Australia East Coast Highlights - 21 Days

Today our East Coast Explorer tour kicks off in Sydney with a City Orientation tour. We will visit all of the city's famous landmarks and finish at the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House! Tonight, we depart the city on our journey up the coast. First stop, the vibrant Byron Bay.

Tour Start Time: 1pm Includes: Sydney City Walk Optional Add-on - Want to see more of Sydney? Book the Ultimate Sydney add-on for 3 nights accommodation pre tour and a Sydney Harbour cruise. Accommodation: Overnight Bus

After settling into our beachfront Byron Bay accommodation, we will explore town to get familiar with the laid back bohemian vibes this spot is know for. The Byron Bay lighthouse is situated on Cape Byron, an area so naturally beautiful it’s begging you to explore on foot. The coastal walking track is the best way to take it all in! We will also explore the surrounding area visiting Killen Falls, Lenox Head and Lake Ainsworth

Includes: Waterfall Day Tour. Group Dinner, Cape Byron Lighthouse Walk Accommodation: WakeUp Hostel (or similar)

Your second day in Byron Bay!

This morning we bid farewell to Byron and arrived at the famous Surfers Paradise where we’ll spend the night! On arrival, we will go explore the golden sands of Surfers Paradise Beach and get acquainted with the local way of life by learning to surf the waves! This evening we will head out and discover the endless entertainment on offer in this lively town. Please note | Our itineraries, the days of activities, and accommodation are all subject to change. View our booking terms and conditions online ultimate.travel Accommodation: BUNK Hostel (or similar)

Day Two In Surfers Paradise!

Today our journey continues and we travel a short distance to Brisbane, the capital of the Queensland state. Our day is spent exploring the man-made city lagoons of Brisbane’s Southbank entertainment precinct. Includes: Southbank Brisbane Tour Accommodation: BUNK Hostel (or similar)

We rise early in the morning so that we can make our way to the home of the crocodile hunter, Australia Zoo!This zoo, made famous by Steve Irwin, has endless wildlife action every day and there are always plenty of exciting wildlife shows to see.The entire day is spent interacting with Australian wildlife and learning about the famous Irwin family story. Includes: Australia Zoo Tour Accommodation: BUNK Hostel (or similar)

Our second week on the East Coast includes three days on the world's largest sand island, Fraser Island. We will swim in the crystal waters of secret lakes, discover the famous Maheno shipwreck and explore various island lookouts for incredible island vibes and views. We spend our first night in Rainbow Beach so that we can get a safety briefing and to meet the specialised local guide who will be spending the next three days with us. Not included: $30 insurance payable on arrival (Paid by all customers. To drive, customers must be over 21 and have a manual drivers license. Driving is at the discretion of the partner operator and not guaranteed prior to travel). Sleeping Bag fee of $15.00 paid direct (optional) Accommodation: Freedom Hostel (or similar)

Once we have arrived on the world's biggest sand island, we then drive for 1 hour to the Eurong resort along 75 Mile beach...Fraser Island's own highway with speed limits! There you can grab a coffee and chocolate croissant (own cost) for morning tea. From here, the big adventure begins as we drive to the famous Lake McKenzie...arguably the most popular and picturesque highlight of Fraser! Here we stop for some lunch, and for some quality time to have a play in the amazing clear waters with your new found friends! Around 3pm we drive up the beach to our campsite, for an early dinner and some well deserved drinks and fun! Meal(s): Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: K’gari Camping

This morning we head off to see Eli creek, a beautifully clear creek perfect for a relaxing swim. Travelling north we then stop at Maheno shipwreck for some photos and a short history lesson about this famous Fraser Island icon. Shortly after we travel up to Indian head, Fraser Island's highest point. From here you may be lucky enough to see whales and sharks in the ocean, before we travel to the Champagne pools for a dip! We have lunch at either Maheno shipwreck or Champagne pools on Day 2 depending on time constraints, safety, and beauty! In the afternoon we travel back to camp for dinner and drinks. Meal(s)::Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: K’gari Camping

Start with breakfast on Fraser Island, before our cleaning and take down of our camp site. We then drive to the beginning of the Lake Wabby walk, where we walk through the sand dunes to this tropical paradise! Lunch follows our trip to Lake Wabby, before we begin our drive down the beach heading back to the barge. Once back on the mainland we head back to the 4WD shed where you unpack and quickly clean the cars. We return to Freedom Rainbow Beach between 3pm and 4pm Please note | Our itineraries, the days of activities, and accommodation are all subject to change. View our booking terms and conditions online ultimate.travel Meal(s): :Breakfast, Lunch Accommodation: Freedom Hostel (or similar) and Overnight Bus

After yesterdays travels we have a day at Rainbow Beach.

