Ultimate East Coast Explorer (5 Weeks)

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A 5 week guided group tour of Australia's East Coast from Sydney to Cairns, taking in Byron Bay, Brisbane, K'gari (Fraser Island), the Whitsundays, Magnetic Island and Cairns.

Days

36 days, 35 nights

Age

Young adults

Group size

Max 20

Start / finish

Sydney / Cairns

Return

See itinerary for details

Accommodation

33 nights in hostels and camps, plus 2 nights on an overnight bus

Transport

Tour bus with an Ultimate group leader, sailing boat in the Whitsundays, ferry to Magnetic Island

Meals

No meals are listed as included

Route

Map of Ultimate East Coast Explorer (5 Weeks)

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Included experiences

Byron Bay — surf lesson and lighthouse walk
K'gari (Fraser Island) — Lake McKenzie, Eli Creek and Champagne Pools
Whitsunday Islands — 2 days sailing, Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet
Magnetic Island — guided Forts Walk
Great Barrier Reef — a day of snorkelling
Atherton Tablelands — waterfalls day tour
Sydney and Surfers Paradise — city tours

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

DAY 1: SYDNEY

Meet your group at the hostel in central Sydney at 11:30am and head to Ultimate's base for an orientation with your group leader. A guided walk takes you past the Sydney Opera House, opened in 1973 and World Heritage-listed in 2007, and the Harbour Bridge, the steel arch that has carried traffic across the harbour since 1932. That evening you board the first of your overnight coaches and head north.

Overnight: Overnight coach to Byron Bay

DAYS 2 TO 5: BYRON BAY

Ride the overnight coach north and wake up on the far north coast of New South Wales in Byron Bay. Here Cape Byron is the most easterly point of mainland Australia, and its white lighthouse has been shining since 1901. Walk the lighthouse track at sunrise and watch for dolphins in the swell below, and from June to November humpback whales passing on their migration. Your two-hour beginner surf lesson is on the town's gentle beach breaks, and there's a private yoga session too. The rest is beach time, markets and evenings in town.

Overnight: Byron Bay (WakeUp Hostel Byron Bay, on the beachfront)

DAYS 6 TO 8: SURFERS PARADISE

A short run up the coast brings you to Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast. The town took its name from the Surfers Paradise Hotel, built in 1925, and was simply Elston before that. Spend the days on the sand and the nights in the bars with your group. Fancy the view from the top? The SkyPoint deck sits 230 metres up on level 77 of the Q1 tower, and stand-up paddleboarding and jet boating are on offer too, all at your own cost.

Overnight: Surfers Paradise (BUNK Hostel Surfers Paradise)

DAYS 9 TO 11: BRISBANE

In Brisbane your group leader takes you on an orientation walk through South Bank, the riverside parklands built on the site of the 1988 World Expo, with a swim at Streets Beach, a lagoon with real sand in the middle of the city. Then it's the Brisbane sign and Queen Street Mall. Free days follow. You could head north to Australia Zoo, which Bob and Lyn Irwin opened in 1970 as a small reptile park and their son Steve made famous, or snorkel the shipwrecks off Moreton Island, both at extra cost.

Overnight: Brisbane (BUNK Hostel Brisbane)

DAYS 12 AND 13: NOOSA

Noosa is a smart beach town at the edge of Noosa National Park. Walk the coastal track around the headland, keeping an eye on the gum trees for koalas and on the water for dolphins and turtles. Swim in the Fairy Pools, rock pools filled by the waves, and finish the day watching the sunset from Laguna Lookout high above the river. Surfboards and bodyboards are free to borrow from the hostel.

