Real Australia

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.

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.

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 share a barbecue dinner with your group as the sun goes down, with all the typical Aussie fare.

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 ambience. 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.

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 for you 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.

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 a waterfall over a basalt cave. This afternoon, 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. If you’re still out and about once the sun goes down, why not explore the local nightlife – your leader will be able to recommend all the best spots.

If you’re game, maybe wake up early this morning to watch the sunrise from the beach. Today, you’ll head to Brisbane. 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.