5 Week Sydney To Cairns Ultimate

Day 1 

Overnight Bus to Byron Bay

Let the journey begin on the night bus from Sydney to Byron Bay! Break the ice and trade stories with your fellow travellers. From the dazzling cityscape to the rolling waves of iconic Byron, you’ll be amongst coastal wonders in no time!

Trip Extension 

• Pre-itinerary accommodation, activities and packages 

Day 2

Arrive in Byron Bay

Byron Bay: land of hippies, white linens, and easy-breezy beachside living. Immerse yourself in the heart of Byron’s live music scene, treat yourself to a tour around the Stone & Wood Brewery, and head up to the iconic Cape Byron Lighthouse for spectacular views of the ocean and bay.

Day 3

Surf’s Up in Byron

Hit the beach for a surf lesson with a totally tubular pro. Learn to shred waves, kick out, hang ten and, most importantly, hang loose. Make sure you’re taking notes, there’ll be plenty more opportunities to hit the waves over the next month!

Day 4

Kayak Adventure in Byron

Put your arms to work with a day of kayaking through the beautiful blue waters of Byron. There’s nothing better than enjoying the solitude and serenity of being out on the water with a mate as you paddle through paradise. Head back into town for a starlit night in Byron Bay — a nice cold beer will definitely be in order after this workout on the arms!

Day 5

Nimbin Day Trip!

Spend your final day in the dreamy Byron Bay region exploring Nimbin. This psychedelic, funky little town is home to an awesome community of artists making for a colourful day! Discover the quirky streets, enjoy a healthy lunch and return home on your hippy bus! Go out for one last beer in Byron on your last night, and voila!

Trip Extension

• Surf more with 2 - 7 day surf camps in Byron Bay

Day 6 & 7

Next stop, Surfers Paradise

Board the bus for two days in glorious Surfer’s Paradise. With towering skyscrapers that can be seen from most of the Gold Coast, this big, bustling, beachside city is pulsing with parties and nightlife. Welcome to Queensland!

Day 8 & 9

Brisbane city slicking!

On top of its abundance of natural beauty, Brisbane is also resplendent in its hospitality and nightlife scene. Hit the Howard Smith Wharves for some classy golden hour bevvies and Insta-moments before truly kicking off a night of partying in the Valley: the heart and soul of fun in Brisbane. And if you simply cannot get enough of the beach, head to Southbank’s manmade Street’s Beach!

Day 10

Welcome to Noosa Heads! 

After a lovely hiatus in Brisbane, it’s time to head back to the sandy shores of the East Coast with a few days in Noosa. Take the Noosa National Park walk and stop at the little coves and bays for a cool rejuvenating swim, hit the bars and eateries of Hastings Street, or hire a board and see how much you’ve retained from your foray into surfing back in Byron.

Day 11

Explore the Everglades... by kayak!

Explore the serene beauty of Noosa’s Everglades — one of only two Everglade ecosystems in the world! As you kayak through the calm narrow waterways, experience intimate encounters with the big beautiful waterbirds who inhabit the marshlands — cormorants, eagles, glossy black cockatoos, jabirus, osprey, and pelicans.

Day 12

Become an Australia Zoo wildlife warrior!

Go wild at Australia Zoo and meet the creatures that make this country iconic. Get cuddly with a koala, have lunch with a croc, watch a wombat build a home out of a hole, or — if you’re extra lucky — see green-and-gold royalty, the Irwins, in action. Return to your hostel in the evening to celebrate one last night in beautiful Noosa.

Day 13

Noosa Relaxing

Spend a final day on the Sunshine Coast before continuing on to K'gari. Whether you're lapping up the vitamin D, going for a stroll around Noosa Headland, chowing down a foodie holiday on Hastings Street or catching up on laundry and chatting with friends back home, revel in a day at your own pace!

Day 14 & 15

Rainbow Beach Relaxin’

Unwind at Rainbow Beach and enjoy the slow pace of coastal living. Explore the sands, where up to 72 different colours and shades can be found, or get to know the residents at the local bars — we hear The Deck is the hottest spot in town.

Day 16, 17 & 18

Rove the sands & lakes of K'gari (Fraser Island)

From the crystal clear waters of Lake Mackenzie and the marooned shipwreck on 75 Mile Beach, to the mountainous sloping dunes at Lake Wabby and the ginger-faced dingoes, Fraser Island (K’gari) is sure to be one of the highlights of your month. And the best way to see it? A three-day 4WD camping safari.

Day 19

Overnight Bus to Airlie

Hit the Greyhound for some well-deserved rest and relaxation. Cool your sunburns, update your Insta, or simply sleep off the first half of your trip.

