• East Coast Highlights Group Tour Australia
21-DAY / 20-NIGHT GROUP TOUR
EAST COAST HIGHLIGHTS
3 WEEK GROUP TOUR | SYDNEY TO GREAT BARRIER REEF
Prices start from
$4,212
December Sale
$4,680
Displayed price includes a 1.75% booking fee.
Tour price$4,139
Online booking fee (1.75%)$73
You pay$4,212
Tour charges are in AUD. Secure your date with a deposit today. See our booking policy for full terms.
Check Dates & BookCHECK DATES Get Tour NotesTour Notes Request More InfoMore Info

21 DAY / 20-NIGHT GROUP TOUR

EAST COAST HIGHLIGHTS

3-WEEK GROUP TOUR | SYDNEY TO GREAT BARRIER REEF

5.0 Rating - 1137 Traveller Reviews
Prices start from
$4,212
December Sale
$4,680
Displayed price includes a 1.75% booking fee.
Tour price$4,139
Online booking fee (1.75%)$73
You pay$4,212
Tour charges are in AUD. Secure your date with a deposit today. See our booking policy for full terms.
Check Dates & BookCHECK DATES Get Tour NotesTour Notes Request More InfoMore Info
TRIP OVERVIEW

Discover all the iconic highlights of the Australian East Coast with our Ultimate East Coast Highlights tour. From Sydney to Great Barrier Reef, This fast-paced adventure will lead you to bohemian beach towns, world heritage sites, iconic surf beaches, pristine landscapes and the Great Barrier Reef! If you’re looking to make new mates and discover the best of the Aussie East Coast, then this Ultimate East Coast Highlights is for you.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

  • Spend 2 nights camping and exploring on K’gari
  • Sail around the gorgeous Whitsundays on a 2 Night Boat Trip
  • Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef!
  • Free time in each location to customise your experience — your adventure, your way
  • Fully guided by a group leader
  • Take in the best stops on the East Coast, including Sydney, Byron Bay, Brisbane and Cairns
  • Coach transport to all the most popular stops on the East Coast
  • Award-winning trip and tour!
East Coast Highlights Map
  • All transport from Sydney to Cairns – All transport via Scania coaches
  • Ultimate East Coast Group Leader – Group Leader available 24/7 on tour
  • 20 nights’ Accommodation – Flashpacker Accommodation and 2 x overnight buses
  • Sydney city tour – Check out the Harbour City key sights including the Opera House, Harbour Bridge and more
  • Behind Byron Bay Tour – Exploring the hidden, untouched gems Lennox Head, Lake Ainsworth and Killen Falls
  • Visit Byron Bay Lighthouse – Hike to Australia’s most Easterly point.
  • Brisbane Orientation Walk – Explore Brisbane’s Southbank district and hang out by the city lagoon.
  • 3-day K’gari Camping Adventure – Explore Fraser Island by 4WD and visit Lake McKenzie, Champagne Pools, Eli Creek and more!
  • 3-day Whitsunday Islands Sailing Adventure – Spend 2 nights sailing the Whitsundays. Visit Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet Look Out plus more
  • Visit Australia Zoo – The Ultimate Wildlife Adventure and experience at the famous Irwin Family Zoo.
  • Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Trip – Experience the Great Barrier reef and snorkel the key reefs on a full day trip out in the wonder of the world.
  • 4 x Breakfast 5 x Lunch 6 x Dinner – Some meals included along with great local recommendations throughout the journey.

THE TOUR ITINERARY

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DAY 1 WELCOME TO AUSTRALIA

Sydney to Great Barrier Reef - Welcome to Sydney

Today our East Coast Sydney to Great Barrier Reef  Highlights tour kicks off in Sydney with a City Orientation tour. We will visit all of the cities famous landmarks and finish at the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House! Tonight, we depart the city on our journey up the East Coast. First stop, the vibrant Byron Bay.

DAYS 2-3 Byron Bay

East Coast Highlights, Sydney to the Great Barrier Reef

After settling into our beachfront Byron Bay accommodation, we will explore town to get familiar with the laid back bohemian vibes this spot is known for. The Byron Bay lighthouse is situated on Cape Byron, an area so naturally beautiful it’s begging you to explore on foot. The coastal walking track is the best way to take it all in! We will also explore the surrounding area visiting Killen Falls, Lenox Head and Lake Ainsworth.

DAYS 4 -5 Surfers Paradise

East Coast Highlights, Sydney to the Great Barrier Reef

This morning we bid farewell to Byron and arrived at the famous Surfers Paradise where we’ll spend the night! On arrival, we will go explore the golden sands of Surfers Paradise Beach and have the option to see the views from the tallest building in Australia! This evening we will head out and discover the endless entertainment on offer in this lively town.

