6 Week Guided Sydney to Cairns Group Tour

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$5599
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42
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Adult (18 - 35 yrs)
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Group Leader

Awesome Aussie Guide

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Sailing

Whitsunday Island + Cairns Boats

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Snorkelling

Great Barrier Reef Trips

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Accommodation

42 Nights Included

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Transport

Comfortable Coach

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Locations

The Whole East Coast

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Group

Fun Backpacker Mates

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Meals

9 Breakfasts + 6 Lunches + 6 Dinners

Map of Sydney to Cairns Itinerary

Overview

Take your time and bask in the magic of Australia’s East Coast with this 6-week Sydney to Cairns adventure. The surf’s up and the sun’s out, so put your shades on and let the good times roll! With a social and fun group and an awesome guide to lead the way, do backpacking Down Under like never before… you’re bound to finish up your itinerary with a killer tan, a full camera roll and friends to last a lifetime.

With abundant stops in coastal havens, bustling cities and tropical islands, discover Sydney, Bondi Beach, Byron Bay, the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Noosa, K’gari (Fraser Island), Airlie Beach, Mission Beach and Cairns! Surf, snorkel, sail, hike, four-wheel drive, swim and party as you have a blast in iconic destinations and local towns! This is our favourite extended and guided itinerary, with plenty of free time balanced with exciting group experiences along the way. Say g’day to paradise, Australia awaits! 

  • Sail the Whitsundays, 4WD through K’gari, snorkel the Great Barrier Reef and chase waterfalls in Cairns on inclusive tours.
  • Soak up the sun with stops in beaches and surf towns like Noosa, Gold Coast, Byron Bay and Bondi Beach!
  • Your local guide will show you the best of the East Coast, your fun group of 18 to 35-year-olds in tow!
  • Travel in a comfy coach and stay in deluxe flashpacker accommodation, with all of the little details totally sorted!
  • 24/7 support from your team at East Coast Tours means all of your questions are answered so you can focus on the good stuff!

Your Sample Itinerary

Day 1 - 8

Two people in front of the Sydney Opera House

Sydney Harbour, Bondi Beach & the Blue Mountains

Welcome to the glittering lights of Sydney City! Be welcomed by a Sydney Harbour tour, a beach swim and a group BBQ in the sunshine, as you get to know your travelling companions and guide! Days 3 and 4 will take you to the famous Bondi Beach, where a haze of salt, surf and sand will have you feeling like a real beach bum. Enjoy a wine and cheese night at your deluxe hostel, as well as rooftop yoga! On day 5, head out to the magnificent Blue Mountains, where vast landscapes, lush bushland and flowing waterfalls await! Keep your eyes out for local wildlife like kangaroos and kookaburras! Head back to Sydney City for the rest of your stay, where day trips, pub crawls and selfies in front of the Opera House await!

Stay 

Day 1 & 2 - Central Sydney hostel

Day 3 & 4 - Bondi Beach oceanfront hostel

Day 5 to 7 - Central Sydney hostel

Day 8 - Overnight bus to Byron Bay

 

Day 9 - 12

Two women in front of the Welcome to Byron Bay sign

Surf & Explore in Byron Bay

Byron Bay: a chilled-out beach hub renowned for its colourful streets and hippy vibes. Explore the gorgeous shores, hit the beach for a surf lesson and be guided up the winding coastal walk to the stunning lighthouse! Spot whales, dolphins and turtles from the lookout, before heading back to town for a night of dancing in coastal paradise!

Stay 

Beachfront hostel in Byron Bay

Trip Upgrade

Day 13 - 15

Gold Coast high rises on the beach

Become a Gold Coast Beach Bum!

Surfers Paradise is exactly what it sounds like… a surfer’s paradise! Hit the beach during the days and party your nights away. This unique city where beach and city life meet is full of fun bars, secret surf spots and awesome day activities! Add on a day at a theme park or a stand-up paddleboarding session to make the most of your days.

Stay 

Hostel in Surfers Paradise

Trip Upgrade

  • Dreamworld theme park
  • Stand-up paddleboarding session

 

Day 16 - 18

A woman in a hat standing in a tree with golden fairy lights

Brisbane & Southbank Exploring

Head north towards Brisbane, the charming and bustling city capital of Queensland! Your guide will show the best bits of the city, including Southbank, the Streets Beach lagoon and Queen Street Mall! Catch a fun “CityCat” ferry and mosey along the Brisbane River, before donning your finest threads and partying it up in the Valley!

