22 Day Bucket List Sydney to Cairns (or Reverse)

Day 1: Overnight bus from Sydney to Byron Bay

Your adventure kicks off in stunning Sydney city where you'll have time to explore all the highlights including the Sydney Opera House and Darling Harbour. Looking at arriving a few days earlier to explore the best of Sydney tours? Chat with our travel experts today to find the best prices on day trips and Sydney accommodation. Tonight, you'll hop on board the overnight bus that will take you to the iconic coastal town of Byron Bay. 

Day 2: Byron Bay

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, feel free to add on a dolphin kayak or head to the iconic lighthouse to do the famous Lighthouse Walk.

Day 3: Nimbin and Byron Hinterland / Byron Bay

Today you'll be heading out on one of the most famous Byron Bay tours to the neighbouring town of Nimbin, nestled high in the Byron Bay Hinterland. Travel in a custom-built retro coach with kick-ass beats choreographed to the day! Visit beautiful national park and waterfall, check out an authentic country Aussie pub, venture into the rainforest and even cook up a massive Aussie BBQ lunch! Plus we have time to explore the historic village of Nimbin, where you can visit the hemp museum, check out some of the weird and wonderful local stores. This afternoon you'll head back into town for your second night's included Byron Bay accommodation. 

Meals Included: Lunch

Day 4: Surfers Paradise

Head from the laid back town of Byron to the thriving coastal city of Surfers Paradise! Chill out on the beach, head out on a national park day tour or simply hang out at one of the local beachside coffee shops. As well as incredible beaches, Surfers Paradise is also iconic for its thriving nightlife! 

Day 5: Bus from Surfers Paradise to Noosa

Jump on board a bus to Noosa in the Sunshine Coast where you will check-in for 2 nights. Spend your first day exploring the area!

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 6: Noosa

Enjoy your free day in Noosa. Chill on the beautiful clearwater beach, take a stroll along the waterfront, opt for an Everglades tour, rent a bike, take a  surf lesson and go hiking. Simply Enjoy Noosa's life.

Day 7: Bus from Noosa to Rainbow Beach

Today, you’ll head up to Rainbow Beach. Check into your beachfront accommodation and then head out to explore! You'll be staying at this Rainbow Beach hostel for a total of 3 nights so get comfortable - with daily free guided walks to the Carlo Sandblow and free pancake breakfasts, that's not hard to do!

Day 8: Rainbow Beach

Today, you're free to explore!  This evening you'll attend a compulsory 5 pm safety briefing at your hostel for your upcoming Fraser Island tour tomorrow! 

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 9: 3 Day / 2 Night Dingos 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 10:  3 Day / 2 Night Dingos 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 11:  3 Day / 2 Night Dingos Fraser Island Tag Along Safari

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: Overnight bus to Airlie Beach

This morning you'll check out of your hostel and have a final chance to soak in the atmosphere of Rainbow Beach. Tonight you'll be heading on an overnight bus to Airlie Beach - the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands. 

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 13: Airlie Beach

You'll arrive in the tropical paradise of Airlie Beach bright and early. This morning 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! 

Day 14: Whitsundays Sailing Trip - Airlie Beach to Whitsundays

This tour offers time to explore the islands, including time to relax at the magnificent Whitehaven Beach, walk to famous Hill Inlet Lookout and experience two snorkelling stops on the fringing coral reefs which extend right from the edge of the islands. This itinerary will cover around 100kms around the islands and is achieved in this time due to the sailing performance and ability of your Maxi Yacht to sail faster than other charter yachts can go. You'll be fed well with afternoon tea, pre-dinner snacks and dinner today. Bring Your Own alcohol so long as it's not glass. Spend your first night of fun under the stars of the Southern Hemisphere. 

***Itineraries are flexible and this itinerary is an example only. Trips will differ depending on the prevailing breezes and tides. Itineraries are planned by the Captain considering the safety and wellbeing of guests and crew. If you have a special place that you would like to visit, they will do their very best to see what can be done. 

