Ultimate East Coast Highlights (3 Weeks)

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A 3 week backpacker trip up Australia's East Coast from Sydney to Cairns, stopping at Byron Bay, Surfers Paradise, Brisbane and more, with a guide, 20 nights' accommodation and the main activities included.

Days

21 days

Group size

Max 20

Start / finish

Sydney / Cairns

Return

See itinerary for details

Accommodation

Flashpacker hostels, 3 overnight buses, 2 nights sailing and camping on K'gari

Transport

Coach travel pass from Sydney to Cairns, with an airport arrival transfer and a guide

Meals

Some meals included

Route

Map of Ultimate East Coast Highlights (3 Weeks)

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Included experiences

Whitsundays — 3 day sailing trip to Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet
K'gari (Fraser Island) — 3 day 4WD camping trip
Great Barrier Reef — full day snorkel trip
Australia Zoo
Byron Bay — lighthouse hike and Behind the Bay tour
Sydney — city tour of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge
Brisbane — Southbank tour

Ultimate East Coast Highlights (3 Weeks)

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

DAY 1: SYDNEY

An airport transfer brings you into Sydney, and the tour begins at 1pm with a half-day orientation of the harbour city. Your group leader walks you past the Sydney Opera House, opened in 1973 and World Heritage-listed in 2007, and the Harbour Bridge, whose steel arch has carried traffic since 1932. In the evening you board the first of your overnight coaches and head north.

Overnight: Overnight coach to Byron Bay

DAYS 2 AND 3: BYRON BAY

Wake up in Byron Bay. A morning hike takes you to the lighthouse on Cape Byron, the most easterly point of mainland Australia, lit since 1901; from June to November humpback whales pass close below. The Behind the Bay tour gets you out of town to Killen Falls, a waterfall with a cave behind the curtain of water, the headland at Lennox Head, and Lake Ainsworth, where tea tree oil from the surrounding trees stains the water the colour of tea.

Overnight: Byron Bay (beachfront hostel)

DAYS 4 AND 5: SURFERS PARADISE

Up the coast to Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast, which took its name from a hotel built in 1925. Spend the days on the beach and the nights out with your group. For a view down the whole coast, the SkyPoint deck sits 230 metres up on level 77 of the Q1 tower, at your own cost.

Overnight: Surfers Paradise

DAYS 6 AND 7: BRISBANE AND AUSTRALIA ZOO

In Brisbane, tour South Bank, the riverside parklands built on the site of the 1988 World Expo, and swim at Streets Beach, a city-centre lagoon with real sand. The next day is at Australia Zoo, which Bob and Lyn Irwin opened in 1970 as a small reptile park and their son Steve made world famous. Its conservation work continues, and the crocodile shows in the Crocoseum are still the headline act.

Overnight: Brisbane

DAYS 8 TO 12: RAINBOW BEACH AND K'GARI

From Rainbow Beach, named for its cliffs of coloured sand, climb the Rainbow Steps and walk up the Carlo Sand Blow, a dune of about 15 hectares above the ocean. Then it's three days on K'gari (Fraser Island) by 4WD, the largest sand island on earth at 123 km, World Heritage-listed since 1992. Swim in Lake McKenzie, rainwater perched on white silica sand, float down Eli Creek, soak in the Champagne Pools and see the rusting hull of the Maheno, a liner driven ashore by a cyclone in 1935. Two nights are spent camping, then one in Rainbow Beach before the overnight coach north.

Overnight: K'gari (camping, 2 nights), Rainbow Beach, then the overnight coach to Airlie Beach

DAYS 13 TO 17: 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 lagoon, then sail for two nights among the islands. Whitehaven Beach stretches 7 km, its silica sand so pure that it squeaks underfoot and stays cool in the sun. From the Hill Inlet lookout at its northern end, you watch the tide swirl white sand and turquoise water into new patterns.

Overnight: Airlie Beach and 2 nights on board

DAYS 18 TO 21: CAIRNS AND THE GREAT BARRIER REEF

Arrive in Cairns and settle in by the resort pool. A full day takes you about 70 km offshore to snorkel the outer Great Barrier Reef, more than 2,300 km long and home to around 1,500 kinds of fish; an introductory scuba dive is an optional extra. On your free day, swim at the Esplanade Lagoon, try an Indigenous cultural experience or book a skydive. Your group leader confirms which day is reef day. The trip ends at 10am on day 21.

Overnight: Cairns

Map

Good to know

Suits: Backpackers and young adults, travelling solo or with friends.
Accommodation note: 20 nights in flashpacker accommodation, including 3 nights on overnight buses and 2 nights on board the Whitsundays sailing boat, with camping on Fraser Island.
Please note: A week before the trip you're sent a login for the Ultimate travel app, with your itinerary and group chat.

What is included

Airport arrival transfer
All transport from Sydney to Cairns
Group leader available 24/7 on tour
20 nights' accommodation: flashpacker accommodation and 3 overnight buses
Sydney city tour
Byron Bay Lighthouse morning hike
Behind the Bay: Byron Bay tour
Brisbane Southbank tour
3 day Fraser Island camping trip
3 day Whitsunday Islands sailing trip
Australia Zoo
Great Barrier Reef snorkel day trip
Some meals

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

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.

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 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.