Day by day

1. Days 1 to 5Sydney and Byron Bay

   Start in Sydney with a city tour and orientation, getting to know the group and your Group Leader. Then take the overnight coach north to Byron Bay.

   In Byron you have a surf lesson on the famous beaches, a yoga session to slow things down, and the walk up to the Cape Byron Lighthouse. With extra days here you have time to enjoy the town's cafes, markets and relaxed vibe at your own pace.

2. Days 6 to 11Surfers Paradise and Brisbane

   

   Head up to Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast for beaches by day and nightlife by night, with time to swim, explore and enjoy the coast.

   Then move on to Brisbane, where you explore South Bank's riverside parklands and its free city beach, and spend time getting to know the city. The 5 week pace means there is time to rest between the big days.

3. Days 12 to 13Noosa

   

   Travel to Noosa, one of the prettiest towns on the Sunshine Coast. Walk the headlands of Noosa National Park, looking out for koalas in the trees and dolphins in the water.

   Visit the Fairy Pools, natural rock pools by the ocean, and take in the views from Laguna Lookout over the river and the coastline. Noosa is known for its relaxed, upmarket feel and great beaches.

4. Days 14 to 18Rainbow Beach and K'gari

   

   Continue to Rainbow Beach, then join a 4WD tour on K'gari, the largest sand island in the world. Swim in the clear waters of Lake McKenzie and the Champagne Pools and explore the island's beaches and rainforest.

   You spend 2 nights camping on the beach, with nights around the camp and some of the best stars you will ever see.

5. Days 19 to 24Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays

   

   Arrive in Airlie Beach and relax at the lagoon in the centre of town. Then set sail for 2 nights in the Whitsundays.

   You visit the famous Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet, where the swirling white sand and blue water make one of the most photographed views in Australia. There is time for snorkelling, swimming and sunsets on deck.

6. Days 25 to 27Magnetic Island

   

   Take the ferry across to Magnetic Island, a relaxed island off Townsville with granite boulders, bays and lots of wildlife. Walk the Forts Walk, where wild koalas are often seen in the trees, and enjoy the island's beaches.

   There is time for snorkelling in the calm bays and simply slowing down before the final leg north.

7. Days 28 to 29Mission Beach

   

   Mission Beach sits between the rainforest and the reef. Explore the Djiru National Park, home to the endangered cassowary, and enjoy the long quiet beach.

   For something more adventurous, there is optional white water rafting on the Tully River, one of the best rafting rivers in Australia.

8. Days 30 to 36Cairns and the reef

   

   Finish in Cairns with a full week in the tropics. Head out to the outer Great Barrier Reef for a day of snorkelling among coral, fish and turtles.

   Explore the Atherton Tablelands, with their waterfalls, swimming holes and rainforest, and relax at the Cairns lagoon. The tour ends with a farewell dinner with your group. Plenty of people stay on in Cairns to work or keep travelling.