Overnight: Noosa (Flashpackers Noosa)

DAYS 14 TO 18: RAINBOW BEACH AND K'GARI

From Rainbow Beach, named for its cliffs of coloured sands, take the walk up to the Carlo Sand Blow, a dune of about 15 hectares that looks out over the ocean and Tin Can Bay. Then a 4WD crosses to K'gari (Fraser Island), at 123 km the largest sand island on earth and World Heritage-listed since 1992. 75 Mile Beach is the island's highway, and the stops include Lake McKenzie, a perched lake of rainwater over white silica sand, Eli Creek, which pours up to 80 million litres of fresh water a day onto the beach, and the Champagne Pools, where waves foam over a rock wall into sheltered pools. Two nights are spent camping by the beach.

Overnight: Rainbow Beach (Freedom Hostel) and K'gari (beachside camp, 2 nights)

DAYS 19 TO 24: AIRLIE BEACH AND THE WHITSUNDAYS

Airlie Beach is the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands, 74 islands named by Captain Cook in 1770. Cool off in the town's free lagoon, then board your sailing boat for two days and two nights among the islands, with snorkelling stops on fringing reefs. The highlight is Whitehaven Beach, 7 km of silica sand so pure and fine it squeaks underfoot and stays cool in the sun. From the Hill Inlet lookout at its northern end you watch the tide swirl the white sand and turquoise water into changing patterns. Back on land, the after-boat party in Airlie is a tradition.

Overnight: Airlie Beach (Nomads Airlie Beach) and 2 nights on board

DAYS 25 TO 27: MAGNETIC ISLAND

A ferry from Townsville takes you to Magnetic Island, named by Captain Cook in 1770 because he believed it upset his ship's compass. More than half the island is national park. The guided Forts Walk climbs through granite boulders and eucalypt woodland to gun emplacements built in 1942 and 1943 to guard Townsville, and it's one of the best places in Queensland to see a wild koala asleep in a tree. Rock wallabies, snorkelling in the sheltered bays and the option of hiring a topless jeep fill the other days.

Overnight: Magnetic Island (Nomads Magnetic Island)

DAYS 28 AND 29: MISSION BEACH

Mission Beach is a quiet strip of 14 km of beach backed by rainforest, one of the last strongholds of the southern cassowary, a flightless bird that can stand nearly two metres tall. Walk the rainforest tracks of Djiru National Park, where cassowaries are sometimes seen crossing the path. Want more adrenaline? White-water rafting on the Tully River next door, which drains one of the wettest parts of Australia, is an optional extra.

Overnight: Mission Beach (Jackaroo Hostel)

DAYS 30 TO 36: CAIRNS AND THE GREAT BARRIER REEF

The last stop is Cairns. Your full-day snorkel trip heads to the outer Great Barrier Reef, which runs more than 2,300 km down the coast and holds around 1,500 kinds of fish. Another day goes up to the Atherton Tablelands, the cool volcanic plateau behind the city, for swims beneath its waterfalls and slides down natural rock chutes. In between, swim at the Esplanade Lagoon, sample the nightlife, and if you dare, book a skydive. The group comes together one last time for a farewell dinner. The trip ends at 10am on day 36, when you check out of the hostel.

Overnight: Cairns (Gilligan's)

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Sydney.
Finishes: Cairns.
Suits: Young adults.
Fitness: Moderate.
Accommodation note: Hostels, a camp on Fraser Island, 2 nights on board the Whitsundays sailing boat and 2 nights on an overnight bus.
Please note: The Ultimate travel app gives you your itinerary and a chat with your group; login details are sent a week before the tour starts.

What is included

33 nights accommodation plus 2 nights on an overnight bus
Ultimate group leader
All tour transport
Sydney city tour
Byron Bay lighthouse walk and surf lesson
Surfers Paradise beach and city tour
K'gari (Fraser Island) trip
2 day, 2 night Whitsunday Islands sailing
Magnetic Island trip with return ferry and guided Forts Walk
1 day Great Barrier Reef snorkel trip
1 day Atherton Tablelands waterfalls tour

Not included

Great Barrier Reef port fuel and reef levy, $20, paid locally
Fraser Island trip insurance, $30, paid locally
Meals not included in the itinerary — budget about $30 to $50 a day
Optional activities

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.