Our next destination is the coastal town of Airlie Beach. This location is the gateway to the Whitsundays Islands. We spend this first day at the local lagoon and exploring the coastline. Accommodation: Nomads Hostel (or similar)

At approx 2pm, we will depart from Coral Sea Marina and set sail towards the spectacular Whitsunday Islands! Did you know, the Whitsunday Islands are part of the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef Marine Park? We arrive at our first snorkel location and take some time to experience the magical underwater world of these fringing reefs. We then head back on board and sail to our overnight anchorage location. Enjoy sunset snacks, drinks then dinner (with dessert). Spend the night hanging out on deck with your new mates. Meal(s): Dinner *Please note that our itinerary can change due to weather, conditions, winds, tides etc Accommodation: Sailing Boat Open Cabins

Wake up for an early breakfast while heading to Tongue Bay. Once arrived, we head out on a bush walk up to Hill Inlet Lookout where you will be blown away by the views of the famous Whitehaven Beach. Once you have perfected your new Instagram shot, head down to spend time on the beach (about 3 hours). We head back to the boat for lunch and then sail to our second snorkelling location. Once you are snorkelled out (if there is such a thing), we head to Langford Island, where we hang out on the beach for sunset snacks. This afternoon Please note | Our itineraries, the days of activities, and accommodation are all subject to change. View our booking terms and conditions online ultimate.travel we head to our anchorage location for the night, enjoy dinner (with another dessert), a couple of drinks and your second night of fun, chilling, socialising and star gazing. Meal(s):: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Sailing Boat Open Cabins

Enjoy breakfast and the amazing scenery around you before heading to our fourth and final snorkelling/swimming location, then setting sail back to Airlie Beach. Arrive back approximately 11am - but the fun is not over yet! After we return to our accommodation and freshen up, we meet our sailing crew out for a few drinks! Meal(s): Breakfast Accommodation: Nomads Hostel (or similar)

Back on mainland! Today you will have the opportunity to discover more of Airlie Beach. Start the day by exploring the Bicentennial Walkway before returning for some chill-out time at Airlie Lagoon. Feeling Adventurous? View the crystal clear waters of the Great Barrier Reef from the sky with an optional Skydive or Scenic flight above the Whitsundays! Tonight we board our final bus and make our way to Cairns. Accommodation: Gilligans Hostel

The final stop on our adventure is at the home of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, Cairns! This morning we arrive early and settle into the palm tree paradise! After getting acquainted with the city and local lagoon, you will have the option to join the group on the outskirts of the city for an afternoon of local music and sunshine. The rest of today is free to explore. Tonight the group will come together for a Cairns dinner. Includes: : Group Dinner Accommodation: Gilligans Hostel

Today we have the opportunity to spend a full day on the magnificent Great Barrier Reef with unlimited snorkelling! The vessel we travel on caters for snorkelers, certified and introductory divers. Our dive locations on the outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef (approx 70km offshore) offer outstanding underwater visibility, superb coral formations and abundant, colourful marine life. Includes: Great Barrier Reef Day Trip Meals: Lunch Accommodation: Gilligans Hostel

Today is our last full day on tour and we can spend it however you like! Hang out at the popular Cairns Lagoon, learn more about Australian Indigenous culture or take on more adventure with a Skydive - Cairns has endless adventures on offer! On our final night in this North Queensland paradise your group leader will be available to help you plan your ongoing adventures and travels. Accommodation: Gilligans Hostel

Today our East Coast Adventure comes to an end and we bid farewell to our new friends and the East Coast. Tour Ends 10am