Trip Upgrade

Day 19 & 20

Noosa headland sunset

Sunshiney Noosa Chillin’

A journey along the East Coast wouldn’t be complete without a stay in Noosa, so travel to the Sunshine Coast and unwind in your stylin’ flashpacker digs. Hit Main Beach and Hastings Street for an Acai bowl and swim, before following your guide through Noosa National Park to Hells Gates on a gorgeous coastal walk. Lounge it up by the pool in your deluxe accommodation, before a cheeky cocktail at the bar!

Stay 

Deluxe Noosa hostel with pool and bar

Trip Upgrade

Day 21

Carlo Sand Blow with two people watching the ocean

An Escape to Rainbow Beach

Renowned as the gorgeous gateway to K’gari (formerly called Fraser Island), Rainbow Beach is a lovely, beachside holiday town with quiet beaches and a vibrant main strip! Head out on a guided walk to the impressive Carlo Sand Blow for ocean views and a bit of the town’s history, before heading back to your hostel for a safety briefing in preparation for your K’gari camping tour!

Stay 

Rainbow Beach hostel

Day 22 - 24

Four people in the rainforest in K'gari

K’gari 4WD Camping Safari

Start the engine and soar over golden sands in your 4WD around the world’s largest sand island, K’gari (Fraser Island)! Your guided, inclusive camping safari will take you through some seriously incredible spots. Swim in the crystal-toned Lake Mackenzie, check out the historical Maheno Shipwreck, walk through ancient forests and camp by the sea and stars! Keep an eye out for the local dingo as you learn about the rich Indigenous history of these flourishing ecosystems!

Stay 

Day 22 & 23 - K’gari beach camping

Day 24 - Rainbow Beach hostel

Day 25 & 26

Brunch in Rainbow Beach with eggs benedict and salt and pepper shakers

Rainbow Beach

Head back to Rainbow Beach and explore the town and surrounding beaches! Enjoy a bit of downtime here and catch up on some laundry, call your family back home, eat some yummy brunch and get stuck into your book by the ocean!

Stay 

Day 25 - Rainbow Beach hostel

Day 26 - Overnight bus to Airlie Beach

Day 27 & 28

A woman in a sundress looking over the harbour with a red bike on a boardwalk

Cocktails & Swims in Airlie Beach

Arrive in the centre of action in the gorgeous Whitsunday region, Airlie Beach, where backpackers flock from near and far to experience the incredible islands and fun vibes! With awesome bars and an unbeatable nightlife scene, spend your days swimming in the lagoon and nights with good friends!

Stay 

Central hostel in Airlie Beach

Trip Upgrades

  • Diving trip
  • Scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef
  • Jet Ski experience
  • Waterfall day tour

Day 29 - 31

A group of women on the beach in colourful swimmers smiling

Overnight Sailing Trip through the Whitsundays

It’s time to brush up on your sailing lingo as your group departs on a decadent island adventure! Board your deluxe vessel and set your sights on exquisite beaches, sprawling reefs and rolling tropical island landscapes! Visit Whitehaven Beach, home to some of the whitest sands in the world, check out the views from Hill Inlet Lookout and snorkel the best-hidden reefs. Spot giant fish, green turtles and even whales during the right season, and enjoy a fully-catered, social sailing experience!

Stay

Shared cabin accommodation on your sailing vessel

Day 32 - 35

Koala in a tree on Magnetic Island

Magnetic Island 4WDing & Koala Cuddles

Continue your northbound journey and catch a short ferry from Townsville to the beautiful Magnetic Island! You will be staying in an excellent eco-accommodation, with secret bays and sandy beaches around every corner! Your guide will lead you through Forts Walk with amazing ocean views and overhead canopies, so don’t forget your camera. Check out the onsite koala sanctuary to get up close and personal with these cuddly critters, and rent a 4WD to spend your days zooming around the island and exploring hidden gems!

Stay 

Magnetic Island eco accommodation

Trip Upgrades

  • Island 4WD hire

  • Koala Sanctuary experience

Day 36 & 37

Woman in a hat standing in front of palm trees in a white dress

Discover Mission Beach

From one regional beachy gem to the next, head to the palm-tree-clad streets of Mission Beach and explore this lesser-known beachside town. Take your pick from the many rainforest hikes and explore the dense bushland with rich Indigenous cultural significance. Choose to add on an adventurous white-water rafting trip or beach skydive if you're feeling adventurous!

