Description
HIGHLIGHTS
The highlights of your Australia East Coast Round Trip Tour
Our Australia East Coast 21 Day Tour is our biggest and best tour, taking you on an epic journey along the east coast. As Australia’s largest native bird, the emu is the perfect companion to take you from Sydney to tropical Cairns. You’ll explore golden beaches and rainforests, meet cheeky wildlife and friendly locals, and discover some special places off the beaten track. You’ll travel with a local guide (who will share their insider knowledge) and a group of like-minded travelers (who will become lifelong friends) and explore everything Australia has to offer in style!
- Discover your inner wine connoisseur in the Hunter Valley and taste award-winning samples fresh from the vineyard.
- Get a glimpse of the local wildlife and take fantastic photos from the viewpoints in Port Stephens.
- Get a close-up look at Australia’s laziest (and cutest) marsupials at Port Macquarie Koala Hospital.
- Visit the quirky towns of Bellingen, Eumundi and Kuranda.
- Connect and gain an understanding of the incredible Aboriginal culture on a bushwalk and cultural experience.
- Experience a yoga class in relaxed Byron Bay.
- Visit the iconic Surfers Paradise and enjoy the view of miles of golden sandy beaches.
- Enjoy free time in Byron, Noosa and Cairns to relax or explore at your own pace.
- Spend a night exploring the vibrant river city of Brisbane.
- Set off on a 3-day 4WD safari on Fraser Island. Sleep under the stars, visit a shipwreck and swim in crystal clear waters before enjoying sundowners at sunset. Help save the ocean on an organized beach clean-up.
- Visit the Mon Repos Turtle Center to find out just how incredible turtles really are, and sample some of Bundaberg’s famous rum.
- Explore the breathtaking Whitsunday Islands during a 2-day/2-night sailing tour. Snorkel over vibrant reef edges and visit some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
- Discover the magic of the Atherton Tablelands – from impressive waterfalls and lush rainforest to a pristine crater lake!
- Go on a night-time paddle tour through the rainforest to observe stars and spot wildlife.
- Enjoy the laid-back lifestyle of Cairns and the fun nightlife it is famous for!
ROUTE
Australia East Coast Round Trip
- Day 1: Monday – Arrival in Sydney
G’day and welcome to your epic East Coast adventure. Your tour begins in Sydney with a day at leisure to explore the city’s sights and world-famous landmarks. If you’ve just landed, we recommend taking the train from the airport to Central Station, as your accommodation is directly opposite. You can check in at the hostel any time after 2pm. If you want to start your trip with a delicious cocktail (why not?), then head down to Circular Quay and the Opera Bar. Right at the foot of the Opera House and overlooking the Harbour Bridge, you can take iconic photos of Sydney here. At 7pm, meet up with your Stray guide and your fellow travelers for the next few weeks in the hostel bar for pizza night. - Day 2: Tuesday – From Sydney to Port Stephens
We leave the harbor city this morning and head north to the Hunter Valley wine region, where we spend a stylish afternoon tasting local wines and cheeses before continuing on to Port Stephens, our overnight destination. - Day 3: Wednesday – Port Stephens to Port Macquarie
Either enjoy a relaxing sleep in this morning, head to the beach for a swim or get up early and join a first class sandboarding tour on a 4WD bus (optional cost). The local guide will show you how to sandboard safely and give you interesting information about the fascinating region and Aboriginal history. - Day 4: Thursday – Port Macquarie to Byron Bay
Today we head to the legendary surf town of Byron Bay, known for its laid-back atmosphere and ‘no worries’ attitude. On the way to Byron, we’ll stop off in the historic and hip town of Bellingen for a look around, followed by a special cultural experience where we’ll learn more about Australia’s indigenous First Nations people. - Day 5: Friday – Byron Bay free day
Today you have a whole day in Byron Bay to “be happy, slow down and relax”, as the town’s famous welcome sign says. Start your day with a morning yoga class on the rooftop of your hostel and then spend the day exploring the laid-back hippie town. - Day 6: Saturday – Byron Bay free day
Lucky you – you have ANOTHER free day to explore Byron Bay today. Complete any activities you didn’t get to yesterday, or spend the day strolling around town or relaxing on the beach. Improve your surfing skills with more lessons or borrow one of the free surfboards at your hostel to try it out for yourself. - Day 7: Sunday – From Byron Bay to Brisbane via Surfers Paradise.
