18 Day East Coast Quickie Cairns to Sydney

Explore the East Coast in 18 days from Cairns to Sydney with our epic semi-guided East Coast Quickie - including your bus pass! Discover Australia's highlights such as stunning K'gari Fraser Island, Magnetic Island, a 2 night Whitsundays sailing trip, Whitehaven Beach, Great ...

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AU$2,899

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The 18-day epic East Coast Quickie begins in Cairns, where you’ll dive into the vibrant underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef, experiencing snorkeling or scuba diving among colorful marine life. Following this, you’ll explore the wandering through stunning waterfalls and tranquil volcanic crater lakes. 

Next, you’ll head to Magnetic Island, unwinding on beautiful beaches and spotting local wildlife, including Australia’s highest concentration of wild koalas. After relaxing here, your journey continues to Airlie Beach for a two-night sailing trip through the breathtaking Whitsundays. You’ll visit iconic spots like Hill Inlet and Whitehaven Beach while enjoying ample snorkeling opportunities. 

After the Whitsundays, you’ll return to Rainbow Beach for surf lessons and leisurely beach days. Your adventure includes a thrilling three-day safari on K'gari (Fraser Island), the world’s largest sand island, where you’ll discover natural wonders like Lake McKenzie. The journey concludes in Byron Bay, known for its artistic vibe, before an overnight bus ride to Sydney to explore iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House. 

Day 1 :  Arrive Cairns
Your adventure kicks off in Cairns where you'll have time to explore all the highlights. 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 2 nights and then head out to explore the city.

 

Day 2 : Waterfall Wanderers / Cairns
Today prepare to be mesmerised by nature and wildlife within the ancient tropical rainforest. You'll explore Babinda Boulders, Josephine Falls (Natural rock slide), Crawfords Lookout (Beautiful lookout) and the stunning Millaa Millaa Falls (World famous hair flick waterfall). You will also have the opportunity to visit the dormant Volcanic Crater Lake filled with turtles and surrounded by wildlife. You will watch the sunset next to your last swim (don’t worry about getting cold the water in here never changes temperature, it's 23 degrees all day and all night)!

 

Day 3 :  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 : Lunch

 

Day 4 :  Bus from Cairns to townsville
Today you'll make your way to Townsville where a ferry will take you to the stunning Magnetic Island (extra cost $36 AUD approx). Check-in for 2 nights and then kick back and relax on one of the island's many iconic beaches.

 

Day 5 :  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.

 

Day 6 :  Magnetic island - Townsville bus to Airlie beach
Today you'll arrive in the tropical paradise of Airlie Beach. 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 7 :  Whitsundays Sailing Trip - Airlie Beach to Whitsundays
This 2 night Whitsundays tour offers the opportunity to explore the islands, including time 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 Marine Park).
Meals : Dinner

 

Day 8 :  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 an onboard jacuzzi you're bound to have a good time.
Meals : 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 : Breakfast

 

Day 10 : Airlie beach overnight bus to rainbow beach
Wake up on your last day in the beautiful Airlie Beach. Soak up some sun on the beach or add an adventurous activity like a Skydive or a Scenic flight to your East coast adventure. In the evening, hop on your overnight bus to Rainbow Beach!

 

Day 11 : rainbow beach surf day
Surfs up! It's time to tackle some waves like the locals. From Rainbow Beach your surf school will take you to the best beaches with perfect learning waves and will have you riding in no time! You’ll enjoy a half day Surf lesson with an expert local team and all equipment will be provided.

 

Day 12 :  3 Day / 2 Night K'gari Fraser Island Tag Along Safari – Dingos
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 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 : Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 13 :  3 Day / 2 Night K'gari Fraser Island Tag Along Safari – Dingos
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 : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 14 :  3 Day / 2 Night K'gari Fraser Island Tag Along Safari – Dingos
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 :Breakfast, Lunch

 

Day 15 :  Bus from Rainbow Beach to Byron Bay
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 2 nights and then head out to explore the city.

 

Day 16 : Byron Bay
Today you can soak up Byron Bays' charm and relaxed atmosphere. It is also a hub for artists, musicians, and creatives, plus you'll find a vibrant arts scene, live music performances, street markets, and an array of unique and eclectic shops. 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, head to the iconic lighthouse to do the famous Lighthouse Walk.

 

Day 17 :  Byron bay overnight bus to Sydney
This is your last day in the amazing surf city, Byron Bay. Catch some waves or chill at the beautiful beaches of Byron. Or what do you think of a fun day-trip were you go kayaking with dolphins? Have some fun before you can have a rest in the overnight bus to Sydney!

 

Day 18 :  Depart Sydney
This morning you'll arrive in Sydney where you'll have time to explore all the highlights including the Sydney Opera House and Darling Harbour. Looking to extend your days in Sydney? Chat with our travel experts today to find the best prices on day trips and Sydney accommodation!

 

This package has select departure dates.

Please contact our travel specialists to discuss your preferred date of travel.

Departs: Sydney or Cairns 

Returns: Cairns or Sydney 

You will need to pay the "Magnetic Island Ferry" cost directly (approx $36 AUD return ticket)
There is an optional driving insurance levy to pay directly for the K'gari 4WD Safari 
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 lengths or transport options

Please note: If you are travelling in Peak Season between the 15th December to the 15th January 2024 there is a slight rate increase as reflected on our package pricing.
Please contact us for any questions.

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