Day by day

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.