21 Day Guided Tour East Coast Sydney to Cairns EMU - Stray Australia

What’s Included:

Private Coach & Small Group Transport
Sit back, relax, and enjoy the stunning scenery while someone else handles the driving. Travel comfortably in a private, air-conditioned coach with a maximum of 22 people on board, offering an intimate and relaxed experience. Journey from Sydney to Cairns with plenty of stops along the way for scenic walks, waterfalls, swimming spots, and indulgent food and wine tastings. Stray is the only company to offer this exclusive service along the entire route.

Expert Stray Guide
Your guide is more than just a leader – they’re a travel companion who will share entertaining stories, valuable tips, and insider knowledge while ensuring your trip runs smoothly. Expect friendly support and great recommendations throughout your adventure.

Accommodation
20 nights of accommodation are included, with stays in 4-8 bed mixed dorms at various hostels, eco-lodges, and backpacker resorts. The itinerary also features two nights in cabins on K’gari and two nights aboard a maxi sailing yacht in shared dorm-style rooms during the Whitsunday Sailing experience.

Meals
Enjoy 25 meals throughout the trip, including 14 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 7 dinners.

Top-Rated Experiences
From cascading waterfalls to vibrant wildlife and unforgettable sailing adventures, this tour is packed with incredible experiences:

• Sip award-winning wines at Hunter Valley and discover your inner connoisseur.
• Admire the local wildlife and stunning views at Port Stephens.
• Visit the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital for an up-close look at one of Australia’s cutest marsupials.
• Explore the quirky towns of Bellingen and Eumundi, each offering a taste of alternative lifestyles.
• Gain insight into Aboriginal culture through an educational bushwalk and cultural experience.
• Unwind with a yoga class in the laid-back town of Byron Bay.
• Stop by the iconic Surfers Paradise and visit a local conservation park.
• Spend a night discovering the vibrant riverside city of Brisbane.
• Experience the Sunshine Coast and enjoy the high-energy vibes of Noosa.
• Embark on a 3-day 4WD safari on K’gari (formerly Fraser Island), where you’ll drive along beaches, explore rainforests, see a historic shipwreck, swim in crystal-clear lakes, and relax under the stars by a campfire.
• Stay in the relaxed seaside town of Bargara and savor Bundaberg’s famous rum.
• Sail through the stunning Whitsunday Islands on a 2-day/2-night adventure, snorkeling over colorful reefs and visiting pristine beaches.
• Encounter wildlife like koalas and wallabies on Magnetic Island, a nature lover’s haven.
• Discover the natural beauty of the Atherton Tablelands, featuring breathtaking waterfalls, lush rainforests, and a serene crater lake.
• Soak up the laid-back Cairns vibe and experience its buzzing nightlife.

Day 1 - Monday: Arrive Sydney

G’day and welcome to your epic East Coast adventure. Your tour begins in Sydney with a day to yourself to explore the city sights and world-famous landmarks. If you’ve just flown in, we recommend taking the train from the airport to Central Station, your accommodation is conveniently located straight across the road. Check into the hostel anytime after 2 pm and if you’d like to begin your trip with a delicious cocktail (because wine-not?), head down to Circular Quay and the Opera Bar. Located at the base of the Opera House, with views of the Harbour Bridge, you’ll get all the iconic Sydney pics you can dream of. At 6 pm, head down to reception to meet your Stray guide and travel mates for the next few weeks.

• Accommodation included: Wake Up Sydney or similar
• Optional activities: Bondi to Coogee beach walk, visit Darling Harbour, explore King Street Wharf, Royal Botanic Gardens, Taronga Zoo, walk around the Opera House and The Rocks, the oldest area of Sydney. You can also take the ferry from Circular Quay to Manly.
• Meal options: Head down to the hostel bar for Pizza Night

Day 2 - Tuesday: Sydney to Port Stephens

Today we’ll say goodbye to Sydney as we depart the harbour city and make our way north to the Hunter Valley wine region, where we’ll taste some of the local wine and cheese before continuing through to Port Stephens, our destination for the night. We’ll be staying at the Surfside Hostel, set on 6 acres of natural bushland, with kangaroos and wallabies on-site. This boutique accommodation is about creating a relaxing experience in an environmentally conscious way so you can put your feet up and feel good about it! Once we’ve checked in, you can explore the area, relax, or head to the beach for a swim. If you’re interested, go for a walk around and check out the architecture of the place - they’ve used wood and glass to maximize light, and all development incorporates the nature of the area. Tonight, we’ll enjoy a classic Aussie BBQ dinner and get to know each other - anyone know a good icebreaker?