Meal(s) included: Dinner

Day 15: Whitsundays Sailing Trip

Not only will you visit the famous Whitehaven Beach on this trip but you will also get to the Northern end of the Whitsundays where the best fringing coral reefs in the Whitsundays are found - namely Langford Reef and Mantaray Bay. For guests who want to be involved, help the crew set the sails, have a turn on the wheel and get some amazing sailing photos. The Captain and crew will provide you with plenty of information on the Whitsunday Islands and the Marine Park. Meals today include breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea, pre-dinner snack AND dinner. Are you full yet?  

Meal(s) included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 16: Whitsundays Sailing Trip - Whitsundays to Airlie Beach

Wake up on your final morning to that clear sea air before it's time for more thrilling sailing back to Airlie Beach. Pass along the western coast of Whitsunday Island, through Hook Passage and follow the eastern coast of Hook Island, passing the Molle Islands allowing you further opportunity for snorkelling and swimming. Arrive back to Airlie Beach at approximately 11 am.  

Meal(s) included: Breakfast

Day 17: 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. 

Day 18: Magnetic Island

Today is yours free to soak in the sunshine of Magnetic Island for your final day here.

Day 19: Cairns

Today you'll wave goodbye to Magnetic Island and hello to Cairns as you catch the ferry back to Townsville and then head further north. Cairns 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! Check into your Cairns accommodation for 3 nights and then head out to explore the city. 

Day 20: Great Barrier Reef / Cairns

This morning you're treated to one of Australia's must-do bucket-list activities - a Great Barrier Reef tour. You'll board at 7:30 am on the Ocean Freedom for a full day including an introduction dive!  Enjoy a morning tea or coffee + Danish pastries in the comfortable lounge. Following an introductory safety brief - kick back, relax and enjoy the one hour cruise to Upolu Cay. Surrounded by stunning turquoise water and many types of corals, reef fishes, stingrays, cucumbers, sea stars this is a great introduction to the reef. Snorkel and dive here under the watchful eye of our safety-conscious staff. Then, you’ll explore the amazing "Wonder Wall" on the Outer Edge of Upolu Reef. View many different types of hard and soft coral in addition to fans, giant clams, turtles, a huge diversity and abundance of reef fish of all sizes, nemos everywhere! Snorkel and dive here. Enjoy an informative adventure drift snorkel tour with our Marine Naturalist.

After a full 6hrs of unrushed pleasure on the reef and Cay, cruise home while our crew serve a sumptuous selection of tropical fruit, cheese and crackers and the decadent cake plate,­ an ultimate way to wind down after a magical day on the one and only Great Barrier Reef.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 21: Atherton Tablelands/ Cairns

Today you'll be heading into Australia's ancient rainforests - some of the oldest and most diverse on the planet! Travel south and discover the majesty and beauty of North Queensland’s most iconic waterfalls, a MUST see for anyone wanting to experience the pristine rainforest, cascading waterfalls, stunning panoramas of Queensland’s highest peaks and maybe a glimpse of rare and unique native wildlife. Journey on to Australia’s most iconic waterfall Millaa Millaa Falls made famous by Qantas and herbal essences commercials. This 18 m single drop waterfall lies in the heart of the Wet Tropics World Heritage-listed rainforest. You will return to Cairns around 6:30 pm where you'll spend one final night! 

Meal(s) included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 22: Depart Cairns

This morning you will check out of your hostel and wave goodbye to your East Coast adventure! 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: Breakfast 

Day 1: Arrive 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! 

Day 2: Great Barrier Reef / Cairns

This morning you're treated to one of Australia's must-do bucket-list activities - a Great Barrier Reef tour. You'll board at 7:30 am on the Ocean Freedom for a full day including an introduction dive!  Enjoy a morning tea or coffee + Danish pastries in the comfortable lounge. Following an introductory safety brief - kick back, relax and enjoy the one hour cruise to Upolu Cay. Surrounded by stunning turquoise water and many types of corals, reef fishes, stingrays, cucumbers, sea stars this is a great introduction to the reef. Snorkel and dive here under the watchful eye of our safety-conscious staff. Then, you’ll explore the amazing "Wonder Wall" on the Outer Edge of Upolu Reef. View many different types of hard and soft coral in addition to fans, giant clams, turtles, a huge diversity and abundance of reef fish of all sizes, nemos everywhere! Snorkel and dive here. Enjoy an informative adventure drift snorkel tour with our Marine Naturalist.

