7 Day East Coast Highlights
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 sailing boat, 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 and the Great Barrier Reef! All the while eating great food, meeting new friends and have a great time.
Accommodation, Tours and Transport can be upgraded and customized to your liking. Please contact us directly.
- 2 Nights hostel in Noosa
- 2 Nights hostel in Airlie Beach
- 1 Night hostel in Cairns
- Choose your own transport
- 1 Day Fraser Island
- 1 Day Whitsunday Sailing
- 1 Day Great Barrier Refe
- Experienced Guides
- Great for travellers with budgets
- All fees and Taxes
- Trip length:
- 7 Days
- Group size:
- Max 24-48
- Start:
- Cairns
- End:
- Brisbane
- Vehicle:
- Bus, Boat, 4x4, Ferry
- Sleep:
- Hostel, Boat
- Physical Demand:
- Comfortlevel:
Itinerary
Using a combination of tours we get you to the highlights of the East Coast at a fantastic discounted price. Take as long as you want or follow our below itinerary, it is up to you!
Please ask us about any extra fun things to do in Australia, we've done pretty much everything!
Day 1 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
Accomodation provided tonight in Cairns.
Day 2 - Airlie Beach
Today the bus departs Cairns bus terminal at 7:25am and will take you straight to Airlie Beach at 5:35pm and you will be collected by your hostel.
Explore the surrounds and your accomodation is provided tonight.
Day 3 - Whitsundays Adventure Sailing
Sail the legend, Derwent Hunter, to the northern bays of the Whitsunday Islands. After a delicious morning tea, visit the private mooring at the first of our two stops for the day. We visit sheltered bays near Hook Island, where customers can snorkel straight from the beach, and explore the shoreline of the island.
Many lucky customers get the once in a lifetime experience of swimming with turtles. During the winter months, whales sightings are quite common. Humpback whales and pilot whales visit the Whitsundays every year from approximately June – September.
Return to the vessel for a hearty lunch, before helping to raise the sails and sail back to shore across the Whitsunday Passage, with a cold beer or wine in hand, from our licensed bar.
Day 4-5 Rest and Relaxation
Spend the morning catching up with sleep and exploring the quaint township of Airlie Beach before we depart for Rainbow Beach at 5:35pm. This is an overnight bus that will arrive at 11:10am.
Day 6 Pristine Fraser Island (2B,3L,2D)
Finally, 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 1 day adventure.
We'll visit all the best locations on the island including:
- Central Station - this former logging station that housed schools and shops for the bustling timber industry is now a tourist stop. Stroll along the Wanggoolba Creek boardwalk to discover the ancient King Ferns, towering Ghost Gums and Pine trees.
- Lake McKenzie - enjoy a revitalising swim in the crystal blue waters and relax on the sandy white beaches... it's picture perfect!
- Seventy-Five Mile Beach – as you drive along this sandy highway, you may spot birds of prey flying above or humpback whales as they migrate past (between July – November). You may wish to join the Air Fraser team for a scenic flight over the island - book with your guide on tour (optional extra).
- Eli Creek - float down this fast-flowing freshwater creek pouring out 80 megalitres of water daily into the ocean.
- Maheno Shipwreck - enjoy a photo stop at the rusting wreck of the Maheno washed ashore during an out-of-season cyclone in 1935 – it's one of Fraser Island's most recognisable sites.
- The Pinnacles Coloured Sands - learn how these technicolour sand formations were created and the Butchulla legends surrounding them. We stop to take a picture as we drive along Seventy-Five Mile Beach.
Final nights accomodation is provided.
Day 7 Brisbane Awaits...
We leave Rainbow Beach at 8:50am with a ride from your hostel to the Junction to catch the bus to bustling Brisbane. We arrive at 1:30pm at the Transit Centre which is a 5 minute walk to most hostels. Here you are free to explore Brissy, take a dip in the lagoon or go for lunch along the river.
This itinerary can be reversed, swapped round and turned upside down at customer discretion.
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
- Optional Greyhound bus
- Derwent Hunter Tall Ship
- Catamaran at Great Barrier Reef
- 4WD Bus on Fraser
ACCOMMODATION
- Hostels (6 nts)
- Transfers
- Shower and toilet facilities
MEALS
- Included while on Fraser island, Great barrier reef and Whitsundays sailing
EQUIPMENT
- Blankets and sheets
- Sleeping Mattress
- Pillows
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.
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 a tour for more than 1 person, or if you are a single person booking multiple tours then we are happy to offer 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.
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.
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 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 its many facets. 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 experience.
The trips are packed with many highlights and the pace can be fast - although 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.