3 Week Basic Sydney to Cairns East Coast Tour (Or Reverse)

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

Today is yours free to kick back and enjoy Byron. 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.

Meals Included: None 

Day 3: 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.

Meals Included: None 

Day 4: Byron Bay to Surfers Paradise

Say see ya to Byron and hello to Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast/ Goldie! Its a pretty short bus ride but youll pass Brunswick Heads - epic beaches and views and Burleigh Heads. Cruise past these laid back coastal towns and natural beauty before reaching the vibrant energy of Surfers Paradise.

Meals Included: None 

Day 5: Surfers Paradise

Surfers Paradise is a bustling destination with a mix of natural beauty, exciting attractions, and a busy nightlife. Relax on the iconic golden sands, swim in the clear waters, or try your hand at surfing. You can also browse local arts, crafts, and food stalls along the beachfront every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday evening.

Day 6: Surfers Paradise to Brisbane

Jump on board a bus to Brisbane in the Queensland Region where you will check-in for 1 night. Spend your first day exploring the area! Brisbane is known for its thriving arts and cultural scene. You can explore the Queensland Cultural Centre, which houses several world-class museums and galleries.

Meals Included: None 

Day 7: Brisbane to Rainbow Beach

Enjoy a bit of early free time 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. 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 3 nights so get comfortable - with daily free guided walks to the Carlo Sandblow and free pancake breakfasts, that's not hard to do!

Meals Included: None 

Day 8: 2 Day / 1 Night Dingos Fraser Island Tag Along Safari

The morning starts bright & early with our compulsory tour briefing at 7 am sharp at Freedom Hostel, to receive comprehensive information to prepare you for this exciting journey. Here you will be placed into groups and have the opportunity to organise luggage storage. You will also be taught how to drive safely on Fraser Island ahead of your big adventure! We aim to depart Freedom Hostel for K'gari (Fraser Island) by 9:30 am, which can take approximately 10 minutes to drive to the barge (ferry). The barge crossing is approximately 15 minutes, and during that time, you may be lucky enough to spot Dolphins or other marine life before arriving on the world’s largest sand island. ​Once you arrive, you’ll be traversing the eastern beach - K'gari's (Fraser Islands) own highway with speed limits! Settle in for the journey and enjoy the views as we head north along the beach before stopping for morning tea at one of the many freshwater creeks found on the island. Following morning tea, we will continue north towards the Maheno Shipwreck, where we’ll stop to share the story of this important landmark, especially it’s use as a hospital ship during wartime. We have lunch included for you today. The lunch destination will be up to your guide as they’ll find the best spot depending on where you are around that time of the day. We’ll finish up our afternoon at Eli Creek, a beautifully clear creek perfect for a refreshing swim/splash and relaxing sunbathing before heading to our camp.

Meal(s) included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9:  2 Day / 1 Night Dingos Fraser Island Tag Along Safari Return to Rainbow Beach

Arise for a quick breakfast before we begin our second day on K'gari (Fraser Island)! The adventure begins as we drive south to Eurong before heading inland through ever-changing vegetation to the rainforest at Central Station. Here you’ll depart your vehicle and follow your guide for a walk alongside beautiful Wanggoolba Creek. Your guide will share the logging history of Central Station along with the indigenous significance of Wanggoolba Creek before sending you on a 1.8 km self-guided walk through the rainforest. You’ll reunite with your guide at the other end of the walk at Pile Valley where you’ll have morning tea surrounded by towering Satinay trees. From Pile Valley it’s a short drive to the famous Boorangoora (Lake McKenzie), arguably the most popular and picturesque highlight of K'gari (Fraser Island). Here, you can enjoy quality time lazing on the pristine sand beaches, swimming, and relaxing in the lake's stunning clear waters. We’ll then have lunch before packing up and returning to Eastern Beach. Once back on Eastern Beach we’ll head south to the barge (ferry). From Inskip Point, it’s only a short drive back into Rainbow Beach, where your adventure ends. We return to Freedom Rainbow Beach between 3:30 pm and 4:30 pm where you will stay for the night.

Meal(s) included : Lunch

Day 10:  Rainbow Beach

Kick back in sunny Rainbow Beach for your last day. Take a swim in the pool, dip in the ocean and soak up the small coastal village vibes! If you havent already, make sure you explore the Coloured Sands to discover the stunning cliffs of Rainbow Beach, known for their vibrant, multi-colored sands formed over millions of years. Also visit Carlo Sand Blow: A massive sand dune with panoramic views of the coast, perfect for sandboarding, taking in the sunset, or simply enjoying the scenery.

Meals included: None 

Day 11: Rainbow Beach to 1770 

This morning you'll check out of your hostel and head to 1770 - Agnes Water! You have to explore the Agnes Water Museum and Visitor Centre: Learn about the local history, including Captain Cook's landing in 1770!

Day 12: 1770 

Wake up and head to the epic coastal beach here. Surfing and Swimming at Agnes Water Beach: Known as the northernmost surf beach on Australia's east coast, is perfect for both beginners and experienced surfers. In the evening check out the sunset at the 1770 Marina. Witness a stunning sunset over the water, a perfect way to end the day.

Meals included: None 

Day 13: 1770 to 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! 

 Meals included: None  

Day 14: Whitsundays Trip from Airlie Beach

This unique full day Whitsundays tour visits both the northern and southern ends of Whitehaven Beach. Enjoy approximately two hours relaxing on the world famous white silica sand and enjoy a guided bushwalk to spectacular Hill Inlet Lookout to view and capture photographs of the stunning swirling silica sands and aqua water. Snorkel for over an hour at Border Island, Dumbell Island or one of our “secret” snorkel spots, enjoying the amazing hard and soft corals of the fringing reefs. You'll head back to Airlie Beach where you will stay for the night. 

Day 15: 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. 

Meals included: None 

Day 16: 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. 

Meals included: None 

Day 17: Magnetic Island - Townsville - Mission Beach

Today you'll leave Magnetic Island behind and explore Mission Beach, known for its long stretches of pristine, palm-fringed beaches with soft white sand. The scenery is picturesque, making it an ideal place for relaxation, sunbathing, beach walks, and water activities!

Meals included: None 

Day 18: Mission Beach

This is one of the best places in the world to skydive, landing on the beach itself! Contact our team to add this exhilarating experience to your itinerary. Mission Beach also has a laid-back and tranquil atmosphere, making it an excellent destination to unwind in a peaceful setting.

Meals included: None 

Day 19: Bus from Mission Beach to Cairns

Today you'll wave goodbye to Mission Beach and hello to Cairns as you 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. 

Meals included: None 

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 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 Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 21: Depart 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….?

Meals included: None 

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, there is a slight rate increase as reflected on our package pricing.
Please contact us for any questions.