Three Weeks. Eleven Destinations. Nothing Left Out.
Every reef, every rainforest, every vineyard, and every harbour icon — this is the East Coast without compromise.
Most travellers arrive on Australia's East Coast with an impossible wish list: snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, walk through the world's oldest rainforest, sail the Whitsunday Islands, drive a sand island, surf Byron Bay, sip Shiraz in a sun-drenched vineyard, spot wild dolphins, and stand beneath the sails of the Sydney Opera House. The 21-Day Ultimate tour is what happens when you stop choosing and simply say yes to all of it.
Building on our acclaimed 14-Day Classic itinerary, this extended journey adds seven extraordinary days that push beyond the beach strip into the ancient Daintree Rainforest, the glamorous harbour town of Port Douglas, the dramatic cliff-top panoramas of the Blue Mountains, the rolling vineyards and cellar doors of the Hunter Valley, and the wild dolphin and sand-dune playground of Port Stephens. The result is the most comprehensive East Coast experience available anywhere — a three-week odyssey that covers tropical reef, subtropical hinterland, temperate wine country, and everything in between.
We cap every departure at sixteen guests. That means room for spontaneity: a detour to a hidden waterfall your guide swam in as a child, a long lunch at a family-owned vineyard that does not appear on tourist maps, or an extra hour at Whitehaven Beach when the light is too perfect to leave. It also means the coach doubles as a living room — by week two, you are finishing each other's sentences and arguing over the evening's dinner spot like a group of old friends.
- ✓ 20 nights accommodation
- ✓ All inter-city coach, ferry & flight transfers
- ✓ Full-day Great Barrier Reef excursion
- ✓ Whitsundays sailing & Whitehaven Beach
- ✓ Fraser Island 4WD adventure (2 days)
- ✓ Daintree Rainforest & Cape Tribulation day
- ✓ Blue Mountains guided bushwalk
- ✓ Hunter Valley wine tastings & gourmet lunch
- ✓ Port Stephens dolphin cruise & sand-dune experience
- ✓ Surf lessons, wildlife encounters & city tours
- ✓ Welcome dinner (Cairns) & farewell dinner (Sydney)
Your 21-Day Itinerary
The journey naturally splits into three acts: tropical north, coastal corridor, and the southern gems that most visitors miss.
Act I — Tropical North (Days 1–6)
Reef. Rainforest. Islands. The tropics at their most spectacular.
Cairns — Arrival & Tropical Welcome
Arrive in tropical Cairns, check in to your esplanade accommodation, and cool off in the famous public lagoon pool. The group meets for a welcome dinner at a laneway restaurant specialising in reef fish and tropical produce. Your guide briefs you on the adventures ahead and hands out your personalised itinerary booklet — three weeks of bucket-list moments, starting tomorrow morning.
Great Barrier Reef — Snorkel & Dive Day
A fast catamaran takes you to the outer reef, where visibility regularly exceeds twenty-five metres. Two snorkelling sessions at different sites reveal staghorn coral, giant clams, parrotfish, green sea turtles, and blacktip reef sharks. Introductory and certified dives are optional. A marine biologist on board delivers a coral-ecology presentation between swims, and afternoon tea is served on the sundeck as you cruise back to Cairns with salt in your hair and adrenaline still humming.
Daintree Rainforest & Cape Tribulation
Cross the Daintree River by cable ferry and enter the oldest continuously surviving rainforest on Earth — over 180 million years old. Boardwalks wind through a green cathedral of giant fan palms, strangler figs, and ancient cycads. Your naturalist guide points out Boyd's forest dragons, Ulysses butterflies, and — if you are quiet — the prehistoric southern cassowary. At Cape Tribulation, the rainforest tumbles directly onto a white sand beach where two World Heritage areas meet: reef and rainforest side by side. Cool off with a swim in a jungle creek before heading back via a tropical ice-cream stop featuring exotic flavours like Davidson plum and black sapote.
Day 4: Port Douglas — Tropical Leisure
A free day in the glamorous harbour town of Port Douglas. Stroll Four Mile Beach, browse the Sunday markets (if your timing is right), book an optional morning dive on the Agincourt ribbon reefs, or simply sip a cocktail poolside and let the tropical pace sink in. Port Douglas feels like a polished, smaller Cairns — palm-lined streets, excellent restaurants, and a laid-back sophistication that rewards those who slow down.
Day 5: Cairns → Airlie Beach
A travel day south along the coast through cane-country towns and tropical fruit-stall detours. Arrive in Airlie Beach by late afternoon, drop your bags at the waterfront accommodation, and explore the compact town's lagoon, restaurants, and bars.
Whitsundays Sailing & Whitehaven Beach
Board a sailing catamaran and cruise into the Whitsunday Passage. Snorkel fringing reefs alive with turtles and reef fish, then anchor at Whitehaven Beach — fine silica sand so white it stays cool underfoot. Hike to the Hill Inlet lookout for the famous swirling-sand panorama, devour a fresh seafood lunch on deck, and sail back to Airlie Beach with a camera roll that looks like a travel magazine.
