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36-DAY / 35-NIGHT GROUP TOUR
EAST COAST EXPLORER
5-WEEK SYDNEY TO CAIRNS | EAST COAST AUSTRALIA
Prices start from
$5,219
Save 10%
$5,799
Tour charges are in AUD. Secure your date with a deposit today. See our booking policy for full terms.
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36 DAY / 35-NIGHT GROUP TOUR

EAST COAST EXPLORER

5-WEEK SYDNEY TO CAIRNS | EAST COAST AUSTRALIA

5.0 Rating - 1078 Traveller Reviews
Prices start from
$5,219
Save 10%
$5,799
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
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TRIP OVERVIEW

Get ready for an epic guided group adventure on the Ultimate East Coast Australia Explorer tour from Sydney to Cairns. Discover amazing Aussie locations, have heaps of fun, create unforgettable memories and make friends for life! We’ll show you the very best spots along the East Coast including Byron Bay, Brisbane, Magnetic Island & Cairns! We’ll sail around the Whitsunday Islands, camp on Fraser Island, party in Surfer’s Paradise, spot Aussie wildlife, snorkel the Great Barrier Reef & more!

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 Explorer Map
TOUR INCLUSIONS
THE EXPERIENCE
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
HOW TO BOOK
TOUR INCLUSIONS

 

Accommodation & Group Leader

33 nights accommodation plus 2 overnight coach journeys included.

Fully guided by your dedicated ULTIMATE Group Leader from Sydney to Cairns.

Transport

All East Coast transport included throughout the tour.

Sydney Highlights

Explore Sydney on a guided city tour at the start of your trip.

Byron Bay

Visit Cape Byron Lighthouse at Australia’s most easterly point.

Learn to surf with an included Byron Bay surf lesson.

Gold Coast & Brisbane

Visit Surfers Paradise Beach and explore the famous coastal strip.

Discover Brisbane’s Southbank and city highlights.

Noosa & Rainbow Beach

Explore Noosa National Park and complete the scenic headland walk.

Experience the unique Rainbow Beach Sand Blow.

K'gari (Fraser Island) Adventure

Travel across the full island on a multi day camping experience.

Visit Lake McKenzie, Eli Creek and Champagne Pools.

Whitsundays Sailing

2 day and 2 night sailing adventure through the Whitsunday Islands.

Visit Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet.

Celebrate with a post cruise party in Airlie Beach.

Magnetic Island

Return ferry transfer and guided Fort’s Walk included.

Explore national park trails and look out for local wildlife.

North Queensland Highlights

Visit Mission Beach and experience the tropical coastline.

Relax at the Cairns Lagoon in the heart of the city.

Great Barrier Reef Day Trip

Full day snorkelling trip on the Great Barrier Reef.

Atherton Tablelands Day Trip

Explore waterfalls and rainforest landscapes on a full day tour.

Meals & Extras

15 meals included throughout the tour.

Optional activities available at most destinations.

 

Local fees applied if travelling on a tour that starts before 30 June 2026: $80AUD total paid direct. $30 EMC levy, $20 port fuel and reef levy for the Great Barrier Reef, and $30 insurance for the Fraser Island Adventure.

From 1 July 2026, an optional K'gari Fraser Island camping insurance is available for $30 if you wish to drive during the island experience.

Spending Money: We recommend a travel budget of approximately $80 to $100 per day for meals not included in the itinerary. The tour includes free time in most locations so you can add optional activities. You can prebook activities online or book once your tour begins.

THE EXPERIENCE

ABOUT THE TOUR

Ultimate East Coast tours are all about having fun, exploring amazing locations and making great friendships that will last a lifetime. Our trips are fully guided by a Group Leader for your entire itinerary from Sydney to Cairns. The East Coast Explorer tours are easy paced adventures designed to give you free time at most itinerary stops so that you can customise your experience while still enjoying the support and social side of a group tour.

 

ABOUT YOU

Our East Coast Explorer tours are designed for travellers aged 18 to 35 who want to experience the best of the East Coast. Some travellers will be on gap years and others will be on short holiday breaks looking to have fun, meet new people and experience Australia. Many travellers join solo, so you do not need to come with friends to have an amazing time. You should join us if you are looking to meet other travellers, make the most of every moment and experience the best of the East Coast.

