Australia Adventure – East Coast
6 weeks
Swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Whitsunday Islands, explore the wild beauty of** K’gari (Fraser Island)** by 4x4, and dive into the vibrant energy of places like Byron Bay and Brisbane. Along the journey you’ll sail, snorkel, road trip and discover the breathtaking ecosystems of the Great Barrier Reef, rainforest-lined coastlines, and laid-back beach towns that define Australia’s east coast.
It’s an adventure packed with unforgettable experiences, incredible scenery, and the chance to make lifelong friendships while exploring one of the world’s most iconic travel routes.
Our trips push you to go further – physically, mentally, and beyond – to spark discovery at every step. Perfect for novice travellers such as Gap Year or University students looking to explore the Australian East Coast with a group of like-minded people!
Activities & Experiences
Push your limits. Try something new. Make it unforgettable.
Sydney City Tour
Private Sydney Harbour Catamaran Cruise
Mt Tomaree Visit
Stockton Sand Dunes Sandboarding
Port Stephens Dolphin Cruise
Byron Bay Surf Lesson & Lighthouse Walk
Surfers Paradise Beach & City Tour
Brisbane Southbank Exploration
Noosa National Park & Headland Walk
Fraser Island (K'gari) 4x4 Adventure
Whitsundays 2-Day Sailing Trip
Magnetic Island Adventure incl return ferry transfer & Guided Fort’s Walk
Cairns Lagoon and Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Trip
Atherton Tablelands Waterfalls Tour
Accommodation
Comfortable, characterful places to rest and recharge.
Throughout the tour, you'll stay in a variety of shared accommodations, including hostels, campsites, and even on a sailing boat. 2 nights will be spent on a comfortable sleeper bus. Accommodations are chosen to provide a comfortable and social atmosphere, making it easy to relax and meet other travellers along the way.
Meals
Fuel for the adventure.
The food on this tour offers a mix of included meals and opportunities to explore local cuisine. You’ll enjoy a few group meals like an Australian BBQ lunch on the Sydney Harbour Cruise and meals while camping on Fraser Island. While travelling, you'll have access to a variety of food options, with meals provided at certain locations, and plenty of opportunities to try local dishes or grab your own meals when not included in the itinerary.
Transport
All in-country transport and airport transfers included.
You are responsible to getting yourself to and from the start point of the tour. During the tour, you'll travel in various types of transport, including day and overnight coaches for long journeys. For some shorter trips, you'll use local transport such as ferries (e.g., to Magnetic Island), and on Fraser Island, you'll explore in 4x4 vehicles. Additionally, you'll sail around the Whitsundays on a boat, providing a unique travel experience along the coast.
Group Leader
Expert support from start to finish.
You will be supervised by an experienced Group Leader throughout the tour. Your group leader is there to guide you, provide support, and ensure everything runs smoothly. They will share local knowledge, and help you get the most out of your East Coast adventure. You'll also be accompanied by other group members, creating a fun, social atmosphere throughout the trip.
Itinerary
WEEK 1
Sydney Explorations | Port Stephens City Escape
DAY 1
The adventure begins in Sydney! Meet at your hostel for an intro session, followed by a city walking tour. We’ll hit up all the must-see spots – Botanical Gardens, Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Chinatown, and more. Finish the day with a delicious Welcome Dinner!
Day 2
A relaxed day, starting with a Sydney Harbour Cruise on a catamaran, including a BBQ lunch. Take a dip in the harbour coves, and let the sea breeze take your worries away.
Days 3 – 5
Leave Sydney behind for Port Stephens, where you'll spot wildlife, relax on the beach, and enjoy a BBQ under the stars. Get your adrenaline going with sand-boarding and stunning hikes before finishing with a dolphin cruise and a return to Sydney for an evening of city vibes or party fun!
Days 6 – 8
Back to the city for some free time to discover Sydney at your leisure or join onto one of the many optional activities available - ask your group leader for tips or just kick back and relax! Then catch the overnight bus to Byron Bay, your first stop on the East Coast adventure!
WEEK 2
Byron Bay - Surf’s Up & Relax | Surfers Paradise – Party Central
Days 9 – 12
Welcome to Byron Bay! Hit the beach for a surf lesson, go on a lighthouse walk, and unwind with a yoga session. Byron’s laid-back vibes are the perfect way to kickstart your adventure.
Days 13 – 15
Next stop: Surfers Paradise! Known for its endless nightlife and long sandy beaches, Surfers is the perfect place to let loose and have a blast.
WEEK 3
Brisbane – City Adventures | Noosa – Tropical Paradise
Days 16 – 18
Head to Brisbane! Discover the cultural hub of Southbank, snap a pic with the iconic Brisbane sign, and explore all the best bits of the city.
