington Peninsula packs a big punch with the amount of things to do here. Be awed with the stunning coastal scenery while driving through quaint towns and past stunning beaches.
Day 8Continue on to Melbourne but first make…
Continue on to Melbourne but first make a few stops along the way. Stop to see Brighton's brightly coloured bathing boxes, miniature beachfront cabins that are unique to the beaches in Port Phillip Bay.
Day 9Tour Melbourne's iconic laneways and learn more about…
Tour Melbourne's iconic laneways and learn more about coffee culture, and pick up some great pointers for your free afternoon of exploration.
Day 10Fly to the oceanside city of CairnsGreat Barrier Reef
Explore the vibrant underwater world of a coral reef, teeming with colorful fish and marine life.Great Barrier Reef
Fly to the oceanside city of Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.
Map showing Great Barrier Reef
Day 11Head north to Cape Tribulation
Head north to Cape Tribulation. Stop en route to explore Mossman Gorge and take a Dreamtime walk through the Daintree Rainforest.
Day 12With a free dayGreat Barrier Reef
Explore the vibrant underwater world of a coral reef, teeming with colorful fish and marine life.Great Barrier Reef
With a free day, opt for a trip to the Great Barrier Reef or to explore Daintree National Park.
Map showing Great Barrier Reef
Day 13Depart the Rainforest and return to Cairns…
Depart the Rainforest and return to Cairns in the afternoon with free time to explore this laid-back city. En route, stop by Port Douglas for lunch and opt to check out the local market.
Day 14Depart early for a full day of travel…
Depart early for a full day of travel to reach Airlie Beach, enjoying scenic views along the way, including some of Australia's 'Big Things' such as Tully's Golden Boot & the Big Mango.
Day 15Spend the day out on the water boating…Great Barrier Reef
Explore the vibrant underwater world of a coral reef, teeming with colorful fish and marine life.Great Barrier Reef
Spend the day out on the water boating around the Whitsunday Islands, visiting the Great Barrier Reef. Opt to swim or snorkel, and hike to an island lookout over Whitehaven Beach, known for its stunning white sand. Return to Airlie Beach for the night.
Map showing Great Barrier Reef
Day 16Fly to Brisbane and transfer to Byron Bay…
Fly to Brisbane and transfer to Byron Bay for two nights. A blend of laid-back surf culture and stunning natural beauty, it is Australia’s easternmost point and the first to see the sun each morning.
Day 17Spend a free morning exploring Byron or opt…
Spend a free morning exploring Byron or opt to prebook a kayaking tour. In the afternoon, you'll head to the beach for a surf lesson with a trained surf instructor. Enjoy a few hours of instruction before hitting the waves for some practice rides.
Day 18Spend the morning wandering the town checking out…
Spend the morning wandering the town checking out the local shops or having one last coffee on the beach before heading to the coastal township of Port Macquarie, featuring all the beauty of the beach set alongside gorgeous national parks. Enjoy an evening in Port Macquarie.
Day 19Before departing Port Macquarie stop at Guulabaa -…
Before departing Port Macquarie stop at Guulabaa - Place of Koala, to see the work they are doing to protect the local koala population. Then travel from Port Macquarie to the Blue Mountains. These mountains in Australia are best known for their soaring sandstone ridges. As you drive, pass by charming mountain towns, ancient Aboriginal rock art, lush green valleys, and loads of craggy cliffs. It doesn’t matter if the journey is shrouded in clouds or glowing in the sinking sun, you’ll still spot beauty around every turn.
Day 20Travel deeper into the majestic Blue Mountains…
Travel deeper into the majestic Blue Mountains and experience the natural beauty of this World Heritage Area. Explore the landscape around Leura and Katoomba, view the Three Sisters, take a walk in Jamison Valley, and ride on the Scenic Railway, the steepest railway in the world.
Day 21This morningSydney
A vibrant view of Sydney Harbour Bridge with Luna Park and sailboats highlighting the iconic skyline.Sydney
This morning, leave the Blue Mountains behind and continue onward to Sydney. Once you arrive head out for an orientation walk before taking advantage of some free time to keep exploring. Opt to rent a bike, stroll the botanical gardens, or visit the iconic Opera House.
Map showing Sydney
Day 22Get a feel for the city
Get a feel for the city. Relax seaside at Bondi Beach. Enjoy an optional night out with the group.
Day 23Departure dayDepartureDepart at any time.
Depart at any time.

Discover Australia

A glimpse of the destination you'll explore.

Exotic Eucalyptus wandoo trees growing on sandy terrain against cloudless sunset sky in Yathong Nature Reserve
Discover the serene beauty of a winding country road under a clear blue sky with distant mountain views.
A picturesque meadow under a bright sky with Tasmania's lush landscape and distant mountains.
Serene sunrise over Cape Le Grand, capturing tranquil waters and golden hues.
Explore the breathtaking limestone rock formations along the rugged coast of Western Australia.
Operated by G Adventures

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