DAYS 6 - 7 Brisbane

East Coast Highlights, Sydney to the Great Barrier Reef

We continue our travels up to Brisbane, the capital of the Queensland state. We spend our first day exploring the Southbank cultural precinct of the city. The Southbank parklands feature the man-made Streets Beach (outdoor swimming pools!), walking tracks and picnic areas. Our second day is spent at the home of the crocodile hunter, Australia Zoo! Our day will be spent learning about the conservation efforts of the famous Irwin family and exploring the variety of native Australian wildlife.

DAYS 8 - 12 K’GARI Fraser Island

East Coast Highlights, Sydney to the Great Barrier Reef

The start of our second week on the East Coast involves arriving into Rainbow Beach, one of the gateways to the World’s largest sand island.  On arrival, we will head to the famous Rainbow Steps and ‘Carlo Sand Blow’, a unique “moonscape” sand mass covering over 15 hectares! Over the coming days, we will adventure K’gari (Fraser Island) and swim the crystal waters of secret lakes, explore the Maheno shipwreck and hike to various island lookouts for stunning panoramic views across the island. We return to Rainbow Beach for a night before catching an overnight bus to Airlie Beach.  Not included: $20 insurance payable on arrival. $10 Sleeping Bag Hire

DAYS 13-17 AIRLIE BEACH & WHITSUNDAYS

East Coast Highlights, Sydney to the Great Barrier Reef

When we are done exploring the majestic Fraser Island, we continue our journey to Airlie Beach, home to the Whitsundays Islands, made up of 74 island wonders. We settle into the vibrant coastal town and explore the local lagoons before boarding our Sailing Boat for a two night sail around the Whitsunday Islands! You will be treated to the perfect mixture of adventure and relaxation. Take it easy on deck while you sail around the islands, stopping off to snorkel, swim and explore the world famous Whitehaven beach.

DAY 18 CAIRNS

East Coast Highlights, Sydney to the Great Barrier Reef

The final stop on our journey is Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and the adventure capital of Australia! Check into our resort-style accommodation, chill by the pool and settle in ready for an awesome few days ahead!

DAY 19 CAIRNS

Cairns, East Coast Highlights, Sydney to the Great Barrier Reef

Today is a free day on tour and we can spend it however you like! Hang out at the popular Cairns Lagoon, learn more about Australian Indigenous culture or take on more adventures with a Skydive – Cairns has endless adventures on offer! On our second final night in this North Queensland paradise your group leader will be available to help you plan your ongoing adventures and travels.

DAYS 20 GREAT BARRIER REEF

Great Barrier Reef and beaches, East Coast Highlights, Sydney to the Great Barrier Reef

Today is our last day on tour and we have the opportunity to spend it on the magnificent Great Barrier Reef! The vessel we travel on caters for snorkelers, certified and introductory divers. Our dive locations on the outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef (approx 70km offshore) offer outstanding underwater visibility, superb coral formations and abundant, colourful marine life.

Important to Note: Day 19 and 20 of the itinerary are interchangeable, and the order of activities is subject to change. Your Great Barrier Reef Day Trip may occur on either Day 19 or Day 20 — your Group Leader will confirm this at the start of your tour. This full-day trip includes snorkelling, and you are safe to fly within 24 hours after snorkelling. Introductory scuba dives are also available as an optional upgrade, which can be organised and booked on the day of your trip. Please note that diving introduces a risk of decompression sickness (commonly known as “the bends”) due to nitrogen build-up in the body. For this reason, it is strongly recommended that you do not fly for at least 24 hours after diving. If you choose to upgrade to a dive, you must take this recommendation into account when planning your onward travel. You accept full responsibility for ensuring that your flight schedule aligns with this safety window. Ultimate cannot guarantee the exact day your Great Barrier Reef trip will operate, but you should plan for it to most likely take place on Day 20.

DAYS 21 TOUR FAREWELLS

Cairns waterfront, East Coast Highlights, Sydney to the Great Barrier Reef

Today our East Coast Adventure comes to an end and we bid farewell to our new friends and the East Coast.

Tour Ends 10am

WHERE WE STAY

The Ultimate East Coast Sydney to Great Barrier Reef Highlights tour includes 20 nights total.

  • We’ve included 13-nights dorm accommodation in the very best hostels on the Aussie East Coast. You’ll be staying in a beachfront hostel and some resort-style flashpacker accommodations.
  • You’ll also spend 2 nights sailing around the Whitsunday Islands and 2-nights camping on K’gari (Fraser Island.)
  • Accommodation is based on 6-10 bed shared dorm arrangements.
  • Twin share and Private  rooms upgrades are available.
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GILLGIANS — East Coast Highlights
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BOOK TOUREast Coast 3 Week Highlights
Pay Today: $300 AUD per person
Final payment due 45 days before your tour.

To make your booking, choose your departure date and any optional extras you'd like. Not sure about extras, or need extra accommodation before or after your tour? No worries, just let us know later by email.

