Stray Sydney to Brisbane 8 Day Guided Tour

Today we’ll say goodbye to Sydney as we depart the harbour city and make our way north to the Hunter Valley wine region where we’ll taste some of the local wine and cheese before continuing through to Port Stephens, our destination for the night.

We’ll be staying at the Surfside hostel, set on 6 acres of natural bushland, with kangaroos and wallabies on site. This boutique accommodation is about creating a relaxing experience in an environmentally conscious way so you can put your feet up and feel good about it! Once we’ve checked in, you can explore the area, relax, or head to the beach for a swim. If you’re interested, go for a walk around and check out the architecture of the place – they’ve used wood and glass to maximise light and all development incorporates the nature of the area.

Tonight, we’ll enjoy a classic Aussie BBQ dinner and get to know each other – anyone know a good icebreaker?

Accommodation: Surfside Hostel.

Meals included: BBQ Dinner.

Meal options: Self-cater, local cafes, restaurants.

Included activity: Wine and Cheese Tasting.

Free activities: Wildlife spotting at our accommodation, beach swim

This morning you have the choice to either sleep in, join your Stray guide for a hike, or jump in a 4WD bus to take part in some first-class sandboarding down the Stockton Sand Dunes (optional expense). The local sandboarding guide will teach you how to safely sandboard and tell you all about the amazing area and the rich Aboriginal history of the region.

If you don’t want to sandboard, your guide will join you for a walk to the summit of Tomaree Head, which stands at 161 metres above the Port Stephens entrance. This short 2.2km return track offers breathtaking views of the coastline and panoramic views of Yacaaba Head, Cabbage Tree and Boondelbah islands, as well as Zenith, Wreck and Box Beaches, Fingal Island and Point Stephens Lighthouse – you might even be lucky enough to see some dolphins (and if it’s May – September, you could see whales!).

Late morning, we’ll pack up and move on to our next overnight stop, Port Macquarie. We’ll have lunch on the way before visiting the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital, where we’ll get a closer look at Australia’s laziest (and arguably cutest) marsupials. Check out the information centre to learn all about the hospital’s efforts to rehabilitate, protect and preserve the koalas.

Accommodation: *Port Macquarie YHA or similar. *

Meals included: Breakfast.

Meal options: Self-cater, local cafes, restaurants.

Included activity: Koala Hospital visit.

Free activities: Sleep in, swim, relax on the beach, Headland Walk.

Optional paid activities: Sandboarding

Today we’re heading to the iconic surfing town of Byron Bay, known for its relaxed vibes and no worries attitude. On the way to Byron, we’ll stop at the historic and hipster town of Bellingen to get some lunch, followed by 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._

When we arrive in Byron Bay, we’ll take you on an orientation drive around town to help you get your bearings, showing you points of interest and the top spots for food, shopping and nightlife. For the next few nights, we’re staying at boutique hostel The Surf House, located right in the heart of Byron and just a couple of hundred metres from the main beach – heaven!

Accommodation: The Surf House or similar.

Meals included: Breakfast.

Meal options: *Self-cater, local cafes, restaurants, BBQ at the rooftop of the hostel. *

ncluded activities: Historic town and Aboriginal Cultural Experience

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 yoga class on the rooftop of your hostel and then spend your day exploring the laidback hippy town.

You can walk to Cape Byron Lighthouse, mainland Australia’s most easterly point, or check out the many eclectic boutiques and cafes around town. You could join a sea kayaking or snorkel trip and search for dolphins and other marine life, or even go for an iconic Australian activity – learning to surf.

Accommodation: The Surf House or similar.

Included activity: Morning yoga class.

Meal options: Self-cater, local cafes, restaurants.

Optional paid activities: Surf lesson, dolphin kayak, skydive, cycle the rail trail.

Free activities: Walk to the lighthouse, swim, relax on the beach, check out the shops and cafes, free surfboard hire

You lucky thing – you have ANOTHER free day to explore Byron Bay today. Tick off any activities you didn’t get the chance to do yesterday or pass the day wandering the township or relaxing on the beach. Hone your surf skills with more lessons or borrow one of the free surfboards at your hostel to try it out by yourself.

If you’re a foodie then you’re in luck, as eating your way around Byron is an experience in itself. There are heaps of vegetarian and vegan options available, a couple of our favourites are the Cardamom Pod for lunch and No Bones for dinner, both of which are super close to your hostel. This evening, head to the Saturday twilight markets for some live music and lots of boutique stalls showcasing local arts, crafts and some incredible food.

Accommodation: Surfhouse or similar.

Meal options: Self-cater, local cafes, restaurants. We recommend trying one of the many great vegan options!

Optional paid activities: Surf lesson, dolphin kayak, snorkel or dive, skydive.

Free activities: Walk to the lighthouse, swim, relax on the beach, check out the shops and cafes

This morning, meet your guide and group outside the Surf House hostel at 8:50am and we’ll depart north across the NSW border to Queensland, stopping for some lunch and a walk around the famous Surfers Paradise. Next, we’ll 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: Roamer Brisbane or similar.

