Get ready for an epic guided group adventure on the Ultimate East Coast Australia Explorer tour from Sydney to Cairns. Discover amazing Aussie locations, have heaps of fun, create unforgettable memories and make friends for life! We’ll show you the very best spots along the East Coast including Byron Bay, Brisbane, Magnetic Island & Cairns! We’ll sail around the Whitsunday Islands, camp on Fraser Island, party in Surfer’s Paradise, spot Aussie wildlife, snorkel the Great Barrier Reef & more!
Day 1 : Sydney to Byron Bay
Your Ultimate East Coast adventure starts here in Sydney, with a guided tour of the city and an orientation at our Ultimate HQ. Get to know your group at our welcome dinner before we begin our epic journey up the East Coast. We'll travel overnight by luxury, air-conditioned coach, complete with wifi and reclining chairs so sit back, relax and get ready for 5 weeks exploring the very best of the wonderful East Coast of Australia!
Day 2 : Byron Surf
This morning, we arrive in Byron Bay, the boho hub of the East Coast. We'll check in to our beachfront hostel and wander around the town before taking part in a fun, professional surf lesson this afternoon. You'll be riding the waves like a pro in no time!
Day 3 : Beach Yoga
Today we'll zen out with a morning yoga session on the beach. Today you have the option of heading to the famous hippie hub of Nimbin, stopping off at a waterfall on the way (optional add-on). Soak up the sun and get ready for a wine & cheese night at our hostel this evening.
Day 4 : Byron Lighthouse
This morning, we'll get up early and head to the famous Byron lighthouse to take in the gorgeous ocean views at sunrise. Check out the local farmers markets, chill at the beach and talk to your guide about kayaking with Dolphins (optional add-on) this afternoon.
Day 5 : Explore Byron
It's time to hit the beach! Grab a stand up paddleboard from the hostel or relax on the sand. Today is all about chilling and embracing the laid-back surfer vibes of Byron! Keen to explore? No worries - grab a bike and head into town (free at our hostel!)
Day 6 : Party in Paradise
After a morning at your leisure, we'll set off for our next stop; Surfers Paradise! Known for its awesome waves, never-ending nightlife and long sandy beaches, Surfers is a real highlight of the East Coast. We'll explore the town and the beautiful beaches, before getting dressed up and heading out to our favourite bars
Day 7 : Explore Surfers Paradise
Otherwise spend the day chilling by the pool or exploring the beachfront markets. Today you also have the option of book a Skypoint tower pass with your guide for spectacular views of the Gold Coast (add-on).
Day 8 : Chill in Surfers Paradise
You'll have some free time today so sleep in, walk around town or chill at the beach before we get together for a few bevvies this evening
Day 9 : Brisbane City Walk
In the morning, we'll hop on the bus and head to Brisbane! Our accommodation is right in the city centre - the perfect base for exploring the city! Today we'll discover some of Brisbane's 'best bits' on our city walk, from man-made Streets Beach, the popular city lagoon to Southbank the cultural hub.
Day 10 : Explore Brisbane
Today you have the option of heading to the famous Australia Zoo to get up close with some amazing Aussie wildlife! (add-on - includes return transfer from Brisbane). Rather stay local? No worries! Explore some of Brisbane's hidden spots or relax at your hostel.
Day 11 : Free day Brisbane
Free day
Day 12 : Relax in Noosa
Tropical greenery, diverse wildlife, and amazing beaches - Noosa, our next stop, is gorgeous. We'll arrive in the afternoon, chill by the beach and watch the sunset. We're here for two nights so settle in and make the most of our beautiful surroundings!
Day 13 : Explore Noosa
Today we'll take a hike over the coastal headlands taking in the amazing sea views. The rest of the day is yours: chill by the pool, grab a surfboard or boogie board from your hostel (free) or have a couple-a beers at the bar! Today you also have the chance to join a Noosa Everglades Kayak adventure (optional add-on). The choice is yours!
Day 14 : Welcome to Rainbow Beach
Our next stop is Rainbow beach, the gateway to our Fraser Island adventure! Check into your hostel and head out for a short hike to Carlo Sand Blow, a unique sand mass where you can watch the sunset over the southern tip of Fraser Island!
Day 15 : K’Gari (Fraser Island) Exploring
Ready to explore the world's largest sand island? Today, we will begin our Fraser Island adventure, exploring this vast island in a 4x4! We'll be spending the 2 nights here in our own campsite, just a few metres from the beach, so kick back and take in the amazing views!
Day 16 : Lakes, Beach & Views
Take a dip in the amazing clear waters of Lake McKenzie, bathe in the champagne pools, drive on the beach highway and take in vast views from Indian heads lookout.
Day 17 : Return to Rainbow Beach
Start with breakfast on Fraser Island, before our cleaning and take down of our camp site. We then drive to the beginning of the Lake Wabby walk, where we walk through the sand dunes to this tropical paradise! Lunch follows our trip to Lake Wabby, before we begin our drive down the beach heading back to the barge. Once back on the mainland we head back to the 4WD shed where you unpack and quickly clean the cars. We return to Freedom Rainbow Beach between 3pm and 4pm
Day 18 : Explore Rainbow Beach
After a good night's sleep, you have the day to rest and recover or continue exploring with some optional activities. From Surf Lessons to SUP Hire and from Horse Riding to Dolphin Kayaking, there is an activity for you!
Day 19 : Rainbow Beach to Airlie Beach
Today is our last day in Rainbow Beach. A visit to the Carlo Sand Blow is another must for everyone staying at Rainbow Beach. This iconic sand mass provides great views of the coloured sands, Double Island Lighthouse and Inskip Peninsula… This evening, we'll hop on the overnight bus to Airlie beach, arriving the next morning
Day 20 : Airlie Beach
Check into your hostel before heading out to explore tropical Airlie Beach, taking a dip in the famous harbourfront lagoon.
