18 Day Cairns to Sydney Bucket List Trip (Or Reverse)

Day 1: Arrive Cairns / Overnight Stay Cairns

Today you'll arrive, Cairns! The one place on earth where two marine parks meet! This city is the gateway to both the Great Barrier Reef as well as the Daintree Rainforest and offers heaps of awesome activities for travellers from nature to extreme sports! If you want to add on some time to this trip but don’t want to add on destinations, Cairns is a great place to add on a few nights and explore! 

Meals Included: None

Day 2: Waterfall Wanderers / Cairns

Today prepare to be mesmerised by nature and wildlife within the ancient tropical rainforest. You'll explore Babinda Boulders, Josephine Falls (Natural rock slide), Crawfords Lookout (Big high lookout) and the stunning Millaa Millaa Falls (World famous hair flick waterfall). You will also have the opportunity to visit the dormant Volcanic Crater Lake filled with turtles and surrounded by wildlife. You will watch the sunset next to your last swim (don’t worry about getting cold the water in here never changes temperature 23 degrees all day all night)!

Meals Included: Snacks, Lunch

Day 3: Great Barrier Reef / Cairns

This morning you can tick off one of Australia's must-do activities - a full day Great Barrier Reef tour. You'll board at 7:30 am for a day packed with fun and excitement as you explore the outer reef. With options to try snorkeling or even scuba diving, you'll spend up to 6 hours discovering 2 spectacular reef locations. Swim alongside schools of tropical reef fish and admire amazing coral formations. Learn about the underwater ecosystem during a glass-bottom boat cruise and Marine Biology presentation. It's a true bucket-list experience that you won't want to miss! 

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4: Cairns - (Townsville) Magnetic Island

Today you'll make your way to Townsville where a ferry will take you to the stunning Magnetic Island. Check-in for 2 nights and then kick back and relax on one of the island's many iconic beaches. 

Meals Included: None

Day 5: Magnetic Island

Today is yours free to soak in the sunshine of Magnetic Island for your final day here. A beautiful place for hiking, kayaking, and full relaxation! Explore Horseshoe Bay and Picnic Bay for a pristine beach day. The island is home to a variety of wildlife, including koalas, rock wallabies, and over 180 species of birds. 

 Meals included: None

Day 6: Magnetic Island - Airlie Beach

Today you'll be waving goodbye to Magnetic Island and hello to Airlie Beach - the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands. You'll check into your central Airlie Beach accommodation. No time to waste! Drop your bags and head out to explore this beachside town before preparing for your Whitsundays tour tomorrow!  

Meals included: None

Day 7: Whitsundays Sailing Trip - Airlie Beach to Whitsundays

Meet your crew at the PORT OF AIRLIE at 8:30am. Feeling energised? Help hoist the sails! Otherwise, sit back and relax as you float across the Whitsunday Passage to Whitsunday Island, finding anchorage at Tongue Bay. Take a guided bush walk to the Hill Inlet Lookout to get that awesome photo of the world-famous Whitehaven Beach. After taking in those picture-postcard views get amongst it and submerse your toes in the unique silica sand. Climb the drift wood tree, say hello to the local marine critters or try beachcombing for shells. In the afternoon you’ll sail north to another island where you’ll anchor just before sunset. Enjoy a drink and pre-dinner snacks and be mesmerised by the golden hour as the sun sets over the Whitsundays. After dinner, grab a drink and get stuck into a conversation with new mates.

Meal(s) included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Whitsundays Sailing Trip to Airlie Beach

Early rise for breakfast, then kit up with snorkelling gear, ready to jump in over the fringing coral reefs. Stunning tropical fish and other marine life, a turtle if you’re lucky, will welcome you into their home as they swim, dart and go about their life. Time for morning tea before heading to another location for a swim, snorkel or a beach stop. After lunch, it is time to set the sails once again and make way across the Whitsunday Passage. Arrive back into Airlie Beach at 4pm. (Perfect time to get to your accommodation, refresh and meet your new friends out for an after party!)

Meal(s) included : Lunch

Day 9: Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach is a vibrant coastal town known for its stunning natural beauty and relaxed atmosphere. You can enjoy the scenic Airlie Beach Lagoon, a free public swimming area perfect for relaxing and cooling off with picturesque views of the Coral Sea. The Bicentennial Walkway offers a scenic stroll along the waterfront, providing beautiful views of the marina and beaches. For those seeking adventure, you can hike through the Conway National Park, where lush rainforests and lookout points offer stunning vistas over the coastline. Airlie Beach also has a lively town centre with plenty of cafés, bars, and boutique shops to explore, making it a perfect spot to unwind or enjoy a night out. Water lovers can also take part in activities like jet-skiing, kayaking, and paddleboarding around the calm waters of Pioneer Bay.