Days 19 – 20
Noosa is next – relax, enjoy the beaches, and take in the breathtaking coastal views. Optional activities like kayaking in the Everglades or hitting the local markets are available!
WEEK 4
Rainbow Beach & Fraser Island (K’gari) | Airlie Beach relax and unwind
Days 21-24
It’s time to explore the world’s largest sand island – K’gari (Fraser Island)! We’ll spend two nights camping and exploring lakes, beaches, and breathtaking landscapes.
Day 25 – 28
Relax in Rainbow Beach before catching the overnight bus to Airlie Beach, where paradise awaits! Spend your days unwinding by the lagoon, shopping, and preparing for the ultimate Whitsundays adventure.
WEEK 5
Whitsundays Sailing | Magnetic Island
Days 29 - 31
Set sail on an unforgettable two-day, one-night adventure around the Whitsundays, snorkelling vibrant coral reefs and relaxing on Whitehaven Beach. After a dreamy island escape, head back to Airlie Beach to relive the magic and party in paradise!
Days 32 - 34
Next, we head to Magnetic Island – home to koalas, wallabies, and golden sandy beaches. Explore by foot or rent a 4x4 to take in the incredible island views.
WEEK 6
Mission Beach | Cairns – Great Barrier Reef & Rainforest Adventures
Day 35 – 36
Arrive in Mission Beach and relax in this tropical paradise, where the rainforest meets the reef. Enjoy the laid-back vibes and take a moment to soak in the stunning surroundings.
Day 37 – 42
Final stop on your tour is Cairns, the ultimate adventure hub, where vibrant nightlife meets laid-back lagoon vibes! Dive into the Great Barrier Reef for an unforgettable snorkel, then explore the wild beauty of the Atherton Tablelands with epic waterfalls and hidden wildlife. Finish strong with two days of freedom to relax or join one of the many optional activities on offer– before a legendary farewell dinner to wrap up your East Coast adventure!
Time for More?
The adventure may be ending, but your journey doesn’t have to! Whether you’re staying in Cairns or heading to new destinations, your Group Leader is here to help you plan your next move.
Prices
| Duration | Price |
|---|---|
| 6 weeks (43 days) | $5,200.00 |
Dates & booking
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What's included
40 nights of accommodation + 2 nights on the overnight bus
Expert Group Leader to guide you
Arrival transfer from Sydney airport
All transportation for the tour
Sydney City Tour
Private Sydney Harbour Catamaran Cruise
Mt Tomaree Visit
Stockton Sand Dunes Sandboarding
Port Stephens Dolphin Cruise
Byron Bay Surf Lesson & Lighthouse Walk
Surfers Paradise Beach & City Tour
Brisbane Southbank Exploration
Noosa National Park & Headland Walk
Fraser Island (K'gari) 4x4 Adventure
Whitsundays 2-Day Sailing Trip
Magnetic Island Adventure incl return ferry transfer & Guided Fort’s Walk
Cairns Lagoon and Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Trip
Atherton Tablelands Waterfalls Tour
16 delicious meals included
Not included
Flights to/from destination
Travel insurance
Visa & Vaccinations
Tips and gratuities for local guides
Optional activities
Spending money (suggested approx. $80 AUD per day to cover meals not included in the itinerary, snacks, drinks, and optional activities you may want to join in on)
Local fees ($80AUD total paid direct for EMC levy, port fuel & reef levies, and Fraser Island insurance) - for tours starting before 1st July 2026 only
From 1st July 2026: $30AUD insurance fee for those who choose to drive on Fraser Island
When does the programme start and finish?
Your tour starts at 11.30am at the group hostel in Sydney on day 1, and ends at 10am on checkout from the hostel in Cairns on day 43. Arrival transfers from Sydney airport to the hostel are included, and on your final day, your group leader can help you plan your onward travel arrangements.
Spending money
It’s recommended to bring around $80 AUD per day for spending money. This will cover meals not included in the itinerary, snacks, drinks, and optional activities you may want to join in on. Keep in mind that some local fees are also required, such as the optional $30 AUD insurance fee for driving on Fraser Island. Always have extra funds just in case you want to participate in additional activities or experiences.
How many others will be in my group?
The minimum group size is 6 and the maximum is 24. Group sizes vary but you can generally expect to travel with a group of approximately 10-20 people from all over the globe! Expect to meet fellow adventurers aged 18-35 from the UK, US, Canada, Europe, and beyond. It’s the perfect chance to make new friends, share laughs, and create memories with like-minded travellers from different cultures, all while exploring Australia’s stunning East Coast together!
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It can be seen that this trip has held firsts for everyone, as it has enabled us to achieve things we thought we never would. Though each individual’s achievements have been appreciated and recognised, our achievements as a group have truly made this trip special — with new friendships made, trust built and memories to last a lifetime
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