15 Days Brisbane to Cairns Explorer
Sleep under the stars, zip over dunes in a 4x4 on a remote sand island, sail from island to island through the Whitsundays on a maxi yacht, dive the Great Barrier Reef and see the best Queensland has to offer.
Travelling in small groups, we will be visiting the best of the east coast; Fraser Island, Whitsunday Islands, Cape Tribulation & The Great Barrier Reef! All while eating great food, meeting new friends and having a magical time.
Due to availability, please try to book your package at least 30 days in advance. For dates available contact us directly.
- 3 Days Sailing Whitsundays
- 3 Days Fraser Island
- 2 Days Magnetic Island
- 1 Day Great Barrier Reef
- 1 Day Cape Tribulation
- 2 Nights in Cairns
- 2 Nights in Noosa Heads
- 2 Nights in Airlie Beach
- 2 Nights on Magnet Island
- Choose your own transport
- Experienced & Knowledgable Guides
- Meals and Equipment
- Taxes & Fees
- Trip length:
- 15 Days
- Group size:
- Max 21
- Start:
- Brisbane
- End:
- Cairns
- Vehicle:
- Bus, Boat, 4x4, Ferry
- Sleep:
- Hostel, Boat, Camping
- Physical Demand:
- Comfortlevel:
Itinerary
How it works:
Our incredible east coast packages are made up of a combination of various tours, accommodation and bus routes. You'll be travelling independently between each town using our amazing greyhound bus network that we'll book and organise for you.
We plan out your entire trip to help you save money and time and take away the fuss of making sure everything fits together seamlessly.
We'll be staying in some of Australia's best hostels and exploring iconic destinations such as Fraser Island, Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef with amazing guides and other likeminded travellers. No time is wasted and every dollar goes towards maximising your experience!
Day 1 Bye Bye Brisbane - Hello Noosa
Today you will say goodbye to Brisbane at 2pm on the famous Greyhound bus from the Roma St Transit Centre (level 3). You will arrive in glorious Noosa at 4.20pm where you will be met and chauffeured to your hostel only 5 mins from the awe-inspiring Noosa Main Beach and Hastings Street.
Day 2, 3 and 4 Pristine Fraser Island (2B,3L,2D)
The day has come to experience the largest sand Island in the world! You will be picked up from your hostel at 6:45am for an epic 3 day adventure.
We realise that most visitors to Fraser wish to drive themselves; this means that on tour you can drive yourself in one of our trusty Toyota 4WD's along with the group or let the tour guide take over for you. Onboard we have the best camping gear, reliable quality vehicles (each fitted with stereo, elec windows etc), delicious meals and a tour guide that is dedicated to giving you the Fraser experience of a life time with memories you’ll never forget.
This self-drive 4WD tour features beach camping, experienced local guides AND excellent food and entertainment. Each tour is tailored to suit the weather, tides and preferences of our guests. You will visit magnificant Lake Wabby, relaxing Eli Creek, breathtaking Indian Head, crystal clear Lake McKenzie, the beautiful Coloured Sands, foaming Champagne Pools and the aged Maheno Shipwreck in no particular order.
On the 3rd day you will be dropped back off at your hostel and can finally get all the sand off of you! Times vary between 2pm and 5pm, but you will still have a relaxing evening in Noosa.
Note: Depending on availability for fraser island and accommodation, we may swap Noosa for nearby Rainbow beach. Please check with us for availability.
Day 5 Noosa Paradise
You will have this morning free to explore the little beachside town of Noosa. There are a variety of water sports avaiable to try at one of Australias best beaches, which is also home to Noosa Surf Festival. Or if walking is your thing there is a huge coastal National Park to explore with chances to see resident Dolphins and Turtles. Cruise the Everglades or learn to surf, up to you!
Your accommodation will transfer you to the waiting Premier bus at 4:20pm to head to your next exciting destination. This will be an overnight bus journey.