Act II — The Coastal Corridor (Days 7–15)
Sand islands. Cities. Surf breaks. The classic East Coast experience.
Fraser Island — 4WD, Lakes & Stargazing
Cross by barge to K'gari (Fraser Island), the world's largest sand island. Over two days you drive Seventy-Five Mile Beach, swim in the ethereal blue waters of Lake McKenzie and Lake Wabby, walk through sand-dune rainforest, and spot dingoes and humpback whales (in season). Nights are spent in eco-lodges beneath some of Australia's darkest skies — ideal for star photography.
Days 9–10: Brisbane — River City Culture
Guided walking tour of South Bank, Gallery of Modern Art, Fortitude Valley laneways, and the botanic gardens. A full free afternoon lets you museum-hop, shop the James Street precinct, or join an optional sunset river cruise. Brisbane is one of Australia's most underrated cities, and two days let you see why.
Gold Coast — Surf, Wildlife & Nightlife
An included surf lesson on the southern breaks, a full visit to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary (koala photo, kangaroo feeding, lorikeet frenzy), and a free evening to sample the Gold Coast's nightlife, rooftop bars, and night markets.
Byron Bay — Lighthouse, Surf & Hinterland
Sunrise lighthouse walk to Australia's most easterly point. A second surf lesson at Tallows Beach. Optional hinterland village visit to Bangalow and Federal. A full free day to browse markets, take a yoga class, or just claim a patch of golden sand. Byron rewards those who slow down.
Day 15: Byron Bay → Sydney
Travel south to Sydney, arriving in time for an optional harbour sunset cruise and an evening exploring the Surry Hills dining strip. The next chapter of this tour is what makes the Ultimate truly different.
Act III — Southern Gems (Days 16–21)
Mountains. Wine. Dolphins. The destinations most tourists miss.
Sydney — Icons & Coastal Walks
Full guided immersion in Australia's greatest city. Walk across the Harbour Bridge, explore the Rocks precinct, ride the Bondi-to-Bronte coastal path past ocean pools and sandstone cliffs, and wander the Royal Botanic Gardens. Lunch at leisure in a Surry Hills laneway cafe.
Blue Mountains — Cliffs, Waterfalls & Bushwalks
A ninety-minute drive west transports you into a completely different landscape. The Blue Mountains are named for the ethereal blue haze produced by eucalyptus oil evaporating from millions of trees. Stand at Echo Point for the classic Three Sisters vista, descend the Giant Stairway through temperate rainforest, and walk behind curtains of cascading water at a hidden waterfall your guide considers his favourite spot in all of New South Wales. Lunch is at a mountain-top cafe with views that stretch to the horizon. The contrast with yesterday's harbour city could not be more dramatic — this is the Australia visitors rarely see, and it may become the highlight of your entire trip.
Hunter Valley — Wine Country & Gourmet Trail
Continue north into Australia's oldest wine-producing region. Over two unhurried days you will visit three to four boutique cellar doors for guided tastings of Semillon, Shiraz, and Chardonnay — the varieties that made the Hunter Valley famous. A gourmet lunch at a vineyard restaurant pairs regional wines with locally sourced produce: artisan cheese, charcuterie, wood-fired sourdough, and chocolate. Between tastings, there is time for a hot-air balloon flight at dawn (optional), a cheese-making workshop, or simply sitting on a cellar-door verandah watching the vines shimmer in the afternoon light. This is a complete change of pace — slower, richer, and thoroughly indulgent.
Port Stephens — Dolphins & Sand Dunes
The final adventure day delivers two contrasting thrills. Board a cruise and glide through the enormous natural harbour of Port Stephens, home to a resident pod of around 160 bottlenose dolphins. They are curious, playful, and reliably close to the boat — your guide's camera roll from last month proves it. After lunch, head to the Stockton Bight sand dunes — the largest moving sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere. Sandboard down towering slopes, ride a quad bike across the desert-like landscape, or simply stand on the crest and marvel at the sheer improbability of a Sahara-like dune field a two-hour drive from Sydney. A farewell dinner at a harbourside restaurant closes the tour with seafood, laughter, and more than a few hugs.
Day 21: Sydney — Farewell & Departure
A transfer back to Sydney for late-morning departures. No alarms. Enjoy a final flat white, one last swim at Bondi, or a quiet walk through the botanical gardens. The tour officially ends at 12:00 PM, giving you time for afternoon flights or an extended Sydney stay. Your guide hands out a farewell dossier of restaurant picks, hidden beaches, and day-trip suggestions — because three weeks is never quite enough.
Twenty-one sunsets — from tropical reef to temperate vineyard.
Activities & Highlights
Every experience below is included in your tour price.
Great Barrier Reef
Full-day outer-reef catamaran with two snorkel sessions and optional intro dive.
