Ultimate East Coast Explorer (4 Weeks)

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A 4 week guided group tour of the East Coast from Brisbane to Cairns for 18 to 35s: K'gari, sailing the Whitsundays and snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef.

Days

28 days

Age

18 to 35

Group size

Large group

Start / finish

Brisbane / Cairns

Return

See itinerary for details

Accommodation

26 nights in hostels, camping on K'gari and on board in the Whitsundays, plus 1 night on an overnight bus

Transport

Coach, with sailing boat, island ferry and reef boat

Meals

Some meals included on set days (breakfasts, lunches and dinners)

Route

Map of Ultimate East Coast Explorer (4 Weeks)

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Included experiences

K'gari — Lake McKenzie, Eli Creek and Champagne Pools
Whitsunday Islands — 2 day, 2 night sailing trip
Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet
Magnetic Island — guided Forts Walk
Great Barrier Reef — day of snorkelling
Atherton Tablelands — waterfalls day tour
Rainbow Beach — Sand Blow walk
Noosa National Park — optional headland walk

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

DAYS 1 TO 3: BRISBANE

The trip starts in Brisbane, where you check into a city hostel and meet your ULTIMATE group leader and the people you'll travel with for the next four weeks. South Bank sits on the riverside site of World Expo 88, and its Streets Beach is a man-made lagoon with real sand and lifeguards, a few minutes' walk from the office towers. Browse the Queen Street markets, get your photo at the Brisbane sign and settle in with a drink by the river. Want more? For an extra cost, spend a day at Australia Zoo, opened by Steve Irwin's parents in 1970, or snorkel the Tangalooma Wrecks off Moreton Island, a row of old ships sunk on purpose from 1963 to make a breakwall.

Overnight: Brisbane (hostel)

DAYS 4 AND 5: NOOSA

North up the Sunshine Coast to Noosa, where the first afternoon is for the beach and the sunset. Next day you walk the headland in Noosa National Park, where the coastal track runs above the surf breaks to the Fairy Pools, rock pools topped up by the waves. Keep looking up into the gums: wild koalas live in the park and often sleep right above the track. The rest of the time is yours for the hostel pool, a surfboard or the hostel's evening events. Or, for an extra cost, cruise the Noosa Everglades, one of only two everglades systems in the world.

Overnight: Noosa (hostel)

DAY 6: RAINBOW BEACH AND THE CARLO SAND BLOW

A short run north brings you to Rainbow Beach, the small town that is the gateway to K'gari. It takes its name from the coloured sand cliffs along the beach, streaked red, orange and yellow by iron and other minerals. Late in the day your group leader walks you up to the Carlo Sand Blow, about 15 hectares of bare sand on the cliff top, to watch the sun go down with the southern tip of K'gari in view. Then an early night, because tomorrow is the island.

Overnight: Rainbow Beach (hostel)

DAYS 7 AND 8: K'GARI (FRASER ISLAND)

Two days on K'gari (Fraser Island) by 4WD. At 123 km long it is the largest sand island on earth, World Heritage-listed since 1992, and its Butchulla name means "paradise". The beach is the highway: 75 Mile Beach is a gazetted road, and light planes land on the same sand. The order of the stops depends on the tides. Swim in Lake McKenzie, rainwater sitting on pure white silica sand, so clear you can see the bottom metres out. Float down Eli Creek, which pours up to 80 million litres of fresh water a day across the beach. At Champagne Pools near Indian Head, waves spill over a rock wall into sheltered pools, the one safe place on the island to swim in the sea.

Overnight: K'gari (2 nights at a private campsite near the beach)

DAY 9: BACK TO RAINBOW BEACH, THEN NORTH

A last morning on the sand, then back to Rainbow Beach to shake K'gari out of your bag. From here the trip makes its biggest jump: close to 1,000 km up the Bruce Highway to the Whitsunday coast, through cane country and past Rockhampton, which sits right on the Tropic of Capricorn, where the tropics begin. It's a good day to sleep, swap photos and start planning what to do in Airlie Beach.

DAYS 10 TO 15: AIRLIE BEACH AND THE WHITSUNDAYS

Airlie Beach is the Whitsundays' party town and your base for the next six days. Check into the hostel, then cool off in the free harbourfront lagoon. The big event is two days and two nights living on a sailing boat among the Whitsunday Islands, 74 islands that are the tops of a drowned coastal mountain range. You snorkel off the boat, watch the sunset from the deck and sleep on board.

The famous stop is Whitehaven Beach, 7 km of silica sand so fine and white it squeaks underfoot and stays cool in the sun. From the lookout above Hill Inlet at its northern end, the tide swirls sand and water into patterns that change by the hour. Back in Airlie it's the after-cruise party, then free days. For an extra cost, take a scenic flight over the reef or a jet ski tour.

Overnight: Airlie Beach (hostel), with 2 nights on board the sailing boat

DAYS 16 TO 18: MAGNETIC ISLAND

Next is Magnetic Island, a short ferry ride off Townsville. James Cook named it in 1770, sure that it was upsetting his ship's compass. More than half the island is national park, and it's one of the best places in Australia to see koalas in the wild. Your group leader takes you on the Forts Walk, which climbs past gun emplacements and a command post built in the Second World War to guard Townsville, with koalas often dozing in the gums beside the track. There's time to snorkel the bays too, and for an extra cost you can hire an open-top jeep and drive the island yourself.

Overnight: Magnetic Island (beachfront hostel)

DAYS 19 AND 20: MISSION BEACH

Up the coast to Mission Beach, where the rainforest runs right down to the sand. This is cassowary country: the coast around Mission Beach has one of the largest wild populations of the southern cassowary, a flightless bird up to 1.8 metres tall with a horn-like casque on its head. Spend a day walking the rainforest in the national park next door and keep an eye on the track edges. Or, for an extra cost, raft the rapids of the Tully River, near the town whose 7.9 metre Golden Gumboot marks the rain that fell there in 1950, or skydive onto the beach.

Overnight: Mission Beach (hostel)

DAYS 21 TO 28: CAIRNS, THE REEF AND THE TABLELANDS

The last week is in Cairns, starting with a full day on the Great Barrier Reef, which runs about 2,300 km down the Queensland coast and is the largest coral reef system on earth. A boat takes you out to snorkel among clownfish, turtles, rays and big, curious Maori wrasse. Another day takes you up to the Atherton Tablelands, a cool volcanic plateau behind the city, for a day of waterfalls in World Heritage rainforest. In between, the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon is a free saltwater pool on the waterfront, built because the city's shore is mudflats rather than beach.

The rest of the week is yours. For an extra cost, head north to Cape Tribulation, where the Daintree rainforest meets the reef, named by Cook in 1770 after the Endeavour struck a reef offshore. Or go canyoning or bungy jumping. Day 28 is the end of the trip in Cairns.

Overnight: Cairns (hostel)

Map

Good to know

Suits: Young adults aged 18 to 35.
Fitness: Moderate.
Please note: A week before the tour you get login details for the ULTIMATE travel app, with your itinerary and a chat with your group.

What is included

26 nights' accommodation and 1 night on an overnight bus
ULTIMATE group leader
All tour transport
K'gari (Fraser Island) trip, including Lake McKenzie, Eli Creek and the Champagne Pools
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
K'gari (Fraser Island) trip insurance — $30, paid locally
Meals not listed in the itinerary — allow 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.