Day 21 : Tropical Airlie
Spend the day exploring the tropical paradise of Airlie Beach. Treat yourself to a shopping day, chill by the lagoon, or if you’re feeling adventurous, tackle the Honeyeater Lookout for breathtaking views!
Day 22 : Whitsundays Sailing Adventure
It's time to start our Whitsundays adventure! We'll be spending the next few days cruising around the stunning Whitsunday islands on a sailing boat. We'll be sleeping onboard so get comfy, have a drink, enjoy some delicious food, and settle into the gorgeous surroundings.
Day 23 : Explore the Whitsundays
We'll spend our time snorkeling in pristine blue waters and visiting some of the whitest sandy beaches in the world. Chill with your mates and witness some incredible sunsets! The Whitsundays are breathtaking!
Day 24 : Party in Airlie
After two amazing days on the boat, we'll head back to our hostel in tropical Airlie Beach for the next two nights. Arriving in the evening, we'll hit the hostel terrace bar and reminisce on our Whitsundays adventure!
Day 25 : Ferry to Magnetic Island
You're in for a treat as we spend the next 4 days exploring Magnetic Island - home to wild koalas, wallabies, and golden sandy beaches. Settle in to our accommodation for the night and get ready for our Magnetic Island adventure
Day 26 : Magnetic Island
Maggie, as it’s known by locals, really is a tropical paradise! Today we can snorkel in the pristine island waters, take the guided Fort's walk offering incredible views of the island and spot local wildlife.
Day 27 : Magnetic Island
Want to explore the rest of the island? Rent a 4x4 'Barbie car' for the day and drive around the island with your mates (available for hire) taking in some of Maggie Island's incredible sights and beaches. You can also stop off and hand-feed cute wallabies!
Day 28 : Magnetic Island
Magnetic Island has an on-site wildlife park where you can get up close to Aussie wildlife such as koalas and wallabies (additional cost). Today, chill by the pool or check out the wildlife park (add-on).
Day 29 : Mission Beach
Our next stop is Mission beach, where the rainforest and the reef meet. Mission is renowned for incredible sunrises! We'll arrive at our hostel in the evening in time for a few drinks at the hostel bar before hitting the sack ready for a big day tomorrow!
Day 30 : Mission Beach
This morning is free for you to spend at your leisure. We recommend exploring the beautiful neighboring National Park, traditional country of The Djiru Aboriginal people. If you're up for a bit of adrenaline action, you have the option of joining an awesome white water rafting adventure in Tully, just a short distance from Mission Beach (optional add-on).
Day 31 : Welcome to Cairns!
Mission beach is also home to Australia's highest skydive (15,000ft!) so if you're feeling adventurous and ready for some adrenaline-pumping action - get signed up (add-on). Fly over a reef, jump out a plane and land on a beach. Awesome! Tonight we arrive in Cairns - the Ultimate backpacker destination, and gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy luxury air-conditioned en-suite dorm rooms, a huge pool and daily entertainment in our resort-style accommodation. We'll be spending the next 5 days here, so settle in and get ready for an exciting few days ahead!
Day 32 : Rainforest & Waterfalls
Our first full day in Cairns will be spent exploring the Tablelands region, swimming under waterfalls, exploring rainforest and sliding down natural rock slides. If you're lucky, you may even see some shy platypuses in the wild!
Day 33 : Great Barrier Reef
What better way to spend your last few days in paradise than a day trip to the breathtaking Great Barrier Reef? We'll take a boat to the outer reef and snorkel around the vibrant coral, encountering turtles, stingrays and maybe even Nemo - an experience you'll never forget! $20 Port, fuel & reef levy payable locally.
Day 34 : Explore Cairns
The next two days are open for you to explore Cairns and the surrounding area. Visit the Daintree Rainforest (optional add-on) or stay local and relax in the sunshine! Cairns popular lagoon is a great spot to relax in the day before making the most of the awesome backpacker nightlife on offer!
Day 35 : Chill & Farewell
Today chill at our hostel's lagoon pool, join in on pool volleyball, head to the deck bar or start planning the next part of your adventure! Keen to brave a bungy jump? Talk to your guide about booking a bungy jump over the rainforest (optional add-on). We'll take you to our favourite spot to reminisce on the past 5 weeks of adventure over a few beers!
Day 36 : Keen for more?
Whether you plan to stay in the tropics, travel elsewhere in Australia or onto a different destination, your tour guide and the crew at Ultimate HQ will be here to support you and help you plan your adventure!
Airport transfer on arrival to Sydney airport can be organised if needed - please ask for further information.
The group will meet on day 1, more detailed information will be sent to the customer pre-arrival.
We have done our best to include all fee's and charges but there are some key touring components that are required to be paid on arrival whilst on tour.
- Fraser Island Insurance Fee ($20 AUD) - Paid direct on arrival
- Fraser Island Sleeping Bag Hire ($10AUD) - Paid direct if required
- Great Barrier Reef Conservation Levy ($20 AUD) Paid direct on arrival
- Whitsundays National Park EMC Levy ($30 AUD) Paid direct on arrival
Optional Activity Levies - Whilst on tour, various local activity operators may charge a levy that is to be paid direct on the day your activity takes place. These will be communicated to you when booking any optional activities. A local 'levy' is generally a tax or administration fee.
We stay at the best hostels along the Australian East Coast. All prices are based on shared accommodation in 6, 8 or 10 share dorm style rooms. Twin and private room upgrades are available to book but are subject to availability and single supplement charges.
Note: Twin and Private room upgrades are not available on the Whitsundays.