• Accommodation: Surfside Hostel
• Meals included: BBQ Dinner
• Meal options: Self-cater, local cafes, restaurants
• Included activity: Wine and Cheese Tasting
• Free activities: Wildlife spotting at our accommodation, beach swim

Day 3 - Wednesday: Port Stephens to Port Macquarie

This morning you have the choice to either sleep in, join your Stray guide for a hike, or jump in a 4WD bus to take part in some first-class sandboarding down the Stockton Sand Dunes (optional expense). The local sandboarding guide will teach you how to safely sandboard and tell you all about the amazing area and the rich Aboriginal history of the region. If you don’t want to sandboard, your guide will join you for a walk to the summit of Tomaree Head, which stands at 161 metres above the Port Stephens entrance. This short 2.2 km return track offers breathtaking views of the coastline and panoramic views of Yacaaba Head, Cabbage Tree, and Boondelbah islands, as well as Zenith, Wreck, and Box Beaches, Fingal Island, and Point Stephens Lighthouse - you might even be lucky enough to see some dolphins (and if it’s May - September, you could see whales!). Late morning, we’ll pack up and move on to our next overnight stop, Port Macquarie. We’ll have lunch on the way before visiting the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital, where we’ll get a closer look at Australia’s laziest (and arguably cutest) marsupials. Check out the information centre to learn all about the hospital’s efforts to rehabilitate, protect and preserve the koalas.

• Accommodation: Port Macquarie YHA or similar
• Meals included: Breakfast
• Meal options: Self-cater, local cafes, restaurants
• Included activity: Koala Hospital visit
• Free activities: Sleep in, swim, relax on the beach, Headland Walk
• Optional paid activities: Sandboarding

Day 4 - Thursday: Port Macquarie to Byron Bay

Today we’re heading to the iconic surfing town of Byron Bay, known for its relaxed vibes and no worries attitude. On the way to Byron, we’ll stop at the historic and hipster town of Bellingen to get some lunch, followed by a special Aboriginal experience learning about the First Nations people of Australia. Your Cultural Experience takes place at an important cultural site of the Gumbaynggirr people, the stunning location of “Niigi Niigi” (Sealy Lookout) within the Orara East State Forest. You’ll go for a 2-hour tour and see 360-degree views, as well as getting the opportunity to immerse yourself in culture through stories, songs, language and the uses of native plants. This will be an unforgettable cultural experience with an emphasis on authentic connection and contributing to helping a community regain their culture and identity.

Do More: By taking part in the experience, you’re making a direct contribution to the revitalization of Gumbaynggirr language and culture with a percentage of the tour price going towards the local bilingual school to help foster cultural identity and education success. When we arrive in Byron Bay, we’ll take you on an orientation drive around town to help you get your bearings, showing you points of interest and the top spots for food, shopping and nightlife. For the next few nights, we’re staying at boutique hostel The Surf House, located right in the heart of Byron and just a couple of hundred metres from the main beach - heaven!

• Accommodation: The Surf House or similar
• Meals included: Breakfast
• Meal options: Self-cater, local cafes, restaurants, BBQ at the rooftop of the hostel
• Included activities: Historic town and Aboriginal Cultural Experience

Day 5 - Friday: Byron Bay Free Day

Today you have a full day in Byron Bay to really embrace the Byron Bay motto: “cheer up, slow down, and chill out.” Start your day off with a morning yoga class on the rooftop of your hostel and then spend your day exploring the laidback hippy town. You can walk to Cape Byron Lighthouse, mainland Australia’s most easterly point, or check out the many eclectic boutiques and cafes around town. You could join a sea kayaking or snorkel trip and search for dolphins and other marine life, or even go for an iconic Australian activity - learning to surf.

• Accommodation: The Surf House or similar
• Included activity: Morning yoga class
• Meal options: Self-cater, local cafes, restaurants
• Optional paid activities: Surf lesson, dolphin kayak, skydive, cycle the rail trail
• Free activities: Walk to the lighthouse, swim, relax on the beach, check out the shops and cafes, free surfboard hire

Day 6 - Saturday: Byron Bay Free Day

You lucky thing - you have ANOTHER free day to explore Byron Bay today. Tick off any activities you didn’t get the chance to do yesterday or pass the day wandering the township or relaxing on the beach. Hone your surf skills with more lessons or borrow one of the free surfboards at your hostel to try it out by yourself. If you’re a foodie, then you’re in luck, as eating your way around Byron is an experience in itself. There are heaps of vegetarian and vegan options available, and a couple of our favourites are the Cardamom Pod for lunch and No Bones for dinner, both of which are super close to your hostel. This evening, head to the Saturday twilight markets for some live music and lots of boutique stalls showcasing local arts, crafts, and some incredible food.