 

ORIENTATION WALKS

We include an Orientation Walk at most stops on the itinerary. This is a short guided walk with your Group Leader when you arrive in a new destination. It is designed to help you get your bearings, understand the layout of the area and learn where everything is. We will show you key landmarks, main streets, transport points and local hangouts, while also giving you insider tips on food, nightlife, activities and the best ways to spend your free time.

Our Orientation Walks are not formal or history heavy tours. While your Group Leader may share some fun facts and local insights, the focus is on helping you experience the destination and feel confident exploring it for yourself. Most Orientation Walks take around 10 to 30 minutes depending on the stop and are included where they add value to your experience.

 

TRAVEL STYLE

This is a social East Coast tour with a well paced itinerary and plenty of variety. You will have a mix of guided inclusions and free time, with key transport, accommodation and major trip logistics organised for you throughout. This gives you the structure and support of a group tour, while still allowing flexibility to enjoy each destination in your own way.

 

GROUP VIBE

The vibe is friendly, social and fun, and plenty of people join solo. Some days are all about exploring and ticking off East Coast highlights together, while other days are more relaxed with beach time, free time and optional activities.

 

Nights can vary depending on your group. Some nights are chilled, others turn into bigger nights out. The social experience is shaped by the people you are travelling with, and we aim to create a balanced experience so you can enjoy the trip in a way that suits your style.

 

WHAT MAKES THIS TRIP DIFFERENT

This is a fully guided group tour, not a semi guided package. Your Group Leader travels with you throughout the itinerary and is there to support your experience in each destination. They help keep the trip running smoothly, provide local tips, assist with logistics and make sure you get the most out of your time on the East Coast.

 

Many semi guided trips only include occasional support or representatives for selected parts of the journey. On this trip, you are travelling with a proper group experience from start to finish, with a dedicated leader there to guide and support you along the way.

 

WHY TRAVEL THIS WAY

Travelling the East Coast independently can take a lot of planning and can be overwhelming when trying to organise transport, accommodation and activities across multiple stops. This trip takes the pressure off by organising the important parts for you, while still giving you the freedom to enjoy the destinations your way. It is an easy, social and stress free way to experience the best of the East Coast.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES

Whilst our tours are jam-packed with awesome activities, you may choose to add our optional activities to your booking.

Whether you'd like to brave a Skydive, a Bungy Jump, go White Water Rafting, visit the Daintree Rainforest or extend your stay in Cairns, we're here to help you plan the trip of a lifetime!

You can pre-book optional activities guaranteeing availability on your chosen departure date or organise any additional activities with your Ultimate guide as you travel, for the same price (subject to tour availability.) Check out some of our popular optional extras and simply add them to your booking at checkout.

 

Ultimate East Coast Explorer + Sydney

Many East Coast Australia Explorer customers will arrive into Sydney early to explore the Harbour City with our Ultimate East Coast Explorer + Sydney option.

The Explorer + Sydney tour includes seven nights in Australia's Top Hostel located in central Sydney. The Sydney week includes a city walk, Harbour Cruise, and a visit to the famous Port Stephens. Check it out here.

 

OUTBACK ADD-ON

Experience Outback Australia on our 3-day tour of the iconic Red Centre. Visit the sacred sites of Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon, sleep in an Aussie swag under the stars and learn about Aboriginal history and current day Aboriginal culture.

 

SOUTHEAST ASIA

Looking to do a stopover on the way to Australia? Join our Ultimate guided tours in Thailand and Bali!

Want to explore another part of Australia or keen for an activity we haven't mentioned? Let us know! We're the Aussie travel experts and are here to help you plan your dream adventure Down Under!

HOW TO BOOK

To book this East Coast Australia tour, select your chosen departure date and any optional extras you would like to book. We'll send you a booking confirmation as well as important information about your tour.  If you have a travel date in mind but you're not ready to pay in full, you can secure your spot with a $300AUD Deposit

 

  • Book your flights into Sydney (not included)
  • Organise your travel insurance which is required to participate in this tour (not included)

 

TOUR INFORMATION

Tour starts in Sydney Mondays (Thursdays or Saturdays 11:30am)
Tour ends in Cairns Mondays (Thursdays or Saturdays at 10am)

 

LOCAL CHARGES (Paid direct on arrival)

We have done our best to include the key touring components but have listed the below fee's that are required to be paid on arrival whilst on tour.  