Meals included: None

Day 10: Airlie Beach / overnight bus to Rainbow Beach

Today is your last day in Airlie Beach and it is time to explore! Kick back and relax on the beach or test your limits and opt for something a bit higher off the ground.. about how you can add on a scenic flight to see the iconic Heart Reef or why not try skydiving in one of Australia's most stunning coastal locations? Tonight you will board the bus to Rainbow Beach! 

Day 11: Rainbow Beach

You've got the day to yourself! So settle in and explore this beach-side paradise. If you're not sure where to go, we recommend checking out Rainbow Beach's famous Carlo Sandblow, a 'moonscape' of windblown sand.

Meals included: None

Day 12: 3 Day / 2 Night Dingos K'gari Fraser Island Tag Along Safari

Your Fraser Island adventure begins with a quick morning brief at Freedom Hostel. At 9:30 am, depart for Fraser Island and drive approximately 10 minutes to the barge (ferry) and board for your 10-minute barge crossing. Once you have arrived on the world's largest sand island, drive for 1 hour to the Eurong Beach Resort along 75 Mile beach - Fraser Island's own highway with speed limits!  There you can grab a coffee and chocolate croissant (own cost) for morning tea. From here, the adventure really begins, as we drive to the famous Lake McKenzie, one of the most popular and picturesque highlights of Fraser. We stop for lunch and time to swim and relax in the amazingly clear waters of the lake before driving up the beach to your campsite. Settle in for an early dinner, some well-deserved drinks and plenty of fun! 

​Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13: 3 Day / 2 Night Dingos K'gari Fraser Island Tag Along Safari

The day begins with a quick breakfast to fuel your busiest day on Fraser Island! First stop is Eli Creek, a beautifully clear creek perfect for a relaxing swim. Travelling north, stop at Maheno Shipwreck for a photo opportunity and a short history lesson about this famous Fraser Island icon before continuing on to Indian Head. Fraser Island's highest point, from here you may be lucky enough to see whales and sharks in the ocean before travelling to Champagne Pools for a drop. Lunch is served at either Maheno Shipwreck or Champagne Pools on Day 2 depending on time constraints, safety and beauty. In the afternoon, travel back to camp for dinner and drinks. 

​Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14: 3 Day / 2 Night Dingos K'gari Fraser Island Tag Along Safari - Rainbow Beach

Start with breakfast before cleaning and disassembling your campsite. Once packed up, you'll drive to the beginning of the Lake Wabby walk where you'll stride through the dunes to find a tropical paradise! Lunch follows your trip to Lake Wabby before you begin the drive down the beach and back to the barge. Once arrived on the mainland, head to the 4WD shed where you can unpack and quickly clean the cars. You will return to Freedom Hostel between 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm, depending on the tides

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 15: Rainbow Beach - Byron Bay

It's time to head down the East Coast to our next destination which is Byron Bay! Today you can soak up Byron Bays' charm and relaxed atmosphere. Byron Bay is a hub for artists, musicians, and creatives, plus you'll find a vibrant arts scene, live music performances, street markets, and an array of unique and eclectic shops. Immerse yourself in this creative coastal town today, maybe cycle to a few remote white sandy beaches such as Tallow or Wategoes.

Meals Included: None

Day 16: Byron Bay 

Relax in beautiful Byron Bay, this spot is somewhere that most travellers would love to stay longer! Why not try a surf lesson? Ask us for more informations, or perhaps head out for a Dolphin kayak, or an epic trip to Nimbin!

Meals Included: None

Day 17: Byron Bay / Overnight bus to Sydney

Today is yours free to kick back and enjoy Byron. With stunning coastal walks as well as plenty of hinterlands, and awesome nightlife - there's plenty to keep you busy. If you want to make the most of this free day, head to the iconic lighthouse to do the famous Lighthouse Walk. In the evening it is time to board the bus to your last destination of this trip – Sydney!

