3 Week Guided Sydney to Cairns Reef Group Tour

FROM
$4599
21
20
20

Select Date and Passengers

Adult (18 - 35)
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Group Leader

Friendly Local Guide

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Snorkelling

Awesome Sailing + Snorkeling

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Accommodation

20 Nights Included

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Transport

Comfortable Coach

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Locations

Experience Australian Gems

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Group

Social + Fun Vibes

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Customise

Add-on Extra Activities

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Meals

4 Breakfasts + 5 Lunches + 6 Dinners

3 Week Guided Sydney to Cairns Reef Group Tour

Overview

From rolling coastlines to iconic cities, explore the natural and urban marvels of the East Coast with our favourite guided experience! With the sun on your skin and sand in your toes, dive into the Great Barrier Reef, surf in the Gold Coast, hug a koala at Australia Zoo, 4WD on K’gari, sail the Whitsundays and discover the best of Australia.

Your fully-guided group tour is an epic way to meet friends and venture to hidden gems while forgetting any planning stress! You can enjoy a seamless Aussie adventure with all transport, deluxe accommodation, tours, 24/7 support, and even some meals sorted. Make memories and friends you will never forget on the Three Week Sydney to Reef adventure!

  • K’gari 4WD trip, overnight island sail, reef snorkelling, Gold Coast surfing, Byron dolphin kayak and guided city tours included.
  • Explore reef, beach, city, rainforest, wildlife and hinterland on your jampacked three-week itinerary.
  • Your local guide will lead your small, fun group of backpackers with all bus transport from Sydney to Cairns included!
  • Stay in deluxe flashpackers, enjoy the perfect amount of free time and rediscover your wanderlust.

Your Sample Itinerary

Day 1 

A woman with blonde hair and man in red shirt smiling in front of the Sydney Opera house

Sydney Icons

Let the adventure begin as you arrive in Sydney, a hub of amazing architecture, iconic beaches and vivid nightlife. Your guide will take you on a tour of the renowned spots in Sydney, like Circular Quay, Bondi Beach, the Opera House and Harbour Bridge! With sights set on beachy heaven, depart Sydney on your comfy bus en route to Byron Bay!

Stay 

Overnight bus to Byron Bay

Trip Extension 

Day 2 & 3

Two women at the Byron Bay lighthouse pointing out to sea

Byron Bay kayaking and lighthouse

In typical Byron fashion, arrive and chill out! In the afternoon, head out on a dolphin kayak tour, where your professional guide will illuminate the Indigenous history of the area, as well as the mysterious marine secrets that lie below! Tonight holds your first dinner with the group, before an early night. On day 3, head to the Byron Lighthouse for a magical sunrise, followed by a day of enjoying Byron’s hippie vibes by bike!

Stay 

Beachfront Byron Bay hostel

Day 4 & 5

A view of cityscape on the horizon with waves in the foreground

Surfing in Surfers Paradise

We have two words for you: Gold. Coast. Hit the road north and explore this unique destination where the city and nightlife meet! Spend your first day learning to surf with a lesson, basking in the sun, surf and sand like a local. Hit the town tonight and check out the buzzing nightlife that the Gold Coast is known for, dancing the night away with friends new and old!

Stay 

Central Gold Coast accommodation

 

Day 6 & 7

Woman holding a furry koala

Brisbane City & Australia Zoo

From the Goldy to Brisbane’s city lights, hop on the bus and arrive just 1.5 hours later in the heart of Southbank. Your guide will give you an urban tour of the lush parklands, Streets Beach Lagoon and the lovely green spaces and spots to eat in this hub! Day 6 holds a trip to the iconic Australia Zoo! Cuddle a koala, feed a kangaroo, spot crocodiles and so many more native animals.

Stay 

Deluxe hostel in Brisbane

Day 8 - 12

Woman in a hat wading through the clear Eli Creek

K’gari (Fraser Island) 4WD Trip

Arrive in Rainbow Beach, a hidden backpacker gem with vast beaches and interesting sand formations like the Carlo Sand Blow. Next up is a dreamy K’gari adventure, so pack your bag and sense of adventure! A barge will take you over to the world’s largest sand island, home to ancient rainforest, dazzling lakes and ample coastline. You have three days and two nights of beach 4WDing, forest hiking, lake swimming and starlit camping. Visit Boorangoora (Lake Mackenzie), Maheno Shipwreck, Eli Creek and 75 Mile Beach, spotting dingoes along the way! All food, guidance and gear are included, so sit back and relax on this awesome island discovery!