Day 6 Airlie Beach - Gateway to the Whitsundays
You will arrive in Airlie at 9:30am. This is a day to relax by the incredible lagoon and discover the nightlife Airlie Beach has to offer. Ask us about fun things to do in Airlie - from paddle boarding to scenic flights and Island escapes, it has it all!
Day 7, 8 and 9 Whitsundays Adventure Sailing
Departing Abel Point Marina at 2pm you will set sail for 2 days and 2 nights of adventure!
You will visit the most famous places in the Whitsundays, including the spectacular Whitehaven Beach. Stroll along the impossibly white sand beach and go up to the lookout for an idyllic view of the swirling sands. Snorkel the fringing coral reefs surrounding you, such as Langford Reef, Hook Island and Border Island and soak up the sun from one of the 74 Island wonders that make up the Whitsundays.
You will return on the 3rd day at 11am to Abel Point Marina and you can head back to your hostel for your final nights accomodation. Then it's out for dinner and drinks with your boat crew in one of Airlie Beach's many bars and resturants.
Day 10, 11 and 12 Magnetic Attraction
Today the bus departs Airlie Beach Bus Terminal at 9:30am and will take you straight to the Townsville ferry terminal at 1:50pm so you can catch the ferry over to magical Magnetic Island.
Present your ticket and jump on the next ferry. These run every 30-60 minutes, no need to book. While on Magnetic Island you have 2 nights dormitory accommodation, Koala Sanctuary guided 2 hour tour, Souvenir koala photo and cuddle, full day snorkel gear hire and rock wallaby food to feed the locals. There is also a chance to hire a plastic barbie car for over 21's to drive around the island!
Magnetic Island is also home to some of the cheapest PADI Open Water Diving Courses in Australia - if you'd like to extend your stay and learn to dive, let us know!
Day 12 Back to the Mainland
Time to hop back over to Townsville on the ferry to catch your bus to Cairns which departs at 1:50pm. You will arrive in Cairns at 7:30pm and will make your way to your hostel on the Esplanade for 3 nights. Although when you arrive you wont want to leave the laid back atmosphere and incredible weather!
Day 13 The Great Barrier Reef
Make your way to the reef fleet terminal at 7.30am for a 8am departure. Today you will experience 5 hours on the Great Barrier Reef at a spectacular location. A large modern sleek computer stabilized vessel provides a superior ride in all weather conditions, and no big crowds with exclusive protected reef locations. Keep an eye out for 6 of the 7 species of sea turtles in the world, as well as sharks, Nemo and some uber-impressive coral! Professional, friendly and attentative staff ensures a safe and enjoyable fun filled experience. The boat will drop you back off at the terminal in Cairns at approximately 4:45pm. Upgrade to a Introductory or Certified Scuba Dive for $50
Day 14 Cape Tribulation / Atherton Tablelands
Today we head off to the magnificent Cape Tribulation and Daintree Rainforest - a must for any traveller to Australia. Experience the magical culture of the ancient Rainforest that grows right down to the edge of the sea and stand in awe of the meeting of 2 UNESCO World Heritage listed sites.
Explore waterfalls, rainforest and wildlife in this spectacular area. You will be swimming in pristine waterfalls like Josephine Falls, get your hair flock photo taken at Milla Milla Falls (So nice they named it twice) and swim in an ancient crater lake called Lake Eacham surrounded by lush rainforest just to name a few..
Later that afternoon we will arrive in Yungaburra and here you will spend the night at the beautiful “On the Wallaby Eco Lodge”.
Your accommodation offers dormitory style rooms (upgrade to private rooms available) on the Atherton Tablelands. With lovely home cooked meals and after dinner we will take you on Australia’s one & only night canoeing trip.
Spot amazing wildlife and be closer to the stars on Lake Tinaroo.
Day 15 Cape Tribulation to Cairns
After a delicious breakfast we head towards the Daintree National Park via Granite Gorge Nature Park where you will come up close with Australian wildlife.
