28 Days Sydney to Cairns Budget
From the Sydney Harbour Bridge to the rainforests of Cairns, the 28-Day Explorer Itinerary lets you experience Australia’s East Coast at a relaxed pace. Discover stunning natural sites like the Great Barrier Reef, Great Dividing Range, and Whitsunday Islands, paired with local and unique adventures.
Catch waves in Byron Bay, make friends in Gold Coast, swim in Noosa’s fairy pools, cuddle a koala on Magnetic Island, dance the night away in Brisbane, 4WD along K’gari’s shores, and sail into the sunset in the Whitsundays. With free time and award-winning tours, explore Australia’s best spots like a true adventurer!
- 3 Days Sailing Whitsundays
- 3 Days Fraser Island
- 1 Day Great Barrier Reef
- 2 Days Magnetic Island
- 2 hour Noosa kayak rental
- Half-day Byron Bay surf lesson
- 1 night in Sydney
- 3 nights in Byron Bay
- 2 nights in Surfers Paradise
- 3 nights in Noosa
- 2 nights in Rainbow Beach
- 3 nights in Airlie Beach
- 2 nights on Magnetic Island
- 5 nights in Cairns
- Greyhound Bus Passes
- Experienced & Knowledgable Guides
- Meals during your tours
- Taxes & Fees
- Trip length:
- 28 Days
- Group size:
- Avg 21
- Start:
- Sydney
- 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: Welcome to Sydney
Arrive in Sydney, where your 28-day adventure along the East Coast begins. Spend the day exploring the city’s famous sights like the Harbour Bridge and Opera House, or relax before heading north.
Accommodation: Hostel in Sydney
Day 2-4: Byron Bay Adventures
Travel to Byron Bay, a coastal paradise known for surfing and chilled vibes. Enjoy a surf lesson and explore local markets, take a hike to the lighthouse, or simply relax on the beach.
Accommodation: Hostel in Byron Bay
Day 5-6: Explore the Gold Coast
Head to the Gold Coast, famous for its beaches, nightlife, and attractions. Spend time relaxing by the beach, surfing, or enjoying the nightlife in Surfers Paradise.
Accommodation: Hostel in Gold Coast
Day 7-9: Noosa and K'gari (Fraser Island)
Spend a couple of days in Noosa, where you can explore the National Park, swim in the fairy pools, and take an optional day trip to K'gari (Fraser Island) for a guided 4WD tour.
Accommodation: Hostel in Noosa
Optional Activities:
- K'gari (Fraser Island) 4WD tour
Day 10-12: Relax in Rainbow Beach
Make your way to Rainbow Beach, a peaceful town on the coast. Unwind on the beach or take part in a dolphin kayak tour and enjoy the surrounding beauty.
Accommodation: Hostel in Rainbow Beach
Optional Activities:
- Dolphin kayak tour
Day 13-15: Airlie Beach and Whitsundays
Travel north to Airlie Beach, a vibrant backpacker hub. Enjoy a day trip to the stunning Whitsunday Islands for sailing and snorkeling, with stops at Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet.
Accommodation: Hostel in Airlie Beach
Optional Activities:
- Private cabin upgrade
Day 16-18: Magnetic Island Wildlife
Head to Magnetic Island, where you can explore beautiful bays, snorkel, and spot wildlife like koalas. Opt for a wildlife tour to get up close to native Australian animals.
Accommodation: Beachfront hostel in Magnetic Island
Optional Activities:
- Wildlife and Koala experience
Day 19-21: Discover Cairns
Journey up to Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest. Spend time exploring the town or take part in a reef cruise to snorkel or scuba dive.
Accommodation: Hostel in central Cairns
Optional Activities:
- Great Barrier Reef snorkel/scuba dive
Day 22-28: Great Barrier Reef and Farewell
Dive into the Great Barrier Reef to explore its underwater ecosystems. Enjoy the final days in Cairns by visiting local markets or taking a trip into the rainforest before concluding your adventure.
Accommodation: Hostel in Cairns
What to bring
Packing List
- Backpack (40-60L)
- Swimwear
- Reusable water bottle
- Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
- Flip-flops and hiking shoes
- Quick-dry towel
- Rain jacket
- Power bank
- Travel adapter (Australian plug)
- Insect repellent
- Snorkel gear (optional)
- Hat and sunglasses
- Basic first aid kit
- Comfortable daywear
- Evening attire for nightlife
What is included
Accommodation
- 1 night in Sydney
- 3 nights in Byron Bay
- 2 nights in Surfers Paradise
- 3 nights in Noosa
- 2 nights in Rainbow Beach
- 3 nights in Airlie Beach
- 2 nights on Magnetic Island
- 5 nights in Cairns
Activities
- Great Barrier Reef tour including 1 introductory dive
- Return ferry to Magnetic Island from Townsville
- 2 day, 2-night Whitsundays social sailing adventure
- 3 day, 2-night K'gari tag-along camping safari
- Half-day Byron Bay surf lesson
Transport & Extras
- All Greyhound Bus Passes from Sydney to Cairns
- Luggage storage in Airlie Beach
Meals
- Meals during your tours
Total Accommodation
- 27 nights of accommodation (hostels, overnight buses, sailing cabins, and island camping)
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.