East Coast Australia Adventure

19 Days | Explore the full extent of Australia’s iconic eastern coast

Explorer
From
AUD $8,535
View dates and book

Start in Sydney, finish in Cairns and leave no stone unturned on this 19-day adventure along Australia’s diverse east coast. You’ll tour all the postcard-perfect spots – snorkel at the Great Barrier Reef and the corals of the Whitsundays, go on a 4WD drive adventure in K’gari (formerly Fraser Island) and immerse yourself in the ancient wonder of Daintree Rainforest. With stops at wineries in the Hunter Valley, the beachside vibes of Byron Bay, Mission Beach, Hervey Bay and more – this is a true-blue intro to everything Australia.

Trip overview

Map of East Coast Australia Adventure including Australia
Start
Sydney, Australia
Finish
Cairns, Australia
Theme
Explorer
Destinations
Australia
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Original
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 16
Trip code
PZSVC
We’re in the process of figuring out how much CO2-e this trip generates. In the meantime, find out more about our climate commitments and carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip
  • Witness the expansive and iconic Great Barrier Reef on a snorkelling adventure and see colourful corals and tropical fish as you swim with turtles off the Daintree coast.
  • Take a 4WD adventure through the breathtaking landscape of K'gari (formerly Fraser Island). Ride across sand dunes and vast golden beaches in search of the iconic outback creature – the dingo.
  • Visit Daintree Rainforest – the oldest rainforest in the world – and Cape Tribulation on a stunning day that ticks off two UNESCO World Heritage areas (nature lovers rejoice!).
  • Soak up the beachside vibes of Byron Bay with a free day in this surfer’s haven. Go for a dip in the ocean, take a kayaking tour, listen to buskers by the beach, join a yoga class or just hang loose in a quirky café.
  • Embark on a full-day tour of the Whitsundays, where you’ll head out on a bushwalk to Hill Inlet Lookout, go snorkelling among giant tropical fish and corals and then relax on the 7 km stretch of Whitehaven Beach as the sun descends.

Is this trip right for you?
  • This trip covers around 2500 km (1550 miles) over fourteen days. There are some long travelling days but it’s all part of the adventure and a great way to get to know your fellow travellers.
  • This trip includes an overnight train, which is super comfortable and features RailBeds, charging stations and USB ports. The overnight train is in RailBed class and is not accompanied by a tour leader. Should the train not operate due to track works or other factors outside of our control, it will be replaced with alternative transport and an additional overnight stay. Please see the daily itinerary for more details.
  • Multiple activities on this trip are subject to weather and water conditions and on occasion, may be cancelled for safety or operational reasons. In the case of cancellation, we will endeavour to find a suitable replacement activity.

Itinerary

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 April 2025 to 31 March 2026.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 April 2024 - 31 March 2025

Map of East Coast Australia Adventure including Australia

Inclusions

Meals

8 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle, Ferry, Overnight train, Boat, 4WD

Accommodation

Hotel (10 nights), Cabins (5 nights), Overnight train (1 night), Holiday Apartments (2 nights)

Activities
  • Hunter Valley - Winery Visit & Wine Tasting
  • Sydney - The Rocks Dreaming Walking Tour with Aboriginal Guide
  • Crowdy Bay National Park - Diamond Head Hike
  • Port Macquarie - Koala Hospital guided tour
  • Dorrigo National Park - Short Hike
  • Dorrigo National Park - Rainforest Centre & Skywalk
  • Coffs Harbour - Red Rock Gumbaynggirr First Nations experience
  • Byron Bay - Lighthouse Walk
  • Springbrook National Park - Natural Bridge
  • Byron Bay - The Farm visit
  • K'gari - Full day tour
  • Airlie Beach - Full day Whitsunday Islands & Whitehaven Beach Tour with Snorkelling
  • Paluma Range National Park - Crystal Creek
  • Townsville - Castle Hill Lookout
  • Mungalla Station - Nywaigi First Nations Guided Tour
  • Cairns - Mandingalbay First Nations tour
  • Atherton Tablelands - Tolga Bat Hospital
  • Mareeba Wetlands - Forever Wild sunset wildlife experience
  • Kuranda - Kuranda Markets
  • Barron Gorge National Park - Din Din Barron Falls lookout
  • Daintree National Park - Mossman Gorge
  • Daintree National Park - Jindalba circuit track
  • Great Barrier Reef - Half Day Cruise & Snorkelling Experience
  • Cape Tribulation - Kulki walk & lookout
  • Cape Tribulation - Mason’s Swimming Hole
  • Daintree National Park - Madja boardwalk
Add on activities
  • Hervey Bay - Whale Watching (Jul-Oct) - AUD122
  • Airlie Beach - Coral Beach walk - Free
  • Cairns - Art gallery - Free
  • Cairns - Botanical Gardens - Free
  • Kuranda - Skyrail Rainforest Cableway - AUD68
  • Kuranda - Kuranda Scenic Railway - AUD55

Dates and availability

Loading trip dates and availabilities...

Important notes

START & END TIMES
The trip starts in Sydney with a Welcome Meeting at 9 am on Day 1 at our joining point hotel and finishes on arrival in Cairns on Day 19 at our finish point hotel around 5 pm. Accommodation is not included on this day but can be booked on request.

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
A Single Supplement can be booked if you prefer not to share a room on this trip, subject to availability.

OVERNIGHT TRAIN
The overnight train is in RailBed class and is not accompanied by a tour leader. Please note that throughout the year scheduled railway track works may take place on the route from Hervey Bay to Airlie Beach, sometimes at short notice. Should the train not operate due to track works or other factors outside of our control, you will be driving with your leader instead, with an overnight in Tannum Sands, taking approximately 15 hours split across two days. Luggage weight (max 20kg for main luggage, 7kg for hand luggage) and size (23cm x 34cm x 48cm) limits apply for our overnight train journey.

COMBINATION TRIP
This is a combination trip made up of three shorter trips. This means the composition of your group may change in Brisbane and Cairns as some group members leave and new ones join you in these locations.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

Looks like this trip is a best-kept secret... for now!

Check back later or explore reviews for similar trips.

East Coast Australia Adventure
From
AUD $8,535