26 DAY |  SYDNEY TO CAIRNS
EAST COAST ESSENTIALS
SELF-GUIDED ADVENTURE | ALL ACCOMMODATION & BUS TRAVEL.
Prices start from
$1,899
$700 OFF!
$2,599
Tour charges are in AUD. Secure your date with a deposit today. See our booking policy for full terms.
Check Dates & BookCHECK DATES Get Trip NotesTrip Notes Request More InfoMore Info

26 DAY | SYDNEY TO CAIRNS

EAST COAST ESSENTIALS

SELF-GUIDED EAST COAST PACAKGE

5.0 Rating - 26 Traveller Reviews
Prices start from
$1,899
$700 OFF!
$2,599
Tour charges are in AUD. Secure your date with a deposit today. See our booking policy for full terms.
Check Dates & BookCHECK DATES Get Trip NotesTrip Notes Request More InfoMore Info
sydney-to-great-barrier-reef-east-coast-highlights-tour-cairns
noosa-campervan-package
TRIP OVERVIEW

Start this package in Sydney and end in Cairns! This is our best value 25 Day Itinerary and East Coast Essentials package! Flexibility is key with this package, as you can choose your preferred dates to start your itinerary and choose your own activities and adventures. Your accommodation and transport is booked with this package so depending on your travel preferences, you have the option to book the activities and experience that suit your travel style. Want to travel in the opposite direction? Check out our reversed Cairns to Sydney itinerary option here.

PACKAGE INCLUSIONS

Our East Coast Essentials Package is perfect for independent travellers who want the flexibility to travel at their own pace with all the planning taken care of. Your transport and accommodation are pre-booked, giving you complete freedom to customise your adventure along the way.

23 NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION Stay in Australia’s best backpacker and flashpacker hostels, including beachfront and resort-style properties. Accommodation is in 6–10 bed dorms, with private room upgrades available. 23 nights (plus 2 overnight buses)

SYDNEY TO CAIRNS TRANSPORT All transport is pre-booked on Australia’s largest coach network, with comfortable modern buses, onboard facilities and convenient stops close to your accommodation.

ITINERARY STOPS Travel through Australia’s most iconic East Coast destinations including Sydney, Byron Bay, Surfers Paradise, Brisbane, Noosa, Airlie Beach, Magnetic Island and Cairns.

CHOOSE YOUR OWN ACTIVITIES Build your perfect trip by choosing from hundreds of optional experiences. Book activities instantly through the ULTIMATE App and customise every stop to match your travel style.

CONNECT WITH TRAVELLERS Meet thousands of like-minded backpackers travelling Australia’s East Coast. Join our ULTIMATE Travel Community and connect with travellers before, during and after your adventure.

East-Coast-Essentials-North

THE TOUR ITINERARY

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DAY 1 | Sydney

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Get ready to start your East Coast adventure as we launch our tour in Sydney! You will visit the iconic landmarks that define this magnificent city, including the Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge! Today, we embark on an epic coastal journey, and our initial destination is none other than Byron Bay!

DAY 2 – 5 | BYRON BAY

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Today we start our Byron Bay exploration! Byron Bay is famous for it’s amazing beaches and laid-back-surfer attitude Here we’ll explore the relaxed town and some of the many beautiful beaches in the area as well as the famous Byron Lighthouse, standing at the most easterly point of the Australian mainland, at sunrise. Embrace the surfer vibes of Byron with a professional surf lesson. Keen for more? Get up close with friendly wild dolphins on a dolphin kayaking tour or check out the alternative hippie hub of Nimbin (add-ons) before we move onto the next location, Surfers Paradise!

DAY 6 | SURFERS PARADISE

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Welcome to Surfers Paradise! Renowned for its epic waves, endless nightlife, and sandy beaches, Surfers Paradise promises to be a highlight of your East Coast journey. As the sun sets, it’s time to dress up and venture out for an unforgettable night on the town, hopping between fantastic bars and clubs on our optional pub crawl (add-on). For thrill-seekers, your tour guide can assist in arranging a visit to the legendary Dreamworld, the Gold Coast’s most famous theme park, or even book you stand-up paddleboarding session (optional add-on). The following day, take a moment to unwind by the pool, soak up the sun, or delve into the city’s wonders at your own pace.

DAY 7-8 | BRISBANE

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This morning we board the bus making our way to Brisbane! Settled in the heart of the city, our accommodation will grant us easy access to the best attractions, including the man-made Streets Beach and the cultural hub of Southbank. For those seeking a wild adventure, take the opportunity to visit the renowned Australia Zoo and witness the wildlife in action (optional add-on).

DAY 9-14 | NOOSA

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Noosa is our next stop. We’ll arrive in the afternoon, chill by the beach and watch the sunset. Tomorrow, we’ll take a hike over the coastal headlands taking in the amazing sea views. The rest of the day is yours: chill by the pool, grab a surfboard or boogie board from your hostel (free) or have a couple-a beers at the bar at your hostel this evening. You also have the chance to join a Noosa Everglades Kayak adventure (optional add-on).

DAY 15-19 | AIRLIE BEACH

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Arriving in the morning, we’ll soak up the paradise of Airlie’s lagoon, wander around the town or explore the surrounding national park! We’ll hit up the hostel bar for some evening drinks enjoying the awesome sunsets! Enjoy some days in paradise before our journey to Townsville, the gateway to Magnetic Island!

DAY 20 – 22 | MAGNETIC ISLAND

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You’re in for a treat as we spend the next 2 days exploring Magnetic Island – home to wild koalas, wallabies, and golden sandy beaches. Snorkel in the crystal blue island waters, take the guided Fort’s walk offering incredible views of the island and chill at the hostel. Our hostel even has an on-site wildlife park where you can get up close to Aussie wildlife such as koalas and wallabies (additional cost). Want to explore the rest of the island? Rent a 4×4 ‘Barbie car’ and drive around the island with your mates (available for hire)!