Daintree Rainforest
Guided boardwalk, Cape Tribulation beach, cassowary spotting, and jungle creek swim.
Whitsundays Sailing
Day sail, reef snorkelling, Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet lookout, seafood lunch on board.
Fraser Island 4WD
Two-day sand-island adventure: beaches, freshwater lakes, rainforest, and eco-lodge stays.
Blue Mountains
Three Sisters lookout, Giant Stairway descent, hidden waterfall walk, and mountain-top lunch.
Hunter Valley Wines
Two days of cellar-door tastings, gourmet vineyard lunch, and optional dawn balloon flight.
Port Stephens
Dolphin-watching cruise, Stockton Bight sand-dune sandboarding, and farewell dinner.
Surf & Wildlife
Two surf lessons, Currumbin Sanctuary koala & kangaroo encounters, city walking tours.
Welcome & Farewell
Welcome dinner in Cairns, farewell dinner in Port Stephens, plus a Hunter Valley gourmet lunch.
Moments from the Road
Outer reef coral
Hunter Valley vines
Koala encounters
Blue Mountains haze
What Travellers Say
Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 142 verified reviews.
The rainforest, wine regions, and hidden gems beyond the coast made this the complete Australian experience. Three weeks felt like the perfect amount of time — enough to fall in love with every place without ever feeling rushed.
★★★★★ — Laura P., Edinburgh, UK
An unforgettable three weeks. The Blue Mountains and Hunter Valley are what set this apart from every other East Coast tour — I would never have discovered them on my own. The wine tasting lunch alone was worth the upgrade.
★★★★★ — Mark T., Chicago, USA
I did the 14-Day Classic last year and came back for the Ultimate. The extra week is absolutely worth it. Port Stephens dolphins, Blue Mountains waterfalls, and waking up in wine country — those are my top three memories now.
★★★★★ — Hana S., Prague, Czech Republic
Solo female traveller and I felt completely safe and welcomed from minute one. By the end of 21 days I had a WhatsApp group of sixteen friends from eight different countries. This tour gives you Australia and a global family.
★★★★★ — Aisha M., Dubai, UAE
What to Pack
Three weeks, three climates. Pack layers and quick-dry fabrics.
Essentials
- Comfortable walking shoes and reef-safe sandals
- Two sets of swimwear (tropical = slow drying)
- Reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 50+) and SPF lip balm
- Reusable water bottle (1 L minimum)
- Quick-dry towel
- Light warm layer for Blue Mountains (mornings can be cool)
- Valid ID or passport
Recommended
- Underwater camera or waterproof phone case
- Light rain jacket
- Hat and polarised sunglasses
- Insect repellent (Daintree & Fraser Island)
- Smart-casual outfit for winery and farewell dinners
- Portable charger and spare memory card
We Provide
- All snorkelling gear (mask, fins, stinger suit in season)
- Surfboard, wetsuit, and rash vest
- Snacks and water on all coach days
- Digital itinerary booklet and guide's mobile number
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this different from the 14-Day Classic?
The 21-Day Ultimate includes everything in the Classic plus seven extra days covering the Daintree Rainforest, Port Douglas, Blue Mountains, Hunter Valley wine country, and Port Stephens — destinations the shorter tour does not visit. It is designed for travellers who want the complete experience without rushing.
Do I need to be a strong swimmer for the reef?
No. Flotation vests and pool noodles are available. Non-swimmers can view the reef from a glass-bottom boat or semi-submersible. Introductory dives are conducted one-on-one with a professional instructor.
What type of accommodation is included?
A mix of well-reviewed hostels (private twin/double rooms, not dorms), boutique guesthouses, Fraser Island eco-lodges, and a Hunter Valley vineyard stay. All are centrally located and comfortable. A solo supplement is available for a private room.
Are meals included?
Welcome dinner in Cairns, farewell dinner in Port Stephens, gourmet vineyard lunch in the Hunter Valley, and a seafood lunch on the Whitsundays sail are all included. Breakfasts at most accommodation stops. Other meals are at your own expense for maximum food-scene flexibility.
What is the cancellation policy?
Free cancellation up to 21 days before departure for a full refund. 50% refund for cancellations 7–21 days prior. No refund within 7 days. Flexible rescheduling is available at no cost with advance notice. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Is the Blue Mountains cold?
The Blue Mountains sit around 1,000 metres above sea level and mornings can be cool, especially from May to September (lows of 2–8 °C). A light jacket or fleece layer is sufficient for the day visit. The rest of the tour is warm to hot.
Can I join this tour if I completed the 14-Day Classic previously?
Absolutely — in fact, many guests do exactly that. Contact us and we can arrange a discounted rate for the bonus-week portion (Days 15–21) so you do not repeat the segments you have already completed.
Is this tour suitable for solo travellers?
Yes. Around half our guests travel solo. The small group, shared experiences, and three-week duration mean friendships form quickly and last well beyond the tour. You will be paired with a same-gender roommate at no extra cost, or you can opt for the solo supplement.