Awesome Aussie Guide
Whitsunday Island + Cairns Boats
Great Barrier Reef Trips
42 Nights Included
Comfortable Coach
The Whole East Coast
Fun Backpacker Mates
9 Breakfasts + 6 Lunches + 6 Dinners
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!
Day 1 - 8 |
Sydney Harbour, Bondi Beach & the Blue MountainsWelcome 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! StayDay 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 |
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Day 9 - 12 |
Surf & Explore in Byron BayByron 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! StayBeachfront hostel in Byron Bay |
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Day 13 - 15 |
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. StayHostel in Surfers Paradise |
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Day 16 - 18 |
Brisbane & Southbank ExploringHead 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! |
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Day 19 & 20 |
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! StayDeluxe Noosa hostel with pool and bar |
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Day 21 |
An Escape to Rainbow BeachRenowned 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! StayRainbow Beach hostel |
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Day 22 - 24 |
K’gari 4WD Camping SafariStart 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! StayDay 22 & 23 - K’gari beach camping Day 24 - Rainbow Beach hostel |
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Day 25 & 26 |
Rainbow BeachHead 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! StayDay 25 - Rainbow Beach hostel Day 26 - Overnight bus to Airlie Beach |
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Day 27 & 28 |
Cocktails & Swims in Airlie BeachArrive 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! StayCentral hostel in Airlie Beach |
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Day 29 - 31 |
Overnight Sailing Trip through the WhitsundaysIt’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 |
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Day 32 - 35 |
Magnetic Island 4WDing & Koala CuddlesContinue 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! StayMagnetic Island eco accommodation |
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Day 36 & 37 |
Discover Mission BeachFrom 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! StayMission Beach backpacker hostel |
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Day 38 |
Welcome to CairnsYour 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!
StayDeluxe Cairns backpacker hostel with a pool |
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Day 39 |
Waterfall Adventures in Atherton TablelandsGo 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!
StayDeluxe Cairns backpacker hostel with a pool |
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Day 40 |
Great Barrier Reef Snorkel TripAre 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!
StayDeluxe Cairns backpacker hostel with a pool |
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Day 41 - 43 |
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!
StayDay 41 & 42 - Deluxe flashpacker accommodation in Cairns with pool |
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Trip Extension
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Travel Insurance
Trip Extensions
Trip Upgrades
Levies & Tour Extras
Payable on arrival of tours
Please read our terms, conditions and cancellation policies before booking your East Coast itinerary package.
Yes, travel insurance is compulsory for the duration of this trip.
Check out our complete guide to packing for your East Coast tour for recommendations.
You get 42 nights of accommodation in various hostels, resorts, and overnight tour accommodation. You'll stay in shared dorm style rooms.
21 Meals (9 x Breakfast, 6 x Lunch, 6 x Dinner) are included, other meals are at your own expense.
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.
You will travel via comfortable coach bus, including 2 overnight busses.
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.