Fraser Island Insurance Fee ($20 AUD) - Paid direct on arrival 
Fraser Island Sleeping Bag Hire ($10AUD) - Paid direct if required
Great Barrier Reef Conservation Levy ($20 AUD) Paid direct on arrival
Whitsundays National Park EMC Levy ($30 AUD) Paid direct on arrival

 

TOUR INCLUSIONS
ABOUT THE TOUR
WHERE WE STAY
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
HOW TO BOOK
TOUR INCLUSIONS
  • 33 nights accommodation + 2 nights overnight bus
  • Sydney City Tour
  • Visit Byron Bay Lighthouse
  • Byron Bay Surf Lesson
  • Surfers Paradise Beach & City Tour
  • Explore Brisbane Southbank Precinct 
  • Explore Noosa National Park Headland Walk
  • Rainbow Beach Sand Blow Walk
  • Venture across the whole of magical K'gari (Fraser Island)
  • Visit the beautiful Lake McKenzie, Eli Creek and Champagne Pools
  • Hike Indian Head
  • Relax in Eli Creek and explore the ancient rain forests
  • 2 day / 2 night Whitsunday Island Sailing 
  • Visit Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet
  • Airlie Beach post cruise party
  • Magnetic Island Adventure incl return ferry transfer & Guided Fort’s Walk
  • Visit Mission Beach
  • Visit Cairns Lagoon
  • 1 day Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Trip ($20 reef conservation levy payable locally)
  • 1 day Atherton Tablelands Waterfalls tour
  • 15 included Meals
ABOUT THE TOUR

ABOUT THE TOUR

Ultimate East Coast tours are all about fun, iconic locations and making lifelong friendships. You will travel with a dedicated Group Leader from Sydney to Cairns, with everything organised for you. The itinerary is easy paced, giving you plenty of free time to explore each destination your way.

 

ABOUT YOU

This tour is for travellers aged 18 to 35 who want a social and fun way to experience Australia. Many people join solo, so it is easy to meet others and make friends quickly. Whether you are on a gap year or a short trip, this is all about making the most of your time.

 

ORIENTATION WALKS

At most stops, your Group Leader will take you on a short Orientation Walk when you arrive. You will get a quick feel for the area, see key spots and get tips on where to eat, go out and explore. These are quick, practical walks designed to help you settle in fast.

 

TRANSPORT

We travel from Sydney to Cairns using public transport and long distance coaches. To maximise time in each destination, some journeys are completed overnight, allowing you to travel while you sleep and arrive ready to explore your next stop.

 

TRAVEL STYLE

This is a social tour with a mix of included experiences and free time. Transport, accommodation and key plans are organised, so you can focus on enjoying the trip.

 

GROUP VIBE

The vibe is friendly and social. Some days are busy and full of activities, others are slower with time to chill. Nights can vary depending on your group, from relaxed evenings to bigger nights out. The overall experience depends on your fellow travellers, and we aim to create a balanced trip so you can enjoy it your way.

 

WHAT MAKES THIS TRIP DIFFERENT

This is a fully guided tour, not semi guided. Your Group Leader is with you the whole way, helping you get the most out of every destination and keeping everything running smoothly.

 

WHY TRAVEL THIS WAY

Everything is organised for you, so you can travel stress free while still having the freedom to explore. It is the easiest and most social way to experience the East Coast.

WHERE WE STAY

The Ultimate East Coast Australia Explorer tour includes 33 nights accommodation and 2 overnight buses.

29-nights are spent in dorm share accommodation in the very best hostels on the Aussie East Coast. You'll be staying in a beachfront hostel, resort-style flashpacker accommodation and a leafy island bungalow with an on-site wildlife park.

You'll also spend 2 nights sailing around the Whitsunday Islands and 2-nights camping on Fraser Island.

Accommodation is based on 4-12 bed shared dorm arrangements.

Twin share and Private  rooms upgrades are available.

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

Whilst our tours are jam-packed with awesome activities, you may choose to add our optional activities to your booking.

Whether you'd like to brave a Skydive, a Bungy Jump, go White Water Rafting, visit the Daintree Rainforest or extend your stay in Cairns, we're here to help you plan the trip of a lifetime!

You can pre-book optional activities guaranteeing availability on your chosen departure date or organise any additional activities with your Ultimate guide as you travel, for the same price (subject to tour availability.) Check out some of our popular optional extras and simply add them to your booking at checkout.

