The 22-day epic East Coast adventure begins in Sydney, where you’ll have time to explore iconic landmarks before concluding your incredible East Coast adventure. Your next stop is the small surf town of Byron Bay, filled with arts, music, and stunning coastal views. After that, you’ll travel to Noosa, where you can explore national parks and the Everglades.
Following this, you’ll travel to Rainbow Beach to embark on an epic three-day tag-along adventure on K'gari (Fraser Island), the largest sand island in the world, exploring its natural wonders, including Lake McKenzie and the Maheno Shipwreck. After your Fraser Island adventure, you’ll return to Rainbow Beach for surf lessons and a day of leisure.
Next, you’ll head to Airlie Beach for a two-night sailing trip in the Whitsundays, where you will visit Hill Inlet, featuring breathtaking beaches like Whitehaven Beach and many snorkeling opportunities. Your journey continues as you travel to Townsville and then to Magnetic Island, where you can relax on beautiful beaches and observe local wildlife, including the highest concentration of wild koalas in Australia.
Finally, you’ll travel to Cairns where you will venture into the world’s oldest tropical rainforest, visiting stunning waterfalls and a volcanic crater lake. You’ll embark on a full-day Great Barrier Reef tour, snorkeling or scuba diving among vibrant marine life. The adventure concludes in Cairns, where you’ll reflect on your incredible experiences along the East Coast.
Day 1 : Overnight bus from Sydney to Byron Bay
Your adventure kicks off in stunning Sydney city where you'll have time to explore all the highlights including the Sydney Opera House and Darling Harbour. Looking at arriving a few days earlier to explore the best of Sydney tours? Chat with our travel experts today to find the best prices on day trips and Sydney accommodation. Tonight, you'll hop on board the overnight bus that will take you to the iconic coastal town of 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 iconic Cape Byron Lighthouse for breathtaking views, and unwind with a sunset walk along the sandy shores.
Day 3 : Byron Bay - Behind the bay
Today you'll check out a cool waterfall near Byron, with our Behind the Bay trip! Get some awesome pictures and soak up the beautiful nature. Enjoy some free time at different selected locations!
Day 4 : 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 5 : Bus Byron Bay to Noosa
Jump onboard a bus to Noosa in the Queensland Region where you will check-in for 2 nights. Spend your first day exploring the area!
Day 6 : Noosa
Enjoy your free day in Noosa. Visit the amazing national park and see the amazing fairy pools. Why not go and visit the world famous Noosa Everglades, with only two everglades in the world this one is not to be missed.
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
Day 8 : Rainbow beach Surf lesson
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 9 : 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 10 : 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 11 : 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 12 : Rainbow beach and 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 13 : Airlie Beach
You'll arrive in the tropical paradise of Airlie Beach bright and early. 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 14 : 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 15 : 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 16 : 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 17 : Bus from Airlie Beach to Townsville - Magnetic Island
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 18 : 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 19 : Bus from Townsville to Cairns
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 20 : 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 21 : 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 22 : Departure Cairns
This morning you will check out of your hostel and wave goodbye to your East Coast adventure! 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! Say goodbye to like-minded friends and 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….?
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.
