from
AUD
2999
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 the East Coast has to offer.
Travelling in small groups, we will be visiting the best of the East Coast; Fraser Island, Whitsunday Islands, Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Forest & Cape Tribulation. All the while eating great food, meeting new friends and have a great time.
Includes
- 16 nights hostel accommodation
- 3 day 2 night Fraser Island tour
- 2 night Whitsundays Sailing tour
- Byron Bay Sea Kayak
- Surfers Paradise
- Great Barrier Reef snorkel trip
- Choose your own transport
- Souvenir Koala photo and cuddle
- Magnetic Island
- Trip length: 22 Days
- Group size: Max 24-48
- Start: Sydney
- End: Cairns
- Vehicle: Bus, Boat, 4x4, Ferry
- Sleep: Hostel, Boat, Camping
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Physical Demand:
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Comfortlevel:
Itinerary
See MapDay 1 Bye Bye Sydney
Get prepared to say goodbye to the big city. We will meet at Bay 17 Pitt Street to board the overnight Premier bus to Byron Bay at 6.45pm.
Day 2 Byron Bay Bliss
Arrive at Byron Bay bus terminal in the centre of town at 9am. You will be collected by your hostel, the Arts Factory and once you have checked in and dropped off your bags you are free to recover from your bus ride and explore the local sites. Byron is famous for it's laid back lifestyle, hippy culture and ofcourse the famous lighthouse from Round the Twist! Byron Bay lighthouse is a sight not to be missed, the most easternly point in Australia and looks out onto a gorgeous marine park full of turtles, dolphins and the occasional whale!
Day 3 Sea Kayak
This morning you will be picked up from your hostel for a sea kayak adventure. Paddling up close with dolphins, whales and turtles in Cape Byron's Marine National Park and learning the local Aboriginal stories in your own kayak or share paddling duties with a friend. You have the afternoon free for more exploring or just to chill out with your new friends.
Day 4 Free Day
Today you can choose from one of the optional extras: Nimbin or Surfing!
Nimbin day tour - $40
We visit a secret waterfall that only the locals know about, where you can often spot wildlife from the area including turtles, fish, lizards and goannas. We visit a country pub for some quick refreshments/snacks. On the way to Nimbin you will see Nimbin rocks, a sacred site to the Bundjalung people of the area. In Nimbin we prepare a gourmet burger, (catering also for vegetarians), at the Nimbin bowling club - so the tourists can mingle with the locals and enjoy a drink or 2 from the bar. At the BBQ there is an opportunity for our passengers to swim in the local swimming pool (sesonal) right next to the BBQ area, which is free of charge as well.
Half day surf lesson - $69
A half day experience on a guided road trip to a pristine and uncrowded beach. All surfboards, wetsuits, rashies, sunscreen & water provided! Surf safety, ocean awareness & local knowledge. All Surf coaching is progressive so you’ll always learn something new!
Now it's your last night in Byron so throw caution to the wind and enjoy the relaxed nightlife on offer!
Day 5 Welcome to Surfers Paradise
Depart Byron Bay at 8.55am outside the information centre (the same place you were dropped off). The bus will arrive in Surfers Paradise at 11am, your hostel is a short 2 minute walk from the bus stop and only 250 meters from the famed Gold Coast beach. You will be conveniently located in the heart of the city that never sleeps. Check out the endless golden beaches and watch the waves roll in or do a spot on retail therapy in the gigantic shopping complexes. It really has everything, from old school Cowboy themed photoshoots to bubbling games rooms, aswell as being the night life capital on the coast.
Day 6 It's a Dreamworld!
Today you are given the option for a free day to explore Surfers Paradise and lay by the beach or for only $95 we recommend you upgrade to the amazing Dreamworld package!
Dreamworld is Australia's favourite theme park, home to 13 different worlds. From the tallest and fastest Big 9 thrill rides, to live interactive shows and unique animal attractions, there's something for everyone! WhiteWater World is no ordinary water park, it’s a water ride park especially deisgned to deliver some serious splash. SkyPoint Observation Deck is Australia’s only beachside observation deck. Rising a sheer 230 meters into the sky, SkyPoint boasts the highest enclosed vantage point of the Gold Coast where you can sit back, grab a cocktail and enjoy the unsurpassed 360 degree views that extend from the surf to the hinterland and beyond.
At the end of the day return to your hostel for some snoozing - or not!
Day 7 Beautiful Brisbane
This morning we return to the bus stop to collect the Premier bus to Brisbane at 11am and arrive at 12:20pm. The Capital of Queensland is well known for its relaxed and edgy vibes at South Bank, bustling CBD and cultural representation throughout the city. Gorgeous Mount Coot-tha gives panaromic views of the river and CBD from the most perfect picnic spot!
Once again your hostel is just a short walk from the central bus terminal in Brisbane. You have the rest of the day free to explore Brisbane's wonders.
Day 8 Bye Bye Brisbane - Hello Noosa
Today you will say goodbye to Brisbane at 2pm on the Premier 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, Halse Lodge, only 200 meters from the awe-inspiring Noosa Main Beach and Hastings Street.
Day 9-11 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.
Day 12 Relaxation or Everglades
You will have this day free to explore the wonder that is Noosa. Check out the quaint shops of Hastings Street or grab a coffee in the Junction. Relax on the waterfront or if you are feeling adventurous you can visit 1 of only 2 everglade systems in the world, all from a canoe. ($120)
The breathtaking trip picks up from your hostel and transports you into an ancient water systems and panaromic landscapes. Become emmersed in the sub tropical rainforest which is home to an amazing variety of wildlife. Comes with a buffet lunch along the untouched waterfront.
Day 13 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.
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 14 Airlie Beach - Gateway to the Whitsundays
You will arrive in Airlie at 9:30am and will be collected by your hostel, Base Backpackers. This is a day to relax by the incredible lagoon and discover the nightlife Airlie Beach has to offer.
Day 15 - 17 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. Another night is provided at Base Backpackers.
Day 18 - 19 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 20 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!
Day 20 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 the YHA hostel on 20-26 McLeod Street for 3 nights. Although when you arrive you wont want to leave the laid back atmosphere and incredible weather!
Day 21 Cairns Exploration
You have this day free to explore Cairns. Your accommodation is located in the centre of Cairns so everything is in walking distance. Alternatively you can do a 14,000 foot Skydive this morning for only $250 or a highly reccomended Cape Tribulation and Daintree Rainforest day tour for only $135 including lunch! You can add a tour to the Atherton Tablelands ($89) and see the magnificent crater lakes and the elusive Platypus or go Whitewater rafting on the world famous and thrilling Tully River ($199).
Day 22 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 two spectacular locations. 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 intro or certified scuba dive for $50
You have a final night hostel stay included.
This is where our journey ends as we leave you with a head full of memories and friendships that will last a lifetime!