Meal options: Self-cater, local cafes, restaurants.

Free activities: Visit Surfers Paradise, kangaroo spotting, catch the Brisbane city ferry

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!

Meals included: 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.

• Travel by private Stray bus
• 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
• Accommodation is in 4-8 shared dorms in a range of hostels and backpacker resorts
• 4 meals are included. We make regular supermarket stops so you can self-cater for other meals, or there are usually quite a few cafe/restaurant options in each location.   Any dietary requirements or allergies must be advised upon booking so they can be catered to where possible.

• Camera,
• Sneakers/trainers,
• Flip Flips / sandals
• Clothing (mainly light layers but some warm items)
• Waterproof jacket,
• Hat & sunscreen,
• Swimsuit & towel,
• Refillable water bottle,
• Toiletries,
• Motion sickness tablets (if required),
• Insect repellent

1. These points make up all of the terms of contract between Stray (‘Stray’ or ‘us/we’) and the customer (‘passenger/you’).
2. Prices: Prices: All prices are inclusive of tax. Prices listed on Stray’s website may be rounded. The final amount charged may vary +/- $0.50 of the advertised price.  New Zealand products are priced in NZD. Australian products are priced in AUD. Asia products are priced in USD
3. Stray passes and tours are only valid for the person whose name they were originally issued for and are non-transferrable. Passengers can expect to be Photo ID checked.
4. Behaviour: Stray is not a common carrier and therefore can refuse to carry a person whose behaviour is detrimental to the enjoyment of the group. By travelling with Stray you agree to accept the authority of the Guide and accept their decisions. Our staff are entitled to a safe working environment, and our passengers to a great experience. Any threats to safety, being physical or verbal, or inappropriate behaviour may result in removal from the trip. If a Guide requires a passenger to leave the trip no refunds will be given and the passenger in question will be responsible for their own travel costs from that point.
5. Published information: Stray will endeavour to adhere to published/stated departure, arrival and general travel times however on occasion, external and unpredictable events may prevent us from meeting these times. In these scenarios Stray is not liable for any loss or damage arising out of, or consequentially upon, any abandonment of, or delay in, any departure. We make a concerted effort to ensure the accuracy of our brochure, Stray Mate and website content however on occasion details may vary. Liaise with your Guide or Stray’s reservations team for clarification. Where a new brochure has been published (as shown by the validity date) it supersedes all older brochures. Anything listed in the brochure as free is not considered included in the ticket price and is non-refundable and non-transferable, no matter what the circumstances.
6. Disruptions: Stray will not be held liable for unforeseen disruptions to your trip that are beyond our control (weather, natural disasters, third party service changes, etc). We will always endeavour to assist you but encourage you to take out a comprehensive travel insurance policy that will cover you for unforeseen disruptions, cancelling and cutting short your trip, delayed departures, accident and medical.
7. Sickness & injury: While all care will be taken, Stray will not be held liable for any sickness or injury to any customer.
8. Visas: It is the passenger’s responsibility to carry a valid passport and appropriate visas while travelling on any Stray services.
9. Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is not included with Stray passes or tours. Adequate and valid travel insurance is compulsory to travel with Stray in all regions. Your travel insurance policy must cover you for accidents, injury, illness and death medical expenses, including any related to pre-existing medical conditions, emergency repatriation (including helicopter rescue and air ambulance where applicable) and personal liability. Stray also recommends that it covers tour cancellation or curtailment, loss of/damage to luggage, personal effects and natural disasters. When travelling with us in Asia, you must provide Stray with your travel insurance details prior to departure and carry your policy information with you while travelling and produce it on request. Your trip may be cancelled or you may be removed from a tour if you cannot provide proof of travel insurance at any time. We do not take responsibility for any personal possessions lost under any circumstances.
10. Where third party operator services are included in Stray’s passes/tours, Stray will make every endeavour to ensure the operator meets their obligations in the delivery of the service. If the Operator fails to deliver on their obligations Stray will seek a fair and reasonable resolution, which may result in a partial or full refund. If the expected level of service or inclusions have been misrepresented by the ‘booking agent’, the passenger will need to address their concerns directly with their agent.  Stray takes no responsibility for any act of neglect by any company whose services are used as part of your trip including but not limited to, activity and accommodation providers.
11. Stray accepts no responsibility for any independently operated activity a passenger chooses to undertake while travelling with Stray.
12. Illegal activity: If passengers are caught with non-prescription, illegal drugs or partaking in illegal activities while travelling with Stray, any resulting consequences (incarceration, capital punishment and even death) will result in the passengers Stray pass/tour being nullified (voided) without refund. Stray will refuse carriage and will take no responsibility for passengers partaking in illegal activities.
13. Images and video: On occasion, Stray conducts photo and video projects for the purposes of promoting its products and services. Passengers on these trips will be given the option to opt out of any such activities. Passengers are to advise their Guide should they wish to be excluded. If you do not opt out you are consenting to Stray using the images taken whilst on your Stray trip for advertising and promotional purposes worldwide, royalty-free in any medium.
14. Deposit payments: A $200 deposit is required upon booking. Full payment is required within 6 months of the booking or a minimum of 31 days prior to departure (whichever comes first). If the full payment is not received in the designated time frame, Stray reserves the right to cancel the booking. Deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable. When you pay by deposit, you have committed to paying the price advertised at the time of booking, regardless of any price changes or alternative promotions that become available. If you want to cancel your Stray pass after pay the deposit, please check the details of Stray’s Cancellation Policy.
    
