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

darling harbour sydney dine outside

What to expect from Sydney in December

Sydney in December is the most vibrant and festive time to visit, as the city is buzzing with holiday cheer and seasonal activities. The warm summer weather gives you temperatures from 19°c to 26°c, meaning it’s a great time to get out and enjoy the Christmas markets, festive celebrations and spectacular New Year’s Eve events. […]

Best Spots to See Koalas in Australia

An unmistakable symbol of Australia, koalas stand as a quintessential must-see Down Under. Uncover prime locations for an intimate encounter with these adorable creatures. From Brisbane's renowned Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary to captivating koala tours on Kangaroo Island, join us in exploring the best destinations for an up-close encounter with koalas! 1. Breakfast with a […]

Top Adrenaline Activities in Melbourne You Can't Miss

If you're an adventure seeker looking for an adrenaline rush, Melbourne is the place to be. With a wide range of thrilling activities, you can experience the ultimate rush of adrenaline in this vibrant Australian city. Skydiving Melbourne One of the most iconic and exhilarating activities in Melbourne is skydiving. Imagine free-falling from thousands of […]

Best Places to Skydive Australia

When it comes to skydiving, Australia offers some of the best locations anywhere in the world. In this blog, we'll explore the best places to go skydiving in Australia, from skydiving in Wollongong and skydiving in Airlie Beach.     Skydive Great Barrier Reef, Queensland: Soak in the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef and […]

Guide to Perth

Let's dive into the exciting capital of Western Australia!

Choosing the Best Great Barrier Reef Dive Trip

The Great Barrier Reef has something for everyone.

Social Media

Accepted Payments

Members of

chevron-down