New South Wales
Northern Territory
Queensland
South Australia
Tasmania
Victoria
Western Australia
North Island
South Island

Sydney to Cairns Road Trip Itinerary | East Coast Reefs and Beaches Tour 

Cairns beach shorefront

Buckle up and get ready for an epic Australian adventure!

The open road beckons on this thrilling road trip from Sydney all the way to the tropical paradise of Cairns. Get set to soak up the sun and uncover hidden gems along the way on this epic 15 Day East Coast Reefs and Beaches Tour!

Perfect for solo travellers and for those travelling with friends, this trip is alongside a group of up to 20 other 18-35s from all over the world (plus your Ultimate East Coast Group Leader).

Over two weeks, you will travel over 2000km via plane, train and car! Between Sydney and Cairns, experience the very best of Australia's East Coast, including Byron Bay, Noosa, Noosa National Park, K'Gari (Fraser Island), Lake Mckenzie,  Airlie Beach, Whitehaven Beach, Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef.

So, pack your bags, roll down the windows, and let's hit the highway as we chase the sun from Sydney to Cairns! 

Sydney to Cairns Itinerary:

Days 1-3: Sydney

Welcome to Sydney! Spend your first three days in Sydney, experiencing its vibrant culture and surroundings. Upon arrival, enjoy a welcome dinner with fellow travellers and your tour guide.

On Day 2, explore Jervis Bay's stunning beaches, national parks, and wildlife on a full-day tour. Then day 3 offers a free day to discover Sydney at your own pace, with personalised suggestions from your guide, including iconic landmarks, optional city tours, or a visit to Taronga Zoo.

 Days 4-5: Sydney to Byron Bay

On Day 4, fly to Byron Bay, a laid-back town famous for its surf culture and vibrant music scene. Relax on the beach or explore by bike, and visit the Cape Byron Lighthouse for stunning views.

Next, Day 5 features a guided tour through Byron Bay's hinterland, showcasing the region's natural beauty, history, and cultural richness. Explore waterfalls, rainforests, and farmland before returning to Byron Bay for the evening.

Days 6-8: Byron Bay to Noosa

Travel from Byron Bay to Noosa on Day 6, enjoying a scenic 3-hour 30-minute drive through Queensland's Sunshine Coast. Explore Noosa's charming town, beaches, and national park.

On Day 7, embark on a captivating K'gari (Fraser Island) day trip, experiencing diverse landscapes and learning about its Aboriginal history.

Finally, day 8 offers a free day in Noosa to relax, visit the national park, or browse local shops before boarding an overnight train sleeper to Airlie Beach in the late afternoon.

Days 9-11: Noosa to Airlie Beach & Whitehaven

Arrive in Airlie Beach on Day 9 and enjoy leisure time exploring the town, markets, or lagoon, with optional activities like a Great Barrier Reef scenic flight. Day 10 takes you to the stunning Whitehaven Beach for swimming, snorkelling, and sunbathing, followed by a picnic lunch.

Your final day in Airlie Beach gives you another free day, with options to sail the Whitsunday Islands or relax poolside, culminating in a group dinner to celebrate your journey.

Days 12-15: Airlie Beach to Cairns & the Great Barrier Reef

On Day 12, embark on a 12-hour scenic journey from Whitsundays to Cairns, with numerous stops to enjoy Queensland's breathtaking landscapes.

Then, on day 13, jump into a full-day snorkelling tour of the iconic Great Barrier Reef, complete with a buffet lunch on board. Spend a free day in Cairns on Day 14, exploring local attractions, before joining a farewell dinner with your fellow travellers.

Finally, Day 15 marks the end of your tour at 10am, leaving you free to extend your stay in Cairns or continue exploring Australia.

AUTHOR PROFILE
Chyna Hayden

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related Posts

What to expect from Darwin in April

Darwin in April is such a fantastic time to explore the city’s vibrant atmosphere, as well as other nearby locations. With temperatures ranging from 24°c to 33°c and the end of the wet season, the weather is perfect for enjoying outdoor public spaces and the best way to get to know the neighbourhood is by […]

What to expect from Darwin in March

Darwin in March has a cosy tropical climate that helps the city’s diverse ecosystems bloom like crazy. With temperatures ranging from 25°c to 32°c and the end of the wet season giving you lush, vibrant landscapes, March is a fantastic time for bird watchers to find and photograph Darwin’s avian beauties. Top End Birdwatching Benefits […]

What to expect from Darwin in February

Darwin in February is in the middle of the tropical wet season, with temperatures ranging from 25°c to 32°c and very frequent rain showers. These conditions are lovely for the lush monsoon rainforests and absolutely perfect for anglers looking for adventure and a good catch. Fishing in Paradise February in Darwin means heavy rains and […]

What to expect from Darwin in January

Darwin in January gives you that true-blue Aussie outback experience with a touch of tropical charm. With temperatures ranging from 25°c to 32°c, high humidity and frequent afternoon thunderstorms, January in Darwin is definitely a good time for fun water activities. Jet Skiing Adventures Jet skiing in Darwin is a truly exciting way to explore […]

Summer in the City: Make the most of your summer stay in Brisbane

Welcome to Brisbane, the ultimate summer city escape that seamlessly blends vibrant city life with the laid-back charm of the great outdoors. Whether you're a culture connoisseur, a dedicated foodie, or a nature enthusiast, Brisbane has something to offer everyone this summer. 1.Poolside Paradise at The Calile Begin your Brisbane summer adventure in style at […]

Melbourne cityscape

What to expect from Melbourne in January

Melbourne in January is full of warm, sunny days that make the city feel light and positive. With temperatures ranging between 14°c and 27°c, it's the perfect time to explore Melbourne’s sights on foot, find its hidden gems and enjoy its beautiful beaches. Melbourne on Foot If you’re spending January in Melbourne, you absolutely love […]

Social Media

Accepted Payments

Members of

chevron-down