 

Ultimate East Coast Explorer + Sydney

Many East Coast Australia Explorer customers will arrive into Sydney early to explore the Harbour City with our Ultimate East Coast Explorer + Sydney option.

The Explorer + Sydney tour includes seven nights in Australia's Top Hostel located in central Sydney. The Sydney week includes a city walk, Harbour Cruise, and a visit to the famous Port Stephens. Check it out here.

 

OUTBACK ADD-ON

Experience Outback Australia on our 3-day tour of the iconic Red Centre. Visit the sacred sites of Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon, sleep in an Aussie swag under the stars and learn about Aboriginal history and current day Aboriginal culture.

 

SOUTHEAST ASIA

Looking to do a stopover on the way to Australia? Join our Ultimate guided tours in Thailand and Bali!

Want to explore another part of Australia or keen for an activity we haven't mentioned? Let us know! We're the Aussie travel experts and are here to help you plan your dream adventure Down Under!

HOW TO BOOK

To book this East Coast Australia tour, select your chosen departure date and any optional extras you would like to book. We'll send you a booking confirmation as well as important information about your tour.

 

If you have a travel date in mind but you're not ready to pay in full, you can secure your spot with a $300 Deposit

  • Book your flights into Sydney (not included)
  • Organise your travel insurance which is required to participate in this tour (not included)

 

TOUR INFORMATION

Tour starts in Sydney Mondays (Thursdays or Saturdays at 11:30am)
Tour ends in Cairns Mondays (Thursdays  or Saturdays at 10am)

 

LOCAL CHARGES (Paid direct on arrival)

We have done our best to include the key touring components but have listed the below fee's that are required to be paid on arrival whilst on tour.  

  • Fraser Island Insurance Fee ($20 AUD) - Paid direct on arrival 
  • Fraser Island Sleeping Bag Hire ($10AUD) - Paid direct if required
  • Great Barrier Reef Conservation Levy ($20 AUD) Paid direct on arrival
  • Whitsundays National Park EMC Levy ($30 AUD) Paid direct on arrival

 

THE ITINERARY

DOWNLOAD ITINERARY
DAY 1  WELCOME TO SYDNEY 

Your Ultimate East Coast Explorer adventure starts here in Sydney, with a guided tour of the city and an orientation at the Ultimate HQ. Get to know your group throughout the afternoon before we begin our epic journey up the East Coast. We’ll travel overnight by coach, complete with wifi and reclining chairs so sit back, relax and get ready for 5 weeks exploring the very best of the wonderful East Coast of Australia!

DAY 2 – 5  BYRON BAY

This morning, we arrive in Byron Bay, the boho hub of the East Coast. Explore the town, chill on the stunning beaches and embrace the laid-back surfer vibes of Byron! We’ll take part in a fun, professional surf lesson so you’ll be riding the waves like a pro in no time! Zen out at morning yoga, enjoy more time exploring Byron, and enjoy some of the hostels evening events! You will head to the famous Byron lighthouse to take in the gorgeous ocean views at the most easterly point of Australia. Keen for more? No worries, go kayaking with Dolphins, or explore the beautiful beaches and waterfalls in the area (optional add-ons).

DAY 6-8  SURFERS PARADISE

Set off for our next stop; Surfers Paradise! The city that meets the sea is known for its awesome waves, never-ending nightlife and long sandy beaches, Surfers is a real highlight of the East Coast. We’ll explore the town and the beautiful beaches this area is renowned for. If you love theme parks your group leader can help you organise a visit to Dreamworld, the most famous theme park on the Gold Coast or book you onto a stand up paddleboarding session, extra surf lesson or jetboating (add-on). Spend the next day chilling by the pool, soaking up the sun or exploring the city and don’t miss out on visiting the tallest building in Australia; Q1 for the most amazing views.

DAY 9-11   BRISBANE

Now we hop on the bus and head to Brisbane! We’ll explore the best bits of Brisbane, from man-made Streets Beach to Southbank, the cultural hub. This evening enjoy a night out in the city, see Story Bridge lit up at night or have a go at karaoke! If you fancy, you also have the option of heading to the famous Australia Zoo to see some amazing wildlife or snorkel the shipwrecks of Moreton Island! (optional add-ons).

DAY 12-13  NOOSA

Tropical greenery, diverse wildlife, and beautiful beaches – Noosa, our next stop, is gorgeous. 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, see the fairy pools and try spotting some koalas. 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 a local bar before joining in the hostels free evening events. You also have the chance to join a Noosa Everglades Cruise adventure (add-on).