• Accommodation: The Surf House or similar
• Meal options: Self-cater, local cafes, restaurants. We recommend trying one of the many great vegan options!
• Optional paid activities: Surf lesson, dolphin kayak, snorkel or dive, skydive
• Free activities: Walk to the lighthouse, swim, relax on the beach, check out the shops and cafes

Day 7 - Sunday: Byron Bay to Brisbane via Surfers Paradise

This morning, meet your guide and group outside The Surf House hostel at 8:50 am, and we’ll depart north across the NSW border to Queensland. We’ll stop for some lunch and a walk around the famous Surfers Paradise. Next, we’ll head to a nearby nature reserve to spot some wild kangaroos, before continuing to Brisbane, the capital city of Queensland, for the night. This evening, we recommend going for a stroll down to Southbank for a walk along the Brisbane River and then checking out some of the many bars and restaurants.

• Accommodation: Roamer Brisbane or similar
• Meal options: Self-cater, local cafes, restaurants
• Free activities: Visit Surfers Paradise, kangaroo spotting, catch the Brisbane city ferry

Day 8 - Monday: Brisbane to Noosa

Have a sleep-in this morning before leaving Brisbane and heading north to Noosa. We’ll stop along the way to stretch our legs and see the amazing panoramic views of the Glasshouse Mountains and the Sunshine Coast before enjoying some lunch in the quirky town of Eumundi, known for its artisanal crafts. We’ll go for another walk to see some final views of Noosa and the gorgeous Noosa headlands before arriving at our accommodation in the afternoon. Our Noosa accommodation is less of a hostel and more of a resort, with a pool and a licensed bar/café (did someone say poolside margaritas?) as well as designer dorms with privacy screens and USB charging points. This evening, we’ll grab a drink and dinner at the bar and make plans to explore Noosa.

• Accommodation: Bounce
• Meals included: Breakfast, drink on arrival
• Meal options: Self-cater, local cafes, dinner at the hostel
• Free activities: Swim, walks, lookouts

Day 9 - Tuesday: Noosa Free Day

Today you have a completely free day to spend doing whatever you like. Explore the Everglades by kayak or book a skydive and see Noosa and its surroundings from above. Grab a sun lounger and get some much-needed R&R, go for a walk around the incredible headland, visit the beach, or have a long, lazy lunch in the sun. The Noosa Surf Club is one of our faves, so if you’d like to go out for dinner, you can’t go wrong with this local hotspot!

• Accommodation: Bounce
• Meals included: Breakfast
• Meal options: Self-cater, local cafes, restaurants
• Free activities: Chilling by the resort pool, going for a walk in the National Park, visiting the famous beach, or checking out the local boutiques and cafes
• Optional paid activities: Everglades Cruise and/or Canoe, Skydive

Day 10 - Wednesday: Noosa to K’gari (formerly Fraser Island)

It’s an early start this morning as you head out for your 3-day, 2-night K’gari (formerly Fraser Island) adventure. During this amazing experience, you’ll explore the largest sand island in the world on a 4WD expedition, see the magical Lake Boorangoora (McKenzie), discover towering rainforests, spot a wild dingo, cruise along endless sandy beaches, and lose yourself in the magic of stargazing. If you fancy learning how to drive a 4WD, you can do that! This is going to be one of the best experiences of your whole trip and is definitely the coolest way to explore this world-heritage-listed National Park. After a bus, ferry, and 4WD transfer, you’ll arrive at The Eco Retreat on K’gari (your accommodation for the next 2 nights). You’ll have some tasty lunch, and then you can check out the retreat’s ocean views before heading out for your first adventure to see some of the island highlights. This evening, you’ll arrive back at The Eco Retreat to enjoy dinner, practice throwing a boomerang, share stories, and learn to play the didgeridoo around the campfire. Tonight, you’ll be lulled to sleep by the sound of the waves as you settle into your beach cabin accommodation.

• Accommodation: The Eco Retreat on K’gari
• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Snacks
• Included activities: K’gari adventure tour
• Do More: Take part in a beach cleanup on the island of K’gari and contribute to keeping this piece of paradise as nature intended.

