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Backpack the East Coast with ease. Short on time but want to see the highlights of the East Coast? This trip is the ultimate budget-friendly way to see it all.
Trip Start: Brisbane
Trip End: Cairns
Or opt to do it in reverse
Length: 10 days
Destinations: Brisbane, Rainbow Beach, K’gari (Fraser Island), Airlie Beach, Whitsundays, CairnsInclusions:
- 6 nights in hostel accommodation
- 1 overnight buses
- 3-Day / 2-Night K'gari 4WD Tag Along Safari
- 1-Day Whitsundays cruise
- Magnetic Island ferry (extra cost)
- Bus pass (flexible)
- Some meals included
Why You'll Love This Trip
Whether you're travelling solo or with mates, this is the ultimate way to explore the East Coast without the planning panic. Sleep under the stars on K'gari, cruise past coral reefs in the Whitsundays, and live that laid-back island life in Cairns. With transport and key experiences sorted, you’ve got the freedom to roam and the support when you need it.
This trip is perfect for:
- First-time travellers to Australia
- Backpackers looking for iconic highlights with flexibility
- Adventure-seekers who want a bit of everything without the stress
- Anyone keen to travel longer for less - this package works out to just $99 a day
Day 1: Brisbane – Rainbow Beach
Welcome to sunny tropical capital of Queensland - Brisbane! Today you'll make your way up the East Coast to your next destination Rainbow Beach. Check into your accommodation and then head out to explore! You'll be staying at Freedom Rainbow Beach tonight so get comfortable - with daily free guided walks to the Carlo Sandblow, that's not hard to do!
Meals included: None
Day 2: 3 Day / 2 Night K'gari (Fraser Island) Dingo's Tag Along Safari
Your K'gari 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 sand 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: Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: 3 Day / 2 Night K'gari (Fraser Island) Dingo's Tag Along Safari
The day begins with a quick breakfast to fuel your busiest day on K'gari 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 dip. 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 4: 3 Day / 2 Night K'gari (Fraser Island) Dingo's 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 5:00pm, depending on the tides. Tonight you will hop on board the overnight bus to tropical Airlie Beach.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5: Airlie Beach
Spend your day relaxing on the pristine coastline and take in the serenity of Airlie Beach - the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands and prepare for your incredible Whitsunday experience tomorrow. Today you will have the chance to explore the stunning sights of Airlie Beach. Experience the vibrant nightlife, where the bars, restaurants, and nightclubs keep you entertained until the early hours of the morning. Thrill-seekers can indulge in adventure activities like skydiving and jet skiing - just ask us for more information! The town's relaxed and laid-back atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for everyone to enjoy.
Meals included: None
Day 6: Whitsundays Sailing Trip - Airlie Beach
The day has come to discover the Whitsunday Islands on your day cruise and snorkeling adventure! You will encounter the most incredible range of tropical fish, colourful coral and witness the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef from above and below the surface. This day cruise offers an action packed adventure on a large comfortable speedboat. Snorkel at pristine locations in secluded anchorages and bays before visiting the world famous hill inlet and Whitehaven beach. This is a trip you won't want to miss!
Meals included: Snacks, Lunch
Day 7: Airlie Beach - Cairns
Today you will take the bus to Cairns - a place that has it ALL. This hot location 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! This vibrant tropical city is a top destination for backpackers from all over the world, thanks to its stunning natural beauty, laid-back atmosphere, and lively nightlife. Check into your Cairns accommodation for 3 nights and then head out to explore the city.
Meals Included: None
Day 8: Cairns
Now that you're settled into the adventure capital of Australia, why not jump on a skydive, bungy jump or an unreal rafting trip - ask our experts today for more information!
Meals Included: None
Day 9: Cairns
You can't stay in Cairns without heading out to the Great Barrier Reef! We highly recommend either a day trip or a multi-day experience to the Reef. The vibrant marine life, colourful coral and chance to scuba dive is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity - contact us for more information! Kick back and relax in this thrilling location and take a stroll to the lagoon.
Meals Included: None
Day 10: Depart Cairns
Your East Coast adventure has come to an end, today you can say goodbye 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
Day 1: Cairns
Welcome to Cairns! This hot location 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! This vibrant tropical city is a top destination for backpackers from all over the world, thanks to its stunning natural beauty, laid-back atmosphere, and lively nightlife. If you're keen on a skydive, bungy jump or unreal rafting trip - ask us, the experts today for more information! Check into your Cairns accommodation for 2 nights and then head out to explore the city.
Meals Included: None
Day 2: Cairns
We highly recommend a day trip to the Great Barrier Reef when in Cairns. The vibrant marine life, colourful coral and chance to scuba dive is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity - contact us for more information! Kick back and relax in this thrilling location and take a stroll to the lagoon.
Meals Included: None
Day 3: Bus to Airlie Beach
Today you say goodbye to Cairns and head to Airlie Beach. You'll have the chance to explore the stunning sights of Airlie Beach. Experience the vibrant nightlife, where the bars, restaurants, and nightclubs keep you entertained until the early hours of the morning. Thrill-seekers can indulge in adventure activities like skydiving and jet skiing - just ask us for more information! The town's relaxed and laid-back atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for everyone to enjoy.
Meals included: None
Day 4: Whitsundays Day Trip
The day has come to discover the Whitsunday Islands on your day cruise and snorkeling adventure! You will encounter the most incredible range of tropical fish, colourful coral and witness the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef from above and below the surface. Today's adventure is on a large speedboat with spacious seating, chilled tunes and spectacular scenery. Snorkel at pristine locations in secluded anchorages and bays.
Meals included: Snacks, Lunch
Day 5: Airlie Beach - Overnight bus from Airlie Beach to Rainbow Beach
Kick back in paradise! Airlie Beach and its surroundings are filled with natural beauty, including lush rainforests, diverse wildlife, and tropical landscapes. Explore the beautiful coastline with palm-fringed beaches, including the Airlie Beach Lagoon, a man-made swimming area perfect for relaxing and enjoying the sun. Airlie Beach is also known for its beautiful sunsets so take in the breathtaking colors as the sun sets over the ocean.
Tonight you will take the overnight bus to Rainbow Beach - the gateway to K'gari (Fraser Island)!
Meals included: None
Day 6: Rainbow Beach
Check into your accommodation and then head out to explore! You'll be staying at Freedom Rainbow Beach, an awesome hostel with daily free guided walks to the Carlo Sandblow.
Meals included: None
Day 7: 3 Day / 2 Night K'gari (Fraser Island) Dingo's Tag Along Safari
Your K'gari 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: Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: 3 Day / 2 Night K'gari (Fraser Island) Dingo's Tag Along Safari
The day begins with a quick breakfast to fuel your busiest day on K'gari 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 9: 3 Day / 2 Night K'gari (Fraser Island) Dingo's 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 5:00pm, depending on the tides
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 10: Rainbow Beach - Depart Brisbane
Your East Coast adventure has come to an end in Brisbane, today you can say goodbye 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
Trip Start: Brisbane
Trip End: Cairns
Or in Reverse
Length: 10 days
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