Day 20

Airlie Beach Exploring

Shed your bags and get settled at your centrally located Airlie Beach accommodation. Today is yours, so spend it in any way that tickles your fancy! Maybe that looks like a chilled day by the pool, exploring the local cafe culture, or getting absolutely tanked with your mates in Airlie’s nightlife scene.... whatever you're style, this tropical hub has you covered!

Day 21, 22 & 23

Whitsundays Sailing

Boat, island, ‘nother island, ‘nother island, boat, next place! Hop from one sandy beach to another, snorkel through crystal clear waters with kaleidoscopes of tropical fish, and enjoy the simplicity of life at sea. Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, relax on Whitehaven Beach and hang out with your young & fun crew and mates as you sail into sunsets! You’ll be sleeping on a comfortable liveaboard vessel for the first two nights, before returning to your Airlie Beach accommodation on the third evening, where a VIP afterparty awaits!

Day 24

More Airlie Beach Adventuring!

You’re sure to be shot after your big three days at sea, so feel free to use today to relax and shake off your sealegs. Or if you’re still achin’ for adventure get set for a mini-expedition to Cedar Creek Falls, cast a line at the beach and catch some fish for a seafood barbeque, or explore the rest of Airlie’s boundless beauty.

Day 25 & 26

Magnetic Island Magic

Leave the mainland in your rearview once again in favour of more island time. This time you’ll be staying in the tropical paradise of Magnetic Island. Sink into the warm sands as the palm trees sway in the breeze, go hunting for native rock wallabies at Geoffrey Bay, or put on your walking shoes and hike the Forts Walk track!

Day 27

On a mission to Mission Beach

Welcome to Mission Beach, travellers. This low-key tropical paradise has been left mostly untouched by chain stores, highrises and crowds. Embrace the serenity of the 14-kilometre beach, take a dip in the turquoise waters of Cardwell Spa Pool, or put your legs to work and explore numerous hiking tracks!

Day 28

Scenic skydive with a beach landing!

Release your inner daredevil as you fling yourself into the big blue sky. Feel the adrenaline pounding through your body as gravity pulls you closer and closer to the stunning jungles and sandy coastlines of Far North Queensland. Don’t forget to enjoy the view on your way down!

Day 29

White Water Rafting

Prepare to get wet and wild with another day of thrills in Mission Beach! Rage through Tully River’s ravines in a race against the current as the untouched beauty of the towering rainforest stands tall above you.

Day 30

Welcome to the heart of Tropical North QLD, Cairns!

Welcome, you’ve made it to the unofficial capital of the north! Take a load off, grab a bite and get cosy at your centrally located hostel and buckle up for a week of reef and rainforest fun.

Day 31

Great Barrier Reef Scuba Diving & Snorkelling

Arguably the crown jewel of Australia’s endless natural wonders, the Great Barrier Reef is home to a rich biodiversity of over 9,000 species! Snorkel alongside graceful rays and sea turtles, colourful schools of clownfish and electric-blue surgeonfish, all the while taking in the view of the vibrant and varying coral gardens and structures. Take an intro diving class too, as a treat, and enjoy an easy day where all food, gear and tuition are included!

Day 32

Chasing Waterfalls Through The Atherton Tablelands

Cairns is surrounded by lush mountains and ancient rainforests where a bounty of waterfalls are waiting to be discovered. Spend today exploring the best watering holes and falls mere moments from the CBD, stopping at the iconic Millaa Millaa and Josephine Falls, just to name a few!

Day 33

Cape Tribulation & Daintree Rainforest Marvels!

Escape the crowds of Cairns for a day on the remote beaches of Cape Tribulation. Cape Trib strikes gold on the rainforest-to-beach ratio as the coastline backs directly onto the Daintree National Park. While you enjoy the dense lush greenery, be sure to keep an eye open for the majestic cassowaries and crocodiles that rule these jungles!

Day 34

Penultimate Party Day in Cairns!

Set out with a book in search of a good coffee and some downtime at a local cafe, catch some rays and work on your tan by the pool, and — most importantly — get ready to celebrate the final night of your tour with all the mates you’ve met along the way. Treat yourselves to a celebratory dinner and go out with a bang in Cairns’ bustling nightlife.

Day 35

Hasta La Vista Travellers!

Your month of fun has come to an end, dear friends. But don’t let this be the last leg of your East Coast adventures! Now that you’ve got the lay of the land, level up your scuba skills, and explore more reefs, return to some of your favourite destinations from your trip, or if you’re on a working visa, replenish your funds and work locally! The East Coast is your oyster.

Trip Extension 

• Post-itinerary accommodation, tours and transport