This morning, meet your guide and the group outside the Surf House Hostel at 8:50am. Then we’ll hop on the Stray Bus and head north across the New South Wales border into Queensland. We will drive to the famous Surfers Paradise, where we will stretch our legs and have lunch. We will then visit a nearby nature reserve to see wild kangaroos before continuing to Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, where we will spend the night. We will go to Southbank, walk along the Brisbane River and explore some of the many bars and restaurants. - Day 8: Monday – Brisbane to Noosa
It’s a relaxed start today as we leave Brisbane in the morning and head north towards Noosa. En route we stop for lunch and a walk to take in stunning views of Noosa and the Noosa Headlands before arriving at our accommodation in the afternoon. - Day 9: Tuesday – Noosa free day
Today you have a completely free day to do whatever you like. Explore the Everglades by kayak or book a skydive and enjoy a view of Noosa and the surrounding area from above. Grab a sun lounger and treat yourself to some much-needed rest and relaxation, take a stroll along the stunning Headlands, visit the beach or enjoy a hearty lunch in the sun. Noosa Surf Club is one of our favorites, so if you’re looking to go out for dinner, you can’t go wrong with this local hotspot! - Day 10: Wednesday – Noosa to K’gari (Fraser Island)
It’s an early start this morning as you get ready for your 3-day, 2-night K’Gari (Fraser Island) adventure. During this amazing experience, you’ll explore the world’s largest sand island on a 4WD expedition, discover magical Lake Boorangoora (Mckenzie), hike amongst tall rainforests, spot wild dingoes, cruise along endless sandy beaches and lose yourself in the magic of stargazing. If you fancy learning how to drive a 4WD, you can do that too! This will be one of the best experiences of your entire trip and is definitely the best way to explore this World Heritage-listed national park. - Day 11: Thursday – K’gari
This morning wake up to the beautiful golden sunrise over the ocean, enjoy breakfast and get ready for a fun-filled morning exploring K’gari and its hidden treasures. Enjoy lunch on the beach and then spend the afternoon discovering more lakes (there are over 100!) and epic views before returning to camp in time for dinner under the stars and fun-filled activities in the evening. - Day 12: Friday – K’gari to Bundaberg
After breakfast today you will explore the inland tracks to discover tall trees and take another dip in refreshing waters. Enjoy lunch in the forest and then begin your journey back to the mainland, arriving at Rainbow Beach in the afternoon to prepare for your next journey north to Bundaberg. - Day 13: Saturday – Bundaberg free day
Today, exploring Bundaberg is on the agenda! After breakfast we will head to the Mon Repos Turtle Center for an educational morning about these fascinating animals. The center supports the largest concentration of nesting sea turtles on the eastern coast of Australia. You can enjoy a snack or lunch at the center’s own Indigenous-inspired Gidji Café. - Day 14: Sunday – Bundaberg to Airlie Beach
Today you have a long drive to Airlie Beach, the gateway to the breathtaking Whitsunday Islands. So make sure you have plenty of snacks, make sure your phone is charged and have some good music ready. We’ll make a few stops along the way to stretch our legs and enjoy some great views before arriving in Airlie in the evening. - Day 15: Monday – Airlie Beach to Whitsunday Islands
Enjoy a sleep in this morning, stroll to Airlie Lagoon for a refreshing swim and then check in and receive a briefing for your sailing trip. After lunch, head to the marina to meet your crew and board a 76-foot, maxi sailing yacht that will be your home for the next two days. As you leave the marina and Airlie Beach behind, watch your crew set sail for an exhilarating cruise to the Whitsunday Islands – part of the World Heritage Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. - Day 16: Tuesday – Whitsunday Islands
