25 Day Australia Backpacker Tour: East Coast and Uluru
The big one: Sydney to Cairns, then fly to the Red Centre for 3 days camping at Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon.
If you only do one big trip on your working holiday, make it this one. The best of the East Coast from Sydney to Cairns, with K'gari camping, Whitsundays sailing and the Great Barrier Reef. Then a flight to the Red Centre for three nights camping under the stars at Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon.
Uluru sunsetPlus Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon.Outback camping3 days in the Red Centre with an Outback guide.
Flight includedCairns to Alice Springs, 20kg bag.
K'gari camping3 days on the sand island.
Whitsundays sail2 nights on a private boat.
Great Barrier ReefSnorkel day from Cairns.
Day by day
Days 1 to 2Sydney to Byron Bay
Meet the group in Sydney for a city tour, then take the overnight coach north. Arrive in Byron Bay to enjoy its beaches and waterfalls in the hinterland.
The first stop ends with a welcome dinner, the perfect chance to get to know everyone you will be travelling with for the next few weeks.
Days 3 to 6Surfers Paradise and Brisbane
Spend time on the Gold Coast at Surfers Paradise with its beaches and nightlife, then move on to Brisbane.
In Brisbane explore South Bank's riverside parklands and city beach, and spend a full day at Australia Zoo seeing crocodiles, kangaroos and koalas.
Days 7 to 11Rainbow Beach and K'gari
Head to Rainbow Beach and watch the sunset from the top of the Carlo Sand Blow.
Then spend 3 days on K'gari, the largest sand island in the world. Travel by 4WD along the beaches, swim in the island's freshwater lakes, see the famous sights and camp under the stars.
Days 12 to 16Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays
Arrive in Airlie Beach and enjoy the lagoon and the town's backpacker bars. Then set sail for 2 nights in the Whitsundays.
The highlight is Whitehaven Beach with its white silica sand, plus snorkelling and nights anchored among the islands.
Days 17 to 21Cairns and the reef
Finish the coast in Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Spend a day snorkelling on the reef among coral and tropical fish.
Enjoy the town's nightlife and choose from optional activities like the rainforest, waterfalls or adventure sports before heading to the Outback.
Days 22 to 25Alice Springs and Uluru
Fly from Cairns to Alice Springs in the heart of Australia, then head out for 3 days of camping in the Red Centre.
Watch the sunset over Uluru, walk among the domes of Kata Tjuta and hike the rim of Kings Canyon. Nights are spent camping under huge Outback skies. The tour ends back in Alice Springs.
What is included
- Coach Sydney to Cairns
- Flight Cairns to Alice Springs with 20kg bag
- Hostels, K'gari camping, boat nights and Outback camping
- Group Leader on the coast, Outback guide in the Red Centre
- K'gari, Whitsundays and Uluru trips
- Great Barrier Reef snorkel and Australia Zoo
- 10 meals
Not included
- Flights to Sydney and home from Alice Springs
- Travel insurance (required)
- Reef levy $20 and Whitsundays levy $30
- Airport transfers in Cairns and Alice Springs
- Spending money, about $40 to $60 a day
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
Where does it finish?
Alice Springs.
How big are the groups?
Usually 10 to 20 travellers.
Is the internal flight included?
Yes, Cairns to Alice Springs with a 20kg checked bag.