Roo Byron Bay To Cairns Tour – Stray Australia

Sunday: Byron Bay to Brisbane via Surfers Paradise

This morning, meet your guide and group outside the Surf House hostel at 8:50am and we’ll depart north across the NSW border to Queensland, stopping for some lunch and a walk around the famous Surfers Paradise. Next, we’ll head to a nearby nature reserve to spot some wild kangaroos, before continuing to Brisbane, the capital city of Queensland for the night. This evening, we recommend going for a stroll down to Southbank for a walk along the Brisbane River and then check out some of the many bars and restaurants.

Accommodation: Selina Brisbane or similar. Meal options: Self-cater, local cafes, restaurants. Free activities: Visit Surfers Paradise, kangaroo spotting, catch the Brisbane city ferry

Monday: Brisbane to Noosa

Have a sleep in this morning before leaving Brisbane and heading north to Noosa. We’ll stop along the way to stretch our legs and see the amazing panoramic views of the Glasshouse Mountains and the Sunshine Coast before enjoying some lunch in the quirky town of Eumundi, known for its artisanal crafts. We’ll go for another walk to see some final views of Noosa and the gorgeous Noosa headlands before arriving at our accommodation in the afternoon.

Our Noosa accommodation is less of a hostel and more of a resort, with a pool and a licensed bar/cafe (did someone say poolside margaritas?) as well as designer dorms with privacy screens and USB charging points. This evening, we’ll grab a drink and dinner at the bar and make plans to explore Noosa.

Accommodation: Bounce. Meals included: Breakfast, drink on arrival. Meal options: Self-cater, local cafes, dinner at hostel. Free activities: Swim, walks, lookouts

Tuesday: Noosa Free Day

Today you have a completely free day to spend doing whatever you like. Explore the Everglades by kayak or book a skydive and see Noosa and surroundings from above. Grab a sun lounger and get some much-needed R&R, go for a walk around the incredible headland, visit the beach or have a long, lazy lunch in the sun. The Noosa Surf Club is one of our faves so if you’d like to go out for dinner, you can’t go wrong with this local hotspot!

Accommodation: Bounce Noosa or similar. Meals included: Breakfast. Meal options: Self-cater, local cafes, restaurants. Free activities: Chilling by the resort pool, going for a walk in the National Park, visiting the famous beach or checking out the local boutiques and cafes. Optional paid activities: Everglades Kayak, Skydive

Wednesday: Noosa to K’gari (formerly Fraser Island)

It’s an early start this morning as you head out for your 3-day, 2-night K’gari adventure. During this amazing experience you’ll explore the largest sand island in the world on a 4WD expedition, see the magical Lake Boorangoora (McKenzie), discover towering rainforests, spot a wild dingo, cruise along endless sandy beaches and lose yourself in the magic of stargazing. If you fancy learning how to drive a 4WD, you can do that! This is going to be one of the best experiences of your whole trip and is definitely the coolest way to explore this world-heritage listed National Park.

After a bus, ferry and 4WD transfer, you’ll arrive at The Eco Retreat on K’gari (your accommodation for the next 2 nights). You’ll have some tasty lunch and then you can check out the retreat’s ocean views before heading out for your first adventure to see some of the Island highlights. This evening, you’ll arrive back at The Eco Retreat to enjoy dinner, practice throwing a boomerang, share stories and learn to play the didgeridoo around the campfire. Tonight, you’ll be lulled to sleep by the sound of the waves as you settle into your beach cabin accommodation.

Accommodation: The Eco Retreat on K’gari. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Snacks. Included activities: K’gari adventure tour.

Do More: Take part in a beach clean up on the island of K’gari and contribute to keeping this piece of paradise as nature intended.

Thursday: K’gari

This morning, wake up to the gorgeous golden sunrise over the ocean, enjoy breakfast and get ready for a fun-filled morning exploring K’gari and her hidden treasures. Enjoy lunch on the beach and then spend the afternoon discovering more lakes (there are over 100!) and epic views before arriving back to The Eco Retreat in time for another dinner under the stars and some fun evening activities.

Accommodation: The Eco Retreat on K’gari. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Snacks. Included activities: K’gari adventure tour

Friday: K’gari to Bundaberg

After breakfast today you’ll hit the inland tracks to discover towering trees and take one last refreshing dip, enjoy lunch in the forest and then begin your journey back to the mainland, arriving into Rainbow Beach around mid-afternoon ready for your next journey north up to Bundaberg.

Bundaberg is well-known for sugarcane, rum, ginger beer and more recently has been called the ‘Bundaberg Bowl’ for its reputation of growing and producing fresh food that’s served across the country. Your accommodation in Bundaberg is a relaxed eco-resort, this time you’ll be located by a nature reserve and have access to a spa, sauna, tennis courts and more (we know, we treat you good!). Tonight, we’ll have a group BBQ dinner and enjoy a chilled evening.

Accommodation: Kelly’s Eco Resort in villas or similar. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Snacks, BBQ Dinner. Included activities: K’gari adventure tour

Saturday: Bundaberg Free Day

Today you get to have a relaxing morning in Bundaberg. Enjoy a sleep in, go for a swim at the resort pool or why not play a game of tennis? We’ll have breakfast at the resort and then head to Bundaberg for lunch and to explore the area.

After lunch, we’ll head to the Bundaberg Rum Centre for a tour of their distillery and a tasting of their iconic rum. Or, if you’d prefer a full day out on the water and the chance to visit the Southern part of the Great Barrier Reef, your guide can book you onto the incredible Lady Musgrave Full Day Tour for a day of snorkelling, a boat cruise, island walk and delicious food.