Day 11 - Thursday: K’gari (formerly Fraser Island)

This morning, wake up to the gorgeous golden sunrise over the ocean, enjoy breakfast, and get ready for a fun-filled morning exploring K’gari and its hidden treasures. Enjoy lunch on the beach and then spend the afternoon discovering more lakes (there are over 100!) and epic views before arriving back at The Eco Retreat in time for another dinner under the stars and some fun evening activities.

• Accommodation: The Eco Retreat on K’gari
• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Snacks
• Included activities: K’gari adventure tour

Day 12 - Friday: K’gari (formerly Fraser Island) to Bundaberg

After breakfast today, you’ll hit the inland tracks to discover towering trees and take one last refreshing dip. Enjoy lunch in the forest and then begin your journey back to the mainland, arriving at Rainbow Beach around mid-afternoon ready for your next journey north to Bundaberg. Bundaberg is well-known for sugarcane, rum, and ginger beer, and more recently it has been called the ‘Bundaberg Bowl’ for its reputation of growing and producing fresh food served across the country. Your accommodation in Bundaberg is a relaxed eco-resort, located by a nature reserve in the coastal suburb of Bargara. You’ll have access to a spa, sauna, tennis courts, and more (we know, we treat you good!).

• Accommodation: Kelly’s Eco Resort in villas or similar
• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Snacks, BBQ Dinner
• Included activities: K’gari adventure tour

Day 13 - Saturday: Bundaberg Free Day

Today you get to have a relaxing morning in Bundaberg. Enjoy a sleep-in, go for a swim at the resort pool, or why not play a game of tennis? We’ll have breakfast at the resort and then head to Bundaberg for lunch and to explore the area. After lunch, we’ll head to the Bundaberg Rum Centre for a tour of their distillery and a tasting of their iconic rum. Or, if you’d prefer a full day out on the water and the chance to visit the southern part of the Great Barrier Reef, your guide can book you onto the incredible Lady Musgrave Full Day Tour, which includes snorkeling, a boat cruise, an island walk, and delicious food. Tonight, we’ll have a group BBQ dinner at the resort.

• Accommodation: Kelly’s Eco Resort or similar
• Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
• Included activities: Distillery tour
• Meal options: Self-cater, local cafes, restaurants
• Optional paid activities: Lady Musgrave Full Day Snorkel Tour
• Free activities: Swimming, tennis, or checking out Bargara Beach

Day 14 - Sunday: Bundaberg to Airlie Beach

• Today is a big travel day to Airlie Beach, the gateway to the amazing Whitsunday Islands, so load up on snacks, and we’ll get the tunes going to get us through the day. We’ll make some stops to stretch our legs and arrive in Airlie Beach in the evening.
• Accommodation: Base Airlie Beach or similar
• Meals included: Breakfast
• Meal options: Self-cater, local cafes, bakery, restaurants

Day 15 - Monday: Airlie Beach to Whitsunday Islands

This morning, enjoy a sleep-in or take a stroll down to the Airlie Lagoon for a dip. If you’d like to see the Whitsundays from above, there’s time for a scenic flight (optional extra) over the islands and outer Great Barrier Reef, including Heart Reef, before our 2-night sailing tour departs. After lunch, head to Coral Sea Marina to meet your crew and jump onboard a 76-foot, maxi sailing yacht, which will be your home for the next two days. As you leave the marina and Airlie Beach behind you, watch your crew hoist the sails for an exhilarating trip out to the Whitsunday Islands, part of the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Once you arrive around the islands, jump in for a swim or snorkel amongst the fringing reef and then enjoy the sunset with a drink in hand on one of the crew’s favorite little beaches. In the evening, relax on deck, have a few drinks, get to know the crew, stargaze, and let the calm waters gently rock you to sleep. For the adventurous, mats are provided to sleep on deck under the stars, or if you prefer more comfort, a bed awaits you below deck.

• Accommodation: Open shared dorm-style accommodation on a maxi sailing yacht
• Meals included: Breakfast, Afternoon Snacks, Dinner & Dessert (BYO drinks)
• Included activities: Sailing, snorkeling, exploring the Whitsunday Islands

Day 16 - Tuesday: Whitsunday Islands

This morning you’ll be forgiven for thinking you’re in paradise, as you wake up on a yacht surrounded by beautiful islands and enjoy a delicious breakfast on deck as you sail toward Whitsunday Island, home to the best beach in the world - Whitehaven Beach. You’ll disembark and enjoy a bush walk to Hill Inlet Lookout and then spend the rest of the day exploring and relaxing on Whitehaven Beach. You can also go snorkeling, enjoy a sunset beach session, and have another fun evening onboard with your group and the crew.

