Sydney to Brisbane Adventure

Intrepid Travel · 7 days

4.5

1 Reviews

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Duration

7 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Average

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Explore the wilderness, discover wildlife and taste wines on a seven-day adventure from the iconic cityscape of Sydney to Queensland’s capital of Brisbane.

Highlights

Start your trip in Sydney – Australia's unofficial capital, home to the Harbour Bridge, a bustling CBD, heaps of cool restaurants and bars and of course, the Opera House!
Take a guided walkabout tour around The Rocks with a local Aboriginal guide who will teach you about local First Nations history, Dreaming and the spiritual connection to Country, while you soak in gorgeous harbour views.
Keep your eye out for kangaroos on your way to a wine tasting in the chilled-out Hunter Valley – a picturesque region in the rural hills of New South Wales – then take an easy hike through Crowdy Bay National Park.
Get in touch with Australia’s wilderness and wildlife. Meet cute and cuddly koalas at an animal hospital, look out for whales if the season is right and explore the rainforest and waterfalls in Dorrigo National Park.
Soak up the beachside vibes of Byron Bay with a free day in this surfer’s haven. Go for a dip in the ocean, take a kayaking tour, listen to buskers by the beach, join a yoga class or just hang loose in a quirky café.

Trip Details

Duration

7 days

Transportation

Private vehicle

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Sydney / Hunter Valley / Cessnock, Australia

Finishes

Brisbane, Australia

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Explorer

Physical Rating

Average

Itinerary

Day 1: Sydney / Hunter Valley / Cessnock

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 pick up at 9 am in front of the starting point hotel. After, you’ll head out for a walkabout around The Rocks with a local Aboriginal guide. Walk through Hicksons Reserve, Campbells Cove and Cumberland Walk as your guide teaches you about this area's history, land and water use, and spiritual connection with the First Nations peoples. You’ll have amazing views of the harbour along the way, including Sydney Harbour Bridge and the CBD. After your journey into the Dreaming, grab some lunch before heading north to the famous winery region – the beautiful Hunter Valley. Once there, sit down for a wine tasting with a sommelier and listen to the history of the various wines and the winery. Next, head to Cessnock in the heart of the valley, our overnight location for tonight. Perhaps head out for an optional welcome dinner in Cessnock to get to know your fellow travellers.

Included Activities:

Hunter Valley - Winery Visit & Wine Tasting
Sydney - The Rocks Dreaming Walking Tour with Aboriginal Guide

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 2: Crowdy Bay National Park / Port Macquarie

Today, you’ll make tracks north along the scenic coastal route. Stop at Crowdy Bay National Park along the way and embark on a scenic hike through forests of heath, paperbark and swamp mahogany at Diamond Head, taking in views of golden beaches and dramatic rock faces. The quartz crystals in the cliffs sparkle in the sun, giving Diamond Head its name. Keep your eyes peeled for whales and dolphins off the coast as you wind your way by secluded coves, beaches, and mountains, and you may even encounter a mob of kangaroos on your walk. Later, continue your drive to your accommodation in Port Macquarie.

Included Activities:

Crowdy Bay National Park - Diamond Head Hike

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 3: Port Macquarie / Dorrigo National Park / Coffs Harbour

This morning, you’ll visit the Koala Hospital in Port Macquarie, where you’ll meet the volunteers who work there and and learn about how this organisation provides care and treatment for koalas needing rehabilitation. Then, drive to Bellingen, where you might like to grab lunch and enjoy some free time. Continue to Dorrigo National Park via the gorgeous Waterfall Way, known for its lush, sub-tropical rainforest – the last piece of the ancient subcontinent Gondwanaland. Few places on Earth contain so many plants and animals relatively unchanged from their ancestors. Pop into the Rainforest Centre in the park, take a stroll along the skywalk or explore the rainforest with your group.

Included Activities:

Port Macquarie - Koala Hospital guided tour
Dorrigo National Park - Short Hike
Dorrigo National Park - Rainforest Centre & Skywalk

Accommodation:

Cabins (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 4: Coffs Harbour / Byron Bay

Next up is Byron Bay – a laid-back surf paradise with boundless coastline, sand and friendly locals. But first, you’ll start your day with a walking tour of Red Rock with a local First Nations guide. Learn about the culture of the Gumbaynggirr people through stories, songs and the uses of native plants. Walk alongside The Solitary Island Marine Park Waterways and connect with Country as you learn more about the Dreaming. After, you’ll stop in Yamba where you might like to grab some lunch, before visiting Byron Bay Lighthouse for a unique photo opportunity and the chance to spot some dolphins, whales and other marine life.

Included Activities:

Coffs Harbour - Red Rock Gumbaynggirr First Nations experience
Byron Bay - Lighthouse Walk

Accommodation:

Cabins (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 5: Byron Bay

Get up early this morning if you want to catch the sunrise – they are pretty ace from Australia's most easterly point – but if you prefer, you can sleep in too! Today is free to do as you please so maybe hunt down the best cold-brew coffee from one of Byron’s quirky cafes, learn how to ride the waves with a beginner’s surf lesson, or 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 and learning of the marine biology. Alternatively just hang out on the beach. Tonight, why not grab a drink at one of the local pubs or bars?

Accommodation:

Cabins (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 6: Springbrook National Park / Gold Coast / Brisbane

This morning, head to The Farm – a collection of micro-businesses on a working farm focusing on growing, feeding and educating through community 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 short walk to Natural Bridge rock arch which was formed by the force of the waterfall over the basalt cave. This afternoon, head to the famous Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast for some beach time before continuing onto Brisbane where you’ll spend the night.

Included Activities:

Springbrook National Park - Natural Bridge
Byron Bay - The Farm visit

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 7: Brisbane

After a group breakfast this morning, your trip comes to an end in Brisbane. If you’d like to stay longer, just speak to your booking agent.

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
Recommended gratuities/tipping
Optional activities/tours
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.

Important Information

Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.

Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

AUD $2,880

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 7 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Average

Explore the wilderness, discover wildlife and taste wines on a seven-day adventure from the iconic cityscape of Sydney to Queensland’s capital of Brisbane.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 10 May 2026

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Customer Reviews

Overall Rating

Excellent

4.5

Guide

Excellent

4.5

Itinerary

Excellent

4.5

Accommodations

Excellent

4.5

Transportation

Excellent

4.5

Tour Operator

Excellent

4.5

Food

Excellent

4.5

Kim Ngan

Traveled, April 2024

04/21/2024

Lots of different activities and places covered in this trip which is a great opportunity for me to immerse myself in nature and enrich my cultural knowledge. I have made lovely friends and had a great time to relax and unwind! My highlights would be the 2-hour kayaking at beautiful Byron Bay and seeing adorable koalas and kangaroos in the wildlife. Understanding that this trip is run for the first time, so "hiccups" (issues) are unavoidable. However, I am very pleased with our tour guide, Jonny Weston who was doing 2 people's jobs (tour guide & driver). Throughout the whole trip, Jonny was always happy to assist whenever needed. For example, although during a challenging time, Jonny remained calm, polite and showed his caring towards all tour members which made me impressed! Thank you and keep up the good work, Jonny :)

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989

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