Start in Brisbane - East Coast Packages

How long does the Brisbane to Cairns route take?

Around 1,700km, which makes it the most manageable of the east coast routes. Most people spend 1-3 weeks on it depending on how long they want at each stop. Good option if you're working with limited time. You're not skipping anything that matters - you're just skipping the Sydney-to-Brisbane leg.

What are the must-see stops between Brisbane and Cairns?

K'gari (Fraser Island) is the big one: the world's largest sand island, with freshwater lakes on top of sand dunes, 4WD tracks running along the beach, and camping that earns its reputation. Then up to Airlie Beach for the Whitsundays, Mission Beach, and Cairns. If you have extra time, Agnes Water and the Town of 1770 are genuinely underrated - both of them.

Is Brisbane a good starting point for the east coast?

More than people give it credit for. You skip the Sydney leg and land straight in Queensland, which is where the coast really opens up. Brisbane has real stuff going for it too: South Bank's man-made beach in the middle of the city, West End's food scene, Fortitude Valley for nights out. (They call it BrisVegas for a reason.) Works especially well if you're flying in there or have already started your trip from Sydney.

Can I extend or customise my itinerary?

Yes. Noosa, the Sunshine Coast, the Gold Coast - all easy adds to a Brisbane departure. We can also extend the route all the way through to Sydney or Melbourne at the other end, or build in a Uluru and Red Centre extension if you have the time for it.

Can I do this trip solo?

Yes. And honestly, solo is kind of the default mode on the east coast. Our small group tours give you built-in company from day one, plus a guide who handles all the logistics so you're not spending your trip stressing over buses and bookings. Coach passes work too - the backpacker trail is set up for making friends. You will not be lonely. (Unless you want to be, which we also fully support.)

What's the difference between a guided tour and a coach pass?

A guided tour: small group, dedicated guide, accommodation and activities all lined up. You show up, they handle it. A coach pass: you pick the pace, hop on and off when you feel like it, stay as long as you want somewhere. Same transport network, completely different energy. Neither is wrong - it just depends on whether you want freedom or someone else to carry the mental load.

Do I need travel insurance?

Yes. And not because we enjoy saying it. The east coast involves snorkelling, skydiving, 4WD driving on sand, sailing, and a lot of activities where things can and occasionally do go sideways. Medical costs in Australia are not a fun surprise. Most of our packages require insurance, and if you need help finding cover, our team can point you in the right direction.

Not sure Brisbane is the right starting point for you? You can also start in Sydney, start in Cairns, or start in Melbourne - our team can help you figure out which makes the most sense for your trip.