Backpack the East Coast with ease. See all of the East Coast Highlights in just 16 days on this East Coast trip that includes transportation and hostel accommodation
Trip Start: Sydney
Trip End: Cairns
Or opt to do it in reverse
Length: 16 days
Destinations: Byron Bay, Noosa, Rainbow Beach, Airlie Beach, Cairns
Inclusions:
- 13 nights in hostel accommodation
- 2 Overnight Buses
- Bus pass (flexible)
Why You'll Love This Trip
Whether you’re rolling solo or rolling deep with mates, this is the easiest way to hit the East Coast without any of the planning chaos. With your transport and accommodation sorted, you get the freedom to explore — plus backup when you need it.
This trip is perfect for:
- First-time travellers to Australia
- Backpackers looking for East Coast highlights with flexibility
- Anyone keen to travel longer for less - this is peak budget travel
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!
Day 2: Cairns
Why not take the opportunity to tick off one of Australia's must-do activities - a full day Great Barrier Reef tour? Contact our team to add this onto your package
Day 3: Cairns
Want to visit the oldest rainforest in the world? Or keen to go chasing waterfalls? Talk to our team to add on some epic nature related activities
Day 4: Bus from Cairns to Airlie Beach
Today you'll make your way to Cairns, home of the Whitsundays and the world famous Whitehaven Beach. Check-in for 3 nights and then take a relaxing dip in the waterfront lagoon, explore the night markets or enjoy the night life
Day 5: 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.
Day 6: Airlie Beach
Today is a free day in Airlie Beach, Don't miss out on the chance to explore the Whitsundays. Book in a trip to Whitehaven Beach, walk to the famous Hill Inlet Lookout and snorkel on the fringing coral reefs which extend right from the edge of the islands. Contact our team to add this onto your package
Day 7: 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 8: 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.
Day 9: Rainbow Beach
Take the day to chill out at the beautiful pool at Freedom hostel, check out the famous coloured sands of Rainbow Beach or for those looking for a thrill why not sign up for a Surf lesson or a trip to go kayaking with the dolphins?
Day 10: Bus from Rainbow Beach to Noosa
Today you will jump on the bus to Noosa. Arrive in the afternoon in this cool surf town. You'll be here for three nights so get out and explore the Area!
Day 11: Noosa
Today you have another day in the iconic town of Noosa. Hang out at the hostel, visit the amazing national park and see the famous fairy pools, take a walk among the boutiques on Hastings street, rent a BBQ boat on the river or take a surf lesson on the main beach. Why not go and check one of only two Everglades in the world on a scenic canoeing trip through the Everglades. Noosa has something for everyone.
Day 12: Noosa
Today you have another day in the iconic town of Noosa. Hang out at the hostel, visit the amazing national park and see the famous fairy pools, take a walk among the boutiques on Hastings street, rent a BBQ boat on the river or take a surf lesson on the main beach. Why not go and check one of only two Everglades in the world on a scenic canoeing trip through the Everglades. Noosa has something for everyone.
Day 13: Bus from Noosa to Byron Bay
Arrive in the vibrant coastal town, where the scent of saltwater fills the air. Settle into a cozy hostel and hit the beach for some sun and surf. Explore the historic Cape Byron Lighthouse for breathtaking views, and unwind with a sunset walk along the sandy shores.
Day 14: Byron Bay
Byron Bay has something for everyone, Why not Kayak with dolphins, catch a wave or visit some of the iconic waterfalls and hinterlands behind this coastal gem?
Day 15: Overnight bus to Sydney
Enjoy your last day in the bay before jumping on the overnight bus down to Sydney
Day 16: Arrive in Sydney
Today you arrive in Sydney 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….?
Day 1: Overnight Bus from Sydney to Byron Bay
Kick off your East Coast adventure with a free day in Sydney before jumping on your overnight bus to Byron Bay
Day 2: Byron Bay
Arrive in the vibrant coastal town, where the scent of saltwater fills the air. Settle into a cozy hostel and hit the beach for some sun and surf. Explore the historic Cape Byron Lighthouse for breathtaking views, and unwind with a sunset walk along the sandy shores.
Day 3: Byron Bay
Byron Bay has something for everyone, Why not Kayak with dolphins, catch a wave or visit some of the iconic waterfalls and hinterlands behind this coastal gem?
Day 4: Bus from Byron Bay to Noosa
Today you will jump on the bus to Noosa. Arrive in the afternoon in this cool surf town. You'll be here for three nights so get out and explore the Area!
Day 5: Noosa
Today you have another day in the iconic town of Noosa. Hang out at the hostel, visit the amazing national park and see the famous fairy pools, take a walk among the boutiques on Hastings street, rent a BBQ boat on the river or take a surf lesson on the main beach. Why not go and check one of only two Everglades in the world on a scenic canoeing trip through the Everglades. Noosa has something for everyone.
Day 6: Noosa
Today is our final day in Noosa, Check out the amazing nightlife in this cool surf town, why not try out a surf lesson?
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 2 nights so get comfortable. Don't miss out on an epic sunset at the Carlo Sandblow!
Day 8: Rainbow Beach
Take the day to chill out at the beautiful pool at Freedom hostel, check out the famous coloured sands of Rainbow Beach or for those looking for a thrill why not sign up for a Surf lesson or a trip to go kayaking with the dolphins?
Day 9: Overnight bus to Airlie Beach
Enjoy a free day in Rainbow beach. Watch the sunset right before you hop on your overnight bus to Airlie beach!
Day 10: 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.
Day 11: Airlie Beach
Today is a free day in Airlie Beach, Don't miss out on the chance to explore the Whitsundays. Book in a trip to Whitehaven Beach, walk to the famous Hill Inlet Lookout and snorkel on the fringing coral reefs which extend right from the edge of the islands. Contact our team to add this onto your package
Day 12: Bus from Airlie Beach to Cairns
Today you'll make your way to Cairns, the adventure capital of Australia. Check-in for 3 nights and then take a relaxing dip in the waterfront lagoon, explore the night markets or enjoy the night life!
Day 13: Cairns
Why not take the opportunity to tick off one of Australia's must-do activities - a full day Great Barrier Reef tour? Contact our team to add this onto your package!
Day 14: Cairns
Want to visit the oldest rainforest in the world? or keen to go chasing waterfalls? Talk to our team to add on some epic nature related activities
Day 15: Cairns
Chasing an adrenaline hit in Cairns? You can you add on a skydive over the Great Barrier Reef. You can free-fall from up to 15,000 feet with panoramic views of lush rainforests, tropical coastline and turquoise reef stretching to the horizon. Or plummet to the ground on a 50 metre bungy jump. The choice is yours!
Day 16: 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….?
Trip Start: Sydney
Trip End: Cairns
Or in Reverse
Length: 16 days
None
- Surf lesson
- Kayaking with dolphins
- K'gari Day trip
- Whitsundays day trip
- Scenic flight
- Bungy jumping
- Skydiving
- Great Barrier Reef trip (snorkel or dive)
- Waterfalls trip
Looking to extend your trip? Add on some epic overnight experiences
- Whitsundays Overnight Sailing Trip
- K'gari Overnight Trip
- Great Barrier Reef Liveaboard
- Overnight Rainforest Tour
Contact our team to add any of these activities to your package