How the price works: the tour price is shown in the booking panel, then a 1.75% online booking fee is added at checkout — that's the price you see on the tour page. You'll see both lines before you pay. No card surcharges, and nothing is added after that.

Once you've booked, we'll send your booking confirmation along with important information about your tour.

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Travelling solo? Great! Most of the people you meet on tour will also be on a solo adventure! If you are curious as to who you could be travelling with, or want to make some friends before arriving, join our Travel Community and reach out to your potential new travel mates!

Booking with ULTIMATE is easy! We take payments securely via Mastercard or Visa Credit and Debit Card and we will charge you in Australian Currency (AUD). Your deposit is flexible and if you can no longer travel, you can save your deposit for a later trip or destination if you notify us 30 days before your scheduled tour date.

Making your booking is easy. Choose a date below, and if you have any questions about extras, deposits, or meeting other travellers, just get in touch — we're happy to help.

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Good to Know | FAQs

The East Coast Highlights tour starts in Sydney and ends in Cairns. At the end of your adventure your Group Leader can help you to arrange onward travel. You can continue your adventure with our Outback add-on or select a return transfer to take you to the airport at the end of the tour.

You’ll be travelling with a group of 18-30-somethings from all over the world, and a Group Leader. Group sizes vary but you can generally expect to travel with a group of approximately 10-24 people.

There is many optional activities you can add onto your tour. You can prebook optional activities during the booking process by selecting the ‘extras’. If you wish to add them after you book, just get in touch with our team via email. Most travellers choose to book their optional activities once the tour begins. Our tour leader will explain to you what is available and you are able to pay digitally via email payment links. We automatically save spaces for you on the most popular activities. The following are the recommended adds-ons created by Ultimate:

  • Skydive
  • Cape Tribulation
  • Great Barrier Reef and Whitsundays scenic flight
  • White water rafting
  • Whitsundays jet ski tour

We include an Orientation Walk at most stops of our itinerary. It is a short and guided walk with your group leader when you arrive at a new destination. It’s designed to help you get your bearings, understand the layout of the area, and learn where everything is. We’ll show you key landmarks, main streets, transport points, and local hangouts. You’ll also get insider tips on food, nightlife, activities, and the best ways to spend your free time. Our Orientation Walks are not formal, history heavy tours. While we’ll share some fun facts and local insights, the focus is on helping you experience the destination rather than providing an in depth historical guide. Most Orientation Walks take around 10 to 30 minutes depending on the destination. Orientation Walks are included in most itinerary stops where it adds value and helps you get familiar with the destination.

Australia has no shortage of incredible food and when travelling on our East Coast tour, we make sure we include some iconic Australian BBQ’s. For this tour there will be 4 x Breakfasts, 5 x Lunches, and 6 x Dinners included.

The great thing is, there is no bad time to travel to Australia! The country is so vast that depending when and where you plan on travelling you’re always likely to hit some sun! At certain times of the year there can be tropical storms in some locations across Australia, there can be hot, humid weather and there can be beautiful sunny skies with a cooler breeze. As you’ll be travelling such a wide area from South to North you are likely to experience a bit of everything. Please Note – We cannot predict the weather and cannot guarantee perfect days, but we will do our best to make the most of days when Mother Nature isn’t in our favour!

Our East Coast Highlights tour is our most fast paced tour style. There is a key activity included at every stop and your Group Leader will be sure to tell you when you have free time throughout the itinerary.

If you have an existing medical condition or disability that may affect your trip or how we deliver our experience, we ask that you inform us in writing at the time of your booking. You may be asked to obtain a medical certificate and if we reasonably feel we are unable to accommodate your particular needs, we reserve the right to decline your booking.

In most cases, we can cater to Vegetarian and Gluten Free diets. We will make every effort to cater to all other diets and needs, but we are unable to guarantee this will be possible in every location we visit. Unfortunately we will not cater for tastes or dislikes. We will ask you to re-confirm any dietary requirements with your Group Leader at the start of your trip.

Our East Coast Highlights tour is designed for travellers 18-35 that wish to experience the best of the East Coast in a short period of time. The Ultimate East Coast Highlights tour is a fast-tracked tour packed full of inclusions, visiting all the hot spots on the coast in 3 weeks. The tour requires a moderate level of fitness. We spend 2-4 nights in each location and activities are included at each stop.

Our East Coast Highlights tour is designed for travellers 18-35 that wish to experience the best of the East Coast in a short period of time. The Ultimate East Coast Highlights tour is a fast-tracked tour packed full of inclusions, visiting all the hot spots on the coast in 3 weeks. The tour requires a moderate level of fitness. We spend 2-4 nights in each location and activities are included at each stop.

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Member of the Ultimate travel teamNikki Hogg Ultimate TravelLewis Edge Ultimate Travel

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