27 day East Coast Explorer

Name: 27 day East Coast Explorer
Price: 3295.00 AUD
Availability: InStock

Embark on a 27-day Sydney to Cairns adventure, exploring K'gari (Fraser Island), sailing the Whitsundays and snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef. This trip offers a mix of iconic destinations and thrilling activities all along Australia's East Coast.

From
$3,295 + $20 levy

Details

Embark on the ultimate 27-day adventure along Australia’s East Coast, from Sydney to Cairns. Begin in vibrant Sydney, where you'll explore iconic sights like the Opera House, Harbour Bridge and the world famous Bondi Beach.

Next, enjoy Byron Bay's laid-back vibe, famous for surf and sunsets, and visit the Cape Byron Lighthouse. Continue to Surfers Paradise for golden beaches and nightlife, then immerse yourself in Brisbane's cultural scene. Relax in Noosa, exploring national parks and the fairy pools, and chill at Rainbow Beach before a 3-day K'gari (Fraser Island) 4 wheel drive camping trip.

Experience the enchanting Whitsunday Islands with a 2 night sailing trip to Whitehaven Beach and snorkel vibrant reefs. Unwind in Airlie Beach and Magnetic Island, spotting local wildlife. Finally, discover Cairns, snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, and choose to explore the Daintree Rainforest. With accommodation, transport, and some meals included, this journey offers epic activities and unforgettable memories.

Itinerary - Sydney to Cairns

Day 1 : Free day in Sydney - Overnight bus to Byron Bay

Spend your day in Sydney exploring and checking the sights. Tonight, you'll hop on board the overnight bus that will take you to the chilled out coastal town of Byron Bay.

Day 2 : Byron Bay

Arrive in Byron Bay, 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 serene waterfalls and hinterlands behind this coastal gem.

Day 4 : Byron Bay

Day 5 : Bus to Surfers Paradise

Today you can check out the scene in Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast after a short bus journey north. With numerous restaurants, cafes, bars and restaurants at Surfers Paradise there's something or everyone. If you're looking for a good night out Surfers Paradise is the place to be. Perhaps ride a wave... whether you are an experienced surfer or a beginner, the area offers excellent surfing conditions and a range of surf schools to help you learn.

Day 6: Surfers Paradise

Spend another day in the hustle and bustle of Surfers Paradise and savour the nightlife of the Gold Coast, tomorrow we'll be taking a short bus ride to Brisbane.

Day 7 : Bus to Brisbane

Welcome to Bris-Vegas! Settle into Brisbane and make yourself at home. Looking to keep the party going? Why not go and check out the bars and restaurants of Fortitude Valley.

Day 8 : Brisbane

Day 9 : Bus 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 10 : 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.

Day 11: Noosa
Enjoy another day in Noosa. Why not check out one of the only two everglades in the world on a relaxing canoeing trip.

Day 12 : 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 13 : 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 14 : 3 Day / 2 Night K'gari Fraser Island Tag Along Safari – Dingos
Your K'gari Fraser Island adventure begins with a quick morning brief at Freedom Hostel. The adventure really begins once you get off the Ferry to K'gari, as you drive to the famous Lake McKenzie, one of the most popular and picturesque highlights of K'gari Fraser island. You'll 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!

Day 15 : 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.

Day 16 : 3 Day / 2 Night K'gari Fraser Island Tag Along Safari – Dingos / 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

Day 17 : 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 18 : 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. Looking for an additional thrill? Jetskis, Skydives, Scenic flights over the Heart Reef, Airlie Beach has it all!

Day 19 : 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 multiple snorkelling locations and check out the magnificent fringing reef around the Islands (all part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park).

Day 20 : Whitsundays Sailing Trip

Today you can enjoy multiple bush-walks and hikes (with lookouts and stunning views of the Whitsundays Islands) - 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.

Day 21 : Whitsundays Sailing Trip - Whitsundays to Airlie Beach

Day 22 : 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. Check-in for 2 nights and then kick back and relax on one of the island's many iconic beaches.

Day 23 : 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 24 : 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 3 nights and then head out to explore the city.

Day 25 : 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!

Day 26 : Cairns

Enjoy a free day in Cairns, Why not go and see the world's oldest rainforest? At 135 million years old the Daintree Rainforest is not to be missed.

