Compare Sydney to Great Barrier Reef Tour by Discovery Nomads vs Family Australia: Sydney, Brisbane & Cairns by Audley Travel

Day 1: Sydney

Arrive at any time. On the 1st day we haven't plan any activities.

Day 2: Sydney

Explore Sydney with a walk along the harbour to the iconic Sydney Opera House and the Rocks area. In the afternoon go sailing around Sydney Harbour. Enjoy the views of the gorgeous surroundings and look out for naval ships and submarines. If you are lucky, you might even see a dolphin, a seal or a penguin.

Day 3-4: Surfers Paradise

Fly to the famous surf and arts town of Gold Coast. Learn about the culture of surfing in the area and try it yourself. Enjoy free time for optional sea kayaking, whale-watching or just relax at the beach.

Day 7: Cairns

An early start to the station for a relaxing and very scenic train journey to Cairns.

Day 5-6: Airlie Beach and Whitsunday Islands

Transfer to Brisbane and flight to Airlie Beach. On the 6th day, you will go on a cruise to Whitsunday Island and visit the beach of Whitehaven.

Day 8-9: Port Douglas

Travel along the stunning coastal road to Port Douglas. On the 9th Day you will Sail aboard the stunning catamaran and cruise to the Great Barrier Reef, snorkel the pristine ribbon reefs of Agincourt Reef, where the underwater visibility and biodiversity is at its highest, visit 3 separate dive sites and enjoy 5 hours at the reef, swim with the dwarf Minke whales in season, on one of the few vessels that has a permit to swim with the inquisitive whales.

Day 10: Cairns

Transfer back to Cairns Airport.

Day 1 : International outbound flight

Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Sydney.

Day 2 : International outbound flight

On-board your international outbound flight to Sydney.

Day 3 : Sydney

On arrival in Sydney you will be transferred by private vehicle to your downtown accommodation. The remainder of the day is free to relax. If you have the energy, you could dip a toe into Sydney's highlights - perhaps start by taking a tour of the Opera House or walking over the Harbour Bridge, nicknamed 'the coathanger' (tour costs not included).Today is at leisure to explore some of Sydney's highlights. You may wish to travel out to Bondi Beach, Australia's most famous beach, for some time by the ocean, explore the sights and sounds of Darling Harbour (a great family friendly location), or catch a local ferry and travel across to the laid back beach town of Manly.

Day 4 : Sydney

This afternoon, the whole family will spend an exhilarating hour learning to ride the waves on Bondi Beach, a quintessential Aussie experience! The rest of the day is for you to enjoy at leisure.

Day 5 : Sydney

Spend a couple of hours this morning being shown around Zoo by one of the zookeepers. You will have photo opportunities with Koalas, Kangaroos, Echidnas and more in this hands on adventure. You venture behind the scenes in the nightlife exhibition, see how the animals food is prepared and learn all about them. You then have the rest of the day to explore Taronga Zoo at your leisure.

Day 6 : Brisbane

You will make your way to the airport this morning in time for your flight to Brisbane. This subtropical city has skyscrapers bordering one bank of the river and a city beach and lagoon on the other - it's the sort of thing every city should have.

Day 7 : Brisbane

Enjoy a day of fun around Brisbane. You could visit Australia Zoo; run by the family of the late Steve Irwin. Her you can see all the favourite Australian animals in one place, or visit one of the theme parks which are within easy reach.

Day 8 : The Sunshine Coast

Collect your car this morning and make your way to Noosa via the Glass House mountains, this is a beautiful drive so don't forget your camera!

Day 9 : The Sunshine Coast

Today is at leisure for you to enjoy Noosa and the Sunshine Coast.

Day 10 : The Sunshine Coast

Fraser Island is the world's largest sand island, and makes a great adventure. The seas around the island are filled with sharks and all sorts of vicious sea creatures, but the freshwater lakes of the island have perfect sandy beaches and no such dangers. This 4x4 day trip will introduce you to the natural attractions and give you a good chance to spot wild dingoes.

Day 11 : Port Douglas

This morning you will depart the Sunshine Coast and drive back to Brisbane Airport in time for your flight to Cairns in Tropical North Queensland. Travel north to Port Douglas.

Day 12 : Port Douglas

You will enjoy a fabulous full day cruise out into the Great Barrier Reef today, keep an eye out for the huge variety of sea life which can be found here.

Day 13 : Port Douglas

Today is at leisure, we suggest driving over to The Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation. There are lots of walks through the rainforest which you can try out, keeping a close eye out for all of the wildlife around. You can book onto a crocodile spotting boat trip when you arrive and finish off the day with an Ice Cream at the Daintree Ice Cream Company.

Day 14 : Port Douglas

Today is at leisure to explore Port Douglas, perhaps relax by the pool for the day and reflect on the adventures of the last couple of weeks.

Day 15 : International return flight

Make your way to the airport today for your onward flight.

Day 16 : International return flight

Arrive home today to complete your journey.