Cairns to Sydney
32 Days. Cairns to Sydney. Our most complete East Coast trip.
32 days
Ages 18-30
4.9
About the trip
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
The Whitsundays
Set sail from Airlie Beach for two nights out on the water. Snorkel hidden reefs, hike to Hill Inlet for the postcard view over Whitehaven Beach and fall asleep under the stars.
K’gari (Fraser Island)
Get behind the wheel yourselves for a 4WD tag-along adventure along the 75 Mile Beach. Swim at Lake McKenzie, cool off in the tea-coloured Champagne Pools and camp two nights under the stars.
Great Barrier Reef & Rainforest
Snorkel the world-famous Great Barrier Reef, then head into the Atherton Tablelands for waterfalls, wildlife and rainforest along the way.
Beach and surf camp
Four days and three nights at a beachfront camp in Arrawarra, with surf lessons, campfires and optional extras like kayaking and kangaroo walks.
Wildlife and waterfalls in Mackay
Kangaroos and wallabies on the beach at sunrise, waterfall swims at Finch Hatton Gorge, wild platypus at Eungella and a wakeboarding lesson, all in one included stop.
Amazing locations
From tropical Cairns to Sydney Harbour, with Magnetic Island, Noosa, Byron Bay and more in between.
Free time, your way
Plenty of free days built in to explore each stop at your own pace, or fill them with an optional add-on activity.
Your home each night
Dorms just for your group, in social hostels handpicked for good vibes and good company. Plus nights on a sailing yacht, camping on K’gari and at a beachfront surf camp.
Itinerary
Cairns
- Day 1
Meet your fellow Travel Buddies and spend the day exploring Cairns, from the shops and gallery to the lagoon. Then it’s a welcome dinner in the evening, on us. - Day 2
Spend the day in the Atherton Tablelands with Uncle Brian’s tour, swimming at waterfalls and trying the famous hair flick at Millaa Millaa Falls. - Day 3
Sail out to the Great Barrier Reef on the Ocean Spirit, snorkel the reef and relax on a sand cay, then watch sunset back in Cairns.
Magnetic Island
- Day 4
Travel to Townsville and take the ferry to Magnetic Island. Check in to your beachside resort and spend the afternoon on the beach or a coastal walk. - Day 5
A free day on the island. Walk the Forts Walk for 360-degree views and wild koalas, or rent a Barbie car and zip around.
Airlie Beach & the Whitsundays
- Day 6
Travel back through Townsville and south to Airlie Beach. Check in, then cool off at the central lagoon. - Day 7
A free day for the shops, cafes and Bicentennial Walking Track, followed by Airlie’s nightlife. - Day 8
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 9
Hike to Hill Inlet for the swirling sands of Whitehaven Beach, then swim and walk at the beach’s southern end. - Day 10
Snorkel one more reef, with turtles and manta rays possible, then return to Airlie Beach for an afterparty with the group. - Day 11
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.
Mackay & Eungella
- Day 12
Head to Mackay Adventure Lodge, check in over a welcome drink and take a 90-minute wakeboarding lesson next door. - Day 13
Hike Finch Hatton Gorge to swim at the waterfalls, then spot platypus in Eungella National Park before a group dinner at the lodge. - Day 14
Wake before dawn for sunrise at Cape Hillsborough, where kangaroos and wallabies graze on the beach. Picnic breakfast, a headland walk, then the overnight bus south.
Rainbow Beach
- Day 15
Arrive early in Rainbow Beach, a surf town below striped sand cliffs. Visit the Coloured Sands and watch the sunset from Carlo Sandblow.
K’gari (Fraser Island)
- Day 16
Join the 4WD tag-along convoy onto K’gari. Drive 75 Mile Beach, see the SS Maheno wreck, float down Eli Creek and camp under the stars. - Day 17
Walk Wanggoolba Creek at Central Station, swim at Lake McKenzie, then drive on to the Champagne Pools. - Day 18
Swim at Lake Wabby, take the barge back to the mainland and travel on to Noosa.
Noosa
- Day 19
Settle into Noosa, hit Hastings Street or the beach, and swap K’gari stories at KB’s in the evening. - Day 20
Walk the coastal track to the Fairy Pools and keep an eye out for koalas in the trees.
Brisbane
- Day 21
Take the bus to Brisbane, check in, then explore the parks and food scene before a night out in the city. - Day 22
A free day for galleries, the West End and last-minute shopping before you head further south.
