Real Australia

Reiseverlauf 2026

1. Tag 1

   Sydney

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   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.
   It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
2. Tag 2

   Port Macquarie

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   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.
   Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours. Your walking time today will be approximately 1 hour.
3. Tag 3

   Red Rock

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   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.
   Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
4. Tag 4

   Byron Bay

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   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.
   Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours. This morning's stand-up paddleboarding is dependent on the tides. If the tides are too low, you will instead do this activity on Day 3 in the afternoon. Your leader will advise you of the plan before arriving at Red Rock.
5. Tag 5

   Byron Bay

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   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.
6. Tag 6

   Lamington National Park

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   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.
   Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours. 20 Dec 2026 Departure - Due to limited accommodation availability over Christmas, tonight you will stay in the Gold Coast.
7. Tag 7

   Gold Coast to Brisbane

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   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, enjoy some free time to explore the town or relax by the water. 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.
   Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
8. Tag 8

   Brisbane

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   Today is a free day to explore Brisbane however you like. You’ll have a second meeting at 6 pm tonight to meet the new travellers joining you for the second leg of the adventure. Until then, why not explore the Botanic Gardens, Roma Street Parklands or chase views overlooking the city at the Mount Coot-Tha Summit Lookout. After your meeting, maybe head to dinner with your group and get to know each other better.
   As this trip is a combination of shorter itineraries, the travellers in your group and your group leader are likely to change today.
9. Tag 9

   Noosa

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   This morning, you’ll head for Noosa – a serene town along the Sunshine Coast and home to Sunshine Beach (popular for surfing) and Noosa National Park. You’ll head straight for the park’s lush surroundings and take on part of the Coastal Walk hike. Walk along the shoreline and the headlands, which make way for sweeping ocean views, rocky bays and sandy beaches. Look out for marine life cruising by and if you’re lucky, spot some koalas in the trees munching on eucalyptus. The pinnacle of the walk will be Hell’s Gate Lookout, which offers 270-degree views of the ocean beyond. Look for ospreys soaring above or pods of dolphins playing below. Maybe grab some lunch, then check into your accommodation just outside Noosa for the night, getting ready for a free evening to spend however you like. You could take on an afternoon surf lesson, go for another walk or maybe just relax at the beach and watch the sunset.
   Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours. Your walking time will be approximately 2 hours.
10. Tag 10

    Noosa

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    Today is a free day to explore Noosa and the surrounding areas. Consider taking a day trip to K’gari (formerly known as Fraser Island). This guided 4WD tour around the world's largest sand island takes you to Lake McKenzie, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed rainforest, 75 Mile Beach, Eli Creek and the Maheno Shipwreck. Alternatively, you can hit the waters on a boat tour through the Noosa Everglades. This eco-safari will take you on a guided cruise through the everglades, where a vast array of birdlife call home. From the boat, you can also opt to jump in canoes and paddle among the mirrored waterways to the historic Harry’s Hut.
    If you are interested in visiting K’gari (Fraser Island) today, we strongly suggest booking your tour in advance to avoid missing out. You can pre-book your tickets by emailing res@kangaroomsnoosa.com.au
11. Tag 11

    Noosa

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    Today is free to take the everglades eco-safari if you didn’t get the chance to yesterday. Alternatively, just chill out in Noosa, explore the town or hit the beach. Tonight, you’ll take an overnight train to the Whitsundays region – maybe grab some bits to have for dinner and snacks on board and settle in for a fun night with your bunkmates (cards, anyone?).
    Your travel time on the overnight train will be approximately 11 hours. Your overnight train to Proserpine has economy seats that recline slightly, and power/USB points are available. The train journey will be unaccompanied, meaning you'll say goodbye to your leader at the train station tonight and meet a new trip leader at Proserpine Station in the morning. Throughout the year, scheduled railway track works may take place on this route, sometimes at short notice. Should these tracks works take place, we will travel via overnight bus instead of the train.
12. Tag 12

    Whitsundays Island

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    Arrive in Proserpine early this morning and meet your new leader at the station. From here, you’ll drive to Airlie Beach for some free time to go for a dip, grab breakfast or chill out on the sand. This afternoon, you’ll embark on a special two-night sailing trip in the Whitsundays – a group of islands in the Coral Sea, popular for the gorgeous natural scenery, bright blue waters and white sands. Climb aboard the boat, your home for the next two days, and set sail!
    The two-night sailing excursion is not a private charter, meaning you’ll be sharing your boat with other young, non-Intrepid travellers outside your group. This is a great opportunity to meet new friends while you explore the crystal-clear waters of the Whitsundays together. This will truly be the experience of a lifetime!
13. Tag 13

    Whitsundays Island

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    Wake up early this morning to make the most of your day at sea. Take in the gorgeous landscapes and seascapes of the Whitsundays, make stops at some of the best snorkelling spots and the gorgeous Whitehaven Beach – in the heart of the Whitsunday Islands, this beach also sits in the centre of the Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy deliciously fresh meals on the boat, meet some new friends and soak up the beauty of this scenic area. Tonight, enjoy your final night on the water over sunset drinks!
14. Tag 14

    Magnetic Island

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    Soak up the bliss of your last morning on the boat, then disembark in Airlie. After some free time to relax on the beach or grab some lunch, you’ll drive to Townsville. As soon as you arrive, hop on the ferry to Magnetic Island – this mountainous island in Cleveland Bay is known for its scenic national park, abundance of koalas, secluded beaches and hiking opportunities.
    Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
15. Tag 15

    Magnetic Island

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    Today is dedicated to soaking up all the natural scenery of Magnetic Island. Explore at your own pace – maybe go in search of a secluded beach and set up shop, take on a hike or just chill out with a drink. Later, hike along the Forts Walking Track with your group, looking out for the resident koalas and enjoying the gorgeous views. There are even some World War II relics to see among the tropical landscape.
16. Tag 16

    Mission Beach

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    Say goodbye to the island as you take the morning ferry back to Townsville. From here, drive to Mungalla station, where you’ll meet the First Nations owners of the land – the Nywaigi people – and learn about their culture and history, including the brutal conflicts with European settlers. The story you’ve been told will come to life as you visit an exhibition of pictures within the historic homestead. Then head out and explore the Mungalla wetlands in search of aquatic birdlife. Drive to Mission Beach this afternoon – a small coastal town with expansive beaches, lined with palm trees.
    Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
17. Tag 17

    Cairns

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    Your last day of adventure begins with a drive to Cairns, where your trip will come to an end. Along the way, maybe stop by some waterfalls and swimming holes, soaking in the last of the gorgeous natural scenery. When you arrive, it’s time to say goodbye to an awesome adventure! If you’d like to extend your stay and explore Cairns further, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
    Your travel time today will be approximately 2.5 hours. You’ll arrive in Cairns at approximately 12 pm today depending on traffic and road conditions.