All your meals are included and freshly made prior to your arrival, enjoy the the croc cruise on the mighty Daintree River, rainforest walks, a swim in our private swimming hole tucked in the rainforest, beach walks and finishing the afternoon in Port Douglas.
Arrive back to your accommodation in Cairns at approximately 5pm.
What to bring
CLOTHING
- Comfortable hiking/walking shoes
- Warm jacket and long pants
- Long Sleeve shirt for protection from the Sun and Mosquitoes
- Shorts and T Shirts for daytime hikes and walks
- Swimwear
- Hat and sunglasses
EQUIPMENT / OTHER
- Sunscreen
- Towel & toiletries
- Insect repellent
- Refillable water bottle
- Mp3 Player / iPod
- Chargers
- Torch
- Camera
What is included
TRANSPORT
- Greyhound Bus passes
- Private 4x4 excursion on Fraser Island
- Sailing in the Whitsundays. Visit to Whitehaven Beach
- Ferry to Magnetic Island
- Boat ride out the Great Barrier Reef
- Drive up to Cape Tribulation
ACCOMMODATION
- Hostels (10 nts), beachside permanent tented camp (2 nts), maxi yacht (2 nts). All nights multi-share.
- Transfers
- Shower and toilet facilities
MEALS
- Included on Fraser Island
- Included on Whitsundays Boat
- Included on Great Barrier Reef Boat
- Morning and Afternoon tea in Cape Tribulation
EQUIPMENT
- Blankets and sheets
- Sleeping Mattress
- Pillows
- Snorkel gear on Magnetic Island, Great Barrier Reef and Whitsundays
Personal travel insurance is not included but visitors are advised to have it. This can be organised through your travel agent.
Trip Info
Preparing for the trip
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 should I pack?
Depending on where in Australia you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.
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 will carry an first aid box and our guides are all certified in First Aid.
How much luggage can I bring along the East Coast?
You can bring is much as luggage as you like. However, during each tour on the east coast, whether its a 2 day Fraser tour or a 3 Day Whitsunday tour, there will be luggage restrictions - generally to around 10-15kg per person. In these scenarios, you'll be able to leave the bulk of your luggage at your hostel/hotel whilst you're on tour.
Where can I store my luggage whilst on tour?
During the tour your main luggage will be stored in our trailer. This trailer is always locked however we cannot guarantee the complete safety of your gear from theft or damage. This is why it is so important to purchase a good travel insurance.
If you need to store your luggage whilst away on tour, this can be done through your accommodation. Most hostel and hotels will store your luggage safely free of charge.
Where can I do laundry?
Each hostel and hotel we book you into will have laundry facilities you can use.
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.
How do these packages work?
We are essentially creating a travel plan for you. We'll book all your accommodation, transport between towns, tours and other activites for you to do. You just need to show up with your tickets and off you go! All towns are connected together using the greyhound network which will alllow you to move along the east coast freely and timely stopping and starting where you want.
Private tours and families
Is it possible to travel in a private group?
Definitely! Just choose an existing itinerary or destination and contact us we can help you arrange the trip as a private tour.
If your looking for a customised itinerary we can tailor make a tour to suit your requirement.
Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip. Our team can help you decide on destinations best suits your needs and give you additional information on the best time to visit, cultural expectations, weather conditions and so fourth.
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 we generally say 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 what date this package is available?
Since these packages are made up of a wide variety of different hotels, tours and transport we need to check that all these things are available one after another from the starting date you need. Although our calendar says that you can go any day you like, please contact us directly so that we can piece it all together for you and reconfirm that everything is ok.
Who travels with us
Is this tour for me?
Our tours are made up of small groups with a range of different ages, nationalities and backgrounds. Generally people who travel with us are between 20 and 45, though we also get alot passengers much older onboard - everyone is welcome! On tour we get equally as many males as females and everyone shares an enthusiasm for the out doors, nature, adventure and culture.
