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

10 Tips Every Backpacker Should Know

Tell your bank you’re leaving  You don’t want to land overseas to realise your card is frozen for “suspicious international transactions”. Notify your bank of your travel plans beforehand to save you this hassle. Many banks even allow you to do this easily right within their mobile apps! 2. Embrace minimalism I’m sure you know […]

Visiting Melbourne? Here Are the 5 Restaurants You Must Try

Melbourne is brimming with amazing dining spots, from the cheap and cheerful to the prix fixe fine dining destinations and everything in between.  The dining scene in Melbourne is great for two main reasons:   1. The city is a cultural melting pot, meaning the restaurant options reflect these cultures and   2. We take our food […]

Top 7 Travel Destinations for Couples

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, the idea of a romantic getaway may be on your mind. But before booking a trip with your sweetie, it’s important to know which spots are best for couples traveling together. Whether you prefer the city, beach, mountains or country, there’s sure to be something on this list […]

Making the Most of your Travel Money: the Backpacker's Budget

So your tickets are booked, your bags packed, and your bank account is on the decline. Your savings have taken quite the hit (punch) and it’s completely messing with that post-booking high you’ve been riding. The journey is all mapped out, but the finances seem a little slimmer than they should before a big trip. […]

New Year's Eve: Where in the World to Celebrate

The year 2018 is reaching its final stages. Christmas cheer is spreading nicely, and our holiday bellies are comfortably settling in. After Christmas Day, while we watch in woe as the decorations are packed away, we wait mere days for the new year to arrive. Whether you’ve lived your best life in 2018, or you’re […]

Around the World in Christmas Traditions

The silly season is well upon us and Christmas is now just around the corner. ‘Tis the season for elaborate decoration, gingerbread baking and big family gatherings… but not for everyone. Depending on where you are in the world, you could be hiding your brooms from wicked witches, or even devouring KFC. Here’s a look […]

Social Media

Accepted Payments

Members of

chevron-down