Backpack the East Coast with ease. See all of the East Coast Highlights in just 14 days on this action packed East Coast trip
Trip Start: Brisbane
Trip End: Cairns
Or opt to do it in reverse
Length: 18 days
Destinations: Brisbane, Rainbow Beach, K’gari (Fraser Island), Airlie Beach, Whitsundays, Magnetic Island, Cairns
Inclusions:
- 8 nights in hostel accommodation
- 2 nights camping on K’gari (Fraser Island) 2 overnight buses
- 2-Day / 2-Night Whitsundays cruise
- 1 Overnight Bus
- 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 on Magnetic. 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: Arrive in Cairns
Today you'll arrive, Cairns! The one place on earth where two world heritage sites 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 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: 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 3: Cairns - Magnetic Island
Today you'll make your way to Townsville where a ferry will take you to the stunning Magnetic Island (ferry to pay direct, approx $36 AUD return). Check-in for 2 nights and then kick back and relax on one of the island's many iconic beaches.
Meals Included: None
Day 4: 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 5: Magnetic Island - Airlie Beach
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Airlie Beach, where the bars, restaurants, and nightclubs keep you entertained until the wee 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 to Whitsundays
The day has come... explore the Whitsundays on our 2 day / 2 night adventure! This Whitsundays tour offers time to explore the islands, relax at the magnificent Whitehaven Beach and take a walk to the famous Hill Inlet Lookout. Experience up to 4 snorkelling locations to check out the magnificent fringing reef around the Islands (all part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park).
Meals included: Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Whitsundays Sailing Trip
Today you can enjoy multiple bush-walks and hikes (with lookouts and stunning views) - don't forget to charge up your phone/ camera! Enjoy Standout delicious meals made by the crew who are fun, and experienced and welcome you into the family. With 2 slides and a Jacuzzi onboard you'll be kept endlessly entertained.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: 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. Straight after your tour, keep the adventure alive and meet your crew and fellow passengers for a catch-up at the after-party in Airlie Beach – you will have a reserved table, drink discounts and meal deals!
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 9: 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 10: 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 11: 3 Day / 2 Night K'gari (Fraser Island) Dingo's 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 K'gari 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 12: 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 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 13: 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 5:00 pm, depending on the tides
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 14: Rainbow Beach - Brisbane
This morning you will check out of your hostel and head to Brisbane! Check out South Bank for awesome views of the river, live music, and some delicious restaurants and epic bars. You'll then wave goodbye to your East Coast adventure 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 journey! Fiji or New Zealand anyone….?
Meals included: None
Day 1: Brisbane to Rainbow Beach
Today you'll head from Brisbane to Rainbow Beach. Explore this beautiful, relaxing beachside town with its 23 kilometres stretch of pristine sandy beach and colourful sand dunes.
Meals Included: None
Day 2: 3 Day / 2 Night K'gari (Fraser Island) Dingo's 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: 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 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 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 5:00 pm, depending on the tides
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5: Rainbow Beach / overnight bus to Airlie Beach
Today is your last day in Rainbow Beach! Kick back and relax on the beach or explore the Great Sandy National Park. Tonight you will board the bus to Airlie Beach!
Meals included: None
Day 6: Airlie Beach
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Airlie Beach, where the bars, restaurants, and nightclubs keep you entertained until the wee 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 7: Whitsundays Sailing Trip - Airlie Beach to Whitsundays
The day has come... explore the Whitsundays on our 2 day 2 night adventure! This unique Whitsundays tour offers time to explore the islands, including 5 hours to relax at the magnificent Whitehaven Beach, walk to the famous Hill Inlet Lookout. Experience up to 4 snorkelling locations to check out the magnificent fringing reef around the Islands (all part of the Great Barrier Reef Marina Park). stops on the fringing coral reefs which extend right from the edge of the islands.
Meals included: Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Whitsundays Sailing Trip
Today you can enjoy the bush-walks and hikes (with lookouts and stunning views) - don't forget to charge up your phone/ camera! Enjoy Standout delicious meals made by the crew who are fun, and experienced. With 2 slides and an onboard jacuzzi, you have plenty time of time for an action packed adventure or to relax and not be rushed - this is a great way to explore this iconic location.
Meals 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. After your tour, keep the adventure alive and meet your crew and fellow passengers for a catch-up at the after-party in Airlie Beach – you will have a reserved table, drink discounts and meal deals!
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 10: Airlie Beach - Magnetic Island
Today you'll make your way to Townsville where a ferry will take you to the stunning Magnetic Island (ferry to pay direct, approx $36 AUD return). Check-in for 2 nights and then kick back and relax on one of the island's many iconic beaches.
Meals Included: None
Day 11: 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 12: Magnetic Island - Cairns
Today you'll make your way to Cairns, the adventure capital of Australia. Check-in for 2 nights and then take a relaxing dip in the waterfront lagoon, explore the night markets or enjoy the night life!
Day 13: 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 upgrade to 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 14: Cairns Departure
Today you check out of your hostel and wave goodbye to your East Coast adventure 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 journey! Fiji or New Zealand anyone….?
Meals included: None
Trip Start: Brisbane
Trip End: Cairns
Or in Reverse
Length: 14 days
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