Surfers Paradise
- Day 23
Head down the Gold Coast to Surfers Paradise for cafes, craft breweries and a chance to try surfing.
Byron Bay
- Day 24
Arrive in Byron Bay and check in for three nights. Take in a night out at the Great Northern’s piano bar or the Beach Hotel. - Day 25
A free day for The Farm or Cosy Corner on Tallows Beach, or a rainforest waterfall swim with glowworms at night. - Day 26
Start with yoga or a bike ride, then meet your rep for sunset at Cape Byron Lighthouse, Australia’s most easterly point.
Arrawarra Beach
- Day 27
Check in to the beachfront camp, meet the crew and settle in around the campfire. - Day 28
Breakfast from 7am, then your first surf lesson at 7:30am. Optional afternoon extras include rafting, kayaking and kangaroo walks. - Day 29
Spend the day on the beach, join the optional activities or see how much your surfing has improved. Evening entertainment around the campfire. - Day 30
One last morning on the waves or the beach, say goodbye to the camp crew, then take the overnight bus to Sydney.
Sydney
- Day 31
Arrive in Sydney early. See the Opera House and harbour, stroll the Botanic Gardens, walk Bondi to Coogee and finish with a night out with your group.
End of trip
- Day 32
End of trip. Say goodbye to your group. Get in touch and we’ll help you plan what’s next.
What’s included
Activities
- Atherton Tablelands waterfall tour
- Great Barrier Reef snorkel
- 3-day Whitsundays sailing trip
- Mackay wakeboarding lesson, Eungella National Park waterfalls and gorge, and sunrise with the wallabies at Cape Hillsborough
- 3-day K’gari 4WD camping tag-along tour
- Cape Byron Lighthouse walk
- 4-day beach and surf camp in Arrawarra
Accommodation & Stay
- 31 nights total
- 22 in hostels
- 2 camping
- 2 on a sailing yacht
- 3 at the beach camp
- 2 on overnight buses
Transport & Food
- A bus pass covering all travel from Cairns to Sydney, plus the ferry to and from Magnetic Island.
- 28 meals included across the trip
What’s not included
Where You'll Stay
Gilligan’s Cairns
Nomads Magnetic Island
Nomads Airlie Beach
Whitsundays Sailing Yacht
Mackay Adventure Lodge
Freedom Hostel
K’gari Camping
Nomads Noosa
Roamer Brisbane
Bunk Surfers Paradise
Drifter Byron Bay
Spot X Beach Camp
Nomads Sydney
Overnight bus transfers
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
“I had a really great time ! Before the tour started I was a bit unsure how everything is gonna be bit I do not regret anything !!!! I did a group travel and the people in my group became like a family for me. Everything was perfectly organised with no issues ! It’s the perfect tour for you if you want safety and having everything (accommodation, activities, etc.) figured out but still have lots of freedom by deciding on your own. I would recommend this to everyone!!!”
“My experience with travel buddies was fantastic from booking through to the entire trip. The trip was very well organised and they were always on hand to help. I highly recommend booking the east coast trip with travel buddies.”
“Travel buddies has made it super easy to travel the east coast by booking and organizing everything I need! Reps meet you along the way and are super quick to respond if you have any questions.”
“Super well organised, good communication and great activities! Useful and helpful local recommendations too.”
“I did the east coast trip and loved it so much, so many amazing experiences included and was easy to add on the extras if you wanted to. I had a very small group size and think it would have been better being a few more people to be honest, but we met so many others along the way so was still great! The Whitsundays was probably my favourite part!! The travel buddies team were super helpful with everything and gave really clear instructions to follow of where to be and what times etc. I thought it was very well organised. I enjoyed it so much I also did the New Zealand tour afterwards and that was equally incredible, what a beautiful country!! Lake Tekapo and Queenstown were my favourite spots here (The bungee jump is a must!!!) A bigger group size on this trip was definitely better. Overall would absolutely recommend!!”