Accommodation: Kelly’s Eco Resort or similar. Meals included: Breakfast. Included Activities: Rum Tasting. Meal options: Self-cater, local cafes, restaurants. Optional paid activities: Lady Musgrave Full Day Snorkel Tour Free activities: Swimming, tennis or checking out Bargara Beach

Sunday: Bundaberg to Airlie Beach

Today is a big travelling day to Airlie Beach, the gateway to the amazing Whitsunday Islands, so load up on snacks and we’ll get the tunes going to get us through the day. We’ll make some stops to stretch our legs and arrive in Airlie in the evening.

Accommodation: Base Airlie Beach or similar. Meals included: Breakfast. Meal options: Self-cater, local cafes, bakery, restaurant

Monday: Airlie Beach to Whitsunday Islands

This morning, enjoy a sleep in or take a stroll down to the Airlie lagoon for a dip. After lunch, head down to Coral Sea Marina to meet your crew and jump onboard a 76-foot, maxi sailing yacht which will be your home for the next two days. As you leave the marina and Airlie Beach behind you, watch your crew hoist the sails for an exhilarating trip out to the Whitsunday Islands – part of the World Heritage Listed Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

Once you arrive out around the Islands, jump in for a swim or snorkel amongst the fringing reef and then enjoy the sunset with a drink in hand on one of the crew’s favourite little beaches. In the evening relax on deck, have a few drinks, get to know the crew, stargaze and let the calm waters gently rock you to sleep – for the adventurous, mats are provided to sleep on deck under the stars or if you prefer a bit more comfort, a bed awaits you below deck.

Accommodation: Open shared dorm style accommodation on a maxi sailing yacht. Meals included: Breakfast, Afternoon Snacks, Dinner and Dessert (BYO drinks). Meal options: Self-cater, local cafes. Included activities: Sailing, snorkelling and exploring the Whitsunday Islands

Tuesday: Whitsunday Islands

This morning you’ll be forgiven for thinking you’re in paradise, as you wake up on a yacht surrounded by beautiful islands and enjoy a delicious breakfast on deck as you sail towards Whitsunday Island, home to the best beach in the world – Whitehaven Beach. You’ll disembark and enjoy a bush-walk to Hill Inlet Lookout and then spend the rest of the day exploring and relaxing on Whitehaven Beach. You can also go snorkelling today, enjoy a sunset beach session and another fun evening onboard with your group and the crew.

Accommodation: Open shared dorm style accommodation on a maxi sailing yacht. Meals included: Breakfast, Morning Tea, Lunch, Afternoon Snacks, Dinner and Dessert. Included activities: Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet Lookout, bush-walk, sailing, snorkelling

Wednesday: Whitsunday Islands to Magnetic Island via Airlie Beach

Enjoy your final morning on-board the yacht, have one last magical swim or snorkel and then sail on back to Airlie Beach. This afternoon we’ll jump back on the bus and head to Townsville. We’ll then catch the ferry over to our next destination of Magnetic Island in the late afternoon. Nearly 50% of ‘Maggie Island’ is national parkland, and it’s surrounded by amazing beaches and abundant wildlife. Your guide will fill you in on the activities you can do around the island over the next couple of days.

Accommodation: Selina or similar. Meals included: Breakfast, Morning Tea. Meal options: Self-cater, local cafes, restaurants. Included Activities: Sailing, snorkelling, Magnetic Island Ferry

Thursday: Magnetic Island Free Day

Today you will wake up in paradise and have a full free day to explore. This beautiful island is home to the historic Forts Complex, which you see in a scenic walk with your Guide. At the end, you’ll be rewarded with some incredible views over the island and ocean beyond. Spend the rest of your day relaxing on the secluded beaches, hiking through native bush or searching for wildlife! Top tip: stay alert and keep your eyes on the trees, Maggie Island is one of the best places in Australia to see koalas in the wild!

Accommodation: Selina or similar. Meals included: Breakfast. Meal options: Self-cater, bakery or cafes. Free activities: Walk. Optional activities: Snorkel.

Friday: Magnetic Island to Cairns via Atherton Tablelands

We catch the ferry back to the mainland in the morning and then we’ll get on the road again and head up to the stunning Atherton Tablelands. We’ll stop at the famous Millaa Millaa Falls along the way for a swim and some amazing photo ops.

We’ll go for a walk and a swim in Lake Eacham – a beautiful crater lake, and visit the heritage-listed Curtain Fig Tree, before making our way to Cairns. Tonight, we’re staying at an amazing resort with its own person-made beach! We’ll have a group dinner at the resort and then check out the legendary Cairns nightlife.

Accommodation: Gilligans Cairns or similar. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner. Meal options: Self-cater, local cafes, restaurants. Included activities: Magnetic Island ferry, swim, walk, waterfalls

Saturday: Free Day Cairns

Today is a completely free day so if you have a few too many cocktails last night, enjoy a lazy sleep-in and perhaps some hair-of-the-dog by the pool in the afternoon. If you’re ready for another day of adventure, why not book into a tour of Cape Tribulation or go to see the iconic Great Barrier Reef?

Accommodation: Gilligans Cairns or similar. Meals included: Breakfast. Meal options: Self-cater, local cafes, restaurants. Free activities: Hang out at the amazing resort pool, walk the Esplanade, visit the Botanical gardens. Optional Activities: Cape Tribulation day trip, bungy jump, Great Barrier Reef trip, skydive, rafting.

Sunday: Cairns

Today is the final day of your Stray adventure. Give a wave and a hug to your new mates and head off for the next leg of your adventure, taking with you the most incredible memories, everything you’ve learned about Australia’s special culture and wildlife, and of course some classic Aussie lingo – G’DAY MATES!

This itinerary is a guide. Given the spontaneous nature of our trips and lack of control over Australia’s weather(!), what we do each day might occasionally vary.