Our tours are for those wanting to really explore Australia and share the experience with likeminded travellers. Whether we are camping by a billabong in Kakadu National Park or sharing a cabin in Tasmania, our travellers want more than just a site seeing tour. They are chasing a hands on group experience.
The trips are packed with many highlights and the pace can be fast. There may be some long drives and passengers should expect to help out when setting up camp or cooking food - this is a group adventure. However, there’s always time to chill out, have a cold beer ( or wine! ) and soak up your surroundings.
As always, if in doubt then contact us directly with your concerns.
What type of groups go on these tours?
Onboard our tours there are usually around 5 - 24 people ( depending on the tour and destination ). Lost In Australia's travellers want to explore the country and develop a real sense for the land, nature and its people. We travel in small groups which allows us to get from destination to destination quickly and effortlessly whilst being flexible and free!
Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?
We have many travellers jumping onboard our tours by themselves. Those travelling by themselves are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that will last a life time.
Those who do travel by themselves will probably be sharing 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. For camping tours, generally there are enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.
For more information please contact us directly.
How many people will be on tour?
Group sizes vary from tour to tour. You can find the size of your group by checking out information at the top right hand corner of the tour page. Group sizes range of 5 - 24 people.
Is there an age limit?
We get a large range of travellers from all over the world and from a very large age range. We get people of all ages joining these trips; generally our travellers vary between 21 - 45 though we also get many happy travellers in their 60s and 70s. Some tours however have a restriction on children under the age of 16 - 18. This will depend on the destination so please email us for more info.
Cost and Fees
Are there any additional costs?
Whilst you are on the various tours we book for you, you do not need to pay anything extra. All food, accommodation, transport and equipmenet will be provided for you. When you are not on a tour, the only additional costs you need prepare for is food and drink. Accommodation and transport along the east coast will be covered for.
Do I need to tip our guide?
If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip the guide, then that is completely up to you. However, tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.
Whilst on tour
Where do we stay during our journey?
During our tours we stay in a wide variety of different styles of accommodation. All accommodation are run my friendly and hospitable locals who's job it is to make sure you enjoy your stay. Acommodation varies between hostels, hotels, camping to sleeping on boats! So please check your itinerary for exact details.For those who'd like more privacy, we may be able to upgrade to twin or double rooms with private facilities. Just ask!
Can you cater of special diets?
We can certain cater for most dietary needs. Please advise us at the time of your booking so arrangements can be made. For travellers with more extreme diets we may ask that you bring along additional snacks.
Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?
Definitely - We know Australia inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations.
What vehicle will we use to explore?
We will be using everything from trains to boats, to buses and in some cases, even a horse! For more specific information on what transportation you'll be on please refer back to your itinerary. Whatever it is though, it will be lots of fun.
What is the weather like on the east coast?
The east coast of Australia is an extremely long piece of coastline and it traverses very different weather patterns, from the temperate south in Sydney to the tropical north in Cairns. Irrespective of the season, In summer, if you are travelling between Sydney and Cairns, you are probably going to either experience wetter more humid weather nearer Cairns. In winter months, clear and dry conditions near cairns and cooler and wetter weather nearer Sydney.
Will I travel with the same people the whole time?
No. This itinerary is made up of various different tours and accommodation. You may run into the same people as you travel along the east coast, however, each tour will have new people who will likely be moving to different cities and destinations after their trip.
How do I travel between destinations?
All destinations such as Noosa Head, Cairns, Airlie Beach, Brisbane etc are connected together using the greyhound bus network. We'll book all your passes for you and provide you with the meeting locations and times. These will be in coordination with your tours and accommodation so that its easy for you to meet each bus to get to your next destination.
What happens if I miss the bus?
If you miss your bus please contact us immediately via phone or email. We'll need to try and push back your other tours and accommodation that we can not gaurantee that this is possible. In most cases, if you miss your bus you may end up missing out on the next tour that we planned for you.