East Coast Packages / Start in Sydney
22 Days / 21 Nights

22 Day Sydney to Cairns Highlights East Coast Package

Sydney

Inclusions

Accommodation

  • 2 nights in Byron Bay at the Beach Hostel
  • 1-night accommodation in Surfers Paradise at Bunk
  • 3 nights accommodation in Rainbow Beach at Freedom
  • 2 nights at Halse Lodge
  • 2 nights accommodation in Magnetic Island + return ferry
  • 3nights Cairns at Freedom Cairns Central Hostel
  • 2 nights in Airlie Beach at Nomads

Activities

  • Full day Nimbin and Byron Hinterland Tour with Grasshoppers
  • 3 day/2 night Fraser Island, Tag-Along Safari with Dingos
  • 2 day/2 night Whitsundays Sailing
  • 1 Day Great Barrier Reef Trip On Ocean Freedom including 1 introductory dive
  • 1 Day Rainforest & Waterfalls Tour with Waterfall Wanderers 

Transport & Food

  • 11 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 4 dinners
  • 30 Day WHIMIT Greyhound Bus Pass

Itinerary

Day 1- Overnight bus from Sydney to Byron Bay

Of course, your first stop is the Sydney Opera House and Darling Harbour, but don't forget about iconic Bondi Beach, an abundance of museums, the stunning views from the Rocks and way more. Tonight, make your way to Byron Bay! 

 

Day 2 - Free Day in Byron Bay /Overnight Byron Bay

Today is your last day in  Byron! Explore the town, hike to the lighthouse, chill on the beach. Tonight, have a drink and listen to live music by the buskers in this chilled-out town. 

 

Day 3 - Full Day in Nimbin and Byron Hinterland / Overnight Byron Bay

Today you're off for real local experience - hippy central Nimbin. This tour is all about venturing into village vibes so bring out the hippie colours to explore Nimbin and the incredible surrounding Byron Bay hinterland. Spend the morning meeting dreadlocked locals and exploring the colourful street before a fun-filled afternoon of waterfall hopping. This afternoon, head back to Byron Bay for a well-deserved beer on the beach. 

Meal(s) included: Lunch

 

Day 4 - Bus to Surfers Paradise/Overnight Surfers Paradise

Wave goodbye to Byron as today you make your way to Surfers Paradise on the stunning Gold Coast. Check into your central hostel for 1 night before heading out to explore the town. We're talking stunning beaches, towering skyscrapers and some of the country's best nightlife. 

 

Day 5 - Bus to Noosa/Overnight Noosa

Wave goodbye to the Gold Coast and hello to the darling of the Sunshine Coast, Noosa! Check into your hostel for 2 nights then treat yourself to a drink at one of the many cafes that boast stunning coastal views. The best way to experience Noosa is to kick back and go with the flow. We're talking lazy afternoon drinks, sunset beach walking and all the other good stuff

Meals Included: Breakfast. 

 

Day 6 - Free day - Overnight Noosa

Take a stroll along the waterfront, opt for an Everglades tour or simply wander through the shops, stuffed full of charm. Today is yours to explore! 

  

Day 7 - Bus to Rainbow Beach/Overnight Rainbow Beach

Check out of your hostel and make your way to Rainbow Beach. Check into your hostel and get yourself comfortable with the relaxed pace of life here. 

 

Day 8 - Free Day Rainbow Beach / Overnight Rainbow Beach

Here's a free day in Rainbow Beach to enjoy! Soak in some sun and work on the tan and maybe check out one of our favourite places, Carlo Sandblow - this is what the East Coast is all about. This afternoon, you will attend your compulsory safety briefing to prepare you for your next couple of days driving 4x4s across stunning Fraser Island! 

Meals Included: Breakfast

  

Day 9 - 3 day/2 Night Fraser Island Adventure

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 10 - 3 day/2 Night Fraser Island Adventure

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 11- 3 day/2 Night Fraser Island Adventure / Overnight 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 12 - Free Day/ Overnight bus to Airlie Beach

Free day to explore Rainbow Beach. Tonight, pack your bags as you board your overnight bus to iconic Airlie Beach.

Meals included: Breakfast

 

Day 13 - Arrive Airlie Beach/Overnight in Airlie Beach

Arrive bright and early in Airlie and check into your hostel for 2 nights. Today is yours free to Airlie this tropical paradise. Tonight, you can find out for yourself by Airlie nightlife is just so famous…

 

Day 14: Whitsundays Sailing - Airlie Beach to Whitsundays

This itinerary will cover about 100kms around the islands and will be done at this time due to the sailing capacity and skill of your Maxi Y. This tour provides time to discover the islands, including time to relax at the stunning Whitehaven Beach, walk to the popular Hill Inlet Lookout and enjoy two snorkelling stops on the fringing coral reefs that stretch right from the edge of the islands. 