• Accommodation: Open shared dorm-style accommodation on a maxi sailing yacht
• Meals included: Breakfast, Morning Tea, Lunch, Afternoon Snacks, Dinner & Dessert
• Included activities: Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet Lookout, bush walk, sailing, snorkeling

Day 17 - Wednesday: Whitsunday Islands to Magnetic Island via Airlie Beach

Enjoy your final morning on board the yacht, have one last magical swim or snorkel, and then sail back to Airlie Beach. This afternoon, we’ll jump back on the bus and head to Townsville. We’ll then catch the ferry to our next destination, Magnetic Island, in the late afternoon. Nearly 50% of Maggie Island is national parkland, and it’s surrounded by amazing beaches and abundant wildlife. Your guide will fill you in on the activities you can do around the island over the next couple of days.

• Accommodation: Roamer Magnetic Island or similar
• Meals included: Breakfast, Morning Tea
• Meal options: Self-cater, local cafes, restaurants
• Included activities: Sailing, snorkeling, Magnetic Island ferry

Day 18 - Thursday: Magnetic Island Free Day

Today you’ll wake up in paradise and have a full free day to explore. This beautiful island is home to the historic Forts Complex, which you’ll see on a scenic walk with your guide. At the end, you’ll be rewarded with some incredible views over the island and ocean beyond. Spend the rest of your day relaxing on the secluded beaches, hiking through native bush, or searching for wildlife! Top tip: Keep your eyes on the trees—Magnetic Island is one of the best places in Australia to see koalas in the wild!

• Accommodation: Roamer Magnetic Island or similar
• Meals included: Breakfast
• Meal options: Self-cater, bakery, or cafes
• Free activities: Scenic walk, beaches
• Optional activities: Snorkel

Day 19 - Friday: Magnetic Island to Cairns via Atherton Tablelands

We’ll catch the ferry back to the mainland in the morning and then hit the road to head up to the stunning Atherton Tablelands. We’ll stop at the famous Millaa Millaa Falls along the way for a swim and some amazing photo ops. We’ll go for a walk and a swim in Lake Eacham—a beautiful crater lake—and visit the heritage-listed Curtain Fig Tree before making our way to Cairns. Tonight, we’ll stay at an amazing resort with its own man-made beach! We’ll have a group dinner at the resort and then check out the legendary Cairns nightlife.

• Accommodation: Gilligans Cairns or similar
• Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
• Meal options: Self-cater, local cafes, restaurants
• Included activities: Magnetic Island ferry, swim, walk, waterfalls

Day 20 - Saturday: Cairns Free Day

Today is a completely free day, so if you had a few too many cocktails last night, enjoy a lazy sleep-in and perhaps some hair-of-the-dog by the pool in the afternoon. If you’re ready for another day of adventure, why not book a tour of Cape Tribulation or go to see the iconic Great Barrier Reef?

• Accommodation: Gilligans Cairns or similar
• Meal options: Self-cater, local cafes, restaurants
• Free activities: Hang out at the amazing resort pool, walk the Esplanade, visit the Botanical Gardens
• Optional activities: Cape Tribulation Day Trip, bungy jump, Great Barrier Reef trip, skydive, rafting

Day 21 - Sunday: Cairns

Today is the final day of your Stray adventure. Give a hug or a wave to your new mates and head off for the next leg of your journey, taking with you the most incredible memories, everything you’ve learned about Australia’s special culture and wildlife, and of course, some classic Aussie lingo: G’DAY MATES!

This itinerary is a guide. Given the spontaneous nature of our trips and lack of control over Australia’s weather, what we do each day might occasionally vary.

Check into our central Sydney hostel anytime after 2pm.  At 7pm head down to the hostel bar for pizza night and to meet your Stray guide and travel mates for the next few weeks

What to Bring:

• Camera
• Clothing (mainly light layers but some warm items).
• Sneakers/trainers
• Waterproof Jacket
• Sunscreen & hat
• Swimsuit & towel
• Insect repellant
• Seasickness tablets
• Water bottle
• Toiletries

Luggage Limit:

• 15kg + a day pack.

Dietary Requirements:

• Please specify any dietary requirements at the time of booking.

Extra Costs:

• Any meals that aren't included.
• Many activities are included but there are 2 free days in Byron, and a free day in Noosa and Cairns if they want to add on any additional activities e.g. a surf lesson, kayak, Great Barrier Reef trip.