• Hostel accommodation (4 - 6 share single sex) all nights except overnight train. If you are travelling as a couple or with a friend on the same booking and would like to book twin or double accommodation instead, please ask your booking agent to book this upgrade for you. Upgrades are not possible after the trip has started.

• Train, Minibus, 4WD, ferry, walking

Days 1-2 Cairns

Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns is a great place for underwater adventures - why not escape the heat with an afternoon of swimming, snorkelling or diving? For those who arrive early, be sure to explore the nearby Atherton Tableland and Cape Tribulation to the north.

Days 3-4 Airlie Beach/Whitsundays

Be dazzled by the beauty of the Whitsundays, a cluster of sandy islands surrounded by turquoise waters. Splash out on a sailing trip through the archipelago, dropping anchor on a secluded island for a touch of paradise.

Day 5 Overnight Train

Soak up a bit more of Airlie Beach before boarding an overnight train bound for Hervey Bay.

Day 6 Hervey Bay

Whale watchers and dolphin spotters adore Hervey Bay, while anglers swarm to this beachside town all year round. For the active, a 14 km bike path along the foreshore offers an opportunity to stretch the legs. Nothing beats watching night fall over the ocean with a feast of fish and chips on the beach.

Days 7-8 Fraser Island/Hervey Bay

Teeming with bird and animal life, freshwater lakes and rainforests, Fraser Island is a nature lovers' paradise. Cross the desert, scale soaring sand dunes, see rusty shipwrecks washed-up on the beach and enjoy a barbecue on this island utopia before returning to Hervey Bay.

Days 9-10 Byron Bay

Surfies and hippies alike flock to Byron for its relaxed, beachside atmosphere. Great food, stunning beaches and friendly locals make it hard to leave.

Days 11-12 Yamba

A hidden Australian treasure, Yamba is a great place to hang out with the locals. Spend free time fishing, surfing or just kicking back with a fresh seafood meal. A kayaking adventure through the waterways is highly recommended. Exploring untouched bushland that surrounds the rivers, lakes and coast is a great way to have a real wildlife encounter.

Days 13-15 Sydney

There is so much to see, do and explore in vibrant Sydney. Hire bicycles to ride over the famous Harbour Bridge, take the scenic walk from Bronte to Bondi beaches or hang out at the harbourside botanical gardens. Be sure to spend time in the historic Rocks region, home to quaint pubs and plenty of Australian legends.