Sydney to Cairns
28 Days from Sydney to Cairns. The East Coast trip you’ve always dreamed about.
28 days
Ages 18-30
4.9
About the trip
We handle the accommodation, transport and the big-ticket activities, and there’s loads of free time built in to explore, book an add-on or just do your own thing. You handle showing up and having the time of your life. Somewhere between the road trips and the sunsets, the people you started the trip with stop being people you just met.
Worry-free booking
Secure your spot with a 10% deposit. Change your travel date for free up to 30 days before departure, and pay the remaining balance 30 days before your trip starts. If your plans change, moving to an open date is also possible up to 30 days before departure.
Trip Highlights
Itinerary
Sydney
- Day 1
Meet your fellow Travel Buddies and spend the day exploring Sydney, from the Opera House and harbour views to the Botanic Gardens. Then it’s a welcome dinner in the evening, on us. - Day 2
A free day to do Sydney your way. Walk the Bondi to Coogee coastal trail and catch some sun before hopping on the overnight bus north.
Byron Bay
- Day 3
Arrive in Byron Bay for a three-night stay. That afternoon, join a Travel Buddies rep for the Lighthouse Walk out to Cape Byron, Australia’s most easterly point. - Day 4
A free day to fill however you like. Snorkel Julian Rocks, kayak with dolphins, join the glowworm rainforest experience or try a surf lesson. - Day 5
Another free day in Byron before heading north tomorrow. Do the same optional activities if you didn’t get to them yesterday, or just relax.
Surfers Paradise
- Day 6
Say goodbye to Byron and head north to Surfers Paradise for cafes, craft breweries and some of the best shopping on the coast. - Day 7
A free day on the Gold Coast. Catch a tan, try your hand at surfing or head out for the day.
Brisbane
- Day 8
Arrive in Brisbane. Explore the parks, the galleries and the buzzing food scene, then enjoy a night out in the city. - Day 9
A free day to shop, explore the West End or take a day trip out of the city.
Noosa & K’gari (Fraser Island)
- Day 10
Bus from Brisbane to Noosa, arriving with a free afternoon, followed by your K’gari safety briefing ahead of tomorrow’s adventure. - Day 11 – Off to K’gari!
Head out to K’gari in your 4WD. Drive the 75 Mile Beach, visit the SS Maheno wreck, float the Eli Creek lazy river, then settle into your dingo-safe campsite for an evening under the stars. - Day 12 – K’gari Day 2
Explore Central Station’s rainforest trails, swim at Lake McKenzie and cool off in the Champagne Pools. - Day 13 – Final day on K’gari
Pack up camp and visit Lake Wabby before making your way back to Noosa. - Day 14
A free day to unwind, shop Hastings Street or explore the local surf scene. - Day 15
Track down Noosa’s hidden Fairy Pools before boarding your overnight bus to Airlie Beach.
Airlie Beach & the Whitsundays
- Day 16
Arrive in Airlie Beach after the overnight bus, check in and cool off at the central lagoon. - Day 17 – Start of your Whitsundays sailing trip!
Set sail from Airlie Beach to Hook Island and snorkel hidden reefs like Stonehaven Bay and Langford Reef. Dinner and drinks at anchor under the stars. - Day 18 – Second day in the Whitsundays
Hike to Hill Inlet for the swirling sands of Whitehaven Beach, then swim and walk at the beach’s southern end. - Day 19 – Last day onboard
Snorkel one more reef, with turtles and manta rays possible, then return to Airlie Beach for an afterparty with the group. - Day 20
Recover at the lagoon or revisit your favourite spots. Add a 15,000ft skydive or a jet ski across the Whitsundays if you want more adrenaline.
Magnetic Island
- Day 21
Bus to Townsville, then ferry across to Magnetic Island for a free afternoon at your beachside stay. - Day 22
A full free day to explore. The Magnetic Island Wildlife Park is available as an optional add-on.
Cairns
- Day 23
Ferry back to Townsville and bus up to Cairns, arriving in the afternoon. Settle in with an evening at the Cairns Night Markets. - Day 24 – Exploring the waterfalls
Explore the Atherton Tablelands on a full-day waterfall tour, taking in Babinda Boulders, Josephine Falls, Millaa Millaa Falls and Lake Eacham. - Day 25
A free day in the city, with plenty of backpacker energy to soak up. - Day 26 – Great Barrier Reef day trip
Sail out to the Great Barrier Reef for a day of snorkelling at Michaelmas Cay. - Day 27
A free day to fit in any last bucket-list items, or head into the Daintree Rainforest.
End of trip
- Day 28
Your East Coast adventure wraps up in Cairns. Head off with 28 days of memories and stories. Let us know if you need help with whatever you’re doing next.
What’s included
Activities
- 3-day K’gari 4WD camping tag-along tour
- 3-day Whitsundays sailing trip
- Great Barrier Reef snorkel
- Atherton Tablelands waterfall tour
- Cape Byron Lighthouse walk
Accommodation & Stay
- 27 nights total
- 21 in hostels
- 2 on a sailing yacht
- 2 camping
- 2 on overnight buses
Transport & Food
- A bus pass covering all travel from Sydney to Cairns, plus the ferry to and from Magnetic Island.
- 19 meals included across the trip
What’s not included
Where You'll Stay
Add-on Activities
Why choose us
Low deposit to book
Flexible if plans change
Mates from day one
Semi-guided & flexible
Handpicked places to stay
WhatsApp support, seven days a week
FAQs
Is this a guided trip, or am I responsible for my own travel?
Travel Buddies trips are semi-guided, giving you the best mix of independent and group travel. We organise your accommodation, transport and included activities, so the main planning is taken care of for you.
It’s your responsibility to arrive at meeting points and departures on time, as missed activities or transport are non-refundable.
What is a semi-guided trip, and how does it work?
There’s no full-time guide glued to your side. We handle the accommodation, transport and key activities, and you get the freedom to explore each stop your own way, solo or with the group.
You’re never on your own though: our team is on hand throughout your trip via the Travel Buddies WhatsApp community, so help or advice is always a message away.
Can I book accommodation before or after the trip?
Yes, just ask when you book. We’ll try to keep you in the same hostel as the rest of your group so you’re not switching around, subject to availability.
What is the age range?
Travel Buddies is built for 18 to 30 year olds. Just outside that range? Get in touch, as we’re often able to make it work.
How many people will be on the trip?
Groups cap at 12 travellers, small enough to actually get to know everyone, with a minimum of 2 to run.
How flexible is the itinerary?
You’ll follow a set route and timeline, but every free day is yours to fill: book an add-on, explore solo or just hang back with the group.
What are the must-see highlights on the East Coast trip?
K’gari’s 75 Mile Beach, sailing the Whitsundays, snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef, a rainforest waterfall tour in the Tropical North, and more! See the Highlights section above for the full list.
How do I connect with fellow travellers before the trip begins?
In the week before departure, you’ll be added to a WhatsApp community with a social channel just for chatting to your group before you even land in Sydney.