“I did the East Coast tour from Sydney to Cairns, and honestly, it was one of the best things I’ve done while in Aus. You get a built-in friendship group from day one. I joined this trip solo but within a few days you really start to get know to people and by the time we finished we all felt super close. Doing this tour made the whole East Coast experience feel effortless and it was pretty emotional saying goodbye at the end. From the beginning the Travel Buddies team were super helpful with booking any extra activities and quick to answer any questions. In the group chat we got sent recommendations and travel reminders which made everything run super smooth. My highlights were for sure the Whitsundays sailing trip; you see some unreal beaches, reefs, and sunsets. And of course being able to start the tour with a group of strangers and finish as friends :)”
“Jeremy was excellent, very quick to respond and catered for every request. Nothing was too much to ask for! I had to do very little organising for this trip Jeremy made a custom itinerary for me and was able to alter to suit our preferences. Would highly recommend Travel Buddies for any custom itineraries”
“I did the East Coast tour from Sydney to Cairns and I loved every minute! Before even travelling to Australia, the entire booking process was so smooth and I was given all the info I needed well in advance, which really helped reduced the nerves of being a solo/ first-time traveller. I was lucky have an absolutely amazing group of people travelling with me - we had so many fun experiences and all loved to go on adventures and try new things so it was so fun to share memories (and a few laughs) with them. My favourite experience had to be the time on a sailboat through the Whitsundays, with a gorgeous sunrise and white sandy beaches greeting us each day. Definitely recommend for a first time traveller with a love of exploring and adventures (and also people who want to take away the stress of having to meticulously plan travel arrangements and accommodation on the trip). I would do it all over again if I could!”
“I travelled through Australia with travel buddies and it was amazing, everything was well organised i had few to none problems. And they will be there for you when you need them!”
“Everything is so well organised and they prioritise you getting the best experience!”
“Had the absolute time of my life doing the 32 day east coast Australia tour back in January. Travel Buddies sorted absolutely everything for me, all I needed to do was be in the right place at the right time.”
“Best group trip ever - we had a lot of free days and could decide what to do, but travel buddies was always in the background and you could reach out to them, when you needed help or ideas about what to do”
“Did the east coast trip and it was such a great month! Met some lovely girls in my group and many others along the way. Made travelling super easy with everything planned, all you had to do was turn up, and follow tips and directions via the WhatsApp’s group. Best month of my life, very action packed! Would 100% recommend travel buddies.”
“Travel Buddies were extremely easy to communicate with and so polite and helpful, they made my whole experience in australia the absolute best ever! special mention to Ellie who helped so much!”
“I had a great New Zealand trip with Travel Buddies! Met some of the best people ever and felt looked after by the Travel Buddies Team! Ellie was really helpful and supportive!”
“I did a Travel Buddies trip last month and it was the best way I have travelled! I’ve done other group tours before but the semi-guided style was so much better - i had more freedom to do more activities I actually wanted, while still having great recommendations and support from the team via Whatsapp. They were super helpful before i booked too and helped me book my other add ons booked like kayaking with dolphins! I had a lovely group who i still talk to today! I really recommend”
“I did the New Zealand travel buddies tour in April. I had probably the best month of my life, the tour included all of the bucket list spots to go in New Zealand, my group was amazing and I love them allllll so much, we made the most amazing memories (karaoke in Rotorua will forever be number 1). The tour itself was perfect for me – I loved the independence we all had, the support we got, how easy it was to travel, and the fact that we didn’t need to worry about where we were going next/how we were going next because it was so easy – we could just live in the moment and enjoy the trip and New Zealand! I have recommended this trip to all of my friends at home <3 I have memories and friends that I will have forever. If you’re thinking of doing it – DO ITTT”
“I did the 24 day New Zealand group tour and had such a good time. Met great people, and loved everything that was planned for us.”
“Travel Buddies were perfect for planning my solo trip to the East Coast! Jeremy was a great help planning my itinerary, always quick to respond, flexible with my changing requests, and proactive with recommendations. The smooth booking process and the reassurance that group activities are built in to help me meet other travellers made me feel confident booking a solo adventure. The trip is still ahead of me, but the planning experience alone was excellent. Highly recommend for anyone looking to build a flexible, custom solo itinerary!”
“My booking experience has been fantastic, especially with the help of Jeremy! He’s been incredibly helpful throughout the process and has answered all of my questions. I’ve felt really supported with everything, and I can’t wait for my Australia and Fiji trip! 🇦🇺🌴🇫🇯✨”
“Had such a good 31 days and Ellie was amazing”
“I like that I’ve managed to experience so much in just one month.”
“Was absolutely amazing and amazing organization!”
“That was really perfect ! Enjoyed everything”
“Nice communication with the team !”
“was great, new friendships”
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 Cairns.
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