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

5 Reasons NOT To Visit Australia

1. Beaches will no longer impress you via GIPHY Australia is brimming with beautiful beaches including Bondi, Whitehaven and drum roll please... world recordbreaker for the 'whitest sand' Hyams Beach. No other beach will EVER compare. 2. You'll become a fan of big rocks via GIPHY One thing that Australia does well is big rocks. […]

10 FREE ways to experience Melbourne

Marvellous Melbourne was voted the world's most liveable city not just once - but SIX times you guys! That's pretty good going. But for me what makes a place liveable is the stuff you can do without blowing your hard earned cash. Here are our top 10 FREE things to do while you're in Melbourne. […]

HOW TO ESCAPE MELBOURNE'S COLD WINTER?

I never imagined Australia could get THAT cold in winter, next time I move to another country I will definitely research the weather before packing! Something else I never imagined as a European, was that I would have to go NORTH to find the warmth. Well, we are Down Under after all. On the 1st of […]

A breathtaking day hike through the picturesque hinterland of the Gold Coast

After two months of city life, I wanted a break, a real break. I really needed to escape the hustle and bustle of Melbourne. My little holiday to the Gold Coast was already a big step in the right direction, but after some good time on the beach, huge parties and a scenic sunset kayak […]

The 5 best kept secret beaches of Australia!

Bondi Beach is undoubtedly the most famous beach in Australia. This stretch of sand is located 7km east of Sydney and tops the list of popular tourist destinations. While Bondi is beautiful and a lot of fun - it’s also crowded with tourists and not at all what you would call a peaceful getaway. Bondi […]

The water maze of the Gold Coast; Exploring the inland waterways in a kayak

  Born and raised in the Netherlands I basically breathe water. So what do you do when you get the opportunity to join in on a kayak tour? Ow yes count me in please! And what if this tour includes delicious wine, beautiful sunsets and (my all-time favourite) tasty cheese! Then you got me hooked. […]

Social Media

Accepted Payments

Members of

chevron-down