DAY 14 -18 RAINBOW BEACH

Our next stop is Rainbow beach, the gateway to our K’gari adventure! Check into our hostel prepare for the adventure of a lifetime. Upon return to Rainbow Beach you will have a guided walk to the Carlo Sand Blow, a unique sand mass where you can watch the sunset over the southern tip of K’gari! The rest of the day is free for you to chill on the beach, explore Rainbow or relax by the hostel pool.

DAY 19-25  AIRLIE BEACH

Check into your hostel before heading out to explore tropical Airlie Beach, taking a dip in the famous harbourfront lagoon. Enjoy multiple days here and make sure you don’t miss out on the Scenic Flight over The Great Barrier Reef and Whitehaven Beach, or jump on the back of a jet ski to zip around The Whitsundays themselves. After our Whitsundays sailing adventure we will come back here for one more night to celebrate with the crew at the after boat party before heading to our next destination.

DAY 21-23  WHITSUNDAYS SAILING

It’s time to start our Whitsundays adventure! We’ll be spending the next few days cruising around the stunning Whitsunday islands on a sail boat. We’ll be sleeping onboard so get comfy, have a drink, enjoy some delicious food, and settle into the gorgeous surroundings. Snorkel in pristine blue waters, visit one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, chill with your mates and witness some incredible sunsets. The Whitsundays are breathtaking! After two amazing days on the boat, we’ll head back to our hostel in Airlie Beach for one more night.

DAY 25-27  MAGNETIC ISLAND

You’re in for a treat as we spend the next few days exploring Magnetic Island – home to wild koalas, wallabies, and golden sandy beaches. Snorkel in the pristine island waters, take the guided Fort’s walk offering incredible views of the island and chill at the beach front hostel. Want to explore the rest of the island? Rent a 4×4 ‘Topless jeep’ and drive around the island with your mates (available for hire)!

DAY 28-29  MISSION BEACH

Our next stop is Mission beach, where the rainforest meets the sea. We recommend exploring the neighbouring National Park, traditional country of The Djiru Aboriginal people. If you’re up for a bit of adrenaline action, you have the option of joining an awesome white water rafting adventure in Tully (add-on). Mission beach is also home to Australia’s highest skydive (15,000ft!), so if you’re feeling adventurous and brave – get signed up (add-on). Fly over the reef, jump out a plane and land on the beach. Awesome!

DAY 30-35  CAIRNS & GREAT BARRIER REEF

Our East Coast Adventure ends in Cairns – the Ultimate backpacker destination, home to the Great Barrier Reef and gateway to the Rainforest. Our first full day in Cairns will be spent on a day trip to the breathtaking Great Barrier Reef! We’ll take a boat to the outer reef and snorkel around the vibrant coral, encountering turtles, stingrays and maybe even Nemo – an experience you’ll never forget! We will be exploring the Tablelands region, chilling under waterfalls and sliding down natural rock slides. The final two days are open for you to explore Cairns as it has ample activities for you to do – Cape Tribulation, canyoning, bungy jumping and more! Soak up the sun while you reminisce on the past 5 week of adventure with your new mates!

WHERE WE STAY

The Ultimate East Coast Australia Explorer tour includes 33 nights accommodation and 2 overnight buses.

  • 29-nights are spent in dorm share accommodation in the very best hostels on the Aussie East Coast. You’ll be staying in a beachfront hostel, resort-style flashpacker accommodation and centrally located properties close to the best experiences at each stop.
  • You’ll also spend 2 nights sailing around the Whitsunday Islands and 2-nights camping on K’gari (Fraser Island.)
  • Accommodation is based on 4-12 bed shared dorm arrangements.
  • Twin share and Private  rooms upgrades are available.
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BOOK TOUREast Coast Explorer | 5 Week
Pay Today: $300 AUD per person
Final payment due 45 days before your tour.

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.

TRIP FAQS

The Ultimate East Coast Australia Explorer (5 Week) and Explorer + Sydney (6 Week) start in Sydney on Mondays (Thursdays or Saturdays) at 11.30am and ends in Cairns on Mondays (Thursdays or Saturdays) at 10am. At the end of your adventure your Group Leader can help you to arrange onward travel.

Main Tour Meeting Point: WakeUp Hostel Sydney Central at 11.30am.

