Day by day

1. Days 1 to 2Sydney to Byron Bay

   

   Meet the group in Sydney for a city tour, then take the overnight coach north. Arrive in Byron Bay to enjoy its beaches and waterfalls in the hinterland.

   The first stop ends with a welcome dinner, the perfect chance to get to know everyone you will be travelling with for the next few weeks.

2. Days 3 to 6Surfers Paradise and Brisbane

   Spend time on the Gold Coast at Surfers Paradise with its beaches and nightlife, then move on to Brisbane.

   In Brisbane explore South Bank's riverside parklands and city beach, and spend a full day at Australia Zoo seeing crocodiles, kangaroos and koalas.

3. Days 7 to 11Rainbow Beach and K'gari

   

   Head to Rainbow Beach and watch the sunset from the top of the Carlo Sand Blow.

   Then spend 3 days on K'gari, the largest sand island in the world. Travel by 4WD along the beaches, swim in the island's freshwater lakes, see the famous sights and camp under the stars.

4. Days 12 to 16Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays

   

   Arrive in Airlie Beach and enjoy the lagoon and the town's backpacker bars. Then set sail for 2 nights in the Whitsundays.

   The highlight is Whitehaven Beach with its white silica sand, plus snorkelling and nights anchored among the islands.

5. Days 17 to 21Cairns and the reef

   

   Finish the coast in Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Spend a day snorkelling on the reef among coral and tropical fish.

   Enjoy the town's nightlife and choose from optional activities like the rainforest, waterfalls or adventure sports before heading to the Outback.

6. Days 22 to 25Alice Springs and Uluru

   

   Fly from Cairns to Alice Springs in the heart of Australia, then head out for 3 days of camping in the Red Centre.

   Watch the sunset over Uluru, walk among the domes of Kata Tjuta and hike the rim of Kings Canyon. Nights are spent camping under huge Outback skies. The tour ends back in Alice Springs.