Stay 

Day 8 - one night in Rainbow Beach flashpacker accommodation

Day 9 & 11 - two nights at K’gari beach campsite 

Day 12 - overnight bus to Airlie Beach

Day 13 - 17

Man on the bow of a boat in the nets on a sunny day sailing

Airlie Beach & The Whitsunday Islands

Head to north Queensland for the island holiday of your dreams! Arrive in the vibrant Airlie Beach of the Whitsundays region, and explore the colourful nightlife, awesome dining options and refreshing lagoon! You are heading out on a three-day, two-night sailing trip, so all aboard your deluxe backpacker boat on Day 15! Cruise around the magnificent islands, luxuriate on-deck, swim in turquoise waters, snorkel flourishing reefs and sunbake beachside! Anchor at Whitehaven Beach to discover the world-famous white sands and walk up to the beautiful views at Hill Inlet Lookout!

Stay 

Day 13 & 14 - Airlie Beach hostel

Day 15 & 16 - Whitsunday sailing vessel shared cabin

Day 17 - Overnight bus to Cairns

Trip Extension

  • Whitsunday Scenic Flight
  • Airlie Beach Waterfall Day Tour 
  • Whitehaven Beach Skydive
  • Whitsunday Dive Course

 

Day 18 & 19

A woman in a white bikini snorkelling with coral in the Great Barrier Reef

Cairns & Great Barrier Reef snorkelling

Arrive in the heart of Far-North Queensland, Cairns, and explore this sweet township laden with beachfront eateries, rooftop bars and pools! Day 19 awaits, and you and the group will head out on an all-inclusive reef day trip where your time underwater is maximised! Swim alongside green turtles, giant clams, cheeky fish and glimmering coral gardens for the ultimate reef adventure.

Stay 

Hostel in central Cairns

Day 20 & 21

Group of people looking at the sunset

Cairns Farewells & More!

The time has come, and we know… your three weeks have flown! Hug your new mates goodbye, swap Instagram handles and airdrop all of your unforgettable pics. Or, go out with a bang and add a waterfall day tour, scenic skydive or white water rafting day trip to your itinerary! Trade your favourite travel stories over a final farewell dinner on your last night, before continuing along the East Coast your way.

Stay 

Day 20 - Hostel in Central Cairns

Trip Upgrade

  • Atherton Tablelands Waterfall Tour
  • Scenic Skydive
  • Whitewater rafting

Trip Extension

  • Post-tour accommodation in Cairns

What's Included?

  • All coach transport from Sydney to Cairns
  • 20 nights accommodation
  • Personal guide available throughout the whole trip
  • 3-day, 2-night Whitsunday sailing trip
  • 3-day, 2-night K’gari 4WD camping trip
  • Cairns snorkel day trip
  • Australia Zoo entry Gold Coast surf lessons
  • Byron Bay dolphin kayak tour
  • Guided Byron Bay lighthouse walk
  • Brisbane tour
  • Sydney City tour
  • 4 breakfasts, 5 lunches & 6 dinners
  • 24/7 support from East Coast Tours

What's Extra?

Travel Insurance (compulsory)

Trip Extensions

Trip Upgrades

  • Cairns or Airlie Beach Skydive
  • Cairns Whitewater Rafting
  • Cairns Dive Trip
  • Cairns or Airlie Beach Waterfall Day Tour

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?

It is compulsory to have travel insurance for the entire duration of this itinerary. You may be denied travel if you haven't organised your own travel insurance prior to your trip.

Is this tour guided?

Yes! This trip is completely guided, meaning that a friendly and knowledgeable guide will lead the way and illuminate hidden local spots.

Who will I travel with?

You will travel with a small, fun group of other adventure travellers aged 18 - 35, and of course, your group leader.

Where will I stay?

With 20 nights of accommodation included, you will stay in hostels (shared dorms) and at campsites along the East Coast!

Are meals included?

15 meals (4 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 6 dinners) are included in your itinerary. The others are up to you, with ample cafe, restaurant, bar and supermarket options readily available along the way.

What should I pack?

Check out our ultimate East Coast packing list for everything you need to bring along.

Are there any age requirments?

This trip is for people with a taste for adventure aged between 18 and 35. Designed for young-at-heart travellers, this social and jam-packed Aussie trip is perfect for solo backpackers, couples, small groups of friends and first-time overseas trippers looking to discover the wonder of the East Coast.

What is the transport like?

You will travel from Sydney to Cairns in a private, comfortable coach bus with the rest of your group! Sit back, relax and enjoy the ride!

Can I travel with a dietary requirement?

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

How big is the group?

Your group has a maximum capacity of 20 people for a fun, social yet not overcrowded trip along the East Coast!

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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