Tour End Point: Gilligan’s Hostel and Resort Cairns at 10am on checkout.

Guided tours include a tour leader and set itinerary throughout; self-guided packages (like East Coast Essentials) include accommodation and transport but let you set your own pace.

You’ll be travelling with a group of 18-30-somethings from all over the world, and an ULTIMATE Group Leader. Group sizes vary but you can generally expect to travel with a group of approximately 10-20 people.

We stay at some of the most popular hostels along the Australian East Coast. All prices are based on shared accommodation in 4 – 12 share dorm style rooms.

Twin and private room upgrades are available to book but are subject to availability and single supplement charges. Note: Twin and Private room upgrades are not available on the Whitsundays, Fraser Island or overnight buses. Twin and Single room upgrades may still have shared bathroom facilities.

Various activity add-ons on your way up the East Coast coast including: Skydive, Bungy Jump, white Water Rafting, Waterfall tours and More! You are able to add your extras to your experience when making your booking or you can book with your Group Leader once the tour commences. A full list of optional activities is made available to you prior to your tour starting. Please note that optional activities are subject to availability and additional booking terms and conditions.

If you need additional nights before or after your Ultimate East Coast Australia Explorer tour, 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. If you are arriving early into Sydney or want to explore more of the harbour city before starting your trip, book our 6 Week East Coast Explorer tour which includes an entire week in Sydney prior to connecting with the 5 Week East Coast Explorer 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.

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.

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 ($20 AUD) – Paid direct on arrival
Fraser Island Sleeping Bag Hire ($10AUD) – Paid direct if required
Great Barrier Reef Conservation Levy ($20 AUD) Paid direct on arrival
Whitsundays National Park EMC Levy ($30 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.

Australia has no shortage of incredible food and when travelling on our East Coast tours, we make sure we include some iconic Australian BBQs. Please refer to the tour itinerary and inclusions for a list of included meals, but please note that meals are generally not included and we recommend you account for meals and drinks in your budgeting

An airport shuttle on arrival is included for guests flying into Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD). During the booking process, or once you have booked your flights, supply us with your full flight details and we’ll arrange your Sydney Super Shuttle to take you to the tour meeting point at WakeUp Central Hostel. You can arrive up to three days before your tour starts and we’ll ensure a transfer is available to you. Closer to your tour start date we’ll supply you with full details on where to meet your shuttle at the airport. If you do not receive this email at least one week before your tour then please contact us.

Please note that if you are flying into Western Sydney International Airport (WSI), an airport shuttle is not included — please contact us and we can advise on the best way to reach the meeting point.

Yes! Our East Coast Explorer tour range is suited to travellers who want to travel at a reasonable pace and tailor their experience to their preferences. Each stop along our journey to Cairns will have some free time for you to explore with our group and on your own.

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 can 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.

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.

On our Group Tours, your transport and accommodation along with the meals and activities listed on the itinerary are all included in your tour price. While you are travelling you may wish to participate in additional activities which you will need to budget for. While travelling you may wish to eat and drink out or you may plan to cook and prepare some of your own meals.

As a guide, we recommend you budget an additional $80 – $100 AUD 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.

Our East Coast Explorer tours are designed for travellers 18-35 that wish to experience the best of the East Coast. Some travellers will be on Gap Years and others will be on short holiday breaks looking to have fun, meet new people and experience Australia. Our tours are Social and Fun and our itineraries are designed for those who are eager to travel and experience their ULTIMATE Travel Moment. You should join us if you are looking to meet other travellers, make the most of every moment and experience the best of the East Coast.

We travel from Sydney to Great Barrier Reef via public transport, train and coaches. Our point to point transport feature air-conditioning, leather reclining seats, Wifi, in-seat USB chargers, and onboard toilets. We travel a whopping 2,420.2 km between Sydney and Cairns and to make the most of our time in each location, we use two overnight coach services to travel, so we arrive rested, refreshed and ready for our next adventure!

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 joining us on tour, 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.

Looking to book a departure date that is already fully booked? You can join our waiting list for a specific tour date via the tour page. When you join our waitlist, you are required to provide a credit card to verify your waitlist request. We will not charge your card at the time of the waitlist. If a tour space becomes available, we will notify you via email and charge your card once you reconfirm your participation. If you wish to join the waitlist for multiple dates, please join the waitlist for your first preferred date and enter your travel period in the booking notes.

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