Day 27 : 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?

Itinerary - Cairns to Sydney

Day 1: Arrive in Cairns
Your adventure kicks off in stunning Cairns! 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: 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 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: 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!

Day 5: Cairns to Townsville - Magnetic Island
Today you'll make your way to Townsville where a ferry will take you to the stunning Magnetic Island. Check-in for 2 nights and then kick back and relax on one of the island's many iconic beaches.

Day 6 : Magnetic Island

Day 7 : Bus from Townsville to Airlie Beach

Today you'll wave goodbye to Magnetic Island and hello to Airlie Beach as you catch the ferry back to Townsville and then head further soutth. Airlie Beach is the gateway to the Whitsundays and it's amazing locations like Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet and the swirling sands.

Day 8 : Whitsundays Sailing Trip - Airlie Beach to Whitsundays

Day 9 : Whitsundays Sailing Trip

Day 10 : Whitsundays Sailing Trip - Whitsundays to Airlie Beach

Wake up on the final morning of your 2 night Whitsundays trip 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!

Day 11: Airlie Beach and Overnight bus to Rainbow Beach
Enjoy a free day in Airlie Beach. Watch the sunset right before you hop on your overnight bus to Rainbow beach!

Day 12 : Rainbow Beach

Day 13 : 3 Day / 2 Night K'gari Fraser Island Tag Along Safari – Dingos
Your K'gari Fraser Island adventure begins with a quick morning brief at Freedom Hostel. The adventure really begins once you get off the Ferry to K'gari, as you drive to the famous Lake McKenzie, one of the most popular and picturesque highlights of K'gari Fraser island. You'll 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!

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

Day 15 : 3 Day / 2 Night K'gari Fraser Island Tag Along Safari – Dingos / Rainbow Beach

Today, you’ll head to Noosa. Check into your hostel and then head out to explore! You'll be staying at this hostel for a total of 3 nights so get comfortable!

Day 17: Noosa
Escape to Noosa, where the sun-kissed beaches meet lush hinterlands, creating the perfect backdrop for your next getaway. With its stunning landscapes and vibrant coastal culture, Noosa invites you to indulge in a luxurious yet relaxed lifestyle.

Day 18: Noosa
Enjoy another 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 19: Bus from Noosa to Brisbane
Welcome to Bris-Vegas! Settle into Brisbane and make yourself at home. Looking to keep the party going? Why not go and check out the bars and restaurants of Fortitude Valley.

Day 20: Brisbane

Enjoy your free day in Brisbane! Opt for a koala river cruise, or take a leisurely stroll along the scenic South Bank Parklands, where you'll find picturesque views, riverside dining options, and the iconic Wheel of Brisbane.

Day 21: Bus from Brisbane to Gold Coast
Today you can check out the scene in Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast after a short bus journey south. With numerous restaurants, cafes, bars and restaurants at Surfers Paradise there's something or everyone. If you're looking for a good night out Surfers Paradise is the place to be. Perhaps ride a wave... whether you are an experienced surfer or a beginner, the area offers excellent surfing conditions and a range of surf schools to help you learn.

Day 22: Surfers Paradise

Spend another day in the hustle and bustle of Surfers Paradise and savour the nightlife of the Gold Coast, tomorrow we'll be taking a short bus ride to Byron Bay.

Day 23: Bus from Surfers Paradise 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 24 : Byron Bay
Byron Bay has something for everyone, Why not Kayak with dolphins, catch a wave or visit some of the serene waterfalls and hinterlands behind this coastal gem.

Day 25 : 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 26: Byron Bay and Overnight Bus to Sydney
Spend your day in Byron Bay before taking the overnight bus down to Sydney

Day 27: Arrive in Sydney
This morning you will arrive in Sydney 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, Sydney 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….?

Pickups / Departures

This package is adaptable to your dates.

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

Departs: Sydney or Cairns

Returns: Cairns or Sydney

Extras

There is an optional driving insurance levy to pay directly for the K'gari 4WD Safari
You will have to pay the $20 reef levy for the Great Barrier Reef

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 30th February 2026 there is a slight rate increase as reflected on our package pricing.
Please contact us for any questions.