Meals Included: None

Day 18: Depart Sydney

You will arrive early and bright in Sydney. Stroll through the streets of this big city! Spot the famous opera house and harbour bridge. Or visit the famous Taronga Zoo! Such a fan of Sydney maybe stay a few more days? 

Today you can say "see ya" to like-minded friends as you set off on the rest of your travels. We hope you have made memories to last a lifetime and hope to help you on your next adventure! Fiji or New Zealand anyone….?

Meals Included: None

This package has select departure dates.

Please contact our travel specialists to discuss your preferred date of travel.

Departs: Cairns or Sydney 

Returns: Sydney or Cairns 

There is an optional driving insurance levy to pay directly for the K'gari 4WD Safari 
The bus + package price includes a specific bus pass, selected to work with this trip length

Contact Us today if you wish to explore alternative trip lengths or transport options.

Please note: If you are travelling in Peak Season there is a slight rate increase as reflected on our package pricing.
Please contact us for any questions.

Love this package but have some questions? No worries!

Here is a list of some of the most frequently asked questions about our packages.

Don't see yours here? Contact Us to find out more.

•  Can I make changes to the package?

It is no problem to customise your package to suit your travel plans by adding/removing anything that you wish. If you wish to make changes, please contact us via email hello@backpackersworld.com,

• Is this a guided trip?

This trip consists of a combination of tours and hostels, selected to fit in with your chosen style of travel (budget or flexi flashpacker). Whilst this means that you will not be with the same group of people for the entire duration of your tour, you will be with a group for each tour that you do, and it is very likely that the people that you do the tours with will be booked in the same accommodation in the area. As travellers often travel to similar destinations, it is likely that you will see some of these people, again and again, throughout your tour!

We book all of your tours/accommodation on your behalf and you will be given a voucher for each with all of the information needed ie travel date and pick up location/time. For your buses, we provide you with a bus ticket which has all of the individual departure and arrival times/details.

As Backpackers World Travel is one of the largest travel agencies in Australia, these packages are heavily discounted. Should you need any extra guidance, we are always on hand to help!

This is the most popular way of travel for backpackers along the East Coast, whether you are a solo traveller or travelling in a group of friends - it is the perfect way to meet other travellers and get the most out of your East Coast trip!

• How much should I budget for spending money?

All of our packages include some meals (you can find the included meals in the inclusions and in the day-to-day itinerary) which means that you will only have to budget for the meals that are not included. The amount that these meals will cost vary however all of the hostels have communal kitchens so you can cook your own meals instead of eating out. Some travellers will only spend an extra $5 a day whereas some will spend an extra $50!

• Do I have to choose the exact dates?

Due to limited availability in hostels and on tours we recommend that you book your package as far in advance as possible to guarantee availability on your chosen dates.

• What hostels are included in the package?

We hand-pick the best selection of hostels on the East Coast that are available for your travel dates. We include 6-8 bed dorms in the package price however double/twin share room upgrades are available at an additional cost. Please contact us with your preferred travel date and package name if you would like a price to upgrade to double/twin share rooms.

• Does this package depart daily?

This package is available to depart most days of the week (subject to availability). To check availability for your preferred departure date please ask us on live chat, or send us an email at hello@backpackersworld.com. Alternatively you can book directly on the website by selecting your preferred date and we will reply within 48 hours with a booking confirmation or a secondary option that suits your dates.

• Do I have to pay upfront for this tour or can I pay a deposit/in instalments?

The majority of our customers book and pay for their package in full, meaning that we will book everything in advance to guarantee availability. However, as the prices of our packages can change due to price increases, you are able to secure this amazing package price with a small deposit of just $100pp. You are then able to pay off the package in instalments as and when you wish. As we are unable to make the bookings for the hostels and tours until we have received full payment, due to availability, we do recommend completing payment for your package as far in advance as possible to avoid disappointment. Because of this, it is no problem to tweak the itinerary until full payment has been received - the deposit just locks in the discounted price of this package. If you are worried about availability, let us know as so we can go ahead and look into options for you, for example locking in certain parts of your trip that are likely to fill up in advance such as the Whitsundays/Fraser Island. Have a query about the payment that isn't answered above? Feel free to ask us on live chat,  or send us an email at hello@backpackersworld.com

• Is it possible to cater for specific dietary requirements?

Most if not all suppliers are able to cater for specific dietary requirements, however for some suppliers this can be an additional cost. Our online team are fully knowledgeable on what suppliers/tours charge extra for which dietary requirements so feel free to contact us for more information.