This morning, meet your guide and group outside the Surf House hostel at 8:50am. Then we’ll jump on the Stray bus and depart north across the NSW border to Queensland, and head to the famous Surfers Paradise where we’ll stretch our legs and grab some lunch. We’ll then 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 or similar
Meal options: Self-cater, local cafes, restaurants
Free activities: Visit Surfers Paradise, kangaroo spotting, catch the Brisbane city ferry
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
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
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
It’s an early start this morning as you head out for your 3-day, 2-night K’Gari (Fraser Island) 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 Beach Camp on K’Gari (your accommodation for the next 2 nights). You’ll have some tasty lunch and then you can check out the camp’s kitchen and deck with ocean views before heading out for your first adventure to see some of the Island highlights. This evening, you’ll arrive back at camp to enjoy dinner, share stories, play the didgeridoo around the campfire and engage in some mind-blowing stargazing. Tonight, you’ll be lulled to sleep by the sound of the waves as you settle into your safari tent (which includes a comfy mattress and hotel quality linens).
Accommodation: Beach Camp K’Gari (Fraser Island) Safari Tents*
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Snacks
Included activities: K’Gari adventure tour
*Accommodation can alternate between safari tents and beach camp cabin accommodation.
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.
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 camp in time for another dinner under the stars and some fun evening activities.
Accommodation: Beach Camp K’Gari (Fraser Island) in 2-3 share Safari Tents*
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Snacks
Included activities: K’Gari adventure tour
*Accommodation can alternate between safari tents and beach camp cabin accommodation.
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 and Snacks, BBQ Dinner
Included activities: K’Gari adventure tour
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 in villas 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
Today is a big drive 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, restaurants
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
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
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
See More: This island paradise is your best chance on the East Coast to see koalas in the wild. Keep your eyes out for these sleepy marsupials, rock wallabies, and colourful birds as you explore the forested island.
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 activites: Walk
Optional paid activities: Snorkel
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: SSelf-cater, local cafes, restaurants
Included activities: Magnetic Island ferry, swim, walk, waterfalls
Today is a completely free day so if you had 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 a tour of Cape Tribulation or go to see the iconic Great Barrier Reef?
Accommodation: Gilligans Cairns or similar
Meal options: Self-cater, local cafes, restaurants
Free activites: Hang out at the amazing resort pool, walk the Esplanade, visit the Botanical Gardens
Optional paid activities: Cape Tribulation Day Trip, bungy jump, Great Barrier Reef trip, skydive, rafting
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
- Luggage is limited to one piece per person with a maximum weight of 20kg plus a day pack
- A basic level of fitness is required for medium length walks
- Experienced tour guide
- Private coach transport
- 10 nights’ accommodation in 4-6 shared dorms in a range of hostels, backpacker resorts, eco-lodges, as well as 2 nights K’Gari/Fraser Island (safari tents), and 2 nights Whitsunday Sailing (open, shared dorm-style accommodation on a maxi sailing yacht) are included.
- 22 meals (12 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 6 Dinners)
- Free time in Noosa and Magnetic Island
- 3 Day / 2 Night K’Gari 4WD Glamping Tour
- 2 Day / 2 Night Whitsunday Sailing Experience
- Aussie BBQ and Rum Tasting, Bundaberg
- Magnetic Island Ferry
- Walks and wildlife
- Waterfalls, lookouts and so much more!