After a full 6hrs of unrushed pleasure on the reef and Cay, cruise home while our crew serve a sumptuous selection of tropical fruit, cheese and crackers and the decadent cake plate,­ an ultimate way to wind down after a magical day on the one and only Great Barrier Reef.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3: Atherton Tablelands / Cairns

Today you'll be heading into Australia's ancient rainforests - some of the oldest and most diverse on the planet! Travel south and discover the majesty and beauty of North Queensland’s most iconic waterfalls, a MUST see for anyone wanting to experience the pristine rainforest, cascading waterfalls, stunning panoramas of Queensland’s highest peaks and maybe a glimpse of rare and unique native wildlife. Journey on to Australia’s most iconic waterfall Millaa Millaa Falls made famous by Qantas and herbal essences commercials. This 18 m single drop waterfall lies in the heart of the Wet Tropics World Heritage-listed rainforest. You will return to Cairns around 6:30 pm where you'll spend one final night.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4: Magnetic Island

Today you'll make your way to Townsville where a ferry will take you 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: Breakfast

Day 5: Magnetic Island

Today is yours free to soak in the sunshine of Magnetic Island. 

Day 6: Airlie Beach

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

Day 7: Whitsundays Sailing Trip - Airlie Beach to Whitsundays

This tour offers time to explore the islands, including time to relax at the magnificent Whitehaven Beach, walk to famous Hill Inlet Lookout and experience two snorkelling stops on the fringing coral reefs which extend right from the edge of the islands. This itinerary will cover around 100kms around the islands and is achieved in this time due to the sailing performance and ability of your Maxi Yacht to sail faster than other charter yachts can go. You'll be fed well with afternoon tea, pre-dinner snacks and dinner today. Bring Your Own alcohol so long as it's not glass. Spend your first night of fun under the stars of the Southern Hemisphere. 

***Itineraries are flexible and this itinerary is an example only. Trips will differ depending on the prevailing breezes and tides. Itineraries are planned by the Captain considering the safety and wellbeing of guests and crew. If you have a special place that you would like to visit, they will do their very best to see what can be done. 

Meal(s) included: Dinner

Day 8: Whitsundays Sailing Trip

Not only will you visit the famous Whitehaven Beach on this trip but you will also get to the Northern end of the Whitsundays where the best fringing coral reefs in the Whitsundays are found - namely Langford Reef and Mantaray Bay. For guests who want to be involved, help the crew set the sails, have a turn on the wheel and get some amazing sailing photos. The Captain and crew will provide you with plenty of information on the Whitsunday Islands and the Marine Park. Meals today include breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea, pre-dinner snack AND dinner. Are you full yet?  

Meal(s) included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Whitsundays Sailing Trip - Whitsundays to Airlie Beach

Wake up on your final morning to that clear sea air before it's time for more thrilling sailing back to Airlie Beach. Pass along the western coast of Whitsunday Island, through Hook Passage and follow the eastern coast of Hook Island, passing the Molle Islands allowing you further opportunity for snorkelling and swimming. Arrive back to Airlie Beach at approximately 11 am.  

Meal(s) included: Breakfast

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... Chat with our crew 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

Today you will make your will check into your Rainbow Beach beachfront accommodation and then head out to explore! You'll be staying at this Rainbow Beach hostel for a total of 3 nights so get comfortable - with daily free guided walks and free pancake breakfasts, that's not hard to do! 

Day 12: Rainbow Beach

Today, you're free to explore!  This evening you'll attend a compulsory 5 pm safety briefing at your hostel for your upcoming Fraser Island tour tomorrow! 

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 13: 3 Day / 2 Night Dingos 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 14: 3 Day / 2 Night Dingos 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 15: 3 Day / 2 Night Dingos Fraser Island Tag Along Safari

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 16: Bus from Rainbow Beach to Noosa

Today you will catch the bus in the afternoon, heading down the East Coast to Noosa! Check into your Noosa accommodation for 2 nights and then head out to explore! 

