3 Week East Coast Backpacker Tour: Sydney to Cairns
The East Coast in three weeks: Byron Bay, K'gari camping, Whitsundays sailing and the Great Barrier Reef.
The fast way up the East Coast, with a group and a Group Leader the whole way. Coach from Sydney to Cairns with 2 to 4 nights at each stop and a big activity at most of them: camping on K'gari, two nights sailing the Whitsundays and a day snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef. A popular trip between jobs, or after your 88 days of farm work.
K'gari camping2 nights on the world's largest sand island.
Whitsundays sailing2 nights on a boat, Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet.
Great Barrier ReefA full day snorkelling the reef from Cairns.
Byron BayLighthouse walk, waterfalls and the beach.
Australia ZooA full day at the zoo from Brisbane.
Group LeaderWith you from Sydney to Cairns.
Day by day
Day 1Sydney
Meet your Group Leader and the group in Sydney for a welcome and an orientation of the city. You get tips for the trip ahead and time to explore before boarding the overnight coach heading north along the coast. Bring a pillow and a jacket, as coaches can be cool at night.
Days 2 to 3Byron Bay
Arrive in Byron Bay, one of the most famous beach towns in Australia. You stay beachfront and have time to swim, surf or relax on Main Beach.
Walk up to the Cape Byron Lighthouse, the most easterly point of mainland Australia, where you can spot dolphins and, in season, whales. Explore the green hinterland with its waterfalls and lakes, then enjoy Byron's cafes and lively evenings.
Days 4 to 5Surfers Paradise
Continue north to Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast, known for its long golden beaches and nightlife. Spend your time at the beach, on the esplanade or exploring the shops and markets.
If you want the best view on the coast, there is an optional trip up Australia's tallest building for views over the beaches and the hinterland.
Days 6 to 7Brisbane
Arrive in Brisbane, Queensland's capital. Explore South Bank with its riverside parklands and the free man-made beach, then wander the city and its river paths.
The next day is a full day at Australia Zoo, home of the Irwin family, where you can see crocodile shows, kangaroos, koalas and much more. It is one of the highlights of the trip for many people.
Days 8 to 12Rainbow Beach and K'gari
Head to Rainbow Beach and watch the sunset from the Carlo Sand Blow, a huge sand dune with views over the coloured cliffs and the ocean.
Then it is over to K'gari, the largest sand island in the world, for 2 nights of camping. Drive along the beach highway, swim in the crystal clear Lake McKenzie, float down Eli Creek, splash in the Champagne Pools and see the Maheno shipwreck. Nights are spent around camp under the stars. Afterwards you take an overnight coach to Airlie Beach.
Days 13 to 17Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays
Arrive in Airlie Beach, the gateway to the Whitsundays. Enjoy the town's lagoon and its backpacker bars before setting off on a 2 night sailing trip through the islands.
On board you snorkel over coral reefs, visit the famous Whitehaven Beach with its pure white silica sand, and spend nights anchored in calm bays. It is one of the most memorable parts of the whole East Coast.
Days 18 to 21Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef
Finish in Cairns, where you stay in a resort style hostel. Relax by the Cairns Esplanade lagoon and enjoy the tropical north.
The big day is a full day trip out to the Great Barrier Reef to snorkel among coral, tropical fish and turtles. The trip ends with farewells with your group, or you can stay on in Cairns to find work or keep travelling.
What is included
- All coach transport Sydney to Cairns
- 20 nights: hostels, 2 nights camping, 2 nights on a boat, 2 overnight coaches
- Group Leader throughout
- K'gari 4WD camping trip
- Whitsundays 2 night sail
- Great Barrier Reef snorkel day
- Australia Zoo
- Sydney city tour, Byron Bay tour, Brisbane walk
- 4 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 6 dinners
Not included
- Flights to Sydney
- Travel insurance (required)
- K'gari insurance $20 and sleeping bag hire $10 if needed
- Reef levy $20 and Whitsundays levy $30
- Optional extras like skydiving or scuba
Hostels, cabins and more
Good to know
More working holiday tours
8 days, 7 nights
7 days, 6 nights
4 days, 3 nightsFrequently asked questions
How big are the groups?
Usually 10 to 24 travellers plus a Group Leader.
Can I add extras?
Yes, such as skydiving, scenic flights or rafting, either before you go or on tour.
What happens after Cairns?
Your Group Leader can help with onward travel or an airport transfer.