4 Week Sydney To Cairns G’day Mates East Coast Tour

Day 1 

Welcome to Sydney Dinner

Arrive in Sydney at your own pace today, making your way to your deluxe, central hostel where a local guide will meet you. Meet your group over a welcome dinner, where the city lights of Sydney grace your sights! Let the adventure begin!

Trip Extension 

• Pre-itinerary Sydney welcome packages

Day 2

Discover Sydney Icons

From the monumental Sydney Harbour Bridge to the elegant arches of the Opera House and the white sands of Bondi Beach, tick off your Sydney bucket-list sights this morning with free time in Sydney! For more info, check out our handy guide to spending a day in Sydney. Then, depart the sparkling city of Sydney… next stop Byron Bay!

Day 3

Byron Bay bliss

Discover Byron Bay today with a free day in this bohemian paradise. From endless sandy shores to colourful palm-lined streets, encounter this character-filled town and relax! Explore with your new travel buddies, hit the beach for a yoga sesh, venture to the Byron Cape Lighthouse or create your own adventure with our insightful things to do in Byron Bay guide.

Day 4

Hit the waves in Byron

Surf’s up today as you head out to an iconic Byron Bay break and catch some waves! Your lesson is led by a qualified, experienced instructor and is perfect for any ability; from total beginner to intermediate surfer. Spend your afternoon grabbing a beer in a nearby pub with your group, with some local live music accompanying that post-beach-sunshine bliss… now this is living! 

Day 5

Byron Bay dolphin kayak or free day

If you've opted for the Add On Activity Package, the Byron Bay dolphin kayak trip awaits! Paddle out to the renowned Cape Byron and keep your eyes peeled for close encounters with turtles, dolphins and other local ocean creatures! Or, enjoy a final day of Byron Bay chilling at your own pace and getting ready for the next leg of your journey.

Add On Activity Package Includes

• Byron Bay kayak tour

Day 6

Gold Coast bound

Wake up to another sun-soaked day as you venture from one surfer’s heaven to the next. Hop on your bus from Byron Bay to Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast. Here, golden sands, fun cityscapes and endless beach days await. Why not dive into the infamous Surfers Paradise nightlife scene with your new friends?

Day 7

Golden Gold Coast adventures

Wake up slowly, or wander down to the beach for a morning sunrise and swim! Today is totally up to you, whether you want to slow down and chill out in classic Gold Coast fashion, or make the most of Surfers Paradise, it’s up to you! With something for everyone, discover the local boutiques, head out for a surf, indulge in local fare or embark on a fun add-on tour!

Day 8

En route to Noosa

Depart the sunny Surfers Paradise for the equally idyllic shores of Noosa. A beloved holiday and surf spot amongst locals and backpackers alike, the days melt into a haze of salty swims, sandy walks, soft sunsets and post-surf acai bowls here! Arrive at your hostel and venture to Hastings Street for a laid-back afternoon with your group!

Day 9 & 10

Noosa Everglades, Australia Zoo or free day

From National Parks to gorgeous, crystal-clear waters, discover the natural marvels of Noosa today with this things to do guide. Or, if you've opted for the Add On Activity Package, elevate your time on the Sunshine Coast with a kayak experience through the Noosa Everglades. The Noosa Everglades are a lesser-known sight on the Sunny Coast, but a total hidden gem, as one of just two everglade ecosystems in the world! Reconvene at your fantastic local hostel for some downtime or a drink with your friends. Day 10 holds a day trip out to Steve Irwin’s iconic Australia Zoo for add-on activity package holders, or a free day! 

Add On Activity Package Includes

• Australia Zoo Day Pass
• Noosa Everglades Kayak Day Trip

Day 11

Rainbow Beach

Depart the shores of Noosa for Rainbow Beach today, your gateway to K’gari (Fraser Island) and a gorgeous, beachside town. Here, you can opt to head to the beach for the afternoon before you grab a drink or dinner at a local pub with your mates! The marvels of Rainbow Beach await, so dive into a relaxed free day of sand, salt and summertime bliss! Head to the nearby Carlo Sandblow for incredible sand dune formations and ocean vistas out of a postcard, sunbake and swim at the local beach or take some time to catch up on your laundry and have some R&R on this jampacked experience.

Day 12 - 14

K’gari (Fraser Island) 3-Day, 2-Night 4WD Tour

A bright and early start will have you catching the ferry over to the world’s largest sand island: K’gari (formerly called Fraser Island). Here, three days and two nights exploring gem-coloured lakes, gorgeous sandy stretches and ancient rainforests. Itinerary highlights of this tour include Lake Mackenzie, Central Station, Maheno Shipwreck, Lake Wabby and 75 Mile Beach. Your transport around the island is an iconic 4WD, from which you can spot dingoes and zoom along sandy highways! Rest your head at a tranquil campsite with excellent facilities, starry nights and campfire chats. K’gari translates from the native Butchulla language to literally mean paradise, discover the magic, adventure and beauty that is abundant on this gorgeous island!