DAY 23 – 25 | CAIRNS

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Your final destination is Cairns, the ultimate destination for backpackers, where the Great Barrier Reef awaits. Our hostel has daily entertainment in our resort-style accommodation along with a pool and bar. Get ready to make yourself at home, as we’ll be spending the next few days here. If you’re eager to explore the rainforest, you’re in luck – optional add-ons for Cape Tribulation are available, offering an extraordinary rainforest experience.

BOOK TOUREast Coast Essentials North
Full Payment is required at time of booking to confirm this booking.

To make your booking, select your chosen departure date and any optional extras you would like to book. If you are unsure about optional extras or if you need additional accommodation before or after your tour, you can let us know later via email.

We'll send you a booking confirmation as well as important information about your tour. You can make payments on your tour balance sooner, or regularly, via our website here. A non refundable 5.25% booking processing fee applies to each booking, calculated on the value of your booking.

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.

Good to Know | FAQs

Yes! Most of our customers are solo travellers.  The East Coast is one of the most popular backpacker travel routes in the world and you are bound to cross paths with plenty of other travellers with various backgrounds. You will typically cross paths or bumps into an Ultimate guided tour with an Ultimate tour leader who will always be happy to help with any questions and queries you have!

No. This package is not with a set group leader. ULTIMATE supports you with our best travel structure that covers transport, accommodation and activities so you can relax without the pressure of following a group or guide. Should you require a full guided tour, check out our Highlights and Explorer tours.

The Oz Adventure package starts in Sydney and ends in Cairns. Your travel pass is valid for 30 days and the package officially starts on Fridays or Sundays with an overnight bus to Byron Bay. Your bus will depart any time after 6pm. There is no official time for you to arrive into Sydney, but most travellers will choose to arrive in the morning or add additional nights in Sydney and arrive one or two days earlier. Package Departure Point:  Sydney Central Station, Forecourt, Coach Bay 5 &, Haymarket NSW 2000.

Our Oz Adventure package is designed for travellers 18-35 who want some more flexibility to their travel arrangements. The itinerary requires a moderate level of fitness. You will spend 2-4 nights in each location staying in centrally located and sociable hostels.

We partner at some of the most popular social hostels on the East Coast of Australia.  All prices are based on shared accommodation in 6 to 12 bed share mixed dorm style rooms.  Byron Bay – Nomads Art Factory, Aquarius Hostel or YHA Byron Bay (or similar) Surfers Paradise – Budds Hostel or Bunk Hostel (or similar) Brisbane – YHA Brisbane or Bunk Hostel (or similar) Noosa – 12 Bed Dorm in Hostel Airlie Beach – Base Backpackers (or similar) Magnetic Island – 12 Bed Dorm in Hostel Cairns – Global Backpackers, Mad Monkey Hostel (or similar)

If you need additional nights before or after your trip, just add them to your booking when you checkout. Not sure if you need extra nights? Get in touch to chat with a member of the crew before or after you book.

We have done our best to include all fees and charges but there are some key touring components that are required to be paid on arrival whilst on tour.     Fraser Island Insurance Fee ($30 AUD) – Paid direct on arrival  Great Barrier Reef Conservation Levy ($20 AUD) Paid direct on arrival   Optional Activity Levies – Whilst on tour, various local activity operators may charge a levy that is to be paid direct on the day your activity takes place. These will be communicated to you when booking any optional activities.  A local ‘levy’ is generally a tax or administration fee.  Food and Drink – No meals or drinks are included in this package so will all need to be budgeted for seperately.

An airport shuttle on arrival is not included.  You are required to make your own way to the overnight bus departure point at Sydney Central Station

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!

Twin room and Single room upgrades are available, but are subject to availability and can take up to ten business days to confirm.  Private rooms are not available on our Bus transport, Whitsundays Sailing or Fraser Island Trip components. Please note that Single rooms may have shared bathroom facilities. You can request a Twin or Single room upgrade via the booking process or email our reservations team after you have made your booking.

Yes. It is mandatory that you travel with a comprehensive travel insurance policy to cover the likes of cancellation, personal injury and medical expenses. By making a booking with us, you acknowledge that you have obtained a policy and are covered. You are responsible for reading and understanding the details of the policy that you are taking out. You should book your travel insurance at the time of booking your trip.

We are unable to book flights, but we always recommend using online search engines to research the best available flight routes, prices and times. To ease your experience, we suggest booking via a Travel Agent or directly with your preferred airline.    Travel insurance is required to participate in this tour. We recommend that you find and compare various policies to ensure you have an appropriate level of coverage for you adventure. Not sure where to start? You can find some trusted Travel Insurers here.

While you are travelling you may wish to participate in additional activities which you will need to budget for.  You may wish to eat and drink out, which will require additional budgeting or you may plan to cook and prepare some of your own meals. As a guide, we recommend you budget an additional $40 – $60AUD per day for spending money. Please note that all travellers are different and you may wish to travel with additional spending money. There are amazing optional activities and food options on offer on the East Coast and if you desire to experience most of them, you may wish to budget for additional spending money.

To book the East Coast Oz Adventure Package, select your chosen departure date, enter your details and pay your $300 package deposit. Your final payment is due 45 days prior to your start date. Once you book, we’ll send you a booking confirmation. Once your trip is paid in full, you will be issued with a Travel Pass, Accommodation and Activity Vouchers. Need someone to talk through your travel plans with? Get in touch!

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