15 Day Guided Sydney To Cairns Reefs & Beaches Tour

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$4999
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Adult (18 - 35 yrs)
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Group Leader

Friendly Local Guide

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Snorkelling

Awesome Sailing + Reefs

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Accommodation

14 Nights Included

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Transport

Comfortable Coach + Flights

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4 Wheel Driving

Camping Beach Tour

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Locations

Experience Australian Highlights

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Group

Social + Fun Vibes

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Meals

3 Lunches + 3 Dinners

15 Day Guided Sydney To Cairns Reefs & Beaches Tour

Overview

Feet in the sand? Check. Aussie adventure of a lifetime with new mates? Check and check! Make friends and memories to last a lifetime as you embark on a guided East Coast adventure from Sydney to Cairns! Jampacked with natural wonders, bucket list items and wanderlust-fueling gems, swim, dive, walk, sail, drive, snorkel and experience it all with this ultimate guided itinerary!

Discover Sydney, Bondi Beach, Jervis Bay, Byron Bay, Noosa, Airlie Beach, the Whitsundays, Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef with your young and fun backpacker group. With a local guide showcasing the best highlights and lesser-known spots, all of your accommodation and transport sorted, Australia is your oyster! So, grab the sunscreen, your sense of adventure and say g’day to reefs and beaches galore!

  • Have a blast with a Whitsundays sailing trip, a 4WD K’gari tour and Great Barrier Reef snorkel trip!
  • See the very best of the East Coast with a fun group and knowledgeable guide available 24/7 throughout your itinerary!
  • Rest up in flashpacker accommodation in dreamy locations with all stays throughout your itinerary included.
  • Relax with all transport from Sydney to Cairns sorted, including buses, scenic trains and a flight to Byron Bay.

Your Sample Itinerary

Day 1 

A woman with blonde hair in a white ECT tshirt at the Sydney Opera House

Welcome to Sydney! 

Your two-week itinerary starts off with a welcome dinner with your new travel mates and a trusty tour guide! Get cosey in your digs and find your bearings in Sydney City as your Aussie adventure begins!

Stay 

Hostel in Sydney City

 

Day 2

A couple walking through the bush in activewear

Jervis Bay Hinterlands & Beaches

Embark on a guided tour of the dazzling beaches, cool green hinterlands, lush national park and local wildlife of the lesser-known Jervis Bay region. Your full-day tour will immerse you in natural wonders as you learn about your unique natural surroundings!

Stay 

Hostel in Sydney City

Day 3 

A person taking a photo of the ocean and iceberg pool at sunset

Sydney Venturing

Do Sydney your way with a day in this iconic Australian City! With an array of awesome things to do, from checking out Sydney Harbour Bridge to heading to Bondi Beach, head out with your new mates and explore this urban jungle! There is a free Sydney Harbour tour to help you find your feet too. Check out our Backpacker Guide to Sydney to design your own personalised day.

Stay 

Hostel in Sydney City

 

Day 4

Two people walking up to the Byron Bay Lighthouse on a sunny day

Jet to Byron Bay

Catch a flight to Byron Bay and bask in the colourful streets, laid-back vibes and stunning surf beaches. Whether you want to catch a wave, hike up to the lighthouse, soak up a suntan, eat some delicious local food or hit a local gig, explore to your heart’s content in Byron!

Stay 

Central Byron Bay hostel

Day 5

A woman standing in the sunlight next to a waterfall

Guided Tour through Byron Hinterland

Head out to the rich greenery of the Byron Bay hinterland as your guide ventures with you to the deep corners of this lush region! Swim in waterfalls, trek through towering canopies and relax in the rainforest amongst mother nature’s finest!

Stay 

Central Byron Bay hostel

Day 6

Noosa headland aerial view at sunset

Scenic Drive to the Sunshine Coast

From one beachy haven to the next, enjoy a cruisy 4-hour drive to the renowned Noosa! Rolling coastal views and great company await, so sit back and catch up on some downtime. Then, hit the beach for an arvo sunset and swim!

Stay 

Deluxe Noosa hostel

Day 7

Two women swimming and smiling in Lake Mackenzie's waters

K’gari (Fraser Island) Day Trip

Put the mainland in your rearview and explore K’gari on a jampacked day trip! Take a dip in the crystal Lake Mackenzie, 4WD down rolling beaches, spot dingoes and walk through ancient rainforests. All the food, transport and good vibes are included. Check out our top 10 faves on K'gari for more inspo! 

Stay 

Deluxe Noosa hostel

Day 8

Group of people walking to the beach in Noosa

Noosa Exploring

Hike through the Noosa National Park, relax at Little Cove, go for a surf, meander through beachy shops or enjoy one of the many free things to do on the Sunny Coast! Then catch your scenic overnight train to the tropical Airlie Beach - all aboard!

Stay 

Overnight sleeper train to Airlie Beach

Trip Upgrade

Day 9

A group of backpackers at Airlie Beach lagoon in swimmers

Airlie Beach Vibin’!

Welcome to the heart of the Whitsunday Region: Airlie Beach! This popping seaside town connects the Great Barrier Reef to a bustling backpacker scene, where markets, swimming spots, rainforests and nightlife are abundant!