Day 15

From Rainbow to Airlie Beach, the Whitsundays

Venture to North Queensland today as you journey up to Airlie Beach. The hub of the Whitsunday region and gateway to the 74 beautiful Whitsunday Islands, you’ll find pristine beaches, secluded bays and lush islands in this corner of the world!

Day 16 & 17

Airlie Beach adventures

Wake up in tropical heaven with a free day in Airlie Beach. Renowned as a backpacker oasis, with a laidback small-town charm combined with colourful nightlife and bars lining Main Street, find your groove in this unique Aussie destination! Can’t wait to discover the plethora of islands just off the mainland? Your Add on Activity Package includes a scenic flight over the sprawling archipelago that many say is the best thing to do on the East Coast on day 16. And on day 17, head out to the luxe Hamilton Island for a day of poolside chilling and beachy bliss in one of the most renowned resort islands in the world!

Add On Activity Package Includes

• Day 16 - Whitsundays Scenic Flight
• Day 17 - Hamilton Island Day Trip

Day 18 - 20

Whitsunday Island Sailing tour

Arrive nice and early at the meeting point for your exciting 2-day, 2-night sailing trip! Board your deluxe vessel with your group and meet other fellow fun-loving backpackers and your friendly crew. Set sail towards the Whitsundays, stopping at Tongue Bay for a scenic hike to Hill Inlet lookout, with its breathtaking views of Whitehaven Beach. Enjoy a freshly prepared dinner on board while anchored in a lively bay, soaking in the social atmosphere and the dazzling night sky. Wake up to a hearty breakfast on the boat and head to Whitehaven Beach for swimming and sunbathing on the pristine sands. Spend the afternoon snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef's vibrant coral gardens, exploring the rich marine life. Enjoy another delightful evening meal on the boat, sharing stories and laughs with new friends under the stars. The next morning, savour a leisurely breakfast before a final swim or snorkel session, then sail back to Airlie Beach, filled with unforgettable memories and new friendships. Head to Mama Africa's where free entry and a boat afterparty await with friends new and old!

Trip Upgrade

• Scuba diving (when available)

Day 21 & 22

Magnetic Island adventuring

A total hidden island gem just off of Townsville, Magnetic Island is a beachy paradise. Hop on the ferry and arrive to views of serene bays, secluded palmy caves, turquoise waters and rocky walkways. Here, you can decide how you spend your two days with your group. Choose to rent a 4WD or scooter to explore the island, visiting Horseshoe Bay for water sports and relaxing on its sandy shores. Hike the Forts Walk for stunning views and history and cuddle a koala at Bungalow Bay Koala Village, snorkel at Geoffrey Bay and join a sea kayak tour. Or, check out our favourite free things to do on Magnetic Island and do it your way!

Day 23

On the road to Cairns!

Your last travel leg of the trip has come, so hop on the ferry back to the mainland, and then catch your bus from Townsville to Cairns. The Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest and tropical marvels are just around the corner, so settle in with a good podcast, fill in your travel journal and enjoy the ride!

Day 24

Great Barrier Reef Scuba & Snorkel tour

Embark on an unforgettable day trip from Cairns to the Great Barrier Reef, the world's largest coral reef system. Board a modern vessel and head to vibrant dive sites teeming with marine life. Snorkel or scuba dive among colourful coral formations, encountering exotic fish and even sea turtles. Enjoy a delicious lunch onboard before relaxing on the sun deck. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage site before returning to Cairns, sunkissed and filled with awe at the underwater marvels of tropical North Queensland.

Day 25 & 26

Explore Cairns or add-on Daintree & Adrenaline activities

Relax and explore the vibrant wonders of Cairns. With an array of epic things to do, a fun backpacker scene and a laid-back township, you can hang out with your group and unwind by the lagoon. Or, if you’re looking to make the most in Far North Queensland, opt for extra activities. On day 25, you can add on an additional Atherton Tablelands Waterfall Day Tour. On day 26, venture into the depths of the tropics with a Daintree Rainforest Day Trip. Whatever you choose, enjoy the tropics under the sun!

Add On Activity Package Includes

• Daintree Rainforest Day Tour
• Cairns Waterfall Day Trip

Day 27

Skydive & farewell dinner

What better way to say au revoir to your trip than with an exhilerating skydive?! Soar over the glimmering tropical reefs with a 15000ft skydive if you opted for the Add on Package. Otherwise, a final free day in Cairns is yours! Head on down to Rusty’s Fruit Market, wander around the Cairns Art Gallery or go for a walk along the esplanade. Reconvene for a delicious farewell dinner with your group, and swap photos and your fave memories from the month of adventuring along the East Coast!

Add On Activity Package Includes

• 15000ft Skydive with Skydive Australia

Day 28

Check-out & onward travel

Today is your last day in Cairns, so wake up and check out of your accommodation, say goodbye to your travel mates and continue your journey! If you need a hand organising your onward travel, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our local travel agents who can book any extra accommodation, transfers or tours for you!

Trip Extension

• Post-tour accommodation and activities in Cairns