15. Promotions with free inclusions or value-adds: A value added product (which could be a pass, journey, accommodation, activity or good) is a product which is included free of charge with the purchase of another Stray product. Value-added products cannot be sold, transferred to another traveller’s name, exchanged for a refund or an alternative product. If a traveller is unable to redeem the value-add product within 18 months of the original purchase it is forfeited. Once travel has commenced, Stray’s Cancellation Policy applies and neither of the bundled products is subject to a refund. If a promotion has bespoke terms or conditions for a free or value-added offer (e.g. travel date restrictions) these will supersede our standard conditions. [term amended from 12 months to 18 months on 11 March 2020]
16. Competitions and Prizes: Stray products included as part of a competition or prize pack cannot be exchanged for cash, sold or transferred. Products must be redeemed within 12 months of the announcement or within a specific time frame if stated in the competition/prize terms, or the prize will be forfeited. These generic terms apply unless a variation is specified in the competition’s terms.
17. Privacy: When purchasing a Stray product you will only be contacted by Stray with information directly relating to the supply of the product or service you have purchased. These types of communications include booking confirmations, pre departure information and service updates before, during or after travel. Unless you have opted-in to receive other types of communications from Stray (ie. general news, offers etc) you will not be contacted by Stray. You can opt out of Stray communication by emailing us at unsubscribe@straytravel.co.nz or by using the unsubscribe link in the footer of our emails. Please note, if you do so, we will not be able to communicate with you about any service or trip updates and it becomes your responsibility to communicate with Stray. View Stray’s Privacy Policy.
18. Disputes: Should you wish to raise any issues regarding your trip, it is your responsibility to notify Stray as soon as possible so that we have every reasonable opportunity to resolve the issue.
    If you are currently travelling: Advise your Stray Guide of your concern immediately so that steps can be taken to address the matter. If you would prefer to contact Stray directly, email feedback@straytravel.com.
    If you have finished travelling: You must email feedback@straytravel.com within 28 days of the dispute in question.
    We will not consider claims that are submitted 28 days after the dispute in question. Please provide a valid email address so we can provide a written response.
19. Law: These terms and conditions apply to the extent that they are NOT inconsistent with, or in contravention of, any obligation imposed on Stray by local law in the country of travel.
20. Children: New Zealand Tours: Children aged 12-17 may travel, only if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian (The Select Tours only). Children are entitled to 15% off the full retail price of Stray Journeys Select Tour based on their age at the time of commencing travel (not booking). Australia Tours: Children aged 12-17 may travel if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian (The Select Tours only). Asia Tours: Children aged 12-17 may travel if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Travellers aged 16 or 17 years old can only travel alone with a signed consent form from a parent or guardian (contact Stray reservations for the form – book@straytravel.com). Please note: some of Stray’s accommodations in Asia are 18+ only, which means that any travellers younger than 17 may need to find alternative accommodation or stay in a private room.
21. Luggage: Luggage must be limited to one backpack, bag or case per person with a maximum weight of 15kgs as our buses have limited storage space. You may also travel with a daypack for cameras, valuables, raincoats and items you will need to access throughout the day. Stray does not take any responsibility for any damage to, or loss of, any property or personal effects under any circumstances while passengers are utilising any of the services which Stray provides or markets.
22. Fuel: We have fuel efficient buses to minimise our consumption but we reserve the right to put in place a fuel surcharge (at any time post ticket purchase) if fuel prices increase significantly during the pricing validity. Any surcharge will be payable to your Guide on your first day of travel. It will be a maximum of $30 local currency (NZD/AUD/USD) and will be clearly outlined online if initiated.
23. Water safety: During your Stray trip there are options to be involved in swimming or water based activities independent of Stray and its partners. It is the passenger’s sole responsibility to determine if he or she is qualified and capable of participating in any water activity, and he or she chooses to participate at their own discretion.
24. Fitness: Our tours are active so a reasonable amount of fitness is required. We undertake walks throughout the day to break up travel days.  If you have any concerns regarding your suitability for any of our tours, please discuss this with our reservations staff before booking.
25. Dietary requirements and allergies: Any dietary requirements or allergies must be advised upon booking so they can be catered to where possible.
26. Cancellations: If you cancel your pass or tour a cancellation fee will apply. See Stray’s Cancellation Policy.