Stay 

Mission Beach backpacker hostel

Trip Upgrade

  • White-water rafting

  • Mission Beach skydive

Day 38

Two women in the Cairns lagoon in white bathers

Welcome to Cairns

Your last leg of bus travelling will land you in Cairns, your ultimate destination and a bustling hub where the reef and rainforest meet! From the treetops of the Daintree to the coral gardens of the Great Barrier Reef, get ready for a jampacked stay in Far North Queensland. Your deluxe hostel in the middle of town is decked out with a bar, pool and group activities, so unpack, unwind and get amongst it!

Stay 

Deluxe Cairns backpacker hostel with a pool

Day 39

A group of backpackers swimming in a pool with forest in the background

Waterfall Adventures in Atherton Tablelands

Go bush and discover the wonders hiding amongst verdant hinterlands on a waterfall day tour! The Atherton Tableland region is renowned for its rich biodiversity and countless cascades. Check out famous falls like Millaa Millaa and Zillie, as well as lesser-known gems. Park up by a flowing stream and enjoy a picnic lunch, before jumping in for yet another swim! This really is your waterfall mermaid dream come true!

Stay 

Deluxe Cairns backpacker hostel with a pool

Day 40

A person snorkelling next to a green sea turtle

Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Trip

Are you ready to dive into the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef? Head out to the reef on a decked-out boat, grab a snorkel and make a splash into the brilliant coral gardens! Spot clownfish, turtles, giant clams, sea stars, urchins, reef sharks and more wonderful creatures on your time under the sea! With all gear, food and tuition included, dive deeper into iridescent underwater ecosystems with your new mates in Cairns!

Stay 

Deluxe Cairns backpacker hostel with a pool

Day 41 - 43

An aerial shot of Cape Tribulation

Cairns Free Days & Adios!

The next two days in Cairns are totally up to you. Whether you fill your days with more adventure tours (we can’t recommend a day out to Cape Tribulation enough) or just lounge by the local lagoon, breathe easy in tropical bliss! On your last night, enjoy a farewell group dinner, saying your goodbyes and swapping details to stay in touch with your new friends. It’s been an unforgettable 6 weeks, thanks for the adventures!

Stay 

Day 41 & 42 - Deluxe flashpacker accommodation in Cairns with pool

Trip Upgrade

  • Cape Tribulation day trip 
  • Rainforest tubing experience
  • Scuba diving intro course

Trip Extension

  • Post-tour accommodation in Cairns

What's Included?

  • 42 nights accommodation
  • 2 overnight busses
  • Local guide available throughout your whole itinerary
  • Two-day, two-night Whitsunday sailing trip
  • Airlie Beach VIP afterparty
  • Great Barrier Reef snorkel day trip
  • Three-day, two-night K’gari 4WD Safari
  • Cairns guided waterfall tour
  • Magnetic Island experience
  • Byron Bay yoga class
  • Byron Bay surf lesson
  • Byron Bay guided lighthouse walk
  • Gold Coast guided walk
  • Blue Mountains hiking day trip
  • Sydney & Brisbane City tours
  • Sydney Party crawl
  • Noosa guided coastal walk
  • 21 Meals - 9 x Breakfast, 6 x Lunch, 6 x Dinner

What's Extra?

Travel Insurance

Trip Extensions

Trip Upgrades

  • Cairns, Mission Beach or Airlie Beach Skydive
  • Cairns or Mission Beach Whitewater Rafting
  • Cairns or Airlie Beach Dive Trip
  • Airlie Beach Jet Ski
  • Airlie Beach Scenic Flight
  • 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?

Yes, travel insurance is compulsory for the duration of this trip.

What are the upcoming departure dates?

Contact our travel experts to enquire about upcoming dates for this itinerary!

What should I pack?

Check out our complete guide to packing for your East Coast tour for recommendations. 

What is the accommodation like?

You get 42 nights of accommodation in various hostels, resorts, and overnight tour accommodation. You'll stay in shared dorm style rooms. 

What meals are included?

21 Meals (9 x Breakfast, 6 x Lunch, 6 x Dinner) are included, other meals are at your own expense. 

Can my dietary requirements be catered for?

Yes, but please let us know upon booking about any allergies or dietaries so we can contact the tour operators in advance. Extra fees may apply on some tours for dietary requirements. 

What transport is included?

You will travel via comfortable coach bus, including 2 overnight busses. 

Are there any age restrictions?

This trip is perfect for anybody aged 18 and up who loves adventure! Whether you're a backpacker, couple, group of friends, or solo traveller, anyone with a positive mindset and adventurous spirit will have a blast on this East Coast tour. 

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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