Meal(s) included: Dinner

 

Day 15: Whitsundays Sailing 

Not only are you going to visit the famous Whitehaven Beach on this journey, but you'll also get to the northern end of Whitsundays where the best fringing coral reefs in Whitsundays are found-namely Langford Reef and Mantaray Bay. For the guests who want to be part of it, help the crew set up their sails, turn on the wheel and take some awesome sailing pictures. The Captain and the crew are going to give you the wit.

Meal(s) included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 16: Whitsundays Sailing - Whitsundays to Airlie Beach

Wake up to that clean sea air in your final morning before it's time for more fun sailing back to Airlie Beach. Travel along the western coast of Whitsunday Island, along Hook Passage, and follow the eastern coast of Hook Island, past the Molle Islands, giving you the opportunity to snorkel and swim. Return to Airlie Beach at about 11 am.

Meal(s) included: Breakfast

  

Day 17 - Bus to Townsville, ferry to Magnetic Island/Overnight Magnetic Island

Check out of your hostel and make your way to Townsville where you will meet up with the ferry that will take you to Magnetic Island for the next 2 days. 

 

Day 18 - Free day - Magnetic Island

Today is yours free to explore. There's plenty to do on the island, but our personal favourite is to do nothing...kick back and relax. Once you soak in the views of the aqua water and swaying palm trees, you'll know exactly what we're talking about. 

 

Day 19 - Ferry to Townsville, bus to Cairns/Overnight Cairns

Check out of your hostel and board your ferry back to Townsville where you will continue onto the adventure capital of Australia - Cairns.  Check into your hostel where you'll be staying for the 3 nights and then head out to explore. As well as stunning views and being stuffed full of adventure activities, Cairns is also a huge party town so get ready for tonight. The best way to say hello to Cairns is to hit the town.

 

Day 20 - 1 Day Great Barrier Reef Cruise/Overnight Cairns

It's here. The day you've been waiting for. Today, you're heading out onto the big blue to explore the Great Barrier Reef. Today you get to explore 2 stunning reef sites; Upolu Cay and the 'Wonder Wall' on the Outer Edge of Upolu Reef. You're treated to 6 full hours exploring the reef with plenty of snorkelling and diving opportunities, awesome lunch and knowledgeable eco-guides.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

 

Day 21 - 1 Day trip to Waterfalls & Rainforest / Overnight Cairns

You will be collected from your Cairns accommodation at approximately 6.55 am. Departing Cairns early, you will visit the iconic Babinda Boulders for some sightseeing and exploration. Stroll to the viewing platforms to fully appreciate the beautiful scenery. On your return, enjoy a complimentary delicious brunch. Next stop is the spectacular Josephine Falls. Bring your camera for this one!  Then travel onto the Atherton Tablelands via the Palmerston Hwy to Millaa Millaa Falls. Stop for lunch at Milla Milla or Malanda, depending on timing (B.Y.O. or purchase). Then visit the Malanda Environmental Park and Curtain Fig Tree. You will go platypus spotting before arriving at Lake Eacham in the late afternoon. You can enjoy a quiet swim, do some bird spotting or just enjoy a peaceful time here. Then it’s time to head back to Cairns! You will be dropped off at your accommodation at around 6:30 pm

Meal Included: Breakfast, Lunch

 

Day 22 - Check out, trip ends

This morning you will check out of your hostel where your trip will officially end. Don't cry! There's plenty more of Australia to explore. 

Meals Included: Breakfast 


Pickups / Departures

Starts: Sydney

Finishes: Cairns 

Departs: This flexible package departs any day of the year 


Extras

Levies:

Please note there is a $20 levy to be paid on arrival for Fraser Island. This is quoted in your total price but must be paid directly to the suppliers on the day of your tours. 

Optional extras:

You also can hire a sleeping bag for your Fraser Island tour for just a $15 one off payment for your entire trip, or you may bring your own. Whilst on the Whitsundays, you are able to store your luggage for just $5, as you are only able to take a small zipless bag onto the Whitsundays.

Customisations:

This tour is 100% customisable and we can change the length of trip, what is included, or the destinations you’d like to go at a discounted rate. Some popular add on activities are as follows:

  • 15,000ft Skydive
  • Bungy Jumping
  • Scenic Flight over the Whitsundays
  • Chopper Tour
  • Noosa Everglades
  • Moreton Island
  • Dolphin kayaking
  • Surf camps
  • Double/twin rooms

Pay In Instalments

Be aware that at any time, the price of this package can fluctuate based on seasonality and availability. By simply placing a $100 deposit for this package, it will remain available to you at the current price and you are protected from fluctuating fares. You then have the option to pay off in instalments and decide on your travel dates.


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Enquire

22 Day Sydney To Cairns Highlights East Coast Package

Call +61 2 9932 8000 for immediate availability and information