Day 1 : Friday: Brisbane to Byron Bay
Today you’ll board the Stray bus in central Brisbane, meet your new guide and travel buddies and head off towards Byron Bay, stopping along the way to check out the Gold Coast. We’ll stretch our legs in Surfers Paradise where you can explore the golden beaches and cafes before arriving ready for the weekend in the iconic Byron Bay! Accommodation included: Eco Beach Resort Byron Bay in studio rooms or similar Free activities: Visit Surfers Paradise, explore Byron Bay, swimming Meal options: Local cafes, bakery, restaurants
Meal(s) included : Breakfast, Dinner
Day 2 : Saturday: Free Day Byron Bay
Today you have a full day in Byron Bay to really embrace the Byron Bay motto: "cheer up, slow down, and chill out”. Start your day off with a morning swim in the ocean then spend your day exploring the laidback hippy town. Walk up to Cape Byron Lighthouse, mainland Australia’s most easterly point, or check out the many eclectic boutiques and cafes around town. If you’re looking for adventure, join a sea kayaking trip and search for dolphins and other marine life, or even go for an iconic Australian activity - learning to surf. Accommodation included: Eco Beach Resort Byron Bay in studio rooms or similar Free activities: Explore Byron Bay, relax on the beach, Cape Byron lighthouse walk, swimming Optional paid activities: Surf lesson, Dolphin Kayak tour, Skydive, Rail Trail Meal options: Local cafes, bakery, restaurants
Meal(s) included : Breakfast
Day 3 : Sunday: Byron Bay to Darlington Beach
We have a relaxed start this morning before we make our way further south to the super scenic Coffs Coast. On the way there, we’ll stop in the picturesque seaside town of Yamba for lunch. We'll also visit the Angourie Blue Pool, an old quarry that was accidentally filled by an underground spring, meaning you can now cool off in a freshwater pool right on the beach. For the next two nights we’re staying in villas at a beachfront holiday resort set amongst 110-acres of beachside rainforest, so it’s the best of both worlds. Jump in the pool, take a heated spa, grab a cocktail at the bar or head to the beach. Feeling active? Go for a bike ride, a spot of archery or nine holes of golf if you fancy it. Accommodation included: Darlington Beach Resort in Villas or similar Free activities: Explore Byron Bay, relax on the beach, swimming Optional activities: Push bike hire, golf Meal options: Self cater, onsite restaurant, local cafes, bakery or restaurants
Meal(s) included : Breakfast
Day 4 : Monday: Free Day Darlington Beach & Coffs Harbour
Today we’ll have a relaxed morning followed by a stop in Coffs Harbour for lunch and then a special Aboriginal experience learning about the First Nations people of Australia. Your Cultural Experience takes place at an important cultural site of the Gumbaynggirr people, the stunning location of “Niigi Niigi” (Sealy Lookout) within the Orara East State Forest. You’ll go for a 2-hour tour and see 360-degree views, as well as getting the opportunity to immerse yourself in culture through stories, songs, language and the uses of native plants. This will be an unforgettable cultural experience with an emphasis on authentic connection and contributing to helping a community regain their culture and identity. Do More: By taking part in the experience, you’re making a direct contribution to the revitalisation of Gumbaynggirr language and culture with a percentage of the tour price going towards the local bilingual school to help foster cultural identity and education success. Accommodation included: Darlington Beach Resort in Villas or similar Included activities: Aboriginal Cultural Experience Included meals: Breakfast Meal options: Self cater, onsite restaurant, local cafes, bakery or restaurants
Meal(s) included : None
Day 5 : Tuesday: Darlington Beach to Port Stephens
We’ll depart Darlington Beach this morning and make a stop at the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital to see the amazing work being done to protect koalas from loss of habitat and injury. On the way into Port Stephens we’ll stop at Murray’s Brewery, one of Australia's leading craft beer brewers, where we’ll enjoy a tour and beer tasting. Not into beer? Not to worry, there is a spritz, ginger beer and a gin drink to try out instead. Accommodation included: Oaks Port Stephens Pacific Blue Resort in a hotel room or similar Included activities: Koala hospital visit, Brewery tour & tasting Included meals: Breakfast Meal options: Local cafes, bakery, restaurants or onsite restaurant
Meal(s) included : None
Day 6 : Wednesday: Free Day Port Stephens
This morning you have the choice to sleep in, go for some first-class sandboarding down the Stockton Sand Dunes (optional expense), or join your Stray guide for an energising hike to the summit of Tomaree Head, which stands at 161 metres above the Port Stephens entrance. This short 2.2km return track offers breath-taking views of the coastline and panoramic views of Yacaaba Head, Cabbage Tree and Boondelbah islands- you might even be lucky enough to see some dolphins. In the afternoon spend some time relaxing at the resort pool (one of the largest in Australia) or jump on a Dolphin discovery cruise (optional expense). Accommodation included: Oaks Port Stephens Pacific Blue Resort in a hotel room or similar Free activities: Sleep in, swim, relax on the beach, Headland Walk Optional paid activities: Sandboarding or Dolphin discovery cruise Meal options: Onsite restaurant, local cafes, bakery, restaurants, self cater
Meal(s) included : None
Day 7 : Thursday: Port Stephens to Sydney
Today we head to Sydney, our final destination! Along the way, we’ll stop at the popular Hunter Valley wine region for a tour of an organic vineyard. Learn about how through years of research and development, they have become one of Australia's largest producers of award-winning organic, vegan- friendly, low sulphur wines. Their contemporary organic philosophy aims to produce wines of terroir while limiting environmental pollution and leaving the land in the best condition possible for generations to follow. And of course, after the tour sit down to a wine tasting with cheese and crackers. On arrival in the beautiful harbour city of Sydney, we’ll check in then head to a nearby restaurant for dinner and drinks to celebrate our last night on tour and say some emotional farewells to our group! Accommodation included: Vibe Sydney in a hotel room or similar Included activities: Hunter Valley organic winery tour with wine & cheese tasting Included meals: Farewell Dinner Meal options: Onsite restaurant, local cafes, bakery, restaurants, self cater
Meal(s) included : None
Day 8 : Friday: Sydney
Today is the final day of your Stray adventure. Give a hug or a wave 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! Included meals: Breakfast 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.
Meal(s) included : None