This morning you’ll be forgiven for thinking you’re in paradise when you wake up on a yacht surrounded by beautiful islands and enjoy a delicious breakfast on deck as you sail to Whitsunday Island, home to the best beach in the world – Whitehaven Beach. You’ll disembark and take a walk to Hill Inlet Lookout and then spend the rest of the day exploring and relaxing on Whitehaven Beach. You can also go snorkeling today, enjoy a sunset on the beach and spend another fun evening on board with your group and crew. - Day 17: Wednesday – Whitsunday Islands to Airlie Beach
Enjoy your last morning on board the yacht, jump into the water for another magical swim or snorkeling trip and then sail back to Airlie Beach. In the afternoon, after checking back into your hostel, you can relax on the lagoon beach or explore the town before freshening up and meeting your group and boat crew for the after-party! There will be a reserved table, drink discounts and meal deals – so get ready for a big night. - Day 18: Thursday – Airlie Beach to Yungaburra
Today we get back on the road and head into the stunning Atherton Tablelands. On the way we’ll stop at the famous Millaa Millaa Falls for a swim and some incredible photos. - Day 19: Friday – Yungaburra to Cairns
Today we have a great day planned, visiting lots of interesting places before reaching our final destination of Cairns. In the morning we visit the heritage-listed Curtain Fig Tree and Lake Eacham, a beautiful crater lake, for a swim and a walk. We then head to the original Kuranda markets in the rainforest for lunch and a browse before continuing on to Cairns. Tonight we will stay in a fantastic resort with its own artificial beach! We will have dinner together and then explore the nightlife in Cairns. - Day 20: Saturday – Cairns free day
Today we have a completely free day, so if you had a few too many cocktails last night, enjoy a leisurely sleep in and maybe a little ‘hangover drink’ by the pool in the afternoon. If you’re ready for another day of adventure, you could sign up for a tour to Cape Tribulation or visit the iconic Great Barrier Reef. - Day 21: Sunday – Cairns
Today is the last day of your adventure. Say goodbye to your new mates with a wave and a hug and get ready for the next leg of your journey. Take with you the incredible memories you’ve made of Australia’s unique culture and wildlife, as well as a few quintessential Aussie expressions like “G’day mates!”.
INCLUSIVE
What is included
- Experienced tour guide
- Private bus
- 20 nights in 4-6 shared dormitories in various hostels, backpacker resorts, eco-lodges, 2 nights K’Gari/Fraser Island (safari tents) and Whitsunday sailing tour (shared dormitory/accommodation on board the sailing boat).
- 24 meals (13 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 7 dinners).
- 3 days / 2 nights K’Gari 4WD Safari Tour
- 2 days / 2 nights Whitsunday sailing adventure
- Wine and cheese tasting in the Hunter Valley
- Aboriginal culture bush walk and smoking ceremony
- Admission to the Mon Repos Turtle Center
- Rum tasting in Bundaberg
- Night wilderness canoeing
- Hikes and animal watching
- Waterfalls, viewpoints and much more!
TRAVEL INFO
Everything you need to know
Australia East Coast Round Trip
Start: Monday, Sydney
End: Sunday, Cairns
EXTRAS
What can be booked in addition.
- Other optional activities
- Meals not included
GROUP SIZE
For how many people is this tour suitable
Maximum 24 persons
BRING WITH YOU
What you should bring for your Australia East Coast round trip
Sun protection
Headgear
Swimming trunks
Bath towel
comfortable shoes
Hiking boots
warm clothing
Camera
Flashlight
Water bottle
Insect spray
CARD
Where exactly is it going
CONTACT
Do you have any questions?
