Welcome to Australia: East Coast

Today is the day it all begins. Meet your Welcome to Travel guide and your new travel family during a relaxed meet and greet where we’ll run through the full East Coast itinerary and answer any questions. After a secret included experience, we’ll enjoy our first Welcome Dinner together before boarding the overnight bus to Byron Bay.

Wake up in Byron Bay, one of Australia’s most iconic coastal towns known for its beaches, surf and laid-back vibes. Your guide will show you around “the Bay” before enjoying a group meal to celebrate your first full day on the road together.

Enjoy a free day to relax on the beach or explore town before heading out in the afternoon for an included river kayaking experience at Brunswick Heads, paddling through calm waters and finishing at the pub for a relaxed evening with the group.

Your final day in Byron Bay is all about choice, whether that’s chilling by the beach, exploring cafés, or booking an optional surf lesson as a paid add-on. In the evening, we come together for a group night out to wrap up an incredible few days.

Travel north to the Gold Coast, with your guide hosting a session beforehand to help you feel confident for the semi-guided part of your journey. Arrive in Surfers Paradise and enjoy free time to hit the beach or explore the buzzing coastal strip.

Today includes a guided cultural walk at Burleigh Heads with an Aboriginal guide, learning about the land, culture and history of the area. The afternoon is free to relax or explore Surfers Paradise, with additional activities available to book if you wish.

Arrive in Brisbane, Queensland’s vibrant capital city, where you can relax and recharge or choose to book an optional whale watching experience as a paid add-on, depending on the season.

Today you can choose how adventurous you’d like to be, with the option to book a full-day Moreton Island experience as a paid add-on, including sandboarding, snorkelling shipwrecks and kayaking, or enjoy a slower day exploring Brisbane.

Enjoy another flexible day in Brisbane, with the option to book a visit to Australia Zoo as a paid add-on or spend your time exploring the city, river walks and nearby parks.

Arrive in Noosa and enjoy an included Roundaboat experience on the river, a fun and social way to kick off your time in one of Australia’s favourite coastal destinations.

Spend the day exploring Noosa at your own pace, from stunning beaches and cafés to Noosa National Park and the famous Fairy Pools, with plenty of local tips provided.

Another free day to enjoy everything Noosa has to offer, whether that’s relaxing by the river, exploring walking tracks, or chasing the perfect sunset spot.

Travel to Habitat Noosa, a lakeside retreat surrounded by nature, where you can kayak or paddleboard on the lake, spot kangaroos in the evenings, or relax with a drink at the onsite brewery.

Today you’ll experience the Everglades National Park on an included guided adventure, starting with a peaceful boat cruise followed by a canoe journey along the River of Mirrors, with all equipment provided.

Arrive in Rainbow Beach, the gateway to K’gari, and enjoy a relaxed afternoon exploring the coastline and settling in before your island adventure.

Enjoy a free day in Rainbow Beach, with the option to book a surf lesson as a paid add-on at one of the East Coast’s best beginner beaches.

Head to K’gari, the world’s largest sand island, and explore rainforests, freshwater lakes and sand dunes on an included guided 4WD tag-along tour, with the opportunity for eligible travellers to drive.

Spend another day discovering the unique landscapes of K’gari, staying together as a group on the island and taking in its beaches, lakes and natural beauty.

Return to Rainbow Beach after your K’gari adventure and enjoy a relaxed evening to unwind and reflect on an unforgettable few days.

Spend the day at your own pace, with the option to book an optional kayaking experience as a paid add-on before boarding the overnight bus to Airlie Beach.

Arrive in Airlie Beach and enjoy free time to relax, explore the lagoon, and soak up the laid-back Whitsundays atmosphere.

Today is a major highlight, with an included scenic flight over Heart Reef followed by a Whitsundays boat trip featuring snorkelling and a visit to Whitehaven Beach.

Enjoy a relaxed day in Airlie Beach or choose to book a jet ski safari as a paid add-on for an extra dose of adventure.

Travel to Magnetic Island and settle into island life, the perfect place to slow down and recharge after a busy few weeks.

Enjoy a free day on Magnetic Island, with options to spot wild koalas, walk to Forts Lookout, or book optional activities such as kayaking, snorkelling or the iconic Barbie Cars as paid add-ons.

Arrive in Cairns and check into the famous Gilligan’s Resort, ready for your final days of adventure in Far North Queensland.

Cairns is packed with adventure, and today you can choose to book optional add-ons such as white water rafting or rainforest experiences, or simply relax and explore town.

For adrenaline seekers, today you can book a skydive as a paid add-on, or enjoy another free day soaking up the Cairns atmosphere.

Spend the day on an included Great Barrier Reef experience, snorkelling with tropical marine life with the option to upgrade to scuba diving, before celebrating the end of your journey with a farewell dinner at Gilligan’s.