Stay 

Hostel in the heart of Airlie Beach

Day 10

Three people running into the water at Whitehaven Beach

Sail the Islands & Discover Whitehaven Beach

Head out on a deluxe vessel through rolling islands and azure waters to reach the dreamiest of destinations… Whitehaven Beach (coined the most beautiful beach in the world)! Named after its naturally bewildering white, soft sand, go for a barefoot stroll, take a dip in the sparkling waters and hike up to Hill Inlet Lookout for exquisite, swirling views! Enjoy a beachside picnic lunch for a day of utter perfection!

Stay 

Hostel in the heart of Airlie Beach

Day 11

A man with a turtle in the Great Barrier Reef

Airlie Beach Free Day

Whether you’re venturing out to the stunning Whitsunday Islands with a scenic flight or snorkel tour, or choose to hang out in Airlie Beach, lap up that tropical lifestyle for one more day! Chill with your new friends and explore the Whitsundays from your own angle! Then, gather with your group and guide for another celebratory dinner.

Stay 

Hostel in the heart of Airlie Beach

Trip Upgrade

  • Scenic flight or snorkel tour - enquire with us! 

Day 12

Mainland Cairns aerial view

Northbound to Cairns

With yet another gorgeous scenic train ride ahead of you, soak Far North Queensland’s boundless mountainous rainforest landscapes. You can catch up on some sleep too… you might need it after a wild night in Airlie Beach!

Stay 

Central Cairns hostel

Day 13

Two women in snorkels heading to the Great Barrier Reef with snorkels

Great Barrier Reef Snorkel

Ready, set, dive into the Great Barrier Reef! With wonderfully blue seas, psychedelic-coloured corrals, graceful turtles and shimmering fish, immerse yourself in the most wonderful underwater ecosystem in the world! With all gear, lunch and boat transport provided, get amongst the magic of nature!

Stay 

Central Cairns hostel

Day 14

Josephine Falls, Cairns aerial shot with people swimming in a blue waterfall hole

Cairns Wandering

A free day in Cairns awaits, so seize the day and explore the rainforest, reef or clouds! Choose to add on a reef tour, skydive, Daintree Rainforest tour or Atherton Tableland Waterfall hike with our many experiences available. Or, rest your travelling feet poolside at the Cairns lagoon as you hang out with new and old friends! Conclude your day with a farewell dinner - it’s time to swap photos and numbers as you hug your new travelling pals!

Stay 

Central Cairns hostel

Trip Upgrade

  • Great Barrier Reef diving tour
  • Atherton Tablelands Waterfall Tour
  • Daintree Rainforest & Cape Tribulation Tour
  • Cairns Skydive
  • Rainforest White Water Rafting

Day 15

Woman in yellow tshirt looking out to sea with friend

Adios, Ciao & See Ya Later!

It’s not goodbye but see you later. Check out of your accommodation by 10 am, find your next adventure and cherish your incredible Australian memories made with lifelong mates! Thanks for the ride!

What's Included?

  • 14 Nights Flashpacker Accommodation
  • Flight from Sydney to Byron Bay
  • All transport from Sydney to Cairns 
  • Local tour guide (always available)
  • Three group dinners
  • Three lunches on tours
  • Whitsunday Sailing Trip to Whitehaven
  • Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Tour
  • K’gari (Fraser Island)4WD Day Trip
  • Tour of Sydney Harbour
  • Jervis Bay Day Trip
  • Byron Hinterland Guided Adventure
  • Byron Bay Lighthouse Walk

What's Extra?

Travel Insurance

Trip Extensions

Trip Upgrades

Levies & Tour Extras

Payable on arrival of tours

  • Fraser Island Insurance Fee ($20 AUD)
  • Fraser Island Sleeping Bag Hire ($10 AUD) - optional
  • Great Barrier Reef Conservation Levy ($20 AUD)
  • Whitsundays National Park EMC Levy ($30 AUD) 

Terms and Conditions

Please read our terms, conditions and cancellation policies before booking your East Coast itinerary package. 

FAQs

Do I need travel insurance?

Yes, travel insurance is compulsory for this trip. 

What should I pack?

You can check out our East Coast packing list for ideas about what to bring on your tour. 

What is the accommodation like?

You'll be staying in shared dorm rooms in flashpacker hostels along the East Coast. 

Is there a tour guide?

Yes, this tour is fully guided so an expert guide will be with you every step of the way.

What meals are included?

Three group dinners and three lunches on tours are included. Other meals are at your own expense!

Can my dietary requirements be catered for?

Please advise our travel agents as soon as possible when booking this trip to ensure your dietaries can be catered to where possible. Please note that some tours charge small fees to cover the cost of accommodating dietary requirements.

What transport is included?

This tour includes a flight from Sydney to Byron Bay, and comfy coach bus travel north to Cairns. 

East Coast Tours acknowledges all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Traditional Owners of Country and recognises their continuing connection to land, sea, culture and community. We pay our respects to Elders past and present and extend that respect to all First Nations peoples.

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