14 Days Brisbane to Cairns
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
- 1 Day Moreton Island Tour
- 1 Day Great Barrier Reef
- Half Day Surf Lessons
- 2 Nights in Cairns
- 2 Nights in Noosa Heads
- 2 Nights in Airlie Beach
- 2 Nights in Brisbane
- 1 Night In Agnes Water
- Choose your own transport
- Experienced & Knowledgable Guides
- 8 Breakfast, 8 Lunches, and 6 Dinners
- Taxes & Fees
- Trip length:
- 14 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: Brisbane
Begin your adventure in Brisbane by exploring the city at your own pace. Once you've settled into your accommodation, take the opportunity to discover the vibrant bars and nightlife (remember to keep it moderate as you have an early start the next day for your trip to Moreton Island!).
Day 2: Brisbane/Moreton Island
Rise and shine early to meet your group and tour guide for an exciting excursion to Moreton Island. Upon arrival, you'll have the freedom to choose from three island activities such as stand-up paddleboarding, guided snorkeling at the Tangalooma Wrecks, beach bike hire, fish feeding tour + sightseeing cruise, kayaking, snorkel gear + wetsuit hire (3 hours), or even renting a fishing rod for the entire day. In the evening, return to Brisbane City for your last night of accommodation.
Day 3: Noosa
Start your day by checking out of your Brisbane accommodation, ready to embark on the next leg of your journey to Noosa on the Sunshine Coast. After checking in to your hostel and dropping off your bags, take some time to explore the picturesque beachside town known for its surfing spots and stunning national parks. In the evening, attend a mandatory safety briefing at your hostel at 6 PM in preparation for your upcoming Fraser Island tour.
Day 4: Fraser Island
Your Fraser Island tour begins early in the morning from Nomads Hostel in Noosa. Transfers to Rainbow Beach are included, where you'll pick up your 4WD vehicle. From there, take a ferry from Inskip Point to Fraser Island and drive along the renowned 75-mile beach. Explore attractions like Lake Wabby and/or Lake Birrabeen, enjoy lunch with your group, venture into the rainforest at Wanggoolba Creek & Central Station, drive back to the camp through the rainforest, savor a sunset and dinner with your group, and experience stargazing while camping on the beach.
Meals included: Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Fraser Island
Start the day with a basic breakfast before heading out to explore Fraser Island's highlights. Take a swim in the refreshing waters of Eli Creek, visit the world-famous Maheno Shipwreck, enjoy lunch on the go, make a quick stop at the 'Pinnacles' colored sands, head over to Indian Head Lookout & Champagne Pools, return to camp for your final night, and enjoy dinner with your group.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Fraser Island/Noosa
Have your last breakfast on the island before driving to Lake McKenzie. Relax and soak in the beauty of the white silica sand before having lunch and taking the ferry back to the mainland. Depart the island around 2:30 PM, drop off the 4WD vehicles at Rainbow Beach, and transfer back to Noosa, arriving around 5 PM.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7: Town Of 1770
In the afternoon, hop on a bus and journey to the charming coastal town of 1770. Check in to your hostel and prepare for a couple of relaxing days on the beaches, enjoying the tranquility and possibly some surfing. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 8: Town Of 1770/Surf Lesson
Spend your last day in Town Of 1770 leisurely by the beach, and if you're interested, take another surf lesson. In the evening, board your overnight bus to Airlie Beach.
Day 9: Airlie Beach
Arrive in Airlie Beach in the morning and check in to your amazing hostel. Take some time to visit the beautiful Airlie Beach Lagoon and prepare for your upcoming Whitsund
Day 10: Whitsundays
Embark on a sailing adventure to one of the most picturesque islands in the Whitsundays. Immerse yourself in the water and discover the excitement of snorkeling and scuba diving. As you sail to our first sleeping location in the protected waters of Whitsunday Island, relax on the deck in the evening with a refreshing beer or wine, and indulge in a freshly cooked dinner sourced locally, of course.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: Whitsundays
Rise and shine to a freshly cooked breakfast. Today's activities will depend entirely on the weather and tides. You can look forward to two additional snorkeling sessions at two different beautiful locations around the islands, or take a quick 10-minute bush walk to Hill Inlet lookout for a scenic view. Capture a quick photo and then take a leisurely stroll to the world-famous Whitehaven Beach. Enjoy a fully catered lunch and dinner throughout the day. Weather/Tide Dependent
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12: Whitsundays/Airlie Beach
Wake up early again for breakfast and savor your final day in the Whitsundays. Explore more beaches and enjoy additional snorkeling before heading back to Airlie Beach in the late afternoon. You will have another night's stay at Nomads.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 13: Airlie Beach
Arrive in the tropical city of Cairns and check into your centrally located accommodation. Spend the rest of the day and evening immersing yourself in the local culture and vibrant nightlife. Make sure to get a good night's sleep for your Great Barrier Reef trip the following day.
Day 14: Great Barrier Reef/Cairns
Today, you will have the opportunity to be part of a unique reef experience designed for small groups, catering to both experienced and first-time snorkelers and divers. The tour offers a relaxed, tropical vibe, allowing passengers to fully experience the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef. Departing early in the morning and returning to Cairns before sunset, the tour focuses on providing a fun and relaxing day of exploration in the mind-blowing reef.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
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
- 2 Nights Dorm In Brisbane
- 1 Day Moreton Island Wrecks Adventure Tour
- 2 Nights In Noosa
- 3 Day/2 Night Fraser Island Tag Along Safari Tour
- 1 Night Dorm In Agnes Water/Town Of 1770
- Half-Day Surf Lesson In Town Of 1770
- 2 Nights Dorm In Airlie Beach
- 2 Day/2 Night Whitsundays Sailing Adventure
- 2 Nights Dorm In Cairns
- 1 Day Great Barrier Reef Day Trip With Intro Dive
- Hop On Hop Off Greyhound Bus Pass From Brisbane To Cairns
- 8 Breakfast, 8 Lunches, and 6 Dinners
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.