Meals included: Breakfast 

Day 17: Noosa

Enjoy your free day in Noosa. Chill on the beautiful clearwater beach, take a stroll along the waterfront, opt for an Everglades tour, rent a bike, take a surf lesson and go hiking. Simply Enjoy Noosa's life.

Day 18: Surfers Paradise

Head from Noosa to the thriving coastal city of Surfers Paradise! Chill out on the beach, head out on a national park day tour or simply hang out at one of the local beachside coffee shops. As well as incredible beaches, Surfers Paradise is also iconic for its thriving nightlife! 

Day 19: Byron Bay

You will arrive around midday in Byron and check into your central accommodation for the next 2 nights. This laid back coastal town is iconic for its pristine coastline and relaxed vibe. You arrive in Byron "early evening".

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 20: Nimbin and Byron Hinterland / Byron Bay

Today you'll be heading out on one of the most famous Byron Bay tours to the neighbouring town of Nimbin, nestled high in the Byron Bay Hinterland. Travel in a custom-built retro coach with kick-ass beats choreographed to the day! Visit beautiful national park and waterfall, check out an authentic country Aussie pub, venture into the rainforest and even cook up a massive Aussie BBQ lunch! Plus we have time to explore the historic village of Nimbin, where you can visit the hemp museum, check out some of the weird and wonderful local stores. This afternoon you'll head back into town for your second night's included Byron Bay accommodation. 

Meals included: Lunch

Day 21: Free day in Byron / Overnight bus to Sydney

Today is your last day in Byron. Wake up early and go for a walk to the lighthouse. The sunrise at the lighthouse is stunning! Maybe you will even see whales, dolphins or rockwallabees on your way there! If you’d prefer, add on a morning dolphin kayak to take in these beautiful animals  In the evening it is time to board the bus to your last destination of this trip – Sydney!

Day 22: 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 you can choose to take a stunning cruise through the harbour or visit the famous Taronga zoo! Such a fan of Sydney maybe stay a few more days? Chat with our travel experts today to find the best prices on day trips and Sydney accommodation. 

This package can depart any day of the week and can be altered to better suit your travel dates.

Departs: Sydney or Cairns 

Returns: Cairns or Sydney 

• Please note that this package includes dorm hostel accommodation however you are able to upgrade the accommodation to private
• Fraser Island accommodation can’t be upgraded as it is camp accommodation
• Apart from the $20 levy for Fraser Island which needs to be paid directly on the day of travel
• Please be advised that the price advertised includes this levy but when you proceed to checkout, the price you pay does not include the levy.
• There is an optional $10 sleeping bag hire on Fraser Island. 

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 length or transport options. 

Love this package but have some questions? No worries! Here’s 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 would like to make changes, please contact one of our online staff who will be more than happy to assist you by providing an updated itinerary/package with inclusions/price. 

• Is this a guided trip?

This trip consists of a combination of tours and hostels, chosen to fit in with your style of travel (budget, adventure, social or 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 the people you do the tours with will be booked in the same accommodation in the area. As travellers often travel to similar destinations, it is also likely you will see some of these people, again and again, throughout your tour!

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

As Peterpans is the largest travel agency in Australia, these packages are heavily discounted. Moreover, while you are travelling you will find at least one, if not more, Peterpans agencies in most of the destinations you visit. Should you need any extra guidance, we are always on hand to help! You can ask our friendly staff for help during their opening hours, or we can offer assistance via phone and email form our Online Call Centre, which is open 14 hours a day during weekdays and 12 hours a day on weekends! 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 day-to-day itinerary sections) which means you will only have to budget for the meals that are not included. The amount these meals will cost varies, however all of the hostels have communal kitchens so you can cook your own meals instead of eating out if you like. 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?

You are either able to choose fixed dates for this package or if you would prefer to be flexible with your travels and stay longer in certain destinations, you are able to purchase this package as open dated and book in the date for each hostel/tour as you travel. Please note, if you do decide to purchase the package as open dated, we recommend that you book in the date of your main tours such as the Whitsundays and Fraser Island as far in advance as possible.

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

The majority of our customers book and pay for their package in full, meaning 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 can then 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, give us a call on freephone 1800 669 424 or send us an email at info@peterpans.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.